Whenever I get into the first few weeks after the New Year, I tend to look back on some of my memories of days gone by. This time I will start with a current memory, thanks to my grandson Trevor. He went north over the new year to try ice fishing on one of the many northern lakes that are in the area of our cabin. He and a friend, Justin, had good luck fishing for crappie on this little lake. I believe that the best part was that they were the only ones on the lake; they were totally secluded. The ice was between 5-6 inches thick and perfect for walking on, and for catching fish. Trevor sent me a video of him skating to the spot that they planned to fish. I thought that was cool.
They had the lake to themselves, caught their limit of nice crappie and enjoyed good weather. Last year, Trevor went ice fishing in the same area. The temperature got down to -37 degrees and the propane tanks on the fish house froze. Those are the times when I can appreciate sitting in my easy chair in front of the heat register sipping on a steaming cup of coffee.
As a kid I felt that there was nothing more fun than spending time exploring the slough between Fountain and Goose Lakes. When Trevor sent me the video of him ice skating to his fishing spot on that lake, it reminded me of my childhood.
As kids we would go to the pond that was on the southwest edge of the east side of the slough. There was a Daycare center there at one time before it was converted to a residence. Long before there was any structure there, we would go to the pond and play boot hockey. Eventually, we would start a bonfire. I was the only one that had skates, a stick and a puck, thanks to my cousin Tom. He gave me the stick and puck before he left for the Army.
I always felt a special bond with winter, whether it be delivering newspapers on my route or playing in the slough. My mother always made sure I was bundled up like an old fur trader before I ventured out. I seemed to enjoy the solitude of my paper route. I remember hearing the snow squeaking with each step that I took as I walked along on my paper route. Thursday night was always a long one because that was collection night. Sometimes there was one family that must have been struggling because they would turn off the lights when they saw me coming. They would always catch up on the bill the following week. I never felt mad about that, and when they paid me, I almost felt guilty taking the money. I guess I knew what it was like to struggle because I’d heard my mother say on many occasions that it was hard to make ends meet.
When we built that cabin up north, I enjoyed nothing better than being there with snow on the ground. There is something cozy about sitting in the cabin with the wood stove blazing, sipping on a cup of hot coffee. I have also enjoyed sitting around a campfire with snow on the ground. It gives me the feeling of being one with nature.
Until next time: I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Joyous New Year!
Please show your support for the troops, many of whom are spending Christmas away from home and family. These servicemen and women are making that sacrifice, so that we may have the many freedoms that we enjoy today.