Thursday, February 26, 2009

Powder day...



Getting up today with a couple of inches of snow reminded my of skiing, not just skiing but top notch "Powder days"...
Started skiing the Loup Loup ski bowl in the fourth grade, broke my leg that year, did not miss a year after that - this will be the first year I have not skied in 40 years!! What a ride though - here are a few of the most memorable:

Somewhere in the early 80's was going home think Pres weekend in Feb and thought why not Helicopter ski!! Called what was then "Liberty Bell Heli Skiing" and reserved a seat. They fly out of Mazama, once arriving we went through all the safety rules, learned how to use beacons loaded up and headed off. We flew up to 6000 ft started a base area and went up and down from there. The powder was deep, light and un-tracked -- beautiful. This was my first adventure in "Back Country" skiing it was unbelievable, this also was my first time in going off, what I call snow balls, or large snow covered rocks the size of cars - total blast. The funny thing is my skis were 200"s narrow and built for speed but somehow they worked just fine. And I wore wool overalls as ski pants yes looked like a snowman. If my memory serves me right we did 30,000 vertical feet for the day and the cost under $400.00 - can't do that today...

Sometimes you hit these powder days with blind luck... Just across the border in BC out of Oliver is a ski hill called Mt. Baldy my brother and I went up there on a whim from Okanogan. Once we got there the sky was blue, the temp was cold and the snow deep. We started down this run not knowing where we were going - it was awesome, steep, deep, un-tracked, as the snow with every turn flew over our faces, the bottom dropped out almost felt like free falling - we had just went over a steeper part of the run. As a matter of fact the next time we went down that run I stopped before the steep part just to get ready. With all this great skiing one of the things I remember is the wonderful Toffee they had in the lodge - the little things...

Everyone in our family went to Tahoe and were skiing around the area but staying in a house close to Heavenly. On about the third day we got up to a foot of new snow - Bradley had gotten a concussion the day before but that is another story - we were in line for the second Tram ride up. Now the Tram goes over a renowned run called Gunbarell, today it had over a foot of snow and was perfect. Once at the top we all flew down hollering all the way skiing un-tracked powder top to bottom - "Heavenly"...

Crystal Mt. we have skied there for over 25 years and hit many great days but this day sticks in my mind. Children under 10 ski free so we loved going there while the boys were under that age. Timing is everything on a powder day - Pam and I had been with the boys and when they went in for lunch I wanted to go into the Southback backcountry, now it takes most of the morning to get the backcountry open and by the time I got to the access gate it was just opening. This is one of my favorite hikes to "The King" the highest point at Crystal. Instead of skiing down a run called "Brain Damage" I went down to the second bench inched up to the edge and below me was 18" of un-tracked, steep terrain, ready for me to write my name - and that's just what I did...

Over the past 10 years Stevens Pass was our home mountain we had passes most of the years which allowed us to hit so many powder days it's hard to pick a few. Last year was a great year this one day they had not opened up the backside in two days again 18" of new snow - all of us were up there together but the boys wanted to ski the terrain park - Pam and I were just relaxing having a great time not thinking about much came to the top of Tyee chair (here is that timing thing) unloaded moved over to a patrolman where the rope was still up and "just cus" asked when do you think the backside will open? with a smile he looked at me and said it just did - needless to say Pam and I wrote our names down Corona Bowl. I have skied Steven's and know most every nook and cranny but my favorite was a traverse into the backcountry, just off Jupiter along the power lines to the skiers right. Can't tell you how many times I cut a trail in new snow or even 5 days after and found an unbelievable playground - call that T's run...

There are more so many more stories of skiing powder - the draw is the solitude, the peace, the beauty of being where few go - a "Powder day" I will miss this day!!!

picture - my 50th bday March 08 Stevens Pass.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Who are we...

Now here is something that can be debated: are we this spiritual, mental being? or are we this carbon, physical being? or both??

My road has seen many turns - yesterday my thought was this Buddhist "one with nature" thing. Our bodies and minds working in harmony creating the unique being - who we are.

Today I'm not sure anymore - my mental spirit is "spot on" as strong as ever. Will be sitting down and someone comes up and says "you look great" (my favorite come back - "never had any problem looking good" :) - it's those moments that almost allow me to forget, until it's time to move.

Then with all my abilities mental and physical try to move a part of my body, to no avail - just won't work. That's reality, that's when I question this harmonious partnership between mind and body.

