Family Racko in French

I Like Him...I Really Liiiiike Him

Confessions of An Only Child

I wrote this poem about a really happy time I had going out to dinner by myself whilst on a back country ski clinic weekend, away from home, on my own. I'm posting it because I haven't posted much lately and I want to keep my readers engaged. By the way, my new phone takes great photos!

Confessions of An Only Child

Ran
the night bridge from
Burlington to Winooski
over the river
in the
deep wet snow
and just right music light
to papa franks.

Ate Italian
sat with windows steamed
and listened to kids plan what to
do next; sled, drink and get the big guy
to carry the beer.

pasta, red sauce
chianti
cannolli
and a night run back
over the bridge
in the deep wet snow
a tangled medusa
alone and laughing.

The Littlest Mr. Stoddard

Wouldn't our Champ be delighted with his newest great grandchild?! Born Sunday after many hours of hard labor, Brook, Netdahe and Losada are all doing well and the baby is cuter than the dickens; tiny with black hair and perfect little fingers and toes and a perfect little nose. So far I've only seen photos as I planned to go visit today but have decided not to brave the 30+ mile trip in what is shaping up to be a gorgeous snow storm. Hopefully I'll make it down tomorrow to meet the little bugger. The first time I met Netdahe he was very tiny and I was almost 6 years old and he pissed on me! Somehow the grownups in my world made me think this was a kind of honor. Now it is almost 34 years later and Losada is the 4th great grandchild (following Harper, Patrick and Nia) so this next generation is shaping up nicely.

When we were little, Netdahe and Henekis realized I was an only child and therefore would not have the opportunity to be an aunt. They felt quite sorry for me and let me know I could be their sister. So Losada is my nephew. We're going to love him forever, of course.

An Early Morning Tune

Nothing like running on the ridge at dawn with this tune in your ears.

Harper

Harper's first ski race. She's the figure at the top of the frame. You can go full screen to make it even better. Follow her down. She's freaking amazing.

Anniversary--Seize Ans