Monday, January 26
– Snowshoe whole day - Blizzard of '78, 37 years removed
Up at 715am. Started coffee. Brushed my teeth. David was
already up rearing to go. J After a quick cup of coffee I suited up for a run
and headed to the great outdoors. Not real sure what the terrain would be like.
It was in the mid 20s along with a few inches of fresh snow. Very pretty!
Initially ran south (I think). It started out fairly flat
but quickly became a significant downhill. I knew heading back up would be
taxing. I ran about a mile before turning around. Still downhill. I had to stop
twice for a quick breather on the ascent back up the hill. I think it’s fair to
say that my lung capacity isn’t what it used to be, though elevation might play
a role. Sitting somewhere near 4000’ at the lodge. Ran past the lodge about a half mile then back. Again,
very beautiful area and still snowing.
Back in the room Tommy was now up. Within the hour we
were geared up for another day of skiing. David was ready first and headed out
while Tommy and I finished our ready. In my first day haste, I misplaced my
wallet. I was 99% sure I had it in the room the night before but couldn’t find
it anywhere. Crap! I looked everywhere but where it was. I even asked Tommy to go check by the hot tub though it would’ve been very unlike
me to take my wallet.
While he was off searching the pool/hot tub area, I
remembered to look in my big Nike bag. Yep, there it was. Crisis averted! Soon
met David at the shuttle stop out front of Silver Creek lodge. Met a zealous
Buckeye fan from the Cleveland area.
Skied a few trails off Ballhooter which once again was
the busiest lift in the park. Still snowing at a good clip. Too. Word had it,
expecting 8-10”. Yippie! Visibility was come and go with mountain fog moving in
and out at various elevations. Eventually made our way to the Soaring Eagle
Express lift at the resorts furthest southern extremity. Hardly any lines at all,
powdery runs, especially along the snow coated conifers. Skied Sawmill,
Widowmaker and Camp 99.
David took a rough spill complete with a yard sale on our
initial run down Widowmaker. Said he got a face full of snow and then some.
Thankfully, aside from a bruised behind and ego he was fine, though his spirits
were severely dampened. After another handful of runs I figured we needed to
break if for no other reason to turn the mood. We opted to break at the Hoot
bar & grill, right there at the top of the Soaring Eagle lift.
Nice place. I enjoyed two beers and bowl of potato soup.
Yum! After lunch we headed out for more skiing. The break served its purpose.
David was in a far better place after our break. Skied hard for the next couple
hours. I must’ve skied Sawmill and Widowmaker 10 times. Very, very fun!
Had my heart set on making it over to the Western
Territory, the resorts signature slopes with 1700’ of vertical. David agreed to
go with me. Tommy elected not. Before going over, however, I had to sit on a
bench and remove my right boot. My two small toes were aching and almost numb.
The break did the trick.
David and I got separated atop Western Express. I went
left towards Shay’s revenge. I was very surprised when I turned around and
found no one … I mean no one. Very eerie feeling. I took in the stunning snowy
vistas about the time that the sun briefly pierced an otherwise completely
cloudy sky. It was a commune with the universe moment.
By the time we met up at the bottom and rode back up it
was too late to catch another run and lift ride. It closes at 415pm. Dang it!
We skied another run or two and then headed into town to the Cheater pizzeria.
We ordered a family salad and large meat lovers pizza along with a couple more
pints. Again good food and beer. Shuttled back to the Silver Creek lodge near
6pm. Knowing that if we headed back to the room, we’d likely not make it back
out, David and I opted to do a little night skiing while Tommy headed in. It
was snowing hard and getting cold but the runs were fantastic. I’ll bet we did
8-10 runs. What a blast that was. The snow was such that I skied full-on go!
For my money, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Around 7pm David and I headed back to the condo. More
snow and cold expected overnight. After a little Gatorade we once again headed
for the hot tub and sauna. This time I took only water, which they were willing
to allow at the hot tub. After four beers and some George Bailey on the slopes,
I was happy with Gatorade and water.
Between the hot tub and sauna, we spent about 30 minutes.
Back to the room for some goofy TV and popcorn. Called Mindy again too. Like
the evening before, called twice, the last just before bed. Funny, I was dosing
from the sofa but wide awake once in my bed. I considered getting up and
heading out to watch more TV but didn’t. I was the only one without a TV in my
room. No biggie.
Tuesday, January
27
Up at 715am again. David already up. Made strong coffee.
