January '11 Happenings

We took a trip to LA to visit family and friends, and also to switch weather for a while. We traded five days of a cold rain for sunshine, palm trees, and 80 degrees. We stayed with Ben and Zhanna on the beach in Redondo, and also David and Ruth in the OC.


David took me to his gym for a complete workout while Debby had coffee with friends from her old school. I was pleased to do three miles on the elliptical while keeping my pulse under 140, but my shoulders hurt for several days from using the weights afterward. We also spent time in the sauna and jacuzzi. It was my first time ever at a fitness place. David has a real deal on his package, but I still prefer running and bicycling out of doors. But here in the NW, I will start using the Y facilities in the winter; I get a free membership with my new health plan. Thank you, Medicare.


We also got to visit Debby's Aunt and Uncle and friends Dave and Ann in San Juan Capistrano. It was a nice respit from the hardships of retirement in the NW (j/k). Sasha made her way into many of the photos. She is Lapa or Lapushka to her mother, Russian for 'little paw'. She gets long walks on the beach bike path every day to the music of waves and seagulls. Must get boring, haha.

After we returned, Ari invited me to go up to Snoqualmie Pass for skiing. Jordan was taking a series of skiing lessons on Saturdays, and Ari had decided to take some lessons also. I was able to get some videos of them on the bunny slope. Ari looked comfortable on skis, and Jordan was already on my hill by his afternoon session. I referred to my hill as Big Thunder, but Jordan wasn't having any of it, always correcting me that it was actually called Little Thunder. Below is a picture of my favorite hangout, the rest area by the hot mocha stand. The last picture shows the bottom of the bunny slope and its rope tow.

I hadn't been on skis in at least 15 years. It all came back quickly, but I find age and balance has me regressed one notch on the skill level scale. I still could get down the hill, but found it more comfortable to traverse than to go directly for the fall line. Zero style points, but fun all the same. Other than some sore muscles, I survived well; my caution was rewarded. They gave me 165cm skis, which were too short for the conditions; they would become directionally unstable sometimes over icy ruts. Next time, I will use 180s.

I rode up the quad chair a couple of times with fathers toting three year olds. The dads would then tether the child to them with a rope and ski down behind them. The kids all seem to love it. At the other end of the spectrum, in a year or so I will become eligible for a super senior lift pass, enabling me to ski all day for $12. I intend to take them up on it, just for the satisfaction. I didn't see any super-senior passes in use this day on my hill. They all might have been hanging out at the top of the mountain, skiing the cornice.