“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.
2 comments:
Ah yes, the quirks of being from such a family - it doesn't get any better than this!!
Was that Uncle Billy's phrase? I thought it was "this is the life!"
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