Ski Bum Poet

It’s a sad day for my folks back in Erin, NY. Their beloved “Okie” is going to be put down. She’s old for her breed, and she’s displayed strength and perseverance for many months (fighting cancer). I have to be honest, but I didn’t think the old girl was going to last this long. I never lived at home while Okah was a part of the family, but we’ve had our bonding and fun times. And I had my good bye moment with her as well, back in the Spring when we were visiting NY.

As I post this tears are being shed. It’s around 1pm eastern time, when the veterinarian was coming up to the house. I know it’s tough Mom and Dad, but feel comfort in knowing what a good life you gave her. It’s been a tough year with pets for you guys.

Above is a picture of Danette and Okah in 2002, when she was at her prime.

Seems like yesterday, but five years ago today (September 20, 2003) the Marcoccia family was formed. We were married on the lawn at the Alta Peruvian Lodge, with majestic Mt. Superior in the background. That day we stood before the Mayor of Alta, Utah (Bill Levitt at the time, and apparently we were the 50th couple he married, that met in Alta!), our family and friends, and offered our vows and dedicated life support to one another. It was a perfect day. Sunny, mid-60s temperatures, and even a light dusting of snow on the highest peaks from the day before. Well so far so great…In fact, even better than great ever since Ellie has joined our family. I couldn’t be happier in life, and I couldn’t be more in love with my lady and little girl.

Happy Anniversary, Danette. I love you. Here’s to the next 5, and 40!

You know winter is starting to close in when Alta Ski Lifts posts the cost for their lift tickets and season passes for the 2008-09 ski season. No change to the cost of the season pass, but the day pass increased by 5 bucks.

Jesse posted the specifics to AltaCam recently:

This years day passes will again be embedded with the RFID chip and you can reload your pass at the ticket window or online. Save 5 bucks when you keep your ticket and reload. Prices are listed below:

Ticket Type – Price – Reload Price

Area Day Pass (9:15am – 4:30pm) – $64 – $59
Area PM (1:00pm – 4:30pm) – $54 – $49
Child 12 & under All Area – $32 – $27
Beginner Area Day (Albion, Sunnyside & Cecret Lifts) – $32 – $27

Check out the AltaCam Ski Forum for more info. Value polls available for both season pass and day pass rates.

Do you find this alarming? You should. Snap out of it if not. Sarah Palin sounds just like those fanatical jihadist we hear so much about these days. This Yahoo! news piece caught my attention just now:

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told ministry students at her former church that the United States sent troops to fight in the Iraq war on a “task that is from God.”

“Our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God,” she said. “That’s what we have to make sure that we’re praying for, that there is a plan and that plan is God’s plan.”

Read the full article..

Sorry GOP, but that’s just CREEPY.