‎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?

Friday, June 22, 2007

A Sad Day


Carlos Santana Anderson-Allan
199? - 2007
R.I.P.
We'll miss you, Carlos!

Anderson-Allan, Carlos Santana, age 11+ passed away quietly at Long Lake Vet after a brief but severe bout with kidney failure. Survived by a younger sister, Stevie Rae Vaughn Anderson-Allan, a younger brother, Buddy Guy Anderson-Allan, and his loving human servants. Carlos began his life with a family in a nearby neighborhood. But he risked life and limb crossing County Road 6 to be with his new family, the Anderson-Allans, who all loved him dearly. Carlos made simple things like opening and closing a door a real challenge as he loved to sprint out to 'freedom' - although he never went more than a few feet away and always allowed you to pick him up. It was more of a skill he liked to keep sharp in case he ever needed it. And it got him lots of attention - which is what Carlos loved! Without words, Carlos could communicate what he wanted and usually got it. His favorite thing was to 'bug' Bill at the computer where he would sit on the monitor and swing his tail across the screen. Carlos enjoyed small game hunting and quantum physics. Carlos was mellow, friendly, intellectual, well-read, and a great companion. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to strays and contribute when you can to your local humane society.
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2 comments:

Todd, Tania, Ryder & Cassidy said...

Carlos, we will miss you!! You had a great life with such loving parents, and both feline and canine siblings that were your best friends! We wish you a peaceful journey to the great kitty paradise in the sky, and hope you look down upon us with a smile.

11:48 AM
Bert said...

Bye Carlos.

You will be missed as you were loved.

6:15 PM

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