Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler
“Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.” Wallace Ste
Keuka Lake is one of the Finger Lakes in western New York State. Because it is Y-shaped , instead of long and narrow, it has been referred to as Crooked Lake. Keuka means “canoe landing” in the Iroquois language and “lake with an elbow” in the Seneca language. It’s about 20 miles long and varies in width from half a mile to two miles, and is teeming with salmon, bass, trout and perch. Surrounded by well-groomed vineyards on rolling hills, it has many wineries in the heart of Amish country. ( Wikipedia/Keuka Lake)
The Story Behind the Story…
My siblings and I grew up about 20 miles away and were often invited to our friends’ cottages ,wishing we could have our own family cottage.
In 2000, after years of my younger brother Tom badgering our parents to get a cottage on Keuka Lake, Dad relented,
“Okay, go ahead and look,” Dad said one Saturday morning, never expecting him to find anything.
Lake front property was at a premium but Tom , my other brother Gary and their wives were determined.
They drove up and down the East and West Lake Roads for several hours. With the prospects dwindling for finding anything remotely appropriate that would fit into our price range and adequate size for our family, the four were about to call it a day.
Then my sister-in-law Trish spotted the small sign as they were on their way back to Corning. Craning her neck backward and pointing, she flapped her hands on the driver’s headrest,
“Let’s turn around and check it out.”
An elderly lady in a long skirt and with a bandana wrapped around her head was picking up some twigs on the beach when they drove into the driveway and parked the car on the top level. She waved to them from the beach which was two levels down.
They all got out of the car and looked around, then looked at one another in silent anticipation.
The lady, Mrs J was an 80-year-old widow who was anxious to sell the property and wanted to leave everything behind—tools, motor boat, all the furniture in the cottage, beach chairs, picnic table.
“We need to talk with our Dad and we’ll get right back to you.”
Squealing and chattering, they climbed into the car and began strategizing how they would present this to Dad. Dad was a child of the Depression and was very careful about saving and spending his money. It would be a hard sell.
After several sessions and a few nights of lost sleep, Dad continued to struggle with how he was going to pay for it.
The “Hail Mary pass…
“Dad,” Tom pleaded , “When you die you will leave us all your hard-earned estate and we’ll buy a cottage at the lake. We’ll sit around and talk about how much you would have enjoyed watching the sunset and seeing your grandkids play in the water. If we get this cottage now, you can experience it all for yourself.
When Dad woke up the next day, his decision was made. He would sell some stock. He would buy the cottage but the four siblings would be responsible for the taxes, and maintainence. Deal!
And that’s what he did , a few days BEFORE the stock market plummeted. We always said, Dad lived with the angels.
Making memories…
That was in 2000 and Tom was right. Dad did get to enjoy 10-years worth of sunsets and family fun at the cottage before he left us in 2010.
The family endures…
Each of the four siblings gets one vacation week at the cottage with their families and friends. Boating , water skiing , swimming, playing cards, fishing off the dock .We sit on the dock or wooden swing on the beach to watch the mother duck and her entourage of ducklings glide across the water. We reminisce, laugh, cry. Huddled around the bonfire we reconnect and soak in the love of family and friends, forgetting our cares and worries, if only for a moment.
Last week was my week and the most fitting tribute I can think of comes from this poem by my youngest brother ,Gary:
The Crooked Lake
For our family, sons and daughters
Thank you for the peace bestowed by misshapen waters.
Where rocky shores draw boundaries
If distant memories and current quandaries
Whose vista leaves one thinking of life
Intertwined with inevitable and continuous strife
The hills and vineyards tower over the water not aloof or too proud
But protects the lake with a majestic shroud
Our lives, not easy, most human with turns and bends
Like the lake itself gives us pause to make amends
Good times, tough times, changes for sure
The crooked lake is our sanctuary that helps the family endure.
How about you? Do you have any “crooked lake” memories in your life?
I’d love to hear from you . Please leave your comments below~
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I loved this post, Kathleen. It reminds me of the wonderful things one gets by reconnecting with family during vacation. And the story of your Dad is so memorable. Love endures. A great theme.
