It seemed like a good idea at the time . . .

Yesterday at the National Mall, the large reflecting pool in front of the Washington Memorial was "forzen."  Some of it.  And some hardy - or foolhardy - souls were daring each other to cross it.  At one point, a college fellow was crossing and then started saying, "S**t, s**t, s**t!" as he heard cracking beneath his feet.

The parks department had cut holes above the drains and kids were daring each other to step as close to the hole as possible, where the ice was thinner.

I witnessed one foot break through.  Then someone else break through and get wet up to their knees.

And then a group from Boston decided to take a group picture near the end closest to the memorial, figuring the ice was thick there.  A big group.  Of aggregate weight.

And . . .

And they learned the reflecting pool is deeper there, too.

Lesson learned . . . and a story to bring home to Boston.  Even a soaking sock cannot dampen the young lady's smile above.