At this point though - my thoughts go to my body which has always been the best tool I've ever owned. It has carried me in fine fashion all my life and has taken me miles down this road today. It won't give up - like, like "it's just a flesh wound" had to put that in "what are you going to do bleed on me"??

So, "who are we"?? Today I'm a spiritual, mental, carbon, physical being blessed to have another day!! all the while still searching...

Peace/Love T

Friday, February 20, 2009

Fun in the sun...


All this sun and warmer weather has me thinking of all the great fun we have had in the water around the state. The top three were taken over a weekend we saw "Tom Petty" great show and the weather was perfect - hot 105 out on the Columbia river and the water felt ohhh so good. Next pic shows one of our favorite lakes in NC Wash. We have jumped off this rock for years. Our dog comes along for a ride in Lake Washington and has a great time too. Last pic again at one of our favorite locations the water is perfect...

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

What a rush...

Now these words can take on many meanings but today they fit into the adrenalin category!!

We are lucky to have good friends but sometimes you need to use "good friend" carefully especially if they tried to put you in an early grave - not really but at the time, it seemed ending six feet under was a possibility. Guess thinking back I've been that "good friend" on occasion too...

We were at Banks Lake boating and my friend said "lets go jump off a rock" replying "no problem" we started off to the jump. Now we get there by boat and my "friend" says there it is - looking up at this cliff, thinking you have to be kidding... well not!!

Jumping in the lake from the boat we swam to the shore and started climbing up. On the way up my "friend" says "if you don't want to jump we can hike back down" - OK least there is an option. Just before we get to the top scrambling all the way I look at him and say "there is no going back is there"? Looking back all he had was this sinister smile, he needed to say nothing.

Once we get to the top - you must understand everything is bigger once you get to the top and look down - this jump is going to be well over 40 feet - a true pucker up. I looked over once stepped back looked at my "friend" said a couple choice words and ran off - realizing if I stayed and thought about it the harder it would be.

Down, down, down felt like an eternity, wind rushing by - then Boom - bubbles every where, stopping just before the dark water - thinking, just want to take a breath (little detail) see the light of the sky, kicked, popped up, took a deep breath, feeling pretty darn exhilarated my "friend" pops up next to me and with that same sinister smile says - "What a Rush"...

The beauty of this story is over the years since then my whole family and other friends have jumped off perfectly fine rocks - many hoots!!!

Peace/Love T

"My friend" -- "DP"

Monday, February 16, 2009

Poem for Emily...

Emily –

Life, love, peace…
What – who are these things,
We walk through life looking for love,
We find love then seek peace,
I am at peace…

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hugs...

Why is it as we mature (get older) the innocence of the hug goes away? Remember being that young child and how good that felt when we got a hug and as an adult gave a hug to a child - what happened?

Give someone a hug today - hugs are priceless...

XOXO's T

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Silver lining...

For me it's not only the generosity from many (which has been wonderful) but "re-connecting" with friends you have drifted from. We drift apart for many reasons family grows, move away, jobs, personal challenges and a host of other changes.

Then what happens is we feel we are different or they (friends, family) have changed and we won't have anything in common. If we sift through time what we really find is - we are the same and we can pick up right where we left off.

Sometimes though it takes stepping out of our comfort zones to take a risk, the risk that there is not any connection today - that's OK. We aren't looking for best friends but looking to see how you are doing?, what you have been up to? very sincere... Now there could be a dinner date here and you could rekindle an old relationship - nothing but good things could come from this.

So what's the point!! there has to be a friend, family member someone you made a connection with that would thoroughly enjoy hearing from you.

Our lives have taken us down many different paths/roads some of which will lead us to our "silver lining" - if we give it a chance...

Peace/Love T

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Nieces, Nephews, Youth...


Was talking to a woman who had a strong opinion about the youth today and it was not favorable. It was shocking to hear someone so against our youth and so worried that the future "young people" who will be running our world will not have the skills to do so.

Isn't it amazing how perception and personal experience can taint even the most innocent of us. For me my opinion and perception is about as far away from this as can be. I swell up with pride regarding our youth my association has been nothing but stellar...

That doesn't mean that all the young men and women that I have had the pleasure to meet are perfect - hardly but there is and always will be a open, non-judgemental adult willing to listen to them.

