Theres a kind of hush....

Well friends.
Its that time of year.

....already?
Yep.

Alot has happend in the past month. I forgot to blog. And then some of my favorite people from back home came up to MN to visit. We had our last bash on the beach with Island Time.
We fished. We drank. We were merry!

... And then, I got engaged! Woo hoo!
Here at my home of Eagle Lake! It was beautiful. It was joyous! It was perfect!
Plans are already in place for a wedding next summer. Here. At my favorite place in the world.
Eagle Lake!


... And now, all of a sudden, its Labor Day Weekend.
Moreover, its 4 in the afternoon on Labor Day. The final guests of the year left about 3 hours ago. As they pulled out of the driveway I had to take a moment.
As I took a deep breath part of me was relieved.
As that breath exhaled I felt sad.
The next breath I took was in honor of the fall season's arrival.

This time of year is always a bittersweet feeling. I am happy to have a break and enjoy being able to walk around my house in a towel, not afraid of anyone coming up to my door. I am happy because this is my favorite season.
But I am also sad because summer is over. The time spent on the water, enjoying the sun, and company is put off until next year. It is also the time when my family goes home to Colorado.
This is the part I hate.

But there are lots of things to plan. Lots of projects to work on. And lots of beautiful colors to see while the trees change.

Deep breath in...
Deep breath out....

Its fall. Can you feel it?

Pictures of Up North that I LOVE

Kathrine. Lake of the Woods

A quiet morning. Eagle Lake

Fishing with his best friend. Eagle Lake.

Eagle Lake at its finest.

Island Time Band with my dad and I. (yes. we sang with them that night.)
A perfect day on Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods

My Top Five Favorite Things of July!!!

July was a good month.
Nope.It was a great month.
It was busy at the resort which is great for business.
I got to sneak away on a mini vacation up north..And there are FIVE GREAT THINGS THAT MADE ME SMILE!
Thing #5 (yes I am counting down to the top favorite thing! I have to add some excitement!)

Ok... #5 My newest addition to my cute little family. Lola. What a heart breaker. Who knew you could find such a wonderful pet at the flea market! I knew my addiction to the flea market wasn't in vain.. .I was just waiting for that extra special find! And I did!

Thing #4
I was able to take a road trip to South Dakota with my family for a wedding. I had a great time seeing all my family and celebrating such a wonderful day with them all. The trip, however, to Custer was LONG! So we (as in the kids) entertained ourselves during the 12 hour drive with Kathrine's photo booth feature on her computer... let's just say, this is by far the prettiest picture of me that has ever been produced! (yes I have changed a bit from the other photos!)
I'm kidding!
I don't really look like this!

Thing #3
I have always heard about how my grandpa is the best snapping turtle catcher/handler this side of the Mississippi... but I finally got to see him in action! (see previous post "turtleman") I had to put him and that experience in my top five without a doubt! That was just awesome! I don't care who you are!

Thing #2
Sorry. I have to say it again... I won 1st place.... (finally!) at the flower show for Turkey Days!!! Of course this made the list! This was 6 years in the making my friends!
And finally....
Drum roll please....

Thing #1

My wonderful sister participated again in the Becker County Fair Pageant. She looked beautiful. Did amazing. Made me so proud! But above all this she is officially the greatest gal on the face of the Earth, because after the pageant when she could have easily sat at the queen's reception like all the other contestants, trying to still impress everyone with being proper and elegant... my sister slapped on some flip flops, pulled up her evening gown with red lipstick on and hitched a ride with me on the Phantom Fuery carnival ride... to celebrate all while exclaiming at the top of her lungs.... "world peace!"
Now that is what makes a real queen my friends! Cut all the "proper" crap... and kick back and have fun! I love her!!


Now lets see what August brings!

Last week we had 3 tornadoes hit around the resort. While I was nervous and hid in my house one of our guests continued to grill during the storm... which I might add I am beyond IMPRESSED....

I, on the other hand... hide until the storm passes and then rejoice after it has left the area. This week I was really feeling it and had to take a picture of the calmness "after the storm"

I love this picture.

Nothing says summer like a cute kid walking around with his life jacket on for no reason. I LOVE this picture.

Just a few things...

I have skipped a few days here and there on what has been happening around here.

Its been busy!
Busy resort week.
Busy weekend turnover.
Turkey Days!!
Art in the Park!
Flea Market!!
Baby Showers!

UFFDA!!!!!

Lets start at the beginning.
Last week at the resort was busy. Not where I couldn't handle it, but it was just a busy week of making sure everything was in working order, and not flooding... (yes we got MORE RAIN!), making sure no one at the resort got sucked up in a funnel cloud... (yes! We had 3 tornados hit around the resort!!). It was just busy.
Then to add to the list of excitment.. it was Turkey Days!
Frazee is home to the world's largest turkey! And every year there is a celebration in honor of this magnificant animal! This year was different though. The weather got in the way and we got rained out for the street dance. But... just like the past 6 years I entered another flower piece in the Turkey Days Flower Show... and this year...
I WON FIRST PLACE!!!!
(and yes! I have the blue ribbon to prove it!) I've waited 6 years for this exciting moment!
Yeah...ok... I'm tooting my own horn.

