Our geezer skier group at my local ski area, pride themselves on being tough and resilient. Over the years we all have encountered situations that have limited our mobility and reduced the temptation to ski the more challenging slopes and conditions. New knees and new hips have brought many back to the slopes. Other ailments have not been so forgiving and unfortunately there comes a time for one to hang up the skis. All of us would prefer not to have to face that reality.
Many of our crew has expressed the wish that they would ski the last day of their lives, and depart swiftly from this earthly abode. That would be the easy way out. And in a sense would be the cowards way. My perspective at the moment is that being tough in the utmost is to be able to gracefully deal with ones decline by adjusting to what is rather than yearning for what you would like things to be.
There can be joy in simply being with loved ones. And they with you.
Carpe diem - seize the day - whatever it brings.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Bolt Out of the Blue
There is only one word to describe the 2015-2016 ski season for the Eastern United States. Horrible! Probably the consistently poorest ski conditions in history. A season entering with a whimper and slinking out with a whimper.
For me that has only been a part of the story. Following skiing in bitter cold on Saturday morning February 13, the next day the14th I was struck like a bolt out of the blue with a left hip and back pain that stays with me to this day. The onset of pain was swift and unrelenting. The optimist in me said I should tough it out and things will get better. For a while I still could hobble out on the slope and even find some relief in skiing where I didn't need to walk. Even played some tennis (albeit with pauses to stretch out from the muscle spasms). Regrettably I had to submit to the medical profession. An initial visit and early Physical Therapy helped a tiny bit. However, pain continued to escalate especially at night. Severity of the pain hit me so hard one night that a trip to the emergency room was called for. At least they hit me with some of the good stuff there to give me much needed rest. I was released after about a day and half of observation. Meds in hand and tests read, I was back home with a regimen of meds and PT hoping to improve the situation.
Fast forward to now leaving out all the frustrating details, I have no definitive diagnosis, palliative meds keep me sane with the pain, and we are desperately striving to get to a specialist. Would you believe, weeks of waiting to get an appointment? Readers: I apologize for the rant, but somehow venting through writing relieves anxiety, anger and frustration. (That nagging pain gets stuffed down for the moment).
Somehow, I'll get through it. The cards and prayers from friends and acquaintances keep pouring in. The greatest blessing I have is my dear wife Nancy who gives me extraordinary support with her love and care! No doubt about it. I am the luckiest guy in the world to have her beside me.
Finally, I have no idea the of the prognosis for my condition. I will continue to pray for both a miracle and if not a miracle for the courage and peace to live with whatever the outcome.
Finally again, tough old geezer skiers, remember to enjoy every day you have on the slopes and be prepared for the inevitable day when you will need to hang it up. Enjoy the moment wherever you are.
For me that has only been a part of the story. Following skiing in bitter cold on Saturday morning February 13, the next day the14th I was struck like a bolt out of the blue with a left hip and back pain that stays with me to this day. The onset of pain was swift and unrelenting. The optimist in me said I should tough it out and things will get better. For a while I still could hobble out on the slope and even find some relief in skiing where I didn't need to walk. Even played some tennis (albeit with pauses to stretch out from the muscle spasms). Regrettably I had to submit to the medical profession. An initial visit and early Physical Therapy helped a tiny bit. However, pain continued to escalate especially at night. Severity of the pain hit me so hard one night that a trip to the emergency room was called for. At least they hit me with some of the good stuff there to give me much needed rest. I was released after about a day and half of observation. Meds in hand and tests read, I was back home with a regimen of meds and PT hoping to improve the situation.
Fast forward to now leaving out all the frustrating details, I have no definitive diagnosis, palliative meds keep me sane with the pain, and we are desperately striving to get to a specialist. Would you believe, weeks of waiting to get an appointment? Readers: I apologize for the rant, but somehow venting through writing relieves anxiety, anger and frustration. (That nagging pain gets stuffed down for the moment).
