Back in NV again!

I've been back for two days and went out for my morning walk today.  It's amazing what can happen in a month - all the leaves are gold or brown or on the ground; the rabbit brush is in full fluff; and I finally need shoes with toes.  Last week, I was in below zero temps; yesterday my carmometer said 65 - my multi-state life is always an adventure!

I spent almost a week in the Twin Cities and took a quick trip to Wilton to see Doug's sibs. It was nice to visit with Donna, Donn, Angie, and Brandon and especially nice to have someone to watch CBS Sunday Morning with for a change! When I got back to St. Paul,  Sarah & I took Heath to see the holiday display at Dayton's (NKA Macy's) 8th Floor and he was mesmerized by all the things there were to see.  How is this for the classic Christmas wonderment in a child's face?  On Monday, we had a three-generation old-fashioned Whitney cookie-baking marathon at my sister Judy's house complete with flour-dusted, frosting coated kids (Lexi, Heath, Jayden & several others). And of course the Whitney girls & their kids outdid themselves by making some of the best looking frosted sugar cookies ever!  On Tuesday, I got together with my long-time MN friends for a traditional holiday dinner at Ann's this year.  This fine bunch of women (Ann, Dar, Karen, Ellie, Anna and Anne) has been in my life for 15-40 years!

While I was gone, the new vanity tops were installed in my bathrooms and they look great!  Thanks to Pete, the Nomad Carpenter, the fixtures are all working again.  I'm waiting to have him remodel the shower in the master bath till after the house is re-plumbed as part of a class action settlement because of defective plumbing fittings - hopefully he can do it when he comes back next spring.  He also managed to get rid of some of the equipment in the garage so now I don't have to walk sideways between my car & the truck!

I got out the Christmas decorations last night and only have a few gifts left to buy so I should be able to manage getting it all done.  I also have to finish grading the memos my students turned in at the end of the semester and those of you who know me know that means I will need "prizes."  Going out to get the shopping done is always a good prize - don't you think? 

As I finish this update, I am listening to Christmas music and looking at my decorated home in the desert. I hope you are in a similarly pleasant place but wherever you are, I send my warmest wishes.

I'm still where I am, and so is my eagle friend

It's been mostly quiet and shades of black & white here at The Point since after Thanksgiving.  The lake is finally completely frozen but I'm not sure how deep the ice is - maybe I'll test it tomorrow.

The days go surprisingly fast, even though I don't have lots to do.  Dar & I went to visit Karen & Ellie last Tuesday and Nancy Miller came the same day.  We all stayed the night to enjoy the company, food and hot tub and a fun time was had by all.  Their space and its site on the lake is beautiful and peaceful so it's easy to enjoy spending time there. 

The night before we left, Dar took this great shot of the lake at sunset and you can see there was lots of open water around the point and on the south side of the lake.  Although it was only in the teens all week, there was a southerly wind so that part of the lake was slow to freeze.  When Pete, Tracy & the kids arrived on Friday, that side was still not iced over but after a very chilly night and a high of 7 degrees on Saturday, it finally succumbed. 

We had some sunshine on Saturday so Bella & I went out for a walk on the lake and in the woods while Pete & Tracy went to town and Stephen & Alexandra watched movies.  We saw tracks on the ice and concluded it must have been a fox and racoon, after we researched mammal tracks in our various identification books.  When we came back, we played games - most of which Bella won.  She also made a big tower with Dominoes - maybe she'll become an architect!

This morning Pete helped me get the golf cart ready for winter.  Now they have gone home too so it's back to me and the birds and squirrels. I finally got started on grading papers this afternoon and only went outside on a break. I am slowly getting all the chairs put in covered spaces for the winter.  As I walked to the Clubhouse, I heard the resident eagle calling - I know he is watching to make sure I get everything done right!  He seems to be flying with the youngster he was coaching this summer.  They are easy to spot against the sky and they remind me I am not alone and never will be in this place. 

