Part of Michael's celebrations were held at Avonlea Curling Club located just east of the Don Valley by Lawrence Avenue. Along for the ride were 3 Huron friends
(Luca, Rei and Andrew) with as much (that means "none") experience as Michael himself. Turning into the parking lot, it seemed as if there were over 60 cars parked in the normally empty lot...well wishers ? This was the final Sunday of curling for this club as the club closes down the very next day (April 10th). The huge turnout is the annual Gala and Torunament of Champions. Despite this, not many were curling just yet and our lane of ice was waiting for us despite walking through the doors about 15 minutes late at 11:15am.
The first order of business was to modify the left shoe to become a "slider" using some heavy duty vinyl tape about 4" wide. Somehow we manage to do so on the opposite "right" shoe and did not realize until stepping onto the ice. Watching them step onto the ice for the first time showed that they all "still" remember their first fall on ice using skates.
After a few practice throws of the "rock", the first rock was lauched. Rock/Scissors/Hand had the teams sorted out with Michael/Rei agaisnt Luca/Andrew.
Running after the rock with all their speed to "sweep"...never thought they like housework...they raced down to help the rocks cross "in play" line. When it came up short, you could almost count on the next rock going farther...sometimes too far.
Within the first 1/2 hour, everybody managed to get a rock into the large red circle at the other end of ice and their bottoms onto the ice. Andrew would get up light he was sixty year's old while Rei would bounce up off the ice. Michael and Luca did not seem to fall over nearly as much. I remember what the score was but it probably be better if you ask the Birthday boy, yourself, next time you see him.
After the Curling, a visit to Pet's Mart and to Super Pet to pick up a few Angel fish and a new hamster wheel for Misha's birthday. Nothing like a birthday party without a ball hockey game in the backyard to work up the appetite until the rest of the cousins, Uncles, Aunts, and Grandparents drop by with their well wishes, food and gifts. Until next year, Happy Birthday, Michael !
