Bittersweet Perfection at the Lake

The last visit to the lake -- the one where we close it up for another season -- is always a bit bittersweet. This year was more so than usual. Our summer was cool and things kept me from being there in July, which is my favorite time (along with September).

And Rick couldn't be with me -- I had to take a couple days during the middle of the week. It was a little lonely without him, but when she wasn't a lump under the covers (which was most of the time) or gazing out the window, Lizzie was rather good company.



But what a week it was! Early color had hit and some of the trees felt as though they were on fire.

The weather was relatively warm -- low 70s. And in the mornings the lake was as still as glass. It never really got windy, anytime in the day. And the night sky was filled with stars.

 

Fungi popped up everywhere, like little fairy houses!



It seemed rather lonely -- empty lawn chairs, lone footprints.

 

But the reflections, the lazy ducks on the water all added up to sheer, meditative bliss.

 

I enjoyed a last visit to the farmer's market. All the fall produce was coming in and it was delicious!



I especially loved the honey crisp apples -- and I ended up with a pumpkin, too!



Fortunately, my cousin David came up to close his place, too. It was great to have one-on-one time with someone who has been a big part of my life for all its years. We went to a couple of great restaurants for dinner -- I liked the yard on this one!

On the last morning I took my 'last walk.' Down the road from me, the Hydrangea Queen lives. Her bushes are spectacular -- and the side of her house is nothing to sneeze at, either.



The light was perfect, whether it was in the woods or a field.



At Oak Grove, one of the rental lodges that has been there for decades, the white rockers sat still on the porch. Are they waiting for next summer, too?

I couldn't resist a selfie!

Wah Wah Soo is where my family had the original cottage, the one David and his sisters have now. In a few weeks, these trees will form golden arches over the road.

 

Red berries, reddish-yellow trees all mixed in with those just starting to change and others for whom it will be awhile.



I enjoyed a couple of visits with my favorite Lady of the Lake, Fran. Fran grew up at the lake with my mom and her stories enchant me and fill me with that family lore.

And then, it was back to the cottage. Pack up the car, bring in the furniture from outside, grab the extra clothes and art supplies, toss Lizzie in her carrier.

(And for those who asked -- here's how the copper boiler is looking at the lake!)

OK, it wasn't all perfect. There was the rather lengthy visit of the septic tank people when the toilet had issues. (Helpful hint -- when desperate, a dollar store bucket and a generous amount of kitty litter will take care of most basic needs in a pinch. The shee-wee would have worked, too.)

But that was small potatoes -- and the bill was a pleasant surprise. And as I left, I thought "What wonderful memories I'll have to carry me through the winter and into next year."

And really, who could ask for more?