Category Archives: Life on Lake George

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SAFER SUMMER

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Summer is here finally. We almost hit a heat wave as
the temperature was in the 90″s for two days but
interspersed with two days only in the 80’s so we
didn’t qualify. I, for one, love the summer as it is
so short. This year it felt like spring was 6 months
long because we have had so much rain.

The sunset finally reached midway over the lake and
is starting to go back to where I will not be able to
see it directly from my deck. I just loooove the
sunsets as Mother Nature is the greatest artist
in the world that humans try to imitate. It always
amazes me how they are all so different, that so
many different visuals can be created by just using
cloud formations and then the gorgeous rose colored
hues after the sun has disappeared over the horizon.

The beach in front of my house has a lot of activity
now as the kids have no more school and they can
swim to their hearts content. The raft is out there
with the ladder that was rescued from the clubhouse
which was demolished. Just watching it be rescued by
this huge machine with its big mouth that was capable
of reaching in and pulling it out with such gentleness
that it came out unscathed although the roof had
collapsed on top of it. The kids do not have such
awe of having it back as kids take things for granted.
And…..I am back to my old job of keeping an eye on
the raft and scolding too much rough housing on it. There
is a huge tire inner tube that is also attached to the
raft that they enjoy jumping into.

Summer’s heat also brings things to our awareness that
we should watch out for. The normal ones like putting
on enough sunscreen and proper hydration and this
one that I will include now. I was aware of this as
I need to stay away from chemicals but many people
are not aware that such a simple thing could save
them a lot of anguish now and later one. Enjoy!

CAR AIR-CONDITIONING –
VERY IMPORTANT!

My car book says to roll down the
windows to let out all the hot air
before turning on A/C.

WHY? Car Air-conditioning – No
wonder more folks are dying from
cancer than ever before. We
wonder where this stuff comes from
but here is an example that explains
a lot of the cancer causing incidents.

Many people are in their cars first
thing in the morning and the last
thing at night, 7 days a week.
As I read this, it makes me feel guilty and ill.
Please pass this on to as many people as possible.
Guess it’s not too late to make some changes

Car A/C (Air Conditioning) MUST READ!!!

Please do NOT turn on A/C as soon as
you enter the car.

Open the windows after you enter your
car and then turn ON the AC after a
couple of minutes.

Here’s why: According to research,
the car dashboard, seats and air
freshener emit Benzene, a Cancer
causing toxin (carcinogen – take time
to observe the smell of heated plastic
in your car).

In addition to causing cancer, Benzene
poisons your bones, causes anemia and
reduces white blood cells. Prolonged
exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing
the risk of cancer. Can also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benzene level indoors is
50 mg per sq. ft. A car parked indoors
with windows closed will contain 400-800 mg
of Benzene.
If parked outdoors under the sun at a
temperature above 60 degrees F, the
Benzene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg,
40 times the acceptable level.

People who get into the car,
keeping windows closed will
inevitably inhale, in quick
succession, excessive amounts
of the toxin.
Benzene is a toxin that affects your
kidney and liver.. What’s worse, it is
extremely difficult for your body to
expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows
and door of your car – give time for
interior to air out -dispel the deadly
stuff – before you enter.

Thought: ‘When someone shares
something of value with you and
you benefit from it, please share it
with others.’

This is what snopes.com says.
It is not the air conditioning in the
car but the Benzene producing
agents that cause cancer.
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/benzene.asp

Please keep your children and loved
ones safe from this poison. It is easy
to do and please share it with others
so we can eliminate at least this hazard.

Love and Light

Mary Grace
www.TheWoundedChalice.com
www.TheWoundedChalice.com/blog
[email protected]

PO Box 403
Wales, MA 01081, USA
413-245-3977

WALES LANDMARK IS NO MORE

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I believe that an epitaph is needed for the passing of a
Wales Landmark, The Lakeland Beach Club’s historic
clubhouse where so many memories were created and
enjoyed. This building was erected in 1947 by many
people mostly members who donated their time and
effort to build a place where their families and the
members could gather and celebrate being alive.

There are still members alive who participated in
the “club raising” (barn raising) and who remember
the joy that this building brought to its members.
There were dances held as well as fund raisers,
there was and still is a speaker on the only tree on
the beach that was hooked up to the music source
in the club house so the music could be enjoyed by
all, even those on the beach. Of course, the speaker
is no longer in service and has not been in years but
it is there as a reminder of the “good old days”.

