Yesterday morning I set up on the veranda to enjoy the view. I took a second cup of coffee, binoculars, a camera, a radio for catching the last of the morning’s news, and writing supplies, so I could sit and write a letter to Aly.
I try hard to write her once a week, but with the pressures of play rehearsal these last weeks, I’ve had very little luck in that regard. Sunday, with the first two performances behind us (which went rather well, more on that eventually) I resolved to leave the lines alone for a day, and relax.
This looks like a good place to write! (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger.)
The tide fell below me to -4.65 feet—an extreme low. I felt the temptation to beach comb, but decided to enjoy the expanded view of the shelf below from my vantage point. The sun shown gloriously, song birds chorused around me, a gentle breeze played with the wind chimes, and I shared some time and thoughts with my daughter. The cherry tree, forget-me-nots, and shooting stars bloomed around me. Bliss!
Forget-me-nots on the beach. My mother passed away 18 years ago. (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger.)
Our beach at extreme low tide. (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger.)
Unfortunately, Michelle had to work that day, Mother’s Day or not. I made her breakfast before she left. After my morning idyll, I got up and took care of most of the chores she hoped to get done during the sunny weather.
In the afternoon, as the tide rose, I fished off the rocks. I caught a 19″ Dolly Varden char, plucked out of a large school of Dollies with a treble hook missing one barb, which made it quite exciting (see also Hello, Dolly!). It’s the first catch of the season, and probably one of the largest Dollies I’ve caught here, so it felt like a triumph. Baked and paired with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread/Parmesan cheese toast, and a nice wine, it provided an excellent dinner. With ice cream Michelle brought home for dessert, and eagles and ravens providing combined beach clean up and floor show, it made a satisfying end to an almost perfect day.
A young bald eagle and a raven check for more fish scraps on the rocks. (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger.)