Formerly "Neil Stone Updates"

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Like Riding a Bicycle


A few days before Christmas found us uncharacteristically ready for the big day, so Scott suggested a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Poconos to ski/snowboard.  This was a major event as it would be Neil's first time back on the slopes since the accident.  His doctor had told us that after 18 months his brain would be just as physically stable as any one's, and if he wanted to try snowboarding again, he could.  Well, the 18-month mark hit in the middle of summer--not a particularly good time for winter sports, so this was his first opportunity.

I can't tell you how excited Neil was as he anticipated being up in the snow, participating in his favorite sport again.  We arranged for some time with an instructor--just to get him started back in the right direction, and gave him plenty of pep-talks about patience and lowering his expectations.  After all, his balance isn't what it was, and his left side is still showing signs of impairment.  But he insisted he was ready.

So we watched anxiously to see if snowboarding would turn out to be another lost skill--another disappointment for him.  The first ten or fifteen minutes were shaky.  I guess things didn't feel the same and he took a few spills.  But it didn't take long for the old familiar moves to come back and he figured out how to compensate for lost abilities.  He was soon on the lift and going down the easier paths.  I insisted he stay on green circle slopes, but I think his dad accidentally took him down a blue square path on the second day, and apparently, he did okay.  

Probably, the most difficult thing Neil found was that he tires very quickly, so building strength and stamina will be key for future outings.  But oh, what joy that he has this back in his life again!

If any friends want to invite him for a day on the slopes, just letting you know, he'll need a little help tying his boots, but he'll do fine on the mountain...and he'll love you forever!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

In My Opinion

Nothing says Christmas quite like a frog in a Santa suit.

This one's for you, Amy!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Tux


There's something about a man in a tux, isn't there?    

Eric wore the awesome outfit for his performance with the school's symphony orchestra last Wednesday.  He'll be wearing it for his Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band concerts as well.  Guess it will be hanging in the closet now, along with his Marching Band uniform.  Never mind how he plays, I think this is what makes him a real musician at last! :-)
   
Funny how a tuxedo seems to bring out one's inner James Bond...
Live and Let Die--Oh yeah!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

What We Like About Kansas City

Cool architecture and fountains

Dogs on laps ...

On leashes ...

And in beds

BBQ at Oklahoma Joe's

Gluten free pizza at Spin 

Hand brewed root beer at McCoy's
And lest you think we only ate out, I submit the following evidence of real home cooking:

Preparing roasted tomatoes

Everyone helped

Brandon's turkey masterpiece

Butternut squash soup (Cute apron Alison!)

Enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving feast!