Fun in the snow

"PacMan" (age 12), is experiencing some jealousy in connection to my relationship with Paul. I try not to allow my social life to encroach on my time with him, but during this holiday season, it was an almost impossible balancing act. PacMan likes Paul, but is not especially enamored with the concept that his mother has a serious love interest.

In an attempt to improve their relationship, Paul took a day off work today and invited PacMan and me over for rides on his snowmobile. PacMan was excited about the opportunity. Paul lives directly across the street from a set of snowmobile trails. A ridiculously determined person with an iron spine (it's not exactly a SMOOTH ride) could go from Worcester, Massachusetts to New Hampshire on those trails. Because there wasn't really sufficient snow for snowmobiling, we just circled the field a few times. Paul took PacMan first, and he loved it. When they got back, I got my first snowmobile experience. PacMan started building a snowman in Paul's yard while waiting for us to return. Paul and I helped him finish it up when we got back. Paul found an old straw hat in his garage and put it on our snowman's head. Paul's dog seemed positively fascinated by the entire endeavor.

Paul started dinner while PacMan and I soaked in the hot tub. It's pretty amazing to be in a bathing suit, soaking in a tub - outdoors - while looking around at the snow-covered world. We stayed in there until we were wrinkled up like prunes!

We ate tacos for dinner and then headed back home. All-in-all, it was a fabulous day and PacMan had an awesome time.

On the downside, the snowmobile hit a hole, which was hidden by some tall grass, while Paul and I were riding and it flipped. I was wearing a helmet and was more shocked than hurt when I hit the ground. My lower back, left hip and right knee took a beating and I suspect I'll be hurting far worse tomorrow or Wednesday than I do now. I'm glad it happened during MY ride and not my son's!! I'm not so sure I'm brave enough or tough enough to handle snowmobiling. I think I'll just stick to the hot tub in the future.