‎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, January 04, 2008

Back to the Frozen Wasteland














































As you can see, we've had enough of that blinding California sunshine and decided to go back to freezing our @sses off again....Here is a view from our backyard looking North in little Roy, UT and a few misc xmas pics. As you can see with the sledding hill--this is what happens when u live in Socal too long and are deprived of the snow--I don't think that's a snowboard. And NO, we haven't been converted to Mormons, although there is a huge church directly across the street. So far we love it here- no overpopulated, overpriced cost of living, and the people are actually friendly! But damn, it's cold! And an old pic of my latest but final tattoo. Take care everyone, see you next Labor Day! -The Allans

1 comment:

Lottie Dah said...

WOW! That's a beaut! The tattoo I mean! Your house, yard, and view are so nice. The kids are so cute! We miss them! And you two, too!
Yes! Labor Day for sure! But it would be terrific to see you before then. But if we can't get together before then, we're getting good at webcam chats, so maybe we can do that sometime soon!
Hugs to everyone!
Karen