Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
more about skiing
Okay, I know I've posted a lot about skiing lately. How beautiful it is. How good it feels to be moving my body in the out of doors. The fun times with Jack and Jr. and friends.
Today another benefit occurred to me. Skiing requires me to think about what I'm doing, to pay attention and focus. And we all know I cannot do more than one thing at a time, so in a sense, skiing is like going to a movie. It's a fine way to forget about everything else for a couple of hours.
Four runs today with a bit of snow falling and a temperature of 16 degrees. Didn't think for one second about taxes, or cuts in pensions, or work, or family nonsense. Just like watching a movie. While burning what must have been massive quantities of calories.
Today another benefit occurred to me. Skiing requires me to think about what I'm doing, to pay attention and focus. And we all know I cannot do more than one thing at a time, so in a sense, skiing is like going to a movie. It's a fine way to forget about everything else for a couple of hours.
Four runs today with a bit of snow falling and a temperature of 16 degrees. Didn't think for one second about taxes, or cuts in pensions, or work, or family nonsense. Just like watching a movie. While burning what must have been massive quantities of calories.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
things to remember
We've been home for a few days now. I want to remember these things from our last road trip to California:
1. The giggle that rises out of my belly while honking the horn all the way through the Carlin tunnels on I-80 near Reno. I can't help myself. The honking or the giggling.
2. The elaborate meals Cory prepares. Especially the pancake breakfast with homemade blueberry syrup. Who does that? Cory. That's who.
3. Speaking of things to see on I-80, how about this?
All of the times we've sped past on I-80, all I could see was a lot of stuff that for some reason reminded me of The Goonies. But this time, we slowed down enough to realize it is actually a Nevada State Historic Site, and according to the Thunder Mountain Monument website, "five acres jam-packed with exotic folk art and architectural oddities...created over a period of three decades...by Frank Van Zant, also known as Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder...who described his roadside art park variously as a museum, a monument to the American Indian, a retreat for pilgrims aspiring to the pure and radiant heart." I think I want to stop and spend some time there next time we're out that way.
4. I want to remember how strong I felt while swimming in the hotel pool with Jack and the girls. I don't remember the last time I was in a pool, moving through the water, feeling like my muscles were working and my body was burning away the excess. The water was cool when we got in, but just as I remember from swimming as a kid, it wasn't long before I felt so good.
5. I wish I'd taken pictures to help me remember Jack pulling the girls' caterpillar tunnel over his head down to his feet while they laughed with him and joked about him turning into a butterfly, saw him splashing in the pool with the girls, or captured a shot of him climbing up the slide with Cailin close behind. It is good to see him feeling so much healthier.
6. But I did get pictures to help me remember our stroll to Breanne's school playground on a delightfully pleasant northern Cali day:
Yes, it's a long drive, broken up by small treats if you look closely for them, rewarded by time with these guys. Totally worth it.
1. The giggle that rises out of my belly while honking the horn all the way through the Carlin tunnels on I-80 near Reno. I can't help myself. The honking or the giggling.
2. The elaborate meals Cory prepares. Especially the pancake breakfast with homemade blueberry syrup. Who does that? Cory. That's who.
3. Speaking of things to see on I-80, how about this?
All of the times we've sped past on I-80, all I could see was a lot of stuff that for some reason reminded me of The Goonies. But this time, we slowed down enough to realize it is actually a Nevada State Historic Site, and according to the Thunder Mountain Monument website, "five acres jam-packed with exotic folk art and architectural oddities...created over a period of three decades...by Frank Van Zant, also known as Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder...who described his roadside art park variously as a museum, a monument to the American Indian, a retreat for pilgrims aspiring to the pure and radiant heart." I think I want to stop and spend some time there next time we're out that way.
4. I want to remember how strong I felt while swimming in the hotel pool with Jack and the girls. I don't remember the last time I was in a pool, moving through the water, feeling like my muscles were working and my body was burning away the excess. The water was cool when we got in, but just as I remember from swimming as a kid, it wasn't long before I felt so good.
5. I wish I'd taken pictures to help me remember Jack pulling the girls' caterpillar tunnel over his head down to his feet while they laughed with him and joked about him turning into a butterfly, saw him splashing in the pool with the girls, or captured a shot of him climbing up the slide with Cailin close behind. It is good to see him feeling so much healthier.
6. But I did get pictures to help me remember our stroll to Breanne's school playground on a delightfully pleasant northern Cali day:
Saturday, February 2, 2013
some things never change
Like the joy I feel when I knock on the front door and then peer through the side window to see little faces as they change from puzzled to recognition to delight as they mouth the words, "Mom, Gramma's here!"
Or the happy satisfaction after waiting for the bell to ring, classroom door opening, students pouring out, watching as she leaves her classroom, walks a few steps, looks up, makes eye contact, her face breaks wide in excitement and her biggest smile and she bolts, into a full run, leaping into my arms, while exclaiming, "Gramma! You're here!"
Or yesterday morning, sitting on the couch with the baby boy, cooing and talking and smiling, when Janie yells from the other room:
"GRAMMA?"
"Whatta?"
"GRAMMA."
"Whatta?"
"IALKSDJAHF:D" (unintelligible)
"What?"
"I LOVE YOU."
"I love you too."
