Blogging is like our ceiling fan...

It starts out strong, with four fresh light bulbs and plenty of illuminating energy. One bulb burns out immediately, imperceptibly, and you don't start to notice the fading light until a second one goes. OK, you reason, I can get by with just two bulbs--more efficient that way, anyhow. By the time the third bulb burns out, you've come to rely on other sources of light, and only visitors notice the difference. They stop by less frequently.

In my next post, I may divulge how many bloggers it takes to screw in four new light bulbs...

New Year's in Mammoth

The bad news first: I didn't feel like lugging my big Nikon all around the slopes of Mammoth Mountain to capture even one of the stunning views that can be seen from the chairlifts. I was too busy exploring. So forgive me for not posting any images of the Minarets, the Sierra backcountry or snow-dusted peaks.

Next, the good news: We had a great time, and everyone came home safely, without injury or hurt feelings.

More bad news: New Year's Eve kind of fizzled out for Dori and I, who were watching Dick Clark mumble something about the weather in New York while Dori's brother and his wife slept on the sofa.

All in all, it was a great weekend. If you are a snowboarder with intermediate or higher skill, I strongly recommend going to Mammoth to explore one of the most majestic ski areas around. Seriously.

Here are a few pictures that I did manage to capture off the mountain.

Whoever owned the cabin where we stayed was evidently a masterful hunter. No less than twenty heads and pelts adorned the walls.

... also masterful at collecting corks, apparently.