when in rome...

In the spirit of a true Minnesota winter, we went cross-country skiing today with friends. Despite the cold, the initial technical difficulties due to uncooperative boots and skis, the copious amounts of sweat produced, the multiple wipe-outs (yes, it is possible, and even likely, that one will fall when first learning to CC ski), and the vigorous physical effort required to power one's self through snowy trails (we are going to have some sore muscles tomorrow), it was AWESOME.

We were out for about 2 hours and it was a gorgeous sunny day with the perfect temperature (about 20 degrees), and Theodore Wirth Park was stunning with all the sparkling snow and the bare trees. I think we're hooked. They say that in order to enjoy life in a place like Minnesota you really have to take up a winter sport, and I agree. Just when I start to wonder again exactly why Kevin and I aren't living on the West Coast, Minnesota goes and surprises the heck out of me with an amazing experience like the one today. It's pretty great to live in a place where these types of activities are just around the corner - I mean, really, only 15 minutes from our house and I got to ski across a lake today! Looks like I'm becoming quite the Minnesotan, what with the skiing, the broomball playing, and plans in place for a hotdish party.