Somehow, I'll get through it. The cards and prayers from friends and acquaintances keep pouring in. The greatest blessing I have is my dear wife Nancy who gives me extraordinary support with her love and care! No doubt about it. I am the luckiest guy in the world to have her beside me.
Finally, I have no idea the of the prognosis for my condition. I will continue to pray for both a miracle and if not a miracle for the courage and peace to live with whatever the outcome.
Finally again, tough old geezer skiers, remember to enjoy every day you have on the slopes and be prepared for the inevitable day when you will need to hang it up. Enjoy the moment wherever you are.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Sixth Annual Geezer Skiers Luncheon
Another annual geezer skiers luncheon is in the books. Yesterday at Hope Lodge Greek Peak Resort we celebrated another season of skiing, coffee breaks, and shared wild stories. Although attendance was less than last year, we would like to think that quality beats out quantity.
The combined memory of our group exceeds hundreds of years of skiing experience and by all standards this season had to be the most unusual season we have ever weathered. And weather is certainly the operative word. The wild cycling between snow rain, warm cold has been devastating. Ski conditions have challenged the most intrepid geezer. In summary, most of us have skied about half the number of days we normally would.
In reference to the above, it is fitting that WBNG-TV interviewed many of our tough old geezer skiers on our luncheon day. They even outfitted some with GoPro cameras. Haven't seen the footage, but it should be interesting. Unfortunately this geezer was out of commission with a bad back and couldn't participate. An especially big disappointment since lead reporter, Haley McCrory, wife of my grandson Tamdan was in charge.
So back to the luncheon. The buffet was great. Plenty to eat. For the program our esteemed MC Larry Monheim kept us on track with a joke or two. Skiing related of course. The First Flake Award was bestowed on Andy Moyer in honor of consistently being the first geezer in the locker room each morning. (Someone has to take attendance!) Wes Kryger, President of Greek Peak brought us up to date on the progress of the business and plans for the future. Geezer feed back and suggestions for improvements on the hill completed the event.
One can only be honest in noting this season had to be one of the worst in history. We are truly at the mercy of weather. I grew up on a farm and as a child experienced boom or bust years in agriculture. The ski business similar.
Here is a joke related to farming:
A farmer inherits a million dollars. A neighbor asks him how long he intends to farm? Answer: Until the million dollars is gone. I guess the Greek Peak owners hope that this doesn't happen to their investment.
So, as tough old geezer skiers, we will look forward with optimism for a splendid 2016-2017 season.
The combined memory of our group exceeds hundreds of years of skiing experience and by all standards this season had to be the most unusual season we have ever weathered. And weather is certainly the operative word. The wild cycling between snow rain, warm cold has been devastating. Ski conditions have challenged the most intrepid geezer. In summary, most of us have skied about half the number of days we normally would.
In reference to the above, it is fitting that WBNG-TV interviewed many of our tough old geezer skiers on our luncheon day. They even outfitted some with GoPro cameras. Haven't seen the footage, but it should be interesting. Unfortunately this geezer was out of commission with a bad back and couldn't participate. An especially big disappointment since lead reporter, Haley McCrory, wife of my grandson Tamdan was in charge.
So back to the luncheon. The buffet was great. Plenty to eat. For the program our esteemed MC Larry Monheim kept us on track with a joke or two. Skiing related of course. The First Flake Award was bestowed on Andy Moyer in honor of consistently being the first geezer in the locker room each morning. (Someone has to take attendance!) Wes Kryger, President of Greek Peak brought us up to date on the progress of the business and plans for the future. Geezer feed back and suggestions for improvements on the hill completed the event.
One can only be honest in noting this season had to be one of the worst in history. We are truly at the mercy of weather. I grew up on a farm and as a child experienced boom or bust years in agriculture. The ski business similar.
Here is a joke related to farming:
A farmer inherits a million dollars. A neighbor asks him how long he intends to farm? Answer: Until the million dollars is gone. I guess the Greek Peak owners hope that this doesn't happen to their investment.
So, as tough old geezer skiers, we will look forward with optimism for a splendid 2016-2017 season.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
A Day in the Life of a Geezer Skier
One day this week I was inspired by the events of the day to muse on a day in the life of a geezer skier as I experienced it.
