Thankful Thursday | with a ski theme
I'm writing this from the Las Vegas airport on my way back from my trip, so this will be pretty ski-related!
And since I am on west coast time right now, I'm also getting this out quite late for all you east-coasters.
This week, I'm thankful:
for a healthy body that can ski
I am really thankful that my body can handle skiing! So many things need to be working properly for a speedy trip down the mountain; being able to do this is certainly something to appreciate.
for healthy parents and siblings that can ski
My dad's health is particularly impressive; he's 77 and my goodness, he is often getting down the mountain faster than I am!
for an injury-free ski trip
When I was on ski trips as a kid, I never really worried about getting hurt.
But now that I'm in my mid-40s...well, I do feel a little bit concerned about that.
So, whenever I finish a ski trip with no injuries, I feel extremely thankful!
I didn't fall down one single time in all four days of skiing; not even one of those tip-over-after-getting-off-the-lift type of falls.
for the privilege of learning to ski as a kid
When we were kids, my parents took my siblings and me skiing once a year for a week, so I had plenty of practice at this before I was an adult.
I think things like this are easier to learn when you are young.
for a great last day of weather on this trip
My last day of skiing was Wednesday, and we had a sunny, not-too-cold day, with freshly groomed ski runs.
I love to go super fast down the mountain, and when the sunlight is good and the run is groomed, I can be speedy without being afraid of catching an edge and falling down.
On my last trip, I clocked 59 mph at my fastest, but this time I only got to 51 mph. Still, that's plenty fast to make me happy!
for family
What would my life be like without my family?? They make my life richer and fuller.
for the hilarity my younger brother provides
My younger brother is the baby of the family, and let me tell you, he is a delight.
He is funny and unflappable and I just love him.
One of the very lovable things about him is his obsession with pepper. He seriously just takes the lid off the pepper shaker and goes for it. It makes me laugh every time.
That is definitely an ungodly amount of pepper!
I am so happy that your parents are healthy and still active. We are in the final days of my mom's life (multiple year battle with cancer) and would love to have one more day with her when she was healthy!
@Jenelle, hugs to you. I wish you endurance in the days ahead. We lost my mom almost a year ago. The days are long and difficult at this stage.
Jenelle, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. Sending much love to you and your family.
@Jenelle,
I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish peace for all of you as the days progress.
@Jenelle, hands across the Internet to you and your family.
@Jenelle,
Wishing you and your family love, strength and peace durning this difficult time.
Echoing the wishes for peace and endurance for you, Jenelle. I'm so sorry.
@Jenelle, I am so sorry about your mom. Sending virtual hugs and peaceful thoughts to you and your family.
@Jenelle,
I'll be praying for your family. That must be so hard...
@Jenelle, I'm so sorry for what you're going through. My mother died in 2019 of COPD, and those days were so chaotic and blurry. But there special moments even at the end, and not just with my mom. The rest of us forged some good memories together. I'll bet your mother is so tired; my God's arms wrap you all up in His peace.
@Jenelle, this sounds so hard. Wishing you and your mom moments of love, calm and peace.
@Jenelle, hugs &prayers for this difficult time.
I’m with Zoe on the pepper!
After waiting 8 months to exchange on a house it was pulled from the market and I’ve had 2 weeks to find somewhere to live because our current rental is sold. Today I can be thankful for signing a lease on a new rental and finding a removal company available next week. Not where I expected or wanted to be, but I will have a roof over my head.
Ooh, what a stressful situation! I'm so glad that you've found a new spot to land, though. Whew.
@Victoria, that is frustrating! Poor y0u
I've never been downhill skiing and at this late stage of my life, I don't plan on ever trying it ... but I've enjoyed virtually watching your week unfold.
In a somewhat similar fashion, I'm thankful for a body that is healthy enough to go snowshoeing. And thankful that my husband had the foresight to get me snowshoe/hiking poles for Christmas. I snowshoe on the sand dunes near Lake Michigan--it's wooded and hilly and can be treacherous. The poles are a game changer!
Thankful the weather wasn't so bad that school needed to be cancelled today. We are at the end of our "forgiven" days ... and my daughter has a band concert scheduled for tonight--so that's a two-fer of thankfulness.
Thankful for YouTube exercise video options which help me get/stay fit when the weather is icky outside.
My mom used to downhill ski with all of us, but she has switched to cross-country skiing at this stage of her life! I wonder if snowshoeing is a little bit similar; I think she might enjoy that.
@Kris, We feel you on the snow days! We had early dismissal today and will surely cancel tomorrow. My mom's school cancelled today and in their first day beyond what's allowed. She's hoping the state gives everyone 3 more days this year!
