The Hazard Chronicles

First, a poem, compliments of AI:

Young Lindsey, swift on snowy track, A tree appeared, no turning back! A sudden jolt, a startled cry, As skis, and helmet, flew on high. Goggles too, a scattered sight, But Lindsey rose, with spirits bright. A little limp, a tender bruise, but laughter rings, no time to lose! The tree unharmed, stands strong and tall, Lindsey rests at the Mountain Mall.  Next week she'll conquer, come what may, she lives to ski another day!

Pretty neat poem, right? AI is going to take over the world. There is another poem at the bottom of this post, also generated by our future digital overlords. Until that eventual takeover, however, we will continue to make the best out of our time here, and for us this week that meant a ski trip to Big Sky, Montana. 

We almost didn't get out. Temps were all well below zero, and we weren't sure it would be worthwhile. If there is one thing I have learned though, it is that it pays to say yes to things. As in, "even-though-we-might-freeze-or-die-or-whatever-we-may-as-well-go-and-check-it-out-because-it-is-better-than-sitting-on-a-couch," and that this almost always pans out into great experiences. There is a saying we have as a family. Mountain Crystals give you energy! It embodies the idea that even if you don't feel like it, you will probably have fun once you get started. Because...mountain crystals. And it really works! 

Maren made these stickers and put them on mint boxes for a "just because" present. I have one on my desk at work, one in the car, and one in the ski bag.

This was one of the best ski days of the year for every person in the family. As far as the act of skiing itself, we had a great time. Several tree runs. Rachel crushed the tree filled bumps. Ev, Addy, and I did some steep stuff (Rach got stuck behind with pass issues). Lindsey ran into a tree (but is fine). Honestly, while the skiing is always fun and leads to a guaranteed flow state, it all sort of runs together for me by this point, save a few exceptional runs throughout the year. That is to be expected, I guess. 

What stands out more is the time we spend together. Our lunches. Our lift rides and jokes and overall mood when we are out just flowing through the mountains. I particularly had a good time this weekend with Maren, cruising fast on steep groomers, and with most of the other people zipping through tight trees. I also have good memories of swimming in the little puddle that the hotel calls a pool- just me and Lindsey, having underwater gymnastics contests.

It was a great trip.

Jackson has been snowboarding a lot this season. He's getting pretty good!

Maren at a hotel breakfast, getting ready to "slay the day"

I love how Evelyn's hair gets all frosty in the cold

This is Ev in the photo. She composed the picture. I think it has nice curves.

Fun at lunch- warming up in the lodge

Have a good week!

Here's a delightfully cynical poem, written, of course, by AI: The brush lies still, where Picasso's hand did roam, Shakespeare's words, now lost within the chrome. The panopticon gleams, a digital eye, Watching our every move, as profits fly. Once Michelangelo's touch, a godlike, raw display, Now serves the machine, in a cold and soulless way. We, artists once, now slaves to profit's greed, A vacant race, where human spirit bleeds. AI reigns supreme, the overlord's cold gaze, A chilling echo, in these dying days. To be human, once a sacred, vibrant hue, Now lost in code, a pale, synthetic view.