Sunday, September 16, 2012

The bliss of another Bell Boy Reunion


“It was a dark and stormy night when the one-eyed bulldog came to town…”

I finished my uncle’s scenario, “…and he was in search of a good cold beer.” We leaned in towards each other, gestured for a “cheers” – clank -- and tipped back our chilled brews. Izzy the bulldog shoved her paws over my bare feet, paying no attention to the story we were creating about the very one eye she boasted. My weight was supported by a thin canvas folding chair as I looked out at Beaver Lake. That was just fine, I thought; the weight I carry around most days never seems to come with me when I travel home for this particular reunion. I felt home.

The weather was sunny and sticky. Boats zipped back and forth in the Bell cove causing a constant clamor of waves on the dock, growing closer and receding simultaneously. The hours passed, and the sensation began to feel natural. Evidence of a fast-paced, or just lazy agenda could be found, as sopping wet neoprene life vests decorated the sun deck.  Crossword puzzles were put to shame by the brains of the lot.  A grueling competition of dockside chin-ups took place. The smell of fish and dogs began to overwhelm me. One Bell boy expended pent-up energy by running up and down the lake trail. Another, by break dancing on the edge of the dock. Conversation never slowed. Serious burgers were grilled. Trout lines were set. Impressive exhibits of slalom skiing, wakeboarding and wake skating were on display for all of Northwest Arkansas.

Uncle Billy’s poignancy never fails to capture the exact sentiment. “This… is the life.”

#BellBoyReunion

There’s a reason that more than a dozen family gatherings have taken place on Labor Day on this very dock, and not a one of them has been missed by me. A bit of photographic exposition below: 































































































And apparently, previous years have also merited glory posts. I've unearthed them up for the curious and/or those that just have some time to kill:



2011 - Apparently, I was a slacker.