There are givens each year when we return to Otsego Lake. One is that we will have many glorious sunsets throughout the summer.
Another is that we will return to "old friends" like this pitcher...
...the old cookie jar from my childhood...
...the "chicken" which holds our matches to keep them dry...
...the tin wash tub that doubles as a popcorn bowl...
...the carved fish on our fireplace mantle...
...one of the best photos I ever did and for which I no longer have the original slide.
...the chicken lamp, with its yellow cotton yarn shade. We've had this as long as I can remember, and truth be told, it isn't beautiful. But it's eclectic and I could never part with it.
It's hard to describe how much I look forward to seeing these things -- old pieces, from my family, things seen one season each year. I know their stories, and I treasure them.We know we will have unexpected surprises -- in this case, it was a broken water pipe that kept Rick under the house for a good 12 hours off and on, with numerous trips to the hardware store! But we did get water, and that meant time for loafing...
...puzzles...
...nature watching, as two phalanxes of Canadian geese moved gently across the water. I've never seen geese there before, only flocks of ducks, which we also saw. It was majestic, stately, impressive.
Rick, of course, had time to ride...
...and play guitar...
...and Gypsy got to explore his old haunts inside the house and on the porch.
I got some flowers planted, read an Aimee Leduc mystery (soon on Chopsticks and String; "American Eve" is featured there now) and placed with pride the beautiful painting my cousin Patty did for the cottage.
And we were able to enjoy my friend Rhonda Buckley in a terrific saxophone concert at a nearby resort.
Here she is with her wonderful pianist, Arlene McDaniel, and her mentor, Seraphime Mike, who joined Rhonda for a couple of duets.
The summer season has begun. And life is good.
Very good.
Your pictures make me miss Michigan and the 2 of you. I have a picture of a purple sunset taken over Torch Lake by Randy. Thanks for sharing your life.
ReplyDeletesuch a wonderful trip to your beautiful lake ... fabulous photos Jeanie with so many sweet surprises ... well most of them anyway!
ReplyDeletesunsets like that are what dreams are made of!
oxo
Cottage life is just the best! Love this glimpse into your summer weekends -- looks like a beautiful summer ahead of you!
ReplyDeleteI've always wished that we had a "cabin" on a lake, as they call them here! I was enamored of On Golden Pond in my younger years and dreamt of what it would be like. You have captured it perfectly, here, with your pictures ~ love them! My husband is also a cycling enthusiast and I do my fair share, as well. On the Fourth of July we will do a 25 mile ride called the Watermelon Ride. I'll think of you in your darling cottage : )!!
ReplyDeletexx Suzanne
Magic. PURE Magic, Jeanie.
ReplyDeleteDee-lightful! Sure looks like fun, and reminds me of some of our weekends at my in-laws place on Higgins Lake :)
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to see others treasured items. We all have them I think. I going to look appreciatively at mine this weekend as we head up for a week in Ludington.
ReplyDeleteLove your background too!
Oh Jeanie
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful and here's to a great holiday for all of you.
I was so relieved when I got down to Gypsy's photo, as I was wondering if he was there too!
Your love for the lake and the time you spend there is so apparent in your words and photos. How nice that you have such a wonderful refuge.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, thank you for whetting my appetite for our lake cottage where we'll be for the weekend. I am going to look closely again at our precious treasures that are old, worn and perfect. Cottages are just perfect for those well loved items that we could never part with, and where an eclectic collection just warms your heart. I'm glad you had that time there, to relax and do the things you love to do.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll pull out a jigsaw puzzle tomorrow . . .
Those old family heirlooms look really at home in the cottage setting. Beautiful!
ReplyDeletebest...maefood.blogspot.com
oh the lake life looks so lovely.....lots of "L's for some reason today.....
ReplyDeletethis is such a wonderful post. I am yearning to head north...and very envious of my brother who will be leaving for Mackinaw City this morning. I need to sit by the bridge with my toes in the water. Michigan is such a beautiful state!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful 4th of July!
It looks so relaxing and I totally get visiting objects that hold so much meaning. Great Gypsy photo as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh! This looks like a fun place. I'm jealous... only a little. That cookie jar is something.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sunset shots! Jealous on my part, but happy for you on yours that you get to spend so much time at such a relaxing, wonderful place!
ReplyDeletelove the photo of the photo :-)
ReplyDeleteand the sunsets ~ ahhhhhh
fun to be able to see and learn more about you via words & photos
~ christine