March 13, 2013
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I Know There’s a Lake Here Somewhere
So, even though I knew the lake was low, I just felt that we couldn’t stay away any longer, especially since it is spring break and Mercy could actually come with us. And especially since it was Lucy’s 15th birthday. Can you believe my Lucy is 15?
So, we set off late this morning. After stopping to get some food for our picnic, Mercy drove us all the way to the lake. It was great practice for her.
Knowing the lake was low didn’t really prepare us for how low it was. It was possible to easily walk to the island. Much of what used to be underwater is now high and dry and the vegetation appears to be dead—including the lovely line of cypress trees that I have so enjoyed photographing over the years.
I am very puzzled about this. Other area lakes are full after several weeks of good rain. I can only assume that this particular lake is letting a lot through the dam or else they are siphoning off more than they used to for area water supplies and irrigation. It was still a beautiful day, though. Sunny, windy, and a little cool.
Shortly after we arrived Kim and her kids arrived in a pickup with two kayaks. Jasper and his three little friends immediately set off exploring. The rest of us ate lunch and then Lucy and Ilse headed for the island in search of shells. They found lots and lots of shells. They brought them all back. We brought Ilse back too.
Almost everyone went kayaking while we were there, including Spencer and Mercy. Kim and I had a nice visit, and the little boys all got wet and dirty. Poor Jasper has finally come down with the cold the rest of us had, so he was pretty miserable on the way home. He took a hot shower when we got home and came out bright red!
Meanwhile, I was making Lucy’s requested birthday meal—our favorite Mexican dip. I also made a gluten-free chocolate cake. I made some peanut butter icing at Lucy’s request and then she and Ilse decorated the cake with mini Reece’s peanut butter cups and Reece’s pieces. It was a very pretty cake and a very rich one also!
Mercy is off to spend the night with a friend in the dorm, and Lucy and Ilse are settling in to watch a movie before going to bed.
