I realize that it has been a hot minute since I have posted, and my only excuse is that I have been Busy – and yes, that is with a capital ‘B’. I have traveled back and forth to the lake three times in the past six weeks for various reasons.
My first trip was short, only to attend the funeral and say “Goodbye” to a man who had been in my life since I can remember, my Dad’s best friend for more than 50 years. Mike and Dad worked together for years in the school system, and Mike was in the office the day I got kicked out of Central High School as a junior. That wasn’t my proudest moment, and I can only imagine how difficult it was for him to be on the other side of the desk from Dad and me. Fortunately, I was able to turn myself around just enough to return to school and finish it out with no further issues. I hadn’t seen him in years, but I was grateful for the chance to speak with him after I adopted Abby and he told me how proud he was of who I had become. I will remember that just as I remember so many good things about him.
I flew home for less than a week so that I could pack up Abby, the Pugs, and the car, complete with kayaks on top, so that we could turn around and make the trek home. By the way, I hate ratchet straps with every ounce of my being, but this old Sailor can still tie a bowline with the best of them, and I am proud to say that my bowlines and whipping knots made the 750-mile journey without fail.
We spent about 10 days at the lake, even kayaking across to the lily pads near Happy Jack. That was an early morning jaunt, and I streamed some Tibetan Singing Bowl music from iTunes. The sweet smell of the water lilies was fresh and crisp, and the lake was quiet – only the sounds of the music and the occasional sound of an oar hitting the water. There was the quiet hum of a speedboat far off in another part of the lake, teaching someone to ski. How many mornings I’ve spent on Horseshoe, watching Dad teach people how to ski…
A trek back across the state of Tennessee, and it was time for Abby to start Band Camp. I am so proud of how independent she is becoming. She got herself up every morning and drove herself to the school, always being there in plenty of time to be ready to start at 8. She even drove herself to a hair appointment one afternoon. I’m beginning to think I might be doing something right after all.
I returned to the lake last week for the next adventure, which I will post about in a later blog… stay tuned, and whatever you do, keep paddling!
Love this! Short and sweet! Yea, we keep on!