These are bird photos my dad took last fall, when I was on the east coast helping navigate my mom’s last few weeks of life. I went back again this month, to celebrate dad’s 95th birthday and help with taxes. He was happy I was there for the taxes. I was happy I was there for his birthday. We both found our way to happy.
This trip was a lot colder. Snow. Ice. Few people. I forgot how beautiful winter can be, and how powerful nature is, with the cold and wind, especially when you’re in a rural place. My fingers only lasted a few minutes outside of my gloves, trying to take pictures. I’m a wuss; I kept wondering how quickly frostbite can happen. My fingers got that painful numb feeling, but no frostbite. I was breathing into my gloves to warm them up.
I walked on the frozen lake; I stayed close to shore but felt brave, until I heard the ice crack. I know my face revealed my sudden panic. The ice cracks a lot; it sings and moans and sounds alive. But it was solid.
First time I’ve made a snowman in decades. I felt like a kid; lost track of time; felt giddy. When I walked back to the house after being gone for 45 minutes, I found dad outside, peering down the road, wondering where I was, given I’d told him I was going out for a short walk. Some things don’t change just because we grow up.
Photos: Dad and Walk the Goats
Walk the Goats 
Glad you got to spend quality time with your Dad. Your description of winter sounds lovely from a distance.
Warren Schrader fixed my WordPress issue. You can now follow my blog. Consider that an invitation. :-). Pam
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It was a special trip and I’m grateful air travel–despite the difficulties–got me there and back without undue trouble.
It’s a beautiful place anytime of the year, but there was a particularly special magic about winter. The tourists aren’t there. No boats. Ice fisherman are quiet. It offered a lovely place to recharge.
I’ll follow your blog! Glad that got fixed. Thanks for reading and commenting here.
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How nice you could spend a quiet winter landscape with your dad. Did he get to see your snowman?
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He did! He first saw my picture, and then saw it when we drove past it. He also saw it after it had lost the eyes, eyebrows and belt. The arms lasted the longest. The head was about to roll but was still jauntily sitting atop the middle!
And, yes, it was a lovely, quiet winter landscape. I really valued that a lot.
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Your snowman is so sassy!
I’m glad you had some fun.
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I couldn’t believe how much fun I had. I had a huge smile on my face the whole time. The only uncertainty was how my back was going to handle lifting each body part onto the prior one. Wet snow is heavy!!!
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Beautiful. Love the simplicity of the line, “We both found our way to happy” and the fact that you both actually did. I’ve been thinking a lot about your family since your mom’s passing. Hoping your dad is okay…is your brother stepping up since you left? I would guess Susan is…seems like it would be lonely for your dad at this time of year especially.
Oh, is that the way you spell wuss??? I know I am one, but I’ve never written the word!
Loved the pics of you on the ice…especially the one when you heard the crack!
Remember the summers when the town had a bagel shop? Ahhhh. Occasionally, on my way back from delivering Evan to the yacht club, I’d stop by for one of those delicacies and to see if anyone was there to socialize with. One day, there were lots of folks I knew and I stayed there for some time, chatting, eating, and sipping coffee. I lost track of time. It was in the days before cellphones and I had the family car. When I finally returned to the house (some two hours after I left), Dad read me the riot act, mostly putting in on “You worried your mother to death!” I was about 50 at the time. Yes, you’re right…some things don’t change just because we grow up. Universal truth. Note to self.
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You write such thoughtful and perceptive comments. Everyone seems to have found a rhythm with this new “normal.” I feel grateful for my nearby family and all the ways they’re keeping an eye on dad, moving snow, delivering mail, and checking in. He seems to get out enough to have social connections and is also pretty content with solitude. One day at a time, but, in general, I’m amazed at how well we’re all adapting. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts.
I enjoy seeing pictures of you guys on your travels. Looks like some great skiing this winter!
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