The Ransoms
I was 18 months old the first time my parents strapped a pair of snow skis on my feet. You would think that growing up skiing I’d have been a better skier but I guess I never knew I was supposed to keep getting better, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have fun! My dad really worked hard to save up vacation time and $$ for our ski trips and I’m thankful.
My Dad,
the Ski Instructor
My dad, Bill Ransom, taught many people to ski, besides my brother and I. Hearing my daughters and their husbands giving instruction and tips to my grandkids brought back fond memories. I could hear my dad’s voice again, saying “If you fall and your skies come off, get your skies perpendicular to the hill and put your lower ski on first.”
Dad, giving tips to my friend Jenni and I at June Mountain. 1969
My mom, encouraging my brother and I to use our turns to control our speed, called back over her shoulder, “Follow me down the hill and turn where I turn.” At lunch, Dad would let me put my hands on his coffee cup to warm them. My brother, Paul and I would look for unmarked powder snow on the edge of the runs that we could leave our tracks in.
The Prices
When Gary and I married, exactly 47 years ago today, (HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME), Gary wanted to learn to ski and we went on a skiing honeymoon. Being more competitive than me, and much more athletic, he learned fast and soon passed me up. We honeymooned for two weeks, and by the time we came home, he was zipping down the runs like he’d been skiing for years.
When the Lord gave us our two girls, we enjoyed teaching them to ski.
Sarah 6 yrs at Mammoth
April 4.5 yrs at Mammoth
The Doughertys
&
The Andersons
For Christmas, our family got together in Arizona to celebrate, but a few days before that, we spent a day at the Arizona Snowbowl. We shared the day with another family too, so there was a total of 15 skiers, 2 snowboarders, and 2 grandmas with their cameras to take pics. History repeated itself, as some learned to ski or snowboard for the first time, and some improved their skills and speed. It was so fun to watch the improvement over the hours and hear reports of small victories and large strides forward. Whether navigating “getting on the lift” smoothly, figuring out how to “walk” in ski boots, how to slow down, get some air, turn, or stop without crashing into someone, everyone had their stories to tell at lunch.
(L to R) Nate D, Julia D, Micah A, Lauren D, Me, Miles A, April A, Derek A, Jon A, Owen A, Grant D, Sarah D, Ryan D at Arizona Snowbowl
Julia and Ryan
Micah and Jon
Owen and April
A Different Kind of Day
For multiple reasons I stayed off the skis this time so it was a different kind of day for me… but SO FUN! I loved walking around by the Bunny Slope watching everyone learn and improve. The day was nostalgic and a total blessing to my heart. The Lord was kind to give us such a sweet day, with no serious injuries, beautiful weather and great company. I was happy to get to know Diane (the grandma of the Dodd family) better as we held down the fort collecting the extra jackets, hats and paraphernalia shed as the day got warmer. It’s been 25+ years since I went skiing and changes are obvious. New to me…Helmets! Snowboards! People-Mover-Sidewalk-Conveyor-Belts instead of Rope Tows! “Pizza” stance instead of “Snow Plow” stance! But some things never change. The snow squeaks and scrunches in the tread of snow boots. Fresh cold air makes cheeks rosy. It’s still hard to keep track of all your equipment. Friendly strangers on the sun deck happily share space at their tables. The day ends with pizza, and on the way home, the skiers laugh, tell stories and make plans for the next trip.
As always, I love to hear back from you if you have a comment!