143;Uncle Albert's Mountain, Chapter XIII; David and Tom; The Lure of the Mountain KIng

   David Randall was sitting in the Lodge having his third cup of coffee. He was watching a few skiers that were on the mountain this early and enjoying the sun. It was fascinating a wonderful way to live, he thought, but it was not the way for him. Having time to think over the last couple of days, he realized his life was back with his family. How he could even think of throwing it away, made him lonely, and long for them all the more.

     Tom was actually his best friend. They didn’t see each other very much any more. He had a few friends at work, but they were only business associates. The only things they ever talked about were insurance matters. It was extremely boring, even for an insurance man. He turned around to catch the two boys sneaking up behind him.

     “How was Denver?” Toby asked. “They can’t run the company without you?”

     “I wish that was the case. They just need someone to spout orders.”

     “You mean you’re not the radical S.O.B. I’ve grown to love?” Tom questioned.

     “I’m merely a shadow of my former self, caught forever in the red tape of life.”

     “And quite the philosopher also,” Toby added.

     “He was always good at throwing the bull,” Tom interjected.

     “I hope you don’t mind Toby, but I would like to talk to Tom for a few minutes alone.”

     “No problem. I have to talk to Joe anyway. See you later.”

     “I’m afraid not. I am leaving today. It was great to meet you. Good Luck at the Olympics.”

     “Thanks.”

 

     “What’s up D.R.?”

     “I’d like you to come back with me Tom. If not today, then very soon.”

     “What do you mean?”

     “Well for one, we need someone at the office. The pay is excellent. You can stay at my place until you are on your feet, financially. You can get to know your godson. I’ll even spring for the plane fare home. What do you say?”

     Tom looked perplexed, like he didn’t understand a word he had said.

     “You’re kidding me right?”

     “No not at all. Look around you. What do you have? Not a damn thing! I’m giving you a free chance to make whatever you want out of your life. All you have to do is go for it.”

     Tom stood there and just stared at his friend. He couldn’t believe what he had heard. Slowly, he shook his head, and then glanced off into the distance, deep in thought. Tom was always good at covering up his emotions. It was several long minutes before he turned his attention back to his friend.

     “Look Dave, I appreciate the offer, I honestly do. It’s just I can’t go back now. Not yet, I’m not ready. Whenever there was a fight or something that I had to stand for I was the leaver. Left everything that ever meant anything to me. My gaze was always on the open road. A free spirit in the wind if you know what I mean.”

     He didn’t know where the decision had come from. He had grown so much through his relationship with Sara. It was uncharted territory for him. It was in his blood, his being. It was an instinctual part of his being. He cared for little people, places and things. Whenever a decision had to be made, he would think about it for a while and let his heart make the final decision. He would always listen to his heart. When it came to the mountains, especially this mountain, it told him to stay.

     “I think your making a big mistake, Tom,” Dave lectured. “You have got to take a stand somewhere in life. Can’t you see the waste? Don’t you know the monetary value of the days your throwing away?”

     “I can’t believe you’re preaching to me about the value of time. I take every day as it comes. I relish every moment up here like it was my very last. We are only visitor’s here. When I’m an old man D.R. I’ll remember the days on this mountain with a great fondness. Not just for the experience, but also that it was my youth and I didn’t give it away. We didn’t have to go to war. We went to ski, Dave. I climb the Professor on full moon evenings and with my friends we ski the old mine dumps in fresh powder. I don’t want the weight of your financial empire on my shoulders. You seem to be carrying it just fine, pal”

     David knew when it was pointless to argue. Tom made up his mind and nothing, and no one would be able to change it. Tom’s determination was unwavering once he had a goal in sight. If a mountain was involved, he would conquer it, no amount of pain, would alter his course. It was his strong weakness.

     “I guess there is nothing more to say.”

     “It was good to see you again,” Tom hugged his friend.

