It appears my family has guaranteed a mild winter to northeast Ohio by attempting to build a rink for the first time this year.

I'm in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland -- "East Side or West Side?" is the first question Clevelanders ask one another. ("How 'bout those Browns"" is just an exercise in depression.)

I learned to skate outdoors, though whether it was first on the rink my friend's dad built in their backyard or on the outdoor rink behind the service garage -- and now taken over by the service garage -- in the neighboring 'burb, I don't remember. (I do remember, though, breaking 2 pairs of glasses in one winter on the backyard rink, so that's probably where I started.)

Thanks for starting these forums, Joe, to give us a place to ask questions, share, and -- this year, anyhow -- commiserate!