Winter adventure in the woods

We finally have enough snow for skiing in the woods. Callie and headed up Punkintown Rd. and off down a snowmobile trail. The hemlocks were stooped over the trail so thickly in one place, that even the snowmobiler gave up. I followed the tracks of an intrepid snowshoer, then blazed off on my own, breaking trail for Callie Lou. On our return trip, Callie's sprints settled into short dashes, and then jogs to keep up with me on the down hills. She's learning cross-country ski etiquette--not to stand on my skis, and if she wants to be out front, she needs to keep going! We had a blast, and she was pleasantly pooped. I can hear her snoring by the fire now.

Skiing with Callie Lou

Winter Laundry

It's always get a chuckle hanging laundry on winter days. First, I need to don my snowshoes (so I don't ruin my pristine ski trails through the back yard under the clothesline). Then I need to haul the basket up on my sledge so it doesn't fill with snow. And finally, after hanging in the weak sun for 7 hours, the dungarees are still stiff as boards. I take the clothespins off, and holding them by the legs, fold them in half, and then again, jamming them into submission. The last step for winter laundry is draping everything around the fire and enjoying the smell of sunshine inside!

The Skiing Life

A few days ago, my brother Jon sent me an update on Northeast Slopes and suggested we get together for some skiing there. I've stopped by twice en route home from Mad River Glen, and carved some telemark turns. With the snow falling all day and night, my mind of course, turns to skiing.

Here we are at Northeast Slopes, circa 1965ish, Jon, myself, and David, ready for another day of skiing. I don't think Jonathan was skiing yet, but he sure is entranced with those ski poles--skier in the making, especially if Grampa had anything to do with it!

As the snow whips around the house, I'm reminiscing of past ski trips with my siblings. I'm overdue for another adventure with them! Jon, my free-heel brother has ventured off-piste with me, and no doubt, is sitting in his house too, itching to get out on his skis. Remember our trips on the Skyline Trail? Yahooooo!

Hey guys--love you! Think snow!

Happy 2010!

I hope this new year brings better things to everyone. After last year's lousy garden weather, family ailments, and unexpected expenses, I need a year of breathing easier. So here's my New Year's Wish/Resolution 10 Step Program:

1. Get at least 2 pieces published.
2. Finish painting/papering the kitchen (and if lucky, put in a new floor).
3. Repair and paint the garage so it matches the house.
4. Plant a more productive garden and stay on top of the crops.
5. Yes, the same one everyone vows--lose some weight!
6. Bike to work A LOT MORE--see how many miles I can reach.
7. Practice the guitar.
8. If money permits--go on a vacation!
9. Reduce energy costs by sealing house better and adding insulation.
10. Write more.

I'm sitting at my new computer desk, once again redecorating as I try to maximize space in our little home. It looks nice, but doesn't have the drawer capacity of my old one. This will force me to deal with the junk I've got piled up everywhere and follow through on the paperwork.