Thursday, November 28, 2024

Feeling Renewed

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am reminded that there a many things to be thankful for in spite of the unrest in our country and the world.  As I write this I occasionally gaze out the window to see some snow coming down. Who knows, we may be on the slopes in our area in a week or so. Forecast looks like snowmaking may be possible next week.

    Beyond the enthusiasm for the forthcoming ski season, I was deeply moved by an article of good news I read and viewed this morning in a newsletter that I get daily.  It bolstered my faith in humankind, that in spite of the chaos and division of late there are many good unsung people doing wonderful deeds. The gist of the news this morning was a story of a woman in Texas of meager means reaching out to give rides in her 22 year old car for those less fortunate.  The blind and ill etc.  Along with her charity there was a car dealer of Philadelphia who heard of her situation and was moved to an extraordinary act human kindness and integrity.  He provided her with a new car plus payment of insurance taxes and maintenance.   The only thing he asked for was to continue to continue her kindness by further reaching out to those in her community in need. I was moved to tears!  While in this day, often see greediness and power grabbing, we need to be reminded that there are many unsung heroes in this world that make all our days worth living.  This all gives me a goal to be a better person too. 

Blessings everyone. May you encounter many good folks in your community and be inspired to give back as well.

Monday, November 25, 2024

Geezer and His Dog

 In anticipation of the new ski season I continue with my morning workout on my recumbent bike.  Geezers like me need to keep moving to maintain our ability to hit the slopes.  I continue to be optimistic for the coming year, but who knows.   

My workout gives me a view of the street out our sunroom window, so I regularly see neighbors out for their walks and constitutionals.  This morning I was struck by the pace of a gentleman walking his dog.  Both were obviously in their senior years.   The pace was quite slow and halting and was a reminder to me that regardless of our discipline in working out, there are limitations to our success.  So be it!  However, we should continue to count our blessings and be thankful for each day and find joy where we can.

Speaking of joy, I found some today as I was reading the Writer's Almanac by Garrison Keilor.  There was a wonderful poem by Joyce Sutphen on the vagaries of our encounter with our environment.  A poignant piece underlining the impact of our surroundings in our lives as ephemeral events.  I am her admirer since she often writes about rural life scenes.  In addition, I was uplifted learning that today is the birthday of Andrew Carnegie. Delighted to be reminded that Carnegie was one who amassed a huge fortune in the steel industry and proceeded to retire early and distribute his wealth to building libraries, promoting peace and supporting many philanthropic efforts.   Unfortunately, I was dampened in my delight by the observation of the unfeeling behavior of many of our billionaires of our day.  They seem to desire only accumulation of vast wealth without appreciating that they could be great doers of good in society for the less fortunate.

In closing, I recognize I have strayed from major emphasis on geezer skiing issues.  That seems inevitable in the non-skiing season.  However, there are other dimensions to life that sometimes need to be aired.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Memories Of Opening Day!

    An incredible memory came up on my Facebook feed today!  It is incredible to be reminded that on November 15, 2019 I was skiing with my geezer buddies at Greek Peak in Virgil, New York.  This is in contrast to this day 2024, that I was out in my driveway in shirtsleeves repairing my snow blower. In my pessimistic mood, I doubt that we will even be skiing by December 15, 2024.  

    The memory that came up today reminds me how fast time passes and at my senior years of 89 the memories can be buried deeply in my mind.  Skiing memories are especially  fond memories.   In that line, I would mention my 10 or 12 year old adventures with hickory skis with straps over my winter boots for connection.  Straight down the hill with no control on the Drumlins in Wayne County, New York.  In the more modern era, I started with leather boots, wooden skis with steel edges and cable bindings.  Some of that experience was at Mad River Glen in Vermont.  The boots got wet and after drying they were toast.

    Fortunately I later graduated to more sophisticated equipment.  Even moving through the era foaming the insert to get a custom fit.  Unfortunately, many foaming sessions were a failure!  And no refunds.

In the progression of my ski days, in the late 1970's and early 1980's I had the opportunity to do my first Rocky Mountain skiing in Colorado's Breckenridge and Copper Mountain.  We drove out in my customize Ford Econoline Van nonstop from Dryden, New York.  Fortunately my son Colin was a relief driver and we could take sleep breaks.

    Now there are some more recent memories of the great days of skiing with the Tough Old Geezer buddies at Greek Peak.  We are still going as a remnant of our glory days a few years ago when we were still in our 70's.  As I write this I am moved to honor those who have passed and hope they are continuing to ski the heavenly moguls in an after life.  Meanwhile, I hope to enjoy at least a few more years on the slopes! 

Invitation:  As your read this, if you are so inspired, comment with some of your best memories of skiing in your life.  Here's to deep snow!