Making Skating Friends in Arizona

In my quest to try out the nearby rinks closest to my new house in Arizona; this week I skated at Gilbert Ice.  They offer adult sessions several times per week in the middle of the day.  Hurrah !!  No early mornings or skating on busy freestyle sessions.
I skated both Wed and Fri this week at Gilbert Ice.  Met some new friends and ran into some skating friends I know from previous competitions ~ What a great place to skate.  There are lots of adults here... I’m going to really enjoy skating my winters in Arizona.

Saguaros, Ocatillos and Sunshine Oh My!

We have finally moved into our new house in Arizona and I got a chance to start trying out the rinks that are closest to me.  Gilbert Ice is probably closer, but I decided to to Ice Den Chandler first. It’s about a 45 minute drive.  I can live with that.

They have what’s called “Ice Cafe” for adults several days a weeks from 11:50 to 12:20.  Just $10 and as you can see in the background there are several other adult skaters - well beyond the learn to skate phase.

I tried to introduce myself to most of them.  They seem like a great group of skaters.

Winter GO AWAY

Seriously .. it's mid March and we still have snow everywhere.  They are still ice fishing on the lake near my house.

I have not been motivated to get out there and drive in cold temperatures to have a frustrating day on the ice.

Today I showed up late for Coffee Club but skated about 30 minutes (pant pant) and tried some ice dance practice with a few simple jumps and spins at the end.

It wasn't pretty, but I am glad I went.

I Made it to Coffee Club

We are having the snowiest February on record except for back in 1893.  The wind has been howling and my tan from all my traveling is fading fast!   I forced myself to show up for Coffee Club last Friday, but I couldn't squeak much out.  Just sayin' ... if you don't use it.. you really lose it.

Next month we begin our new adventure of snowbirding between Spokane and Arizona (greater Phoenix area).  We'll spend a month moving in and getting to know the area a bit before returning for the spring and summer here in Spokane.  My plan is to get on the ice down in AZ - figure out what rink works best for me and maybe find a coach.

It's time.

Hello Ice

It’s been a while and it took no less than 20 minutes for me to go backwards!

Auld Lang Syne

I skated.

By definition that means I put on my skates and took to the ice.

I have not been around much lately but alas I am still here.  I really hope to get more ice time in 2019.

Borrowed Ice ... in Fairfax VA

I’m here in Virginia visiting my son and grandson  for Thanksgiving.  Had some free time today so I signed up online for a 45 minute freestyle session at 10:15 am at the Fairfax Ice Arena.

I was fortunate there were only 2 other skaters on the ice.  Nice rink.  Soft ice and with a little overhead heat too.  Wish I had skated better.  I’m working on ice dance a lot but I don’t usually record that ... it’s so far away and the corners get missed. (Plus I am not looking too good!)

Coffee Club and Ice Dance Lesson

Today I started with coffe club with coach Kim. then stayed for public session with Hank (previous post) and skated part of a club session for an ice dance lesson.  We worked on the Willow Waltz today.

He’s Back ... for a Surprise Practice!

After coffee club Hank showed up to skate public session.  He probably wasn’t counting on me being there .. but he was sweet to oblige me and skate together!  He told me he has only skated 2 times since April.  Not bad.  I felt terrible while I was skating, but I think we did ok for not skating together for months.

Something Old, Something New

Started the day with Coffee Club.  Sadly only two of us showed up.  I hope attendance improves or we will lose this great program.  I felt pretty wobbly after being away for another 3 weeks from home ice.  I did get to skate a couple of times in Tahoe . But there’s no place like “home ice”.  So I brought my scribe and decided to stay quiet and practice some figures during coffee club.

Later that day I returned to the rink for my ice dance lesson with Kendall Tupper LeClaire.  We are working on lots of basics.  Warm up patterns, edges (dance style) and a little pattern work for the Hickory Hoedown.