On the Mountain

Most of you know my #1 passion is skiing. Nothing excites me more than flying down the slopes on a clear, sunny Colorado day. So, I'm just thrilled because I'm back in Summit County, CO for several weeks.

In my younger days, I did it all -- tree skiing, the bumps and double-black diamond runs -- with my brothers, sisters and friends. We'd be the first ones on the lifts at 8:30 a.m., the last ones off the mountain, then rush home, clean up, and off to hit the bars and dance all night. I have so many wonderful memories of skiing in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and all over Europe with them.

This year has been a little tougher on me after having had my left knee operated on a year ago and not skiing at all last season. My left knee just hasn't felt quite right nor stable enough for the past year, but I just had to figure out a way to get back on the mountain. So, now I'm skiing with a brace on my left leg. That first run was nerve racking as I was so scared to make the first turn down the slope as it had been 2 years since I skied and I'm dealing with a brace and breaking in new boots! I survived not only the first run but on day 2 I took my first fall of the season and suffered only a jammed thumb.

I'm just so happy to be back on the mountain, though now I arrive about 10:30 and am lucky to last 4 hours. And while I might hit a Happy Hour, no more all night partying for me.

What did you love doing?

Have you given it up just because you've gotten older?

WHY?

Maybe it's time to dust off those tap shoes or start playing tennis again.

I guarantee you that once the passion returns you'll feel much younger!

Below is one of my favorite mountain shots taken in Bachelor Gulch.

My BID!

I took my first overseas adventure trip in 1970 when my friend, Ruth, and I did Europe on $5 a day.  We visited 14 cities in 28 days!!

It was such a life-changing event for me that over the past 42 years I have spent thousands on travel and in 1988 even moved to Germany so I could more easily travel and ski throughout Europe.  Ruth moved to England and lived there for 10 years near London.

I've never regretted one dime that I've spent on travel and just cannot understand the mindset of people who feel travel is a waste of time and money.  I've been to 43 states and 23 countries, but there are still places I've not seen, so long before the movie the "Bucket List", I had created my own BID (before I die) travel list.  #1 on the list was Egypt, which I visited in 2008 and then Alaska.
But it just seemed that my dream trip to Alaska to see the whales and glaciers was just like an elusive butterfly and that every time I planned a trip something happened.

Well, my 2012 Alaskan Adventure seemed doomed too!  I had planned a two week land/cruise tour starting in late May and wouldn't you know it, I was diagnosed in late March with a blood clot meaning no air travel for at least 2 months, cutting it too close for comfort.

 But I diligently took all my meds, rested a lot and luckily, I had a team of pro-active, life-affirming doctors who allowed me to go!   Soon I'll BLOG about my exciting Alaskan adventure.

What about you -- what's on your dream trip list?

Surely, you have wanderlust in your heart for a far-away, exciting place.   Well, I challenge you to begin planning for it NOW!  Take action and make that dream trip just as soon as possible, because as that old cliche' goes "Tomorrow is promised to no one" and that's especially true for us Boomers!

p.s. -- there's always a way to make it happen!  In 1970, I funded my European trip with the insurance money I received when my car was stolen.  When I got back, I still didn't have a car, but I didn't care because I  had memories that have lasted a lifetime and fueled my wanderlust for decades!

Work Abroad

Are you a retired teacher and looking for an inexpensive way to see Europe?

Then consider working for the Dept of Defense Schools Overseas!

The most rewarding aspect of my life-long career as a Federal Government employee was the opportunity to live in Germany. I loved it so much -- the cultural experiences, the travel and meeting people from all over the world -- that I lived and worked there for 11 years.

If you haven't traveled in Europe, it's so hard to imagine just how close all the countries are. Traveling by car, I could be in France, Austria or Switzerland in less than 5 hours! One of my best trips was when I woke up in Berchesgarten, GE; skied all day in Stubaital, AUS; and slept that night near Venice, IT. What a day!

It was such a life-changing experience that I love to encourage others to try it. They currently are looking for teachers for 1 and 2 year assignments. Check it out -- you can supplement your retirement income, receive a tax-free living allowance and see Europe!
http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/onlineapplication/default.htm

Reconnecting

One of the things I love the most about retirement is having the time to reconnect with and visit with old friends. While I was in St. Louis over the holidays, I had the pleasure of visiting with my friend Ruth and her extended family. Ruth and I have known each for more than 40 years and were the best of friends in college. We connected immediately when we met because I’m the oldest of 9 and there are 12 kids in her family. It was fun to meet someone who came from a family larger than mine.

We traveled extensively together throughout the States and all over Europe. We actually used Arthur Frommer’s book, “ Europe on $5 a Day” as our bible during our European Adventure in 1970. It’s hard to believe it, but we actually got a room and our meals for less than $5 a day!

Now the EuroRail Pass and sightseeing were extra. While it’s always exciting to expand your circle of friends, there’s just something reassuring about hooking up with people who have known you forever. It’s just so comfortable to sit around and reminisce. With a true friend, you can pick up the conversation just as if it were yesterday, even if you haven't seen her for 15 years!

Is there someone from your past that you'd just love to know what happened to them?

If so, you might want to try locating them through http://www.classmates.com/ or http://www.reunion.com/ Check out the websites closely as both charge a fee.

(In the photo, left to right: me, Ruth, her sister Snook, her daughter Bridget, and brother Tim)

Europe-Germany

Schloss Hirschorn

I’ve always loved to travel and was fortunate to have visited many European countries while living in Germany. Like many retirees, I want to keep on hitting the road during my golden years, so to celebrate turning the big 60 this year, I planned a trip to Europe and Egypt. My last trip to Europe was in 2001 so I really looked forward to visiting my friends there. I planned to spend 2 weeks in Germany and Italy with friends and 2 weeks in Egypt on a guided tour. I was so excited as I've always wanted to see the Great Sphinx and Pyramids ever since my first trip to Europe in 1970 when I visited an Egyptian Exhibit in the Louvre. My friend Sue made the trip with me. Our first stop was Germany where we stayed with my friend Danny who lives near Heidelberg. We spent several days touring in Germany, visiting the Heidelberg Castle, Dilsberg and the Hirschorn Castle. The Heidelberg Castle is a well-known attraction with thousands visiting it every year. Personally, I like Schloss Hirschorn which is so picturesque sitting atop a mountain, set against a forested backdrop and overlooking the Neckar River.

We spent a sunny afternoon on the terrace there with my friends Danny and Gretchen, enjoying the scenic view while sipping Rhine wine and eating German pastries. Now Schloss Hirschorn is a 4-star hotel with 8 guest rooms in the main fortress. We dined that night at the Gasthof Zur Sonne in Neidenstein. The menu selections reflected local German fare such as turkey schnitzel and spaetzle, but the taste and presentation was just incredible! Everyone so thoroughly enjoyed their meal that I just had to find the chef and compliment him. Even as an experienced traveler I was shocked at how expensive everything was with the Euro being so strong against the dollar. So if you're planning a trip abroad any time soon, bring at least 50% more spending money. With a can of Coca-Cola or a cup of coffee costing almost $4, you'll definitely need it!