on the shores of lake ripley
One of my favorite writers is Laura Ingalls Wilder. she wrote the Little House on the Prarie books. the first one was On the Banks of Plum Creek.
They were all about her growing up in the woods and plains of the mid-west, mostly Wisconsin and Minnesota.
She didn't even start writing until she was middle-aged. Even then, she remembered everything of the thngs and people she loved most. One of her favorite times was sitting on the banks of Plum Creek, fishing with her father.
I wish I could write with the simplicity and purity that she did. I would like my words to convery what my "Plum Creek" means to me.
My Plum Creek is Lake R ipley. When my mom and dad bought the cottage more than four decades ago, our love for the lake was instant.
We walked down the hill ot the shore with the Realtor. He pointed out the bay, the Boy Scout Camp, the beach. We could see almost the whole shorline from where we stood. My dad didn't even go into the cottage. Sold. We were all sold on the lake. Our feelings and emotions haven't changed to this day. We are still sold on the lake.
My favorite time is when I fill my mug with my beverage of choice, and take the path down to the shore.
The stress and problems of the day go away, if only for a few. Sometimes I just stand there, seeing in my mind's eye, past years when Mom, Dad, and Ted, Sr. were still here, enjoying every moment, relaxing on the pontoon, watching the kids doing what kids do on the lake.
I think of my daughters and son grown up now, leaning back on those plastic chairs, their faces to the sun. Invariably one of them would lean back and say, "This is heaven." I agree.
Recently someone gave me a few pointers on what would make my cottage sell better. I said, "Sell? Hell! I plan on being carried out feet first someday in the far future. And it better be out the door toward the lake."
My drink of choice in my new mug that Kelly sent me is something that smells as good as it tastes. This one needs to percolate. Maybe you have to be older to know what a percolator is.
You can just use a sauce pan and simmer. Savor the aroma.
HOT CRANBERRY CIDER FROM THE PLANTATIONS OF THE SOUTH
you will need:
2 t whole cloves, 4 T packed brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, plus one to use as a stirrer.
3 cups cranberry juice, and 4 cups apple juice
Perk or simmer in pan until it smells as good as it is going to taste
Fill that mug, stir with a cinnamon stick
Relax and enjoy.
Love, from Shirley's cottage