     Tom watched as David made his way across the parking lot He had the urge to jump up and start it again with him. It wasn’t strong enough to change his mind. The internal fight raged on. The logical side wanting to build all the things he never had. The emotional side needing to drift freely through life, experience every second of everyday.

     “Damn you Snowshoe Thompson why did you have to be my Uncle and fill my head with mountain dreams?” he cursed.

By Your Grace/Jai Gurudev, Krishna Das, Heart As Wide As The World

134-Uncle Albert's Mountain, Joe and The Bank; The Lure of The Mountain King; Chapter IX

     “Good to see you, Joe. How’s the season going?”

     “Best one yet, Gordon. The skier numbers are up. Why did you call me in?”

     “Let me tell you.”

Gordon Hughes was the president of the Summit County National Bank and Trust. He was the man who had pushed the hardest for the loan when Joe purchased the Basin. He unbuttoned his jacket and tucked in his western shirt into his denim jeans and motioned for Joe to sit down.

     “I’ve had a visit from Senator Blackwell’s Company yesterday.”

Joe sat bolt upright, his full attention focused on every word.

     “At first, I thought they simply wanted the loan balance. I declined any information. Then they started asking more sensitive and indiscreet questions. For example, they wanted to know what conditions would cause us to recall the loan.”

     “Jesus, by the Jesus, you didn’t discuss that with them, did you?”

    “ No, of course not. But Joe, they can easily get that information and use it against you.”

     “How can they as long as I fulfill the terms of my contract?’

     “Joe, Joe, you and I both know there are a lot of grey areas in all contracts. Any of which, brought to the attention in the wrong light, might cause us to demand the loan payment in full. The Board of Trustee’s makes the final decisions. I have absolutely no say in the matter.”

 

Joe was beginning to realize the lengths these people would go to get what they wanted. There was no such thing as fair play. His Dad always said, “You want fair, play baseball, they have Umpires.” It was starting to seem like he had no chance, no chance what so ever.

     “Is there anything I can do?” his voice cracked in despair.

     “Short of paying off the loan,” the president shook his head. “Absolutely nothing I’m afraid.”

     “Thanks Gordon,” Joe stood unsteadily, “I appreciate you keeping me informed.”

     “I wish I could help you,” he sat in his chair.

He was intelligent, personable. Gordon lacked creativity, there probably was something he could have done, but he would never think of it.

     “Say hello to Karen for me,” he said.

     “I will. Take care.”

Joe left the offices feeling completely violated. They were digging deeply into his personal affairs, leaving no stone unturned. Methodically, they were picking every bit of his life apart, looking for anything and everything to force him to sell. He started the Mercedes and decided to drive up to the top of Loveland Pass.

133-Uncle Albert's Mountain,( The Lure of The Mountain King;) David; Chapter VIII

It hadn't snowed in five day's, the last traces of powder in the back bowls had settled. The heavy crud and chunks were still good skiing. The trails had been groomed and packed to perfection through this cold dry period. It would have been excellent by Eastern Standards, to the hard core Rocky Mountain powder hounds, it wasn't much fun at all. Tom was busy at work in the upstairs guest rooms of the Lodge. He was replacing old bathroom faucets for new ones. This arrangement with Joe was perfect. He would spend four hours in the morning, on a dry day, and then head up the mountain around noon. If any amount of powder had fallen, he'd ski the fresh snow until he was tired, usually in the afternoon when the tourists took over. He didn't hate other skiers, they just seemed to get in the way of his fun. It was an inside joke between the skiers on the circuit. They made fun of the tourist's because of their expensive outfits. Nine out of ten fell getting off he chair, or were a mess and skiing out of control on the mountain. The local's called them rubber Larry's for the way the waved their arms chaotically to try and gain control before they had a yard sale when they fell. Most of the bum's didn't own much more than the clothes on their backs, and their skis. Jealousy is cruel no matter who catches it. It was a perfect balance, the bum's buzzed the tourists at incredible speeds, frightening and amazing them with their abilities. The tourists got their licks in by slowly crisscrossing the trails haphazardly. The ski bum's had to dodge them like racing gates.

