Vail 2025 - Day 3 - The best day

Mar 13,

Today was the best day. I can say that, even though we still have 3 days of skiing left, because Sofia was with us. For the full day we enjoyed her company as if it was still the four of us, all the time. We woke up under the same roof, had breakfast together (Bella’s favorite breakfast), and skied together all day. And she was smiling and in such a good mood.

She did head home in the evening, with enough time to make it back to Boulder before it got dark or too late, but at least we get to see her on Monday again before we travel back to Boston on Tuesday morning. Missing her already and looking forward to seeing her then.

Vail 2025 - Day 2 - First day of skiing

Mar 12,

Today was our first day of skiing. The snow was hard, making it more challenging to ski, but at least it was warm, and sunny, and beautiful. Maybe a little too warm for Lionel’s liking, but he hung in there all day. 

We actually came down the mountain at 3:00 pm vs 4:00 pm because Bella and I wanted to have time to go to the hot tub and not have to rush before dinner. My legs were tired by 3 anyway, and no need to push it on the very first day.

We went to the hot tub, I then sat by the fireplace for a little bit and even took a short nap, and went to the sauna. We then took showers and went to our 6:30 dinner.

By 8:00 pm Sofia made it to Vail with Claire, Bella’s friend from Cincinnati. She picked her up from the Denver airport before heading this way. I was so happy to see my Sofia again and I am excited that tomorrow we get to ski together. The four of us together just like it used to be and just like I like it.

Vail 2025 - Day 1 - Travel Day

Mar 11,

Today was our travel day to Vail for our yearly ski vacation. We took the 7:30 am flight and getting up early, especially with the time change, was not the best. But at least the flight was pretty empty so each one of us got our own row. And we got to Denver on time to drive to Boulder and have lunch with Sofia. I was so happy to see her! And I also finally got to see her new car.

The weather was warm, at about 55 degrees, but felt much warmer. The sun felt good on our skin.

We had lunch at The Buff and afterwards Sofia let Bella drive her car around some quiet streets, so Bella could show her new driving skills. We then went back to Sofia’s apartment only for a few minutes, said goodbye for now, and drove up the mountain. I wish she had come with us but at least she is coming up tomorrow to ski one day.

Once in Vail we checked in at the hotel, unpacked real quick, and went to rent our skis. We had a bit of quiet time before dinner, had an early dinner at one of the restaurants at the hotel, and then Lionel and I walked for a few minutes. 

It has been a long day, so we are now ready to go to bed.

Highway

Mar 9,

This morning, when Bella and Lionel went to her lacrosse practice, he let her drive on the highway for the first time. She has been doing a good job driving around town, but the highway is definitely scary. She has to practice, there is no avoiding that though, so we will continue to let her drive there little by little. 

A good Saturday

Mar 9,

This morning was my first outdoor run in about 4 months. The snow finally melted - at least for now - and it was sunny and just seasonably cold. So even though it was windy as well, I decided to head out. While I have continued to run indoors, running outside is definitely more demanding. I managed to push for 6.2 miles, but it was definitely not my fastest.

After that Lionel and I had lunch with my friend Cheryl, while Bella was in her driver’s ed class. And in the afternoon Bella, Cheryl and I went to the mall. Bella drove for part of that.

We closed out the day with pizza and salad from a local place. And Lionel with an FC Cincinnati game from the comfort of the couch.

First Celtics Game

Mar 6,

This evening, after work. Lionel and I went to our very first Celtics game. The neighbor’s friend was selling 2 tickets, and we decided to splurge and go for it. I am not particularly a basketball fan, but it is good to have the full Boston experience. And a Celtics game is definitely a classic.

We had good comfortable seats, it was a good ambience, and we enjoyed the 30 min walk back to our car afterwards. It was a little chilly but it didn’t matter since we were moving fast. And it was great to do something different Vs just going from home to work, and back around.

More driving

Mar 2,

We came back from Cincy in the morning, which gave us the afternoon for our regular routine. That included Bella’s driving lessons roaming around Newton and driving all the way back to the house.

Flash Trip to Cincy

Mar 2,

This weekend Lionel and I went on a flash trip to Cincinnati to attend our friend Miguel’s 50th birthday party. We flew in on Thursday evening, and left Sunday morning. In between I worked half a day on Friday, saw my parents, we went to the party, went to Coffee Emporium, and Lionel had a bunch of business meetings. The weather was nice to us, as it wasn’t as cold as it has been in the last few weeks. Bella couldn’t miss school, so meanwhile she stayed with her friend Izzy and her family. And poor Kika went to the dog hotel. But it was a short stay, so she cannot complain. 

Nice View

Feb 26,

I took this photo from my floor on a late afternoon. When the time comes, I will definitely miss this view.

Snowy office

Feb 24,

The snow is still on the ground. I took a couple of photos to share with a friend in Mexico and she pointed out that the snow looked a little like “espuma de mar” (sea foam).  I think she is right.