Thankful to be where we were - again!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week-end and the debate goes on about when this tradition began - was it 1986 or 1989? We will have to do historical research to find out and because my photo albums from that period are still in NV, it may be weeks before we know.

However longstanding it is, our tradition of gathering here at the lake makes folks want to get here sooner and sooner. I was fortunate enough to arrive Sunday, in plenty of time to get the cabins and Clubhouse warmed up and ready by the time of the next arrivals. Ann and Roberto came up Tuesday night at the urging of the two newest members of our Thanksgiving cult - John Dobbins (Ann's nephew) and his son, Andrew. I had chili and cornbread waiting for them and after dinner we introduced John and Andrew to Farkel. They picked it up quickly and got better throughout the week-end. That evening, Ann announced (and reminded us many times throughout the week-end) that this was the last Thanksgiving she will be teaching so next year she, too, can make it a week-long event.

On Wednesday, Ann and I went to pick up Anne Dunn, a regular attendee who lives about an hour from the lake. By the time we returned, Dar, Karen Schultz (from WA), Karen and Ellie were here. That evening, we ended up having a wild game dinner - venison and grouse that we found in the freezer from Doug's last hunting seasons, squash, and wild rice pilaf. Damon, Sarah and Heath arrived near the end of dinner so by Wednesday evening most of the gang was here.

On Thursday, Heath settled in at the cabin and the rest of us prepared the feast. Heath was busy exploring all the things he was too little to notice this summer. Now that he can get around on his own and get into things, it was like a whole new world for him.

We had ovens and stovetops at both cabins busy most of the day; Ann and Roberto inaugurated the new electric roaster for cooking the turkey, which freed up lots of oven space. And Damon and Sarah stepped up to take over some of Doug's contributions to the feast - Damon grilled the back-up turkey on our Weber and Sarah worked with me on the pies (sweet potato, mixed berry, apple and pecan). We tested out a several new recipes - Fiery Sweet Potatoes and a couple of pie recipes; all were well-received and got the nod for permanent places on the menu. By dinner time, we had a marvelous spread ready for consumption and consume we did!

We had dinner at about 4:30 and passed cameras around the tables so we would have proof that we all enjoyed Thanksgiving 2009. The plan wasn't perfect because for some reason, Dar didn't show up in any of the photos - but we got a good one of her later.

We had to take a break before we could have pies. Some folks walked, some watched a movie and played games before and while we ate the pies.

Besides the great food and good company, we all witnessed a monumental event - Heath taking his first solo steps from the kitchen to the living room. He has been doing laps and circuits for a couple of months but has been reticent to "let go" entirely. On Thanksgiving, there was no mistaking the fact that several times he was motoring around totally on his own, which got him a round of applause and cheering each time. By 9 p.m. there was much yawning (except for Heath) and we all trekked off to our various sleeping spots.

Friday was a relaxing day. Ellie showed the slide show of her trip to China and Tibet. John, Andrew and Damon did some target shooting; others walked, shared photos, or played games. Late in the afternoon, we went into Walker for the Festival of Lights parade and Heath had his first look at holiday lights galore and a small town MN parade complete with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Heath was a hit with all the people tossing candy and he "oooo"ed almost continuously. We all came home with cold noses and rosy cheeks and by then Dar's daughter Anne and her fiance Jim were here and we were all ready for our left-over pie

Saturday was a lazy day - we took walks, played more games, read, and shared more photos. We grilled a pork roast and had more good food. We had saved the gourmet cupcakes John brought for dessert that night because it was Sarah's birthday. They were delicious and Sarah enjoyed celebrating her birthday for the second time at the lake. So did Heath-

Folks had to leave as various times on Sunday - everyone but Dar and I were gone by late afternoon. And I can say with confidence that we are all thankful we were here to share this holiday with good friends and family and I am betting that we will all be back for as many more years of the tradition as we can be!

Can it really be Thanksgiving again?

It's been three months since I last posted an update and I am back at the lake already.  As I type this, it occurs to me that this might be the 25th anniversary of our Thanksgiving tradition at the lake - amazing! Rest assured this series of posts will be good!

