Saturday, September 19, 2020

Postcards from the Lake: Alone This Time

I've been alone at the lake over the years more times than I can remember but this time is harder. It's just that I miss having Rick here. But that said, he got his Covid test results and he's OK. So home soon, and it will be good to be able to be with him without a mask again!

I'm mourning the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I am heartbroken. Can 2020 get any worse? Don't answer that. A pandemic. Wild fires. Hurricanes. An election. Racial unrest. And now this. No words. Just great sadness for the loss of a remarkable woman, a life well lived who defended the rights of not only women but of all people. I shudder to imagine the upcoming weeks.

I only got one painting day in up here, so far. It has been too cold on the porch and the light inside isn't that great. And you kind of want warm fingers to paint. I may give it a go later today. We'll see. No, this isn't Lizzie. She belongs to someone else.


But I did score some beautiful tomatoes at the farmer's market. Only four stands this time. So, I'll warm up the house with some tomato sauce cooking! And for dinner tonight, make this from Jenna's blog.


Blog friend Jenna had some damage on her home as Hurricane Sally landed in her community big time -- it was all over the news. So think lovely thoughts. Meanwhile, blogger Linda tells me Hurricane Beta may be headed toward her area of Texas. Hold onto your hats. And while we're at it, also think lovely thoughts for those in California who are dealing with the effects of the wildfires.

Meanwhile, it's cold up here! Good fireplace weather, although the days warm up enough for walks or outside stuff. I've been putting things away in the garage for winter. We're not closing yet but some things just won't be used again this summer.

Here's a look at my fall mantel. I really don't bother to decorate for fall up here much because we aren't here all that long into the season before closing. But I couldn't resist a couple of pumpkins for the porch and a little bit of love inside.


I love this frame, a gift from a good friend. Dad belongs at the lake. Always has, always will. And he's right by my collection of feathers from my walks. 


I think I've showed my "Dad" wreath, with his collection of fishing lures.


And of course, pine cones and pumpkins help tell the season.


It's definitely pumpkin season. On the way up I picked up some pumpkins from this "honesty truck." The pumpkins are reasonably priced and always a nice selection.


I took a little drive yesterday on my way to get fireplace wood. Well, actually, it was way OUT of the way for getting the wood -- I stopped there on the way back. Our color is quite spotty still.
But there are bright patches. 


This is Deadman's Hill. It looks pretty green right now, but give it a week or two and it will be blaze of color. It overlooks a very steep valley. In 1910, during the logging years a young lumberjack was driving his team and big wheels loaded with logs down a steep slope and was killed. It was one of several fatal accidents in the area. This is its highest point and the view is spectacular.

There are lovely trails here -- Rick wants to go backpack to the bottom and I hope he really enjoys it! Meanwhile, I'll be happy to be in my cozy house with a stack of books.


And a little friend.


I will be savoring the sunsets...


And celebrating the Great Pumpkin.


It's a short season.

55 comments:

Lowcarb team member said...

Just so pleased that Ricks Covid 19 test results are all OK.

I love pumpkin season and the colours of fall - great photographs.

Take care

All the best Jan

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I was greatly saddened by Supreme Court Justice, Ruth BaderGinsberg's death. She was such a champion for women's equality and rights! She grew up in Brooklyn, and my sister went to the same high school as her, but about 10 years after her, so we've always have been fascinated by her. If you've never seen the movie that portrays her early life and one of her monumental cases, called "On the Basis of Sex," it is well worth seeing.
I'm glad Rick does not have Covid! That is always so worrisome.
I love your cat watercolor and your Dad's fishing lure wreath!
Enjoy your last days or weeks at the lake!

Linda Sue said...

happy about Rick! happy that you are at the lake, your air is so clear and the colors are so bright, I really appreciate that! Wonderful mantle and your father's wreath, endearing. So pumpkininny up there! We have yet to harvest pumpkins.Love your kitty painting and your kitty face looking out at us. Lovely!

Martha said...

What a relief to hear Rick's test is negative! I was so saddened to hear about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing, she was an amazing woman. This has certainly been was disastrous year. I love your beautiful art and all of your pretty decorations. Plenty of signs of fall there too! Thank you for sharing it all with us. I'm off to visit the blogs you mentioned now. Enjoy your Saturday evening :)

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I am so happy that Rick tested negative, Jeanie, and that you and he will soon be together again. I cannot leave without commenting on Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This was a woman - a tiny squirt of a woman - a Jew who knew what prejudice and hatred were like - who inspired not only America, but the entire world. Every step forward she made for the emancipation of women, and their ascendancy into full and equal status, made all of us the better for it, man and woman alike. People such as RBG rise to the top only once in a generation. She was disciplined, determined, dedicated, principled and loving, qualities that idiot you have in the White House right now could not even understand let alone emulate. The contrast is so stark, and you can be sure that her replacement will be a polar opposite to her, and possibly even a Trump sycophant. Can you imagine what it will be like if Ted Cruise were to be appointed a Supreme Court justice? Or Tom Cotton? I shudder to even contemplate it. America has lost one its true champions. May her memory be a blessing.

Joanne Huffman said...

I, too, cried when I heard about RBG. It's a great loss. Good news about Rick's COVID test. Lovely photos. Enjoy your last days at the lake.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love seeing the beautiful color among the trees. It sure has been a sad year for us all...we lost a loved one this summer too so it's been doubly hard. What a beautiful place to spend time. I'm glad you are there during the nice weather with mild days. And very thankful that Rick had a good report. Happy weekend! Hugs!

bobbie said...

SO glad to hear about Rick's COVID negative diagnosis! And I'm with you on honoring and celebrating RBG's life.
Hugs ~

My name is Erika. said...

I am with you about 2020. What else can go wrong? You know how sometimes individuals have bad years, but this year it is all of us. We can only hope we get some happy election results and that this year gives us that at least. You are getting some nice color. Too bad it's too chilly to paint outside, but good news about Rick. That's something to smile about the way this year is. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend! Hugs-Erika

Pam said...

Wow...I love that your trees are starting to change. Already lots of reds and yellows. Love those colors....and I so love the sweet babies face. Your baby is adorable. Cool wreathe.

Joyful said...

It's great news for you and Rick that he is free of Covid. Sad news about RBG but she fought a good fight in more ways that one and has forever made her mark in herstory. I absolutely love the Fall, not that it's such a short season and heralds the coming Winter but because of the crisp air and the gorgeous colour, especially in the east. Enjoy it. Hugs. xx

Sami said...

Great news about Rick. Love your Dad's lure wreath, very unusual.
Apart from the virus many countries seem to have had a tough year with hurricanes, storms and fires.
Keep well Jeanie and enjoy your beautiful sunsets and the fireplace :)

Valerie-Jael said...

Good to hear that Rick's test was negative and that he can return to you. Enjoy the season and the autumn colours and decorations. Stay safe, Valerie

Mae Travels said...

Rick's no-covid test is one bit of good news in our continuing horror show. I'm really happy to hear it.

best... mae

Rustic Pumpkin said...

The people who really know me are now few and far between, but those who do really know me say I am the most positive person they know, always finding good in bad, but honestly, this year is going so off the scale bad {and we've got our own extra woes with Brexit} that I am struggling to find anything good now. Just as you think the world has hit rock bottom, off we go again.

I am swooning over your pumpkins. I adore them {and sunflowers} clue is in my pen name, and next year I hope to grow some, for it is very hard to find good ones here, or a variety, never mind small, decorative gourds. I recall, fondly, living in Virginia and California where pumpkins weren't just for Hallowe'en, whereas here that's all they are really grown for. Very few decorate, and even fewer cook with them. Such a shame, for it's a beautiful fruit.

Deb in Wales

BeachGypsy said...

I love all these pretty fall pictures! Love the Fall scenes of the trees and YES, girlfriend, especially compared to HERE.....y'all HAVE BRIGHT SPLASHES OF COLOR!! Enjoy it! Fireplaces are so warm and cozy, can't believe y'all have been able to have fires already. So happy to hear of Rick's good test results. I love that picture of all the "punkins" on the trailer. Have a great weekend, my friend!

Iris Flavia said...

YAY for "Corinna" had no chance!
Ruth Bader Ginsburg even was on the German news. My respect to such a lady.
Love the cat-painting.

Boy-oh-boy, are we safe, nature wise, here.

The frame and pic of your Dad... ohhhh. And Lizzie 🧡


DUTA said...

Lots of pine cones here too. The other day, I was sitting on a bench under a tree, and..a pine cone fell heavily on my head; not a pleasant thing to happen.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jeanie,

Great news about Rick's test results. One less thing to worry about right. I am sad about the loss of RBG. She was a hero, fought hard for our rights. Now, I am just worried sick about our country's future. On the bright side your photos are so pretty, lovely view of the lake and trees. Lizzie is adorable, great painting. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead.

Rita C at Panoply said...

SO glad Rick's results were negative, that's a relief. I love the glimpse of fall in your area. We woke up to 45° this morning, and I'm looking forward to a nice walk today and some color changes soon. Love your mantel and nods to your Dad. Those are special!
Sandra's blog today introduces Steven Charleston - what a gem to find! His meditation for today is a most fitting response to our year in chaos: https://www.facebook.com/bishopstevencharleston/

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Glad to hear Rick's test came back negative! Enjoy your time at the lake.

Victoria Zigler said...

YAY for pumpkin season!

I'm relieved about Rick's test result, and glad for you that you'll be able to see him properly again soon.

Someone told me a few weeks ago not to ask what next or if the year could get worse, just in case the universe takes it as a challenge. I'm inclined to think maybe we should follow that advice - just in case.

La Table De Nana said...

So cozy! People all over are mourning her..she was revered.Sophie and Lillie on IG has made dolls of her for a long time and mugs etc..they were selling even more..she is donating some proceeds..lovely artist:)Have a good day..Spotty color here too.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, such great news about Rick's test. I love this post, as I do all the "postcards" from you. How great that an "honesty truck" still exists in our world. In Virginia, our neighbors had a vegetable stand that was on the honesty policy. You will be seeing magnificent color soon.
Jeanie, I do join you in thinking lovely thoughts for all those who are dealing with fires and storms. As, well as the sadness of RBG and the political storms we are facing.
Enjoy your last few days at your lake, I know they are special.

thepaintedapron.com said...

hi Jeanie, I'm so glad Rick's test was negative! It is hard to be alone right now amid all this craziness, I hope he'll be back soon. Thanks so much for the shout out and the prayers. The guys got everything cleaned up at the house so hopefully the tarps will keep everything safe and dry until we can get the roof redone. I hope you enjoy the squash if you make it, I had it myself Thursday night, it's a great meal for 1! I hope you get motivated to paint today, and I am crazy about the fish lure wreath!
Jenna

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

glad Rick will be with you soon w/o the virus. Fall is kind of sad and wonderful at the same time. You'll close up the lake cottage and go home until next year. That's sad. You'll enjoy colorful leaves and all the wonderful things of fall - marvelous!

Divers and Sundry said...

Home with Hubby in these days. It's always good, but it's just seeming more important in these days. Congrats to you both on that negative test!

The loss of RBG is a gut-punch :(

I like having some pumpkin decorations in the fall. Your fireplace looks cozy. We're getting some fall color here. I can see dogwood leaves changing color from my patio, and I'm enjoying the changes. The color there is much brighter than what I'm seeing here. Trail-walking during the Autumn season is the _best_ :) Sunsets across water are really a special experience, aren't they!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

I love your little friend :) Such beautiful autumn colours in your photos. And "Yay!" for the negative test!

Susie said...

Jeanie, I am so glad that you and Rick can be together again. I loved all your pictures. It's been chilly here in the mornings. But nice days. Awesome skies yesterday and today, after hazy milky skies with the smoke of the fires. I have been praying for everyone and there's plenty in great need. Oh yes, I am dreading the round of political crap we will be hearing , seeing and moaning about. I am really sick of it all. I wish we could find some honest people to replace everyone on the hill. LOL Some times we gotta laugh. Blessings to you, stay safe, xoxo, Susie

Judy said...

Jeanie, I have been trying to comment on your last two posts and each time before it will publish it asks for my google info. I put it in and it won't recognize my password, so I will try once more and sign up anew at google??We shall see if it works. Your lake is so beautiful and I think because you don't spend all your life there that makes your times more special. I'm so glad that Rick can come home. With all the bad going on I would hate to be along through it. So sad about the passing of RBG. She persevered for so long and such a strong lady. I just wish she could rest in peace a little while before all the crap starts, but doesn't look that way. Come on November!!! Little Lizzie is so much of a good companion for you, I know I love cuddling up with Robin at the end of the day. Our little guys are so special to us. Well, the old is gone and the new is with us now. I lost my pretty red tomato, one day it was here the next it had gone away. How, I don't know. Didn't know the powers that be could just take your photos away..Stay well and try to keep sane! That is going to be a hard one. Now let me see if this typing wasn't in vain..xxoJudy

Judy said...

Jeanie, It let me publish my comment but then came back to here. If you don't know what I am talking about because you coouldn't see my last comment to you, let me know and I will explain later..STay well..xxoJudy

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Hello, dear Jeanie. I am so glad that Rick is on the mend and the two of you will be back together soon. Love all your pics, as always. I love your Dad's wreath. What a sweet remembrance! Have a wonderful week, dear Jeanie, and I sincerely hope that Rick will be a part of it. xx

Carola Bartz said...

It must be lovely at the lake! The fall colors already are quite stunning and I can only imagine how spectacular they will become. It's still hot here, but there's a faint smell of autumn as well - a subtle change in the colors. Ah, I love fall, and thankfully it's quite a long season here. Sometimes we still have colorful trees at Christmas in some places.
I am heartbroken about RBG's death as well and I'm afraid the next weeks - at least up until the election and in the worst case beyond - will be awful. What has this country come to? It's not the same place we immigrated to almost 20 years ago. Such a shame.

Marilyn Miller said...

I think people are no longer saying "what next" because too many "what next" things have happened. I know there was an earthquake at my friends house in S.Calif. too. Thankfully our wildfires are beginning to get some control and the smoke has gone away. Whew! That was a hard one. I actually could open the house up for the first time today, but I can definitely feel fall/autumn in the air. A walk yesterday was just perfect.
Loved seeing your Lizzie and reading of your time at the cabin. Yes, we can't resist a pumpkin or two for sure.

The French Hutch said...

Jeanie, so sorry Rick couldn't be there with you with the season coming to an end so fast. So happy he's tested negative. Oh I cringe when I hear "can anything else happen in 2020!" I don't like hearing those words. Your cooler weather sounds wonderful. We've had a cool front come through for the weekend, so nice. We will return to our September normal this week. Your painting is great and thank heaven for sweet Lizzie's company for you at the lake. I hope she wasn't a little mad at you for painting another kitty........:)

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
Glad to hear that Rick tested negative.....I am choosing to celebrate RBG's life rather than mourn her passing..She lived much longer than expected with pancreatic cancer and i do question what the quality of her life was like in the end....As a former nurse, I am all about quality over quantity....The leaves here will be changing colors soon as we have had frost in several places...There was frost on our car this morning so I will be checking to see how my annuals have fared out, if any have survived....Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Hena Tayeb said...

2020 has been quite a year..we are surrounded by sadness and bad news..
Love the little changes of color in the leaves.. we haven't seen much in our parts yet. But it has gotten cold.. so so cold.

Karen said...

Wonderful pictures ~ I'm glad I caught up and that Rick is ok and will be joining you soon. I normally decorate by now, but with the house renovations I'll be skipping to Christmas this year. Blessings on the week ahead

gigi-hawaii said...

You have such a beautiful environment. Love that picture of your father. He was a handsome man.

Linda dev said...

Jeanie, love the dad picture and wreath. So special.

Your pictures have glimmers of fall in them, which always makes me happy. Someday I’d love to live somewhere that actual gets a fall.

Thanks for your sweet encouragement on my blog over the last few years. Can’t tell you how much it has meant.

Sylvia said...

Jeanie, I can feel the warmth of the fireplace! Thanks for sharing and have a great week as you reunited with your love! Sylvia D.

Karen said...

I love the frame and wreath honoring your father.

Pam Richardson said...

I am so glad Rick’s test was negative and y’all can be reunited. I love the photo of your dad and the fishing lure wreath. It has really felt like fall for the last three days. Wishing you a wonderful week!

Maggie said...

Glad to hear that Rick is virus free and that you'll soon be together again. Your cabin looks lovely with the added fall decor and the honesty truck full of pumpkins quote the find.
Stay warm, stay safe.

Tracy said...

Hi, Jeanie... Good to catch up with you! But I'm with in feeling the heaviness of the year... So many difficult things happening, and continuing to happen. Things back home there feel even more scary, if that's even possible. It's tough on the spirit! Keep Calm and Carry On--we need that more than ever! Look at all those PUMPKINS! You just don't see a lot of pumpkins here--and I so miss them. LOVE how you have that perfect pumpkin on display. LOVELY to see you autumn decorating. And your DAD wreath--that is sooo sweet! And sweet Miss Lizzie (cuddles!) It is cooling down here, and we're starting to get the garden and house ready for the cold season. Thank goodness during these hard times for the season. This year more than even I'm finding comfort and joy in the gifts each season brings. Thanks for sharing with us, my friend! ((LOVE & BIG HUGS)) P.S. Sooo GLAD Rick is Covid free...blessings!

shoreacres said...

It's funny -- I've never thought about the importance of warm fingers for painting, even though I spend my winters with a brush in my hand. Of course, I can't varnish below 45-50 degrees, so there's that. And the brushing itself is different. Fun to ponder the similarities and differences between your art and mine.

I'm glad Rick tested negative. Our county is down to a 2% positivity rate now, even after the hordes of people who arrived at the beach for Labor Day. Everyone's pretty happy about that!

anno said...

Dear Jeanie, I'm so happy to hear that Rick's COVID-19 test came back negative, and I hope you are both soon reunited. What a terrible worry this must have been during these recent weeks!

Glad you've found tomatos and pumpkins and all kinds of beautiful color up north. Your dad's wreath is lovely, and the picture/frame is a perfect combination; such a great way to remember him. Looking forward to you having more opportunities to paint.

But, yes, it is getting cold. We had a hard frost earlier in the week that wilted our basil but encouraged a growth spurt in the remaining kale and arugula (which I am trying to protect from the deer). Keep that woodfire stoked, and embrace the fleece.

Best wishes to you for an easy (uneventful) re-entry to city life.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

Glad you will be able to be with Rick soon.

Hurricane Beta would have been fine, but it sent a big sycamore limb through our garage roof. Sigh. Pure 2020, right?

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I am glad Rick’s test was negative. What a relief. Hopefully he didn’t have to wait too long. Our wait wasn’t too bad but we had to go into the building to get tested which isn’t ideal. But we went there because you get results in < 24 hours and they gave surgical masks to everyone so we felt pretty safe.

I saw a fall color pic you shared on FB. It’s getting really beautiful out there! We have some peeks of red and orange but lots of green. It’s unseasonably warm here this week - in the 80s today but I am enjoying it since I know what comes next. And the humidity is so low so it’s very pleasant outside.

I’m looking forward to getting our pumpkin this year. Paul will get it more than last year. We will skip trick or treating but someone on our block is organizing an outdoor treat hunt for the kids so that will be really fun.

Polly said...

What a beautiful capture of Lizzie. I'm glad Rick's test was negative. I don't know if it's me but I thought I detected a trace of melancholy in your post Jeanie, I wish I could give you a big hug xx

handmade by amalia said...

Such good news about Rick! You must be so relieved, I'm happy for you. Oh, and to have an honesty pumpkin truck around here would be great as well.
Amalia
xo

Pamela said...

Good news on Rick’s covid test! Everything else just keeps getting crazier.

Lisbeth said...

Good to hear that Rick is all right. What lovely photos from the lake. It looks so beautiful there and the autumn colours are fantastic. What a treat to be able to stay there. Always nice to be in the countryside.
Is it a Swedish flag I am spotting on the wall, behind the pumpkin, in the last photo?
Take care and stay safe.

Anca said...

Lovely photos, as always. I love the one with the pumpkin truck. It must be very hard to pick one or two as they all look so nice.
Glad to hear that Rick's test was negative. Hugs xxx

Red Rose Alley said...

I'm so glad to hear Rick is Ok. It is already starting to show its Fall beauty there. The pumpkin photo made me smile. Haven't got any pumpkins yet, but when I went over Nel's house last week, I noticed some white and orange pumpkins on a shelf in her garden. It was a wonderful sight. Your Fall mantel is all decked out with treasures that remind you of your Dad, that's special. And Jeanie, that cat photo is truly wonderful. You must send it into a magazine somewhere. It's awesome!

~Sheri

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