Many a barbecue was enjoyed by all as well as
protection from the elements. Members could
rent the building for a minimal fee for parties,
weddings, showers and all reasons for celebrations,
thus being ensured that regardless of weather the
occasion could still be held. It, the clubhouse, held
many joyful memories of the sharing of summer fun,
the laughter of adults and the giggling and noise of
its youngest members.

The beach is called Brow’s Beach after it’s original
owners, the Brow’s. I happen to own the home that
replaced the original one where The Brow’s would
sell hot dogs and hamburgs and whatever you needed
for a successful outing. My home is nowhere like the
original one as it is a 5 room modular home with no
amenities like what used to be offered.

The Brow’s also owned cottages here which now have
been converted to homes, 3 year rounders and 3 weekend
and summer homes. Mine is the only one that did not
upgrade from a cottage as it is only 18 years old and
is the only one without a fireplace. Being a next door
neighbor of the Beach Club has brought me an
opportunity to meet many members and to interact
with them in a more personal way. I so enjoy the
laughter of the children as they play in the water
and create castles in the sand. For most of the year
it is quiet and very few members come down so it
is like having the beach and lake to myself for
9 months of the year.

Having such a close proximity to the Beach Club gave
me a different view of its value and what it offered to its
members. I, for one, cried as it was demolished on
June 8, 2011. After the roof caved in because of the
weight of this past winter’s snowfall, it has been a
safety hazard especially to the children who have no
fear and do not recognize the danger it presented to them.
It was like a house of cards that kept settling and just
one movement caused it to collapse on top of itself.

The Club’s board and its members worked diligently to
find a construction company to tear it down and also
to find the money necessary to pay the cost. We are
a small membership, only 40 paying members and
without the means to fully fund such a venture although
a necessity. The insurance was lapsed quite a few years
ago and no insurance company was able to offer us the
reasonable cost we had before. All insurance companies
wanted a substantial increase because of the age of the
building.

I want to publicly thank the Lake George Association for
the substantial donation it gave to us. Not only was this
a boost to our fund but it gave all of us members a big
boost to our hearts. Since Lakeland Beach Club is
self sustaining with such a small membership, it was voted
that members will pay a small extra fee with the annual
membership dues for just two years in order to cover the
expenses. This was voted on at a meeting which was well
attended. In fact, Terry O’Keefe attended the meeting so
he could speak to us personally.

The Terry O’Keefe Construction company won the bid
and proceeded quickly to ease our fears by taking down
the Wales Landmark. I must say that as I saw through my
tears his men working so diligently to save whatever they
could, it lightened up my heart.They were able to
salvage some chairs, tables, lights. It was a sensitive
procedure to demolish as there were about 8 propane
tanks but all were managed to be taken out safely so
no explosions occurred.

They were not able to save the buoys that surround
and protect the raft and swimming area of our children
due to the entanglement of the ropes but they were able
to save the ladder that goes on the raft. Now our children
will be able to have their beloved raft put out for them
to swim to and jump off from. We are working on
coming up with a solution to replace the buoys.

All donations would be welcome as all of our finances are
going to pay for the removal of the clubhouse. We are
not sure if there will be enough left to pay for rototilling,
more sand for the beach or rocks for the launch pad.
If you would like to donate, send a check to:

Lakeland Beach Club
PO Box 55
Wales, Ma 01081

or contact me, Mary Grace
413-245-3977
[email protected]

We have seen much destruction between the tornadoes,
the violent storms and then the removal of our beloved
clubhouse but I for one still admire Mother Nature and
all she had to offer us. As a reminder of the beauty
she offers us, I want to add a link here to some
of the most beautiful pictures I have even seen of what
nature CAN create. This makes me feel quite small in
comparison and yet nature was created for us humans
to enjoy.

Simply gorgeous!
This may be one of the most beautiful and meaningful streaming videos ever created. Be sure your speakers are on.

www.andiesisle.com/creation/ magnificent.html

I will be a speaker at the Boston Yoga
and Chant Fest next weekend in
Marlborough and will also have a
booth offering Love Sessions
with the Mother as well as my book,
The Wounded Chalice in both audio
book form and paperback. If you
are in the area it would be nice to
see you again. The link to see all
that will be offered on this fabulous
weekend is: www.shunyamproductions.com

Love and Light

Mary Grace
www.TheWoundedChalice.com
www.TheWoundedChalice.com/blog
[email protected]

PO Box 403
Wales, MA 01081, USA
413-245-3977

WHO DO YOU REMEMBER ON MEMORY-AL DAY?

