Attitude of Gratitude

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of out Thanksgiving"  W.T. Purkiser

Autumn is our favorite season for many reasons.  The colors, the smells, stirring in the woods as animals prepare for winter, the rut season when moose can be heard calling, the harvest, the excitement in the air. 

 A thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.  Here we share some of the gifts we are grateful for.

For our families...  Quedent gatherings

And DeAngelis...  

For the life and home we are enjoying in Red Lake

  For the things in nature that amaze us

(river otter tracks)

(huge tamarack tree)

For the ability to let the power of Nature humble us

(forest fire smoke column behind our campsite)

(aftermath of forest fire)

To understand its renewal

(pine cone released its seed after fire)

And to appreciate new life

(fresh Columbine and Pine seedlings just weeks after)

For the satisfaction of hard work...

For our health and the ability to play hard

For our children irregardless of all the ups and downs...

as we recognize they are striving to build a life of their own

... and for the precious times we share together

For our grand children and their achievements

and our opportunities to share with them what we treasure

and the honor to teach them along the way... 

(picking sage for their mom)

For friends who gather to celebrate us

(I'm 50yrs old ?... pinch pinch)

For our elder and long life (Pappi)

For simple pleasures of life

For simple beauty

For morning coffee at our cabin

And soon coffee at Red Lake's very own Tim Hortons

(opens Nov 17)

 ...and the views that we will enjoy from within its walls

These are but a few of the countless things we are grateful for. 

How about you?

Camp, Paddle 'n Cut

A late summer trip in the park was just what I needed.  It felt good to return to the boreal forest, to hike the spruce bogs, to work up a sweat clearing portage trails... and to treasure all of the gifts this great land offers.   As soon as we got dropped off, we set out in search of a camp site, home for the next 4 days.  

This open rocky point is perfect

A few notes and then we set out to find the trails that need clearing. 

I welcomed the smells, the sounds, and the sights... all of which will linger in my mind long after I leave   

And when we pay attention, we find small treasures.

Time to sharpen the saw and get to work

Old blazes show us the way to the next lake...

A grouping of fallen spruce trees add a little challenge but we carve through

And eventually we reach the water again.  Another trail across this pond awaits.

At the end of the day, a good meal, and time to take down a few notes.

We had visitors every evening.  A Boreal Owl flew in and out.  Three curious otters slithered by, pointed their nose, barked and swam away.  A large beaver made sure we were aware of its presence.   The distant honking of Canada geese reminded us that a new season is approaching.  Other creatures are more discrete and leave only signs of their passing.

 An old shed antler along the beach... 

Small details that amaze me.  A tight jack pine cone.

The nights are cold and the mornings crisp.

A hot coffee quickly gets us ready for another day... and the canoe is set to go again.

And we explore yet again

I treasure my work in the park and take nothing for granted.

"Let Nature be your Teacher" 

William Wordsworth