Only 7 degrees and still snowing. Completely fogged in though, too. Because of
the bluster and fog, I opted to run inside on the treadmill. David walked down
with me. He headed to the café where to take advantage of the complimentary
continental breakfast (mini muffins, cereal, juice – about it). I ran 3.25
miles on the treadmill. I wisely turned the TV on before getting going but
failed to tune to a ‘good’ channel. Watched a Bissell infomercial through my
entire run!
Back in the room Tommy was now up. Before long, David
gathered his things and then said he didn’t think he’d be skiing, though said
he was gonna stick around until 11am or so to give the fog time to clear. Next
thing I know, he stops by my room to tell me goodbye. Had his car loaded,
scraped and warming just outside the lodge entrance. Wow! OK.
I asked Tommy his preference – ski or not ski. I was
indifferent. We skied hard both Sunday & Monday. Neither one of us was
interested in skiing in the fog – white out. Ugh!!!! We opted to get an early start for home too. Another
fifteen minutes I was completely packed. Headed out to scrape and warm the
Pilot. Pulled up to the door once it thawed.
On the road by 1030am. Still brutally cold, windy and
fogged in atop the mountain but no sooner had we started down the hill to
Snowshoe Rd we could see approaching blue skies! I offered that we turn around
and go get us some of dat! Tommy wasn’t into to it. Truth is, by then, I was
set on getting home at a reasonable hour too. We stopped to fill-up at our
first opportunity which was about 10 miles from the lodge. Easy drive home. The
weather was sunny for the first couple hours – partly cloudy from then on and
aside from the initial descent down the hill from the lodge, dry pavement.
Made excellent time. Dropped Tommy at home near 325pm.
Filled up Mindy’s gas tank again just before home at the Circle K. Got home
near 4pm to sunny skies but plenty of snow (5 inches fell Monday which was a
snow day for Mindy and the kids). Had ½ my stuff unpacked by the time Mindy got
home from school.
Mindy opted to keep Bella home from gymnastics due to her
having a cold/cough. Jacob stayed home ill and was in bed. Didn’t see even a
peek of him until Wednesday. Relaxing evening at home.
Wednesday, January
28 – Challenger day 29 years removed – Bella adoption Day
Cold! A chilly 7 degrees at rise time. Mostly clear so it
felt even colder. No biggie. It’s winter!
Jacob came in our room around 5am pleading with Mindy
that he was still sick.
I was up and out of bed by 630am. Planned to work across
town. Bella & Mindy were off to school at 650am and 715am respectively. Did
my usual routine: exercise, meditation and stretch ahead of a run. Did a little
work from home too. Didn’t head out on a run until almost 830am. Ran 4 miles.
Planned to work across town after walking the dog,
breakfast and a shower. Left the house near 10am.
I had a 310pm appointment scheduled with Dr March in
Arlington scheduled for 310pm to have a crown placed. Yes folks, I am royalty!
Figured to leave new Albany no later than 230pm.
Worked from customer’s campus for 4+ hours. As planned, I
left for my dental appointment near 230pm. Figured to join our weekly staff
call either from home or on the way home, depending on how long the appointment
took. Arrived 20 minutes early. As usual, Dr March got me right away. I shared
my goal to be home and on a call by 4pm. Dr March figured to have me outta
there in 20 minutes! Sweet!
Numbed me up a ‘short duration’ concoction. Didn’t take
long and the crown fit in perfectly with nu fuss or muss. Good job, Dr March!
Outta there by 325pm. I hurried home taking an incoming call from Mindy along
the way. Home by 340pm, I quickly got situated for the staff call only to
discover that my boss had to push it out 45 minutes due to another call he was
on going way over.
Mindy was home with her mom in tow by 350pm. We were
celebrating Bella’s adoption day that evening with friends and family. Most
were told to come over around 6pm. I asked Mindy and the kids to keep the noise
down through my staff call which lasted until 535pm.
Mindy ordered pizzas and subs from Sporano’s. Guests
began arriving just ahead of 6pm. Jodie, Larry, mawmaw, Joe, Tommy, Wally, Bob
Imber, Phyllis, Chris and Tamera and their two boys, Nathan & Jack, Darwin,
Connie, Collin and Breck, Molly, and Jim’s parents (Jimaken couldn’t be there
due to business travel in Nashville).
For some time, Mindy and I planned to give Bella her
first cell phone as an adoption day gift, though we can’t get her on the plan
until after Feb 10, so we printed off a pic of an iPhone 5 and put that in a
card. She was happy but perhaps not as much as expected.
