September seems to bring a return to routine. The visits to the lake -- while still on the agenda -- become fewer as obligations in town come to the forefront. So, I treasure that Labor Day weekend when I take some alone time and some Rick time at the lake.
My alone time was in synch with his several-day bike ride. I went north to do art, read, relax. And at the end of the day, I settled in to enjoy the dazzling September sunsets. (Well, there were two before the weather turned very bad!)
I started a painting on a large canvas (much to finish on that one) and worked up some other projects, including some matchboxes. This one was posted with a bit of jewelry inside as a long overdue birthday gift.
I started "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," our book club read (not purchased at this store, which as you can see was "shut.")
And I said a big "hurrah" when Gypsy brought in the fruits of his hunting labors...
...and then kicked it around.
Rick, meanwhile, rode like the wind... or, perhaps more applicable, in the wind. And rain. And I do mean rain.
But when we connected again for a party on the eve of the final day of his ride, and the next sunny morning when he took off, it was clear he was having a wonderful time.
On the way to pick him up, I kicked around Northern Michigan. Here are a few of the spots that caught my eye this year. The lighthouse in Boyne City...
...and another in Petoskey on Little Traverse Bay.
The Perry Davis Hotel, also in Petoskey, and decked out for Labor Day.
The Bay View area -- a charming neighborhood just outside of Petoskey with lots of Victorian houses and a small campus.
Beautiful Harbor Springs.
So many seagulls, all lovely.
But there was something even better that I celebrated on this wonderful holiday weekend. I'll tell you about that next time!(Don't forget -- the deadline to enter my book giveaway on Chopsticks and String is Friday, September 10, at midnight! It's an entertaining caper book by Peter Mayle, set in France.)
Yes, I share the melancholy feeling of the end of summer. I end it by heading to Toronto to visit a friend for her birthday and then when I return it is back to a scheduled life. I love all your photos and wish you a lovely weekend. Deb (Ottawa, Canada)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I feel the same way at the end of summer but then I remember it really is the beginning of summer that I love. The end is so hot and humid I'm happy for it to go. I like spring and fall - not too hot or cold. Winter is not so much fun but seeing it through Chelsea's eyes makes it bearable. Now I can only hope she doesn't have an eternal cold like she did last winter!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos and the hunting pics - eek! You are a good mama for indulging the Gypsy.
Karla
The return to routine for others means occasional moments of peace for me... as much as miss the heat of summer, I look forward to the stirrings of fall. Sure looks like you've enjoyed your summer, though -- loved your posts from the lake!
ReplyDeleteI don't get melancholy at the end of summer, especially this hot and humid summer. I love fall — it energizes me. Such lovely photos! I have to come back and explore more of Michigan. Can't wait to hear what the ccelebration was!
ReplyDeleteI feel as if I've been on an academic-year schedule all my life, so Labor Day is always a scary new beginning. This year I got to go to the start of school open house in Virginia, which made me happy not sad. It was the kids who were anxious!
ReplyDeletebest... mae
what a lovely place. your photos are wonderful. enjoy the last days of summer. fall is a great time of year. enjoy...
ReplyDeleteSummer time is special in it's own way, yet I agree with others, it's the inbetween seasons that I adore. Here (in Oz) we're enjoying the first few days of spring. I love it for the new life, the smell of fresh growth, the flowers, and the noises of the birds. I've travelled north for the weekend, and I think they've had spring a little longer than me... I admire your committment to get 'me' time and watch the 'boys' hit the road. My boy is only just learning that it can be fun to have little holidays in different directions.
ReplyDeletewait.....don't leave me hanging :)
ReplyDeleteI love late summer/early fall - it always gives me a burst of energy. But, I totally understand that you hate to say farewell to your idyllic time at the lake.
ReplyDeletehappy end of summer daze
ReplyDeletethat sunset is glorious!
oxo
Beautiful...melancholy.... "shut"... love it....
ReplyDeleteThe floral arrangement in front of that shut book store is tremendous! I could stare and stare.
ReplyDeleteI love September, even though summer is functionally over. It's such a gorgeous month, the evenings are cool, and we still have October ahead. But there is a certain melancholy about it. And that's not completely unwelcome to me.
Love Gypsy's necktie, Jeanie. He looks quite roguish.
ReplyDeleteHaving loved reading your posts over the summer I can see why you hate saying goodbye to it but I am looking forward to your autumn piccies as well.
ReplyDelete