Saturday, September 11, 2021

Postcards from the Lake: Can It Really Be September?

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.


I picked Rick up from his Lansing-to-Mackinaw ride on Sunday, after coming up a few days before. We spent Labor Day doing anything except Labor and it was rather lovely! 

I was terribly relieved to see my basil hadn't died after being gone for more than a week. It was a tad droopy but nothing that a bucket of water couldn't remedy!


Our neighbor Jim is truly one of world's best neighbors, always ready to lend a hand or a tool. This week he pulled out his dock and boat hoist.


It's quite a production -- Jim's big blue tractor with a line attached to the hoist in the water, slowly moving it out to ground. 


Every now and then he'd hop in the water, adjust something and then back on the tractor for another pull.


It was a long process but out it came, and thanks to the tractor, was elevated above the beach to his lawn.


We will miss Jim. He told us today he is putting his property up for sale this fall or possibly in the spring. He has a double or triple lot on the point of our lake and it's a property I knew well, even from hearing stories of my mother's younger days, growing up on the lake each summer. 


 There used to be a lighthouse till a big wind took it down and he has made some changes to the house, yet keeping it in character with the original building.


He also kept the out buildings (his tool shed) and the wishing well my mother remembered from days gone by.

It's uncharitable to say I hope it never sells -- and unlikely, too. It's a prize property with a fabulous view and the way lake property is going these days, I suspect he only has to say the word and it will be snatched up above market price. But oh, how we will miss him.


You can tell the season is turning during a walk. You've seen these paths before. Now the Queen Anne's Lace, once prolific on this road, has dried up.


New blooms have taken its place in the swamp with an enormous field of gold.


A closer look -- if a sunflower and a daisy had babies, they'd look like this!


The ferns are browning, some quicker than others.


And red berries are becoming abundant on low-laying freenery.


The movie puzzle is finished and will be dismantled. This was a fun one!


And I've been painting a bit -- putting the finishing touches on this one...


...and practicing leaves after watching a video tutorial.


The flowers can use some work, but that's what practice is for. 


Another highlight of the time here was connecting with a friend from high school who was vacationing up north. We hadn't seen each other since she acted in my college directing class project, the musical "The Fantisticks." It couldn't have been a better meet-up. We had so much in common, her husband was great, and it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon!

 

As we left their cottage to head home, we saw this wonderful sunset. Red Sky at Night, Sailor's Delight. I hope so! So far on the day after, the sun is out, even if it is cool.


There is good news on the lake. Harry has a friend. I've yet to photograph them together, though I tried, standing on the beach for probably a half-hour, after just missing them a few minutes before. Alas, no photos then, as it was too dark before they flew past again. This one will have to do.

It was no hardship, waiting. After the rain earlier in the day it was so very quiet. Only one boat passed, slowly cruising and taking in the sights and the quiet. The only sounds were a few voices traveling across the lake from the park and the sound of the train passing by. I think I could have stood there forever.


The days are flying by far too quickly.

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55 comments:

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

But fall in Michigan is the best! I miss that (and Spartan tailgates) the most.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Jeanie, there's nothing like good neighbors, and so sorry your neighbor will be selling his house and moving on. That is one of the blessings I have here in the mountains.....good neighbors. My brother couldn't believe how friendly and helpful they were. I love that wishing well, so charming. I didn't realize this lake house goes way back to your Mother's younger days. You must have heard some wonderful stories. Yaaaay on finishing up the movie puzzle. Your Paris painting is magical, I love it. So nice that you connected with a college friend. And the pink sky is amazing.

Have a sweet September weekend, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Valerie-Jael said...

Yes, it's September and autumn is coming, and that's good. You made some beautiful art. Sorry your neighbour is selling up and going, I hope you don't get nightmare neighbours again who chop down everything growing, that would be very sad. If people turn up, tell them it's haunted or something! Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

DUTA said...

September is a much loved month of the year. There are quite a few songs praising its colors and weather.
The well by your neighbor's house brings back sweet childhood memories to me.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Y'all are wearing long sleeves! Is it already that cool up there? I hate to see summer go because ours has been so wet, but autumn has its own charm. Have a blessed and fun weekend! Michigan has a night game tonight at The Big House, Shanley was telling me.

