What's Good for the Soul...

...is good for the health. That's what I always say, and sure enough, it's true. Rich and I (and Kathy on Sunday) got up to Alta to enjoy the beautiful mountains, blue sky and warmer temps. We had a blast. It felt soooooooooo good to be out moving and being physical! It's been awhile since I've been skiing, felt really really good! I still have to take it easy, no hard falls for another week or so, but that's fine, as long as I'm out there doin' it, it's all good! It was also really great to get out of the inversion that has had the valley socked in for nearly three full weeks now - with no end in sight until maybe next weekend. An inversion is when cold air is trapped down low, and with it builds up particulate matter that is very nasty. (see picture) Drive up to the mountains and escape it! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

And the world keeps turning...

Well, it has been awhile since I have written, and a week since Karen has signed in. The past week has been very busy, both work wise and and healthwise. Karen had another arrythmia episode, thus we are busy evaluating that again. Seems it is 2 steps forward and one back. We did get the device looked at and got the clearance to "resume all activities" if you want.

Not much snow recently, none on the horizen, but still with a decent amount on the hill. Hope to get out and get some turns in this weekend. Maybe some skate skiing as well. We are off to telluride, CO in a couple weeks for some relaxation and skiing. That's my dream!!!!!

rk

I Have a Dream...

"Stand up for what is right, even if you're standing alone." ~ MLK

I have a dream that one day men will be judged not by the color of their skin, or their religious affiliation, country of origin, or sexual orientation, but by the content of their character. I have a dream that one day all people will live with a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs and clean water to drink. I have a dream that children will be protected and not have to live in fear. I have a dream that hatred, abuse, violence and ingorance end. I have a dream that our polititians begin to actually listen to their constituents and do the right things. That no more wars will be waged for unjust causes, or in the name of God. I have a dream that our Mother Earth will be saved and that people will care.

What are your dreams?

You can hear the real thing here:
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1d0f7beff4defeb716b60b23e2a32263.1248462

Peace.

Karen

Sunshiny Day..

But dont be fooled! It's about 15 degrees right now! Brrrrr. I feel like I'm back in MI with temps like this, although I hear it's raining back there, something is definately amiss with the universe! We got an amazing snowstorm that blanketed the valley and mountains with a fresh layer of gorgeous white - we definately need it. Unfortunately, I'm unable to get out and play in it as I'm still recovering. I've got to take it easy for a month - no skiing. I think I'm gonna go crazy! Rich is on call so he's not able to get up there and enjoy the new powder either. Ah well. A long weekend and not much going on. Kathy's coming over and we're actually going to go into work and get some stuff done, unreal. :-) Hope everyone has a great long weekend, and especially Beatrix, my dearest friend, who's birthday it is today! (I wont tell ya how old she is.) Photos from the house, beautiful day, indeed.

Happy Birthday Kathy!

Yep, it's Kathy's birthday today, the big 4-0! That's right, 40! heehee. We went back to work today after a long and restful Christmas break. It was particularly nice having both weeks after Christmas, made the break seem really, really long.

We had Kath over for dinner for her birthday and threw her a little party.... well, as much as 3 people can make it! :-) We had a great dinner, and wine, and yummy Kahlua and creams! Kath opened her presents and was particularly enamored with with little portable DVD player from our mom. Man, I cant believe she's FORTY... makes me feel old! :-) The little crowns are from Rich's mom and were supposed to be worn on Christmas dinner but we forgot. They are an English tradition called "crackers." They come in a little package you pop open and inside are little "presents", a joke and the crowns, which, of course, you are required to wear throughout dinner! They made for a fun birthday celebration, too! Happy birthday, sister!!

Amplatzer!

Today I return from the hospital after getting this little device implanted in my heart. The procedure was completed with no complications and a full recovery is expected. The Amplatzer device is designed to "plug" a hole in the atrial septum (between the top two chambers of the heart), they thread two catheters, one up each big vein from your groin to your heart. to implant the device. One catheter has an ultrasound on the end of it so they can see what they are doing, the other, bigger, one, has the device stuck on the end of it. The device closes around the hole (of which, they measure the size of with a little balloon) like two sides of button that snaps together. I have to take it real easy for a few days, then back to normal "everyday" activitiy... walking, driving, and moving about. No real exercise for a month. Crazy, isnt it?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

Hope everyone has a happy new year and gets with the BLUE today. We are going to do some skate skiing for a time (as long as we last!!) then home to watch Blue in the ROSE BOWL!!!!

Ski conditions have been rather hard lately (actually have had to sharpen my edges), but more snow is expected for the coming weekend. We need it, only a 54" base. Getting good at the groomers and hard, snow stuff, but need to breakout the powder ski and get some face shots soon. Anyway, hope everyone has a great new year, we'll try and keep you updated on our adventures!!

r&k