Goodnersfest 1

One of our first traditions here on the lake has officially had a successful beginning... A pile of guys who grew up together gathered up here on the lake to celebrate life, friendship, food, and fishing for a weekend.

Roll Call:
- Tim Wiste
- Troy McEldowney

- Ben, Isaac, Steve (briefly), and Riley DuBois

- Korey and Jeremy Greene,

- Dave and Juddy (resident K-9 security force)
- Mark Packard

- Eli Scripture
- Damon Knudson
- Jim Potthoff

- Kevin, Shannon, and Dustin Abbott

Arrivals began on Thursday night with Mac and Wiste. After taking Kieran out fishing for his birthday Friday morn. the others began to show up. Before I knew it, the ol' gang was back together and it felt as if we haven't been apart from each other ever...

We ended up with 3 boats. Abbott's brought 2 and Mac had his. During daylight hours, there ususally was at least 1 boat out fishing. The Abott boys had the best luck, catching a few good sized northerns, some bass, and other pan fish. I'm trying to negotiate a few hours of fishing on their boat next year though as it was tough to get on... :)

Korey nestled into a cozy spot on the deck, guitar in hand, and bottomless mug in the other, and proceeded to alternate between playing, practicing, and preachin' life to us. As always, it was great to spend time with him.

Jeremy and Mark came up together. I didn't notice any new gadgets in Jeremy's posession this time. This surprises me....

Jim (a recruit from my days at STMA), weathered the weekend well. I think he wishes he grew up down in Dodge County.

Catchin' up, catchin' fish, catchin' a bit o relaxation, and catchin' a few more calories was the plan of the day while we were all assembled. It was truly wonderful. And looking back, I'm proud to confidently and honestly state that, "we all behaved, and were good boys." No drama, no fools, no nothin'.

It's weekends such as this that a guy hangs onto when the rhythmn of life is disrupted, or not playing out the way he wants it to. These weekends are needed to right the ship, to re-calibrate, to get back to you, to cleanse the soul; if that makes sense.

Over the course of the weekend, I consciously paused at times and just tried to soak it all in. To remember the sounds, smell the great food on the grill, feel that peace within' knowing you are with your people. Those who have seen you at your worst, as well as at your finest.

So, as we go and write another chapter in each one of our lives over the course of the next year, I know we'll all pause from time to time to remember times like Goodnersfest. When all seemed "right."

Until next year!

It is not down in any map; true places never are. ~Herman Melville