Ice Skating... Already!

I am incredibly proud of my husband. Proud of him, and honored to be loved by him. A year ago in August he lost his job due to the poor economy. Since then he has done whatever he needed to do to provide for our family. I have learned so much about him during this time. I have been amazed at his work ethic as he took on a job he didn't particularly enjoy and yet worked at it with all he had, even when sick or discouraged. In fact, the only complaint they had about him there was that he was too open with his faith! I am amazed by him again as he has now taken on the job of rink manager for an arena in a nearby town. He knows nothing, really, of what that job entails, yet he has thrown himself into it and is quickly learning as he goes.
I, too, had no idea what would be involved. He told me that he would have to make ice at the end of September. No big deal. Just flood the rink and let it freeze. Right? Wrong! Apparently it's much more complicated than that. Who knew?! He started two weeks ago, and during that time has really only been home to eat and sleep. We've been joking that he might actually get the sleep he needs if we just set up a bed at the arena and he didn't have to commute. I really don't understand the whole process, but this is what I do comprehend of it. First, the floor temperature, room temperature, and humidity all have to be just right. Then he can begin by sprinkling - yes sprinkling - the first quarter inch, letting it freeze between each sprinkle. Next water is slowly flooded on, layer by painstaking layer, with plenty of freezing time in between. Then comes painting the lines, and ... more layers!
He's nearing the end of the levels, now he gets to put them on with the Zamboni! Last night we went with him, strapped on some skates, and got some ice time in before the next layer went on. It's really not such a bad deal to have a whole ice rink to ourselves!
Here we are enjoying the fruits of my man's hard labor:

Well done Karl!