All I heard were the words ‘skating and snacks’ and I knew it had to be something good.  Apparently there is this really big ice rink in the middle of the Nation’s Capital where people skate for free.  In these tough economic times that tota, ista and mommie talk about, free is a good thing.  I packed up my gear, warm clothes, and made sure that ista was bringing the snacks – I supervised.  It wasn’t family day, but it sure felt like it.!  We drove in fast, and it must’ve been fast because I barely blinked and we were there – mommie says I was sleeping, but I don’t think so.  The first thing I saw was the lights, so many colors.  The sun had gone to bed, so it was dark enough to enjoy the many colors in the ice sculpture park.  Each and every display was lit up and sparkly.  I really liked the ‘happy face and sad face’, the rockin’ penguins and especially the dragon.  We looked at them all, and I really wanted to touch them.  Luckily there were security guards nearby to make me nervous enough not to attempt a closer look.  Across the street from the park was the canal.  It had all sorts of little huts on it, one said “lost children” and I asked about that and many others were obviously full of food, which I thought was great.  Again, food and skating, two of my favorite things.  So, we found a table and put our skates on, and I took my first stride…and then another, and before you know it I was running (eyahoos, picture HOPIE!!).  It didn’t take too long before I was exhausted and needed a ride in my sled that mommie conveniently brought.  I sat on my blanket like a king and felt the breeze thru my scarfie, it was electrifying to be going so fast!  After about 4 km’s of mommie and ista pulling and me mushing .. we found a pitstop – I needed something to eat after watching mommie and ista’s workout.!  We brought banana bread and hot chocolate.  Four pieces to share, but wouldn’t you know it, I had two pieces and , mommie and ista shared the rest – and the hot chocolate was perfectly intoxicating and warm in my tummy.  With snack break over, I ran a few more strides then jumped in my chariot .. the horses pulled me home.  After removing all our gear, I insisted that we walk back to the car thru the ice sculpture park, where I could get one more look at all the (some were melting into) icicles.  And, since that was alot of walking back to the car, we HAD to get another snack so I could make it home.  We found the Green Tea Room on elgin street and someone (yes, ME!) gobbled down a few sushi rolls to go.. .can’t get enough of that sushi – even if it isn’t really a winterish treat, I enjoyed it after my very first skate on the Rideau Canal.!