With so many guests, Mindy ordered two more pizzas after
the first batch arrived. Turned out, we had enough without em. No biggie. Can
you say leftovers! Guests were gone by 8pm. Nephew Joe stuck around a while
longer. I did most of the clean-up while chatting. Polished off a growler of
Bodhi I’ve had since Xmas eve. Surprised that it was still fresh and tasty even
after being opened Friday evening, Jan 2.
To bed near 10pm.
Thursday, January
29 Icy roads
Out of bed I planned to work from the Hilliard office but
with icy roads and walks my plans changed to working from home. Mindy and the
kids had school which was somewhat surprising given the extremely slippery
conditions.
Headed out for a run around 845am but quickly changed my
mind given that the drive, roads and walks were a solid sheet of ice. Temps
were expected to warm to near 40 within a couple/few hours. I figured to run
near lunch time, which was a far safer proposition.
Stayed busy with work until noon time. By then it was 40
degrees and I could see that the icy roads had all but melted away. That’s when
I headed out for a run. Ran 4 miles. Despite the meltage, I was very careful
with my footing as there were still a few icy patches scattered about.
There wasn’t a chance in hell that I wasn’t going to get
my run in, but felt a huge sense of relief to finally have it behind me. Had a
call scheduled with my boss to review my 2015 goals/objectives, but he
rescheduled last minute for Friday midmorning.
Spent the late morning and afternoon working remote. With Bella still sporting a cough and the
weather taking a turn for the worse after the dinner hour, Mindy nixed
gymnastics. Relaxing evening at home.
Friday, January 30
– CBC/Barley’s – Ben &Ryan
Woke to light snow near 610am. The kids and Mindy soon
off to school. All along, my plan was to work from home just as I do most
Friday’s anymore. Headed out for a run near 830am. By then the snow had all but
stopped, but it was still pretty chilly, only 22 degrees. Wasn’t expected to
get nay warmer. Instead, expected the temps to drop slowly into the teens.
Met with my boss via phone call. Lasted no more than
10-15 minutes.
Mindy and I swapped cars so I could make a Lowes/Home
Depot run at lunch. I thought I might even make a run up to Menards’s in Lewis
Center to pick-up our basement bath vanity. Also kicked around a stop at
ASBCO. I wasted about an hour searching
high and low for my ASBCO gift card. By then it was well after 12 noon, and
there wasn’t any way I could afford to be away from work long enough to make
all of those stops. I nixed all but the Lowes and Home Depot run. Headed out
around 1pm. Stopped at Home Depot first, where I picked up a couple specialty
trim boards for the basement stairwell. Looked at toilets too, We need one
designed to fit a 10” rough-in as opposed to the standard 12” rough-in. They
had only one at Home Depot for $180. I wanted to check Lowes before buying.
Turned out that Lowes didn’t have even one, at least at their Hilliard
location. Picked up a roll of electric green duct tape too with designs on
wrapping my dull ski poles. Back home by 2pm where I finished out my work day.
Kids and Mindy were home from school later afternoon. It
was supposed to be a Jimaken weekend. He came to pick-up the kids near 5pm.
Beyond a ski day at MRM on Saturday, Mindy and I didn’t have much planned. I
finally got a shower around 6pm. Until then, we hadn’t even discussed our
Friday night plans. Mindy wanted to visit CBC. I was more drawn to barley’s, or
possibly even Four Strings but opted to appease her tastes. ON our way to CBC
she sent a text to Ben & Ryan who responded that they were going to
Barley’s. Mindy offered that we might stop there on our way home.
CBC lot full. Parked at a meter directly across the
street Bar crowded, only one stool available. I stood while Mindy sat, but only
for a couple minutes. Soon the folks nearest us left. Yeah! No Bodhi on tap,
but sadly that’s become the norm rather than the exception. That said, their
guest drafts are some of the best anywhere for my finicky palate. I opted for a
White Rajah draft. Yum!
We had just one drink each along with some bread before
bagging CBC in favor of meeting Ben & Ryan at Barley’s. We don’t often
leave so soon. Kate and Jamie asked if everything was OK. Yes. Arrived at
Barley’s just a few ticks before 8pm. Aside from Ben & Ryan, not a lot of
regulars on hand. Gone, I suppose, are the days when the bar was packed with
Friday night regulars. Enjoyed a Centennial and a Double Dog. Ordered food, mea
brisket quesadilla, Mindy their equivalent of sliders only with brisket and
chicken.
