So, here I am in Avon, Colorado on the second day of a ski trip. Yes, I did just turn 80 two weeks ago. No, I haven't downhill skied for about 40 years. (I have cross country skied only about 20 years ago.) But I figure people go on football trips and don't play football, so I am on a ski trip.
My companion Don is a diehard skier and makes several week long trips a year. And originally, I thought I would try a few lessons again. But the more I considered the ramifications of a break, or even a sprain, with my four story house, and how much I did NOT want to rehab for six weeks in the nursing home, the more I realized this would be a excellent time to do some undisturbed writing. So first this blog and then either the new Frannie book I'm working on or the the Mystery sisters. Of course, there are lots of cute shops around I could check out.
This is actually the third day we've been gone, but we had to do some juggling to finally get in our condo yesterday afternoon. We actually left the Des Moines area Sunday morning about 3:00 am and were treated to a beautiful sunrise as we sped through Nebraska. Our condo was not available until yesterday, so we got other accommodations for Sunday night. Of course we had to check out of there yesterday by 11 am and couldn't get into the week's rental until 4 pm. Maybe they would let us in a little early? Not a chance!
So we toured the area. First we rode the skiers' bus to the base of Beaver Creek Ski Area. We were the only non-skiers on the bus (Don decided to wait and hit the slopes today once we were settled). Watching the skiers of all ages reminded me of a flock of brightly-plumed birds. First of all, fully equipped skiers walk funny in their boots. The hard-soled boots require them to strut. Add the that, flashily colored and decorated helmets, bug-eyed goggles, ski suits in everything from pastel camouflage to safety yellow to stars and stripes, and coordinated decorated skis and snowboards, it's not hard to to imagine fantasy birds or even invading aliens. And the kids outfits are even more eye-popping. They have helmets topped with Mohawks, Minnie Mouse bows, or animal ears.
We rode the bus back to town. With the back of the car packed to the gills with clothes, food, and gear (we had already checked to see if we could get in the condo a little early), we took off for Vail, about 7 or 8 miles away. There we found a great lunch and explored the shops--mostly full of ski gear. I began to wonder if some of the families we'd seen in the morning had to float second mortgages to outfit their kids. I bought a patch for one of my camper blankets and a pair of socks. The last of the big spenders. Vail, like Avon, is full of quaint architecture and interesting sights. These structures in a playground reminded me of onions.
At exactly 4:00, we were allowed to unload our stuff. Our condo is on the fourth floor with large windows that overlook the Main Street Mall. It's very lovely and well set-up with only a couple of exceptions. If you are going to include a fully equipped kitchen, why not include hot pads to handle all of those pans? And placing the living room seating about six feet from the large screen TV mounted high on the wall forces the viewer to crane their neck to see anything. But other than that, very comfortable.
And now I really am going to work on one of my new books.
At exactly 4:00, we were allowed to unload our stuff. Our condo is on the fourth floor with large windows that overlook the Main Street Mall. It's very lovely and well set-up with only a couple of exceptions. If you are going to include a fully equipped kitchen, why not include hot pads to handle all of those pans? And placing the living room seating about six feet from the large screen TV mounted high on the wall forces the viewer to crane their neck to see anything. But other than that, very comfortable.
And now I really am going to work on one of my new books.
RSS Feed