Rochester, NY
I type this from my parent’s house in Rochester, NY. To my back is Lake Ontario. In between me and the lake is about 50 yards of sandy beach. Now granted, it is April and I am in Rochester, so there is no tan or water time on this trip, but I am at my favorite place.
We grew up ten minutes away and would move here in the summer time. The bonfires, the water, the sun, and the relaxation are what this place is all about. This land and the old houses (2 new ones were built a couple of years ago) have been in our family for over 80 years. My Aunt and Uncle live next door. I can remember days turning into night with a sunset over the lake, sitting on the beach with my uncle, smoking a cigar and leaning back with a sigh, “Paradise.”
My mom has a plaque hanging from the wall – If you’re lucky enough to have a house by the water, you’re lucky enough.
I love it here. I can relax on this land better than anyplace I’ve been. The comfort of family and the comfort of history here does it for me. Give me an 80 degree, sunny day, my friends, the jet ski, some beer, volleyball, and a frisbee. Then, barbecue at night and a bonfire with some more beer to top it off. That is perfect for me. It could only be better when I find a girl who walks in the house after the night is over and whispers in my ear, “Paradise.”
Anyway, it’s not 80. It’s 40. So I’m here to charge up the batteries. I had to come see my folks before I set out on the main part of my trip. I also had to be here to watch The Masters with my dad. He, my brother, a friend of ours, and I went a few years ago. It takes on new meaning once you’ve been there.
I had some of mom’s lasagna tonight. I guess I should rephrase that by saying a lot of mom’s lasagna. It’s funny. No matter where you go and how many great restaurants you’ve been, nothing beats mom’s cooking. It just seems to be chemically made to go with your taste buds. Maybe it is.
It’s good to be home.
Andrew