The Quiet Of Early Morning (Bemus Point Casino Opens)

6:22

Wings/Things At The Casino

I was up around 5:45, sensing the light beginning to take over from the dark.  I came downstairs, turned on the coffee, walked outside to a predawn sky, slightly pink over the Long Point shoreline which, gradually, disappeared as the sun rose, about 6:17.  The only sounds, that of various birds, ducks and geese, no bass boats yet to jar us out of our sleep.  I remember somewhere reading or hearing how wonderful it is to wake up each morning to an amazing piece of art, a painting as it were, DAWN.  I heartily agree.  Sometimes, I just get up early because I want to see dawn.  And I go to bed thinking about getting up early just to see it as well.

Majestic Purple Martin

Yesterday we decided to change our routine a bit, no yoga in the morning, rather a nice kayak paddle on a lake that, strangely, settled down around 10:00 rather than heating up, making it perfect for paddling.  We had no destination in mind, just a slow paddle, enjoying being on the lake, watching the purple martins play house, looking for shore birds, perhaps another sighting of the bald eagle. Unfortunately, the quiet of morning was interrupted by chainsaws, a small tractor, as a gaggle of workers were clearing the hillside and shoreline along Chestnut Hill House, just south of us in Victoria.  The hillside had been unkempt, unused for years until now, and the new owners obviously hope to use the lake and its shoreline.  We were out for about an hour, but I was in a hurry to get back, as I had a task, a trip to the Transfer Station.  So I gathered up our trash, and spent 15 minutes driving and returning from the Transfer Station.  My work for the day was done...I thought.

Clearing Chestnut Hill

Striking Colors Of A Mallard

When I returned, Evie was washing windows, always streaky it seems, so I helped by washing the outside windows that face the lake, an easy task.  They look better but never perfect.  Afterwards, we had lunch, leftover pot roast and because it was such a beautiful day, Evie hung up her work clothes, put on her bathing suit and sweats, and went out to enjoy an afternoon in the sun, on the dock, hoping it would warm up enough so she could swim.  It did not.  I watched some of yesterday's NBA game, took a brief nap, then did some tasks, like ripping a board for our dock, replacing and screwing in a couple of boards, making it ship shape for the summer.  I contemplated cleaning and organizing my garage but quickly decided to put it off for another day.  And I joined Evie on the dock, read some but the wind was too strong and chilly, so I went in the side yard, protected from the wind.  Evie, however, braved it, and was on the dock for a good couple of hours, reading and enjoying the spring sun.

Beaching It

Late afternoon, Evie noticed a couple of kayakers in the middle of the lake in lightweight boats, without life jackets.  The wind was strong, the lake choppy and it looked like a recipe for disaster. They had launched their kayaks at the Victoria right away and made the mistake of trying to turn their jeep around on the shore, and got stuck, their wheels turning in the mud and muck.  They finally had someone come down to the shoreline and pull their car out with a truck.  I doubt if they will be back.

We decided to drive to Bemus at 6:00 because the Casino (wing/beer joint on the lake) had just opened and we decided to have some wings and a beer for dinner.  It was not particularly crowded but there were enough people to keep it busy, some even sitting outside.  We decided to sit at the bar, which we rarely have done at the Casino, found two seats and ordered a beer.

Bob and Joan Shephard, Magnolia Neighbors

We were next to a couple who seemed to be finishing up their dinners when Evie heard them mention 'paint and Sherwin Williams.'  That's all it took and we ended up talking with them for an hour, an amazing conversation of coincidence.  First coincidence, they don't live very far from us, on the lakefront in Magnolia and they are building a new house at the north end of Magnolia, an amazing structure that we have commented on as we kayaked.  Their names are Bob and Joan Shephard and they are lifelong residents, though they spend their winters in Florida.  As we talked about painting, Evie realized that Barb Johnson, our friend, who painted our house, was also friends with them. Coincidence #2.  Then we started talking about Florida and we mentioned that our daughter's mother in law, Consuelo Albarran, lived in Estero where they also live.  We mentioned where she lived, Wildcat Run, and they laughed and said they lived two houses away from her.  Coincidence #3.  Finally, Bob's business is in Erie, so we asked if he knew Cle and Penny Austin, friends of ours, and of course, they knew them.  and Bob had bought Cle's last three BMW's. Coincidence #4  So it was a funny and fun evening or wings, beer, and conversation with the Shephards.  Their house should be ready by Memorial Day, so they are excited, as are their kids and grandchildren, most whom live in the area.

Enjoying Our First Casino Wings Of 2015

Sunset From Bemus Point

We were back home by 9:00, in time to watch another episode of Bosch before going up to bed to read, to finish, I hoped THE ALIENIST.  No luck.