There for about 90 minutes before offering that Ben &
Ryan should stop by our place before home. We hung out at our place till
midnight or so, throwing back a few more bottled White Rajah’s. I cracked open
my single barrel Jack Daniels that Mindy bought me for my birthday for Ben. I
didn’t drink any. Fair to say that Ben wasn’t feeling any pain when the left
for home. They even contemplated staying in the guest room. Ryan was fine and
drove home.
Saturday, January
31 – Bluebird MRM tragedy strikes
Friday night just before bed, Mindy warned that I was
destined for a hangover, but I stressed otherwise. For one, I’d had only five
or 6 beers and that was over about the same amount of hours. Two, I’d eaten
well, and after two beers, so I had a good base.
To that end, I was up and ready to get my day rollin’ by
8am. Admittedly, I was a little sleepy at first but otherwise fine. Enjoyed
coffee and internet for more than an hour before heading out on a run. It was
cold but sunny – only 14 degrees. Nice 3 mile run.
Mindy was awake shortly after my return. By the time I
was back from walking the pug, she had our ski boots and bags by the door. We
took our time readying for our ski day, not getting out the door until 1150am.
Sent Tommy a text asking if he and Wally were coming up.
Nope. Not this time. Easy drive. Bluebird day. Temps warming quickly and
expecting the afternoon high to top 32 degrees. MRM was packed. Are trolling
the lot for several minutes, we ended parking all the way down near the tubing
lot, which might be the furthest we’ve ever had to walk. It was approaching
1250pm by the time we left the Pilot geared up.
As we approached the ski shop entrance two ambulances
pulled up, but not near the red cross building where they usually pull up. As
we got closer an employee diverted those of us walking up to cut through the
building. Being several paces in front of Mindy, I stood there by the door
looking at what was going on. I saw them literally plop a larger fella from a
ski park gurney onto an ambulance gurney. What struck me was how he just
plopped onto the new gurney like dead weight. A large crown surrounded the
ordeal so it was hard to see. I didn’t stick around. Once Mindy caught up we
moved on through the building as asked.
After a quick bathroom break she and I were on the lift
headed up. It was 1pm. Skied a run before hooking up with the Cubra’s, who were
just coming off of a break. They often get there between 930-10am. Spotted Mr
Imber too, who was in the singles line. Didn’t hook up with Bob for another run
or three. We skied for approximately 2.5 hours before taking a break. Despite
the large crowd, the lines weren’t that bad. The snow conditions left something
to be desired, and truth be told, I was a little sorry that I gave Tommy my
carving skis. They would’ve been ideal for the icy conditions. This being my 4th
visit this season, and if memory serves, three of four have been icy. Last year
conditions were exceptional – lots of fresh, fluffy, chunked up snow days. Made
me consider buying another pair of carvers.
Took a break near 330pm. At ski-check I ran into old
friend Joyce C. (Whitney’s stepmom). She and I have been friends since pre
Kelly days. Very sweet. We chatted for a while, she introducing me to one of
her two daughters who is very cute. It’s that Italian bloodline.
Inside, we struggled to find an available table, but just
as she often does, Mindy scrounged one by hovering. By the time I had a pitcher
of IPA and a coffee and Bailey’s in hand, she was flagging me over. Sweet!
Talked with Sam, long time MRM employee who cleans up in the lodge, He shared
that the guy they took off the mountain when we arrived had a heart attack
after participating in the racing that was going on that afternoon. Wow! Said
he finished well and was talking then dropped. Yikes! Wasn’t sure of his
status.
We were eventually joined by the Cubra clan, and then
shortly before heading back out, Bob I and his friend Jedd and family. They
pretty much over took our table even before we were ready to go out. Opted to
not say anything. We must’ve did 5 or 6 more runs before calling it a night.
The conditions were such that we were a little concerned about getting hurt on
the icy snow. That and the number of rookies on the slope were enough to drive
us away.
Our last run down, I was mindful enough to ski all the
way over to the ski rental area which sets at the far eastern edge of the park,
and about as close as one could get to our faraway parking spot. As such, I was
all but degeared by the time Mindy showed up. And she wasn’t too pleased. Said
she was looking all over for me. Sorry, dear!
I’m guessing that we were home by 630pm. We had no plans.
After walking the dog I made myself a snack – Triscuits, cheese, hot pepper
rings and tuna salad. We lit a fire too. Nice! Watched three episodes of
Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet. Opted for only ice water. Headed for bed
near 10pm.
