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.
"Life" can be defined in this case as a pesky muscle spasm which put my back out. At first, there was some question as to whether it would be that or shingles and I started meds for the latter, (which don't stop or cure but lighten the misery). After a couple of days on it, I didn't develop the shingles welts, so spasm it is. It knocked me for a loop and kept me home longer than I wanted! It was so beastly hot I couldn't even work on that overgrown mess called a garden.
We also went to the memorial service for Rick's godmother last week. That was in St. Joseph, MI, about three hours away. On the way home we stopped at the Kal-Haven trail in Kalamazoo. Rick was one of the founders of this rail trail. I wanted to take his photo next to this plaque.
It highlights some of the early contributions he and other volunteers made to bring this trail from idea to reality.
Then we walked a bit on the trail. It was a perfect day -- not too hot or cool, and it was lovely with the shaded trees surrounding us.
The only slow-down on departure day was finding Lizzie. She picked a new hiding spot and I finally fished her out of it. She looks so innocent. Don't believe it for a minute!
I thought I'd show you another painting I did a bit earlier but haven't shared. This is my girl in her typical chat position.
After unloading it was nice just to chill out on the porch. I was thrilled to see Harry North on my first day here, but a visit from Sammy Sparrow is more than welcome, too.
I fished this out of the lake. It must have been pulled up by a boat motor. The reverse side of a lily pad is even prettier than the top!
I'm not sure how the weather will fly in these waning days of summer. But Lizzie and I don't care.
We're back at the lake, waiting for Rick. And that's a good thing!
Sharing with: Love Your Creativity / Tuesday Turn About / All About Home / Share Your Style / Pink Saturday / Saturday's Critters
61 comments:
Jeanie, I am so sorry about your back.I know that isn’t any fun at all. Try to relax and rest at the lake. September is a beautiful month to just breathe in its beauty. Happy week to you!
Thank Rick for me because Alabama has a nice rail to trail that runs east. Actually I think we have more than one but I’m only familiar with one. I hope you feel better and can enjoy your time at the lake.
I hope your back starts feeling better soon. Have you tried naproxen? I only take it as a last resort, but it's a pretty powerful anti inflammatory.
Oh lovely trails. When the railway left eastern Ontario, various groups took over the old rail beds. They are fantastic!
I may have missed it but I didn’t know you had shingles. Did you get the vax? I got it two months ago and boy did it knock me for a loop but I had heard such horror stories about shingles I didn’t want to risk it. I hope you feel better from both the back and the shingles real soon.
Lovely photos . Enjoy your time at the Lake and I hope your back improves more
Hope your back soon feels better. Glad you are back at the lake, have a happy and restful time. Happy Labour Day, hugs, Valerie
I can empathize with you and your back spasms. I hope you got something for the pain. So glad you are back in your happy place waiting for Rick to join you after his ride. I have a friend who bikes across Kansas every year. I remember I was looking at his bike one day and said something about the seat, which was new. He told me it cost over $550.00 (USD). I about fainted.
Hello jeanie,
I am sorry to hear about your back spasm, I hope you are feeling better soon.
Great photos of Harry North and Sammy Sparrow and your sweet Lizzie. The photo of Rick with the plague is great, I am sure he is proud of the work he did on the Trail. Hubby and I enjoy our local rail to trail walks. Take care, have a great day and new week!
Awesome for Rick to be acknowledged on a plaque! Beautiful heron. I understand totally about the back spasms, I have a tens unit I use from time to time that helps.
Enjoy your time at he lake. I hope your back behaves. The end of summer/beginning of fall is my favorite time of year. I really like the painting of Lizzie.
Hope your back spasm eases up, Jeanie, so you can enjoy your time at the lake. Rick's commitment to the rails to trails is such a gift to so many! And that lily pad - awesome! - you should paint it!
Take care..a back is so importnat..Yay for Rick and his love of cycling..such a passion..comme toi et ton art:)
Hope the back feels better ASAP so you can enjoy the lake. I also hope you're having a wonderful long weekend. I tried to respond to your last comment, and now it wouldn't let me get through to you. No rush on the recipe cards. Take your time. Also wondering if you want the Perfect Murder Book. I can send it your way if you're interested. Hugs-Erika
Well done, Rick.
I am sorry about your back. We're fighting physical issues. Old age...
Happy to see your heron!
So sorry to hear about your back. Hope you are pain free soon. How nice of Harry Heron to be there to greet you! Enjoy your time at the lake, and good luck to Rick on his bike ride. Happy Labor Day
Oh no - I am so sorry to hear about Rick's Godmother, and about your back! My mom has been suffering from some back issues this summer and I know that it is no joke to deal with. :( I am glad you are feeling better.
How awesome that Rick helped with that trail!
Enjoy your time at the cottage and the last flowers of summer!