I woke up Sunday morning with the intention of having a wonderful day of leisure.. and that is exactly what I did.
I woke up early (well earlier than usual) and went to the flea market. I took Lola...(my puppy recently purchased at the flea market) with me and we spent the morning walking around looking at things and she basked in the love that every possible human gave her.
We continued on to the art in the park in Detroit Lakes where we met my mom. It was a great afternoon of doing nothing but walking around, talking, and enjoying the scenery. I needed it!

After that we continued on into Frazee to watch the Turkey Days Parade. It was shorter this year than most. It only lasted an hour and fifeteen minutes. But it sure was hot! Holy Hannah!
... then we ended up at my dear friend Jenny's baby shower and celebrated little baby Ava's upcoming arrival! I get to be an auntie three times within the year!
I'm so lucky!

But today took the cake!
My sister Kathrine talked me into doing something that I have never done before!!! She talked me into bathing in the lake.
Yes! It sounds crazy! And sure I felt a little goofy sudsing up my hair in front of a handful of strangers.... but it was awesome! Not to mention that it was my first time in the lake all summer! It was perfect.
Thanks Kathrine for getting my butt back into summer gear!
... ***Editor's Note..... swimsuits were worn during our lake bath! No worries!

And that is my weekend in review.

Her day vs. My day

Ding!
Round One:
... She steamed dresses at a bridal shop.
.... I helped clean out a greasy fish fryer.

Round Two:
...She got to dress up in heels and a pretty dress.
...I bought a new pair of crocs.

Round Three:
...I found a bug in my radish at supper.
...She won $202 bucks on pull tabs!

Round Four: (I'm getting weaker and weaker at this point)
*Editor's Note: we did a victory slide on the zip line at the park to celebrate Kathrine's big win!
...She made gliding through mid-air look good
...I hit the edge of the ramp going 30 mph hitting my shin and giving it a big ol' goose egg!

Kathrine had the knock out today with an over all day of good luck!
... I laughed at my short comings and had enough humor in it to write about it!


*** CONGRATS TO MY SISTER THE BIG WINNER!!! OWWWW!

Paging Mr. Turtleman... come in Mr. Turtleman.

So lets start by giving you some background to the story.
My grandpa Ron is a snapping turtle catching machine. He use to catch them all the time when they lived in North Dakota and then even back when my dad was young in Minnesota. He has seen his fair share of turtles.
...I only saw him catch, skin, and cook up a turtle once in my 26 years and I was only about 10. I barely can remember anything about it other than looking at the turtle tail nailed up to the tree.
Kathrine on the other hand has never seen one, let alone saw one captured and cleaned. (and she still missed out because she is working today, but I did get pictures)
... Anyway.
My grandpa was over the other day and we got on the subject of snapping turtles. He was telling us how they have 7 different kinds of meat on them, and how the season is open. I let it be known how excited I would be if we got to see one and how cool it would be if we could actually catch one.
Kathrine took it to a whole other level by going into town that night and getting a new rod, bait, and hooks to catch a turtle.
I joked and told my grandpa that if we EVER by chance get a turtle I know who to call. The turtleman!
...well.... last night.... some resort guests caught a turtle! A big one on top of that! As they pulled out from under the docks I could see its massive body hit the ground and then could hear the loud hiss of anger!
I wasn't sure what to do with it, so I had the guest throw him in the dog kennel? It was the only thing I could think of that would hold the wild beast in!
But the best part of the morning was when I got to call my grandpa at 8 in the morning and say,
"Mr. Turtleman, you are needed at Eagle Lake Resort."
"I'll be there by 11," he said.

Now, my grandpa is pretty cool. One of the cooler guys I know. But nothing exuded cool like when he went into the dog kennel, in open toed sandles, grabbed that bone crunching beast by the tail and made it look easy.
I swear that turtle's neck stretched out a good foot trying to get a chunk out of grandpa turtleman! But that didn't phase ol' turtleman... nope. He grabbed a crecent wrench pinched the mouth of the turtle, and the rest is history.
....all of the kids were in awe of the whole process, including myself. It was pretty interesting.
And while some of you might be offended at the topic of this blog with the obvious result of death for the turtle please know this;
All of the meat will be eaten. None of this was done in vain. Everything from that turtle will be used, (except the mouth! That sucker was still clenching after the fact!!). It was a learning lesson to all the kids. Something like a biology lesson, and food preperation lesson in one.
And it was a display of carrying on up north tradition.

Thank you to Mr. Turtleman for coming to our rescue!
And thank you to the turtle for giving us 7 different kinds of meat.
We appriciate it very much.

My friend Nick

I like to think of Nick as one of my dear friends, and I wasn't sure if he shared the same sentiment until this Easter when I brought him over Easter dinner.

