Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Postcards from the Lake -- Late Summer

This postcard from the lake takes us on a walk the two days after Labor Day -- which is my favorite time there. The lake is still warm and I still do my swim -- gulping a bit on the first "full wet" but soon feeling very comfortable indeed as I swim my "lap route" -- several cottages down and back. The jet ski riders have gone back to school (or work), traffic is practically non-existent. It's quiet and -- if you are a lucky as I was -- you have all the glory of summer weather without the things that get under your skin a bit!


But you can tell that summer is nearing it's end. It isn't just that many of the cottages have closed up, their trash cans neatly by the side of the road.


It "looks" different. The light has a different quality, one I can neither explain nor comprehend, yet feel and see and know to be true.


The sunsets are rosier, compared to the more brilliant oranges of July and August.


And the sun sets in a different place in the sky -- more to the south. How did it move so subtly that I didn't notice?


My walk takes me past a swamp and if you look closely you'll see bits of red and falling leaves.


And of course, the goldenrod is out in full force, lending its cheerful color to the day.


I notice the Queen Anne's Lace has withered. And farther on the path, I see the ferns are drying and turning brown.


The squirrels can dash in safety across the road and chase one another up and down the trees. The cars on my little road are few and far between.


The turn-around point on my journey is the public bathing beach. To go there and then return "the long way" takes me on a circular route that measures to two miles. Often you will see seagulls perched on the posts in the water and perhaps a swimmer or two.


Not today.


But I do see what has become a familiar sight. Every day, every walk, I see this duo. A father, son and baby. Three generations. I don't know their story, though we pass greetings. The dad, perhaps, is retired. The son and baby live with him? I never see them with anyone else. And it's after Labor Day, yet there they were in the morning. I don't know if I want to know -- I make up much more poignant stories in my mind.


At any rate, I love the closeness of these two and imagine that they are having wonderful conversations in this time. Building a powerful bond that will last a lifetime. Or perhaps strengthening one already there.


Along the way I pass the Little Free Library. A month ago there was something I thought I might trade out for -- but while I can't remember the title, there was nothing there this time that pulled my interest.


And, I am present to something rather rare -- a train passing on the rails. I've only seen two all summer, though I'm sure there are more. But they are infrequent, so seeing one transports me to the day when my mother spent the summers here as a child -- and my grandfather would take the train each weekend. Not a freight train, of course -- it was a different day. Yet how they must have loved the sound of that train bring their papa back to the lake.


I leave you with yet another sunset.


When I return to the lake again, I will see the colors of red and gold and deep maroon on the trees. It will be autumn. I wonder. Where will the sun set then?

32 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

Lovely photos. Your comment about making up stories for the men and the baby reminded me of The Girl On the Train. You have had a summer of such beautiful images and adventures. I know they will become a part of your art for a long time.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What a poignant post. i know what you mean about that day when you know autumn has filled the air. So far, it is still far too hot for that to happen here. We are well in the 90s F each day with heat indices over 100. I like how you describe that feeling, though, and like how your walk took you places where those memories occurred. How fun to make up stories about the two men, baby, and dog. Sometimes those stories are far more interesting that real life, sometimes not.

Loved your journey today as the sun sets on another post.

Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells said...

Beautiful images and description. I would love to be walking at the deserted lake's edge, watching the sunset, waiting for the striking colours of autumn which are yet to arrive in full. A magical place.

Marilyn Miller said...

So beautiful and yet a bit sad to see the summer go. What wonderful stories you could tell of the father and the son, but wonder if they are sad also. All those trash cans, another sign for sure for summer has come to an end. Love the sunsets.

ineedorange said...

Another lovely post. Thanks, as always, for taking us along.

Swim two miles!?! You go, girl!!!!!!! :-)

Lynne said...

Oh my . . . I would be wondering about the story of the father, son and baby . . .
I wonder why I am like that . . .
Strange how the colors of the seasons seem to change . . .
I sensed it too.

Mae Travels said...

Beautiful sunsets! I've posted my description of our fun afternoon in Chelsea today, including your photo here:
http://maefood.blogspot.com/2016/09/chelsea-michigan-jiffy-plant.html

Joyful said...

Beautiful images and beautiful narrative to go along with them. Enjoy the rest of your lovely week.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

It's such a beautiful area, Jeanie. I love fall and would enjoy such quiet days at the lake as well. Those free libraries are wonderful. What a shame that there wasn't a book that talked to you. Maybe next time.
xo Julia

Valerie-Jael said...

What a wonderful place to be, and so peaceful and quiet.I hope you can continue to enjoy your morning swims and the lovely surroundings for a while. Do you swim in winter, too? Hugs, Valerie

My name is Erika. said...

