Monday, we had the family over for a cookout and water play in the lake. Frequently, we ask lots of folks for these various summer holidays, but this time we just had our kids, grands, and one MIL. I prepared all the food, rather than having people bring dishes. Also, unusual. But it was a smaller group and this was easier.
We ate, grilled chicken (with BBQ sauce for those who chose), corn on the cob, fruit salad, broccoli (all the grands eat this veggie!), and a green salad. No deserts because of various eating issues.
One SIL grilled the chicken. Very nice. The other SIL put up all the water toys and chairs & table. Our daughters picked really good guys. 😊
We did pause to give thanks for all those who’d given their lives that we might live in freedom.
Normally, I don’t get in the water. I’ve never been much of a water person. I like to enjoy our lake views. However, over the last year, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the idea of getting on a paddle board or kayak. Our younger daughter has a paddle board, and everyone has gotten on it. Except Bob and me.
So, I bought the water shoes before this holiday. I got down on the ground to make sure I could sit that way. And so Monday, before we ate lunch I put on my long shorts, a long-sleeved shirt from when one of the SsIL did an Iron Man competition, my turquoise hat, sunglasses. and I set out on an adventure.
The kids brought the board around to the steps and everyone gathered around giving advice: be careful of the wet step, hold on to the walk-way, grab my hand. I did need that hand as I stepped from the steps. It wasn’t deep. That’s why I thought I could do this. Kevin held the board, and I ooched my rear up on the board. It didn’t tip. I got my legs up; he handed me the paddle, and off I went.
Kevin helping me get on.
One of the daughters gives a push.
On my own.
Don’t run into the grands!
Back on dry land, celebrating!
I paddled around the boat house and back to the steps, surprised by the current. It was a real blast. I didn’t fall in. Of course, there were not big waves from boats. Made me feel so cool that I could do this, and I will do it again. I hope to see a kayak in my future.
So, what did I learn from this experience? If there’s something you think you want to do? Go for it. No time like the present.
Don’t forget on June 9, I’ll be in Wimberly, Texas for a book signing. Would love to see any of you in the neighborhood.
Did you do anything special for Memorial Day? Love to hear from you.
I love the water, Marsha, and I would LOVE to go on a paddle board. All the more since I expect the water is a lot warmer where you are than it is here 🙂 That looked like a really fun day. Wish I could have been there!
Hey, Helena. It was one of the best days we’ve spent on the lake. Partly because we had such great breezes all day long. They made the heat tolerable. Yes, the water was comfortable. I didn’t even think of the temp, so it must’ve been perfect. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Good for you, Marsha! I too tried paddle boarding at a family function and loved it. I was thinking about getting a rental down at my walking beach one of these days, and your post has egged me on! As soon as the water is a bit warmer so a wet suit isn’t required, I’m going for it! 😀
Hey, Kathryn. That’s great. Happy to hear I could be of service. And yeah, no wet suit! I wouldn’t even want to see myself in one of those, much less get in the cold water. LOL Love to hear how it turns out. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Hey, Marian. I mostly love the look of water, but this is our third summer here on the lake. I think I just got envious of all the fun everyone seemed to have. So glad I gave this a shot. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Marsha, I’m so happy you went out on the water. Sounds and looks like you had a great time.
We are at a resort in Door County in northeastern Wisconsin. Right now I am watching kayakers in Lake Michigan. I would never kayak in Lake Michigan. Too dangerous.
Hey, Susan. Sounds like you’re in a beautiful place. We have waves during storms or from the wakes of boats and jet skis. I was fortunate when I went out, it was very calm. I know you are athletic, so this would be nothing for you. I loved the peace of it. Can’t wait to try it again, but only with family around. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
You are a brave gal to face the paddle board. But you sure had a bunch of people who love you cheering you on. Very proud of you! I’m not a water person. I grew up in Central IL, not much water amongst the corn and soy bean fields, so I’m not a water person. But I have tried kayaking–gripped the oar and held my breath the whole time. NOT relaxing for me. Have a fun summer with the kayak. JQ Rose
Hey, JQ. I’m so surprised. I guess because of wintering in FL, I assumed you were a water person. And I know how brave you are about other things. I’m afraid of water. I’m really afraid of drowning. But I wore my life jacket, and had folks around who, in an emergency, could pull me out. That fear makes me especially proud to do this. Now, I don’t venture far from the dock, yet. We’ll see as the summer progresses and how I do with a kayak rather than the paddle board. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Marsha R. West, Author 
I love the water, Marsha, and I would LOVE to go on a paddle board. All the more since I expect the water is a lot warmer where you are than it is here 🙂 That looked like a really fun day. Wish I could have been there!
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Hey, Helena. It was one of the best days we’ve spent on the lake. Partly because we had such great breezes all day long. They made the heat tolerable. Yes, the water was comfortable. I didn’t even think of the temp, so it must’ve been perfect. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
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Good for you, Marsha! I too tried paddle boarding at a family function and loved it. I was thinking about getting a rental down at my walking beach one of these days, and your post has egged me on! As soon as the water is a bit warmer so a wet suit isn’t required, I’m going for it! 😀
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Hey, Kathryn. That’s great. Happy to hear I could be of service. And yeah, no wet suit! I wouldn’t even want to see myself in one of those, much less get in the cold water. LOL Love to hear how it turns out. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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Looks like fun. I love the water too, Marsha.
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Hey, Marian. I mostly love the look of water, but this is our third summer here on the lake. I think I just got envious of all the fun everyone seemed to have. So glad I gave this a shot. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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Marsha, I’m so happy you went out on the water. Sounds and looks like you had a great time.
We are at a resort in Door County in northeastern Wisconsin. Right now I am watching kayakers in Lake Michigan. I would never kayak in Lake Michigan. Too dangerous.
I enjoyed your blog. 🙂
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Hey, Susan. Sounds like you’re in a beautiful place. We have waves during storms or from the wakes of boats and jet skis. I was fortunate when I went out, it was very calm. I know you are athletic, so this would be nothing for you. I loved the peace of it. Can’t wait to try it again, but only with family around. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
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You are a brave gal to face the paddle board. But you sure had a bunch of people who love you cheering you on. Very proud of you! I’m not a water person. I grew up in Central IL, not much water amongst the corn and soy bean fields, so I’m not a water person. But I have tried kayaking–gripped the oar and held my breath the whole time. NOT relaxing for me. Have a fun summer with the kayak.
JQ Rose
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Hey, JQ. I’m so surprised. I guess because of wintering in FL, I assumed you were a water person. And I know how brave you are about other things. I’m afraid of water. I’m really afraid of drowning. But I wore my life jacket, and had folks around who, in an emergency, could pull me out. That fear makes me especially proud to do this. Now, I don’t venture far from the dock, yet. We’ll see as the summer progresses and how I do with a kayak rather than the paddle board. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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