William Kendall said...

Fall is certainly establishing itself here.

Vagabonde said...

This was a lovely post Jeanie. I enjoyed looking at your neighbor’s house along the years. You will surely miss him – I wish I had neighbors like this in Nashville. Being next to a lake sounds heavenly. Here in TN the Delta variant is 30+% up and one of the worse in the nation, it is very dangerous. My daughter from Pittsburgh was supposed to fly down here for her birthday but she decided against it because of the virus.
I like your painting of the tower and flowers. As for me I have been going crazy making jam as I found lovely figs – three different type of figs, plus blueberry, blackberry, peach (with Amaretto) plum, etc. I’ll have plenty to give away for the holidays.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It really is sad to lose such a great neighbour, but look on the bright side if you can. Maybe you will get one that's even better!

Prims By The Water said...

What beautiful lake pics. So love your watercolors too. Plus I would secretly not want a neighnor like that to not move too. Janice

My name is Erika. said...

I don't know your neighbor Jim, but it is sad that he is going to sell. Hopefully te new neighbors will be as wonderful. We have the same signs of fall. Ferns are getting brown. Veggie garden plants are looking like they are done; the rest of the gardens are looking tired. This month is just flying. How late do you stay at the lake? Tomorrow we're going to start a bit of clean up at my MIL. Got to get the swim raft out before the water is too cold to go in and get it. Enjoy your lake time, and I hope you get some beautiful days. Hugs-Erika

Pam said...

Not only Sept but next week it will be MID Sept. I always heard that time flies by as you age and I am here to say, YES it does. If you blink you might miss the holidays.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You have a lot going on this September. How nice to see an old friend. Sorry to read your neighbor will be selling his property. The updated house is gorgeous. I hope whoever buys it doesn't tear it down and build something like your next door neighbor. Happy mid-September, dear.

Victoria Zigler said...

Sounds like you're making the most of the last of the season at the lake, and it sounds delightful. Nice lake Harry has a friend, and I can see why you say you could have stayed there forever.

I hope whoever buys your neighbour's cottage keeps it like a proper lakehouse, and you don't get another who paves paradise.

ashok said...

Amazing series of photos...

Linda Sue said...

JIM -NO Don't go. What a lovely neighbor- that is sad! His property is gorgeous indeed i would buy it if it was not on the other side of the world! Beautiful and I am sure it is in JIM tip top shape!
The growing things are so fresh looking welcoming the winter...it is colder here, Woolies out. Well, here we go- into another winter of staying at home!

Haddock said...

That lighthouse is wonderful.
Its a pity it went down.

handmade by amalia said...

Looks like you've had a wonderful time! I'm glad to welcome September, I'm ready for a change of seasons.
Amalia
xo

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I always enjoy your postcards from the lake. I can’t believe how quickly this year has flown by. I do love the fall season.

La Table De Nana said...

So sad he’s selling but if he is it’s because he’s ready.Wow you painted the Eiffel Tower to absolute perfection!!

Joanne Huffman said...

My favorite time of year! Sorry you're losing a good neighbor.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Sad end of an era when a neighbor leaves. Beautiful property. Your paintings are also beautiful. Happy leaf practice.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

It is hard to lose a treasured neighbor, but hopefully you can be happy for him and his choices, and meet a new neighbor to treasure. Love your lake photos. I am not a fan of summer, so it drags on too long for me and fall flies by in a flash.

Rita said...

You will definitely miss such a good neighbor.
Fun meeting up with someone from high school.
Glad Harry has a friend. :)

https://wordpress.com/home/mukhamani.wordpress.com said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of a lovely place and also for sharing your thoughts.

The French Hutch said...

I love everting about our summer except the humidity. We've had our first hint of autumn, the last few days of hot but low humidity. I love that you are enjoying cooler days, it makes for such nice outdoor activities. Love your walks with the new blooms of what resemble mini sunflowers, what are those? I'm sorry you may be loosing a good neighbor. It's always sad to see them go. I know you enjoy seeing his property, I think his well is amazing! Wow, love the Eiffel, great work Jeanie. Happy Sunday.......

