When we signed up to be up at the cabin for a couple of weeks before The Reunion we embraced the “Reunion Prep” with gusto. I envisioned mowing and trimming, maybe sprucing up the “gardens” with some annuals for a burst of color, and some deep cleaning of the interior to try and stay ahead of the spiders and other critters who call the cabin home for many more months than we do.
When we were able to extend those ‘prep weeks’ by getting to the cabin even earlier, I figured we could just move at a more leisurely pace. More time with our Vermont family, more books read, more naps taken, more trips for ice cream. I guess I forgot to include Gary in my vision. When he realized we would have extra time before the reunion, his ‘prep list’ just got longer. And a bit more detailed. And a just a teensy bit more involved!
For example….
The Pond View
One of our favorite activities at the cabin is sitting on the front lawn
with the pond in view.
But as you can see, the view was gradually becoming smaller and smaller.
Now this is not a problem when you’re just in it for the view, but when you want to actually see what is going on down there (like 30+ grandchildren)- well, something had to happen!
We’ve been hacking away at the wilderness over the years on either side of the walkway, but this year seemed to call for some drastic measures. Gary solicited some local help for the bulk of the clearing in the center section,
but he hopped in (literally) to finish up the job!
He (and even WE sometimes) pulled and whacked and whacked and pulled some more. He even used his ‘chainsaw on a stick’ (aka pole saw) to try and get some of those higher branches
but still, there were just a couple of branches that were out of reach. While it was a great improvement, we still couldn’t see the whole dock.
For the final view-clearing step, we had to wait until some of the young’uns arrived.
Including a tree climber!
Finally – just as the grandchildren were beginning to fall in love all over again with the pond, the view was restored!
And not a moment too soon!
Making memories!