... Nick lives across the street from me in a smaller cabin with a large round window. On June 7th of this year Nick had his 94th birthday.

When I use to come up to Minnesota in the summers I remember seeing him around at Charlie's fish fry's. I remember hearing my grandpa and grandma talk about him when I stayed with him. But I never really knew Nick until a few years ago when I first dropped off a "may day" basket for him.

In the winter time when the snow piles up, Nick is the first one out shoveling his driveway. Jake and I always go over to offer a hand or to plow him out with our bob cat. With his stubborn personality he always declines, even in the 40 below temps... he insists that this is how he gets his exercise. So now... he have just changed our game plan and we plow him out early in the mornings before he is up.

Over the past couple of years I have become pretty close with Nick. I enjoy going over to visit every now and then and to hear all of his stories, have him teach me new things, and to listen to his words of wisdom he like to pass on.

A few things I have learned about Nick over the years;

*He served in World War 2. He does not hesitate to tell the stories of what he learned and saw over in Europe and in Japan. He went over by boat through the English Chanel, and then worked his way alongside hundreds of other GI's into France and then into Germany. He was then sent over to Japan to fight. His stories are amazing. But he always says how he is thankful for being able to see the world twice. And that he learned alot while he was in the service for 20 years.

*He never married but was in love twice.
Once to a girl in highschool who he says was his first love. She, however, fell in love with another kid who got a new blue bike.
The othe time was to a red haired gal who he met just before he was sent over seas. He went to pick her up before he was shipped out and she had decided to go on a date with another guy... who had just got a new red car.
... he said she broke his heart, so he never fell in love again.

*He believes Hillary Clinton should have been president. Since the early 50's he has always thought that a woman needed to be president. He was dissappointed when she didn't win, but thinks we are very lucky to have her in our government system now.

*He loves his sweets. Every Wednesday we have him over for our resort pot luck and he always takes an extra cookie or slice of cake and puts it in his shirt pocket for later.

*He use to live in cabin #4 here at the resort. He has been here to see the resort change and grow over the past 30 years.

* He sold his house and all his things when his sister got cancer to help pay for all her bills.
*The neighbors here all pitched in afterwards to build him his cabin now so he could still live here on Eagle Lake Road.

I stopped by yesteday to visit him for a little while. I always love visiting with him because you get to learn something new each time. Yesteday he told me about how he has been reading about astronomy. He likes to keep his mind full he said, so he always like to learn new things. Maybe this alongside his intense winter shoveling is what keeps him so young at heart and healthy!

Yesterday, however, while visiting he said something sweet to me, and I can't help but to share...
He started by saying,
" you know Kellie, I'm getting older every day and I am noticing how I am slowing down which is ok. I've seen alot of things, both good and bad, but I feel lucky to have seen them. Know what I want for you? I want you to be happy, get married, have a little family, and keep your family and friends close."
....my heart melted.

I knew Nick thought of me as a friend when he hugged me and said thank you for being so kind to me. I don't have alot of friend around anymore but you are one of my best friends.

.... Cheers to Nick. One of my dear friends.

Dragonflies look like helicopters

This weekend I have gained a new lease on life.
Although I didn't want to admit it, I was stressed. I'm not complaining that my job is overly stressful. Because while at times it is, lets be real. Its not. But if you know me, you know that I like to worry myself sick. I like to take everything on by myself and absorb the stress of doing so. I am too much of a stubborn irish gal to ask for help. And then I worry, and work, and stress, until I hit a breaking point.
... I did.
But like everything, things solve themselves and I was able to sneak away for a couple days.
Jake, Berkley, Lola, and I packed the Jeep up Friday night and headed up to Lake of the Woods to go to the new resort for their grand opening. My parents bought another resort on Rainy River and I hadn't been up yet since it had opened, so it worked out to go up for this special occasion.
We left late Friday evening and got up just in time to close the bar down (where my brother is now the bartender.)

Jake and my dad went out fishing Saturday and I slept. I slept like I have never slept before. We went to bed at 2 am. and I slept until 11 the next day. Got up took the dogs for a walk, ate breakfast, took a nap for 2 hours.
I then took my show on the road and got to bartend for a few hours. (which by the way... I LOVE bartending!) And then Jake, Erik, some friends of ours, and myself went out to another bar down the way. I felt like I was "young" again!
It was wonderful to just "be"
I felt alive and energized again.

.... I got back last night and already notice a difference in myself. I'm more relaxed. I'm happier. I'm inspired again.

I had been complaining that I had no time to get out on the lake and kayak.
Well. Tonight, Kathrine and I went around the whole lake and it was perfect! We passed by loons. Fisherman. And dragonflies.
Have you ever noticed how much they look like helicopters?
... it was a great weekend spent doing nothing. I'm thankful to have been given a chance to get my feet back on the ground... just in time to hit the ground running again. Its off to a busy rest of the season!

Perfect Evening.

