Prepared for the New

This past Thursday I loaded up the motor home and drove 7 hours to Kettle Falls, Washington. Once there I set up camp and waited for friends to arrive. At about 6 pm Eric and Joel arrived with bacon cheeseburgers  from Sandy's Drive Inn. I am still thinking about that burger, it was so good. We talked and got caught up with the gossip in our lives. After tilting a few back we decided to bed down for the night while we waited on the rest of the group.

At about 11 pm Matt and Geoff arrived. Our group was now complete. Again the gossip was passed around as they unloaded and prepared for bed. Somehow I felt complete. I lay there listening to them breath and snore. The sound putting me to sleep as well.

We awoke at the butt crack of dawn and put the boat in the water after a hearty breakfast of sausage and pancakes. Off we went in search of the walleye. On water, life seems to be alright. There is something soothing and generous about it. Your cares seem to be held at bay. Your time stretched out in the glorious surroundings.

The maple and birch leaves a brilliant yellow surrounded by the dusty green of the pine trees add to the contentment of the moment. More than once someone comment on the stunning scenery. We jigged our lures at 15 ft, then 35 feet. No fish to be found. Joel finally found a walleye at 60 ft. Otherwise the day was quiet on that front.

Not that it bothered anyone. The day was complete in and of itself. Camaraderie, shared stories and food was all that was needed.

Saturday I was back on the road. A memorial service awaited me upon arrival. As I drove I paid attention to what I was passing. Wheat fields turned under, some already planted with winter wheat; dried corn stalks; fields being harvested and white trucks loaded heavy with dirty skinned potatoes on their way to the processing plants. Life being transformed from one way of being to another. Fields made fallow and prepared for the spring.

New life comes from many places. Re-connection with friends, fields being prepared with care, and even a body being laid in the ground and then remembered. Resurrection happens daily.