I DONT WINTER WELL.

January has been a brutal weather month in Salt Lake City. My family reports that it startin snowing on January One and hasn't quit and today is January 31. One solid month of snow, cold and dirty air. The temperature neared zero on many nights and the Highway Patrol has been busy with hundreds of snow caused accidents.

And here I am. Today I swam in a 91 degree heated pool with the temperature out of the pool at a pleasant 76 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The seven day forecast is in the high seventies and clear skies.

I just don't winter well anymore. For the past four years I have spent the winter in Palm Desert or Puerto Vallarta. I do miss my home and my family but I encourage visitors and today I have granddaughters Amanda Dibblee and Grace Van Wagoner visiting and giving me welcome company.

I at one time welcomed winter. It was when I was an avid skier and enjoyed winter sports. After multiple ski accidents and surgeries, I don't look forward to the snow. People my age just can't afford falls. Three years ago I fell and broke my hip. You DO NOT want to be operated on in Mexico. I had a fine, young doctor but the facilities were less than desirable and the food and room were bad!

So, I worry about falling in the winter time. A family friend fell last week while putting ice melt on her driveway. She is in very bad condition in the hospital for what is feared to be a broken back.

The main effect of my age is the fact that I know I am weaker and more feeble. I have a hard time getting out of low, soft chairs. I don't move like I once did. I wobble a bit and am tentative in my actions. I try to resolve to stand erect, have good posture and move as I once did. But, I am not like I once was. I must be cautious. I must be careful.

So, I leave the comfort and happiness on my Salt Lake home and seek out the warmth and sun of places that cater to my generation. Great food. Fine lodging. Abundant golf courses and sweet, sweet sun.

So... here I am for a least one more month. Home sometime in March.