AFFIRMATION

OCTOBER 4, 2025 – Today we and our Red Cabin guests awoke to unseasonably warm weather and a stiff breeze sweeping out of the south across the lake. Beth served from a large pot of coffee, while I fixed a breakfast of oatmeal and side dishes of fruit, nuts, and an assortment of natural sweeteners. Taking advantage of the splendid summerlike weather, we gathered on the porch to consume our modest meal and java and continue yesterday evening’s conversation.

While Beth and Bonnie walked the “lake loop” up our drive, down Yopps Road, then along the lakeshore back to the Red Cabin, I led Jim up to the Pergola-on-a-Platform. I was curious—but somewhat nervous—to know how he, a retired big-firm architect, would react to what I’d begun to think of as my seventh grade shop class project. While visiting Jim and Bonnie in early July, I’d described the project for Jim and asked him about the structural soundness of my plans for the platform. He’d listened patiently and given me confidence that my design “should work.”

Instead of taking the short-cut off the old woodland trail that my dad had established decades ago, we hiked to our destination via Björn’s Walk, Ray-Way and Nor-Way, the tree garden trails I’d created (and named) just eight years ago after planting the first big crop of white pine seedlings. Once the quirky pergola-and-platform came into view, Jim said non-committedly, “There it is.” Upon drawing up to it, however, he expressed outright approval: “Wow! This is really cool!”

I was thrilled. Jim is not only genuine but judging by his professional work as well as by his remarkable drawings and watercolor paintings, he is a person of exceptional artistic ability. To hear the enthusiasm in his voice was the best sort of affirmation for me, the seventh grade shop class student. Moreover, the first thing he mentioned was my favorite embellishment: the decorative treads to the “Grand Staircase.” As I pointed out certain design challenges and how I’d overcome them, Jim gave further stamps of approval.

We spent a good half hour inspecting the project before continuing along Nor-Way to the top of Ragnar’s Way and back down to the gateway, which Jim had helped me assemble exactly a year ago.

Next to the trees of the Fiddlers Four-est section of the tree garden, we stopped for a long look around. I pointed out the stupendous growth of the young white pines—in many cases three to four feet of height. Against the backdrop of bright orange maples, the dark green royalty stood in beautiful splendor. As Jim expressed admiration for the arboreal majesty of our surroundings, I told him how great it was to walk the garden with company that appreciated the trees as much as I did. He understood full well how I could relate to the white pine, especially, as “my friends,” with whom I’d formed a special rapport.

I hadn’t checked the time since we’d left the Red Cabin and was a bit afraid to look. “I suppose we should get back,” I said, “before we’re reported missing.” I needn’t have worried, however. We stepped up to the porch soon after Beth and Bonnie themselves had returned from their walk.

“What did you think of Eric’s pergola?” Beth asked Jim.

“I liked it!”

“He’s been working on it all summer.”

“Jim has officially certified the project for removal from the ‘seventh grade shop class category,’” I said with newfound self-confidence. “It’s now a ‘senior high shop class’ project.”

“Definitely senior high,” said Jim spontaneously. In later affirmation, he accompanied me on a mid-afternoon trip back up to the pergola to double-check some measurements and help retrieve my tools. With his customary patience and genuine interest, he listened to my ideas and design questions, and explained in simple, convincing terms, why he liked one alternative over another. Jim’s continued enthusiasm for the project bolstered my eagerness to resume work on the current phase—the railing systems for the front Grand Staircase.

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© 2025 by Eric Nilsson