I’m having a hard go at this post. I’m trying too hard and I’m stuck – much like my skiing. But I did make some progress today. It helps to know that there is right and a left ski. Yup, there are when your skis are of the vintage type. So at least today, I got my right boot on the right ski and the left boot on the left one. Getting the binding to clip and unclip is another thing though. I need muscle power or holding my tongue in the perfect position. At any rate, my boots didn’t come off the skis nor did I fall. It’s a big step in the right direction.

I am not all discouraged. I am not a natural at sporting endeavours and I am a late bloomer. I didn’t learn to swim till in my middle aged years. I was absolutely enthused and terrified. It took me a whole summer of trying to just float. I’m pretty good with the front crawl and not bad with the back one. I’m slow though. Another swimmer told me that if she swam as slow as me, she would sink. She wasn’t very nice. I’m good with my speed. I’m the same with the bike, learning late in life. I still don’t feel at home in the saddle. But I am so happy and proud that I could do these two things. They were my most wished for skills when I was a youngster.

So now it is the skis. A perfect timing. The year of Covid-19 and big snow. My skis had been waiting 30 plus years to come out of the closet. I like to overcome physcial challenges. I like doing things that requires effort. I’ve been out only 4 times and I love it already. The first time was in the back alley. I fell down right off. I didn’t think I would like it but after a few runs, I felt the glow. The second time was at the park. It was brutal just getting up onto the tracks. My leg muscles strain and strain. I thought no way. But I was wrong. The 3rd time wasn’t great. My boots keep coming off my skis. Now I know why. I learn and get better at something new each day. Yes, I got the ski bug. There’s lots of room for learning and improving. That’s the hook.

It is glorious to be out in the sunshine and blue skies and to breathe in the fresh November air. It’s wonderous to see the ski tracks around the park. And when we get home, there’s tea and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.