Three Generations On The Slopes!

“I can’t wait to go skiing with Grandpa!” my youngest exclaimed, as we made the one-hour drive to Brockville.

We’d spend the night at my parent’s and then travel to Mount Pakenham, a small ski hill that’s just the perfect size for a pair of budding downhill skiers.

Last year, my daughters had finally given the green light to fulfill a wish that’d been in my heart for quite some time. That was to share my love of this winter activity. This year was even better!  They were going to share it with their seventy-seven-year-old Grandpa!

I wanted to get a photo of all four of us, but my phone was acting up. I had to settle for two separate photos taken last year. 

This man has been an inspiration for me because he’s still doing things that require a great deal of physical health and mobility. Credit genetics, diet, or the many years he’s spent working at physical jobs, but I’m just happy we could share this experience.

It was a great day on the slopes, with a few spills, though nothing serious, and some frosty weather. Memories were built that I hope will be ingrained for a lifetime.

The ‘Old Guy’  and his two pupils on their first skiing adventure, taken last winter. Don’t worry, I’ve moved into the 21st century and now wear a helmut. Makes the goggles a bit less goofy looking, too! 🙂

I feel truly privileged and blessed for the opportunity to have had three generations cruising the runs together!

 

 

 

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A Cinquain about Home

 

Okay, so awhile back I tried my hand at some poetry (see A Fireside Tanka, Aug. 30), and today another attempt is being made. This is just a Cinquain about being content with your home and lifestyle, despite what society says.

On blocks or wheels, sanctuary for me

The world outside but a caustic soup

Campstove, canned ravioli, so content I’ll be

No stairs or room for a group

Mansions won’t move at the turn of a key

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Great To Be a Passenger!

Please don’t get me wrong, I love being an author! It’s great to play the role of creator, narrator, character, researcher, proofreader, and reader, all at once. 

Yet, to sit back and just read the written words of another, is so rejuvenating and relaxing!  It’s truly wonderful being a passenger and letting someone else drive the train!

To all of my fellow authors, readers, reviewers, and bloggers, I want to say a huge “Thank you!” 

Keep taking me on those journeys! 

Canucks in the Poconos!

I have to admit, the Poconos Mountains, in Pennsylvania, was not our first choice for a vacation spot. We had dreams of taking our kids across Canada, to the province of British Columbia, where we’d spent our honemoon, seventeen years ago. However, flights across Canada cost more than those to Europe.

Instead, we searched Airbnb and found a little gem. Nestled in the mountains was a three-bedroom guest house located on a horse ranch named, Pleasant Ridge Farm. It’s near the small village of Cresco. Within a relatively short drive, there were beaches, waterfalls, guided cave tours, hiking trails, horseback riding, an amazing live theater, and souvenir shops. The home was clean and cozy, and we were able to visit the barn to meet the horses and friendly staff. Our only gripes were the lack of a toaster, and the proximity of the manure pile to the house. It didn’t smell, but it was less than 200 feet from the back deck and clearly visible. Needless to say, we ate our meals inside.

I’m not going to bore you with every miniscule detail, or family snapshot of our trip, just a few photos with a caption. They are mainly awkward or funny signs, because, hey, this is supposed to be a writing blog. 🙂

 

This sign is posted along the driveway leading up to the ranch. It’s probably a joke, but I can hear some teeth grinding among the grammatical purists. That being said, isn’t it WAY GOODER to slow down and avoid a collision?

 

 

Beware of these kids! They SEE ALL and report EVERYTHING to Mom!

My finger itched for the nozzel of  a spray can! I wanted to place the word ‘For’ in between the words, ‘Watch’ and ‘Children.’ Anyone else plagued with that kind of OCD? Instead, I took the route that would have me sleeping in the guest house, rather than a jail cell, and made a joke of it. I wonder if it’s just an error in the translation from Pennsylvania Dutch?

 

Isabel shows her thoughts on her first horseback riding trip. Either that, or she’s demanding two scoops of the promised ice cream cone.

 

Please remember poor Gus and all geese. Without them, those who clean their poop from our parks would be out of a job.

 

So, being the “wise” father, while playing around on the rocks at the base of a waterfall, I cautioned the kids to be aware of their slippery nature. In a ‘Do as I say, but not as I do,’ parental faux-pas, I jumped from one to the other and got slimed. Amanda, smart enough not to leap, slipped and fell in what must have been an act of empathy. Needless to say, it was ‘Stain remover to the rescue!’

 

One of the trip’s highlights was taking in a live production at the Sight & Sound Theater, in Lancaster. The stage wrapped around the audience on both sides, with some of the sets matching the dimensions of small buildings! There were live camels, goats, doves, pigs, and even a dog, included in the performance. Being a Christian, I enjoyed the production entitled,  Jesus, the story of the life of Jesus from his birth to ressurection. I appreaciate that not everyone shares this belief, but the amazing effects and acting may entice you to visit.

Overall, it was a wonderful and memorable holdiay, spent with the most important people in my life!

Here are some links that may interest you:

Guest House at Pleasant Ridge Farm (Airbnb)

Sight & Sound Theater