A Most Lovely Two Lake Days
Day 1
My oldest was baptized with three others this Sunday in a lake near our church. I can’t imagine it having been a more special occasion, especially as my parents were able to join us for the after-church potluck, and then “Grandpa” (my dad) got to wade into the deeps with my daughter and baptize her. Pretty special! The wind came up which increased the waves, and just as they were done, it really started to rain. The joys of outdoor baptisms, really! It’s as close to a John-the-Baptist-like setting as we can get!
Day 2
We spent Monday at a privately owned lake, summering in sunshine and playing from morning till dark.
Our friends who own this lake are the big-hearted kind, always inviting us to join in their huge lake parties and luaus, treating us and our girls like treasured family in a most humbling way. A cabin surrounded by the lushest green lawn welcomes us, as does the biggest sandpile ever—taller than the children and with a wading pool of fresh water in its midst. Sprinklers, fed by lake water, are everywhere for sprinting fun. Jet ski and tube bob at the end of the boat dock. The wind blows frothy-white waves from the far blue side to ours, and big bales of prairie hay dot the never-ending hills surrounding us.
Our hostess has plenty of water shoes, life jackets and sunscreen. She has a freezer full of ice cream and popsicles, and a refrigerator full of pop, water bottles and juice pouches. The front half of the cabin is fully screen-enclosed, and filled with cushy porch swings and lawn furniture arranged around glass-topped tables. The deck floor, hose-washed after each gathering, welcomes dripping yellow Lab and sand-covered children alike.
At
My favorite time of day at a lake is around seven to eight o’clock. Evening shadows and lapping waves and peace and tiredness all combine into a feeling of great satisfaction.
I’d love to see it in winter, bundled in a down comforter, with a fire in the fire pit and a hot mug of chocolate keeping my hands warm.
What is it about a good long day with friends that leaves one feeling so full and so empty? I think it’s the never-wanting-it-to-end. Knowing that summer is pretty much over till next year. And next year my girls will all be a head taller, and this summer day of memories a mere unread page archived on this blog.
But I have a chicken pot-pie recipe to try out, and some craft ideas to prepare for this weekend’s church camp. And believe it or not, I get to spend tomorrow cooking with friends in preparation for that same camp.
Comment by Colleen
August 21, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
Mary, what a wonderful couple days you’ve shared with us. I loved reading about your oldest being baptize and I think in a lake is just cool. The day with friends left my heart yearn for my good friends near and far. Care to share the chicken pot pie recipe? Scott has toyed with making them from scratch but we’ve not found a great recipe yet. So glad you’re able to finish up that dresser project! Loved this blog…I thought you might have been busy since you had been a little “quiet” the past day! Welcome back!
Comment by Jana
August 21, 2007 @ 8:59 pm
You’ve got such a way with words. I’m so blessed to call you friend (even IF we never see each other in real life…someday, right?!?!).
Blessings,
Comment by jen
August 21, 2007 @ 10:30 pm
congratulations to your oldest
what a blessing that must have been for your dad
Monday sounds very nice too
Comment by Amy
August 22, 2007 @ 12:02 am
That’s so neat, wonderful experience!
Comment by Anna
August 22, 2007 @ 9:50 am
Thank you for sharing about your special summer days!
~Anna
Comment by Andrea
August 22, 2007 @ 10:05 am
I’m so sorry We missed the baptism I was hoping it was going to be at family camp. As long baby still has not come we are going to be down for church on Sunday.
ANdrea
Comment by Leticia
August 22, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Sounds absolutely sublime. I need a weekend like that.
Treasure those wonderful friends, because there aren’t too many around like them in this day and age.
Comment by Jessica
August 22, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
Excuse me, I can’t type. I’m a little vaklempt. Tawlk amongst yourselves.
Comment by Mary
August 22, 2007 @ 9:58 pm
Colleen, I will share the recipe, it turned out to be really delicious! It’s easy too, one of those can-dumping projects perfect for a quick supper. Translated: not from scratch! Sorry!
Thank you, Jana, I wanted so badly to get my sentiments on the page before real life got busy and I lost the feeling! I think you and I need to plan a mutual camping trip, somewhere between the two of us. The question is, when? And can we tear the guys away?
Jen, it was super special! My dad has a charisma and loves serving the Lord with it. Seeing him and my oldest out there together in the water, all smiles, was one of those moments in time that you just can’t describe!
Amy, thanks for stopping by!
Anna, you’re welcome, I’m so glad you came over!
Andrea, I thought of you at the baptism, knowing you would have been there if you could have. I’m not sure who nixed the family camp idea, it sounded good to me, but in hindsight, I’m so glad we were able to do it at a lake. I assume it would have been at the pool if we’d done it at camp? Haley told me today (we cooked all day at the church) that you guys were going to try to come Sunday! We really hope it works out that way–you are missed so much!
Leticia, I’m in awe that these people envelope us in this part of their world. It’s definitely a blessing I don’t take lightly. Friends are one of God’s special gifts!
Jessica, lol, let me guess, nak? But you’ve got to explain what vaklempt is!
Comment by Colleen
August 23, 2007 @ 5:47 am
It sounds tasty regardless! Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Mary
August 23, 2007 @ 11:53 am
You’re welcome, I’ll post it tomorrow morning!
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August 24, 2007 @ 5:17 am
[...] promised Colleen I’d share the recipe Maude outlined for me Monday at the lake. It’s one of those canned goods casseroles, couldn’t be easier, unless you have an [...]