How I spent my summer vacation
10 Aug 2010
It had been awhile since Craig visited Fish Lake Utah. It was a vacation spot every year when he was growing up. His siblings and families go there every year still. I didn’t get it. My family went somewhere different every year so we could experience more stuff. I’ve been there 3 or 4 times with Craig in our 15 years and still didn’t get it.
Reunion time.
This time we went to Vegas for two nights before driving onto Fish Lake. That was the compromise, since I wasn’t really looking forward to the get-together. I like staying in luxury hotels, of which there are many in Vegas. I was originally going to compare the accommodations of Vegas vs. Fish lake. Kind of mean spirited huh.
So I’m not showing any Las Vegas pictures at all. This is now a Fish Lake blog. I do have to show a couple of Fish Lake accommodation pictures. (I can’t help myself). The granite counter tops sitting atop garbage can metal was too much. Then there are the signs.
There’s an ornery lady that runs the general store. At least she was with us. Maybe it’s because she works from sun up to sundown. She sells everything from drink like a fish T-shirts to Books of Mormon. There was a long conference type table in the store where a few old men would sit and drink coffee at 8:00 am after spending 4 hours on the lake fishing. There were pictures on the wall of generations of families who had been coming there for over a century. Four generations of Craig’s relatives in fact.
The serenity and beauty of the lake and surroundings were amazing. We even got to be in on a few thunderstorms. Spectacular drama.
Then there’s the great times with family. Poor Michael. The eldest. Every body had a story about how cruel he was. Childhood memories can be twisted. Or can they?
And then every one’s medical malodies that we discussed. When did we become our parents? They talked non- stop about childhood experiences. I felt like I was being drug down memory lane roped to a galloping horse, but I loved seeing Craig’s joy.
This trip was different for me. I was among people I felt cared about me. I had forgotten how much I cared about them. Of course I have my favorites, and I’m sure some don’t care for me, but for the most part, it was non judgemental, very warm and fuzzy. The new entrant to the group was Derek, Joshs’ boyfriend. They’ve been together for a year or so but I hadn’t met him yet. Great guy. We had great talks with Jackie and Terry til 2:00 am. Eek. It was wonderful. We got to spend time with Darrellyn and Charlie and there daughter Becky and her kids. We love Deb’s take on life and how she articulates it all. There’s the young Adamson boys that all the girls there had there eyes on. And then there’s Adam. I enjoy every minute I get to spend with him. So pure and loving. Every one there is a person I am proud to know.
12 Responses
2010 Aug 10
Having you and Craig present at our family gathering at Fish Lake was a soooo enjoyable. Having spent time at your home, it was nice to let you see our family interact and reconnect. I am glad that you were able to have a positive experience doing something that was somewhat out of your element, but then it is what one does when you are in love with someone else. The time we spent together was a highlight of our summer and Adam is still talking about the thunder and lightning and the “family reunion”. Thanks for being part of our family!
2010 Aug 10
I’m with Adam. LOVED the thunder and lightning and extreme downpoors on Saturday morning. Almost the best part of the trip – except the part about reconnecting with all of you! Oldest (OLD) brother Michael…I love every time we share space. And I agree with Paul about my great sister-in-law Deb…I could sit and listen to you expound about life for hours. You rock! Darrellyn – you old Macfisher you – we didn’t get to chat as much as usual but then again we’ve been chatting about life and stuff for 51 years. (and yes – we were conversing when I was just a few months old).
And Terry – I can’t tell you how glad I was to see you at the cabin when we got out of the car. I think we should spend more time together! We do seem to have a bit in common. You also rock!
The Adamson Family…love you guys! (and gal) Jackie – we talked until 2 am the first night and I didn’t want it to ever end…I can’t believe that it has been 9 years. You make me cry with your unmitigated perseverance to those you care about. So great to see your younger boys as young adults. Paul is correct. You and Robert have some great looking kids. And Josh – every time we spend time together is fabulous. Derek – you are way more than expected. Not that Josh doesn’t deserve the best…but after spending time with you guys I couldn’t have hand-picked a better boyfriend for my nephew. Your insights the second night were so appreciated.
