Breaking Tradition - Mountain Gear Tip #4

For years we have skiied on New Year's Day.  This year, however, Mr. Chill Factor dictates a change of plans.  When one lives in Skiing Heaven, one can be fussy.  My favorite weather web site noaa.gov says the following for Alta:

"Tonight: Snow. Low around -10. Wind chill values as low as -21. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south southwest. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

New Year's Day: A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 11am. Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 10. Wind chill values as low as -24. South southwest wind between 5 and 7 mph."

A tad frigid for even the toughest of folk.  1 to 3 inches of new snow is not a draw with those chill factors....on the other hand....if there were 21 new inches....


Mountain Gear Tip #4:  Always pack chemical hand warmers.  Open them at home before the drive, let them warm over the heat vent, then shove them in the toes of your boots.  When you reach the mountain, take them from the boots (now toasty) and insert them into your mittens.  If the day is too warm for them, stash them in a pocket and give them to a chilled child that you encounter on the hill.

Chemical toe warmers are worthless because they need air to work and you WILL feel the wad in your boot.

If you get cold on the mountain, GO IN AND GET WARM!!!

Birthday

I made my mother miserable for Christmas.  That's her on Christmas in the top right corner and to the left, enlarged so you can better see the facial expression.

After waiting forever at the hospital with the delivery of my older sister, my wisened father refused to take my mother to the hospital until the very last moment when I entered the scene. 

Is there a more "down day" than the day after Christmas???  Exhaustion, clutter, nausea from sweets, etc. 

Credit must be given to my mother, however, because she invented my half birthday in June.  In December I was told "Happy Birthday" and got a candle in my pancake.  In June, I got the whole works.  This worked well during childhood when I had big birthday bashes scheduled by my mother.  Then there were the "in limbo years" where December brought, "I'll catch you in June" and June brought, "Didn't we do this in December?"

Now, I demand my due, by declaring ,"Did you know it's my birthday?" to everyone I encounter.  Random people sing to me, the loudspeaker at Macy's declares, "Happy Birthday to Marci," and all clerks are alerted by my enthusiastic sister.  This year, I had to teach at my church on the big day and I announced, "Just sing to me and we can all go home."  They didn't buy it.

Gift wrapping must be done in birthday paper, cards and presents are separate for Christmas and the birthday.  I'm lucky because all the relations are in town for the big day. 

This year a group of girlfriends took me out to lunch and we stayed for 4 hours.  The waiter stopped bringing us water so we had to leave.

My dear friend from up the street surprised me with a birthday box containing a shopping card that was used before the ink dried.

Each of my children and my sweet husband fussed properly over me.  Thanks to all.  I loved my day!

Christmas Eve

Highlights of the Laird Talent Show:  Rachel read about Yule Logs, Josh threw Megan through the air, Greg read a tribute "The Greatest Generation," Marci did 7 men's push-ups (after two months training, may I add), Charlotte and Maggie sang "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," Little Greg and Nathan did gymnastics, Denise handed out poppers, Dan shared doctorly x-rays of a broken wrist, Catherine sang, Lexi played guitar and sang, Grandma Jane read a book, Garth passed a pot, Grandpa Mel read a self-composed poem, Tyler performed magic, Katie and Garrett did a song with elbow tooters.

The white elephant exchange had an oriental flair this year.  Most embarassing gifts:  a black teddy and slippers.

Apology - Mountain Gear Tip #3

Dear Alta:
I apologize. I know that I committed to visit you today and that you were counting on me to grace your slopes. Holding that new 27 inches of fresh powder was very thoughtful of you, keeping it untracked and pristine. I was willing, but a certain family member was not. This person is now officially on my naughty list. Santa will not be happy.
Respectfully,
M.



Mountain Gear Tip #3 - Pockets and their placement are crucial: a minimum of four, easily accessible in a jacket (one on the inside left with zipper), three in the pants (one preferably on the knee. All pockets must be zippered with big pulls, maneuverable with mittened hands. Extra flaps and snaps are unnecessary and cause frustration when trying to snag hand heaters, gum, camera or chapstick. Pocket width must actually accommodate a human hand and be at an angle that does not require shoulder dislocation.

When purchasing anything with zippers, bring all items to the store that will go to the mountain and see if they can be stowed in pockets. If it doesn't work in the store, it will not work on the mountain. It will never get better and your mountain experience will be compromised. Don't forget to test sandwiches, granola bars and cookies in the pockets before you leave the store.

Powdered Sugar - Mountain Gear #2

Today at Solitude: 27 inches of fresh new powdered sugar.

Mountain Gear Tip #2

- The correct goggles make or break a mountain day.

- Never switch to a new pair on a powder day.

- Stick with your favorites for decades.

- One of the MOST IMPORTANT pieces of equipment.

- Cost does not equal great performance.

- Check for peripheral view.

- Never place in "on head" position if there's snow on your hat.

- If they fog, go faster or sweat less.

Birthday Boy

Three Zero
One of Nine
Number Five
Twelve Eighteen Eighty
B.S. Two Thousand Ten
M.B.A. Two Thousand Eleven
One Fine Guy
Heart U Josh

Kosher Salt/Flour & Mountain Gear #1

Today's snow at the Bird resembled a mix of Kosher salt and flour. Information shall be posted to inform readers about choices regarding mountain gear.

#1 - Hats are one of the least important and simple pieces of mountain gear. Look for a double layer over the ears and a tight weave to resist the 70 mph. winds on Little Cloud. Dangling tassels that flap in the breeze are always a nice touch. Avoid fuzzer hats as the little fuzzer nasties tend to stick to goggles in the "on head" position and then leap into eyeballs when positioned "on face." Collect hats, share hats, wash only when absolutely necessary. Correct choice can make one giggle and sing giddily on the mountain.