Brother Mark

We are at the cabin this weekend and both Michael and I are still struggling to process the loss of brother Mark Ahnen Nolan. I know each of you are also struggling with lots of emotions. The cabin is a place Mike and I feel renews us. He is fishing right now with friend Dennis Carney. I just finished an hour long kayak upriver with a float back down.

The solitude of kayaking is wonderful. I had lots of thoughts and want to share a few.

Beautiful day, sun, wind and flowing water.

Wind thru the trees but no leaves on the trees yet. Rustling and blowing. The sweet smell of spring and new life in the air.

Hendricson flies in the air and the trout are slurping them up. ..I hope Mike catches a fish.

Woodpeckers...tap tap tap tap tap tap tap...don't they get a headache?

Songbirds with sweet songs...are they building nests?? Is Mr bird chasing Mrs bird in the air.

New trees in the water from the winter storms and the current of the river changes, paddle harder here and don't let it turn you sideways.

No wildflowers yet, we need rain, daffodils are beautiful in my cabin garden.

Lots of bubbling brooks coming into the river...bringing fresh water and musical notes to the air.

Back home at the cabin...I love it here so much and feel so lucky to be here ..we are blessed

Brown eyes and a wet nose...Riggs knows hurt when he sees it and always gives an extra hug with his nose. He is such a comfort

.Silence...but it is never really silent in nature...life is everywhere.

We will miss Mark so much...I will always think of him here at the cabin and how much he enjoyed kayaking with us two summers ago. It is a memory I will always cherish.

Love and hugs to all of you...Kathy...and Mike but he is still fishing!