I just found a journal entry from the last time I went to Pinecrest two
years ago. As schmaltzy as it is, I still have a lot of the same feelings, so I think it's worth
sharing:
Aah, I just woke up in the most beautiful surroundings! I'm up at Pinecrest
Lake with Noli's family,
and I slept outside on the porch on a mattress
under the stars. The fresh air made me have such a deep, wonderful sleep.
I have my feather comforter and fish pillow and was so comfortable.
I woke up and opened my eyes to a blue sky and towering pine trees glistening
in the morning sunlight. The birds are singing, and I can glimpse the lake
from where I am. We are right next to the kitchen window, and the family
is busy preparing breakfast. I'm very happy. (The only weird thing is that
I had a strange dream
about Troy, who I hadn't thought about for a long time.
I was at his house, and it was kind of scary because his parents were
totally wigging out. Troy was caught in the middle of it. I went to Mom,
begging her to help. That's basically all I can remember.)
So I LOVE being here at Pinecrest. I feel like I fit right in the family;
they do very well including me, and I truly feel like I belong.
I can be myself and feel comfortable and have fun with all these incredible
people. A fun activity is canoeing out on the lake, which I've done 3 or
4 times so far. Swimming feels so good in the lake because it's usually
the perfect temperature. Noli and I have so much fun rowing around and
drifting with the current and singing and laughing and tanning (and burning).
Last night Julie took us out on the lake in the motor boat to star-gaze.
The lake was beautiful -- almost totally still, like a mirror. Everything
was dark except for the millions of sparkling stars and the crescent moon.
Noli, Laurie, Joshie, Matt, Julie and I sat in the still boat and watched
the stars. Julie pointed out various phenomenons (Orion, Saturn, etc.),
and we talked about the foreseen effects of the crash of a meteor into
Jupiter.
Every night, Noli, Laurie,
Matt and I have been staying up late in the
cabin living room playing
Dajhemie and laughing our socks off, gettin'
giddy! It's a blast. I have a buncha new mosquito bites all over me,
despite my generous use of repellent. I'm also getting a little tanner;
my back is burnt with funny white hand-marks where I slapped on
sunscreen over my shoulder -- there are even finger marks! I feel healthy,
especially compared to my strep throat I had just days ago at home.
I almost didn't make it here. I was at Noli's house on Thursday when
she happened to mention an invitation, assuming I couldn't go because of
work. I assumed I couldn't go either, but asked Crissy and she was quick
to consent, happily. I'm SO glad she let me and that Noli asked
me, b/c this trip is really what I needed. A break from
Ashland and a true summer
vacation where I can relax and have fun and have adventures.
I LOVE PINECREST! There are many more events I
want to write about, but I want to get up now to eat breakfast and get
my day going.
