summer shenanigans

Sadly I missed our August weavers gathering at my friend Nan’s lovely home.  I heard that it was a large and merry group, and that her risotto was excellent.  Ann fortunately sent me a few pics so that I could have a sense of  how the day went.

I missed seeing everyone but it sure was great to relax with my family in the northwoods of the Manitowish Waters area;  with a lake out the back door and the freedom to jump into my kayak anytime I wanted.  Getting out of the kayak was a different story.  I currently have a knee injury and general old lady issues too numerous to think about. So I googled how to exit a kayak if you have knee issues and found so many different ideas that I didn’t have time to try them all.  One I found hilarious and semi functional was called the “Dump Grandma” method.  Basically you get your legs out one side of the kayak and your helper stands on the other side and spills you out into water deep enough that it is easy to stand up. I only had my dog there to pull me out and while it did work you have to be ok with anyone who sees you (including yourself) laughing their ass off and your own ass getting pretty darn wet.  I will continue to explore a more dignified exit.

I had almost forgotten how much kayaking is my happy place.  It is so calming and peaceful to be out floating on the water, paddling through the reeds and water lily’s  and listening to the loons.

Despite our recent record breaking heat,  the signs of summer coming to an end are starting to show up.  Our birds are starting to migrate, the pelicans are back on the Mississippi River, the sumac is starting to show color.  I am so happy to have memories of a peaceful lake  shared with my family and with a dog chasing frisbees off the end of a dock.