Today was quiet.
Which is always a plus when you are in the resort business. I mowed today and actually took the time to make the lines in the grass look straight... and manicured. (which has never happened before)
I took time to make a "resort dump salad" for the potluck tonight that we have every Wednesday night when Island Time plays. I got the recipie from a resorter magazine. It was EASY! And quick. Which is always a plus.
One can sweetend condensed milk.
One can cherry pie filling
One can crushed pineapple drained.
One tub cool whip.
Mix together and let chill for 2 hours.


I also took time to take a hot shower. And shave. And get ready. To some of you this may not seem like a big deal. But when you run a resort in the summer... showers are well... few and fast. So this was a treat.

It was also the kick off to the summer concert series. Island Time came out to play. We got our bar set up and ready. The guests all came out to enjoy the music. And the evening was perfect. Cool. No bugs. Lake was like a sheet of glass. And the music.... made me feel relaxed.

I knew the night was perfect when I heard them start their first song... "don't worry about a thing. Cause every little thing, is going to be alright"

My Independance Day.

Last night it stormed.
It kind of felt like as if someone picked up little ol' Frazee and put us on the gulf coast and we were being hit by a hurricane. It rained! And it really really really rained.
It was Kathrine's graduation party last night which started at 5. All day yesterday it had been 90 degrees with what felt like 100% humidity. It was the kind of heat where if you just sat outside sweat would bead down your face and back. Needless to say, because it was both check in day and the party... I made it properly dressed in my sweaty ball cap and sweaty clothes for the party.
Anyway, at 5:30 the rain started. All of us shoved our bodies into the little screened in porch until the rain passed. It would break up just long enough for us to go back outside and then get poured on again.
Long story short. It rained almost 6 inches. So when I woke up on this blessed holiday of ours I got to show off my independence by playing manager and taking care of the numerous "gifts" or as I call them "problems" that this crazy northern monsoon created. I call them gifts because I suppose you can't be negative on a holiday!
Gift #1
It rained so hard that this morning right when the office opened, cabin #9 came up to tell me that their cabin was totally flooded. Standing water in the entry way. Standing water in the cleaning room. Standing water in their bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.
...(I told you it was a flippin' monsoon!)
So I had to figure out how to handle that. Jake went into Perham to find me a rug doctor... which ended up a hassle too because the store was closed for the holiday so he trekked cross country to get the key to the store to grab the rug doctor. After 2 hours of sucking up water and $89.09 spent on fans and 1 bottle of frebreeze... it is "handled" for right now.
Gift #2
I didn't notice. But Kathrine came and found me to point out that it rained so hard that one of our docks is pretty much under water now. It was a foot above water yesterday... now it is the opposite.
Gift #3
After taking a breather from the morning mayhem, I sat in my office only to have the guests in cabin #8 come in to tell me that their cold water handle doesn't work, let alone their cold water. So...after examining the situation it looked as if I had to pack my self into the ol' Jeep and head into Menards. Luckily I found the part. And I think it is fixed. Or at least I hope it holds up for the time being.
Gift #4
And this is the best one yet! My port-a-potty was delivered today! Earlier than expected! At least one thing went my way on this special holiday!

... as I was driving into Menards I got a glimpse into the way the 4th is celebrated. Every house down Eagle Lake was exploding with people, lights, fireworks, and laughter! And yes there is definitely that here at Eagle Lake Resort as well. I just get to be the one in the background sitting and waiting for the next "gift" to arrive.
It all comes with the territory. I guess this just keeps me on my toes and teaches me important life skills like; plumbing, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and having a sense of humor.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone! Hope your day is filled with laughter, sun, and new memories!
Be safe! And have a beer for me!

My train of thought is sometimes goofy.

I was driving home today from town.
When you follow Eagle Lake Road down to the lake you come to a T. And across from the T is a farm.

This afternoon, Jeff, (the farmer) was cutting his hay. It was even, well attractive piles across his fields. I only noticed it first because I LOVE the smell of fresh cut hay.
Then I looked up to the corner of the field where a horse stood watching and I thought to myself....

"I wonder if that horse is standing there smelling the hay like humans would anticipating the delicious flavor. Kind of like when you come home and someone has been baking all day long and just the smell makes your mouth water." I caught myself thinking, "I wonder if he is standing there drooling thinking to himself, gosh! that smells great! Can't wait till that is done!"

I told this to my sister and she just laughed.
Apparently my train of thought is a little goofy.

The best flea market purchase....yet....

Just like most Sunday's during the summer my mother, sister, and I headed out to the flea market.

I never know what exactly I am going to find and I think that is why I love the flea market so much!

On our drive in Kathrine and I joked about what we would be buying. Maybe a new piece a jewelery... or perhaps a random decoration for our home.

I only pulled out $20 bucks because I didn't want to over spend.

We got one row into the market and kathrine and I saw a sign....
"puppies for $50.00"

The owners pulled them out and handed one over to Kathrine... and then... I was sold.

I had 20 bucks. Kathrine had 30. We put it together and took home this beauty!!!

Lola.

My new love.

Don't get me wrong. I still LOVE my dog Berkley! Now he just has one heck of a cute sister.

