Wausau Trestleboard
July 2018
Download a .pdf Version of the TrestleBoard here.
A hearty greeting from the East my brothers. I trust all of you are enjoying that short yet precious season of summer we so look forward to. This past week found me fishing in Canada with my two sons, a best friend, and my godson. Reflecting on the trip, it made me think I could somehow find a Trestleboard message buried within the events of those five days. I did and if I had a theme to this month’s message it would be “Leave No Regrets.”
I’m typically a glass half empty pessimist (trying very hard to work on that) so one could say my trip went something like this. We arrived in Canada to find my boat tarp shredded by a loose tie strap that flew in the wind for 500 miles, cut one of the boat seats and further broke a viewing portal to the oil gauge on the outboard motor. Surely the part will only be about $250. This was quickly overshadowed by my realization that somewhere along the way a trailer guide-on broke from its bolting point and I’m sure is now laying in the ditch awaiting an unsuspecting Fall highway cleanup crew. Guide-ons typically run about $150. Finally, the cracked fuel line I repaired but should have replaced before leaving for the trip (you know where this is going) let loose as a huge thunderstorm was approaching us on the lake as far away from the cabin as we could feasibly get. A temporary fix with a zip tie and a long ride through torrential rainfall and lightning got me back to the boat landing soaked to the gills. Nice.
After taking an inventory of all of the things that went wrong, I realized I had a very nice trip spending some quality time with my boys. When you spend 10-12 hours a day next to one another in a small 16-foot boat, you must figure things out. You must work through the line snags, broken equipment, the lost fish, and hours without a bite. Many times, that week I thought of how my boys someday will look back on the trip and remember what they enjoyed. Time spent together with each other and with their dad. I like that. Now I could easily have put the trip off again “one more year” and used some foolish excuse like being too busy. That, I would someday have regretted. So my brothers, do not put off those things you are saving for “some day.” That day is today. Schedule them, do them and leave no regrets.
On a final note, brothers, I thank you all for the thoughtfulness expressed toward brother Brian Miller in his time of need following the tragic loss of his house and his father in the recent fire. Therefore, we are Masons and why I am proud of my lodge. Enjoy the balance of summer everyone. I will be in Alaska on July 11th during our upcoming Entered Apprentice degree but look forward to seeing you all again for our second stated meeting on July 18th.
Jesse
“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” Bro. Benjamin Franklin
Calendar:
Note the electronic Trestleboard is published monthly. Changes in dates and or times are reflected on our Calendar Page, which is updated as needed.
Forest Lodge No. 130, F & A.M.
July 11th — 7:00 PM Stated Communication/ EA / South at 6:30 PM
July 14th – Lodge Golf Day at Tribute Course commencing 4.00 pm followed by Dinner.
July 18th — 7:00 PM Stated Communication/ South at 6:30 PM.
Wisconsin Valley Shrine Club
Wisconsin Valley Shrine Club meets every Friday for a noon luncheon at the Wausau Elks Club.
Wausau York Rite
July 12th — 7:00 PM. Stated Commandery.
July 17th — 7:00 PM. Stated Meeting, Chapter and Council.
Scottish Rite Club
Meets for breakfast at 7:00 AM 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays at Perkins.
