FREEDOM!!!!

We are now going through what many native Mainers know as the January Thaw. During this time most of my alpine races and practices have been canceled due to the damage that my "aggressive" skiers would do to the hill. So, I find my self restless...unable to drive many placed because of the freaking gas prices and dying to get out and do something. Isabelle and I were out enjoying the 57 degree day on Tuesday and I was going nuts. I have got to DO something. So, I was puttering around the garage and found my cross country stuff. Now, I grew up cross country skiing, going out with my family, or just me and the dog. Always a good time. It was only till my later years (high school) that I hung up the cross country skis and started down hill. I started doing more cross country when I met Jim, we would ski into places to camp and things like that. However, since Isabelle..not to much skiing, had never even given it a thought. Until now...... Isabelle had gotten a beautiful LLBean sled for Christmas (Thank you Nana and Pop-Pop!) and I made a belt with some webbing (Jim has TONS...won't miss it anyway!) Strapped it onto the sled, put Isabelle in with sunscreen on, animal crackers and water packed and we set out. We have a snowmobile highway near our house. Perfect for someone looking to get her ski on. After 45 minutes I found that I was liberated from the house! Able to get a work out! (you would be amazed had how much energy it takes to haul a 40 pound sled around) and totally excited. Isabelle was a bit skeptical at first but after a while she was yelling Weeeee! as we slid down some small hills. We have gone a few times since and I am in love. Unfortunetley I took the picture with my phone and haven't been able to figure out how to down load it from there... when I do, You all can see. Just imagine a beautiful wooden sled, kid with big pink snow suit on, hat and a face full of animal crackers.....