I arrived in MN on Friday and made the trek North on Sunday as it began to drizzle and continued till this morning. Yesterday I opened up the Clubhouse to get it warmed up, did some cleaning, got the computer re-connected and updated its virus protection and then made a trip to town for some supplies. By the time I got back I was hungry so I made an early dinner and settled in for the evening - sorting through recipes and figuring out what other ingredients we need.  I ended up being up later than I expected and then had a restless night - thoughts of Thanksgivings past drifting through my head.  Reconnecting with this place is still not easy - I can almost feel Doug in the place and I miss him so much.

It doesn't get light till late here and after I got up to turn up the stove and start the coffee, I went back to bed and finished my book.  By the time I got up and had breakfast it was 9:30.  I went over to Mikkelsen's to turn on the heated floors so it will be warm when folks start arriving there. Then, because the weatherman on WCCO had warned that the unseasonably warm temps will be over soon, I cleared leaves and pine needles from near the doors and up on the hill, where the grill will be working overtime for the coming week-end.  We wouldn't want anyone to slip on the soggy groundcover once it freezes. 

All that activity warmed me up so I decided to take a spin in my kayak - the lake was calm and I think the rain had kept all the birds hunkered down.  By the time I was headed back from the east end of the lake, the pair of eagles, one of whom I am certain is Doug reincarnated, were soaring above the pine trees and looking happy as ever to be out and about.  I could hear him saying "Damn you hide - you shouldn't be out on the lake when there is no one else around!" And I just smiled, knowing he would have been doing the same thing if the spirit had moved him as it had me.

At about 3 p.m. the clouds parted and the sun came out and the lake & woods were gorgeous!  I took this photo as it set - there's no better place to be at this time of year! 

Now it's nearly 7:30 - I'm expecting the first of our Thanksgiving gang and have chili and cornbread waiting.  Be well & remember - Wherever you go, there you are.

The Last Days of My Summer

My last week at the lake was the first week of August.  I scrambled to get some last minute work done on the estate records and to get the sale of Doug's house set up.  But the good part was that I had good friends and family with me for most of the week. 

My sister, Judy, arrived Tuesday and pitched in to help me get things put away & finished up; then on Wednesday, my good friend Lynne who lives in D.C. but is originally from Aitkin, and Damon, Sarah & Heath arrived.  Damon hadn't been to the lake during the summer since he started working for Union Pacific - his work schedule hasn't allowed it.  He was impressed with the improvements he hadn't seen and in fact, he likes the Clubhouse so much when I called to let them know breakfast was ready  he answered  - "Damon's Cabin"

We had a wonderful few days - Heath went out in the kayak for the first time; Damon made his pilgrimage to Reed's in Walker & we had lunch at Chase on the Lake; Heath met Paul Bunyan; and we played games, laughed & appreciated being together at such a wonderful spot! These photos are worth a million words!

I said goodbye to my last guests on Friday and had Saturday to finish packing, shipping some last things to NV, putting things away and saying my goodbye to my summer.  Ann is going to be the guardian of several large files of records that must be kept for six months after we close the estate. On Sunday I had my last morning fire, burned some non-essential estate papers just for the cathartic effect, finished up some laundry and said goodbye to Ann before I hit the road.

I ran into traffic problems - again - and missed my flight so went to Judy's, where I leave the car, to see if I could make other arrangements.  I was able to get on an evening flight and thanks to Mel, who scooped me up for a fast trip to the airport, I didn't have to pay a fortune to make the change.  But alas, my travel trials were not over.  The new flight was delayed an hour leaving Mpls due to mechanical problems and then we circled Denver for another hour because of storms.  I called Christine, my airport shuttle driver, and told her to just take my car to her house & I would pick it up there.  I finally arrived in LV about 1 a.m. - exhausted and sad that I had missed seeing the desert horizon, which always takes my breath away because it is so different from The Point. 

