On March 20, 2009 at 0744 EDT (that's 4:44 am here in the Wet Northwest) the Sun will cross directly over the earth's equator. This is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (autumnal equinox for Spencer B down in Coffs Harbour Australia) - and spring 2009 begins.
I'm unclear, as usual, as to how the entire winter has managed to race past me and once again I have failed to ski every single lift in the state of Washington. I'll put it on my calendar for next winter.
We still have a good four weeks of skiing left, more if we venture into B.C, but it's time to pull the backpack and tent out of the closet and start making plans for those hiking trips. In the meantime, pack a few more snow adventures into your weekends.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Update 16 March
I've been out of touch for a bit while enjoying a trip to Utah for SkiPalooza2009. We had outstanding conditions for this trip and sampled the skiing at four different resorts. I can see why people move to Salt Lake City just to have access to the incredible number of ski hills.This year's trip had six participants - Martin from Leavenworth, Zeke from Boise, Blake from Boise, David from West Seattle, Steve from all the way back in Pennsylvania, and me. We rented a house on the eastern edge of Salt Lake City that provided enough room for all of us although we could use a bit more space for future trips.
We started the trip with a visit to Solitude - 
a beautiful day with lots of new snow, this is a very nice location with a nice variety of terrain and lots of steeps and was quite exciting. When the sun is shining as much as it was on this day, it would be hard to find problems with anyplace.
a beautiful day with lots of new snow, this is a very nice location with a nice variety of terrain and lots of steeps and was quite exciting. When the sun is shining as much as it was on this day, it would be hard to find problems with anyplace.On Sunday we made a bit of a drive to SnowBasin - I simply can't say enough about this place. From the incredible experience of skiing the Grizzly Downhill - from the 2002 Winter Olympics, to the widely varied terrain, and with the nicest on-mountain lodges I've ever visited, this place will most certainly be on the list for next year's visit. It also has the nicest restrooms I've ever seen on a ski hill - maybe anywhere. The food on the mountain was incrediblely good and unbelievably well priced. You must try this place !!!!
Monday we went to Deer Valley and hooked up with my friend Bill Drummond who is working there as a ski instructor this winter. The snow was falling so hard I never even pulled my camera out of my jacket pocket. We were lucky to have Bill along because with the poor visibility we would have been lost pretty much the entire time. It was hard enough with the foot or so of new snow and with trying to keep up with Bill as he led us down the steeps and through the trees. A great day - thank you Bill! Getting home that afternoon was also a challenge since the road back to Salt Lake was plugged from the snowstorm.
Our last ski day was at Snowbird, a place we also visited last year. What started out as a bit of a frustrating day, with delays and a lost ticket that had to be repurchased, turned into a fabulous experience with terrific snow, lots of sun, and thanks to 5 hour energy, a full day of endless skiing that didn't include stopping for lunch. We got to ride through the tunnel that connects the front of the mountain to Mineral Basin - an interesting experience - 
Everyone made it home on Wednesday without incident - a great end to a great trip.
Everyone made it home on Wednesday without incident - a great end to a great trip.
I can't wait for 2010!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jamie's Current Status - VERY GOOD!!
Greetings All. I apologize for being somewhat tardy in this latest posting, but once we managed to get Jamie out of the hospital and home, life seemed to run away from me a bit and I've been somewhat busy.
The short status is that she is doing very, very well. She seems pretty much exactly like the same little girl we took to the hospital a week ago and is healing nicely from the extensive incision across her scalp. At some point she's going to view this scar with some pride - those of us who have a few can appreciate that - but right now she is still self conscious about it.
A visit to the doc this morning provided a positive review although he does want her to continue to lay low for another week. She should be back in school by the 16th of the month.
Thanks again to everyone for all your incredible support for all of us this week.
The short status is that she is doing very, very well. She seems pretty much exactly like the same little girl we took to the hospital a week ago and is healing nicely from the extensive incision across her scalp. At some point she's going to view this scar with some pride - those of us who have a few can appreciate that - but right now she is still self conscious about it.
A visit to the doc this morning provided a positive review although he does want her to continue to lay low for another week. She should be back in school by the 16th of the month.
Thanks again to everyone for all your incredible support for all of us this week.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday 11AM
A better morning today. Jamie was moved out of the Intensive Care Unit late yesterday and now is resting well in a quiet room. Reports from the medical teams are all pretty good with a positive prognosis.
She goes for some physical and cognitive testing today to determine if there are any issues lurking in the shadows that we've not yet identified. Initial results from that should be coming later today. She's had a lot of company and seems to be improving but is still pretty beat up from a very invasive surgery. Keep the good thoughts coming.
Suzanne told me about an encounter she had yesterday that was, in her words, "a moment". I thought I'd share it with you.
In the ICU was a young man in the next bed who was terribly injured from a gunshot. The bullet made a long trip through him and caused massive damage internally. For the entire time we were in the ICU, he was there, unconscious, on a ventilator, surrounded by family. It was a large group that appeared to be brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and probably friends. There was always a big group present; he was strongly supported and obviously much loved. Suzanne and his mother were both at the bedsides of their respective children for much of the time.
