I’ve lived where you can skate on lakes and canals in the winter. If the ice is thick enough there’s no real concern. Here’s some info if you’d like to read more about how the ice is prepped and safety maintained on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/blog/rideau-canal-skateway-creating-worlds-largest-skating-rink

That’s really cool! Are you an astronomer? Or if not, how do you get telescope access?

They look like they’re probably “Naughty Marietta” marigolds (#21 on this list: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/best-marigold-varieties/). Could also be “Legion of Honour” (#14).

Gorgeous!