Monday, July 11, 2016

Postcards from the Lake -- July 2016 Edition

Lizzie and I are enjoying Life at the Lake. We came up July 1 with Rick, who stayed for the week and is now home. We're skipping through our day-to-day routine, admiring our neighbor's flame-like Tiger Lilies, taking road trips into town and living on the abundant sweet black cherries that abound in Northern Michigan during the spring.


Well, I'm living on the cherries. Lizzie is in more of a hunger strike mode, turning her cute little good-and-plenty nose at the food she devours at home.


She'll eat when she's hungry enough. I'm not worried. Just annoyed!


Our July 4 holiday was filled with all the fun that July 4 always brings. Although, to be specific, it started on the second. In the morning, we bid a final farewell to my friend Fran at one of Gaylord's lovely cemeteries, then shared memories back at her home. As the afternoon was drawing to an end, I headed home to welcome Rick, who'd ridden his bike north, and prepare to welcome my cousins for dinner and fireworks.


Of course, one has to take time to watch the boat parade as it goes by the house. It starts about two miles down the lake. By the time it gets to my place it has thinned out, but the participants are enthusiastic!


Cousins David and Bonnie came for dinner and fireworks. Fireworks begin at dusk, which is about 10:15 at night. They shoot off the fireworks on my lake from the park right across from the cottage and we had a ringside seat.


They weren't even bad -- apart from the fact that whomever was setting them off accidentally (we think) set off the finale sometime in the first ten minutes of the half-hour event. It made for a bit of an anti-climax at the end. (Read that stunned silence from the many boats on the lake who usually greet the finale with a loud blaring of horns before taking off in the night. It was very quiet and finally, a few honks as the boats moved out.)


The weather has been splendid for the most part. Warm-but-not-hot days with little humidity and nights cool enough for a good sleep. (A rainstorm finally broke the spell. We'll see if the porch ever dries out!)


We were able to stain the cottage which got a facelift after foundation work. (This is the "before" photo).


Rick had more than a few bike rides, finding a cyclist pal from just across the lake to join him on some of the shorter ones.


I've read more than a few books and done a good bit of art, too. A longer look at the art journal (fast filling up) and more in a different post. Meanwhile, a sneak preview.


Of course I'm following the Tour de France. It's one of the best things about July! (And yes, PBS' Sunday night line-up with the excellent "Tunnel" capping off the evening).


Lizzie and I have enjoyed watching two or maybe three duck families who make the rounds on a somewhat regular basis. They're getting bigger, but the packs a bit smaller too, and we wonder if some of their numbers have been picked off.


Perhaps best of all, there are the evenings and the sunsets. There's nothing more lovely than seeing a fishing boat or watching a kayaker streak across the lake behind a golden sky (unless, perhaps, you'd like to be the kayaker).


And a peloton of Canada geese at sunset is an equally breathtaking sight.


All in all, there is much to love about this time at the lake. Yes, missing Rick. But connecting with friends and being productive.


And soon it will be time for the family reunion and all together again!

26 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

What a wonderful place you are at, it looks divine. I like the sound of those cherries, too. Your cat is sweet, love the drawing you made of her. Thanks for sharing all the gorgeous photos! Hugs, Valerie

Red Rose Alley said...

What a delightful table setting, Jeanie. The lake pictures are very pretty, and I love the one with the fireworks, it's spectacular! It sounds like you are enjoying your spring days at the lake. We're right in the middle of summer in California. Do you know that CHERRIES are my very favorite fruit? Love that heart tree pic. :)

~Sheri

Mae Travels said...

Your photos are beautiful, as usual. Makes me want to come up to your area for a change. I hope you aren't suffering from mosquitos!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

How great is that to be at that lovely Lake and enjoying 4th of July and guests.

Beautiful photo's - everything is so pretty there. Enjoy the rest of your time just relaxing and doing what you want to do.

Mary

Laura Beth said...

The lake looks divine! I must say though, I particularly love the face portrait of the cat. What a serious and expressive face!

My name is Erika. said...

Sounds divine. Books, journaling, watching life go by on the lake. I think you are in heaven. Enjoy. Hugs-Erika

Lynne said...

I read . . .
I listened . . .
Water, sun, cool, warm, life, loss . . .
Togetherness . . .
Time alone . . . back together . . .
Relating, love and kindness . . .
July skies lit up . . .
Friends family
Renewal
Artistry
Very nice post
I liked . . .

Joyful said...

Very nice series of summer shots. I love the front row seats for the fireworks display. That would be right up my alley and those lilies are gorgeous!

Becca said...

This sounds just perfect. Have a lovely, peaceful time!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You and Lizzie know how to party at the lake. She sounds like Bleubeard who will eat when he gets hungry. Squiggles will eat enough for both of them, though, so I have to ration his food.

Loved seeing the boat on the river that was so very patriotic. What fun and a front row seat, too. Too bad about the fireworks, though.

