Skied in Montana

Blue skies, crisp air with the scent of pine trees, sparkling snow and a well-groomed cross-country ski trail. That's what MacDonald Pass just outside Helena, Montana, offered on the morning of Feb. 16, my 50th birthday. I had a good friend with me as we skied the 4.5-kilometer Old Cabin Loop at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sunshine and mountain views.

I flew to Helena to be with two old college friends and their three children so that I could get a break from all the horrible financial news and to make sure I'd hit the 50-year milestone in warm, loving company. A morning of cross-country skiing was a healthy, positive, fun way to start what I hope will be a healthy, positive, fun year, no matter what I read in the newspapers.