Pond Curling

 

For as long as I can remember, curling has been a revered sport in my family.

My dad was an avid curler throughout his life, 

eventually introducing the game to my step-mom who is still curling strong today.

And this year she has begun handing over the curling gauntlet to the male twin, 

who curls in her kids group each Sunday.

It's fair to say, I see curling in my family's future for a good many years to come.

What I didn't see coming, however, was a link between curling and the old farmhouse.

 Curling originated in Scotland, with evidence indicating that it was as early as the beginning of the 16th 

century; it was played outside on ponds throughout many long winters for the next three centuries.

Thanks to many Scottish immigrants who settled here, Curling has become a true Canadian sport, more 

popular than in any other country. As in Scotland, it too was played outdoors but by the mid-1800's curling

took a turn for the predictability of the indoors and warehouses were converted to rinks; before long the use 

of refrigeration permanently changed the landscape of curling to what it is today. The lack of snow, which 

causes too much friction for the rocks to slide and a less bumpy, more reliable ice surface certainly helped to 

advance the game. But if you've noticed there are revivals of all sorts happening and I'm not just talking about 

canning or raising chickens. There is an outdoor revival of sorts, why even the NHL is holding a few games 

outdoors. In my books, the best way to enjoy winter is to partake of it.

So what does this have to do with us here at the old farmhouse?

Sure we have a good sized pond, but have you seen curling rocks for sale lately at your local sports store?

If you answer yes to that question, call me.

Meanwhile a new and thoughtful family friend who just happens to have connections in the local curling world 

visited us just before Christmas and before you could say 'Rural Revival Revelers are a Really Radical Realm' 

ten times (try it!) we had four gorgeous vintage (!) curling rocks gracing our pond. 

And thus we have begun a revival of pond curling. 

 The good old-fashioned way.

 

Outdoors.

 

Another Rural Revival at its best.

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I'm linking up with Verde Farm's Farm Friend Friday!

~Happy Friday Friends!~