Sunday, May 10, 2009

First Weekend at The Lake


We're back from our first weekend up north as cabin owners. We're tired and very excited. At this moment though, mostly tired.

Friday we had our walk through and closing. We met the former owner, Jack, at the walk through. What a sweet old guy. He's 82. He and his wife retired to the cabin from Florida in 1985- a bit in reverse of most people. She died a few years back and he figured it was time to be closer to town. So, there we were. It felt a little strange and a little sad. In a way it felt like we were taking something away from him- the place where he and his wife spent their last years, where the grandkids came during the summer. He acknowledged at the closing that this was hard for him. We promised to take good care of the place and build lots of memories there. We also told him that if he ever needed to come out to see the place again, he is more than welcome. The whole interaction with Jack, of course, reminded me of how much I miss my dad. *sigh*

We spent the weekend, unpacking, arranging, rearranging, cleaning, shopping, getting to know the area. The weather could have been warmer, but we had a lot of inside work to do. Here are some highlights of the weekend:

1. Wildlife: Bald eagle, coyote, porcupine, muskrat, loons. If roadkill counted in this category, there would have been a few more on the list.

2. Pontoon boat: We are proud owners of the pontoon that came with the cabin. Curt and I took turns driving and landing the pontoon boat. Neither of us has ever driven, much less owned, a boat before. We figured we would practice while no one else was watching.

3. Queen size bed: Learning to sleep with Curt in a queen size bed on weekends is going to be tricky. We've got a king at home. Cozy is nice, but give us some limb room.

4. Gayest thing that came out of my mouth all weekend: "We REALLY need dust ruffles."

5. "Celebrity" encounter: Jeff Passolt from channel 9 news was at the marine store in Minong behind us in line. He owns on the lake next to us. Seems to be a nice guy. Curt and I decided he was pretty hot. He was shorter than expected and has that giant melon that is so typical of news anchors, but hot for a guy who's probably 50 or so.


6. Up North T-Shirts: We couldn't not buy them. They were at the gift shop in Minong. Here is mine:

Here is Curt's:



7. Kayak: I am so glad I bought the kayak. We each took it out for a run this morning. It was about 45 degrees, but I was hell bent on getting in the kayak. I'm going to love this. I picture myself on warmer mornings filling a travel mug with coffee, popping it in the drink holder and taking off across the lake and back. Aaaaaaah. Relaxing. Here is Curt in the kayak

Now all we need up north is you! Come for a visit!

9 comments:

Mauigirl said...

Glad you are officially owners of the cabin! It all sounds great.

I know what you mean about feeling a little sad for the previous owner.

We didn't even meet the previous owners of our cabin but were wondering why they sold it when they were obviously in the middle of renovating it. There is always a story behind every house.

themom said...

From your previous pictures you could tell that the old gentleman took acre of the place. So, how's it going with those dust ruffles??

Madame Leiderhosen said...

Spread the love and dust ruffles. Congratulations on the cabin; it sounds like heaven.

Mnmom said...

We are counting the days until Memorial Day!!! I love your t shirts. John and I were musing this morning about how the weekend went for you two.

Little Sister said...

MG-my ED wants to know how you pee in the kayak? I told him that you don't pee in the kayak. You pee in a kybo.

LOVE the t-shirts. Looking forward to seeing the lake in person. LOVE YOU!

Dale said...

Congratulations! I'll be right over!

MommyLisa said...

Seriously, what is it with many celebrities and their giant melons?

Passault is a good guy.

Oh- found you from MNMom

laurie said...

ah, your own cabin. the ultimate up north life. congratulations. the old guy sounds sweet. and jeff passolt is most definitely not hot. i'm just saying.

michaelg said...

Ruthie, if Ed plans to pee in my kayak, I'm outfitting him with some depends.

Laurie, he's a little hot in person. On TV, just so so. Maybe it's the giant melon.