Moments to Remember

(This is a rough draft version from my notes. If I don’t publish it on my blog this way it probably won’t be posted, and I want to remember this day. Wish I had more time to write.)

My Culver Day.......

Written Tuesday, October 12, 2010

I worked 7-3:30 as usual, and now I am sitting on the staff pier looking at my dorm – another perspective. Usually I’m looking out the window of the dorm to the view of the Lake where I sit, hoping for some inspiration to write. This beloved lake is so relaxing, tranquilizing, inspirational. It is very warm – 80 degrees and bright sunshine – perhaps the last day of its kind this year, so I’m taking advantage of it; numbering my days, i.e, making each day count.

Foliage is spectacular this year, especially on this New England-esque campus with many kinds of deciduous trees in various shades of golds, greens, and crimsons. I hear the little waterfall, and the Lake is in such a quiet, gentle mood it is enticing me to take off my shoes and wade awhile in the water. Why not? If my dorm girls see me being silly, oh well. I am what I am -- a bit eccentric and childlike.

Well that was soothing and refreshing! Mid October and the water is still warm enough to wade in. Therapeutic for my tired feet too. I spend at least seven hours a day walking the halls and working hard; love it though. So satisfying to keep a nice place clean. Today I cleaned some screens and windows. I like to enhance the view with some clarity.

Four o’clock, chimes the Chapel bell tower. Maybe I’ll mosey on over to the stable and see what kind of riding activity is going on – jumping lessons hopefully.

I used to park here on the hill; now I fully belong here. Just found out that I can borrow books from the library as an employee as well. I am part of the Culver mystique now, learning by osmosis as I go.

I enjoy the many Sycamore trees on campus, especially the ones that jut out over the lake. A large branch fell into the water in a storm and the ducks enjoy perching on it. Noticed that on my 5 minute jaunt along the lakeshore on my way to the Dining Hall for lunch.

So it’s Polo practice at the Equestrian Center. Both boys and girls are participating. Found out jumping team practice is on M/W/F about this time. Polo on T/Th.

So many activities going on – football practice, soccer. Such a gorgeous day to be outdoors.

Time for a visit to Town on this pretty Autumn day. It feels so nostalgic to be here. Somehow it is reminiscent of my 1950’s New England childhood. Then I have flashbacks to times over the years since 1977 when I have visited this place with my own small children, 4th of July fireworks over the lake with family and friends (often), Woodcraft Camp 2007/2008 with Austin and Denise, when Culver fever really hit me.

Here I am at the Lighthouse, one of my favorite spots at the Town Park, along with the Gazebo and under the Sycamore tree on the beach. Looks like they are taking the boat slips away for the winter. There are still quite a few pontoon boats.

I love the sound of crickets. Gulls are squawking. One motorboat cruises the lake. Saw a couple of jet skiers earlier. This summer season has extended well into Fall this year.

Looks like I am the only one on the beach again this week. Will Tuesday be my writing day weekly? Shall I observe the changing seasons and scenarios from the Vandalia vantage point?

A couple of boys are skateboarding. Two guys are now taking apart a boat docking pier. Summer is ending, but going out in great glory.

There are some two-man kayaks. Would love to learn to do that next summer. They look pretty safe and fun. They are not the kind that trap you inside.

Maybe I’ll take a walk on the trail from the town park to campus. Should be delightful to walk this nature path with the foliage so brilliant right about now. Walking through the park, I notice they have installed some new swings. Cool! Vandalia Village tot park is a favorite with the little tykes. No one here today though.

This beauty surrounding me just fills up my senses (to quote a John Denver song). So amazing. No words to describe the gentle rustle of falling leaves. Where’s my camera? I could never capture what I am experiencing. So here I am back on campus .... at the motel....that was the girls’ dorm in 1977 when I walked here. Next to these old buildings is my beloved Linden/Ithaca dorm, built about 15 years ago I’m told. All is quiet on this end of campus. A couple of joggers head my way.

The boat slips are being pulled out of the water here too – but the workers have gone home for the day. I saw them earlier wearing wetsuits. 9 boats and 2 jet skis remain docked. Sailboats, pontoons, and fast motorboats. Not a peep from my dorm. Probably all gone to dinner at the Dining Hall. So peaceful. Lovely towering sycamore tree here.

I suppose I should head back along the wooded path to my car, and home. It’s 5 pm. Pat is probably wondering when I’ll be home. He knew I wanted to do this. He took this week off as vacation.

LORD bless Linden/Ithaca dorm and keep my girls safe.

Back at the town park..........

The huge trees in this park were here in 1977 when I lived here. Something comforting about leaning up against them. Now I’m sitting at the base of one mighty oak, looking towards Jerusalem across the lake.

I read up on some of the Lake’s history recently, especially the name. It has been called many variations of Maxinkuckee, with many supposed meanings of the name. Since it could be anything sounding something like the present name originally, maybe I’ll call it Lake Matzacookie in honor of “The Bread of Life” that fell from Heaven. Maybe the Indian tribes of long ago were descendents of ancient Hebrews as some conjecture (with some evidence) and the name became garbled from something related to Matza.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fellowship gathering here some time? Maybe during Shavuot 2011. I can dream.

Here comes a 3 year old and a mom pushing a stroller. The little girl is climbing the “tall ship” with delight. Now down the slide....climbing the rope. Mom takes a picture.

Feeling almost as young and alive as this child. Filled with wonder. A skip in her step. ....As for me, I’m not even tired. Feeling very blessed today.

The sun is setting. I see it thru the trees. Time to head home. It has been a delightful day. And I get to come back here tomorrow and get paid for it, plus a free outdoor BBQ lunch for “Culver Academies Spirit Day.”

Hopefully, I’ll get to see some horse jumping in the arena tomorrow at 4 pm. On a rainy day I’ll visit the Library and the Historical Museum.

Life is good.

Talking to trees now......

“Hello, old friend. I remember you. Do you remember me?”

My lovely home (1977-78) on Lakeshore Drive looks just the same. Best bedroom ever. Has a little alcove with a desk. Great place to write. My bedroom, Dave’s room, the living room, and the enclosed front porch all had a splendid view of the Lake just across the street. And the tacos at Swirly Top on the corner were delicious. I used to send the kids after them and eat them on the porch. Springtime brought this town to life.

Drinking was my downfall. How different things could have been without the booze. We could have moved for the summer and rented the house again in the fall. Maybe we would have ended up buying it. I could have fulfilled my equine lust working at Culver. I remember they had Smith Worthington forward seat saddles at the time; my favorite.

Missed opportunities.

A father and son are fishing from the pier in front of the Lighthouse now. How hard it is to leave this paradise.

One last farewell panoramic glance.......