As I look back, I think summer couldn't have been better.  I had to reconnect with the place that began as a shared dream for the future, soak up the spirit of the place, and replay the memories of so many good times there.  It was good that I had so many people who matter in my life to be with me as I went through an important part of my grieving and growing and finding new direction. Thanks to all who came to be with me this summer; thanks especially to Ann, my long-time friend for sharing her exuberance for life, listening to me talk through all the things I needed to figure out and reminding me that I will be OK - no matter what!  Goodnight, moon!  Goodbye to the Point!

July at The Point

When July came, I couldn't believe summer was half gone.  When I came in May it seemed like I had forever to unwind but somehow the time got away from me.  Kay, Christine and I drove to the airport on the 4th of July.  Kay's flight left first so Christine and I met my good friend, Ann, for a great lunch at a restaurant at Minnehaha Park & we got a huge downpour to boot!

I spent the night at Ann's and we drove up to the lake the next day and Roberto joined us mid-week.  Because Ann was gone most of June, we hadn't yet done the early summer brush mowing so the three of us worked like demons to get all the trails mowed and the historic Mikkelsen outhouse rehabbed and we got inspired to create a courtyard seating area between the Mikkelsen Cabin and Hobby House.

On Friday, Reoberto had to return to the city for work and my friends Chris and Hassan arrived for the week-end.  Their visit was full of good conversation, an evening cruise around the lake and delicious meals topped off with our now traditional Chocolate Splash port & some special treats they brought back from Japan.  We also had roaring bonfire by the lake to burn up some brush I had cleared throughout the summer.  I think it is safe to say - a good time was had by all!

Ann & I left on Sunday with all good intentions of getting me to the airport to catch a flight to Santa Fe - I was using up a free ticket and freeloading with Kay, who was at a conference there.  Unfortunately, we were on I94 heading south on the same day some crazy shopper made a U-turn on the freeway causing a gas tanker truck to overturn and the freeway to be closed down for 8 hours.  I missed my flight but after a 12 hour scramble, was able to get on another flight the next day.  I had a wonderful time in Santa Fe, including fulfilling a long-time goal of visiting Georgia O'Keefe's home in Abiquiu.

I returned to MN and made a quick trip to Wilton to visit with some of Doug's family then went back to St. Paul so I could be with Damon & Sarah for Heath's heart murmur repair procedure.  Like all kids, Heath is a resilient little guy and he is completely healed but it was not what anyone would call a fun experience.  He is always such a happy boy but when he came out of the anesthesia, he was NOT.  He didn't like the tubes & leads to all the monitors; he was hungry but didn't feel good enough to eat; and he was inconsolable for several hours.  Everyone made it through the ordeal but I'm sure it will go down as one experience none of them will want to repeat. Here he is right after he got to his room and 12 hours later at home - what a transformation!

Heath had to stay the night in the hospital so after they got home, I picked up Ann & we went back up to the lake. Ann's brother was still there but the rest of the family had gone back to D.C. and friends Karen & Ellie came for an overnight. We had a couple of nice days before Bob had to leave.  Ann & I served as his take-off crew to make sure the wheels of the plane got off the ground at the right time - the skills we have learned over the years are amazing!

On Friday, I heard from Allen, long-time friend & Damon's uncle, that he was leaving Atlanta that night heading for St. Paul to meet up with "biker" friends for the trip to Sturgis.  He arrived early Sunday morning in St. Paul and after a few hours sleep, came up to the lake for a quick visit.  Ann, Allen & I all met in 1970 in the dorm we all lived in at the Univeristy of MN.  Over a great dinner and much reminiscing, we realized that we have been friends for nearly 40 years & there couldn't be better friends!

The next week I drove to the airport to pick up friends Dianne, a first time visitor, & Darcy, a repeat visitor.  I had warned them that we would have at least one big project to work on while they were there and I came through on that promise the first day.  We had seven trees taken down last fall & Mikkelsens had several too and it all needed to be split. We tried to get it done the week before when there was no company but the wood splitter we rented didn't work. Since Pete & family had come for a few days too, I knew we had a crew that could get the job done. So we started right after breakfast and finished by dinnertime and we were all exhausted but proud of a job well done.  The many stacks of split firewood will make for great lakeside fires for several  years and there will be lumberjack stories for as long!

