lauren

(I've updated Waiting For Frodo).

Lauren came by to visit yesterday afternoon; her family cottage is down the shore, two cottages away.

Lauren first came to visit when she was six years old, paddling across the bay in a plastic kayak, curious about the Ridpaths. When I was six, I can't imagine going to visit a cottage full of strangers by myself, let alone in a kayak! We all admired her spunk and easygoing nature.





As the summers passed, the little girl continued to visit. Sometimes in a kayak, sometimes a canoe, and later a motorboat. She never overstayed her welcome, always seemed to sense when it was time to go back to her family cottage. Greetings became big bear-hugs. We kept sporadic touch by snailmail, and Lauren would write to us from camp.

But it was the cottage visits that we looked forward to the most.

Lauren's going to college next year. COLLEGE. Holy cow, I feel ancient. But I also get a real pleasure out this 10-year friendship that Jeff and I have had with the "little girl down the shore", now a young woman.





The Class A Canoe Lake Regatta took place yesterday; I went to the awards ceremony at the Gibsons' after the races. Our shore won the team race, and JBR won 2nd place in the Class A division.





Tonight, we're having dinner with the Gibsons at Bartlett Lodge, then it's back to the city tomorrow.

While I've enjoyed this cottage visit a great deal, i have to say that I'm really looking forward to getting back to my claustrophobic little office and a normal work schedule.

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Today's Blatherpics:

	Lauren and Jeff, yesterday afternoon.
	Lauren and Jeff ten years ago, when Lauren was six.
	Jeff sailing.
	Dan Gibson presenting his wife, Helen, with the Class A Division Ladies' Regatta Trophy. At age 75, Helen is more active than most friends I know my age.
	JBR, Gord Gibson (Dan's youngest son and now a producer at Solitudes), Willi Powell.