Every spring my father-in-law would send me a newspaper clipping with a quick, handwritten note: The ice boom is out!
He was referring to the apparatus which is installed each autumn where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River. Its purpose is to limit the amount of lake ice flowing into the river which can damage not only shoreline property, but also the hydroelectric works that power Western New York. The ice boom is a harbinger of winter, and its removal is a sign of spring.
My father-in-law passed away last fall before they installed the ice boom, but I'm pretty sure he was around when I happened to flip open the newspaper the other morning on our visit to Buffalo.
I find it interesting to see the connections we continue to have with friends/family even after they're no longer physically present. I love that you sensed him when you saw the pic.
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