Winter Winding Down

Last weekend was guy’s ice fishing weekend. The weather was quite warm compared to year’s past but the fishing was a little slow. In the end, I caught a Pike and a bunch of small crappies. It was nice to have a day away from home and get outside for a bit.

Carlow goes in to the clinic this afternoon for his 6-month check up. He and Angie haven’t been feeling very well lately, so hopefully we can see what’s up with him, if anything. Otherwise, we should be clear to start trying mashed foods, rice cereal etc. He is sitting up (almost) completely on his own now, looking forward to spring when we can take him on walks again.

This Saturday we’re going to the Children’s Museum again with our friends down the street and their daughter, Sage. Besides being fun to hang out with, they belong to the same daycare as we do and we’re always curious to hear their opinions about it. We received a letter yesterday from daycare stating abruptly that the director was no longer with the company and we’re not really sure why at this point. It’s never fun to have turnover, especially when a teacher leaves that you’re fond of.

I’m glad this is the last full week of February, I’m definitely feeling the cabin fever. Although, it is nice to play hockey at the outdoor rink down the street. March is always fun because of the boys state high school hockey tournament. Also, we get to celebrate Angie’s birthday, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter together with family.

Old Time Hockey, New Equipment

In case you couldn’t tell from the photos, a lot has changed in hockey equipment in the last 20+ years. The most glaring evidence is how large and bulky the pads the ‘90s were compared to today. It wasn’t just hockey either, people just wore larger clothes back then. I remember my pads and shirt were huge, and back then it was cool to “cinch” your pants up that you wore to school.

Times change and the new equipment provides much better mobility, breathability and comfort.

The shin guards are now tapered from top to bottom, the pants have zippers around the waistline and on the inner thighs to customize the fit. Shoulder pads are also tapered with considerably smaller caps on top. Finally, the helmet is lighter, more comfortable and adjustable without using a screwdriver.

Anyway, it’s hard to ponder how much better we would have skated back then if we had the new tech, but alas, we were all drowning in our equipment together.

So I’m taking my new equipment to task. Tonight I’m getting together with Steve and Jeff to play open pickup hockey at the rink by our house. I’ve also signed up for a JMS Hockey account (Just My Speed) and plan to attend a few pickup games when my schedule allows. JMS allows players to join games around the metro with other players of the same skill level and experience, you just pay for entry; usually about $15.