Page 150 - The Freckled Eye - Book

Chapter 18 A New Year

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December 31 - It was New Year’s Eve. We had a wonderful prime rib dinner
and watched the apple drop. Hello New Year!

January - February

January 6 - It was another big day. Jay and I were going to go snowboarding
for the first time this year. How would I do? Would I be able to see? I was
nervous again. My eye was doing fine, but I wasn’t sure about the white
snow. What I’ve noticed, so far, is that depending on light conditions will
determine how well I see. Would I be able to see the changes in snow
pattern? Would I be able to go into the trees to get the fresh powder? Or
would my eye make me feel uncomfortable and hold me back.

There was only one way to find out. Let’s do it! Jay and I packed the car, and
took off for our first snowboarding trip. Everything seemed right, I had the
gear, the right board and finally the right pair of snowboard boots. I had my
googles and helmet too.

We arrive at the mountain, got ourselves ready and we were off, heading
towards the gondola. Up we went. I continued to look around, it was a bit
cloudy and then sunny at times.

The gondola ended, so we jumped out and headed to the spot we always start
at. Next, we stepped into our bindings. It was a short little hill to get to the
next ski lift, but it was time. Here we go! Shush, shush, shush… Everything
seemed to be working. I was snowboarding again. Getting down to the next
ski lift took a minute. We grabbed the next chairlift up to the top of the
mountain. I was taking in the air, breathing deeply, thinking about how
important today was for me.

We got to the top. Here we go again. The true test. Shush, shush, shush… I
was taking it a bit slow, looking down at the snow, seeing what I could see. I
was a bit unsure visually, but I was managing. We’re now on the back side of
the mountain. Some of the best runs are there. That’s where the good
powder runs are. Shush, shush, shush… down a black diamond ski run. I
kept it mellow, staying on the groomed run. Down to the bottom and back up
another ski lift.