      

     "Come on loosen up," he yelled at the rusted old iron fitting, with a final yank the whole pipe broke off in his hands.

     "Just great," he snapped. "Now, I have to..."

     "Not going to well, eh?" Joe stood there with his hands deep in his pockets. "There is someone here to see you. He's having lunch on the deck. You can finish tomorrow."

     "Best idea I've heard all day," Tom stood up. "Don't know my own strength," he slapped his hands on his dusty work pants. Joe Stayed behind to pack as Tom ran down the hall to the locker room.

David Randall was a handsome man, short clean cut blonde hair and a salon tan. He had made his fortune selling insurance to middle aged and old retired couples. The women loved him. The men admired him for the spark he put in their wives eyes. He was happily married with three children; Tom, Drew and Mallory. Tom knew his godson only from the pictures that David had sent to him. He felt guilty and kept promising he would spend more time with the family. Next summer, that was three summers ago. He looked at his friend with a deep envy as he approached. David had stayed behind. Tom had shown him the mountains and the freedom and the lifestyle. David had chosen to stay behind while Tom had left to find his dreams. He had built quite a life for he and his family, back East, with a fine home and all the things that make life comfortable and predictable. Tom had lived more than most men ever dream of in a lifetime. Next to David he thought he didn’t stack up. He wondered some times if it was all worth the sacrifices, the wandering, the loneliness. Tom wondered, that is, until the next powder run. He didn’t wonder one minute after that.

     “ Well, did you bring them?”

     “Bring what?”

     “Come on Dave, you know.”

     “Honestly Tom, I have no idea what you are talking about.”

     “Dave, if you didn’t bring them, you can turn around right now and go back home and get em.”

     David smiled broadly, turning toward and orange and blue Solomon ski bag, he pulled out a rectangular white box with lettering on it.

     “Here,” he tossed the box to Tom. “There’s your Freihoffer’s Choclate Chip Cookies, there are several more inside, incase you decide to hoard or share. I don’t care which!”

    “Alright Dave! I knew you’d come through. You have no idea how happy I am you remembered. It brings a tear to a Ski Bum’s eye,” Tom feigned wiping away a tear.

    “Couldn’t forget a friend.”

    “I thought you weren’t coming until next week?”

    “Change of plans old buddy, I’m on a working vacation right now. All expenses paid. Thank you very much!”

     How’d you swing that?”

     “Well, it turns out my venerable employer’s are underwriting A-Basin for the insurance of the new owner’s. I’m here to check things out and assess the risk.”

  “Joe’s selling the Basin?” Tom could not believe the news.

  “Sometime this spring, I believe. I guess he didn’t tell you. I hope I haven’t overstepped my position.”

Tom stood looking over the railing at the smiling attendant helping the long line of skiers on to the lift. He didn’t know what to say. The wind had been taken from his sails. He felt like it was his mountain being sold. It was his dream dying. Something inside of him was dying, he didn’t trust himself to speak. He had gotten so close to Joe in such a short time, he didn’t want his, whatever this was, to end. Now Joe was selling the mountain out form underneath him. Not just him, but the whole family at the Basin were losing their home.

     “I-I’m sorry,” he apologized, “It’s just shocking to hear we are being sold to a lifeless corporation. There will be no more rides to the top for a finely rolled joint. All the attendant’s will be dressed like Disney Land, with their names and hometowns embroidered on their Lands’ End Parkas’. I never thought Joe would sell out like that,”

     “I was told he had no choice, that everyone had their price,” David replied. He wondered if it was the right thing to say.

     “Some things never change. What does the song say? The man in the suit has just bought a new car, from he profit he’s made on your dreams,” Tom said facing his old friend.

    “Would you excuse me for a couple of minutes? I got to take care of something.”

    “No problem. I want to get some skiing in though.”

    “We can do it. I’ll be right back,” Tom quickly turned and headed for Joe’s office.

