Thursday, June 23, 2022

Postcards from the Lake: We Have Arrived!

We have arrived! It seems as though it has taken a long time to finally make it north to the cottage. My MRSA, Rick's Covid... would we ever get to our home away from home?


Yes! When I see this sign, I know I am three miles from "home."

But there's always a surprise -- although in this case, I knew about a tree that had fallen in the winter. It was propped up against another tree (versus falling on the garage, which was a relief). Our dear neighbor Jim (who is STILL at the lake and hasn't sold his house yet -- hooray!) arranged for a fellow to remove it, stump and all -- and even paid for it. 

However, we knew that he hadn't finished the job. Both Jim and Rick tried to reach him and he hasn't returned calls. I expected to see the stump. When we arrived, we saw this.

Needless to say, no one is amused. We'll keep trying the guy but I think Rick and Jim are going to tackle the project themselves.

Rick had come north while I had the MRSA and did a deep clean of the house, which was terrific and sorely needed. A few things happened in the process!

First of all, he is a stellar cleaner. He's not good on artfully rearranging what he dissembles while he cleans! So I need to put a few things back together (and just glad I didn't arrive with company!)

Ah, well. All's well. Well, mostly!


When he came up, I had given him a bag of clean laundry and another bag filled with my swimsuits, sunscreen, clothes I would want over the summer (including a warm sweater and sweatshirt) and a few other things. So, as it was 90 degrees when we got here, the first thing I looked for were the swimsuits. They do not exist. This is a small house. We've checked every drawer, closet, cubby, behind furniture, in the garage, under the beds... they do not exist. Not amused, this time with Rick!

But again, all is well. Land's End delivers and I can swim in shorts and a t-shirt. Or will! Meanwhile, life is pretty sweet on the porch -- though it's clear that the beach needs some weeding and attention, so not all R&R!

Weather cooled a bit after that first day but it has remained sunny and beautiful. While our goslings at home are fully grown, I noticed two families of geese coasting along the water. A beautiful sight. Stay on the water, not on the beach, please! (bad phone camera pix!)

And yes, reading, too, having finished one book and starting another. 

Meanwhile, our girl has settled in, finding some of her favorite sun puddles and sleeping places. And so far, she's been thinking inside the box!

And then there's always the joy of the first walk at the lake! What's new, what's back, who's here!

 There's much to do, more walks to take, fun to be had.

And oh, those sunsets.

It's good to be back.

68 comments:

Bill said...

Enjoy and have a good time. I read that Larson book last month and it was good.

DVArtist said...

Glad you are home safe and sound. Enjoy it all.

DUTA said...

I like the expression 'home away from home'.
You and Lizzie look cute and relaxed. The blue of the water and the green of the vegetation around are overwhelming!
With Rick the man in the house, life's going to smile on you.

anno said...

Hooray -- you made it!

You've got the right attitude: Don't sweat the small stuff! Let the good times roll!

Use exclamation marks with abandon!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Enjoy your well deserved summer holiday - views at the lake, peace and quiet, and all your feathered friends

Lowcarb team member said...

Have a fabulous summer on the lake, it looks so lovely in your photographs.

All the best Jan

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

So glad you are back at your happy place! Enjoy your summer.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Looks like a fabulous place to spend the summer. So sad that some will not finish a job if you pay them before they are done. Hope you can get it cleaned up. I sure hope he didn't leave the door open all that time!

bobbie said...

Welcome home!

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

So glad you got to the cottage! Nothing is better than spending the Forth of July at a Michigan lake.

Mae Travels said...

Funny, this evening I was just looking for a dress that should be somewhere in the house and it's nowhere. It has to be something I did, though, no one else to blame. So odd how things can just go into the void. And I had another conversation today about an air tag that disappeared. It hadn't been connected to an iPhone yet -- otherwise it could be found. So I hope your swimsuits do miraculously reappear!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Happy Summer!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Have a great time at the Cottage, Jeanie. It is simply beautiful there.
It looks so relaxing. Enjoy!
blessings,
Penny

Sue in Suffolk said...

I'm glad you got there after all the hassles but what a mystery...... "the vanishing bag of swimming costumes".......don't think it's quite a book title!
Enjoy those sunsets - beautiful.

Valerie-Jael said...

Glad you are back at your summer house. Sometimes, things just disappear. I bought 2 new leggings, put them away, and they are gone! I think theres a special hole where these things go to, and sooner or later they just come out again! Have a wonderful time, dear Jeanie. Hugs, Valerie

Rita said...

Looks so peaceful!
But where did your bag of clothes go? ?? Stuff like that drives me buggy--LOL!

Linda P said...

It all looks wonderfully idyllic. Relax and enjoy the change of scene, the activities you plan to do and the times just being by the water.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I am sure you are having fun times at the lake! I hope you have found your bathing suit. Enjoy your summer! Take care, have a great day!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

So glad you and Rick are back in your happy place! I know that feeling of arriving to your vacation home - it's exhilarating! Enjoy!

acorn hollow said...

