The yard is looking pretty bare.  What is left of the fluffy white blanket is now hard and ice covered.  We couldn't pull the skis out and the last couple days softened up the outdoor rinks but today was perfect for ice skating.

We went out early enough in the morning and late enough in the evening for some fun in the

fresh air.  My granddaughters were with me.  One was on skates for only the second time and the other tried for the first time today.  What fun watching the two of them!  

I didn't take my skates for the morning visit but did take them in the evening.  Neither of the girls needed me to hold onto them.  The younger of the two that tried for the first time today, was bombing around from end to end of the rink and even trying 'twirls'.  She kept telling me how much she loved ice skating.

The fresh air tuckered them right out.  Both fell asleep immediately.  When we were still at the rink, the eldest one noticed all the stars in the sky.  It was and is still cloudless with millions of twinkling stars.  I stood on the deck for about 10 minutes and in that time saw not one, not two but three falling stars.  Whenever there is a meteor shower mentioned in the news, I purposely watch and never see any.  Tonight, I was not planning on seeing any and was blessed with seeing three.  Amazing!