Friday Retreat Style. . .

No teaching last Friday, but a two-hour professional development committee retreat with four colleagues between 10-Noon to plan a couple of events for the Spring semester. Which, naturally, resulted in another meeting for further discussion of the matter. Trying to schedule that now. Sigh.

Still, it provided a good reason to shower, shave, and don various old favorites before the drive into campus. Similar attire today (Tuesday) with a few differences. Photos to follow tomorrow.

But last week.

Friday afternoon, the Grand Duchess, Young Master, and I escaped up north for a long weekend of cross-country skiing in the Grayling-Gaylord area of Michigan. It was amazing gliding through in the snowy woods atop some fast new Madshus skis (ordered a year ago), which took a bit of getting used to.

Much to my son's pleasure, I took a number of spills during our ski trip, including a spectacular face plant Saturday midday near the bottom of one hill where I lost my edge on one ski, as I attempted a turn, and was catapulted face-first into the snow. Occasional falls will happen. It goes with the territory even for experienced skiers. This one was my best in a long time.

But you get yourself up, dust off the snow from your seat or side, and continue on your way. By day's end Saturday, I had found my ski legs and was skiing more confidently on the new two+ meter planks clipped to my feet. Another outing followed at a different ski area Sunday with a few hours late in the morning and early afternoon Monday before we headed south.

By 6pm, we were home, the car was unloaded, and dinner was heating in the oven. The Grand Duchess and I later enjoyed a glass of wine last night by the fire before retiring about 11pm, fatigued, mellow, and happy. The Young Master, for his part, was long asleep.

In about three weeks, we are heading up north once more, but to a different part of the state to explore another Nordic skiing center outside of Cheboygan. I C-A-N-N-O-T wait!

In the meantime, time now to get some real work done.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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