‎63 Years of Memories....

‎63 Years of Memories....
that's what I have now. The photo below shows the chair on the point which for so many years was my father's favorite after-supper place to contemplate and cast for walleye. As much as I feel guilty about what's happened, I know he would understand and even say there's nothing to forgive. He lived life fully and moved on many times. I'm the one with the unique experience of being attached to a beautiful place for my whole life. And despite all my best efforts, yesterday the 'cabin' was sold. I signed the papers and, truth be told, a weight was lifted. A new life lies ahead without the obligations, but with all of the wonderful memories. My unrelentingly positive attitude says this is truly how it is, but my heart is still sad.

There are some things in life for which the balance between the obligation and the joy of ownership often cannot be sustained forever. It became clear that I was no longer up to the task of taking care of the place quite a while back. However, knowing what needs to be done and doing it are often far apart. Finally, no choice was left. It had to be sold.

Now it's gone. No more worrying about how long the grass or how deep the snow is up there. No more sublimely pleasurable early morning cups of coffee sitting on the dock when the color of the lake is like pale blue glass and the air is completely still. No more endless repairs, high taxes, and utility bills. No more late nights around the fire pit with friends and family - warm from both fire and friendship. No more frozen pipes or emergency calls to the furnace guys. No more saunas and midnight skinny dipping that make you feel like you'll live forever while your connection with nature is confirmed by the gazillion stars of the milky way and the loons calling out in the dark. No more concerns with low well water levels or water so hard and full of iron the clothes turn yellow and your newly washed hair feels like brillo. No more finding the way home by boat in the dark after a long day on the lake feeling like this is the only place you really, really belong. No more praying that the boathouse will make it another year without collapsing. And ultimately, no more making new memories with friends, family and loved ones. No new memories, that is, at Half Bay, Lake Vermilion, Tower, MN. New life... here we come!

How do you thank a place for memories?

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Great Expectations!

It's Almost Twins Time!
This photo was taken on Sunday, Dec. 3. We're hoping those little ones will stay put a while longer. But wouldn't it be fun if their birthday was 12/12?! The Dr. says anytime now - 2 days to 2 weeks! Let me tell you, Mormor is very excited; Todd is wide-eyed, attentive, and ready to go; Sarah (a doula by profession and Tania's best friend) is standing by to do her job on D-day; Britta is scrambling for a flight to MN hoping to be here in time for the big event; Grandpa Bill is patient and supportive; Bert & Rachel are anxiously awaiting their turn in the limelight; Grandpa is planning outings and boat trips w/ the grandkids; and Tania is reclining with her feet up (Dr's orders) and a smile on her beautiful face waiting to see those amazing new little people she's been cooking in there and who she already knows so well! What a great new Mom she'll make!
- Posted w/ love and impatience by Karen (Mom & Mormor)
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2 comments:

Rachel said...

if anyone says you don't look pregnant now, they have no idea what they are talking about! i wish i could be there! hope your your holidays go well!
love always,

10:13 AM
Sam Steiger said...

Exciting News Tania! Best from down here in Mankato~
Sam

11:36 AM

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