The other day I got up and started checking a somewhat neglected and far too long queue of email when I noticed a new one from my friend, Holly, whom I'd seen a few days before at lunch. "There's a painting workshop in Boyne City on Monday. Interested?" Well, yeah!
So, off I went for a day that included not only a delightful workshop but -- in the hours after -- a walk through this charming northern Michigan city, about 45 minutes from the cottage.
When watching the yahoos hired to take my neighbor's dock and boat ramp work away is the highlight of one's week, you know it has been an odd and unexpected week!
When I came north about a week ago, it was with the idea that Rick would join me as soon as he could. I was thinking within a few days and so was he. But he's been up to his eyeballs with painting the duplex, doing repairs and loads of stuff outside -- not to mention (hopefully) getting a new tenant booked and ready to move in. I realize I really miss the guy! But one does what one must, like adding a lantern to the mantel!
Traverse City, Michigan, is the largest city in Michigan's north, and it sits beside the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. It's a popular vacation destination with its annual cherry and film festivals and offers a number of cultural activities. It's also known for its Michigan wines and the many vineyards on the Mission Peninsula. Most of the photos here show the beauty of that area.
On this gloomy morning, Lizzie and I are taking advantage of what might be the last porch day for a bit. We woke to a warmer morning than expected and took the computer to the porch, catching up with all of you. It wasn't a bad day and when a butterfly flitted by, I ran out to the beach to photograph it, dancing cheerily between this weed and that.
Happily back at the cottage for a bit and wondering when we'll go from green to red and orange. I can see hints in some of the trees but it will be a few weeks yet before we hit full fall color.
I don't know what happened. I woke up and it was September.
And now, we are well into it. One can feel it in the air at the lake. The temperature dropped dramatically, there was one almost full-day of rain. The lake is quieter after Labor Day. Boats and docks are being pulled from the water, despite the fact that September will bring many gorgeous (and hopefully warmer) days.
After a banner reading month in July, I slowed down a little for August, with seven books on the list. This month they were all mysteries.
I'm back at the lake, finally! And look who welcomed me back!
Rick will join me for an extended time when he wraps up his annual Dalmac bike ride (Lansing, MI to Mackinac City, 100 miles a day). He's captaining a tandem with his friend Nino, pedaling behind. (Or not, as the case may be!) This early September is lovely and I wanted to be here sooner but life got in the way. You just have to fly with the birds and go with the flow.
I'd take a photo of the fruit flies but they're so darned small and so fast I can't even slap them down!
In my last Art Camp post I mentioned that we had an unexpected guest during our time north. Life is good when you look out the porch window and see this.
Harry the Heron appears to have an up-north cousin, aka Harry North. And he was pretty stunning.