I love seeing these because you definitely caught the feel of early September-in Michigan it is similar to here in New Hampshire. The change of light is everything. Since I go off to school as I teach, I never get to see the beaches so empty. What I miss the most about work is my morning walks. Now I get one vicariously. :) Hugs-Erika

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

What a beautiful and poetic post, Jeanie! The sunset photos are beautiful! I love that rosy pink color. I bet you are enjoying the quieter season at the lake. I know my parents appreciate the peaceful time of this season when there is very little boat traffic so it's more peaceful and enjoyable to sit outside in the evenings.

The leaves are still very green here but I know that they will start to change in the next week or so. I really love this time of year as there's so much beauty and life seems to move at a slightly slower pace which gives us an opportunity to look around more. And since it's a temporary season, it's a reminder to enjoy it while it lasts!

Decor To Adore said...

We have a little free library in my neighborhood too. Reminds me, I need to put some magazines in there.

Keep sharing your glorious images of fall. I've never seen Queen Anne's Lace in that stage.

La Table De Nana said...

It would come to my mind also to thinks about the 2 men and a little baby:)

Loely shots..some leaves are turning here also..to wverything there is a season:)
Have a great day!

~*~Patty S said...

Change is definitely in the air.
It has been so dry here lots of leaves are falling already.
Trains always give me a thrill.
In my recent purging I have been filling up several different little free libraries again and again and have resisted bringing any books home. It is fun to go back and see the books are gone.
Happy Autumnal Equinox Jeanie.
oxo

Sandra Cox said...

Lovely! And don't you love those little free libraries.

Victoria Zigler said...

What a beautiful post! I love how you describe things so well in these posts.

Also, hubby came close enough to see the photos while I was reading it, and immediately commented on how beautiful your sunset photos are.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

The sun will set on your memory, illuminating this place forever. It does for me!

thepaintedapron.com said...

It is funny how all of a sudden the sun is setting in a completely different place! The first thing I always notice about fall's approach is the change in the light, nature's little warning sign! I am a swimmer too, but in a pool. Such great exercise, we added a heater last year and swam all winter, it was fabulous! Lovely photos-
Jenna

Stacey said...

Thank you for this sweet Autumn walk. :)

shoreacres said...

At the summer solstice, I look out the window to my left, and watch the setting sun. Tonight, I would have to get up, walk outdoors, and peer just a bit around a corner -- it's moved that far. By the winter solstice, there won't be a bit of sunlight reaching into my balcony -- and then the cycle will begin again.

You're right about the changing quality of light, too. As the sun moves farther south, things soften. It's delightful, and a bit of a consolation for those of us still waiting for cooler temperatures.

I see you have duckweed, too. Somehow, I never thought of it growing up there, but there it is. I love when a turtle surfaces, covered from head to toe in the stuff!

Kitty said...

Such a poignant post. Reminds me of the stories Mom used to tell. After Labor Day and before Memorial Day were her favorite times at Torch. The peace and tranquility that gets lost with the coming of the masses.

Bella Rum said...

I love those days following Labor Day, too. The in between days that fall when summer is technically over but autumn has yet to begin. You're photos capture it.

Friko said...

lovely photos, I can almost smell the autumnal scents and feel the last rays of the sun.
It’s the season to to fully explore the world around us.

I’ve added a PS to my post on cyclamen, indoor and outdoor varieties differ in that, although both need cool temperatures, the indoor kind will not survive outdoors. Be careful which you choose.

Daniela said...

How stunning your sunsets are, darling Jeanie, thank you for sharing such gorgeous shots of the end of Summer, a period of the year I love so so much !

Thanking you for your wonderful, sweet heart and for your heartily welcome words of solace, I'm sending blessings of joy on your weekend and on your Fall

Xx Dany

Red Rose Alley said...

I just love the little free libraries. I think it's a great idea to have them. Isn't it something else that the light is different this time of year at the lake? What beautiful sunsets. The Queen Anne's Lace is always pretty; I'd like to see it at its best. And those mischievous squirrels, aren't they cute?

What a lovely place to spend time, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Beautiful views in which to create beautiful memories!
Jemma

Laura Beth said...

Such lovely photos. I'm sad that the summer's over, but happy to see that you seemed to soak up every last second of it!

The French Hutch said...

Such beautiful photos to add to your memories book of time. Summer is slipping away here too, a bit like fall with fallen leaves but from dry weather, not the changing season. Ninety-six here today so it's more summer than fall. I'm sure you will miss those beautiful days at the lake!

Arti said...

Kinda sad to see you leave this beautiful place. But then again, I'm sure you'll have lots awaiting you as you head back home with more creative ventures. Your goldenrods remind me, yes, I've seen them too while in Ontario. Come take a look at 'my goldenrods'. :)

Barb said...

I like your mindful walk at the lake, Jeanie. I look forward to those fall photos!

Barbara said...

Of course, I had to come and read this post too, and I’m so glad I did it’s beautiful. I thought I was the only one making up stories about the people I see on my walks, how funny to think they could be doing just the same thing.

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