The Season

I realized something yesterday as I traveled back from Wausau East after the boys were eliminated on their way to the State tournament.  I realized how much I have always enjoyed the competitiveness of an Amherst basketball game.  Not only that, but I realized the necessity of it for me during the long and dark winter months in Wisconsin.  It has been my joy to watch these men play since November.  They have grown as players and as men.  I am so thankful that their teacher and coach, Gregg,  invests so much of his time and talent into their lives.  Every year, there is a new batch of guys to mentor.  He is not aptly paid for the impact he has on their lives.  It is a pleasure to watch him coach and take advantage of the teachable moments.

It was quite emotional to watch the season slip away.  In the waning minutes, I began to understand that I would never see those plays executed quite as beautifully as those five did it.  They communicated and complimented each other so well.  You could tell they were friends off the court too.  I can still see the passion they have to play in their eyes.  They want it so bad, but it's just not in the cards.  Hugs, back pats and tears were shared between our guys, dazedly dejected by the defeat.  They begin to understand the finality of these moments.

I look back on the season and I, for one, am so thankful to the players, coaches and school for putting on such a great program!  It makes me proud to be from Amherst, a community that comes together in a high school gymnasium to enjoy a great bit of playing and camaraderie. Thank you Will, Jordan, Ben, Eric, Jared, JB, Steve and Ezra for being a ray of joy for me this winter!

Euchre in the Ice Box

A couple weekends ago, I had the sweet opportunity to spend the weekend in the bitter cold "ice fishing" with some of the men in my family (and Aryn, but we didn't just come to cook!).  I say "ice fishing" because I don't actually fish... I sit in the ice house and play euchre and sometimes pinochle or hearts.  Here's how it works...  

We get out to the fish house at about 8:30am, after waking up with icicles in our noses from sleeping in negative temps.  (Seriously, -20F is a WARM morning!)  In the fish house, I snag a spot by the heater while everyone puts down a line or two.  They check the depth and set the bobber while I make conversation and "consult" on lure choice.  This year, my fun uncle brought two of his three children.  And my older brother, Jeremy, joined Cody, Dad and me... we just had a ball!  Once everyone's lines went down, the table comes out and everyone gets into a position where they can see and attend to at least 2 holes.  We don't fish with tip-ups. So, the dealing begins. Euchre is a quick-handed game so that's nice.  Every time I mix and deal, I call for an ice-house-wide jig and/or bait check.  This year, my uncle began dancing every time I called for a jig.  Hilarious.  We didn't catch much fish, but we did laugh a lot.

The playing goes on until lunch, with occasional interruptions for a bite or re-bait.  We clear the cards for lunch and get out the sandwich fixings.  We eat as if we haven't just had breakfast, second breakfast and 11sies...  It's always good.

After lunch, the perfect, yet opposite, delight occurs.  I leave the fish house... my dad or Cody take me back to the cabin, draw me some water and build a fire and then leave.  I have the whole afternoon with my tea, a blazing fire, a book and my journal.  There is no one near me.  It is bliss... the perfect antithesis to the camaraderie of the fish house.  I love this annual weekend.  Most times, I don't even mind not showering for 4 days!

My dear fishing buddies :)

The evenings are filled with more food and cards until we all venture off to rest, snuggling in under tons of blankets.

I did actually jig just once this year.  It yielded this fish :)

Thanks for a great weekend everyone!  Until next year...