It is winter again, which means its time to hit the slopes. After returning with a tan from Africa, and missing the free trips provided from brokers etc through work - I was keen to get in some snow time - having cashed out for new gear last year. A group of twelve (Abby Aaron John Josie Brett Silvia Nick Darren Heidi Ryan Lisa Nigel) of us hired out a whole chalet at les Arcs 2000 in the French Alps. Place was cozy, warm and even came with a little helper who cooked us a full breakfast each morning and a three course meal each night. Food was amazing and the free house wine was even good enough to drink this time. Was good to have a place to ourselves with pubs and clubs just a small stroll away.

Only getting up once or twice a year meant most people were at the breakfast table early and ready to go for first lifts everyday, only returning at dusk and the mountain closing. Absolutely wasted, heavy party nights were pretty limited with most opting to pass out in front of the fire, beer in hand. Mountain had a good range of runs, and we found it easy to find a challenge. Buying a helmet to protect the ole noggin - we hit the snow park a few times for some attempted air time, no comment on how that turned out. But the helmet was a good investment and gives a lot more confidence esp. when doing some of the harder black (DD) runs. Not alot eventful happend as such, but had a great week boarding, getting up everyday. There was no excuses - wind, snow or aching/cramping legs.

It took a while, with this incompetent UK system of buying / selling houses, but I finally completed on my place. It is a 2 bedroom, through living / dining room (i.e wall between them knocked out), kitchen, bathroom - mid-terrace in London. Happily located in Zone 3 - about 6 minutes walk to the Underground, which makes it perfect for going out and for commuting to work. It has a small courtyard behind the house with room enough for a dozen people to sit, drink and munch on sausages in summertime when the BBQ is fired up!

Overall I am happy with it, but it needs a little love and attention, and I plan on pretty much redoing every surface, walls, floors, ceilings etc, needs a couple of new double glazed windows, new front door but that is all pretty easy stuff. Just time and effort.

Got the important things already, new microwave, big king bed, and of course, the full high definition 42 inch big screen tv to play the Wii on. It is a great feeling to be walking in the front door of your own home :)