I'm sorry the back spasm put your plans on temporary hold but am glad you're happily settled at the lake now. I hope the ride goes well. That section of the trail in your photo looks like a lovely place.
Congratulations to Rick on the trail
Sorry to read you have an uncomfortable time of it lately. I hope you are feeling better.
Harry and Lizzie sounds like a book about your summer. lol
So sorry to hear about your spasms, but glad it wasn't shingles, which can be even worse! Congratulations to Rick for helping with the trail. Always a good thing. Enjoy Labor Day!
I am so sorry to hear about your back. I am happy that you are back at the lake. I hope September brings lovely weather for you.
I'm glad you are back at the lake and greeted by such a magnificent crane, but I'm sad your hurt your back! I also threw out my back a couple weeks ago just by brushing my teeth. I felt a spasm and knew I'd be incapacitated for a few days. Rest and a heating pad always helps me when it happens and some anti-inflammatories.
How cool to see Rick as a founder of that wonderful trail!
Lizzie is so photogenic.
Have a fun time and feel better 100%!
The first picture in your post, that of the heron is superb! That's a professional work. You could compete with any pro photographer.
Do you ever bike with Rick? Long distance biking sure takes more dedication than I'm willing to do.
I never knew shingles could start with muscle spasms. I hope you'll get the vaccine for that. Shingles is misery times ten.
Muscle spasms in the back are something I'm very familiar with, and it makes me wince to rememember them. So debilitating and discouraging. I'm glad you are cheered by being at the lake, even with a *cramp* on your activities. Get well soon!
Baby your back Jeanie. Back spasms are terrible. I have had shingles and it is awful. Lovely birds. How nice to walk the trails. Happy week ahead.
Jeanie, I hope your back is better soon. That is a problem that I know a lot about. It always soothes my soul to hear about your time at the lake. I have been reading our "Neighborhood" idiots and their take on how Covid, vaccinations and masks are all BS. You calm me down..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy
Jeanie, I'm so sorry about your back issues, but happy to hear it has let up some to allow you to go to your happy place! Hearing about Rick's contribution to the Rail Trail was so interesting. I love how communities are converting these to walking and riding places for folks to enjoy. We have a couple in our area. Our daughter in New England helped with the establishment of theirs into a great place to enjoy! I love the painting of your Lizzie. Glad you could find your escape artist! Enjoy your time with Harry.
So good to hear you are enjoying another visit to the lake. Sorry about the back spasms though. Lizzie is just plain cute each and every time I see her. What a lovely thing for Rick to be involved in helping to achieve. A trail outdoors is just perfect.
Kudos to Rick. Why am I not surprised? I hope your back kicks back into normalcy soon, Jeanie. A bad back is no fun. By the way, your utterly delightful sparrow, one of my favourites, is a Chipping Sparrow.
You must be so relieved to finally be back at the lake! I hope your back continues to heal, spasms are not fun.
Lizzie is so cute! I loved your comment about not believing she's innocent! She's a beautiful girl though!
Lizzie must be Lizzie.
Lizzie is a cutie and your painting of her is just precious. How cool that Rick started a trail! Also a fet to bike that long. I would never be able to do that. Janice
OUCH . . . I hope the pain has moved on out.
I hope Rick arrives home soon . . .
and you can enjoy these cooler days.
Liking your expressive painting.
Lizzie makes a good model!
Happy September days!
Jeanie,
Glad that you are back at the lake...Beautiful pictures...I hope you feel better soon!Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Lizzie looks very innocent indeed. Love all the pictures. It's a shame about the flowers, but it happens.
I know Lizzie and you will have a wonderful time up north by the lake. Fall is coming soon and then I know you'll have to close-up for another year. I'm so happy your bird welcomed you back. It made me smile.
I’m so sorry about your spasms! Ugh!
And how wonderful you got to go to Rick’s trail!
And glad you got up to the lake. Try to relax and take in the beauty all around!
Happy Tuesday!
I love your lake pics. Happy Tuesday
Good morning, Jeanie. I hope this finds you feeling much better. Back issues are no fun. How wonderful to be greeted by Harry, I know that made your day. Do enjoy your lake time, Lizzie must be happy to be back. She looks so sweet, it is hard to believe she is ever anything but an angel. But, I know kitties can have many personalities.
Have a lovely week and enjoy yourself!
I'm so glad to see that you are back at the lake! What a beautiful place. I'm sorry that you've had the spasm trouble. Let's hope that gets better quickly.
And I really love your painting. You captured that cat perfectly.
Oh no ouch! I'm hoping you recover quickly and enjoy life in fullness!
Jeanie!
Beautiful lake photos! September looks like it is going to be positively gorgeous.
Rick is certainly to be respected for his contribution to insuring the outdoors is available to many.
I am so very sorry about your back. Hopefully you'll be feeling very soon!
Truthfully I have been having a time with mine, my foot and hands! I think it's the humidity here...