Or the happy satisfaction after waiting for the bell to ring, classroom door opening, students pouring out, watching as she leaves her classroom, walks a few steps, looks up, makes eye contact, her face breaks wide in excitement and her biggest smile and she bolts, into a full run, leaping into my arms, while exclaiming, "Gramma! You're here!"
Or yesterday morning, sitting on the couch with the baby boy, cooing and talking and smiling, when Janie yells from the other room:
"GRAMMA?"
"Whatta?"
"GRAMMA."
"Whatta?"
"IALKSDJAHF:D" (unintelligible)
"What?"
"I LOVE YOU."
"I love you too."
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
cannot sleep
Damn dogs. On the bed, off the bed, ear shaking, loud yawning and stretching.
Okay, okay, I get it, you want to go out.
Again.
For the third time tonight.
Now how am I supposed to get back to sleep when all I can think about is the road trip to see the Californians later today?
Okay, okay, I get it, you want to go out.
Again.
For the third time tonight.
Now how am I supposed to get back to sleep when all I can think about is the road trip to see the Californians later today?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
even still
I hadn't been skiing in a couple of weeks. Recovering from a cold, then Jack was sick and recovering. But on Friday I announced to myself that I was going skiing this weekend. If not both Saturday and Sunday, at least one of them.
Today, Jr, Danielle, Jack, and I headed up to Alta. As we drove towards the canyon, a few flakes started swirling around. Then we drove into the fog. Neither of these are unusual this winter. We frequently drive through clouds and snow only to pop out into the clear bright sunshine when we get to the top of the canyon.
Today was different.
At some point, we probably should have done more than merely comment on the high volume of slowly moving vehicles headed down the canyon. We probably should have noticed the amount of snow that was sticking to the roads. We probably should have realized something was up when there was all kinds of parking close to the lift. But we didn't. Or at least I didn't think twice about it. I was excited to get on the mountain.
We hopped out of Jr's SUV and that's when I noticed. The weather was fierce. There were gusty winds blowing snow everywhere. There was hail-like snow falling and blowing everywhere. There were clouds and fog and no sunshine to be found.
But that didn't stop us. We donned our gear and headed to the lift. Where there was no line. At all.
Another possible clue, but all I could think was it was great and we were on the lift in no time.
The lift ride seemed slower than usual, but that may be because of the hail and wind. We were all bundled up, so it wasn't like we were cold. Mostly I started to be a bit concerned because my glasses kept fogging up. Being able to see the terrain is a big confidence booster to me.
We slid off the liftchair at the end of the ride and started down the mountain. It was slippery. Probably seems silly to say that, but there is slippery and then there is SLIPPERY. This was SLIPPERY. I suspect there was ice under the freshly fallen--maybe six inches or more--powder? It was hard to tell because my glasses were fogged up and covered with little hail droplets.
Okay, yes, I fell. Once. Not a big head-over-heels tumble. Just a slipping, twisting, on my butt quick and would have been hard and painful--but for that beautiful powder.
Yes, it was crazy weather. Yes, I fell. Yes, it took us nearly 3 1/2 hours to drive down the canyon.
But still. It was good to be outside. Moving. Breathing deeply.
Today, Jr, Danielle, Jack, and I headed up to Alta. As we drove towards the canyon, a few flakes started swirling around. Then we drove into the fog. Neither of these are unusual this winter. We frequently drive through clouds and snow only to pop out into the clear bright sunshine when we get to the top of the canyon.
Today was different.
At some point, we probably should have done more than merely comment on the high volume of slowly moving vehicles headed down the canyon. We probably should have noticed the amount of snow that was sticking to the roads. We probably should have realized something was up when there was all kinds of parking close to the lift. But we didn't. Or at least I didn't think twice about it. I was excited to get on the mountain.
We hopped out of Jr's SUV and that's when I noticed. The weather was fierce. There were gusty winds blowing snow everywhere. There was hail-like snow falling and blowing everywhere. There were clouds and fog and no sunshine to be found.
But that didn't stop us. We donned our gear and headed to the lift. Where there was no line. At all.
Another possible clue, but all I could think was it was great and we were on the lift in no time.
The lift ride seemed slower than usual, but that may be because of the hail and wind. We were all bundled up, so it wasn't like we were cold. Mostly I started to be a bit concerned because my glasses kept fogging up. Being able to see the terrain is a big confidence booster to me.
We slid off the liftchair at the end of the ride and started down the mountain. It was slippery. Probably seems silly to say that, but there is slippery and then there is SLIPPERY. This was SLIPPERY. I suspect there was ice under the freshly fallen--maybe six inches or more--powder? It was hard to tell because my glasses were fogged up and covered with little hail droplets.
Okay, yes, I fell. Once. Not a big head-over-heels tumble. Just a slipping, twisting, on my butt quick and would have been hard and painful--but for that beautiful powder.
Yes, it was crazy weather. Yes, I fell. Yes, it took us nearly 3 1/2 hours to drive down the canyon.
But still. It was good to be outside. Moving. Breathing deeply.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Milk?
The recipe (perhaps more accurately identified as directions) on the Hamburger Helper lasagna box have changed. Less water and milk? When did Betty Crocker decide I needed to add milk to this family favorite?
And after the cooking and mixing and simmering and serving, Betty now tells me to refrigerate the leftovers. I think she should have said, "Refrigerate leftovers (if any)."
And after the cooking and mixing and simmering and serving, Betty now tells me to refrigerate the leftovers. I think she should have said, "Refrigerate leftovers (if any)."
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