Postcards from the Lake: Friends and Family

Summer is a time for friends and family and we've had both to enjoy this year.

I wish I'd taken a photo of George and Janina, friends of Rick's who came for an overnight after the Traverse City Film Festival. (George writes the George the Cyclist blog.) Instead, we just talked and enjoyed good food and heard about loads of upcoming movies, including some we'll probably never see in a theatre. The film festival has a heavy focus on independent cinema and documentaries along with a juicy selection of classics. George and Janina hit many of the other festivals (including Telluride and Cannes) and it was fun to get their take on things.

A few days later, we headed to Bellaire, about an hour away, to see Rick's cousin Mary and her husband Gus. They are simply delightful people who live in Minneapolis so the opportunities to get together are few and far between. 

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Shorts, a brewery in Bellaire that has such a reputation they now have a patio across the street, a store, and another patio in front of that!

We had the mushroom pizza which had shitake, oyster, and crimini mushrooms with pesto, cheddar, mozzerella, herbs and red pepper. It was the best pizza I'd ever had.

And of course, we had a delightful time.

Not long after that I dropped Rick off in Houghton Lake with his bike and continued on to Anne and Clayton's house for an overnight. Rick met me there a few hours later and we enjoyed a fun ride on their boat -- perfect for a 90 degree day!

Anne and Clayton are friends from Cork Poppers but due to their move and no gatherings during Covid, we hadn't seen them for a very long time! 

Renewing old friendships is a true joy and we loved every minute. (I might also add that both Anne and Clayton are wonderful cooks and we also enjoyed a fabulous feast before Rick got off on his bike ride the next morning.)

There is more family to come (and more friends, too!) but for now here are a few things I've been working on. This is a sketch of neighbor Jim's yard from ours.

And a fun lion that may turn into a card.

Rick brought me some pretty lake flowers when he was out kayaking. They were fully open a little earlier but just as beautiful in buds.

So, I drew them. 

There is a sameness in our days that might seem dull to others but that I find lovely. Mornings are computer times for me. Rick is working and he's online most of the day but will also take time to ride his bike. Often when he does, I'll go for a walk. We're starting to see the goldenrod. Too early.

In the evenings it may be a video or a game after he practices his guitar. And of course, he'll do the wordle and mini-puzzle on the phone with his friends Nino and Marie. 

And of course, there is dinner -- often on the grill -- and followed by a usually lovely sunset.

I leave you with a cloud formaton that reminds me of my big cat when her ears are back and she's in hunting position.

We wish she'd find Stuart Little. Rick says he just ran across the floor. I think mouse traps are next. (Update: The late Stuart Little. Rick got a trap.)