The parents of Champaign speedskater Jonathan Kuck, Sharon and David, will check in periodically during the Vancouver Olympics.

This morning I awoke to a phone call from my daughter, Julianne. Disappointingly, her and her husband's flight had been canceled due to snow in Dallas. Now, I expect them on Sunday, two days late. However, nothing can put a true damper on my days here at the Olympic Games. Once morning fully arrived I could appreciate the stunning views out my windows of Boundary Bay. I can see the western edge of Washington and Canada from this shore at Point Roberts, Wash.

I decided to try to see Jonathan at the Richmond Oval during a practice session, but first I needed a family pass from Mike Kooreman, the Olympic team leader and coach. Fortunately, in time, things were arranged via e-mail and phone. I took off like a bullet with map in hand, instructions from my landlady, and plans to park and run to the oval. No one can park near a venue due to security.

Arriving in Richmond, I parked at the mall as instructed and began my jog to the oval, still hoping to arrive in time. I soon realized I had a partner in a young woman. We stopped for lights and ran on the green. Soon we struck up a conversation – she, a volunteer, late for her post.

Arriving at the same time as Shani Davis, I shook his hand and thanked him for his generosity and then waited in security for my family pass to be delivered by Team USA. I missed Jonathan on ice – he had to be off ice by 9:50 for a blood draw – but what a special afternoon I had.

The oval is fresh, magnificently huge, unobstructed by hockey and figure skating rinks on center ice, the chaos of many skaters practicing independently awaiting the order of competition.

The people, all volunteers, were warm, friendly and happy to talk. Jonathan and I met up in time and had lunch at the Cactus Club Café, home of Canada's only Iron Chef, Rob Feenie. I savored one of his dishes – butternut squash ravioli with crisp sage and pinenuts.

We decided to take the tram into Vancouver. Jonathan was eager to get ready for opening ceremonies and I to pick up my Olympic tickets at CoSport and visit the Procter & Gamble Family Home. Jonathan was so recognizable as an Olympian. The treatment we received should be reserved for royalty. New friends made, pictures taken, a young man, Andrew, who accompanied me on my errands and directed me to the parade route of the Olympic torch. I'll be seeing more of Andrew as he purchased the two tickets I had reserved for Julianne and John for the 5,000 meters.

Time is running short, so I'll bid adieu for now.