*Editors Note.

.... Jake and I had been looking for another dog for awhile now... so I am not a crazy impulse shopper. Well.... I am. But not to this degree usually.

A quiet getaway...

Today.
So far.
Has been a gift.
Last night one of my best friends had a baby. A beautiful little girl who looks just like her mamma.
I decided when I woke up that nothing was as important as driving to see this new little baby. So I closed my office and drove.

... the weather is perfect today. Not a cloud in sight. Warm temperatures. A perfect day for a drive. I love the drive to Fergus Falls. I get to drive through Vergas and wind my way through the streets of little lake homes sitting in between two large bodies of water. I get to see green trees, groomed fields, lakes and streams. But better yet. For today. I get to see a new baby.

I drove my mom's car today and normally I would not have chose to do so because there is no air conditioning, but today it seemed like a great idea.

While driving I noticed different smells which I guess I suppose I have never noticed before because I always have my windows up. It was neat. I don't have any other words better than... neat.
I would whip past a lake and get the wonderful fresh smell of the water. I would drive past Goodman's market and smell the fresh baked bread. I passed a resort and got a whiff of a campfire. I didn't even mind when I went flying by the dairy farm and got that smell. It reminded me of when I use to read those scratch and sniff kid books, where there was a distinct smell to go with each special detail.

I laughed on my way past Vergas because I was listening to 97.9, a radio station out of Park Rapids that only plays music from the 40's and 50's. A cute song was on about how much a girl was in love with this guy and it had a great beat to it. Anyway... while I was humming along like I knew the song I looked up to see a group of horses standing with their backs against me and I kid you not! Their tails were "wagging" exactly to the beat of the song. It was priceless. I laughed!

I finally made it to the hospital after an hour of peaceful driving. The new mother looked amazing! So content. So in love. The new dad stood in the back looking as proud as I've ever seen. Grandpa was there too which instantly melted my heart... and then I saw the new baby.
... I cried.
I couldn't help it. What a beautful gift to see your best friend so happy and in love and to be able to see this amazing new person that they created. It was breathtaking. It was beautiful.
Grandpa giggled at my emotion which made me feel a little better. But I am in awe. I am just an outsider to this new family and I am already in love with her. She is perfect. She has a great mother! A great father! A great family!
Nothing after that moment can ruin my day. When you see a little gift from above like that you have no choice but to realize how great life is.

... So I guess I am leaving today with a little lesson learned. Always take time to go for a drive. To enjoy the smells and sights around you. To go visit the people you love. And to be thankful for the gift of life. What an amazing thing we have!

....... Congrats to the new mommy and daddy! XOXOXO

It is...officially summer now. Awwww....

Yep. It's officially summer for me.
Not because it was a heat wave of 87 degrees out with 90% humidty today.
Also not because I pulled my kayak out of storage and sat it outside to remind me to get up in the morning and take a dip.
Nor is it because I took a stroll down Eagle Lake Road on my trusty "grandma grocery getter" bike.

It is simply summer because after 4 weeks of having the resort open for business, I went out on the pontoon on the beautful Eagle Lake for the first time this year! And it felt..... GREAT!

Jake took us out on the boat for a sunset cruise. We whipped down the middle, over to the east, back to the west... and then we "pulled the old people style" and cruised around the lake looking at other people's stuff.

I loved every minute!
Hello summer my dear ol' friend! Good to see you around again!

My Life is Normal Because...

1.) I Say thank you to my septic.
Its a good omen sort of thing. The resort plumbin system is.... gifted. (actually right now as I write it I am getting anxiety about maybe making the septic mad... and thinking about maybe erasing all this info to keep it happy)
But I have found, like most important things in life to use the Golden Rule even with my septic system. You be nice to it, it will be nice to you.
... So thank you dear septic friend. Thank you for all your hardwork, dedication, and determination during this resort season. I wish that there will only be easy days ahead of you and no pack of pencils, white mice, or t-shirts in your future. Your best friend and admirer.... Me.

2.) My last duty at the end of my day is to take out the pails of fish guts.
Our fish cleaning house or as we call it "ye ol fish haus" has character! It is a true old fashioned bonafied fish cleaning house. What does this mean? This means, yes. There is running water. But yes. there is also an old holding tank that only allows water. So this means that all of the great fish that are caught and fileted leave their remains in a bucket for me to get rid of every evening. I told Kathrine this evening as we were spraying down the buckets and hauling the remains up to the dumpster, "just think. You will probably never have another job like this! Where else can you put this on your resume... I know how to clean out a fish cleaning house. And just think! When you meet the love of your life he will be so amazed at how awesome you are when you can get all dressed up and look like a princess but can still get down and dirty with some fish guts!"
I believe she did not share my enthusiasm....

3.) At 6 o'clock sharp I close my office. I walk next door to my home and shut the curtains,and lock by door to finally get some "peace and quiet." I don't answer my door after that. I only answer my cell phone.