Have a wonderful time! It looks like a piece of heaven
Cathy

crackercrumblife said...

Yay! So glad that you guys are back at your happy place on the lake! Even with the less than pleasant surprises. You are going to have a great summer!

La Table De Nana said...

Enjoy!

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

You're in your happy place! Wonder what happened to that bag? Oh well, maybe it was time for a new suit anyway. Enjoy your time there! -Jenn

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

So glad you are at your home away from home. How delightful and peaceful. Sorry about the tree. So strange your bag is swimsuits are missing. I hope you find them and enjoy a your weekend away.

Anvilcloud said...

It looks like a perfect retreat. Do you stay all summer?

gigi-hawaii said...

Everything looks great! Enjoy your vacation. Gigi hawaii

Joanne Huffman said...

Glad you're back in your happy place.

Divers and Sundry said...

The tree guy did half the job, but I'm guessing he'll never do the other half at this point. The Case of the Disappearing Swimsuits! I'd like to think they'll magically reappear at some point. I've done plenty of creek swimming in men's swim trunks and a t-shirt. In many ways I prefer it lol

Your photos look like heaven, and I can't imagine why your neighbor's property hasn't been snapped up by now. Strange. I'd certainly be tempted if I lived up that way. It sounds like the best of lake and woods life :)

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Yay! I am glad you are at the lake! I am sure your pulse immediately slowed - well, once you got over the tree problem! How annoying that the guy your neighbor hired is unresponsive.

Annoying about the swimsuits, though! Where the heck did they go?? But good call to swim in what you need to until the suits arrive!

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Oh, Jeanie, I am so happy you are back at your lake. I just know this is the boost your heart and soul needed. Now, prop your feet up, find a nice cold drink, read those books, and above all get out your paint brushes. Enjoy your peace and sunshine.

Bonnie said...

Glad you are back at the lake and both are well. Sorry, about the tree. People disappoint. Hate that happened.
Also, frustrating about your swimsuits.
Enjoy all the lake time has to offer. I look forward to the stories of your time there.

Astrid said...

I am so happy you've finally been able to go to your home away from home! Too bad about the tree, but I'm sure Rick and Jim can work it out themselves.

Victoria Zigler said...

Glad you made it up to your home away from home and are enjoying being back there despite the missing clothes and such.

William Kendall said...

Lizzie looks pleased.

The French Hutch said...

Sorry about the the tree and being disappointed when you arrive. Sounds like Rick has it under control. I had to smile about the swimsuits, I know its not funny but I've has similar happenings! Never give a man a bag full of anything you don't want thrown out! That's all I'll say about that. The lake offers such wonderful promise for a wonderful summer. So glad you are better and I know you will have a wonderful trip. Happy weekend.........

roughterrain crane said...

The breeze from the lake must be very comfortable.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I am sorry I am late to comment. I am so happy that you all made it to the lake and that Rick had gone earlier to clean. I know he feels terrible about the swimsuits, I am sure you will eventually find them. It seems it is so hard to find people that will complete a job! Enjoy swimming, reading, and relaxing!

shoreacres said...

I laughed and laughed at the disappearing swimsuit. Isn't it odd, how those things happen? I searched high and low for a favorite jacket last winter, and finally decided I'd left it on a boat and it had been stolen. Au contraire -- there it was, tucked neatly between some fleece throws that I'd stored. Of course, I only found it in May. I can't wait to see where the swimsuits turn up.

This N That said...

Have a great summer..What a lovely place to spend it..Enjoy!!

Iris Flavia said...

What a beautiful, beautiful post! Ingo thought I´m nuts saying ohhh and ahhhh all the time!
A beautiful place and you look so happy again :-)
Wishing you a wonderful time there by the lake! And lots of fun swimming!

DeniseinVA said...

That’s wonderful that you are back at the lake, and sorry to hear about the downed tree. Too bad about the man you hired to removed it but Jim sounds like a great neighbor. Oh dear on not finding your swimsuits but thank goodness for places like Lands End and many more who deliver! How wonderful that you have another home by the lake. We had the chance to buy on the river once but opted for closer proximity to the city. Sensible back then but in retirement how lovely it would have been now. It sure is a pretty area and your sweet kitty is enjoying the sunshine I see, and getting in her comfort zone. Great photos Jeanie, and here’s to many happy hours spent at the lake.

It's me said...

O wowwww!!!…I will be honest 🙈 …I am jealous 😔 hahahaha enjoy your time there 🍀love from me and Leaf

My name is Erika. said...

Hurrah-hurrah-hurrah- other than the missing bathing suits that is. Thank goodness for Lands End. I wear their suits myself. Enjoy Jeanie. It sounds like you don't need me to say that though. hugs-Erika

R's Rue said...

