Oct 5, 2003
Uncle Jim, that squirrel friend of yours is one bold little fellow! I chased him away from the door countless times, only to have him retreat a pitiful 3 or 4 feet away and plop down in the shade, waiting for me to turn my back. Jason finally took pity on him and and we’re now transfixed watching him eat more of those stale shredded wheat things from the cupboard. I’m sure we’re not doing him any favors. He’s fat as can be! But honestly, I’m just so greatful that is wasn’t the bear that came looking for handouts, that I think I’d be willing to make this little guy a sandwich. We appreciated the warning, and have kept track of all food, food smells and garbage. But I wonder if I might not have enjoyed the weekend a bit more had I not know there was a hungry bear in the vicinity. I sat awake making myself sick with fear (funny how those childhood terrors come back to haunt you) and counting the minutes until daylight so I could run to the outhouse. What a night! I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to see the sun in my whole life.
Besides our pesky and persistent little visitor and my unfortunate battle with irrational fears, we’ve had a truly delightful and refreshing weekend. The weather is just glorious! We’ve waited all year for these cool breezes and autumn colors. The flies are keeping us mostly indoors, but the peace and quiet and cool inside the cabin is wonderful. Jason and I took a walk yesterday to have a look at some of the new roads and other messes they’re making. What is it they’re putting in now – is that cable?! Of all the silly reasons to rip up a road! We did notice that some of the new cabin lots offer some spectactular views. None as lovely as ours of course and they can’t boast of being on the main wildlife thoroughfare to the water hole. Where exactly is Aunt Lu’s other cabin? I couldn’t remember when Jason asked me.
Its so quiet here! No ATVs, no chainsaws, no gunshots. Just the wind in the trees and the creak of the door. The last song the Tabernacle Choir sang today was “O Divine Redeemer”. I don’t know if I ever heard them sing it or if maybe I inherited the sheet music from Grandma and Grandpa Rogers. It seemed quite fitting to fill the air with music they loved in a place they loved. I’m so grateful for this wonderful place they built and that we enjoy so much. Do you think they had any idea how many people would retreat to this cabin to find fun or peace or relaxation?
Next time we come, I hope there are some little children here too. It’s wonderful and relaxing with all this peace and quiet, but somehow it seems more fitting to have a few kids around to make messes and make us all nervous and remind us of our own “first times” at the cabin. (Actually, it’s this crazy squirrel making us think of our rowdy nieces and nephews. He’s got a mischievous look in his eye just like Christian’s)
Thanks to all who made this cabin a possibility for us and have kept it up for all these years. We love it here and relish every chance we get to come! Hope whoever comes next finds everything in order. If not, it wasn’t us!
Jennie (Lee) Maestri