Lizzies portrait is perfect, I understand your cat! so sorry for the spasm, I suppose the doctor gave you a relaxer and that you recovered quickly. I reckon when Rick is 102 he will still be riding his bike thousands of miles uphill for fun. Somebody must do it, right?
I will hang out with you- I appreciates your sensibilities!
I am so sorry to hear you are having back problems, not fun! Good to read you made it to the lake where hopefully you are resting and taking it easy. Glad you were able to go with Rick to the service, and lovely walk, so pretty. I enjoyed reading about Rick and the trail. If ever in AL be sure to tell Rick we have beautiful trails all over the entire state. Believe me, I know as I follow my two guys who ride and race those trails. Still hot so outdoor activity is at a standstill. Especially, after seeing a snake on the veranda! I'm looking forward to cooler temps.......Take care.
Yes, being back at the lake is always a good thing. So glad you got there safe and sound. Lizzie does look innocent in this picture, and so sweet. Her eyes are just too pretty. This is a very nice painting, Jeanie. The sparrow is so lovely. I've been having a woodpecker peck a hole in my house, and I try to shooo him away. Such a delightful bird, but he's causing damage to my home! That's wonderful that Rick is one of the founders of the trail, and his picture is even on the plaque.
I'm so sorry you pulled a muscle. Those can be terribly painful. Many years ago, I lifted a piece of heavy furniture, and pulled a muscle. Jeanie, the back spasms were so bad that I could barely move. To this day, if I lift anything heavy, I can still feel the soreness in that one spot. Take care and feel better. It must be so nice for you to see that familiar bird welcoming you back every time. : )
~Sheri
I'm so sorry about your back, it sounds very painful. I hope you are doing a lot better now and can enjoy the days in the cottage. I love to see these images of Lizzie, the yawning painting of her made me laugh. So cat-typical. The lily pads look beautiful, I had no idea what they look like on the reverse.
Have you had the shingles vaccine? I got it a few years ago; now, they have a new two-shot sequence that's reported to be even more effective. After I watched my mother deal with them, I said, "Oh, no. Don't want that." She got the shot, too, and when the showed up again a couple of years later, it was 'almost' nothing. They came and went fairly easily.
That last photo of Lizzie is a hoot! As for hiding places: oh, yeh. I developed a technique for snatching up Dixie, but I had to be fast, and have the carrier door open for that quick shove. Good times.
I get back spasms like that sometimes when I haven't done much walking, I hope you can get some relief for yours. The bird is beautiful.
Sorry about your back. Hope you're enjoying having some time back at the lake.
Dearest Jeanie,
I'm so grateful to you because both with your stunning shots and paintings, and with your nice words you make us feel part of your so beautiful world.
I hope you're feeling better now, and sending my warmest hug,
I'm wishing a you most lovely remainder of your week
Xx Daniela at ~ My little old world ~
Oh no, sorry to hear about your back pain. I hope after you have done all the watering you can relax a little. We have had a kitten abandoned on the doorstep after years of being a dog person I am learning all about cat ways! They certainly do like hiding, the problem is here we automatically think they could have been taken by a snake so a massive panic search starts, to find him curled up somewhere!
Have a lovely time at the lake
Wrenx
Lizzie is so adorable! Love seeing the trail sign with Rick.
So sorry to hear about the back spasms. Phil has had a lot of back problems and it can really lay a person up. I am glad you are up at your happy place now! The commemorative plaque is really cool!! I am sure Rick has and will log lots of miles on that trail! Sorry to hear about the memorial but I am glad you were able to celebrate the lost life. So many deaths went by during covid without closure that comes with a memorial service or funeral.
Lizzie is a cutie and your painting of her is just precious.
Hilarious second pic!
Your Rick is awesome.
And Lizzie, aww....
I love your kitty stories! Sorry about your back, ouch, but glad it wasn't Shingles! Enjoy lake time...
Wow. The bird has long legs. I hope your back gets better. Happy weekend to you.
We really do have to learn to 'go with the flow' but I hope you are much better now. How amazing to see Rick and read about his accomplishments! WOW! I love the paved trails I get to hike in so many places! Give him a thank you for me too!
Hello Jeanie,
I hope you are feeling better now and that Rick has return home safely from his ride. Great captures of the GB Heron and the sweet Sparrow! Lizzie looks very sweet and innocent. I hope you are having good times at the lake.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thanks for the visit and comment on my blog.
Sorry to read about your muscle spasm, hope it and your back is a lot better now.
It was good to see the trail sign with Rick, and to read about his accomplishments.
I think Lizzie looks so innocent in that photograph.
Do take care of yourself.
All the best Jan
Jeanie, I'm so sad to hear you're having back spasms again! They're the worst. Hope by now you feel better - I'm reading back to catch up a bit since I've been off-line for a couple months. Kudos to Rick for his trail work!
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