My opinion is: there is and will be some very bright, motivated, sincere young people ready to contribute to society and we as adults have an obligation to provide them a positive, open platform to succeed.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Truths...

Fell Friday after a great evening with Pam, yelled and laughed - enjoyed the rest of the weekend with friends. Went to a ALS support group today and even with good intentions walked away with a clear picture of truth.

Have been working hard to stay positive for anyone who reads this, so you want to come back - well today will be different, today will be truth.

Since falling Friday the realization of the illness has set in. As much as you want to think it's OK - it's not. My right side which has been carrying me is going and it may seem fast but I have been able to make it this far by adapting and using all my physical and mental strength. Going to the meeting we talk about reality, the inevitability of this illness and it hits home.

We had discussions like these: have your emergency papers in order, body lifts for someone to move you, hot spots while laying, feeding tubes, no movement, and a host of others.

With the changes the next topics will be "share the care" a book written to help those with tough illnesses. The support has been unbelievable but the support tomorrow will be even more important. This is a huge challenge for me and anyone who knows me but by working together we all can get through this and minimize the hurt.

Truth is - this is a tough draw and your help and support have been instrumental in keeping the positive attitude.

Take from this a reality check, take from this hope, take from this we are better for knowing each other - take from this "the truth"...







Thursday, February 5, 2009

Way to go Einstein...


Remember those, those great one liners giving each other a bad time? Just thinking though "way to go Einstein" really is a complement - couple others are "no s--- sherlock" and an old fav "smooth move exlax"... well guess you would have to be there to get it...

That reminds me - my son had some of his friends over sitting at the table and they were just talking enjoying themselves I was in the kitchen too listening - you know the "old guy" trying to not get noticed.

They started complaining about something, nothing really, totally insignificant and of course couldn't keep quiet said "that's just Tough Titty!!!" The look on those boys face's was priceless - first why was I even participating, second what the heck does "TT" mean??

Your kidding me you never heard that before - I exclaimed?? They were shaking their heads, shrugging their shoulders and laughing out loud. Suddenly realizing that "TT" is really old school and an Okanogan saying the boys would not have known the meaning.

You know you missed the mark when you need to explain what you mean/say although when one of the boys is around the "TT" comment gets thrown out with laughs and smiles always to be remembered.

It's these moments, these chance comments that we will paint pictures for us to cherish... There is another story with "OG" - that's for another time.

Peace/Love T

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Roll with the changes...


Going through this challenge has reached the core of my spirit and self. Everyday that we rise there is opportunity for us to look into the mirror and decide who/what do we want to be.

Granted there is pain inside and outside but for me it is pain that can be handled - what hurts most is how this pain transcends to family and friends. Nobody knows what to do but everyone wants to help. All of us are going through our own troubles too - so how do we look past these challenges and make everyday the best we can? million dollar question...


For me luv to tell stories, the bigger the better guess through telling these stories I'm able to cross from conscience to the sub-conscience, that self talk, that little guy telling stories to us that no-one, but us can hear.

If we can focus on just small things, small moments that are positive - we can make a better day. My body is changing daily and tomorrow scares the heck out of me but to think of the family, friends that are giving support ease the anxiety.

You never know when that moment of encouragement will appear - coming down this morning riding the lift a beautiful, peaceful, picture presented itself on the horizon as the sun was waking up the vibrant colors reached out and touched me allowing me to realize I will have the power to "roll with the changes"...

Peace/Love T

Monday, February 2, 2009

Live Music...




Luv music, luv live music and enjoy seeing out of the box musicians. This group called themselves "God's Favorite Beefcake" they are totally entertaining!! All the songs were original, a bit dark but original - combine that with playing a "saw", steel guitar, washboard, violin, and other various instruments - a great show.

Also, we were entertained by sword swallowing, 8" nail spike hammered into his nasal cavity and last but not least a fork stuck into his nasal cavity. You wanted not to watch, scream and turn your head away but for some sadistic reason - could not take you eyes off the show!!!

Combine this with the venue of "Official Bad Art Museum of Art" located in the "Cafe Racer" and you have a perfect evening of entertainment. The bad art is exactly that - paint by numbers, 7th grade projects, velvet pictures and everything in between.

After all this and "GFB" finished it was time for open microphone - the music never stopped flowing and originality was required.

Wonderful people, open arms atmosphere, complete enjoyment...