Legacies and memories

It's been nice to re-introduce my sister Phyllis to Birch Villa Resort and Cass Lake. She was here about ten years ago with her husband Steve, but due in part to his health issues they were not able to return. Steve passed away this spring, but one of his legacies was his love of, and amazing talent at fishing. No matter the weather or how fish were biting for everyone else (usually not great), Steve was always able to come in with a catch that amazed us all. Despite his excellent fishing prowess, Steve always remained quiet and humble, and often shared his "secrets" with the rest of us (although they just never quite worked as well for us!). About a month ago, some time after Steve's passing, Phyllis asked us if we might have room in our cabin for her to stay this year. Since Mom and Dad were already joining us the first week (and had room in their cabin for her the second week), and we still had one extra room, it was a no-brainer...of course she could!

Today we re-introduced her to fishing. Dad and I took her out to Pike Bay and we again caught 14 fish (same as Monday)...this time we pulled in 13 perch and one rock bass. Phyllis quickly remembered many of the skills Steve had taught her and had a fun time catching several keepers.

In the afternoon, we paid a visit to our favorite winery...Forestedge. Tom and I have been going here annually to stock up on their very unique wines made from all kinds of fruits (other than grapes). We had given a bottle of their Blueberry wine as a gift to Phyllis last year, so she was excited to see first hand where the wine came from.

At dinnertime, we met up with Mom and Dad at C.K. Dudley's...a barbecue place in Bemidji which we had heard good things about. We were not disappointed. The food and service were both superb! After dinner we split up--guys in the truck, gals in the car--and Phyllis and I took Mom on a little shopping spree to the new Kohl's store in Bemidji. We helped Mom pick out some nice, new summer clothes and sandals to wear around the resort and back home.

Living together this week has given us all many opportunities to reminisce and recall the fishing trips and vacation days of the past, to talk about Steve and the lessons we learned from him, and to spend time together making new Minnesota memories.