Showing Appreciation

                                                                                 

Aunt Valerie Watches As Uncle Stephen Helps Bait Hooks!

Today some of us were chatting. We were sharing some great memories of time spent together -- and how much those times mean to us even now. Some of the very simple things that we have done have made some great memories for all of us.

Just take the fishing the kids did in Stephen's and Jeannie's pond last summer -- catch and release! I think EVERYBODY caught at least one fish. It was a borrowed pond, borrowed poles, and best of all it was the shared company.

You know, GOD has blessed us so much in this family. He has given us the very parents, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents that He wanted us to have. Let's not take that for granted -- and even worse, let's not despise what God has done for us.

Aunt Michele Has Some Great-Looking Corn on The Grill

While we were talking today, we decided that we probably take each other too much for granted! We don't thank each other for how much things have meant to us. Today Emily thanked Aunt Marcia for the fun times like going to the zoo and making homemade play dough (using jello to color it)! No matter what we are doing, it really isn't so much WHAT we are doing as WHO we are doing it with! And we decided it doesn't matter how much something costs. We just have fun being together for cookouts, swimming, playing games, sharing stories, taking road trips, watching candles flicker when the power is out, singing, baking cookies, even cleaning house together or taking a hike!

What Fun At The Pool And Playground in Millinocket

Sometimes I hear some of the kids say they are bored. And they know Grammie doesn't like that. There is always a book to read, a project to do, a hug to give, a call to make, someone to help. We aren't bored. There is just nothing around that we are willing to do. Do me a favor and learn the value of just being alone for a bit and thanking God for his many, many blessings.

If you are reading this, YOU are among those who are a blessing to us and all of the family. We want to thank you for every moment that you have spent with us. They are all precious. Our advice to you is to make happy memories. Cherish each other and treasure the moments you have with our loved ones. 

Aunt Beth, Hope, and Uncle Kevin at Emily's Wedding

                                                                                 My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

    -- From I John 3 in The Message

A Happy Day For Grammie Ruth

Jamey Watson Wearing Grampie's "Drill Hat"

All of us were looking forward to the well drilling day at our camp -- but none more than Mom.

The big day came and it was a nice temperature and sunny. Jamey and James arrived with the big well rig and the truck of equipment and supplies. Jamey was wearing Grampie's felt drill hat and was dressed in the blue bib overalls that were part and parcel of who Grampie was. He even had a red bandana handkerchief hanging from his hip pocket. Jamey is more like Grampie in build and temperament than any of the other grandchildren. One thing: Jamey was wearing sneakers and Grampie always wore boots. But what fun it was greeting him and learning about well drilling and the special challenge that our gravel was for the driller.

Grammie Ruth and Heather

As we all watched and listened to the preparations someone said, "LOOK! You aren't going to believe this." But somehow I KNEW that Mom must be heading up the hill to see what was happening. Sure enough! Heather was walking along with her, carrying a stool in case Mom got weak or tired and had to sit down. But she did just fine. My remarkable ninety-one year old mother made it up the relatively long incline, thrilled to pieces that she was going to watch the process. We were amazed! Not only did she walk UP the hill, but a few hours later she walked back to her house. All of us were so happy for her that she was able to do this. After all, this well operation represented much of her own life and history.

I have to mention that when Brian arrived on his John Deere lawn tractor, he was teased quite appropriately for riding to the site when his mother walked! Brian enjoyed the process on Monday with us and recalled the time when he worked with the guys on the drill. Quite a number of family and friends had their stint working on the drill over the years.

Fascinating But HARD Work!

The guys -- Jamey and James -- worked very hard at everything necessary to simply give us access to fresh well water at our camp. But as hard as they worked, there was always time for a smile, a little laughter, and some kind words.  A couple of times I asked Jamey if there was a charge for the entertainment. We and they really DID have a good time.

As for me, this was a time to appreciate anew all of God's blessings and to realize again that the things we so often take for granted are not so easily gained in this life. Our grandparents and our parents modeled a great work ethic to us. They really sacrificed much and worked very hard to provide for us as we were growing up. But above and beyond the material and physical provisions, we were given a rich spiritual heritage by people who lived decent, honest, and godly examples before us. Let's not forget to be thankful, for we are rich, indeed! 



More Than Water

Camp "Ruthie Girl"

Our Family Lakeshore Retreat is being built on property that has belonged to Mom since 1957. From her childhood on, our grandfather's term of endearment for her was "My Ruthie Girl". So that is how "Camp Ruthie Girl" got its name.

One of our first celebrations at the camp came in June of 2013 when Watson Wells dug our well. We needed water -- but this well represents MORE than water. Its drilling was a historic moment for us. It is a deep shaft filled with water but it is special to us because it carries the mark of family history and brings to some of us memories of people and events that will always be cherished.



The Watsons: Jim and Margaret; Ellery and Muriel; Ruth, Iola, Lawrence

Watson Wells was founded by my great grandfather, James "Jim" Watson in 1905. The first drilling rig was a steam operated machine that ran on steel rims over the dirt highway. My grandfather Ellery H. Watson was only ten when that operation began, but over the years he learned the science of well drilling and dug many water wells along with other endeavors that included farming, guiding, and automotive mechanics. He was a man of many talents and meticulous about everything that he did. When he wasn't on the job, he was maintaining his tools and equipment or even darning his socks. He was never an idle man.

Drill in Use Since 1985


 

Watson Wells is now in the hands of the fourth and fifth generations of Watson men. Grammie Ruth worked for many years for the company as a secretary and book keeper -- a position she held until she was 85 years old.  After Uncle Lawrence retired, my cousins Jamey and Oral ran the business and Mom had an amazingly good time working with them.

Oral's son James now works with Jamey and they are the two who arrived with their rig and set to work drilling our well at Camp Ruthie Girl.
Now we have water for the camp -- but we have more than water. This project gave us occasion to savor our memories of family and enjoy the company of our cousins as they worked. And we had some nice fellowship as Christians together.

It was GREAT!