‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’

 

December 24, 2020

‘Twas the night before Christmas, up north at the lake,

Not a creature was stirring, not a soul was awake.

Papa and I were glum and alone...

We prayed that the Coronavirus soon would be gone.

We thought of the grand boys, home in their beds,

While visions of nerf-guns danced in their heads,

Tasso and Leo and Tommy, so dear,

Oh, how I miss them, I sniffed with a tear.

Then Papa decided to set out some poles,

To catch a big fish, that was his goal,

But, also to take his mind off the boys,

To forget how lonely it was without noise.

Down at the pier, Papa cast out his lure,

Crossing his fingers, and hoping to score.

A Bass would be good, or a Muskie, might,

Then he sat down to wait, enjoying the night.

The moon in the sky, shone down on the snow,

And the stars how they twinkled, oh, how they glowed.

As I gazed out the window...I yelped, with a fright!

For there on the lawn, the most preposterous sight...

An animal party, a band so faire,

A badger, a fox, and a big black bear.

They huddled together, out there by the wood,

And, I saw in that moment, perhaps they were good.

They looked up and saw me, and gave a small bow,

Then started to dance, as space would allow.

They all had an instrument, and knew how to play,

Jolly Yuletide music, to honor the day.

I couldn’t believe it, there was magic all right,

A droll little band, out there in the night.

Snowflakes were falling, a full moon, too,

A Christmas miracle, I knew it was true.

Just about then, Papa came up the stairs,

Carrying a bucket and all of his wares,

Startled to see that big wooly bear,

And all of his cohorts, frolicking there.

The spell was then broken, the animals fled,

Except that big bear, ‘Grrrrrrrrowl’, he said.

Papa dropped his bucket, quickly backing away,

And, out jumped a Muskie, his prize of the day!

‘Old Gray’ was a legend ‘round Presque Isle Lake,

Fishermen told stories of his smooth getaways,

Now Papa had hooked him, it was quite a snare,

Only to lose him, right there to that bear.

The black bear leaned over, he grabbed for the fish,

Before it could wiggle away, as it wished.

But, slippery and slimy, Old Gray seemed to know,

He could escape fate, if he didn’t move slow.

A flop to the ground, then a flip to the pier,

Old Gray seemed determined to get out of there.

He maneuvered his way to the edge of the stair,

Then, took a huge leap, up high in the air.

As he headed straight down, back into the lake,

I saw him twist ‘round, and give a sly wink,

And I heard that fish laugh, as he dove out of sight,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!

CABIN GYPSY

" I have a room all to myself...it is called Nature." - Henry David Thoreau

My husband, Tom, and I own a wee bit of paradise on Presque Isle Lake.  We have owned the land in northern Wisconsin for 23 years-having bought it with intentions to build our very own dream cabin way back then.  But, shortly after that, the economy took a downturn, so we put our plans on hold.  Luckily, the property came with a quaint little old cabin that we cleaned up and used. For 23 years. But, accommodating six of us in that tiny space was a lot easier when the kids were young.  Now they are grown, getting married and having babies of their own...and that little cabin just couldn't hold everyone anymore. So, finally, last fall we began the building process...

...and finished a few weeks ago ( well, we still have plenty of decorating to do, but, that will come in time) and are currently working on the landscaping.

We have been going up most every weekend, but, as soon as Tom finishes his final development project here in Mc Farland (hopefully by summer's end), we hope to spend much more time exploring our northern wilderness while we are 'roughing it in style' at our cozy new home on the lake.

LOVE ON A PONTOON

"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones.

As time passes, remember...

Like a star should your love be constant,

Like the earth should your love be firm.

Possess one another, yet be understanding.

Have patience with one another,

For storms will come, and they will go quickly,

Forced to dissipate in the light of your love.

Be free in giving of affection and warmth.

Have no fear, and let not the ways or words of the unenlightened 

give you unease.

For the Old Gods are with you,

Now and Always."

Kristin and Michael got married a little over a month ago. My nature-loving daughter has always has a special fondness for our rustic little cabin in the wilds of northern Wisconsin, and it didn't take much cajoling to convince Michael to get married there.  Surrounded by the lush summer woods, the clear blue sky, and the pristine waters of Presque Isle Lake, they affirmed their love upon the bow of a pontoon boat.

I have waited to write about the wedding because I wasn't sure I could convey the overflowing joy that I felt. And, to be honest I am still not sure that I can. Kristin was radiant all weekend. Michael couldn't stop smiling. I was certainly caught up in the magic.

On Friday afternoon, August 8, we cruised the lake aboard our big, beautiful wedding barge. Just minutes after we stopped for the ceremony,  Lukas accidentally dropped Molly's cell phone in the lake. It didn't take long before someone spotted the phone in the water, and in a flash Austin whipped off his sports jacket, shirt and shoes and dove in to retrieve it. With phone in hand, he climbed back aboard the boat, put his jacket back on, ran his fingers through his hair, and proceeded to perform the ceremony! The incident calmed the nerves and made a fun 'wedding mishap' story!

Kristin and Michael spoke to one another about companionship, commitment, and respect. They promised to be each another's anchor in any rough waters that may lay ahead, they vowed to let their love be the powerful sun that could break away any dark cloud, and to be the other's mate for life-always at the helm of their shared destiny.

The wedding was lovely, simple and heartfelt. The day was glorious from beginning to end. The weather was perfect. The backdrop was gorgeous-loons, eagles and blue heron all in attendance. And, most importantly, we all shared it as a newly formed family. A family born of happiness and love.