After a good night's rest, I took Dianne & Darcy sightseeing - Itasca State Park & the headwaters of the Mississippi, Paul Bunyan, the Tiger Muskie & Lucette, shopping in Walker & dinner at Chase on the Lake to celebrate Dianne's birthday. We had quite a bit of rain but managed to have a good time nonetheless.  On Monday, I drove them to Karen & Ellie's in Crosby because Karen had to go to the city that day and it saved me a day of driving.  And I had work to do on the estate so it was a godsend to have those hours to get it done. 

So there went July - too fast & I had only 10 days left at The Point! 

Quiet Waves After The High Tide - End of June 2009

I wasn't vigilant about posting after our family gathering at the lake, so I am going to do my best to share the highlights of the rest of the summer in my next posts.  My last one was on June 18th; this one covers the rest of June.

Aunt Barb had signed on for a two week visit so we had some calmer days after most of the family left. Not having seen many of us for years and not having been around that many of us for decades, she was understandably overwhelmed by our sheer numbers and the associated levels of activity and noise.

Mary Kay & Alan stayed on for a couple of days after everyone else left so we took a field trip - to Dorset, the home of Sisterwolf Books and some great touristy shops; stopped to see the Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley; and went on to Walker for more shopping and dinner at The Boulders.  It's so easy to just stay at the cabin when you come Up North but there are actually some fun & interesting places to see.  Barb had fun reminiscing about her childhood memories at the cabins her parents (my grandparents) had.

The day MK and Alan had to leave we caravaned to Brainerd and stopped to see Lucette, Paul Bunyan's girlfriend, in Hackensack and Babe the Blue Ox at Paul Bunyanland outside of Brainerd.  Alan took a great photo of Barb & Babe that may become her Christmas card photo - so be on the look out for that!

Brother-in-law Mel and his cousin Jay came up for a couple days of fishing and they helped with projects that needed doing. Then on Friday, Barb & I drove to Fargo for Monique's birthday dinner and to pick up Mom.  As we drove back to the cabin, Pete, Tracy and the kids were coming from the city so we had another part of the family there for the week-end.  I'm so glad Pete & family were able to come up to the cabin several times this year.  They feel right at home now - and, as Doug would say, that's a good thing!

Barb asked me to help her find a childhood friend who still lives in MN and thanks to the internet, we were able to locate Vivian in Owatonna and made a plan to visit her the day before Barb had to leave.  So we drove to the city one day and to Owatonna the next day - lots of windshield time but so worth it to see two octogenarians looking at photos of them when they were girls and reminiscing about their lives.  It did my heart good to be reminded that friendships sustain us throughout our lives.  We then went on to Waseca for a tour of Bob & Lana's new home and dinner with the Waseca Whitneys, after which Barb & I went back to Mpls and Mom stayed for the next part of her MN time with Bob & family.

Carol, Judy & I took Barb to Trader Joe's to get snacks for her trip home and some things she discovered she liked while she was here and then I dropped her at the airport for the flight home.  A couple of hours later, I picked up Kay and the next day I picked up Christine - the next set of guests.  Kay & I got to have dinner with friends Pete & Jeanine on Thursday night; on Friday night, Kay, Christine and I got to have Juicy Lucys at Matt's Bar & Grill with Damon, Sarah & Heath; then we headed north on Sat. morning. 

Kay & Christine's week ended up being quite rainy but we managed to have a good time nonetheless.  Plus I got alot of work out of them - the biggest project was extracting a rock near the fire pit that people often tripped on.  Highlights of the week included the Paul Bunyan Days parade in Akeley, visiting the bison ranch near Nevis and the obligatory shopping trip to Walker and meeting Karen & Ellie for a reggae music festival at Chase on the Lake. 

The week went by too fast but it was good to be with good friends to close out the month and to keep me sane as I closed on the sale of part of the land Doug owned in WI.  And then it was July - I'll tell you all about that in my next post!