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, these photos are amazing. How sad to lose your neighbor. A good neighbor is a marvelous thing and it is terrible when they leave.
Your sunset is breathtaking. It almost looks as though part of the lake is on fire. I am so pleased Harry has a friend. Hopefully, they will pose for you before they leave for winter or you leave.

Have a great week!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Yes, the days are flying! It's amazing how suddenly the weather changes in Sept. It's sad when a great neighbor/friend moves away. We've got houses for sale all around us. Got lucky with one new neighbor so far. Hoping for the best with the rest. Good luck in capturing Harry (!) and his friend. Spectacular sunset!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, the days may be flying by quickly, but I imagine they are leaving the best of memories. Nature is so beautiful no matter what stage it is in. Wouldn't it be nice if all of humanity was that way too? Sorry you will be losing your neighbor. That is a beautiful home and setting..Happy Sunday..xxoJudy

Mae Travels said...

Apprehension about the buyers of that house must be terrible after your horrendous trials with the people who bought the lot next to you and did so much destruction. Unfortunately, things are always changing. I wish you good luck with this.

Have a good rest of the nice weather!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Linda Stoll said...

Oh, what an incredibly beautiful piece of property. A real gem!

And your first picture is the loveliest blend of summer and fall. And that I love ...

Anca said...

I hope you will have good neighbours. It's a shame the strange ones aren't the ones moving out. The basil looks very good, it's such a wonderful plant to grow, isn't it?

Iris Flavia said...

Yes. September already.
Oh ... so great to have a neighbour like that! Sad you´ll loose him!!
Love your Rick´s shirt wit the bike :-)
Cool puzzle. I have to admit, though... no clue? I not even watched "Titanic"...

Love your painting and wow! Having friends from high school must be great ( know no one anymore).
Fun, creative name, ... bet you two sure were Fun... tisticks!

Beautiful sky-pic. Hmmmm. Beautiful.
Yay for Harry!

R's Rue said...

Your photos make me smile. I love it so much.

Rita C at Panoply said...

This post is a bit melancholy, as I've always viewed the season of fall. So sad that Jim will be selling. You can only hope the buyer won't destroy what's there and build something like your other neighbor has. Meeting up with an old school friend validates the fast pace of time, doesn't it? Slow speed activities like painting, watching for birds, sunrises and sunsets are good for the soul.

Marilyn Miller said...

You will miss your friend when he sells his beautiful home. Seeing summer come to an end is almost sad, but gorgeous too. Love your flower painting and knowing you were standing on the beach watching and listening. What a special place to do just that.

shoreacres said...

Your Eiffel Tower is fabulous! I love your flowers and pets, but artistically speaking, that one really is well done. Just yesterday, a friend and I finally found some buds on her goldenrod -- that's how far behind you we are! We're excited to have a tropical storm to keep the temperatures below 90! While you northern folk celebrate September, we're still waiting for October!

gigi-hawaii said...

Oh, what a pity that you will lose your friend. But, as you said, his home is gorgeous and the lawn and wishing well add to the charm. He looks like a very nice friend to have. That sunset is beautiful. So happy for you.

Jenny Woolf said...

Your leaf pictures are gorgeous. They'd look pretty as wallpaper designs or stencils - do you think you'd like to transfer them off the paper and onto the walls?

It's tough that Jim is selling, tough for him too I guess. If I was in your shoes I'd see if he'd sell me a little slice of the lot - just enough to put a belt of greenery where I wanted it. Although the house looks beautiful and I can't really think anyone would want to change it.

Good to reconnect with friends - we've been doing that a lot lately and it's such fun!

Decor To Adore said...

Change is always hard. It is indeed a true treasure when one finds a good neighbor but ever so hard to let one go. In our many moves due to the military, I would often think "We will never have a good of a neighbor as..." But each and every time we do get a good neighbor. I'm also very happy to keep up with previous neighbors on FB.

Carola Bartz said...

I'm sorry that your neighbor has decided to sell his property. It's sad to lose such a good neighbors. The couple who used to live in the house next to ours just sold their home and moved to Colorado to be closer to their daughter. I saw them go with some sorrow. The new neighbors have just moved in, but I haven't met them yet. I'm planning to knock on their door this week and introduce myself.
Your days at the lake always sound lovely and I can understand that you are a bit wistful to see them coming to an end. September is a lovely month and I hope you will still get some warm and cheerful days up there. I actually love autumn, it's my faovrite season.
The Eiffel Tower painting looks lovely! Remember what I asked you a short while ago about it?