Loved your model who won't sit still. Laughed at that one, which is just what I needed.

I am somewhat intrigued by The Tunnel. I saw The Bridge (the original Swedish/Danish show with subtitles) several years ago on Hulu, when everything was free. Then I saw The Bridge on FX, which was the bridge between El Paso and Juarez. They all start out the same, where each lead male detective has had a vasectomy. Neither of the previous series made it past Season 2, so I hope the Eurotunnel does better.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Forgot to say my favorite is Endeavour, though. Looks like we are going to have to wait another year to learn if he passed his sergeant's exam. At least we know there will be a season 4. I hate that this is the final season for Lewis. I guess the Morse franchise can't go on forever!

Joanne Huffman said...

What a lovely thing it is to have a beautiful place to go to. Tomorrow I head to the beach for 5 weeks; this is the first time in my life I've had a permanent second home.

Tammie Lee said...

It looks like you are having a lovely time there.
May the good times continue!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Oh, it sounds and looks like you're having a very nice relaxing time! I'm so glad. Guess what? We're in Monroe, Michigan at an RV part. We went yesterday to Dearborn to the Henry Ford Museum and are going back today to see the Greenfield Village! Am I close to you? Take care.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Being by the water, it helps us breathe a little easier, doesn't it?

LOOK AT YOUR SKETCH! Yes, I would imagine that your subject does NOT stay still! teeeeheheee

Oh those tiger lilies are amazing. The day lilies here are exploding with bright yellows and orange, and it is quite the show.

Oh Jeanie, HAVE FUN!

shoreacres said...

Am I envious? Yes, just a little. I'd be less so if we weren't so hot and humid, but it is July in Texas -- the time when we all tell relatives, "No, please -- don't come visit now. Wait until the fall!"

There's no sitting outside for pleasure here, so it's a special treat to see your lake, the ducks and geese -- all of it. Enjoy your time!

Little Wandering Wren said...

Life at the lake looks lovely, even if your beautiful cat is a little out of sorts! How beautifully relaxing, I loved being able to have a little peek into your life there. Enjoy the rest of your time.
Wren x

Jennifer Richardson said...

Your lake life looks and sounds like a book I'd like to live in:)
My heartbeat slows to a peaceful putter as I read along
and it's comfort food to my soul:) Thanks for this loveliness.
I love it that you show and share:)
-Jennifer

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

It sounds like absolute perfection, Jeannie! I love that you have these times in the cottage of your youth -- so many memories, old and new! It sounds like a wonderful mix of fun socializing and refreshing solitude. Living on cherries sounds great -- and I'm sure Lizzie will come around when she gets hungry enough. She's probably just signaling her displeasure at a change in her routine.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Ahh, it sounds like your time up at the lake has been wonderful. There really is nothing like lake sunsets. I enjoyed several of them when I was up at my parents' place last weekend. We had great weather for most of my time up there and I was barely indoors, which was great. I had PT the day before I headed up the lake and found out I need to stop biking and using the elliptical for a couple of weeks as I am having trouble with some pain in my hip flexor. :/ So it was the perfect time for me to head to the lake as it's easier to relax and take it easy up there.

I hope Lizzie's hunger strike has ended!! Sounds like she has a mind of her own. ;) Oscar was at Phil's mom's last week and she got quite spoiled there - lots of daily treats and tuna every other day!! Even though she was well-fed, she was soooo happy to see Phil when he picked her up on Sunday. When he brought her in the house, he had to go back to unload the car and my did she cry/howl when he walked out the door. She's attached to him to say the least!

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh what a sweet, slower pace of summer. I love your fireworks, Lizzie, times by the lake, Rick's rides, oh just it all. Thanks for sharing with us. Enjoy the art time~

BeachGypsy said...

what summery and pretty pictures! love those flaming orange lilies. Looks like a real nice visit and love the boats and the fireworks!

Victoria Zigler said...

It sounds like you're having a wonderful time. Shame about the anti-climatic ending to the fireworks, but I'm sure it was fun all the same.

I hope Lizzie's hunger strike has ended. Our furry family members can be funny about things like that sometimes... Even with their absolute favourite food items.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

That's such a wonderful place, Jeanie. What a view! Changes are always difficult for cats. Hopefully sweet Lizzie will adjust soon. Your drawing of her is lovely.
I do watch a little bit of the Tour de France but not as much as I used to.
Have a great time relaxing and creating!

~*~Patty S said...

Ah it's that time of year again when you get to enjoy your lovely lake life ♥
That sweet pea bouquet on the table really caught my eye.
We were so glad when the organic cherries went on sale and we are enjoying lots too. What a treat.
Hope Lizzie is easing into the new surroundings.
Happy July Jeanie oxo

Barb said...

Always love seeing the photos and reading about your time at the lake, Jeanie. We're watching the Tour, too, of course. Bob has it recorded so we don't miss anything (I sometimes read until an exciting part). Glad Rick is getting some biking in. Your weather sounds wonderful.

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