A cool spell gives us a, now unusual, Sunday morning.

It’s 6:20 AM and Vai and Vili are already on the road accompanying mom and dad home. It’ll be a long haul. First stop dropping Tevita off in Cleveland where he’ll be working this coming week. Then Adrianne will be driving another four hours to the ‘Nati ready to start the path of normalcy tomorrow; she at work and the kids at day camp.

Already the new quiet is beginning to sink in (and I am not sure that I like it). The week of high energy with a seven and nine year old has gone by in a flash.

So here is what we learned this week:

”A grandparent’s role is to take a house full of live wires and make certain that they are well grounded” ~ Unknown

Poof – Anyone who’s more ‘mature’ understands that it’s a 24/7 effort to channel young-uns constantly seeking something new or something they shouldn’t. Doing this means that by day two life has become a blur. By day four simple things such as differentiating up from down have become confusing.

It was about that time that I set out to do a bit of dinnertime grilling. In my new state I confused the natural progression of lighting the grill, and started the flow of gas before applying a flame.

Marcia, in the back of the cabin heard the ‘poof’

Cop. NYTimes

(OK, it was a bit muffled) as a ball of flame surrounded my head. All ended well and I have accepted my new countenance, now minus eyebrows and just as I was striving for an Andy Rooneyesque look.

The kids loved their pizza-on-the-grill, and that’s what’s important.

Busy, Busy – but NOT hectic! It’s amazing how much can be packed into a short week. Five minutes after arriving at Northern Comfort and fishing from the dock was underway. That evening after dinner Vili caught a pound and a half Smallmouth Bass – it went back to join his buddies.

On the ATV it was a several mile ride to the crossover of our adjacent lake. Nephew Paul and Liz gave them a high-speed afternoon of tubing (thanks so much you guys). We hiked Rock Candy Mountain. Did rock painting. Played Jai-Lai in the lake and a game of Corn Hole were fun items. And picking Strawberries at a local farm became a hit when it was realized that it was an eat one, save one event.

 

But there is more – actually less, water that is. We had a drain blockage which I couldn’t clear and so our local plumber was called. Any plumber who advertises that; “we fix what your husband has started” has got to be good.

Using a magical sewer colonoscopy equivalent camera the blockage was quickly found and cleared (it was massive). While on site they assessed what was needed to install the new shower which we had dragged up.

Fast forward an hour and a half. Marcia is in the cabin and I am outside with Vili and Vai. That is when I hear her scream. A water line to the old shower had blown. Everything had to be turned off – absolutely everything! No water and two youngsters and two fogies on the premises. A second call was placed.

Bright and early the next day work was begun to proceed and replace the old shower and the lines to it. Five-something in the afternoon they left and the water was back on. See, no panic, no anxiety, just calmness. The guys made use of the woods, we had water for cooking, and a quick trip to Donn and Marlene’s meant that Vai too was squared away (thanks).

Finis – We’re smelling smoke from a forest fire north of Sudbury and Parry Sound three hours driving away. I am told that Ontario, super dry this season, is currently experiencing over 60 wildfires.

We finally did get some rain.

Adrianne left Cincinnati after work last Friday, picked Tevita up in Cleveland, and the two of them proceeded to drive through the night arriving here at 9:30 in the morning. Now, less than 24-hours later, they’re on their way back. Next year more advanced planning will be applied.

But, in those short 24-hours we still did a bunch. Vili and Vai a bit more fishing with dad (mas importante). A pontoon ride, and a mini Birthday Party for Vai (actually not till August 24). Her party was complete with cake and candles.

Now to the kayak to try and retrieve a snagged fish line.

Make it a great week everyone!

Cheers.
Dirk

Leave a Reply