February 4, 2012 - My Healthy, Happier Life

Spending time on the mountain is always wonderful, but there is nothing like the evening after. The Tahoe made a detour to the grocery store before heading home. Shopping with four men is always entertaining.

This house always brings out the fun in people. There is a roaring fire for relaxing, the kitchen is large enough for the chefs and groupies, and the kitchen radio always results in a mid evening dance party.

We started with an appetizer course and some beer and wine while the men started in the kitchen.

The girls were able to catch up by the fire while the boy broke a sweat in the kitchen.

Once again, this year the boys did not disappoint. Last night they prepared rib eye, new York trip, and tenderloin along with the famous Brussels sprouts, and salad.

My plate was filled with delicious food and a glass of Pinot Noir on the side.

Paired with an assortment of Vermont ice creams and sorbet, it was a perfect evening.

Now, after this morning’s oatmeal breakfast, we’re ready for our second day on the slopes.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

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Greetings from Vermont!

Each year, Bo and I invite a number of our friend up to my family’ home in Manchester Center, Vermont. This home is my happiest place in the world. Over the years we’ve created amazing memories with our friends and family in this home. A large fireplace, inviting kitchen, space for 15 people, and a location that’s perfect in both the winter and summer.

Last night, we left New York around 7pm after Bo got off work. The drive from New York to Vermont is a simple and beautiful 3.5 hour drive. 035 We stopped for dinner about an hour into the trip and unfortunately our choices were limited to Starbucks and Roy Rogers. I made the best of it by buying their Caesar salad and adding the sandwich’s turkey, lettuce, tomato. Sure, my dinner was a bit expensive for a rest stop ($15) but it was filling and surprisingly delicious and filling. We arrived around midnight and within minutes we continued our tradition of opening the wine immediately.

By 7am the house was alive with excited skiers and the oatmeal and coffee were warm for enjoyment.

I enjoyed a warm bowl of cinnamon oats, banana, granola, and peanut butter. This, paired with a cup of coffee, was the perfect skiing fuel.

We spent the day skiing at Stratton Mountain, which is located fifteen minutes from the house.

While the snow conditions weren’t ideal, we all had a blast. There were far less crowds than last year and the sun was shining down on us all day, helping raise the temperature to a balmy 22 degrees.

Since I only ski once a year, I normally start with a half day of lesson. Luckily, Bo’s best friend, Scott, was willing to split the private lessons with me today which meant that I was able to enjoy a full day instead of a half day.

Norm and Scott were a perfect pair for a challenging day of skiing and day drinking!

As my skiing partner know, I have the ability to ski quite well, even gracefully, until I hit a steep pitch. If it intimidates me, I free and immediately want to start crying. What can I say, I’m human. But, today, I conquered my first blue run with their assistance and clearly lived to tell the story.