Notes from Salmon Lake

Updates from the trip, continued . . .

Lovely to be in the Seeley-Swan Valley where the most significant issue on a July 4^th weekend is escalating chicken – bear conflict (see photo above). At the parade in Seeley yesterday the passing ATV’s and motorcycles threw out candy, stickers, and toilet paper (?) On our little island the biggest problem appears to be how to fit every water activity into one day. The days last 17  hours but lake activities include water bicycles, paddle boats, canoes, fishing, swimming, floating and cannon-balling in 64 degree water.  The seven cousins run around the lodge brandishing life jackets and water guns as if they were pressed for time.

Last night we held the first annual Clavadetscher/Dravenstott lip-synching contest and the talent overwhelmed its audience. Papa emerged in a Dolly Parton wig and a 44-D brassiere to pair up with Nana in Kenny Rogers garb to warble “Islands in the Stream.” Their costumes, effort, and inability to keep from whispering the lyrics brought down the house. Dad's dress actually belonged to my brother, John, who wore it during the rehearsal dinner for my wedding fifteen years ago. James and Michael had matching dresses and breasts as they introduced themselves as my "bridesmaids", and Mom was apparently so impressed by the event that she kept all three dresses in the closet for over a decade.  Dad boasts the best arms and chest of all the Clavadetscher men and looks great as a blonde.

The songs alternated between hysterically funny and painfully touching. The John Clavadetschers did “YMCA”, we lisped“We are the Champions” and Michael and his four-year-old, Mac, sang a lovely duet about a father missing his son, which Mac dedicated to Papa. After that tear-jerker the three girl cousins changed the tide of sentiment by rocking out to Grace Potter and "Ooh La La'. Memories and missing each other and shock at the rapid passage of time hung thick in the room for the adults and the atmosphere faintly puzzled and disturbed the children, who took all of the singing and dancing at face value. It's strange to feel the weight of years passing but the gift inherent is the appreciation for the times we reunite and recognition of the love that has given Mom and Dad 45 happy years.