Ski trip

We went skiing last weekend with a cheerful group of 12: 4 historians, 3 astronomers, 2 engineers, 1 physicist, 1 professor, and a 5 year-old who had never seen snow before. Of all the pics I have I wish I had a few of her first experiences with the frozen stuff. Good food was eaten, wine was drunk, and rousing table-side talk was had.

My skiing has improved immensely from when I first started 5 years ago. I ski comfortably down most terrain and don't get scared on the stuff that's a bit over my head. I even started learning how to ski off trail (ok, like 5 feet off trail but I made it around a tree!). Even more exciting, my two ski buddies Noncoupable and Astroman, have also made huge improvements. It's really fun to see not just yourself, but others be able to conquer new territory.I've also come to the realization that it would matter if I broke a leg, arm, foot, wrist, but it would matter if I hit my head and scrambled my brains. In this academic business it seems that my brain is my most important asset. In my personal life I wouldn't want to leave Luke tethered to a vegetable. So, "inspired" by seeing someone really good take a serious fall, I'm going to get a helmet.

Here are a few pics of the group. With all the hottness it's amazing there was even snow left on the mountain!