Hena Tayeb said...

I've never been to Michigan.. just those sunsets are enough to convince me.
Always love seeing your paintings.

Lynne said...

I love learning of your cottage time and your views.
Sad to learn your friend will be selling, moving away.
That is one thing in life . . . we learn that nothing lasts forever.
except in our memories, I guess.
I hope someone doesn’t come in and tear down his cottage to build new.
He looks like a kind, nice man, you’ll miss him.

I think your watercolor flowers and leaves are beautiful.
Sometimes the practice turns out the best . . .
Painting time will happen for me soon.
Calendar and “stuff” clearing and I will have time!

How are your “fruit flies” . . . they are driving me crazy here!
I have created “apple cider vinegar” ramekins
for the fruit flies to fly into . . . (It is working!)

Lisbeth said...

Thank you for another wonderful postcard from the lake. Such a lovely place.

Miss Val's Creations said...

What a perfect post indicating the transition in seasons! Your neighbor's home looks amazing. Surely you will have new neighbors next year and hopefully they are just as awesome! I'm glad your basil is still going strong. I love your painting of the Eiffel Tower. You need some steady hands for that piece!

DeniseinVA said...

I always am in shock when September rolls around, always say where did the time go this year? Your flowers are beautiful! That’s such a nice photo of Rick and nice to meet Jim too. Good to learn you had a restful Labor Day :) Great photos and very pretty artwork. A sweet post, always lovely to see what’s been going on in your week. Enjoy the rest of it and thanks Martha :)

DeniseinVA said...

I think I made a boo-boo and called you by another name? If I did many apologies, it's that time of night! I really shouldn't be on the computer and pushing publish buttons ;-\

Joyful said...

What a beautiful property your neighbour Jim has. I'd love to have it if I lived there. Wow. The paintings are beautiful and the sunsets are glorious.

Divers and Sundry said...

I hope you get new neighbors who are congenial. I agree with you that it'll get snatched up in a heartbeat. It looks like a treasure.

Penny Carlson said...

Sorry to hear you will be losing a great neighbor! That sunset is beautiful.

thepaintedapron.com said...

It is amazing how seasons can change almost overnight, and Labor Day does flip a switch, and summer things seem to evaporate! I'm sorry your wonderful neighbor is moving...we had a special neighbor at the beach who moved to be near his children, and we miss him so much...BUT the couple that bought his house are super nice, and very good neighbors, so keep the faith! Enjoy these September days~
Jenna

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Beautiful photos! That last one is my favorite. I love it when the lake is like glass. It’s so calming for your soul! I am glad you had a labor-free Labor Day! I am very happy that fall has arrived. It was one of the hottest summers on record here and just miserable many days due to the high humidity. It’s been gorgeous lately with low humidity and temps in the 70s. It will be a steamier weekend so we will get a little taste of summer again but it should cool off again soon.

It’s so hard to lose a great neighbor! We have lucked out and had great neighbors at both houses. I had a hunch that I didn’t close the garage door on Tuesday. I was at a string of 3 doctor appts and didn’t want to stress the whole time so Phil texted our neighbor and sure enough - I had left it open so she closed it for us. It’s so nice to have someone to contact for things like that!

Danielle L Zecher said...

I think your flowers look great!

I know what you mean about not wanting a neighbor to move. Our neighbors keep talking about selling and I panic every time they do. They're wonderful neighbors and have become good friends.

I hope you do get some more warmer days to enjoy the lake.

Lowcarb team member said...

It's not easy to say goodbye to a good neighbour ...

So pleased that Harry has a friend :)

Love your photographs.

I do enjoy the months of September and October the colours are wonderful.

All the best Jan

LAURA WALKER said...

You live in such a beautiful area of the country. It is always hard to see a longtime neighbor leave. Laura

Barb said...

Oh my gosh, I'm drooling at these photos, Jeanie. I think Jim's property will fly off the market. I hope whoever buys preserves the charm.

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