Some ski days are special and some days are more routine. The morning ritual at home consists of the usual physical preparation for the day. Bathing, shaving if necessary, and the usual breakfast of a mini-bagel and two cups of hot water. No coffee at breakfast! One of my former colleagues, long passed away now when he was in his mid nineties inspired the hot water regime! He was a hardy individual that I wanted to emulate. Post breakfast and a morning devotional it is time to prepare to travel to the ski slope.
Preparation means assembling appropriate clothing and gear for the day. Ski boots get packed into my bag as they come off the hot air register along with my warmed socks. Hand warmers stored in an air tight bag from the previous day are placed in the mitten pockets. Mid morning coffee has been made and goes into the thermos. De-caf only! Also the most important item for the mid-morning break- an apple fritter is stowed as well. After donning all the gear, it is time for the 10 minute commute to the ski area.
On the particular morning of inspiration this week when I opened the garage door, I was dazzled by the winter scene of my driveway. On this particularly bright, sunny and brisk morning the new fallen snow sparkled like diamonds. A most brilliant display that twinkled in the early morning light. The scenes of the countryside were equally dazzling. With the satellite radio tuned to the symphony channel, I enjoyed the sound of Beethoven's Piano Sonata. The music enhanced my appreciation of the hoarfrost enveloping the weeds and trees. There were beautiful shapes and shadows from the sun's caress of the environment. In the still air smoke rising from the chimneys hung in sun etched clouds, gently rising into the atmosphere.
Noting the temperature of about 15 degrees F as I arrived, I enter the lodge to join the assembly of geezers. The booting up ritual involves exchange of friendly banter and a check of the trail report. Geezers in my area are first track people. We are on the slope ready to ride right behind the ski patrol.
On this sunny day, with the need for more snow we are greeted with the roar of the snow makers. Often making it hard for us to hear as we travel up the slope.
For some of us there is the ritual of skiing a series of trails in sequence and even keeping track of the numbers of runs. On this day, with the sunshine and sparkling snow it was a simple pleasure to enjoy the views both close up and across the hills.
The morning ritual continues with a mid-morning coffee break. The geezers will gather to get their "senior" coffee and or cocoa. Conversation ranges from the serious to the mundane to the ridiculous. Often we are catching up on the condition of some that are dealing with ailments, volunteer work of many, and of course the latest jokes.
Post coffee, we are on the slopes for additional runs or in some cases, calling it a day to go off to other activities
For me the day typically ends in the early afternoon. The geezers disappear and we all go home to prepare for another day on the slopes.
On my return trip home, I typically tune into the 40's music station for entertainment of my youth. I love the old tunes and the big band sound. Not only do I know many of the lyrics, for the ones I don't know the enunciation of the words are clear to this old brain.
Depending on the day, the remainder of the day brings other rewarding activities. Volunteering for various needs fills some of the afternoons and maybe a nap or two can be fit in too.
Life is good for the geezer skier! Accolades go to my wife, who tolerates my skiing absence. Her warm embrace upon my return warms the tough old geezer skier beyond description.
May all you geezer skiers out there have a magnificent ski season and life.
Some ski days are special and some days are more routine. The morning ritual at home consists of the usual physical preparation for the day. Bathing, shaving if necessary, and the usual breakfast of a mini-bagel and two cups of hot water. No coffee at breakfast! One of my former colleagues, long passed away now when he was in his mid nineties inspired the hot water regime! He was a hardy individual that I wanted to emulate. Post breakfast and a morning devotional it is time to prepare to travel to the ski slope.
Preparation means assembling appropriate clothing and gear for the day. Ski boots get packed into my bag as they come off the hot air register along with my warmed socks. Hand warmers stored in an air tight bag from the previous day are placed in the mitten pockets. Mid morning coffee has been made and goes into the thermos. De-caf only! Also the most important item for the mid-morning break- an apple fritter is stowed as well. After donning all the gear, it is time for the 10 minute commute to the ski area.