4.)I get to hear people say.... we are going to need more toilet paper up top. We have four men that have eaten lots of fish.

...HELLO! Like I need to know the details!!!

5.) I get to do what I love, though it may be stressful. I get to work with my family. Live on the lake. Meet new people. And carry on tradition. Of course this is my normal. And I love it!

I got paid in doughnuts!

This morning was rough.
Last night was Jake's sister-in-law's 40th surprise birthday party. I had no idea that it was going to be "as fun" as it was! And I mean "as fun" in a way in which I didn't know I was going to be enjoying so many birthday shots with the birthday girl and the family! Ufffffddddaaaaa!
So needless to say this morning rolled around way to early and way to quick.
Most of the guests this morning did not make checkout time. But of all mornings I guess it worked in my favor to be running a little slow.
It is a full week at the resort. FULL! And we have all new guests this week which is always exciting! This way I get to share the resort and this special place with new people and get to meet some new "friends." But this also means that I am opening myself to some new "interesting guests."
Ones that really make you work, lets say. I have one of those this week. I've been running around with my hair on fire finding spatula's, potato peelers, smoke detectors, trying to explain what certain things are, trying to bull***** my way through letting them know where the hot spots are for fishing. I'm exhausted! Whew.....
But just when I thought I couldn't run anymore today, cabin #10 checked in. It is a group of 4 retired couples from Iowa. I love them. I don't know how to say it any other way than that. They go beyond making up for a certain other cabin in their jokes, kindness, and excitement. I have already been nicknamed "babe" by my now friend "goober" (the older gentleman that prefers to call people by nicknames.... and likes to be called goober?)
They had a few items they needed help with, like unloading and fixing light bulbs and I had no problem in hiding up in their cabin for awhile to avoid #6 but to my surprise after helping them out I was paid in homemade doughnuts!
It just might be one of the best tips I have ever received!

Hocus Pocus Time to Focus!

My mental list has finally reached its tipping point.
The space between one ear and the other has finally filled to its full capacity with projects, ideas, lists, etc....

I knew it was getting bad when I would be lying in bed seconds away from dreamland when all of a sudden I would sit up and think out loud "I have to remember to restock toilet paper!" Or... "I can't forget to go get the boats registered!"

After my third night of not sleeping but thinking I knew I had to come up with a game plan. It is only my first week of guests! So Kathrine and I brainstormed and came up with a great solution!
Dry Erase Boards!
... yep. hands down they are my new best friends. And it was amazing as I was sitting here organizing my thoughts I could feel the stress run down the back of my neck, through my chest, down my arms, out my fingertips into the marker and out! I feel NEW and ORGANIZED and FOCUSED!

I feel like going to bed.
(cross your fingers that this new relationship between myself and mr. dry erase board lasts all summer long!)

What?! No Pie!!!????

It is officially summer.

How do I know this? Because the flea market is open. My mom, sister, and I got up this morning to make our first trip to the flea market of the summer. As we were walking around I couldn't help but comment how I love the flea market. It is my go-to place during the summer to getaway, relax, and turn on my creative mind for finding puposes for random treasures.

Today I found some great treasures. An old shelf for my bathroom.... and old large blue mason jar to fill with whatever.... a blown glass vase.... and a bunch of glass grapes! All which I have already found a purpose and a home for.

Just like most trips happen when we go to the flea market we timed our afternoon perfectly to hit lunch time at the Loon's Nest in Vergas.
Vergas is a small town close to the resort, population 300. For being such a small community it has lots of great places to visit, including the Loon's Nest. Nestled down town it is a small cafe that has some of the best food ever! It is good ol' fashioned home cooked food. But the best part about the Loon's Nest is THE PIE! They offer 10 different kinds of pies (dependant on season) that are all homemade and delicious!!! But the best...best part is that you can get a slice of pie and coffee for 99 cents!!!

... our whole drive into Vergas all three of us were beyond excited to have some pie! I know for me, it had been since last summer that I was at the Loon's Nest for pie! My mouth was watering just from the thought of it!

We sat down and ordered our lunches. I was pumped that my lunch came with dessert and I already knew that I was going to get the cherry pie as my dessert of choice. But then as if time stood still for all us gals... we looked around and noticed... wait! No one has any pie! Laughing we told eachother that there was no way that they couldn't have pie. My mom got up to wash her hands and came back to the table with a worried look in her eyes.... "the pie cooler has NOTHING in it!"
..."well that can't be right!" I exclaimed! "Maybe they moved their supply to the back! Or maybe the guy that makes the pies got sick and they are making some more in the kitchen." We shot back ideas and conclusions to one another until the waitor came by. I asked...."are you all out of pie!?"
..........."yes. We ran out yesterday!"

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO PIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The food was great. But we sure left disappointed. Oh! And by the way Mr. Pie Maker who makes the best pies in the world... We will be back. And yes! I might eat two slices to make up for today!

Yours truely,
Your biggest fan.

What a S***** Day!

