I feel pretty darn lucky that I get to hang out with my kids as much as I do.  I especially love that we can just go whenever the mood strikes or the weather encourages.  A warm day in December is definitely something to seize.  The kidlets and I hooked up the dog and off we went.  The waterfront trail along Cootes was our destination of choice this time.  There are so many opportunities that can happen on a walk; seeing wildlife or urban wildlife, experiencing the way the weather and the sun effects how we see our environment, witness things as they occur naturally.  No exciting wildlife on this adventure out.  The air was slightly hazy so the view across the Bay toward the Burlington Skyway was magical.  It even made the steel companies look vague and mysterious.  The condensation of warm air on cold surfaces was discussed as we passed under the rail bridge that was dripping on us. The best part of the walk was throwing stones.

The water of Cootes was partially frozen.  What better way to spend a morning than to throw rocks onto the ice.  Small rocks bounce and skid.  Rocks thrown in a high arch landed with a thuk and stayed partial embedded in the ice.  Throwing low would allow the stone to slip across the ice and slide into the open water.  A very good reason to throw your arms in the air and celebrate.  Big rocks caused very precise holes – another cause for celebration.  We watched as air moved under the ice and burbled up through holes.  After a while the stones accumulating on the surface started to feel like I was viewing a Japanese garden where everything had a soothing balance.  The dog and I watched,  the warm wind blew her ears back and caused my coat to billow and flap.  This was a homeschool moment, a teaching opportunity, and just a wonderful way to spend some time on a beautiful day.