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As I watching out my bow window at the lake and
its peacefulness, a boat with two men fishing went by
slowly cruising close to shore. The men were not
talking, just simply enjoying the comraderie and the
peace of the water while throwing out their lines. My
thought was just how rich they were in this very moment.
Another thought came and it was how rich I was also
and I could take this moment to go out in my kayak.

A man was coming to check out my subpump and
crawl space but that was about an hour and a half
away so after some hemming and hawing, I made
the decision to seize the moment and go out onto
the water. It was so fabulous. The water was like
glass and it was eery to be gliding through the images
of the houses in the water. The birds were singing
and it was just so gloriously peaceful. At my age,
it is about time that I become aware that I can do
what I want when I want. It is only habit that keeps
me from being spontaneous like a child. I wish to be
more childlike and enjoy every moment. Please join me.

The energy of the times is upon us. Of course, Spring
brings its own energy and we alternate between being
so busy getting our yard or garden in order so that we
can enjoy the summer and being so laid back enjoying
the warmth after a cold winter. There is also the energy
of what is happening as we prepare to meet the changes
that are coming as we move forward to 2012. The
eclipses (3 in a short amount of time) are generating
such energy in weather patterns which are causing
many mood swings in us humans.

I know I do not have dementia or alzheimer’s yet I
exhibit the symptoms. One day my mind is as clear
as a bell and I am so efficient and the next day I can’t
seem to keep it together. Things that I normally do by
rote I forget and forget any new things that I need to
do, my memory fails me and I repeat many steps just
to accomplish what I usually take for granted. For
instance, I go to my yoga class every week, yet this
week I had to make three extra trips from my car
to my locked house because I kept forgetting something.
Today, you won’t believe it, I went to the Post Office to
get my mail out of my PO Box, came home and realized
that I had left the keys which included my house keys
still in the box. Back I went to get them and they were
right I had left them, still hanging from the key that opens
the PO Box.

Is that happening to you? You are not going senile or crazy,
the energies surrounding us are really upsetting the apple cart.
Have you noticed how many simple situations have become
complicated? Things that normally go so smoothly that we
take it for granted. Here are a couple that I have experienced
just this past week.

This month I paid my mortgage which is with a different
bank than my checking account on May 2. On May 19th,
I received a notice from my bank that I had not paid my
mortgage which I KNEW I had.

It seems the bank for my mortgage had changed their address
over a year ago and the forwarding from the Post Office had
expired so it was not delivered. Worst of all, the check was in
limbo and not returned to my checking account so I could
reissue another payment. Because of the Patriot Act, one
bank cannot discuss with another bank my problems so a
conference call is needed????

It is May 27th and the issue is still not resolved although
I have repeatedly called both banks. I have already received
a bill for two months now although my mortgage bank said
they would waive the late penalty when it shows up on my
newest bill????? I KNOW it will eventually get squared
away and all will be well at least for this episode.

PS. While writing this newsletter to you, I was guided to
call my checking account bank to check it again. This
is unusual as I don’t like interrupting my flow to you
but the guidance was insistent. Guess what? I bet
you can guess. The money was redeposited in my
checking account so now I can pay last month’s
mortgage just in time to pay this month’s payment.
Thank you for the energy you were sending me
even before I sent any to you.

I hired a carpenter to make a new stoop or entryway to
the back of my house which happens to be in the front
which is close to the street. Since I am on a lake, the
house was reversed so the bow window looks out
onto the water. You probably remember how I
complained that my door was continually blocked
from opening because there was only a 2″ space
between the floor of my stoop and the storm door
causing me to have to shovel every hour or so when
it snowed.

This carpenter came to give me an estimate. His sister,
my therapist recommended him. I did not know this but
he is a licensed carpenter who works every Saturday for
a much lower fee than his normal one. He said it
is his way to give back to God for all that God
gives to him. Another angel is sent my way.

It was supposed to take him 4-6 hours and he came
last Saturday. He ran into problems as no concrete
had been placed under the posts which is why it was
leaning so badly. My house under the door was
rotting because so much moisture was settling there
as it was not level. He needed to find some flashing
to prevent any further deterioration and the store
was closed. He stayed 8 hours leaving only once it
was too dark to see.