Wait!
So before you form your own opinion and begin to think that I am a pessimist, read on. I promise it might humor you.
Normally you would think by reading such a title that maybe my day has gone horribly wrong, full of emotion, and filled with anger and regret. But actually it is quite the opposite.
It is a big day for me. A big day in personal accomplisments, and a big day in dealing with things that probably shouldn't be funny... but really are.

So. My office toilet has been running. Running like crazy. It has sounded like a continus flush for the past 2 weeks non-stop. But today I had decided to see if I could put an end to this madness. Yes! I have succesfully put in a new flapper into a toilet and fixed the leaky problem all by myself! Sure the project was easy. And sure it wasn't that big of a deal! But really?! Come on! I, myself fixed a toilet all by myself! In full on pony tail, grossed out expressions, and amazment I did it! Of course I had to put a on a latex glove to cover my minor papercut, just in case I could catch anything dirty... but come on! As much as you would like to not admit it, it is pretty cool! I felt so proud of myself.

Aside from the bathroom antic.... We have geese. Not one. Not two. But perhaps a gaggle? Is that what it is called when you have a group of geese? But really. We have at least 20. All of them come at sunrise and sit on our lovely beach with their babies and friends... and yes.... they poop! A LOT!

The first day I noticed them I thought they were great! I thought they were beyond cute. The way the mommy's lead their little babies around and layed on the beach. It was PRICELESS! The next day I thought....."that's weird. They are still here.... hmmmm?" Then today I thought, "Really? Oh my lord!?" As I heard Jake send our dog Berkley to chase them and then to hear him say, Berkley wait! And then hear shots from his pelet gun trying to scare him away.!"

Today our first guests checked in and I hoped all day that I wouldn't hear the words, "I hate to complain but...."
But! I did hear this. And this is what the lady in cabin #8 said.
"I'm sorry to complain but, if you have a dog fee and require your guests to pick up their dog poop, why is there so much dog poop all around your resort? It is everywhere. I'm sorry. I'm really not a complainer.'
I replied, "No! Th

at is goose poop! I'm sorry! Isn't it horrible! Believe me if it was dog poop that would be a totally different story, but it is those dang geese making a mess. I'm sorry! Just watch where you step!"

... and while I knew there was goose poop from those d*** geese I ventured out to assest the situation. There was poop near and far. Splattered on the docks, the boat landing, everywhere! It took my mom and I close to an hour and a filling a five gallon pail before we finally got MOST of the goose poop under control.

It was gross. It was humorous. It was a.... S**** day!

... at least it was worth a good laugh or two.

And were off!

This morning:

I had to leave the resort by 8 am. No earlier. No later.
Jake was going to "attempt" to put in the pontoon lift but figured I would be too much of a sissy and worry wart to watch. He thought it would go better for him and myself if I left.
So I left.

It's raining this morning. Which is kind of a bummer seeing as I have TONS of weed whacking to do, but not much I can do against mother nature. So I ventured out to Frazee's city wide rummage sale. For being a smaller town I am often surprised at the people that come out for events like this. Downtown was packed (well granted it is only two blocks long!) and down every side street cars were lined up bumper to bumper.
I figured I would look around since I was banned at my own resort... so I wandered around for an hour or so.
I was at the last house when I looked up to see some familiar faces. I thought hard for a good second as to why they looked so familiar when then it hit me! THOSE ARE THE RESORT GUESTS THAT WILL BE CHECKING IN TODAY!
... caught off guard I pulled my hat down over my eyes and high tailed it to my car. Almost as if I was nervous of what they would think if I was shopping rather then getting their cabins ready.
... keep in mind that I had already taken care of that two days ago.
I rushed home in a frenzy to somehow make myself feel better as if I needed to be there only to sit around until check in time rolled around (5 hours later)

... Long story short. The pontoon lift still sits. Not in the water. That sucker is way too heavy even for my super strong boyfriend to put it in. (No. he did not pay me to say that!)
And the resort guests just checked in. Early! I might add. The first guests of the season.
It is always this time of year where I have to adjust to a new way of life. An exciting one. An anxious one. A familiar one.
Exciting because I get to run my business in its full swing. Full of fun, people, sun, and laughter!
Anxious because at any given moment something could happen that I am soley responsible in fixing. Whether it be a plumbing problem. An explosion of some sorts. No water. Broken motor. Leaky toilet. Or any problem at all. I am responsible. And liable. At all hours of every day until September.
Familiar because I have known this life for a good chunk of my years lived. I came here when I was young and stayed with my grandparents. I use to live in the bar eating candy and swimming on the beach. Familiar because at some point in my younger years I had this feeling that I belonged here. That of all the places I have lived and traveled I somehow knew that Minnesota... moreover... Frazee and Eagle Lake Resort were the places that I would call home. Familiar because even amongst the occasional chaos, the strangers staying in the cabins only feet from my home, and the responsibility that sits on my shoulders... I feel at home and at ease with everything that goes hand in hand with this resort life I am living.
So in honor of the kick off to resort season I hold my coffee mug up and cheers to another great summer spent at one of my favorite places on Earth....
EAGLE LAKE!