I love how he sold stock before the collapse. Bravo!
Once upon a time I spent some days at Keuka Lake when my boys were tiny. But we have photos!! Those are beautiful memories. And I love the poem. 🙂
Hi Clar, How nice that you shared some time at Keuka Lake when your boys were younger. So you really know what I am talking about. It is truly a beautiful place to make special memories. I’m so happy you enjoyed the post and I appreciate your comments. Thank you!
Kathy,
Very well said! I wasn’t aware of that poem Gary wrote…it’s beautiful! I think of dad every time I’m up there, especially during the peaceful and beautiful sunrises and sunsets…I constantly thank him for the beautiful gift.
I agree Paula, Gary’s poem says it all. Dad will always be with us , especially at the cottage. He even sent us rainbow while we were there! Yes, Dad we all thank you for this beautiful gift. 🙂
Dear Kathy, This is a story of serendipity, for sure. Perhaps, what some believe is true . . . . nothing happens by accident. I am happy to hear you had a restorative and relaxing week by the lake.
Hi Susan, I never really thought of it as being serendipitous but now that you mention it, we did kind of fall into it in a most fortunate way. I had a wonderful time but I need some time to recuperate from all the fun :-)!
Lovely, Kathy. For me the summer season is filled with childhood memories on Long Island Sound … clambakes, waterskiing, gathering shellfish and wild berries to nourish the family. Glad you have a wonderful place to go to rejuvenate.
Hi Joan, Thanks for stopping by and sharing your happy childhood memories of summer. it is wonderful to have a place to reconnect every year.
Oh Kathy, how I LOVED this blog post. It reminds me so much our own beloved cabin and all the precious family memories it holds. My brother went to Cornell and many years ago took us on a trip to the beautiful Finger Lakes. When the rest of the clan comes in from the lake this evening, we will sit around the campfire and I will read them your blog and your brother’s beautiful Crooked Lake poem.
Oh, Pat, that is so touching. My brother Gary will be happy to hear his poem will be read around your campfire. Thank you. How blessed we are to have a special place to gather and make family memories. There is something about being there that is so soul-nurturing. Enjoy your campfire!
I guess I’m out now as an amateur poet, not a very prodigious one at that 🙂
Gary, your poem is beautiful. You should listen to your older sister and keep writing– a wonderful retirement activity 🙂 xoxo
The lovely lake setting for your family summer vacations must be restorative and refreshing to your soul and spirit. I grew up with a wonderful cabin getaway on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. It was a place where the family could unwind and myself and three siblings surveyed all the surrounding territory making precious memories of our exploits. We picnicked, boated and swam in the lake after our wonderful hikes. It proved to give all of the family a love for the outdoors and appreciation for this time together. I can relate so well to your treasured retreat at Lake Keuka.
Thank you for sharing your special memories of your family cabin, Kathy. You said it best when you said ” it is a treasured retreat.” The family time and memories we make are priceless. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Kathy,
I love this story! We would all do well to remember that it’s our actions and the memories that we create while we are still alive that count (whether we’re retired or not)!
Laura
Wonderful words of wisdom, Laura:”It’s our actions and the memories we create while we are still alive that count.” So let’s all keep going out and making memories! So happy you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Oh Kathy, what a wonderful opportunity your family was given in getting this property on the lake and how happy your dad must have been to enjoy it all and know he made it possible! Can’t think of a better legacy!
You are so right, Louise. We are all very grateful to my Dad for this legacy. His spirit is very much alive to all of us, especially when we are at the cottage. We even figured that rainbow in the picture below was a message from him 🙂
I enjoyed reading this post very much Kathy. And I’m so glad you were able to convince your father to part with his money. The memories are irreplaceable.
My parents had a small cottage on a lake in Ohio, and we would visit them there from time to time. Dad had a pontoon boat and he loved to go fishing. I think they really enjoyed their time there.
It’s so nice to see you here, Christine. I’m happy you enjoyed the post and it prompted you to connect with your own special family memories. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.