On the particular morning of inspiration this week when I opened the garage door, I was dazzled by the winter scene of my driveway. On this particularly bright, sunny and brisk morning the new fallen snow sparkled like diamonds. A most brilliant display that twinkled in the early morning light. The scenes of the countryside were equally dazzling. With the satellite radio tuned to the symphony channel, I enjoyed the sound of Beethoven's Piano Sonata. The music enhanced my appreciation of the hoarfrost enveloping the weeds and trees. There were beautiful shapes and shadows from the sun's caress of the environment. In the still air smoke rising from the chimneys hung in sun etched clouds, gently rising into the atmosphere.
Noting the temperature of about 15 degrees F as I arrived, I enter the lodge to join the assembly of geezers. The booting up ritual involves exchange of friendly banter and a check of the trail report. Geezers in my area are first track people. We are on the slope ready to ride right behind the ski patrol.
On this sunny day, with the need for more snow we are greeted with the roar of the snow makers. Often making it hard for us to hear as we travel up the slope.
For some of us there is the ritual of skiing a series of trails in sequence and even keeping track of the numbers of runs. On this day, with the sunshine and sparkling snow it was a simple pleasure to enjoy the views both close up and across the hills.
The morning ritual continues with a mid-morning coffee break. The geezers will gather to get their "senior" coffee and or cocoa. Conversation ranges from the serious to the mundane to the ridiculous. Often we are catching up on the condition of some that are dealing with ailments, volunteer work of many, and of course the latest jokes.
Post coffee, we are on the slopes for additional runs or in some cases, calling it a day to go off to other activities
For me the day typically ends in the early afternoon. The geezers disappear and we all go home to prepare for another day on the slopes.
On my return trip home, I typically tune into the 40's music station for entertainment of my youth. I love the old tunes and the big band sound. Not only do I know many of the lyrics, for the ones I don't know the enunciation of the words are clear to this old brain.
Depending on the day, the remainder of the day brings other rewarding activities. Volunteering for various needs fills some of the afternoons and maybe a nap or two can be fit in too.
Life is good for the geezer skier! Accolades go to my wife, who tolerates my skiing absence. Her warm embrace upon my return warms the tough old geezer skier beyond description.
May all you geezer skiers out there have a magnificent ski season and life.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Skiing - The Good and The Ugly
Fourteen days of skiing into the ski season and one would expect to be in prime form. After one day of skiing in December, January 3rd marks the beginning of non-stop skiing hopefully until the spring shut down. What a strange season! Only occasionally conditions have been considered good. For the most part only man-made snow has been available. Although the grooming has been quite good, the surface remains quite firm. Sharp edges are necessary almost every day. However, in contrast today we had a new challenge. An overnight rain and warm temperature produce a "wet groomed packed powder" the consistency of wet cement!
I would like to pride myself having the ability to ski almost any type of surface. However, at what cost? While the "wet cement" was skiable, the combination of the consistency with the stick-slip variation in slipperiness was a great challenge. It was ugly. None of my geezer group on the hill. Based on how my knees felt after a couple of hours on the slopes, I know why they weren't there.
I guess I still have the old tenacity of the farm boy in me. If you want to ski every day you have to accept the good, bad and the downright ugly. At least I got a workout and will not have to use the treadmill for exercise.
I would like to pride myself having the ability to ski almost any type of surface. However, at what cost? While the "wet cement" was skiable, the combination of the consistency with the stick-slip variation in slipperiness was a great challenge. It was ugly. None of my geezer group on the hill. Based on how my knees felt after a couple of hours on the slopes, I know why they weren't there.
I guess I still have the old tenacity of the farm boy in me. If you want to ski every day you have to accept the good, bad and the downright ugly. At least I got a workout and will not have to use the treadmill for exercise.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Finally - Opening Day- A Great Feeling
The long awaited opening day at Greek Peak has happened. Today was day to ski just the Alpha slope. Rather decent surface even if there were a few mud streaks in places. It was good to get a ski fix.
