We were invited to our first flotilla today. I didn't realize until almost time to leave that I hadn't been on a boat in so long that I could not remember the last time, except for a boat ride in Maine on the postal boat on ocean waters.
Last night when I was putting together the appetizer for the first time ever, I realized that I didn't know if the recipe meant dry mustard or yellow mustard. I put a call into "Queena," but didn't hear back. After waiting a few minutes, I went with dry. It turned out that when Queena did return my call, it was French's that I should have used. These little sandwiches are made using that delicious Hawaiian bread, Boar's Head ham, and Swiss cheese, then a mixture is poured over the little dudes, and they set overnight in the fridge. Before serving, they are baked. I did have one bite and will definitely be making them again. Wrong mustard or not, they were delicious!
I was at a loss as to what I might need (camera, always; tissues, surely; a hat to cover my flat hair as Texas "big" hair and boating don't go together, and cell phone, don't ask).
I headed over to our friend's home who invited us. With my stash of goodies, I entered their home, went straight through the house, down the stairs, down the trail, and onto the boat! Can you say "love at first sit?"
When we first took off, we got a good look at the back of the Canada geese as they took flight. Look straight ahead into the distance to see them flying low over the water.
Then once we got out onto the lake, this was the view that greeted us:
It was calm and serene. A very nice place to spend a few hours with friends. We were the first boat there. But soon there were five, with anchors down and all tied together. It was wonderful!!! No television, no phones ringing (not even my cell), no doorbells, just lots of laughing, talking, splashing, and eating.
Friends walked from boat to boat and sampled the appetizers and goodies that others had brought. It was fun seeing so many that I already know, because most of them go to the same church that we joined.
We could see clouds building in the east and actually moving our way. Before we ever got rain, we spotted a rainbow in the distance.
I was amazed at how the weather started out lovely, got a bit angry, rained for about 20 minutes, then turned out nice enough that almost everyone got into the water for fun.
You must admit that they all look as if they are having fun. If noise is any indication, they were!
There were about 6 of us gals who stayed in the boats and chatted while the others frolicked about the lake. They said that the water was pleasant. I was only wondering how many snakes might be lurking. It's that fear factor...
Most of these people live on or around this particular lake. The rest of us were invited by those who live on the lake and own pontoon boats. My friend, Bobbi, who spent most of the time in the water is also one of our nearest neighbors.
And so if quiet, peace, sharing of food, and fellowship were not enough, the reward at the ending, almost as a blessing, was the scene below.
It's as if God took his palette out and painted a blessing for us across the expanse of the sky.
And since I can't top His Work, I'll say "goodnight and peaceful dreams to you."
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