rice camp

For several years Andy has helped a friend harvest wild rice up north.  Usually the girls and I hang out back at camp with kids and whoever is not ricing at the moment.  Andy loves the labor, being on the water, knocking the rice in the boat and the satisfaction of seeing it all drying on tarps.  He loves the community of ricers and learning the skill.  We also love the sweet share of rice we get for the winter!

Last year we were in the depths of chemo and could not make the trip.  This year we went without hesitation.  Three days and nights of playing with friends, jumping in the water, sitting around the fire, catching leopard frogs by the tens, and falling asleep to the deep hooting of the barred owl, left us exhausted but ever so thankful.

Thankful for this community of caring friends, for the sweet clear waters of the north, for late night conversations around the fire and for the continual opportunity to celebrate being together.