Sunday, September 28, 2014

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?


30 comments:

must love junk said...

What stunning fall pictures!! Those fiery trees are just gorgeous! I can understand why closing up is bittersweet.
Susan

psychelyn said...

Hi thank you for dropping by my blog. Hard lesson-it was indeed to us. He's recovering well, thank you. I hope all is well with you too.

That bittersweet feeling of autumn is no alien to me. This week we're having the Indian Summer and we're trying to get as much as can from it. Those red trees are very beautiful. We mostly have yellow here.

Janet said...

Autumn has always been my favorite time of year and your beautiful photos are just what I needed. It's still summer here, and we don't get all the beautiful colors in the trees. I love "traveling" with you!

Barb said...

Jeanie, these photos show a scenic area at its very best. I do miss the brilliant red of fall here in CO. You're looking good, gal!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Wait a minute...how did I miss this?????????

Your photos of the lake remind me of the days back in Massachusetts....we had such great falls there! But our fall here is pretty wonderful too!

JEANIE! You look smashing my dear! And what fun...it's still warm here and everyone is out and yet, the leaves are turning and we're wearing shorts!

Thank you so much for your kind visit today!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Oh, what glorious fall snaps! Your lake spot is just beautiful! Glad you had such a good time. Thank you for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tamara said...

What a beautiful place to be in Fall. Goergeous snappies. Seasonal changes are synonymous with personal change. Closing the cottage I'm sure is symbolyc of closing summer. Of course here, we're experiencing the early signs of a warm summer. Thanks for sharing your part of the world, it's beautiful.

littleRamstudio said...

Those fiery reds, we really don't see that sort of colour here in England.
It's on my wish list to visit the US when its cloaked in it's autumn finery.

What wonderful memories to carry you through the winter months.

And found the kitty litter hints most amusing!
Heather :)

Tracy said...

LOVE these images, Jeanie... WOW--those shots of red and orange dazzle! I can imagine the sweet-sad feeling of this time for you--last days at the lake... *sigh*... You have lots of warm memories to sift though during the winter and dream of next year's season. :o) Thanks for taking us with you one last time this year... btw, LOVE that quilt on your bed too! Happy Days ((HUGS))

shoreacres said...

The colors are just gorgeous. It's still hard for me to imagine that it's time to shutter things for the season. We're still hot and humid, and it might as well be July. But October's coming, and a good thing it is.

I laughed at the kitty litter hint. That's one I figured out for our hurricane evacs. After the Rita disaster, when we spent fourteen hours making what should have been a 3-1/2 hour trip, I figured out that the next time I'd have a nice Rubbermaid container with a lid, filled with kitty litter. We all managed to make it during Rita (even Dixie!) but it was a struggle. And it wasn't easy to say to Mom, "No, I'm not getting out of this line of traffic so you can pee by the side of the road. We'd never get back in!" Oh, what an experience.

Jeanie said...

You have really captured the heart of autumn with these photos. I especially liked the ones of the trees by the water.
You are looking great.

Beth said...

I have always loved seeing pictures of your beautiful lake cottage! And all of your wonderful stories while you are staying there! The leaves are looking so Beautiful there this year! We had a fairly cool summer too but this September has been fairly warm so our leaves are just now starting to act like they are thinking about changing now. Thanks for sharing your cottage with us!!! Have a Wonderful Fall season!
Xoxo

Beth said...

I have always loved seeing pictures of your beautiful lake cottage! And all of your wonderful stories while you are staying there! The leaves are looking so Beautiful there this year! We had a fairly cool summer too but this September has been fairly warm so our leaves are just now starting to act like they are thinking about changing now. Thanks for sharing your cottage with us!!! Have a Wonderful Fall season!
Xoxo

Beth said...

I have always loved seeing pictures of your beautiful lake cottage! And all of your wonderful stories while you are staying there! The leaves are looking so Beautiful there this year! We had a fairly cool summer too but this September has been fairly warm so our leaves are just now starting to act like they are thinking about changing now. Thanks for sharing your cottage with us!!! Have a Wonderful Fall season!
Xoxo

Ruth said...

How beautiful. September light on the lake and trees is just the best. Your photos, words and farm market visits make me long to get out for a nice long drive in Michigan.

Joanne Huffman said...

Delightful photos - full of beautiful imagery and obviously wonderful memories.

Arti said...

This is exactly what I don't see in our autumn, red foliage and all the colourful lake reflections. I've always wanted to visit Vermont and New England in the fall, and now, I know I must see Michigan too... O, one day. Thanks for leading me in this virtual tour of your beautiful lakeside world. Also, just wondering as an outsider, I'm sure the winter scene would be awesome too. Do you ever go there in the winter? This from someone way up here in the Canadian Rockies, people (other than me) love winter activities like cross country skiing or snowshoeing. ;)

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos as usual, Jeanie.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful pix and memories! I'm glad you and David had the time together.
- Bonnie k

Linda Jo said...

Such beautiful pictures! Love the lake and the trees changing! Great pumpkin prices, too! And.... low 70's is NOT warm! ha! I love 72 degrees here in south Texas! Hugs to you.... happy fall!

Jennifer Richardson said...

How fantastic!
You're way ahead of us now;
so much more color!
So beautiful against the water.
Really love sharing the
magic of Autumn all over
via blogging....thank you!
-Jennifer

Beate said...

Wow!!! These fall pictures are so amazing. I love those red trees! So beautiful! I'm glad you got to enjoy this wonderful time out there. All your pictures are so wonderful. Makes me want to go for a walk there and explore everything.

Privet and Holly said...

Who could ask for
more, indeed? What
a beautiful post, of
such a special place--
not just for it's sheer
beauty, but for what
it means to you and
your family....love it!

xo Suzanne

Vagabonde said...

What a beautiful lake. I can’t believe that there are red trees already – here everything is mostly green still. I can understand why you love this cottage so much, it is truly in a spectacular spot.

Bella Rum said...

What a beautiful place. Your photos tell the story of good times with friends and family. The color on those trees is stunning. We won't have much color until later this month.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

The pictures are gorgeous! I love all the pops of fall color! Our leaves haven't changed as much here, but I think they will this weekend as the temps are quite cool! I just hope the gusting wind we have doesn't blow all the leaves off the trees!

I am glad you had a great last visit to the lake. It's always sad when lake season comes to an end as it always seems to go so fast!

I need orange said...

Thanks for taking us along. The color!, the different things you did and saw and enjoyed.... Very nice.

ps -- I'd never have thought of kitty litter -- what an excellent idea! I was up north one time in the dead of winter, and it turned out the pump had frozen. No water, no toilet..... I was a lot younger then! :-) Now I'd be headed for a nice warm hotel with WATER. :-)

~*~Patty S said...

What a brilliant start to fall Jeanie...your photos are wonderful plus!!!
oxo

~*~Patty S said...

also meant to say sorry for your plumbing problems...
I heard the "dinner bell" here and got distracted hah!

Lorraine said...

What a lovely post, Jeanie!! Love the fall colors, the hydrangea queen's garden, your cute selfie and the artful way you ended the post with a black and white. Thanks for sharing that. xo Lorraine

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