October on Tee Lake

I went up north this past weekend for my grandma's birthday, because I wanted to be the favorite. I also wanted to see up north in the fall. The maples are turning, coming out of the wood's work, and the sunflowers are bowing their heads. It was good to be back in the woods—I feel like I need to wean myself off. I still miss it, especially the big sky at night. (I've been "reading" Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek for, ohhhh, about six months now, and I finally get it. I still think it's totally boring—pages and pages on the intricacies of frog carcases and pond algae—but I get it now. It's about seeing. I like the book, but because I want to LIVE it, not READ it.)

Friday I took Grandma to the Rustic Inn for her birthday dinner. I suggested she do 75 shots after dinner, but I think she was too full. Then we went home and played Pictionary and did the crossword.

Saturday the Dan Sheltons drove up from Royal Oak. To kill time before they arrived Grandma and I shot her BB gun. Since becoming a markswoman, I've been focusing most of my energy on thinking about shooting. I wanted to shoot my grandma's old-timey rifle at the sand pit off Meridian Line Road, but no one wanted to go with me. I really need my own gun. Dear Mommie Dearest, consider that my Christmas list. I've heard a shotgun is best for self-defense. Do y'all have Wal-Marts down there?















On the way back I stopped at a "scenic overlook" off 196.