Sunday Ice Skating

A super Sunday in our little community. More congenial conversation with the "after church" crowd from St. Matthias while we ate breakfast. While the sky was high and gray, the lake ice proved to be smooth and clear. Driving down Shadyside, we saw people ice skating in a cove on Sunnyside. One person skated south with great speed, very reminiscent of "Hans Brinker". (I used to read that book yearly as a child.) Near the south end, there was finally activity at the Shadyside ice rink, three skaters with other adults and children milling around. What a jolly way to spend a Sunday! Rounding the lake we came up to the skaters in the cove. It turned out to be a man, a boy, and a dog working on their ice hockey. In my minds eye, I can see skating races. Skaters speeding south through the narrows, around the big island, then back north to the finish line. Bonfires, hot chocolate, and the CD from the skating rink playing. Wouldn't that be great entertainment? My husband wants to start a curling club in Findley Lake. Anyone interested in curling here in Findley Lake can drop me a note.

Friday Night in Town

Friday night saw us out to supper in greater downtown Findley Lake. It's so nice to have restaurants open during the winter. Lights shining from the windows, cars in the parking lot, warmth and convivial conversation inside, like an oasis in the dark, cold night. Having hustled through shopping and familial duties in Erie during the day, I was happy to relax in bustle of friends greeting friends, waitresses taking orders and getting drinks, and the company of my husband. Admiring a new baby, chatting with neighbors, and just talking with my special someone was a great way to wind down from a busy day. I was tempted to take a ride around the lake after supper but my lounge chair was calling, so we called it a day. As I write this, my mind is humming the theme song from "Cheers". It's nice when people know your name. Of course, I've found that strangers can become friends as soon as you introduce yourself. Hope to see more friends and soon-to-be friends downtown soon.

New Color Schemes in Findley Lake

With the sky a solid light gray and the lake a solid off white, the morning ride around the lake today became a six mile ride through the changing landscape of exterior house colors. Up until recently, giving directions for destinations on Shadyside could always be handled by referring to "the pink house". With new owners now readying their lake house, the exterior is being prepared for new siding. What color will it be? A quick survey of the other on-going remodels showed a distinct shift in lake decor. Stronger colors like white and brown (and pink) are being replaced by shades of beige, taupe, and light slate. Sunnyside may follow Shadyside but the jury is still out. The three new houses have yet to be sided. The formerly blue house is currently plywood brown and Tyvek white, probably waiting better working weather.

Today the temperature hovered around 35 degrees, a slow melt. The Shadyside skating rink has a slushy appearance. We still haven't seen it being used but hear that they have a very small Zamboni to smooth the ice. Deer browsed on the uplands along Sunnyside. No sign of the Bald Eagle but it's probably hunting along French Creek where there is open water.

Hope the siding job on Shadyside progresses rapidly. New community members bring new energy and new "color" to our town. Change isn't always comfortable but we'd still be living in caves if we weren't created flexible. It's a good exercise in flexibility to embrace the change, even if it means learning to give new directions.

Sixteen married years in Findley Lake

Absolutely gorgeous day in Findley Lake NY today! While the ice is still covering the lake, the sky was a beautiful blue with cotton ball clouds and the SUN was shining. A banner day to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. Nothing beats starting the day here with breakfast down by the lake. Fortunately the Blue Heron Inn was open for business. After a congenial breakfast, (and a surprise anniversary gift of a large red onion), we took our normal "ride around the lake". I don't think I'll ever tire of riding around the lake. Early in our marriage, my husband couldn't believe that I would ask for a ride around the lake after dark. Today, we admired the various remodelling/construction projects as we rode. Keeping tabs on what the other residents are doing is a time honored activity in a small town and we've learned how to do this. We checked out the new skating rink on Shadyside. Wonder if they will rent skates? Three new houses being built on Sunnyside, plus a number of major remodels. Nice to see the neighbors improving their property. All in all, had a lovely anniversary. As for the red onion, I think it's a commentary on our marriage, colorful, spicy and sharp, many layered, and an acquired taste. And yes, I do love onions!