Enjoy. Have fun.

Tammie Lee said...

Hi Jeanie,

So happy for you. I know you love being there.
I hope you are feeling better and can fully enjoy your summer sunsets, art, meals and walks.
A lovely place to be.

thepaintedapron.com said...

Nothing like being at your summertime happy place! So glad you finally got there! I hope your summer is full of many happy times and that you find your swimsuits!
Jenna

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Nice to see you made it to your home away from home. Seems like there should be a way to get the guy who reneged on the tree and stump. That would infuriate me, especially if I had put out my hard earned money like your wonderful neighbor did.

Wonder what happened to your clothes and swim suits? That is truly a conundrum. Glad you can get replacements, though. I'm sure once you and Lizzie are settled in, all will be well and these annoyances will dissipate.

Carola Bartz said...

So very nice to have a house at the lake and spending the summer there. It does look a bit like heaven and I hope you will spend wonderful weeks there. When you wrote about the missing swimsuits I thought that now you would let us know that you swam naked in the lake - but alas! this is not Germany. Does your cat stay inside the house or is she allowerd to roam? You have a lovely neighbor in Jim, he's a keeper and I hope he won't sell his house anytime soon.

Sandra Cox said...

Looks like your own little chunk of paradise.
Love the term Sun Puddles.
Take special care.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Just saw your comment on the Party at our new PBS studio. No, it is in Wichita, KS. The old building was 8,000 sq ft. The new one is over 31,000. PBS is a cause I believe in.

Red Rose Alley said...

So glad you made it to the lake, Jeanie. That's so nice of Rick to do some house cleaning before you got there. Sounds like there's a lot to do before you have some R & R, but it's definitely worth it - look at the view! I like how you keep the beach area up a bit. I hope Rick and the neighbor don't get too tired working on that tree project. That's too bad that it fell like that. I'm glad to hear that your neighbor, Jim, is still there and hasn't sold his house. I know you appreciate him living there. His house looks so different in the snow. ; ) Enjoy your days at the lake house, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Prims By The Water said...

So happy to hear your are back at the lake. Enjoy your Summer! Janice

Karen said...

Glad you are feeling better.
Did your garments accidently get tossed in the trash? Been known to happen here. LOL

DMS said...

Sounds like you are both feeling much better and I am sure being at the lake will help. Thank goodness that tree didn't cause more damage. Hopefully the projects don't take too long and you get plenty of R and R. :)
~Jess

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jeanie, glad you're both doing well and are back at the lake. woo-hoo Hope you have a splendid summer.

Veronica Lee said...

Glad you're home safe and sound, Jeanie.

The lake looks so lovely.

Enjoy your summer, my friend.

((hugs and blessings))

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Glad you made it! It looks like such a peaceful place for your home away from home. I hadn't realized either of you were ill, as I missed those posts, but I'm glad you are both recovered. Take good care.

R's Rue said...

Have a beautiful day.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

So glad you made it to the lake, even though you are facing some big obstacles there!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Wo, Jeanie, I did not know you had MRSA! I'm glad you are all healed and that Rick is feeling back to normal. I'd be mad too if someone lost my bathing suits as I am not the easy size to find new ones if you know what I mean...lol I don't swim or sunbathe often so my bathing suits are all pretty old but fit like a glove, so I'd be sad to lose them!

I know how much you love the lake and I'm glad you are both there to enjoy summer. It is a bummer about the tree not being taken car of --report that guy to the Better Business associations nd give hi a bad review on Yelp,

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

Jeanie,
Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting as often as you do!! I truly appreciate it! Glad that Rick has recovered from Co Vid and you are also doing well...Looks like you are going to have a lovely time in a stunning place that you both love and enjoy! So happy for the both of you!!
Have fun!
Hugs,
Deb

Hena Tayeb said...

Oh look at the view. Enjoy your time at the cabin.

Pamela said...

How nice to be back to your cottage. The missing bathing suit bag is quite the mystery.

Marilyn Miller said...

I love your time at the cottage. What a nice picture of you too.
Enjoy each moment. I know there will be paintings we will see and swims in the lake. Ahhhh, summer!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, so glad that tree didn't fall on the garage. I see you made it back to the lake. I thought I was keeping up with everything but evidently I have missed a few. Glad you are evidently feeling better so now I will go back and read about that..Happy times at the lake..xxoJudy

Danielle L Zecher said...

I'm so glad y'all finally made it to the lake house. Though, I can't imagine packing a sweatshirt for the summer! I hope your new swimsuits arrive soon. That has to be frustrating.

Lisbeth said...

I envy you this wonderful summer retreat. Enjoy the season.

Marie Rayner said...

So sorry you had mrsa Jeannie but happy you and Rick have both recovered enough to get out to the lake. What a lovely place to relax and recuperate fully. Love your kitty. Don't cats always know where the best patch of sunlight is! xoxo

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