Aug 25 2009
Skunk
Summer has ended abruptly for the Manry children. No more lazing about with nothing to do; no more wasting time with T.V., Wii, and piles and piles of books. To be truthful, I never think piles and piles of books are a waste of time and Dale never thinks T.V. is a waste of time. However, the piles and piles of books are now textbooks that need to be covered.
So, as my children attempt to stay awake in class, I’ll take some time to write about this past summer. In June, we attended the Meloch family reunion. It was a hoot and a holler and a real ten dollar. We stayed at a “resort” on Lake Michigan.
Had I considered the many ways to interpret “resort”, I would not have been so shocked by the rustic appearance. Also, had I not been so cheap and stubborn, I would have considered the benefit of being in a cabin closer to the other families with a lovely view of Lake Michigan. I arrived, took a look around, and thought once again…”My sister is always right.” However, I have yet to follow up that realization with the phrase, “Next time I’ll listen to her.”
Blessing for me, (I had originally written ‘Lucky for me,’ but I now attend a church that calls a potluck a pot blessing. Having grown up lucky in cards and dice, I’m finding it difficult to make the adjustment.) there was still a cabin available closer to the other families with a lovely view of Lake Michigan. So, we Manrys moved to the closer cabin. God is gracious to me. When I experience His unmerited favor upon my life, I am grateful. I need to remember, if I am to become more like Him, I must show that kind of grace to others.
I left Dale and the kids to swim in the pool and enjoy the beach. Mom and I drove to Super Walmart to stock up for the week. We were there a long time. Various family members attempted to call us and draw us back to the cabins, but both our phone batteries died so we took our good old time. When we returned, Dale was able to start the charcoal at 2000 hrs to cook dinner. Everyone was hungry and tired. By midnight, all Manrys had showered and gone to bed.
I was turning off lights when I heard the screen door slide open and saw my brother Rob enter the cabin. “I’ve got kolaches!”, he proclaimed. In the Meloch family, turning away someone holding a pile of polish cookies at your door at midnight is considered rude. So, Rob and I stayed up laughing and talking while Dale attempted to sleep a few feet away. Rob claimed that he had to stay awhile because on his way over he heard a sound and looked over to discover a skunk crossing his path. Rob, then, hightailed it to our cabin.
The skunk story was believed by no one, primarily because Rob told it. We have all learned to take my brother’s stories with a grain of salt. Many evenings, we saw raccoons and other creatures, but no skunk. As the week progressed, Rob received much ribbing concerning his ”skunk”. As a special gift for the unbirthday party, Rich presented Rob a walking stick with a skunk carved on top. Rob’s skunk story became a source of much amusement.
Skunk Cane
Late in the week, we were all outside watching the Meloch reunion soccer game being played till dark. Dale and I both looked up and saw a small skunk running quickly across the road. We yelled for all to look, but it was gone too quickly. I’m not sure if anyone truly believed us that we saw it as well. I think they suspect Rob bribed Dale and I with some kolaches.
I’m so glad you had a nice reunion…there always nice.
Its nice to get away…it’s a matter of doing it…thats what i’ll keep telling myself…i have so many directions i need to go…i just need to find time and money to make it happen
i’m thinking now about going to natchitoches for a few days on my own
little scared dwayne might kick all out while i’m away but i think i need to
……..we missed this past texas reunion but plan to make it this may….
love you both
love to hear about your family