At one point, Suzanne said she looked up and into the eyes of the other mother standing next to her son. They don't speak the same language so nothing was said. Nothing needed to be said. The look in their eyes revealed what was in their hearts - revealed how hard this was. A mother's love for her child is like nothing else. In that instant, between them, they shared the same physical and emotional space. It is so hard to watch your child suffering. So hard to be so powerless. For only the space of a few seconds - and without words, all the space between people and cultures and politics and beliefs was spanned. For that instant it was clear that whatever you see on the outside, there is no difference on the inside. That most basic of human emotion - love - knows no division. Neither age nor race nor spiritual belief matters. One, and the same. It was a moment...
She goes for some physical and cognitive testing today to determine if there are any issues lurking in the shadows that we've not yet identified. Initial results from that should be coming later today. She's had a lot of company and seems to be improving but is still pretty beat up from a very invasive surgery. Keep the good thoughts coming.
Suzanne told me about an encounter she had yesterday that was, in her words, "a moment". I thought I'd share it with you.
In the ICU was a young man in the next bed who was terribly injured from a gunshot. The bullet made a long trip through him and caused massive damage internally. For the entire time we were in the ICU, he was there, unconscious, on a ventilator, surrounded by family. It was a large group that appeared to be brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and probably friends. There was always a big group present; he was strongly supported and obviously much loved. Suzanne and his mother were both at the bedsides of their respective children for much of the time.
At one point, Suzanne said she looked up and into the eyes of the other mother standing next to her son. They don't speak the same language so nothing was said. Nothing needed to be said. The look in their eyes revealed what was in their hearts - revealed how hard this was. A mother's love for her child is like nothing else. In that instant, between them, they shared the same physical and emotional space. It is so hard to watch your child suffering. So hard to be so powerless. For only the space of a few seconds - and without words, all the space between people and cultures and politics and beliefs was spanned. For that instant it was clear that whatever you see on the outside, there is no difference on the inside. That most basic of human emotion - love - knows no division. Neither age nor race nor spiritual belief matters. One, and the same. It was a moment...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday 10am
The bad news today seems limited to Seattle area traffic caused by a teeny snowfall. In the hospital, reports are much more favorable. Although I can't say how much, I do know that both girls managed to get some sleep last night. For Suzanne it was the first since this episode began on Tuesday morning so they both seemed much happier today.
Jamie is experiencing some predicted mood swings which make for a very interesting time for Suzanne. Although I've never seen it (it almost appears to be reserved for her mom) Jamie will bounce from one emotional extreme to the next in a matter of moments. We have been told that his is to be expected and will subside over the next few days. Overall, Jamie seems to be improving and as of yet shows no outward signs of bruising. We have been advised that this will still come along with some swelling - it just hasn't shown up yet.
Suzanne's sisters Christine and Audra left this morning to return to their lives back east. Their presence here was a real blessing so things for all their help and positive energy. For all the calls and emails and cosmic good wishes from all of you - thank you very much.
Jamie is experiencing some predicted mood swings which make for a very interesting time for Suzanne. Although I've never seen it (it almost appears to be reserved for her mom) Jamie will bounce from one emotional extreme to the next in a matter of moments. We have been told that his is to be expected and will subside over the next few days. Overall, Jamie seems to be improving and as of yet shows no outward signs of bruising. We have been advised that this will still come along with some swelling - it just hasn't shown up yet.
Suzanne's sisters Christine and Audra left this morning to return to their lives back east. Their presence here was a real blessing so things for all their help and positive energy. For all the calls and emails and cosmic good wishes from all of you - thank you very much.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Jamie Update Wed 10am
Jamie has been roused from her lengthy sleep and a bit earlier this morning had the vent turned off and the tube removed. She responded by giving me a pouty lip and saying "the only thing that will make me feel better is if you get me a new puppy". I think she's going to be ok.
Suzanne was also visibly more relaxed and animated today after an exceedingly stressful day yesterday. The cause of all this problem - the AVM in the brain - has been completely removed. Things are looking pretty good.
Jamie will stay in the ICU for a while longer since there are still things that need to be monitored and she will need to stabilize, but we're feeling pretty confident right now.
To all you who have expressed your concern and support - thank you. For the prayers and positive energy sent our way - thank you. We have a wonderful family and fabulous friends. I count myself a very rich man as a result.
Suzanne was also visibly more relaxed and animated today after an exceedingly stressful day yesterday. The cause of all this problem - the AVM in the brain - has been completely removed. Things are looking pretty good.
Jamie will stay in the ICU for a while longer since there are still things that need to be monitored and she will need to stabilize, but we're feeling pretty confident right now.
To all you who have expressed your concern and support - thank you. For the prayers and positive energy sent our way - thank you. We have a wonderful family and fabulous friends. I count myself a very rich man as a result.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Jamie Update 5:45 PM
We just talked with the docs after they looked at the angiogram. Everything is looking very good - the entire AVM was removed. Jamie is still intubated and will remain sedated through the night. They plan to awaken her in the morning, allowing them to maintain a high degree of stability overnight and enabling her to rest. So far, this has gone completely according to plan.
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