And Adam…every time I spend time with you I am reminded that being genuine is the best gift you can give to anyone.
Love you all.
2010 Aug 10
Sounds like a wonderful time spent with wonderful people. I loved this line, Paul: “I felt like I was being drug down memory lane roped to a galloping horse.” (Nice writing! And great description of a family reunion).
I remember going to Fish Lake for a family trip once as well, when I was a out 7, I think. All I remember is taking my sister on a hike and getting lost for hours, and no one even knew we were gone until we ended up back at camp after finding some strangers to drive us around to different campsites trying to find our family. Fun times!
2010 Aug 10
Wow. That reunion sounds like is was everything a family reunion aspires to be and more. Makes me wish I could have been there myself, and I don’t even know those people. LOL. So glad is was wonderful for both of you.
2010 Aug 10
I assume you know I meant to say, That reunion sounds like it was, instead of is was. Silly typos. Gosh.
2010 Aug 11
Paul, I love your blog. I spent yesterday reading all of your posts. You have a great way with words.
The reunion was fantastic. I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to have the conversations we had. For the first time in years, I felt like I didn’t need to hold back. I could say the things that were in my heart without worry.
The thing that I love about our family is that years can pass, and the love remains. We have to do this more often. California next time!
Sunday morning, we went to lunch at Bowery Haven. Josh ordered breakfast and asked them nicely to make sure there was no butter on his breakfast. Robert heard the following from the kitchen: “Lactose intolerant? That’s bullshit, I’ll cook what I want”. Yeah, that’s some great customer service right there.
I love you all and will follow this blog religiously!
2010 Aug 11
PaUL,I loved reading your blog! Haven’t followed too many blogs ever, but that may change!
YOU HIT IT RIGHT ON! HAD A WONDERFUL TIME, wish it could have been a few days longer….regret that I didn’t come stay up till 2 am with ya’ll the first night, guess I need rest still, with the big fishing day I had hoped was in store!! But the best thing wasn’t the fishing, it was being with family and loved ones, In a wonderful familiar, family setting that brings memories flooding back every time I go out. A word about Jeff and Sue,(The owners): they seem to get grouchier every year. It must put a very big strain on them and their life. They don’t seem very happy, but they sure do provide the opportunity for many to have very happy and wonderful experiences. Sorry they share my same last name; Hope it won’t give me a bad reputation as a hard working grouch that just provides for others’ happiness. I want to keep experiencing my own peace and happiness through all the ups and downs of this great life! Thanks,Paul and Craig, for raiding your candy store to the point of stomach aches!! And glad you made it past Eli alive!! Hope to see you again during the next few months. Darrellyn
2010 Aug 11
Paul was going to rename Bowery Haven “The New Bates Motel” in this blog by saying she must have been the daughter of the original “Bates Motel” proprietor but I made him change it because I thought it was too mean.
Guess the shoe does fit though.
2010 Aug 12
Paul, thanks for ‘getting it’ and sharing your take with all of us. I’ve regretted not feeling the spirit of fish lake over the last 25 years and this past visit is just what the doctor(s)ordered; all of you being the doctors. The reconnecting is exactly what I needed and doing it at Fish Lake was the perfect site.
Again, thanks for adding your thoughts and insights. Love you bro-in-law.
2010 Aug 12
I’m overwhelmed. Thanks to all of you. Love you all. We’ll probably see you at fish lake next year.
2010 Aug 13
Sounds like a great time. I’m glad you were able to go and have that relaxing time together. Loved the granite countertops. They completely made that kitchenette…
2010 Aug 13
There was a sign on the oven that said, don’t use. I guess the oven was just for show.