Start to Finish

072510: Today. It was a good day. Not only did I start out the day by wanting to and then finding the time to pick up my camera for a quick moment, but it was my birthday. I celebrated today.

The day started with the oncoming storm clouds that stayed all day long. Today I went and played bingo at the Lodge with the girls. (I lost!) Today I had a panick attack as I watched a midday storm unleash its' wind and rain upon our little Park, whilst I played bingo. Today I relaxed with family and friends. Laughed and drank (water, of course....) and ate dinner in the cool evening air. Visited more, drank more (okay, wine after dinner) and laughed more. Today we watched the day's storms turn into a glorious pink sunset accented by a beautiful bright rainbow.

Today I worked little, played a lot and enjoyed my time with family and friends. Today I took the day off (mostly) and it was a good day.

I enjoyed today, and now I'm more tired than when I work a full day. (I don't know how you vacationers here at the Park manage all this fun...) So now that today is nearly over I thank you all for a great birthday ~ including all the wishes, the hugs, the food, the wine and the laughs. From start to finish it was a perfect day.

It's All About the Families

071210: Throughout each season here, there are many family reunions. My own family not excluded....

This week is our Stevens/Johnson/Gross/Purmalis family reunion. There are Grandmas, Grandpas, Moms & Dads, Brothers & Sisters, Uncles & Aunts, Cousins, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins & 3rd cousins, and more kids than I can think of...

I believe we have 59 people, 5 boats, & 14 sites all told.

Photo is evidence of the daily gathering on the boats at the dock.

If you tune into the LakeCam everyday this week between 2pm - 6pm you can watch the live version of "Stevens Nation."

God's Eye

070610: I took this photo about a week ago. Maybe longer. Not sure as I've been so busy lately. None-the-less, I remember how pretty the darkened blue morning clouds were with the rising sun behind. The clouds were lined in slivers of gold as the rays of light reached towards the rippling waters below.

I wanted to share this with you. And just as I chose this photo to post, I noticed something new in the photo.

Can you see it? Upper left hand corner. A tiny little rainbow.

Sometimes we get caught up in the obvious splendor and overlook the minute beauty around us.

234 Years Ago

070410: It is not uncommon to see the American flag flying somewhere in the Park. Numerous customers through the season will fly their flag, attaching the poles to their RV's in some manner.

I try to take the time to thank them and usually find that regardless if it is a holiday or not they fly the American flag when they set up their RV.

Today, there are flags flying throughout the Park. Independence Day is a special day for Americans. It's not an opportunity for a long summer weekend. It is a day set aside to remember why we free in this beautiful country of ours. It is the day that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence written on July 4th, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain. But we all should remember that everyday is independence day.

Whether you are vacationing, picnicking, or watching fireworks, enjoy today everyone. Have a safe holiday.