2014

I like to spend the New Year's Day and also my birthday doing something fun.   This year so far I spent NYD playboating in a Wavesport XXX (and swimming out of it) wearing a green 'fro wig.  I spent my birthday skiing on the beautiful slopes of Snowmass in Colorado.   Sounds like a good year being brewed up.

Me, Jules, Patty, and Joan on the Elk Camp Gondola, Snowmass Mtn. in Aspen Colorado

Skiing is challenging for me, especially learning it in my 40's, but damn it is fun.  I think this is my third year skiing, but I really caught the ski bug this year and have been taking a break from winter paddling.   In Snowmass I was pleased to find many lush blue groomers covered in fresh powder.  It was incredible snow and the whole mountain has forgiving wide blue trails.  I was intimidated before I got there; fell in love with the place when I got on the slopes.  The champagne powder snow, so remarkable.  We were told it was a 20 year snowfall.  Feb 3 was a bluebird day and I took a good group lesson from a Snowmass instructor.   My advice for anyone looking to step up is to get your own boots.  It's been a game-changer for me.  Another bit of advice - take a lesson at least once per season.

I am also continuing to learn to appreciate and enjoy jazz, particularly on the piano.  In that spirit, enjoy this: