Sunday, June 28, 2020

Postcards from the Lake: The Quackles, the Internet, A Neurotic Cat and a Drop Dead Sky

Life at the lake is never without its surprises, its frustrations or its beauties.


I thought I might have critter withdrawal once I got here, but meet the Quackles -- a family of seven (I think) that finds the beach rather nice.


On this day, they were bobbing around in unusually windy conditions, sitting atop the water and rolling with the waves. Waves
like this aren't the norm.


Of course, some had to come to shore to see what they could find. They're still relatively small, smaller than my ditch family, the Duckles.

Lizzie is not interested. Being the neurotic girl she is, no matter how warm, we find her here. Trust me -- I know how to make a bed better than this! She burrowed straight to the center! (Every now and then I check to make sure she is still alive.)


I'm making progress on my puzzle called Gotham Bookstore Cats. The theatre books and orange cats drew me in. I've read a lot of those!


The beach is terribly weedy. This is an annual occurrence, I think created in large part by those who use chemicals on their lake lawns. There should be a law. It's discouraged but that holds no weight. Cousin David I said we don't remember it being that bad when we were young. There were weeds but it was more sand than green. Not anymore. My good neighbor got a rototiller and worked the weeds loose.


It looks so much better. I will be able to rake or easily pull them up now. Still, even this is a miracle by comparison.


We're still enjoying some beautiful sunsets. 


It seems as though every evening offers something different. Sometimes I think the sky is kind of "flat" and when the sun goes down, I'll be disappointed.


I haven't been yet.

53 comments:

Linda Sue said...

stunning sky!
Your ducks in the lake photos are wonderful, Inviting, the water looks cool and relatively clean- except for duck poos, maybe.
I have never experienced a cat sleeping under the covers like that! Funny little weirdo! Your stay at the lake is just what the doctor ordered, i think- I am loving your stay there!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Those baby ducks are so sweet looking. You certainly captured them beautifully, too.

I look forward to seeing that puzzle finished, because the photo on the cover is SO adorable.

The sunsets are so beautiful because of the dust storms that started over the Sahara. We are supposed to have gorgeous sunsets for a couple of months until the dust finally settles (probably on my furniture!).

Enjoy your time at the lake, dear.

Valerie-Jael said...

Havefun at the lake , it all looks lovely. Enjoy! Valerie

Joyful said...

Lovely scenes. The sky is absolutely breathtaking. I wish I could stand on the shore and see first hand views ;-)

Rustic Pumpkin said...

Super photos, as always, but what a spectacular sunset. They change so swiftly, too. Love the colours in the quilt. Intrigued with your puzzle, you don't often see portrait oriented jigsaws.

~~~Deb in Wales

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I am very pleased that the ducks are there to keep you company, Jeanie, and I suspect they don't mind at all that the beach is weedy. Probably helps a duckling to hide from predators who would enjoy duckling du jour for lunch. As for the jig saw puzzle, I am now quite confident, without training in clinical psychology mind you, that I am able to diagnose masochism in you! The skies are gorgeous and I suspect that having gone to this same place for most (all?) of your life you have your own Golden Pond. All that is missing is Rick to share the sunset with you (and bake bread, and grill dinner, and pour the wine) but I would imagine that will be rectified soon. Enjoy the week ahead!

Susie said...

Jeanie, That cat made me laugh. I like the duckies. Wow, that sunset is beautiful. Great neighbor. I think that's the best idea. Blessings for a fun time there, xoxo,Susie
p.s. that last photo would be a pretty card.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

I'm glad you have another duck family to keep you entertained at the lake! Is that a 1,000 piece puzzle? That looks like a tough one! -Jenn

La Table De Nana said...

How lovely that spot of yours:)Enjoy!

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Love the way that first photo made your cottage look pink and gray. I thought it was your new paint color until I saw differently in the later photos.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Poor Lizzie, I am sure she is warm under the covers. Love the duck family, they are so cute. It is sad the neighbors use chemical on their lawns being so close to the lake. The sunset images are just stunning, beautiful captures. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What beautiful sunsets!

Anca said...

I can imagine how annoying are the weeds. We are dealing with weeds in our garden and on the driveway and it is very frustrating. It's a shame people can't do the right thing regardless if there is a law or not.
The sunset looks amazing.

Victoria Zigler said...

Glad you have the ducks to keep you company, and wonderful sunsets to enjoy. Sorry about the weeds.

The French Hutch said...

Such a relaxing life at the lake. A wonderful spot for you to stay safe now. It's fun to watch the little duck family grow. Funny how pets love to burrow in the beds, my son's dog does this. Puzzles are always fun on vacation time. Enjoy your lake time Jeanie.How blessed you are to have your special place........

Miss Val's Creations said...

How peaceful having the Quackles to enjoy. Cats crack me up! Always such funny little creatures. Puzzles are so soothing. How fabulous to have one loaded with books! We are so against chemicals on our lawn. So ours looks a bit messy at times but we would rather a happy ecosystem along with no bad stuff to breathe in. Breathtaking sky! Enjoy it Jeanie!

Linda said...

With the help of your pictures, I am conjuring up memories. The slight mustiness of a space that is visited only on and off. The sounds of softly moving water, calming and restful. The air, whether warm or cool, that always feels different than home.

Lovely

Sami said...

The sunsets are stunning! Cute duck family to entertain you.
Poor Lizzie hiding under the covers. Only one of my cats does that, when we go to sleep in Winter. After a while she must get hot and gets out from under the covers.
Good luck with your puzzle.

gigi-hawaii said...

Your lakeside retreat looks very nice. Enjoy.

Divers and Sundry said...

The duck family is fun to see :) Those sunsets! You do a great job photographing those.

R's Rue said...

Love it.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie looks as though you and Lizzie are having fun. She is enjoying resting, as she has so much work to do at home. Bless you, for staying with your puzzle. I would have had it in the floor in probably about 1 hour. Your sunsets are magnificent. Such beauty. I know you are looking forward to Rick's arrival. Enjoy your piece of paradise and the Quackles.

bobbie said...

I love traveling with you! Thanks for all the great pix ~

Hena Tayeb said...

What a gorgeous sky. Loving that puzzle.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, the sunset is glorious, Jeanie. Truly beautiful with the pink and purple sky reflecting on the water. The lake is such a peaceful place. Jigsaw puzzles are a delightful way to spend some quiet time. Haven't put one together in so long, except for the grandchildren's puzzles. They love every bit of it. : )

~Sheri

Fair Meadow Place said...

Beautiful sunsets you have there. Do you know what kind of ducks they are? I always enjoy these posts.

DUTA said...

Most sunsets Ive seen were spectacular (at the Dead Sea, Metzada Mt, Lake Kinereth,to name just a few). The thing is I cannot compare them with Sunrises as I'm not a morning person, I'm a late riser. I probably miss quite a lot of beauty.

Lowcarb team member said...

Those skies are truly amazing …

We enjoyed a walk around a nearby lake recently and saw lots of ducks and ducklings, so sweet … but I didn't have a camera with me so couldn't take any photographs.

Hope you had a good weekend, have a good week ahead.

All the best Jan

Prims By The Water said...

My Riley cat use to sleep in bed like that. Not much you can do. Beautiful sunsets! Janice

My name is Erika. said...

I love how the light makes the house pink. And I have to laugh at the Lizzie lump in your bed. I guess it's a comfy and safe space for her. But it must be nice to have a change of scenery and some gorgeous sunsets. Enjoy your time away. This year summer is so strange with this virus (and a little stressful too). Hugs-Erika

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The Sahara dust storm is giving us all beautiful sunsets this summer! I have a neighbor who does not pull weeds--he says "weeds produce seeds for the birds" sigh, They also produce seeds that settle all over my backyard and give me the job to pull them. We go out daily and pulls handfuls of weeds every day.

Iris Flavia said...

Wow, that first pic had me go "wow!".
And the duckies made me go "awwww :-)..."
Your bed reminds me of our cabin in Perth. Or our hotelroom in Cuba. This is un-German, but or yet I love it!

To be honest... I´d likely have given up on that puzzle. Not my strength. Doesn´t work NOW, I let go.
Ingo´d sit beside you for hours happily, I promise.

Hmmm, that lake, soooo beautiful!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, the Quackle family should provide plenty of photo opportunities. Wildlife can be so entertaining. I can’t wait to see the finished puzzle! Have a lovely week!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oh Lizzie!! Love the pic of her burrowed in your bed. That is just too cute. Oscar has never done that. I think she would overheat though. She has such thick hair so I think she must be sooo hot in the summer, even with all the shedding.

Those sunsets are gorgeous. God is the ultimate artist when it comes to the sky. We get the best sunrises and sunsets at the lake. I will never forget the sunset I saw when I was at the lake with Paul when he was a newborn. It was so incredible and made my early morning wake up worth it (I was a little grumbly about being awake until I saw the sky!!)

Bella Rum said...

Those sunset photos are so beautiful. It looks peaceful there. Love the wildlife. We have quite a bit of wildlife here because of the pasture and woods.

Sandra Cox said...

A picture purrfect sky. Love your porch. Glad you have wildlife babies to watch. Lizzie's a hoot.

I need orange said...

Those sunsets!!! Wow. Thanks for sharing them with us!

thepaintedapron.com said...

Gorgeous photos Jeanie! And nice neighbor to tackle the weeds for you! You'll have to bake him a cake! Love the Quackies!
Jenna

Silver in AZ said...

I'm definitely envious, but not in a mean way! What a gorgeous place, weeds and all~!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

What a beautiful place to get away. Love the sand and the colorful skies!! Sure did enjoy a visit from you!!
hugs,
Jann

crackercrumblife said...

Beautiful sky! And I love The Quackles!! Adorable. Enjoy your lake house Jeannie!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jeanie, I love my screened porch, but I wish I had the view that you do out of yours at the lake. The Quackles and Lizzie are good company and those skies are so beautiful. Enjoy your time there and stay well..xxoJudy

BeachGypsy said...

Love the lake house, it's adorable! Wow, some real gorgeous sunsets, we've had them here too, Seems this year there are JUST MORE and more brilliant ones!!? I am loving them so much. Gosh kitty-cat-hiding-in-the-bed-syndrome.....FUNNY!! Guess she felt safe tho, ha ha. The ducks are so cute, those are some big waves for them little ones!! It's hot and muggy here and summer thunderstorms, I love them!

Karen said...

Your little cottage is so sweet. It reminds me so much of the little cottages that USED to be on the lake just up the highway from us. Over the past twenty years or so people have been coming from Toronto and buying them up, replacing them with these monstrous places. We still see the odd one peeking at us when we get out on the water.
My sisters cats burrow into the bedding like Lizzy!

Marilyn Miller said...

The sunsets are gorgeous! Oh that Lizzie! Joey does the same thing at times. Silly kitties. Your puzzle makes me want to do another puzzle. How lovely your neighbor cleaned up the weeds on your beach.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

You have duckies and great sunsets, Jeanie, and the only thing that's missing is Rick. Hope he can joing you soon. Glad to see that puzzle is keeping you occipied.

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Beautiful place, quackles, such harmony of life. Lizzie, too cute, I wonder if she knows how beautiful that quilt is? Glad you have found yourself in this peaceful nature spot...Most especially during "these times."

Tammie Lee said...

Such a beautiful sunset Jeanie!
I am happy you have the ducks to enjoy.
When ducks come to my ponds I am thrilled to see them, almost like having roommates ;-)

Wishing you wonderful days and nights there.

The Happy Whisk said...

That is a drop dead sky! You had me laughing at the bed. That's too funny!

R's Rue said...

❤️

Pamela said...

The ducks riding the waves are adorable. Many years ago, I had two cats. One liked to burrow under the covers. The other liked to pounce on the one under the covers.

Jenny Woolf said...

What magnificent sunsets. It looks as if the first picture is bathed in reflected light from one of the sunsets, too.

Jeanie said...

Test

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