He came back after work on Monday night but
still needed more time to finish, he was coming
back on Thursday night. He lowered the whole
stoop so the step up was much easier than before.
I was not happy with the one of the tops of the
banisters. It had ugly knots and it was much
darker with darker lines than the rest of the stoop.
I was trying not to be so picky but it was something
I would have to live with as my son convinced me not
to paint it. My deck is peeling so bad that I keep bringing
in flakes of paint every time I go out on the deck
and he did not want me to have to go through that
with the stoop. There was no way I could cover
the stark difference, what was I to do?

Thursday morning I woke after many bad dreams
about my stoop. I know this sounds silly and it
actually is kind of funny. Here I am in such a
quandary and it is 7:00AM. I finally went to
my neighbors house who does not live there
full time and checked out his railings to see if
maybe eventually the colors would even out.
My stomach is not happy as I am fighting with
myself about calling the carpenter. The words:
“Speak now or forever hold your peace” kept
running around in my head. I was scared to
appear so foolish as to let this little thing bother
me but I could not deny that it was.

I paced around for about 15 minutes and finally
decided to call him to see if he would replace
the top of the railing for me. I told him that I
know it truly is a “woman” thing but the fact
that one is light and the other dark knocked
me off balance. It just did not look right and
it spoiled all of his good work as all I could
see was the dark one. Does this happen to you?
Do you ever focus on the negative instead of the
positive? I felt like I was betraying my own
hard won wisdom and then another guidance
came in. It said: “Love yourself as I love you,
do unto yourself as you would do unto others”.

I realized that I was surrendering to something
that made me unhappy when it would be so
easy to honor myself by asking for what I
really wanted. I did not want to cause him
any more work or time away from his
family so I was willing to cause myself
unhappiness. All I had to do was to have
the courage to ask for what I wanted. Why
is it so hard to do? Why do we make ourselves
victims when it is not really necessary?

So……I took deep breaths and called him. He was
so considerate and said he would do whatever
I wanted and he was not even irritated with me.
I had to go to the lumber yard to refill the propane
tank so I offered to pick up the 2×4 so he would not
have to go out of his way to do that.

It was so easy, it was only my fear of asking that was
making it so difficult. It now looks so great and
balanced, all the wood is the same shade even
though I know it will weather to gray but at least
it will be evenly gray. Here had been another
opportunity given me to conquer a fear and
I am grateful for the courage it took. It really
was not about the wood but simply another
chance to grow in patience and courage and
LOVE.

This weekend is all about honoring those who
serve in the military. Where would we be without
them and who would we be. Let us take a moment
to honor their dedication, courage and self sacrifice
that we might be free.

I would like to honor all the ones who stay home
here in the USA and daily dedicate themselves
to serving others. The firemen, the policemen,
the doctors, the nurses, the whole medical
profession and ALL those who serve us in
myriad ways that perhaps we do not even notice.
Let us all become aware that even the cashiers
and those who do their daily jobs like the postmen,
landscapers, etc. are serving each and every one of us
in their own special way. I thank all of you for serving
me and for allowing me to serve you in some small way.

This 13 year old girl is wonderful, check it out!
‘Il Silencio’ (The Silence)

The conductor of the orchestra is Andre Rieu from Holland. The young lady, her trumpet and her rendition of TAPS.
Many of you may never have heard taps played in its entirety, for all of the men & women that have died for you to have the freedom you have in America. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss and I guarantee you’ll never forget.

Melissa Venema, age 13, is the trumpet soloist.

Here is Taps played in its entirety. The Original version of Taps was called Last Post, and was written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was shortened to 24 notes and re-named Taps. Melissa Venema is playing it on a trumpet whereby the original was played on a bugle.

Watch at this site.

http://www.flixxy.com/trumpet- solo-melissa-venema.htm

HAVE A HAPPY AND WONDERFUL MEMORY-AL DAY
This is the weekend that the lake becomes alive as most people
will launch their boats and may even put out their rafts and buoys.
Some children are already in the water. It is opening week-end.

Love and Light

Mary Grace

www.TheWoundedChalice.com
www.TheWoundedChalice.com/blog
[email protected]

PO Box 403
Wales, MA 01081, USA
413-245-3977