The Terrible Catsafterme

The famous Indian Lake cabin that I so fondly continue to visit had its origins back in the mid-1990′s. Specifically it was purchased in September of 1994 by my aunt Diana and uncle Tom. By the time they had fully furnished it and had it ready for the family to visit, it was June 1995. Looking through the batch of photos that Diana lent to me, I incorrectly assumed that I was present for the first soiree, but careful studies indicated that there were actually (at least) two get-togethers that Summer. The first one in June, I am relatively certain, was not attended by me – most likely because I was in Hollywood enjoying other adventures. My Mom did, however, bring along Ashleigh.

The second party – and the first for Lisa and me – was later in the Summer, perhaps for Labor Day. Mostly what I recall is that various family members had set up tents outside to stay overnight. I’m not sure if we slept over during this visit, but I know I never stayed in a tent. But there were several occasions when I crammed myself into the cabin, snoozing on the floor or the fold-out couch.

Regardless of how unclearly I remember this specific trip, I am certain that I had a good time. Visits to the cabin have now taken on a nostalgic effervescence. There was always so many fun things to do: swimming, rowboats, pedal boats, campfires, cookouts, fireworks. Just ask Briana. During one car ride up to the lake, she made the request “let’s say all of things that they’re gonna have” and proceeded to spout off the checklist.

I’m sure I’ve had ten or so trips to the cabin in all, but of course, there weren’t pictures taken during all of the trips – so it would be difficult to recall with any degree of accuracy when they all were. But here are photos from two of the outings from the Summer of 1995. The first batch (and the picture at top of Brittney and Ashleigh playing in Tom’s boat) are from the June gathering that I did not attend.

Bev and Grandma

 Karen and Ed take a very young Eric out in the rowboat

 The great maps vs. fish debate begins

 The Murphys: Jim, Jan, and little Eric

 Dan collapses at Chris’ feet…or because of them

 Karen, Nikki, and Ashleigh play in Uncle Tom’s boat – while Jacob eats bait

 Debby with her boyfriend Jay in the days before his hair did the flippy-flop

 Ben, Susan, Grandpa, and Jay watch TV in the main room

 Bob and Karen take out life-preserved Ashleigh, Nikki, and Zac

 The Bob and Tom Show

 Chris, Ashleigh, Jacob, Brittney, and Zac long for someone to actually start the boat

 Mom, Darlene, and Bob

Lori, Grandpa, Bob, and Mom watch the world go by

Here are the available photos taken from the 1995 gathering that followed, my first time at Indian Lake:

 Ed and Bob, Grandpa and Grandma: Return to Indian Lake

 Jan in Tent City

 Bryan, young and skinny

Finally! Proof that I was there – along with Darlene, Dan, Debby, Susan, and my future wife Lisa

1995 will continue…

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 at 6:59 am and is filed under 1990's - Late, Family Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.