Good Food, Sweet Music & WAA

The last few weeks, we seemed to have spoiled ourselves. Working as much as I have been, I feel as though we deserved it; lately, days off have been a rare occasion.

Our household enjoyed an amazing meal at the Downtown Grocery, situated only a block away from our house. Labeled as casual fine dinning, it's just that: really flavorful food with a homey southern feel.

Playing with the new camera.

The boys, Joss & Gar. It's a double date.

Dessert Menu. Please feel free to salivate.

Daily Specials.

We were in desperate need of a shop after a few days of a fridge that inspired little. This meant it was time for a pilgrimage to Rutland, the land of ruts... no wait, the land of cheaper food. That's what I meant.

To make it all the more fun, Eric, our neighbor two houses down and close friend joined in on the fun. Yes, grocery shopping is considered fun, but only when you get to go GINGER CHINA for dinner after. I know what you're thinking: awesome. And you would be right, it was awesome.

I had no expectations going in to what seemed like a run down, middle of the road chinese restaurant. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the tasty, pretty dishes we were presented with. Really, it was all about the name.

Ginger boy. Ginger China. It seemed so right.

Scorpion Bowl!

Tangerine Chicken.

I had the privilege to be asked to coach for the women's specific program at Okemo this year: WAA (Women's Alpine Adventures). Locally known as Waawaa, it allows for women of all ages and ability to learn in a positive, female environment. Many of the women involved regard it as a sisterhood, as it has a following that ranges from one camp, to a whopping twenty!

So far, I've coached two camps: a two day and a five day, both equally as fun and rewarding.

Group 1: Jennifer, Linda, Cathy & Lisa

Group 2: Marianne, Renee, Dale, Diane, Nina & Susan.

For my birthday, Pete brought me to Boston to see the Decemberists. It was a good show, though a bit short for my liking. The Band played beautifully, having the unfortunate effect of making me want more when they prematurely left the stage.

The Decemberists, House of Blues, January 28th 2011, Boston Mass.

"I fell in love with the girl at the rock show." - Blink 182.

Rock... on?

Dinner and drinks after the show.

Just a little taste of the "real" Vermont.

Life is good.

Okeeeeemo! + A Parental Visit

With the holiday madness now behind us, all the full time Okemo instructors have had a chance to enjoy some sliding around, some R&R and a bit more spare cash. The result is delicious Vermont beer, new gear and all around shining grins.

This season, I have the privilege to be coaching with a group called Amplitude+. Essentially, I get to rip all day long with a bunch of kids that sometimes ride faster and harder than I can keep up with! Though the coaches ski with various groups, I most often ski trees and bumps with the same girls. They may whine on occasion, but for the most part they are flashes of pink, blue and green, flying down the gnarliest runs Okemo has to offer.

Fun times @ The Loft.

Gar on the path to no return.

Jossy Poo & Rini.

Cupcakes make everything better. Vanilla, maple syrup cake with Bailey's icing.

New boots for young Gareth.

Oversized orange jackets = Me looking like a pumpkin on skis.

Amplitude+: My black diamond princesses

Another day in paradise. 8.30 privates are good for something!

I've recently joined a beer league racing team. Thankfully for me, the courses are extremely easy and truly open to all; I have NEVER raced a day in my life and I'm officially on the most win-hungry team. Awesome. I've been surprised how much fun it is, though why should I be? Going as fast as you can is obviously amazing, especially on freshly tuned GS skis.

Tuesday, race day.

Pete ripping down the course... On my skis. I'm officially helping the enemy.

The parental unit just came down to visit for the first time. I was really nice to have them in my space and be able to take care of them for once. Though seeing them was exciting enough in itself, they brought with them about two feet of snow: BEST. GIFT. EVER.

Peter in Winter Wonderland.

Might not be Japan, but this will do!

Ice beards rule.

Chairlift shot.

Cruising Ludlow, Okemo in the background.