39° and Partly Cloudy
Image
Photo by Skylark, Brightwaters Lakes
A lone skater named Mark was on Brightwaters Lakes Wednesday morning with his hockey stick and puck as he swirled around the ice developing his technique. I rolled my window down and yelled out, "What's your name? Be careful." His bicycle was lying on the ground with his coat a few feet away. His cheeks were bright red with a winter glow, and you could tell he was working up a sweat in spite of the cold air. There was no one else on the ice. It was just before 7:00am.
Since I love history and the origin of things, here's a little bit about ice skating. Research suggests that the earliest ice skating happened in southern Finland more than 4,000 years ago. This was done to save energy during winter journeys. Skating became popular as a recreation, a means of transport and spectator sport in The Fens in England for people from all walks of life. Racing was the preserve of workers, most of them agricultural laborers. It is not known when the first skating matches were held, but by the early nineteenth century racing was well established and the results of matches were reported in the press. Skating as a sport developed on the lakes of Scotland and the canals of the Netherlands. In the 13th and 14th centuries wood was substituted for bone in skate blades, and in 1572 the first iron skates were manufactured by the Dutch. When the waters froze, skating matches were held in towns and villages all over The Fens. In these local matches men, and sometimes women and children, would compete for prizes of money, clothing, or food. Today, hockey is a highly competitive sport with the Stanley Cup being the ultimate prize.
As I rode around the lakes on my way home, the crowds had gathered, and a hockey game was underway. Parents could be heard cheering their kids on, and spectators and cars lined Lakeview Avenue West. I wonder if Mark was on one of those teams, or did he have his fill alone on the ice that morning, one with nature, his stick and a lone puck.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!
I am a columnist and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, and daily life around Bay Shore for Skylark Live Town News. Be sure to subscribe to my SLTN newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email. You can also make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15) to help support Skylark Live Town News, and you can advertise your business or event here as well. It's easy and convenient to do. Take a look around.
I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond under my brand, Skylark Live, and have a first Monday-of-the-month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, that is motivational to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin. Thank you for your support. Peace and Love to you always.
