The Lake
My appreciation for place comes most directly from my parents, but I also have to thank Grandpa and Grandma Longstreet for scouting out the piece of southwestern Minnesota lake land that has become the one consistent spot on earth I've returned to since the year I was born. I visit Lake Shetek and Keeley Island and the Longstreet Lot less now that I'm older and farther away and--that too-easy word-- busy . But its greens and blues and laughs and grill-roasted turkey dinners feel no less vivid. My essay "The Lake," out this month in Minnesota Conservation Volunteer , is a long-time coming. A long time, pre-me. It's a thank you letter, really. So: Grandpa Bud, I imagine your face with the smile I would have witnessed had you lived to meet me, and Grandma Mar, I miss you so much and sense the pressure of your hand around my wrist. Keeley Island, Lake Shetek, MN