Home is Where the Heart Is.

There are a lot of things that feel like home to me.
The sound of loons on the lake.
The smell of sage.
Seeing the mountains again for the first time in months.
Being with the people I love.
Picking out new plants to bring home and take care of.
Driving down Eagle Lake and realizing that this is one of the best places I have ever been.

But more recently I am experiencing the feeling of "being home" vicariously through my sister.
She has recently graduated high school and within hours of receiving her diploma she packed up her car with all her belongings and moved to Minnesota. I felt a kindred spirit to her experience because I had done that not too long ago. Probably longer than what it feels, but I still know what this feels like.
It had worked out that for the summer one of our older cabins was going to be sitting vacant. So without hesitation I offered the cabin to her hoping that she could make it "feel like home."
It is so fun to watch her get excited about decorating her first place, or to see her excitement in picking out her first set of kitchen towels, flower pots, candles, and fresh flowers for her kitchen table.
.. I love that she is choosing to make her home here, on the lake.... I love how she is putting her whole heart into making her home hers....
She is so inspiring in so many ways. And I love being able to share her excitement with her.
Minnesota should feel very grateful and honored to now have a new member of its clan and I feel the same to be able to call Minnesota my home.
... because this is where my heart is.

Whistle While You Work....

I keep trying to tell myself to do so.
It is the beginning of the 4 month long resort season. How do I know this? The all of a sudden panic has hit. What is this you ask? It is the ongoing mental list of projects to get done that has all of a sudden past its deadline with no completion. It is the "it won't take too long to weed whack 4 acres of grass" and then the onset of the "holy bologna! I have 4 acres of grass to whack!"

... yes. This is what has happened.
With bright eyes and a caffeinated mind set out this morning to knock off at least one item of my 200 item list. Priority #1... make the resort grounds look good again. After a few hours of weed whacking, a sore arm, one blood blister, and 5 wood ticks found... I can say with a half hearted relief that I am only half way done.

Item #2 tomorrow... complete item #1 and work toward figuring out my next most important item... all while whistling of course!

A little bird told me.

My grandma loved birds. As long as I can remeber I have always associated birds with her. We use to joke that she spoiled the birds like her grandchildren. In the morning she would get up and make fresh popcorn, and as kids we all use to get excited that we were going to have popcorn for breakfast, but she always made a fresh batch just for the birds.
She knew them by name, when they came around, and what they liked.
There was a clock in her house that as every hour past by on the hour a new bird would sing a song. Those lovely songs they sang always made me think of my dear grandma. Even when she passed at the end of the ceremony, what seemed to be a million birds came by to sing a song.
Now when I hear them I think of her and smile. To me the birds and my grandmother are the same thing, it is her way of letting me know she is with me.

.... the song birds came back around here a few weeks ago. And all I could hear them say is to follow them to go visit my family, where my grandmother had lived and where I had always loved to visit.
This past weekend I followed them to see some of the people I love the most and be reconnected with that treasured place.
It was a long over due visit, but was such a gift. I felt as if no time had passed and that everything had stayed the same as it was when a couple years ago, even the same way it was when I was a young child.
....My heart feet full again with a new love of life, and the joy of my grandmother... and I am as happy as a bird!

It smells like fish...

So I see now as I sit here that the last time I wrote was August 2nd. Really? How did that happen. It's like all of a sudden.... wham! It is about summer time again and I somehow forgot to write in between that warp speed of 9 months that flew by!

Here I am again, sitting looking out at the resort making a mile long list in my head of all the things that need to be done before our first guests!
Turn on water to cabins.... not done.
Clean cabins. Check.
Turn on water and electricity to seasonal cabins..... not done.
Bailing out the boats. Check. (which I might add I totally feel like a stud today! After looking at a grossly filled paddle boat and a few choice words... I decided rather than putting my hands into the gross smelly, stale, bug infested water I was going to attempt to use the resort bob cat to dump the water. After successfully lifting, dumping, and stacking the boat... I looked around in hopes that someone, anyone could have seen me man handle that boat with a large piece of machinery! But... no luck. I felt cool though!)
... Then while attempting to take care of the biggest project of mowing and weed wacking... POW! My tires blow up on my lawn mower...
So landscaping..... NOT DONE!
Urgh! But I figured I knew I could handle one thing and get it done right today.... I went to clean off the beach. I was pumped that I didn't walk out to discover piles of trash and debris left over from all the ice fisherman. Only driftwood was left behind... which was great... until I started picking it up and then sniff..sniff... sniff... is that fish I smell? Really... wait. what? Underneath all the driftwood was little remains of washed up fish. So holding down my lunch with complete determination... I pushed on. I got the beach all cleared up, so now even amongst the tall grass and unkept weeds I can see a clean beach. I only have to smell the lingering stinch of fish on my sandles.
.... I guess that is life here at the resort. Sweating. bailing water out of boats, and fumbling through the little piles of fish only to create something pretty for the guests.