Cross Country Skiing

Mom's driveway

Even with all of the elder shenanigans we're embroiled in, Carl and I have been taking time to get in some much needed cross-country skiing.  We took advantage of temperatures in the twenties yesterday to ski the mile to Carl's folks and visit for a little while.

FIL was seated in his Lazy Boy, all ready for the Packer game.  The visiting nurses and physical therapists will still be coming to their house this week.  I can tell he's made a lot of progress in regaining his strength.  He asked if I would take him to his next doctor's appointment this week, so we made a date.

We left the in-law's house around 4PM and skied off into the sunset.  The snowmobile trails haven't been opened in our area yet due to poor snow conditions, but a few sleds were out nonetheless.  We used their tracks for our trail which made for easy going.

Long shadows on the farm

 The weather is supposed to change again, with temperatures in the 40's and rain predicted.  I am sorry to see our snow go so soon.  But, it is only mid-January, there's still hope for a bunch more white stuff.

  For Christmas, Carl treated me to a brand new pair of Salomon skis and boots. I had to buy new skis this year because my old ski boots cracked across the sole, and of course as technology advances, bindings are all different again.  I hope these last me for at least a few years.  They are the most expensive skis I've ever owned, and for once, I guess the old saying 'you get what you pay for' truly applies.  They are also the fastest skis I've ever owned.  I shudder to think what will happen when we ski on some of the hillier ski trails, I'm going to need a parachute to stop me on the downhill runs.

Home in the distance

 Instead of walking to Mom's, I've been skiing instead, taking the long way around the farm to make the trip last.  I've been in a bit of a funk lately and there's nothing like fresh air and the land to revive my spirits.  

I'm blessed to have this old farm to roam.