@Kristen, I've done both. While I enjoy cross-country skiing, I find snowshoeing pretty boring. Not the same IMO
@Isa, I've gone cross-country skiing once and enjoyed it, but I don't have skis of my own (or anyone to coach me). I don't know if this is accurate, but I felt like CC skiing was somewhat similar to gliding on ice skates. That is definitely not the experience I get with snowshoeing. I live in an area with lots of great hiking, which translates to good snowshoeing terrain. I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing is a way for me to get a similar experience in the winter. I enjoy trudging through the outdoors, seeing animal tracks and pretty scenery, but I don't think snowshoeing gives the same sensory experience that you would get from skiing. Kristen, if your mom could rent or borrow snowshoes before making a commitment to purchasing them, that would be the best way to go.
Ruth T, we weren't supposed to get much snow tonight but it was coming down fairly heavily when we got back from my daughter's band concert a little while ago. Thankfully we start our midwinter break tomorrow, so cancelling school isn't an issue. Between covid and copycat violence threats and bad weather, we have used 8 days so far, so technically we are 2 over our allotted days but hopefully the State of MI will give us 3 additional days .... which means we only have 1 day to play with. Safety is top priority .... but I hate the thought of an extended school year.
I’m thankful to hear so much birdsong today. It makes me feel certain Spring must be around the corner!!
Thankful for our 4-month old mini labradoodle, Wally, who is bringing our family huge joy!!
Very grateful my husband and I can go social ballroom dancing together a few times a week. We’re in our 60’s so we do experience some aches from the exertion but the benefits greatly outweigh the minor setbacks. Thankful the mask mandates are lifting so we can breathe easier while dancing.
We were just up in the mountains with my mother-in-law last weekend, so similar vibe here:
- I’m thankful that my mother-in-law is active and in good shape to be able to ski in her 70s.
- I’m thankful for a good relationship with my mother-in-law.
- I’m thankful for a family that’s happy with frugality even on vacations - staying a bit of a drive from the ski resort, home cooked meals, making sandwiches for ski hill lunch.
- I’m thankful that my 6 year old was a happy camper not skiing with me - we took a hike (snow was too packed for a snowshoe), rode the gondola A LOT, watched a movie, etc. Also thankful that he seems motivated to try skiing next winter.
- I’m thankful for a house I love to come home to.
- And, I’m thankful that my kids only had a delay start and not a full snow day today, so that I got to enjoy some quiet introvert time decompressing after having my mother-in-law in town all weekend!
I don't like the taste of black pepper, but my dad ate it like your brother does. I used to sneeze at the table every evening as he doused his food in pepper. My mother used to drily ask why she bothered trying to make our food taste good.
1. Thankful that I think - repeat, think - we are closer to finding a rehab for my husband's physical therapy after this surgery.
2. Thankful that I had some food already prepared for several days this week, as I continue to get home late.
3. Thankful for the stream of prayers I get from friends and family for my husband and for me.
4. Thankful for the February birthdays whicih mean these folks are still alive and kicking - a brother-in-law turning 80, a sibling turning 73, a nephew turning 43, a husband turning 69 and then there's my birthday at the end of the month. I'm also thankful for the fond memories of the Februarians I'm missing because they've passed on - my grandmother, her identical twin, and an aunt.
5. Thankful for good books and the ability to enjoy them. With two dyslexics in my immediate family for whom reading isn't a pleasure, I feel all the more grateful that I can enjoy and have a passion for reading. I wish I could share it with them.
@JD, I'm holding you and your DH in my thoughts on your #1. I know how hard finding the slot that he and you need must be at this moment in history.
@JD, My husband is severely dyslexic, as in he used to pay people to read his university texts, from a BA through his doctorate, into a tape player because it was so agonizing to read the books. (He also had to learn Greek, and I have no idea how he managed that). When Books on Tape came along, and then audiobooks, I begged him to try reading for pleasure for the first time in his life. He loved it and it opened an entire new world of conversation for us (and I was happy to give up reading aloud to him every night. There is nothing worse than listening to your own voice droning on...) Have your family members tried audiobooks?
@Lindsey,
My daughter always listens to music and podcasts, but I think I might mention that to her. I hadn't thought about it, so thanks for the idea. My husband doesn't hear well and so far refuses hearing aids, unfortunately.
Both can read, but have to be so careful to make sure they read what it actually says, that they don't see it as worth the effort unless it is required reading.
@A. Marie,
Yes, it is, and I know you understand! Thanks so much!
I love a ton of pepper on a lot of things. Egg salad? BRING IT.
What am I thankful for this week? This kitten. He is so cute and sweet and adorable.
My beagle is getting better adjusted to the kitten.
Being able to hear the ocean raging outside my window. Perfect.
