This area of Oregon is never supposed to get this hot. I think it's close to 100 degrees. Worst than the heat is the humidity. Trying to keep my business running when I can hardly breathe because of the smothering weather is miserable.
I gave up today. I rode my horse out to the ranch. I decided that taking the boys to Carter's Creek would be a grand way for us to beat the heat.
Red, the boys, Blake and I, all worked together to pack the perfect lunch. It certainly was an odd assortment of food types. There was homemade bread. There was cool creamy butter churned by Red. There was jam, my favorite kind, strawberry rhubarb. There was an apple pie, with a small container of heavy cream to pour over it. There was turkey meat, and cheese. Last but not least I had brought croissant that I had made yesterday before it became so beastly hot.
The boys charged into the cool refreshing water. Their squeals and giggles renewed my soul. I had not dressed in a swimming costume. I feel uncomfortable wearing something tight that shows that much flesh. I did have on a summer dress that is very simple, and had only one light petticoat underneath.
Blake called the boys back from their happy splashing. We ate the delicious lunch with gusto. Oh wait, I forgot to mention the dill, and beet pickles. I adore those pickled vegetables! Red is a master cook. If he doesn't know how to make something he studies until he figures it out. He says that he loved to cook with his Maman when he was growing up.
After our meal, Blake and Red took off their shirts, shoes, and socks. They both dived into the deep creek water. Both of them are strong swimmers. They work with a rescue team in this area. We live close to what is called, "The Graveyard of the Pacific." It is an incredibly dangerous area where the Columbia River meets the Pacific ocean. Many, many people have lost their lives trying to sail through this passage. Blake and Red have been actively involved in saving lives. Of course their swimming skills are impressive.
As a young child, I wandered into a small pool near our home and almost drowned. Fortunately, my older brother had seen the direction I was wandering. He followed me at a run and pulled me out of the water quickly. After that I was terrified of water. Our transatlantic immigration to America did nothing to cure me of that fear.
As I was thinking about this I suddenly realized that Blake and Red were both running towards me. I ran frantically away from them. I don't believe I had ever told them about my fears.
They easily outpaced me. Each of them took an arm and a leg and began to carry me to the water to toss me in. They were both laughing. At first they did not notice that I was crying, and pleading. Finally it was Blake that noticed. "Mon Celeste, why are you crying?"
The story tumbled out through my panicked sobs. They sat me down gently on the ground. They both apologized. Then Blake said, "If I hold your hand and we only go into the shallow water could you do that? It is so beastly hot today."
Coaxing me and holding my hand Blake got me into the shallow water. I had to admit that it felt divine. Coolness surrounding my humidity-heat laden skin felt heavenly.
Then Blake said, "Celeste, it's time for you to learn how to swim." I protested strenuously. He responded, "What if one of the boys wanders into water and you are the only person around. What will you do then?"
I responded, "Not fair Blake. It's not fair to use my fears to impel me to courage."
Blake just smiled. Oh how I love that smile of his. There is always a hint of devilment lurking in his golden-brown eyes.
Blake took the entire process step-by step. He first showed me how to bubble the water. Next he showed me how to turn my head from side to side breathing only when my head was out of the water. Then he held me out straight and tried to get me to relax. I'm certain that I was stiff as a board.
Finally he managed to get me to relax. He didn't know that I wanted to melt into his arms and never leave. Well maybe he did, but it's a good thing that neither of us mentioned that. I still can't believe that I swam. Not a long distance, and certainly not with the strength of Blake or Red, but I swam!
All of them, our boys, Red, Blake, all of them stood up and cheered. I felt so loved and supported in that precious moment. I will hang on to that bright memory for the rest of my life.
Blake told me that tomorrow he will pick me up to swim again. This time he insists that I wear my swimming costume. He said, "All those yards and yards of material weigh you down and make swimming even more difficult." I couldn't disagree.
Just imagine, I know how to swim! What a lovely thing that is!