                                                               *  *  *    

Tom was angry now. He really shouldn’t intrude, it wasn’t his business, he had to say something. This was his home, the closest thing he had ever known to a home. Tom was a loner, a drifter, never really getting attached to anyone or any one place. He loved this mountain and couldn’t explain why, his entire world was being threatened. It was the first time he wanted to stand for something. The door was open when he arrived ay Joe’s office and he barged right in.

     “So---, You’re selling out!

     “He told you, Huh?” Joe stood up walked around his desk slowly to the door and closed it.

     “I honestly can’t believe it! Why? Why would you sell to those slimy suit and tie creeps?”

     “Can’t you see?  There is nothing I can do. They have purchased the entire valley around me, turned the sentiment toward improvement and expansion. Quad lifts to the Pali, all the things I can’t afford. I’m the last, the last of a dying breed, the last hold out. I held out for as long as I could.”

     “There is always something that can be done! It’s gutless to sell out and allow the corporate machine to perpetuate itself. We can fight them! We can win! They don’t always have to win!”

     “I’m sorry son, not this time. It’s almost over, barring Divine Intervention or a Miracle it’s not likely to happen, this time.”

     “I’m not buying it. We can beat them at their game. You just don’t have the guts.”

     “Everything that can, has already been done. I resent being called a coward.”

Joe disliked being challenged by this young man.

     “It’s not your concern Tom. You don’t know what’s going on. Keep your smart ass remarks to yourself.”

     “Fine Joe,” Tom reached for the door. “Remember the Basin fell on your watch! You can crawl away into the sunset. Forget I ever cared. Forget you and the Men of the Tenth Mountain Division ever had a dream!” Tom slammed the door.

     “I did try,” Joe said to no one.

Each day weighed heavier as they came and went. He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take. Everyone would be broken by the news. It was his actions that were directly responsible. Joe reached for the phone and dialed the number for Station Three.

     “Lance spread the word that there will be a meeting at the Moose Jaw. Everyone is to attend, absolutely no exceptions,” Joe hung up. He turned and glanced along the East Wall and toward the summit. He suddenly felt every year of his age.

The Art of Retirement

      Ok the big day has come and gone. It seems that the last few months became unbearable. Once you give yourself permission to stop being in the work world you are not. Several years before deciding to retire my wife, Kathy, set up this blog for me for when I retire. She has always supported my writing mindset. My editor, confidant, critic, and fan Kathy has always encouraged my writing. I would not have a book on Amazon nor would I be writing under the name of Write My Fire. I am fortunate to have gotten the girl!
     The question now about retirement is where do you go from here. Is writing just for pleasure? Should I try to make money or publish a product? The need being is to supplement my income so that we can travel to do the things that we enjoy and also gather the experiences to draw future writing from. The natural thing for me is to do what I know. I have been told before to write about what you know. However I have never wanted to write a Plumbing and Heating blog nor have I ever wanted to write about pipes. The answer to the question may be to reinvent yourself. Is this what Grandma Moses did? Don't know what she did before picking up a paintbrush!
     What it really appears to be to me is an opportunity. There are many things in my life that I have left unfinished. Writing projects started but no completed. If you were to go back and look at all of my blogs from the beginning you would see that there are stories and thoughts that were begun but not pursued. A Historical novel that I have an outline, first chapter and notes for as well as a first act of a screen play. I even enrolled in a screenwriting workshop in Aspen when I was living there. Then there is a novel about writers estranged wishing to write with one another that is almost complete. It lacks a better beginning and a couple middle chapters in order to be complete. I wrote the book by writing separate short stories with the same characters designed to be linked together into a novel. Completion is not that far away.
     The answer is in the list. Like writing an outline, a list of half started works and ideas could be fleshed out and completed and turned into finished works. Not to mention many ideas and short stories that have been begun like blogs started and sitting in my blog sphere with the big red label of Draft on them. Yes there is also all of my poetry that was not included in Of Mountains and Men. Finish what you start!