Extreme Skiing (and wrecking)

So me and family spent two days hitting the slopes at Terry Peak near Deadwood, South Dakota. I acted upon an impulse the first day and decided I'd learn to snowboard. Prior to this trip, I'd only been on skis.

Right now, two days after the fun, I still hurt in places I didn't even know I had. The greatest pain resides in my tailbone, the effect of numerous spills and wipeouts.

Me, Teresa, my sister Kim and stepsister Sabra ride the lift. I took a fashion tip from the numerous teenage snowboarders on the slopes. I don't think I was pulling it off quite like they were. Anyone who watched me would agree that I'm a snowboarding fraud. See video below.




My nephew Travis and his Aunt Kim ride the lift. It was Travis' first attempt at snowboarding too. Aunt Kim served as an excellent instructor to us all.

My nephew Trevor tried out the snowboard as well. There's no disputing he's got the look down.

Tristen learns the first rule of skiing: Doesn't matter if you can't steer or stop, just as long as you look good doing it.

Tristen, Aunt Teresa and my dad (who turns 71 in two weeks) sport their slope styles. My ski-less brother Craig (far right) was too busy chasing kids around.

Here's a lifestyle scene I could get used to. A truck bed full of snowboards.

The boys in the hot tub at the end of the day.

You Can't Pull The Wool Over His Eyes

Sorry about the lack of updates. I've been gone for a week and have been without internet access since Christmas morning.

Long story short: My family rented a cabin in the Black Hills of South Dakota near the Terry Peak ski resort. I was supposed to work on Christmas Day and was going to be the only one not present. I pulled some strings (and did some begging) and Teresa and I were able to spring a little surprise on my 70-year-old father. As you'll see from the video, he clearly didn't fall over from a heart attack. Good thing he didn't choke, either.



We spent a total of three nights and two days in the snow-covered splendor of the hills. It was beautiful and even this Scrooge can admit that it was a pretty great holiday.

At Least Snow Is Good For Something

Most notably... it's good for makin' pictures. Snow makes everything look a little nicer.

Senior Citizen Rock

It appears that maybe Ozzy Osbourne has some MAJOR prostate issues here. Actually, it's foam coming from a fire hose.

I was dispatched by the paper to write a review of the Ozzy Osbourne concert that rolled into Wichita Saturday night. You can read it here.

The man is 59. He can't sing. He can't even remember the words without the help of a teleprompter in front of him. Oddly, more than 8000 gullible fans sold out the venue.

I shouldn't be so harsh. I don't mind a little Ozzy or Sabbath every now and again. But c'mon... is the man helping or hurting his legacy here?