I got sick this week and I took a Covid test. Negative.
How beautifully clean (some) of the rooms in my house are. Some....not so much. But the kitchen is great.
Quiet time alone. Son is visiting his grandfather in Costa Rica; daughter is at school in NYC. Blissful.
I think it's so amazing that you and your siblings and parents go on a trip together every year or so without anyone else...just your "original immediate family." It must be so cool for everyone. What a blessing.
Oh my. That’s a lot of pepper!! I want to sneeze just looking at it!
Thankful Thursday!!! I've gotten into a weird mental rut of listing things I have to do or things I am mad about so I am glad to reset and make a list of things I am thankful for.
1) my husband. I've been feeling very deficient as a wife (I forgot about Valentines day among other things), but yesterday when I got something accomplished he said, "Thank you. You're amazing" and that was really nice. He is thoughtful and considerate.
2) my afternoon walk with full view of the mountains.
3) Socal sunshine. February is a pleasant month in SoCal and I love feeling sunshine on my skin.
4) the new house. We finally closed escrow.
5) I got paid for a side job!
6) a friend gave me gluten free cookies (just for the fun of it).
You are certainly blessed with a loving family and a strong, healthy body. What wonderful gifts!
First... I'm thankful for Thankful Thursday! We had to put our dog down yesterday and as I was driving him home from the vet Tuesday afternoon so we could have final goodbyes, I thought, "OK, Thankful Thursday is two days away. What am I thankful for in the midst of this?" So making an actual list each week is good for me. Some of the things I've come up with over the last 48 hours are...
* That we had him so long (10 years) and he handled all of our moves and new children wonderfully over the years.
* For the care and compassion of the vet and her team.
* That the problem turned out to be a massive cancerous tumor, not that he swallowed something at my mom's house when we were on vacation like was originally thought. (I felt so relieved for my mom - she felt horrible returning my dog miserable and sick.)
* For the pictures and videos we took over the years. It's been good to go back through and smile over the memories.
* For a friend that let me talk yesterday and just listened.
* That I was able to go (without the kids) and be with him until the end so that he wasn't alone.
Kristen, thank you so much for helping me look for the good in hard times. I'm thankful for you!
@Ruth T,
Oh sending hugs! Big hugs! Losing a pet is so hard.
@Ruth T, I'm so sorry for the sad and unexpected loss of your long-time companion. So glad you were with him until the end.
@Ruth T, I am so sorry you had to say farewell to your dog. That is so very hard.
@Ruth T, oh, how sad. Pets become important members of the family. Hugs.
Oh Ruth, I am so sorry about your dog. Big hugs to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us!
I am thankful for a snug home during the latest snow over ice storm, for the daylight that is lasting longer in the afternoons so the snow doesn't seem so depressing, and that I got to briefly see the full moon a few nights ago when the sky was clear.
I am thankful that I don't ski! But I would totally go on a ski vacation just to sit in the lodge with a book and wait for my people to return from the slopes.
On a somewhat related note, I am so thankful for my Yaktrax (traction cleats). They keep me upright and safe(r) during Minnesota winters. I've had my Yaktrax for more than a decade after I found myself in the ER after hitting my head in an icy parking lot. Other than thinking I was surely going to die, I was fine. This happened just after Natasha Richardson died from a brain bleed, so I wasn't going to wait for symptoms to appear. Luckily I had good insurance so I didn't hesitate to go in and get it checked out.
@MB in MN, Yaktrax are the best!
I took my granddaughter to a free water park after ballet this week. She was having an absolute blast and then she fell. Poor little thing took it well and tried so hard to not cry. Fortunately we still had a cold drink and held that against her face. Because she fell from a height I was worried but she bounced right back. We then took her home and she went to the bathroom and fell off the toilet! Her daddy came home soon after and she was munching away on a apple.. I am so thankful that she survived these incidents without major damage.
Kristen,
I am on a 4 week ski vacation with family and friends! Thankful for the organization that was done to pull this IKONic (we all have Ikon passes) trip featuring Steamboat/Jackson Hole/Salt Lake City ski areas!
Thankful for my health and fitness level to ski 14 days so far.
Thankful for my cousin who loves to prepare menus to cook.
Thankful for my cousins brother in law that has done all the driving in his personal car (rentals are too $$$ right now. A friend joined us for 4 days and paid $700 for his rental car)
Thankful to be retired at 66 and have saved (frugally ) so I can enjoy activities I love.
Oh yes, my brother was saying he might buy the Ikon pass next year. He likes Jackson Hole!
The hub's response to tie pepper salad pic, "Oh gawd!" Lol!
So thankful for sunny weather and open golf courses this week. Winter is returning next week so I'll take the sun and be grateful for it now.
