Skate Sharpening & Pie

Since I moved to Chicago 2 1/2 years ago I've been wanting to go ice skating on one of the outdoor rinks... unfortunately the first winter here I injured my ankle, the year after that we tried to go twice but the lines for skate rental were over an hour and now, this year is THE year.

To get around the $10 rental fee & the lines I decided to seek out my own pair of skates, at the thrift store of course! I thought this was a fool's errand until I stumbled across a black pair of figure skates waiting for me at The Attic Thrift store in my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas for only $4!

Of course since they are decades old (I suspect the '50s though skate designs haven't changed much over the years so who knows) they needed to be sharpened. I could find only one place in the city (that wasn't a sports store) that does it-- Johnny's Ice House in the West Loop. So after work today I ventured over there on the Pink Line and wandered past the hoards of little boys suiting up for league practice to the little supply shop on the 2nd floor.

Behind the counter was a slightly surly man who sharpened my skates in about 5 minutes, he looked like he'd been behind the same counter for the past three decades. My skates were so sharp afterwards that they nearly cut through the bag I brought them in (oops).

I wanted to take pictures of the rink but felt awkward with all the families around so instead snuck some shots in the store (sorry for the bad quality, was trying to work quickly).

Also, as per my Tuesday custom, I stopped off at Hoosier Mama pie company on the way home for a big slice of chocolate cream pie... took a photo of the fruit pie instead as it was more photogenic in the case.

Later this week look for photos of my skates & ice skating extravaganza!