Alpha slope is basically a beginners slope that works for early instruction in skiing and boarding. So if nothing else is available, what should one do there? Obviously a good time to work on fundamentals. Although I did a bit of free skiing, I did also spend a bit of time on edge control, body positioning and the like. Still trying to lay down those perfect parallel tracks.
After so many years of skiing, one would think you would not get so excited about being on the slopes again. Not so! The old heart quickens and the enthusiasm kicks in. Almost like being a teenager again. Hooray for day 1 of a new season. May the snow gods dump on us in the coming weeks.
If anyone of of you regular readers need photos of opening day, go to my Facebook page. Come on you old geezers get with the modern social media if you haven't already.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays or whatever you like. All good wishes to everyone.
Alpha slope is basically a beginners slope that works for early instruction in skiing and boarding. So if nothing else is available, what should one do there? Obviously a good time to work on fundamentals. Although I did a bit of free skiing, I did also spend a bit of time on edge control, body positioning and the like. Still trying to lay down those perfect parallel tracks.
After so many years of skiing, one would think you would not get so excited about being on the slopes again. Not so! The old heart quickens and the enthusiasm kicks in. Almost like being a teenager again. Hooray for day 1 of a new season. May the snow gods dump on us in the coming weeks.
If anyone of of you regular readers need photos of opening day, go to my Facebook page. Come on you old geezers get with the modern social media if you haven't already.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays or whatever you like. All good wishes to everyone.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
A Skier's Lament
As an avid geezer skier I always look forward to the start of a ski season and hope for an extended period of good snow and cold weather. This year has to be one of the most vexing delays to the start of the season that I can remember in over 20 years of logging the characteristics of the season. The latest start for me in the past was December 22, 2001 for the 2001-2002 season. Even so, I was able to get in 8 days of skiing before the first of January. Greek Peak predicts and December 22 opening day this year. Based on the rain today and the warm weather predicted for next week, I surely doubt that we will get any skiing before January! Oh that I will be wrong! I can only hope for a miracle that Greek can make enough snow this weekend with the predicted brief cold spell.
However unsettling the delay of the season is for me, it is devastating for the people who rely on the ski season for employment. I know that many of the lift attendants count on shifting from their summer employment to the jobs at the ski area. And no doubt the ski instructor staff, wait staff and others suffer from the snow drought as well. Their pain is much more critical than mine.
Meanwhile, the only alternative I have is to be distracted by other projects or transport myself to some place there is snow. Oh how I envy son Colin and his family departure for Utah later this week! The Wasatch is getting a dump of snow and Alta and Snowbird will be swimming in powder. Although traveling to a snow area is an alternative, I have reached an age where the rigors of airline travel severely discourage the effort.
So while my skis languish in my locker and my boots and ski clothing remain in storage, I find myself into the decluttering mode. Over many years of various construction and remodeling projects, I have accumulated odds and ends of tools, nails, screws and a miscellany of hardware. With my extra time I will trash, sort and give away this debris.
Thankfully I have 20 years of ski logs to relive those past great days on the slopes.
However unsettling the delay of the season is for me, it is devastating for the people who rely on the ski season for employment. I know that many of the lift attendants count on shifting from their summer employment to the jobs at the ski area. And no doubt the ski instructor staff, wait staff and others suffer from the snow drought as well. Their pain is much more critical than mine.
Meanwhile, the only alternative I have is to be distracted by other projects or transport myself to some place there is snow. Oh how I envy son Colin and his family departure for Utah later this week! The Wasatch is getting a dump of snow and Alta and Snowbird will be swimming in powder. Although traveling to a snow area is an alternative, I have reached an age where the rigors of airline travel severely discourage the effort.
So while my skis languish in my locker and my boots and ski clothing remain in storage, I find myself into the decluttering mode. Over many years of various construction and remodeling projects, I have accumulated odds and ends of tools, nails, screws and a miscellany of hardware. With my extra time I will trash, sort and give away this debris.
Thankfully I have 20 years of ski logs to relive those past great days on the slopes.
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