Toast to the Lake!

Sweltering summer days with no air-condition for relief. Smiles of excitement whenever mother pronounced we are going to the lake.

Our ten minute journey consisted of the radio blaring, my two younger brothers bantering, my best friend, Becky, singing off-key to the song as mom tries to drive.

We pass by the familiar cemetery gasping to hold our breaths so the spirits won't enter our soul.

Finally, the last winding road to my grandparents house and there is the blue abyss. We children rush to the boat house to get our favorite swim toy. Cannon balls and belly flops envelope us into the lake. We dive through inner tubes playing "Jaws." Mindlessly float away on brightly colored rafts. Clams and snails to be found while wearing goggles. A very old anchor about thirty feet from shore has taken on the name of the "stony." Every visit we swim to it and proudly stand on the slippery stones. Speed boats wiz by with acrobatic water-skiers. Lazy canoes with fishermen. On windy days the sparkle of the sun dances across the waves.

Sunshine leaving delicate freckles. Grandma has thirst quenching lemonade, scarlet red watermelon and salty shoestring potatoes. We munch on the goodies and take time out to visit the grown-ups.

Ninety-six year old great grandpa relishing the relaxation on the large cement porch, filled with wicker chairs. He is soaking up the children's energy.

I am 41 years old now and the mother of three spirit-filled boys ages 7, 5 and 5. The sixth generation to enjoy children's laughter and playful screams in the warm breezy air.

My grandparents are now 89 and 93 years old. Toast to the serenity of Eagle Spring Lake for a long and healthy life.

"Cheers!"