Sunday, February 1
– Save Big Money @ Menard’s
Up near 8am. Before I could slip out of the room, Mindy
asked that I bring coffee. Above freezing, but just barely. It was 34 degrees.
Expecting a high in the mid-30s with yet another Sunday night/early Monday snow
storm in the forecast. Some weather prognosticators were calling for as much as
8” while others just about an inch. Per the usual, central Ohio was straddling
the line between snow and rain.
Enjoyed coffee and internet for about 45 minutes before
taking Mindy a cup of coffee. By then it was approaching 9am. At her prompting,
we snuggled for 45 minutes or so before I headed back downstairs to stretch and
ready for a run.
Ran 3 miles. Easy run. Upon my return, I asked Mindy if
she’d be willing to run up to Menard’s with me to look for a basement bathroom
vanity. She agreed as long as I agreed to go grocery shopping with her
afterwards. Sure! I like grocery shopping. Over the next hour we both got
showers. I woofed down a small piece of leftover Sporano’s sub. I was famished!
Left for Menard’s near noon. As far as I know, there are
only two Menard’s in Columbus – one near Easton and the other on Rt. 23 near
Alum Creek in Lewis Center. I wanted to visit the Lewis Center store (nicer).
Far away but an easy drive around 270 and up Rt 23. We
agreed on a vanity right away. While checking on availability, we looked at
adding a “vessel” sink bowl, too. We found one we loved but unfortunately, they
don’t stock them. Requires special order – ship to store. They also didn’t have
the top we wanted/need (2cm black granite). No mind. I planned to get it from
the same vendor we’ll use for the basement kitchen counter.
When it was all said and done, we’d dropped about $500.
We loaded the vanity into the Pilot then headed southwest. On the drive home
Mindy decided that I didn’t need to go grocery shopping with her as agreed.
Think she wanted to go alone. I was good with that. That way I could work in the
basement some. It’s the project that never ends. J Together, we carried
the vanity inside. While Mindy used the facilities, I carried it the rest of
the way downstairs – actually slid it down the steps. Easy!
Soon Mindy was off to the grocery and I was in the
basement working on the floor trim. Mounted the many pieces I’d cut and painted
over the past week. That went OK, though I was a little frustrated that the
joints in some cases weren’t as tight as they seemed when cut to fit. Seems
once the trim boards are nailed tightly to the wallboard changes the fit.
Once that was completed, I cut a few more pieces (not
that much left to cut). I needed to trim the outside face of the stairwell, the
mid-room support post, and then the bathroom. Once Mindy was home, I showed her
what I discovered with the plumbing rough-in. Bottomline, the cold water line
was coming in the back of one of the two onboard drawers, and both hot and cold
were about a half an inch too low - hitting the lower edge of the opening.
Ugh!!!
No way around it. I’d have to cut into the wall and move/relocate
the water lines. Not the end of the world but another hurdle to overcome, and
one I hadn’t anticipated. Mindy heard my sailor swearing from the basement.
Between the vanity plumbing and the trim joints mismatches, I was irritated
enough to express my frustration via swearing.
Must’ve been near 545pm when Mindy called me to dinner.
By then the kids were home and my dad was over. I knew the kids were home. I
didn’t know that dad was over. We were having Jean’s chicken, a recipe Mindy
got from a friend – presume it was from Jean. J
Really good dinner (chicken, mashed potatoes, cooked
carrots and salad). Talked with dad about his ongoing battle with vertigo.
Still experiencing symptoms but medicating with over the counter drugs.
Dad asked about my ski trip to Snowshoe and then about
mom. Ding dinner we tuned into the Super Bowl. Didn’t kick-off until we were
done eating. I didn’t have a foregone favorite per se, but wanted/expected the
Patriots to win. I predicted 30-23.
At some point I showed dad my vanity dilemma as well as
the rest of my progress or lack thereof. He let me know that he got a tour last
Monday while I was skiing Snowshoe. Dad stuck around until 730pm best guess. He
took the extra recycling we had in the garage.
After dad left, I split my time between watching the
Super Bowl and painting trim in the basement. I rejoined the family for most of
the 2nd half. Exciting finish. Bottom line, the Patriots won in the
final seconds with a goal line interception. For Seahawk fans, that ending had
to sting! L
Mindy headed to bed right after the finish. Jacob and I
remained up watching the postgame interviews and celebrations. Headed to bed
near 11pm.
