Room With A View
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| Sunrise from our living room window |
Today’s our first ski day! It seems we’ve really lucked out weather-wise. Up until last week, the snowfall levels had been pretty dismal, but last week’s 20+ inches of accumulation did much to improve conditions. And we’re expecting almost springlike weather…clear and temperatures in the 30’sF. It should be a great ski week.
Yesterday we did the usual first-day tasks: provisioning, taking skis in for tuneups, getting jeune homme’s lift pass and equipment rentals taken care of. I also took the opportunity to finally get myself a decent pair of after-ski boots. I’ve considered then talked myself out of buying a pair every year, as they have limited use in Southern California, but then spend every ski trip wishing I had more appropriate footwear.
Here I apparently got lucky as well. I spotted these in one of the shops here and they were exactly what I was looking for: low-heeled, sleek, with a narrow ankle shaft, dressy enough to wear out to dinner and very comfortable. They’re made my a Finnish company called Pertti Palmroth, which according to the shop owners, is no longer in business. That’s a shame, as these boots are beautifully made and were reasonably priced. There was only a single pair left in my size of any of the styles they carried in this brand; fortunately it was the style I most preferred. They’re very warm and waterproof, and have great traction for navigating wet, snowy or icy surfaces. We plan to continue taking our annual ski trip as long as we’re physically and financially able, so if the universe is willing I’ll be using these for many more years.
It’s become more difficult traveling with jeune homme due to the behavioral issues. We’re hoping that the familiar routine of his ski lessons starting today will help settle him down a bit, but are beginning to question how much longer we’ll be able to travel with him. He does look forward to this trip for months in advance, and adores his “adaptive” ski instructor (we’ve booked the same guy for years now) but has a rough time on days when we don’t have a full roster of activities he enjoys. The skiing is very good for him, not only physically (helps coordination), but mentally as well, as it requires extended focus and following directions. He also seems to get a sense of satisfaction from each incremental increase in ability.
The views from the top of the mountain should be spectacular; I’ll be sure and snap some photos to share. I can hardly wait to get out there!!
BTW, love this week’s New Yorker cover…
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Stunning New Yorker cover and that view looks so calming even from here, I love the stillness of snow.
Stunning New Yorker cover and that view looks so calming even from here, I love the stillness of snow.
Have a wonderful holiday Susan… enjoy the snow… and your gorgeous new boots… xv
Great looking boots.
Keeping your son focused and amused at the same time must be a huge task.
We need to do keep our students busy all the time to ward off boredom and behaviour issues. It is a full time job.
I highly recommend an IPad with programs suited for your son. There are so many fun yet educational ones out there these would come in handy on a plane, in a car or restaurant while waiting.
Respite is another consideration so that you and your husband can have the occasional weekend off.
I hope that you do not mind me speaking my mind here Susan but I have seen many students over the years and as they mature and go through puberty there are many challenges that arise.
Physical activities are the key so you are wise to keep him busy.
Enjoy the snow!
I wonder if mette will know that boot company.
Hugs
Leslie
XO
Good luck with the behavioral issues. Our 11 yr old son is mainstreamed in our local school and there have been some issues as well. I think (and hope) that the more people see kids like ours out in public, doing things that typical families do, the more understanding they become. We’ve found it to be exasperating and a little scary not knowing what to expect when we leave the house each day, but for our children it is so worth it……
Susan, I’ll be thinking of you and really hope jeune homme will be able to enjoy himself.
The boots are quite the find, and with the weather cooperating, you should have a fabulous week on the slopes. Enjoy every minute and hope that all goes well with your son.
Love the boots! Glad you found something so perfect. I absolutely hear you about your son. Mine (15, has autism) used to be a great traveler when he was younger, now, it’s virtually impossible unless we’re going someplace he wants to go and create plenty of time for him to ‘game.’ Meals together as a family are rare unless they are are during odd hours and of short duration. It’s just sad for us as travel is something my husband and I love to do together. We have no one in our lives with whom he will stay overnight, even in our home. Hence my solo trip to France last year. For years my husband and I had a definite view of what we wanted for our ‘golden years’ and we can see that realistically we are going to have to create a new vision and let the old ideal go. Just so you know that you are not alone…..Laurie Robinson, Merced. Ca.
Hello:
It sounds as if you are in for a most enjoyable week. We do so hope that the conditions remain good for you, even with the addition of a little extra snow. And we are certain that you will have every excuse to wear those very stylish boots.
Love the view…love the boots…the New Yorker cover is brilliant and I really really wish I was there!!
Do not dispair. The company has started up again.
Still made in Finland
Love the boots! It’s a beautiful thing to find the perfect boots or shoes. Enjoy your vacation.
Nice boots ; ). I did not know that PP is not in business anymore? What luck to get a pair, they look familiar to me ( though I don´t have any by PP ).
Feeling worried about your son. Hopefully the skiing will use his energy, so that you´ll have time to breathe yourself.
Liking the magazine cover too!
Now, those are some boots I could wear! I love the little chain around the ankle, they looks similar to a pair of ECCO boots I bought several years ago that are super comfy (except for the chain, which I think makes yours very elegant). Enjoy the boots and the snow.
I love looking at snow – not so good in it. I love your boots, they look like a great buy.
How appropriate! Have a wonderful time! Wish I was there, too!
Excellent boots.
I can only imagine how difficult it must be with your son – I admire how you cope.
Have a great time!
I admire it/you so much when you write with such candor and honesty about the challenges with your son. Sometimes in the blogosphere, one can feel that everyone else’s life is so easy, without any loads to carry.
You seem to have such a great and balanced attitude. I love your boots and think you’ll get a lot of use out of them, not just apres ski. Hope you’re having some great snow and skiing.
Lovely boots – I hope you’re able to use them on many more ski trips to come!
As if you needed an excuse to buy boots! Sounds like you got very lucky indeed, with the boots and the snow. I hope jeune homme has a wonderful and calming time – I’m sure the physical activity is a good thing.
Enjoy!
Lovely sun, such anticipation, and hooray for perfect boots! Wishing the family a good vacation despite the challenges.
I love the boots, the chain at the ankle is such a great design feature! I’m so soory to read about Jean homme and his behavioral problems taking a turn for the worse. I do admire you for your patientce and strength and how openly you discuss this on your blog. I wish you a superb week of skiing with perfect weather!
Love the boots, I’m following comfort these days. Would love to see your take on apres ski style!
FF