Grocery pick up. There are days when spending time in the grocery store is just not high on the list of things I want to do!
A good good group. Our friends are so fun and I'm so glad their love to golf like we do!
My town. Of course there are things I don't love, but the outdoor recreation is amazing and 9 months out of the year it's sunny and warm!
Our sweet kitties. These two bring us so much joy and so many laughs.
Lol....I love pepper also. I have to make sure I don't go too nuts, when cooking. Looks like you had so much fun. Awesome pics.
I`m hyperventilating just reading your post! My kids and hubby all down-hill ski. Me? Not so much. I tried last year and... I cried the whole way down, I was so scared! Let just say I prefer my feet firmly planted in the ground.
I'm thankful for:
* That my kids and hubby never got hurt while skying!!
* To have equipement to work-out at home (elliptical, threadmill, weights, etc)
* That both my classes at Uni are going very well, after not being in school for the past 15 years
* A part-time job that pays well and frugal ways that permits me to go to Uni debt free (and hubby's job, of course)
* My King size bed. I need my space at night, and with the King I`m happy!
Well, I think starting when you are young probably is helpful. I don't know if I'd be brave enough to start at my age!
Yes way too much pepper I would be sneezing like crazy! Help me Kristen you made this chinese dish with noodles and I think vegetables and you made it hot! I cannot find the recipe or the post I want to make it as you liked it and will do it again, you liked the way it turned out!! HELP!!
Not sure if this is it.
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/one-pan-chicken-and-veggie-ramen-bowls/
Yep, that's what I was thinking it was!
We're dealing with yet another sickness (because 2 weeks of what was likely Covid just wasn't enough), so this is going to be a tough one. I'm thankful:
1. That I'm not sick (yet) so I can take care of the other 8 sick people.
2. That I found time to bake some bread today so I could feed them toast. One must always be thankful for freshly baked bread.
3. That I've been able to read a lot of good books lately.
4. That the first one to get sick seems to have turned the corner.
5. That I was able to text my friend today during her first chemo treatment. She's not the kind of person who can sit still for hours, so I wanted to try to distract her.
6. That our attack rooster didn't get me since I had to take care of the chickens today by myself.
7. That nobody forces me to ski; it will never be my thing.
Good to hear you enjoyed yourself, and that you all came home without broken bones too!
Cross country skiing, is that langlaufen?
Next week, the covid restrictions will be lifted and I am particularly grateful that we have not lost anyone in our circle to that disease, although some friends have been seriously ill. As We are looking forward to some months of get togethers and normal activities and perhaps even a real holiday again.
Yesterday and today we have storms. All utilities are up and running and we do not need to go out. Something to be grateful for!
And waterworks too. After all most of our country is below sea level. Beware of the water wolf!
Kristen, your dad looks much younger than 77. Clearly being so active is very good for him. Your brother's pepper salad is just ... ACHOO! 😀
We had a tremendous rain storm last night with high winds, followed by a little surprise snow this morning. I am thankful that our neighbor's huge oak tree held onto all its limbs. Part of the tree overhangs our front yard and we always keep an uneasy eye on it.
Today I am thankful for wool knee socks, yummy leftovers, calmer days at work, and the patch of daffodils that suddenly appeared around a mailbox post at the top of the hill in our neighborhood, a spot that gets sun all day. Spring is coming!
I am thankful to be feeling human today after my first hour of vertigo. WAH!
I am thankful for health insurance.
I am thankful for payday today.
I am thankful for a helpful caring husband.
I am thankful for caring coworkers.
@Stephanie, first bout of vertigo
I need to edit better!
I’m thankful for my husband. He keeps me grounded and makes us a great team.
I’m thankful that my adult kids are doing all right it’s been a very rough couple of years for all of them but they are making it work.
I’m thankful for all the Covid vaccines and the people that care enough to get them.
I’m thankful it’s close to the end of February which means we are very close to spring.
I’m thankful for the brilliant blue sky and bright sunshine. It makes things so much better feeling.
I am thankful that although two of my kids and I all have some long covid symptoms, they are generally mild and will hopefully resolve on their own with time. I am also thankful for my military brat upbringing which taught me to be on top of my own health care and to be politely and patiently persistent when it comes to asking for what you need. If I hadn't insisted she check the "area of pain" as well as the requested organs, the ultrasound tech would not have discovered the source of my seven-year-old's stomach pain. I am also thankful that his organs are all fine and that his swollen lymph nodes should eventually get better without any invasive treatment. I am thankful for my doctor and my son's pediatrician who both listen to me even when I sound crazy. Finally, I am thankful for how easy it is to find health information on the internet.
I am also thankful for some work things, but frankly the health stuff is top of my mind these days.