Postcards from the Lake: A Little Bit of Early Fall, Inside and Out

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.

Because I close the cottage in October (or at least I stop going; Rick may continue later), I don't do a lot of decorating there. For one thing, we have windows in the living room on both exterior sides. Big windows. And when fall's colors reach the trees outside, they really are the best decor of all -- and I don't have to worry about storing it off season! The other reason is we're just not there very much. But I did pull together a small mantel change for the fall.

 

The centerpiece is actually nothing new -- that autumn photo of the AuSable River actually came with the cottage (which we bought furnished). I love it and it stays up all summer long. But it is best in the fall.

Beside it, some pumpkins. The mini-pumpkins and votives came from Dollar Tree. I have a zillion pumpkins at home, but they will be in service there and I didn't want to spend a fortune on decor. 

They sit beside my pine cone tree. I bought this tree shortly after my dad died and it's a reminder of the energy and life he brought to the cottage during those summers when I was young and he was in his prime.

On the other side, a pumpkin joins forces with some driftwood and more pine cones from the yard sits beside a picture the kids gave us for Mother's/Father's Day. It isn't a fancy mantel, but it's very cozy, especially with a fire. 

Other signs of fall? Take a look at that view outside the front window!

This is what I saw on my first morning up here on this trip. Rick is still at home, dealing with painting and renting the duplex as well as some work things. When I woke, it felt terribly quiet and a little bit lonely. I'm used to being here by myself but somehow, it just felt a little sadder and different this time. Then I saw this... and I knew that this quiet time can be valuable as well. And certainly beautiful.

Some trees are way ahead of others!

I'm seeing another sign of fall -- more fungi. I plan to go on a fungi hunt in and around the yard to see just how many different mushrooms I can find.

Today I will put the guest room back together after having had to take the bed apart and lift the mattress and box springs to catch Lizzie, who didn't want to leave the last time we were here. By the time we got her, we were ready to go and walked out, leaving chairs overturned, quilts and blankets on the bed and floor and everything unmade! It wasn't our best departure. And I will hope that tomorrow's morning sky look like this.

All shall be well.

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