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01/23/2007: "A Day on the Slopes"

There are so many things about spending a day skiing that just feel so good. I am not sure if it is the fresh mountain air, the beautiful snowy mountains framed by a bright blue sky, the easy exercise that lightly burns the thighs, the exhilaration of sliding down the hill, the hot lunch on a sunny patio, or a one-on-one day with Nick, that makes it such a great day.

Nick’s school had a teacher workday on Monday so we knew the slopes would be quiet. We went up Sunday late afternoon and had the great fortune of spending the night at the Powell’s cabin in Soda Springs. They have a beautiful spot on the water at Serene Lakes, which changes from a summer swimming and fishing spot to an ice rink and cross-country ski field this time of year. The weather, though cold, was perfect. The winds from the day before had calmed and there wasn’t a cloud to be found. Our day at Sugar Bowl couldn’t have been better as the slopes were vacant and so were the lift lines. Our last run of the day off Mt. Disney was so lonely that it got spooky.

I started Nick skiing when he was about 5 and still remember boosting him onto the chair lift. I realized this trip that I am still doing everything for him from packing all the clothes and gear that he needs to renting his equipment and picking the runs. It won’t be long before he may have to be skiing without me and I worry that I haven’t taught him enough independence. So this trip I began making him conscious of what he needed to wear and bring and the little tips that make for a good day on the slopes.

Now I am packing those same long johns as I prepare to fly to Cologne, Germany tonight to return on Feb. 2nd. This trip will be solo. The bulk of the time will be spent with friends that live in Bonn and some light sight seeing.

Replies: 2 Comments

on Friday, January 26th, Diane said

Sounds like a wonderful day of skiing...
I have been thinking of you often, but rarely look at the blog because it stirs up so much emotion that I can hardly stand it.
Hope your trip to Germany is all you hope it will be.
Funny you mention accupuncture, because I was at the chiropractor in Blackhawk with Kenny (he injured his back at work) and they have a chinese medicine specialist in the office there. I had a chat with him and the procedures really interest me. I believe in the practice and hope for you that it gives you some pain relief.
Thinking of you and praying for you daily.
Love to you and your, Diane

on Tuesday, January 23rd, Doreen said

Have a great trip. Take some of your fabulous pictures and you will be skiiing with Nick for a along time to come. You're in my thoughts...Love, Doreen