Puddles, Pork chops and Puzzles
6/30/19, Sunday
During the night, I woke up several times to the sound of thunder and pouring rain outside our window. Flashes of lightning lit up the room, as I remembered I was not at home in Michigan, but was once again in Cass Lake, Minnesota.
Daylight soon came. As we looked out the front window of the cabin, we discovered that we not only had the water of the lake, but also mini-lakes covering the lawn across the front of the whole resort. The rainstorms had left huge puddles.
We had a leisurely morning as we had breakfast and got ready for the 10:45 service at the Evangelical Free Church of Bemidji. The service was nice, with a mix of songs from the contemporary “Good, Good Father” (by Chris Tomlin), to the traditional “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
We decided to hold off on the annual family picnic until later in the afternoon, to allow everyone time to get and prepare their food and so the lawn could dry out a bit. This also gave Tom a chance to take his first bike ride. He rode the traditional first ride…the Migizi trail.
While we have many interests, like reading and biking, I’ve been a little worried about what my Dad would do to keep himself busy this year. He sold his boat, and due to a recent knee injury and numerous falls, his doctor said he can only fish from a pontoon boat. This will mean there are a few days he will not be able to fish at all.
Since Dad loves puzzles, I brought a 500-piece one from home, and Tony (BV’s owner) found us a nice card table for Dad to work on. I got him started on it today, and he went right to work. Although he’d rather be fishing, puzzles are his next favorite pastime, so I think he’ll be good for awhile. Besides that, it was quite warm outside today, so it was better for Mom and Dad to stay in the cool cabin most of the day.
Around 4:30, the pork chops had been grilled, and we all sat down to a feast! Sides included fruit, roasted cauliflower, potato casserole, parsley bread, lettuce salad, and baked ziti. There were 22 of us this year, including Mom and Dad, Tom & me, Bill & Beth and their four kids (Nicole, William, Elise & Zach), Deb & Roy and their three girls (Kara, Erin & Leah), Paul & Melissa and their three kids (Tommy, Ben & Elle), and Melissa’s parents, Tom and Barb. William’s drone added some entertainment to the usual family photo op.
Photo courtesy of William’s drone.
After dinner, several of us (mostly Deb, Beth & I) sat and chatted and filled each other in on what our kids are up to. Some of the guys and kids went boating and wake-surfing behind Paul’s new boat. Others went running. Dad went back to puzzling, and Mom enjoyed her coloring books.
It was a great day, topped off with brownies and ice cream for dessert before turning in for the evening. It’s time to get our poles and lines ready for tomorrow!