All Things Buckeye Lake

Lynnette, Alice, Lon and I started our Friday by driving to a newly opened store in the village. Alice has been helping the owner get the store set up and running. "All Things Buckeye Lake" sells clothing and a wide variety of lakeside "must have" items. Lon and I helped their sales for the day by purchasing a number of items including a cap and two shirts for Lon, a shirt for myself, a picture frame complete with a lake photo and a baby gift for a friend and coworker of mine who's expecting. The attractive new building, the items for sale and the personable staff promise the store will be a great success.

As we were leaving "All Things Buckeye Lake," I took a seat outside in the lounge chair in front of the store, hoping to bring in a few customers with my "happy time" antics. As a result, the store was soon busting at the seams with customers. (Did I mention that this is creative non-fiction?)

We left Pam in charge and scooted the short distance to the village of Millersport for breakfast. The sun was shining so we chose a table on the deck beside a canal and began our day breathing in the fresh lake air. From there, we meandered next door to the Millersport General Store. We couldn't resist buying "another" birdhouse and a cute welcome sign to put by our the front door.

The lake was calling to us so we obeyed by scuttling back to the lake. In no time, we were settling in on the pontoon boat, this time for a ride all the way around the entire lake, in and out of all the nooks and crannies. The variety of structures fighting for a place on the water is astounding. From run down little shacks to gorgeous multi-level dwellings, you see it all here. I found the diversity extremely enjoyable to observe and I found myself constantly intrigued by all the sights. Of all the houses along the shoreline, the pale yellow home is Lynnette and Alice's favorite. I can see why; it's absolutely amazing in a multitude of ways.

We stopped at the Copper Penny lakeside restaurant for liquid refreshments and a mid-afternoon meal. The close-up shot of my cousin, Lynnette (on the left) and Alice (with her cute yellow cap) was taken as we bellied up to the bar.

What do you think of the goofy looking water craft made up of a chair mounted atop a couple of big old tires and a sun umbrella overhead? Ahh, the draw of the open water. The lure of the water inspires men to create some of the most unusual modes of transportation for getting out there and for assuring some degree of relaxation once they drop anchor.

If you think we'd had enough fun for one day, you're wrong. Lynnette and Alice insisted, without a smidgen of resistance on our part, that Lon and I take the two jet skis out for a wild ride on the lake. We had a blast cruising across the water and, when we returned to the dock, were surprised to discover we'd passed an hour bouncing and racing atop the machines.

It was time. Time to act our ages and ease into the evening.

After we all showered and sat at the table beside the lake, Lon announced that he was hungry so we ordered a pizza. Our day slowed down while we enjoyed each other's company, the delicious lakeside air and the lights from the boats reflecting on the water and from the homes to our right and left. Oh yes, the pizza was terrific too.

Lon and I left Lynnette and Alice with wishes for a good night's sleep and made the short walk to our private quarters. A family get-together was planned for the next day so we relaxed in front of the televisions for a very short time and then hit the sack.

Tune in again, if you're enjoying my vacation as much as I am as I relive it here on my blog.