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.)
55 comments:
What an exotic pizza! I love the look of it. Yum! Glad that you had a good time with friends and family.
love the first photo. Pizza does sound yummy. of course you drew your flowers, that's what artists do!
I love that first pic. Nice! Looks like you all have had a great time out on the lake. I have not been out on a lake in forever. Crazy...I used to go there a lot.
That pizza does sound delicious. Glad y'all are having a good Summer.
Wonderful photos!! Isn't it great that you could get together with friends you haven't gotten to see in a while? I am pretty much homebound here still, but hope to get up to see my daughter's new house rental...
that pizza looks amazing ;)))yum!!
Your sketches are really wonderful...and that cloud really does look like a kitty!!;)))
hugs, Julierose
That pizza sounds amazing! I love mushrooms but Phil doesn't so I rarely eat then but that means I enjoy them even more when I do get to eat them!
The sameness of your days sounds wonderful to me. When you are doing things you (mostly) enjoy, the sameness/rhythm is really nice, especially for a creature of habit like me!
That cloud does look like a cat with its ears back!
I love your days at the lake. Cottage life is like no other, especially at the sort of summer-only cottage you have and in my dreams I still have. It has a rhythm all it's own.
Jeanie, there is nothing dull about the sameness in our days spent so well! Love your drawings. I especially like the one of your neighbor's place. There is something about the way you captured it from a different perspective and simplified the scene in a less-is-more way that just screams "This is art, baby!" 😊
Sounds like you have been having a great time, meeting up with old friends and visiting relations. Love the photos, especially the evening ones and the catty clouds. My kitty used to play with mice, but catch them? No! Have a great week, take care, hugs, Valerie
Oh, that pizza looks so good (minus the oysters). I crave a good pizza with lots of toppings from time to time. That brewery looks so charming. I love the brick on the wall. The boat ride sounds like fun. Oh, I love that lion sketching. Yes, those clouds DO look like a cat getting ready to take off. Oh my, Jeanie, I do hope you find that mouse - I have a dreadful fear of them. Sounds like you are enjoying these August days to the fullest. What lovely views at the lake. I always enjoy your posts, they're delightful in many ways.
~Sheri
Was that pizza as big as it looks in the photo, or am I seeing a bit of perspective illusion? It both looks and sounds good, however large it was.
Good bit of pareidolia seeing the cat in the clouds,
Your time with friends sounds like a blast and your every day moments sound perfect!
Sounds like wonderful lake life Jeanie, enjoy, summer is going by much too quickly!
Jenna
Lake life sounds perfect, Jeanie! The pizza looks incredible. Seasons will be changing soon, enjoy the days of summer…
Summer is a time for friends, family, and...Festivals. We've got all kinds of festivals here in all kinds of places.
The Jerusalem movie festival ended, and a mini-'festival' (a war with rockets) started. Never a dull moment. Cease fire now, thank God.
Your sketches are lovely!
Early spring, early goldenrod?
Those clouds indeed look like a big cat!
Spending time with family and friends is such well spent time, especially if you haven't seen each other in a long time. What would we do without our friendships?
Lovely sketches and drawings, Jeanie!
Looks like you had a fun time!
Hello Jeanie,
Your days sounds great to me. I love the sky and moon photos. Pretty flowers and I like your sketches. The pizza looks delicious! It is fun getting together with your friends. Take care, enjoy your day!
Summer is nothing if not idyllic for you, Jeanie. It's always good to get together with friends and I much prefer two or three couples rather than mass gatherings. For the first time since COVID Miriam's family will hold its annual summer family day when the entire tribe converges. I enjoy that about as much as a visit to the dentist!
I so enjoy your lake time. There is also a sameness to our seasonal days too, not dull at all. You've had lots of family and friends this year, and that's wonderful. That pizza sounded delish!
That pizza looks amazing. It is a joy to reunite with old friends. Covid certainly was restrictive and separated both family and friends. I hope it will be behind us soon.
Looks like you are enjoying time with friends. Nice to see that you look healed up from your fall. That pizza looks divine!
You are both enjoying Summertime! Friends, family, boat rides, pizza, and gorgeous sunsets!
Fabulous living!
And that cloud formation does look like a kitty cat. Amazing!
Keep enjoying life and making your beautiful art!
Happy Tuesday!
It looks like a lovely summer for you. How nice to be able to visit with friends and enjoy such delicious foods.
Yay you are having fun again:) Good for you.. You have a cat AND mice? I thought that was impossible:)Good for you and sketching..I signed up for Ian Fennely..beginners..I would hate to see advanced:)
Your summer is sounding like a lot of fun Jeanie. It has been a great summer for seeing people, hasn't it? I've done a bit of catching up, including seeing some of my former co-workers whom I haven't seen in quite some time. And I am loving your sketches. I really like these pen and ink pieces without a lot of color. And goldenrod is in full bloom here. It does seem early, but we are very dry, so I think some flowers are blooming off schedule. Enjoy your days at the lake. They are definitely not boring to me. Hugs-Erika
Looks like your summer is really where it's supposed to be Jeanie. Lots of visits with friends and family and of course the lovely lake life! I love the routine of "sameness" and I think it is a wonderful thing. Sweet drawing of the flowers Rick picked, so sweet. Enjoy the remainder of summer.
Looks like great summer fun on the lake. The food looks wonderful. My hubby loves a good pizza. How sweet Rick brought flowers. Our day to day is pretty routine. We are home bodies most of the time.
Your summer life sounds perfect and I really enjoyed your photos and drawings. Enjoy August and seeing friends. It's a time to relax and share with others.
I love those sweet, comfortable days of sameness. When you've had a lot happen in your life you can really appreciate them--LOL! ;) Good friends, good food, and a good routine sounds wonderful to me.
Sounds perfect...Pizza looks great!!
I had to smile at "the late Stuart little". Oh how I remember times in the past with traps around our home out on the Kansas prairie.
What lovely visits, mushroom pizza, and a bit of art too. So peaceful having a rhythm to your summer.
Good times with good people are always golden moments to be treasured.
Your summers at the lake house always sound idyllic. Jeanie, and never boring as you keep busy. It is nice that this summer you are able to get together with family and friends more than last year when covid was still a constant worry. The pizza you had sounds amazing! It's nice to mix up the toppings and try new combinations.
So glad you had fun with friends and the lake. I live on the river and have not been on our dock once yet all Summer. Just too dang busy. Ugh Janice
love the cute drawings. sounds like you've been having a great time getting out and about. Long may it last!:-)
oh yes that 'cat' photo is great too.
It´s always sad but a good sign when you´re too busy having fun and forget about taking pics!
My 2 cents.
Hmmm, that pizza! And the beer, and happy people, this is THE life! :-)
A boat on top, awww.
Toady iz´s Henry´s day, btw. Worldwide, my PC told me.
To water, lakes, summer, friends, good food and fun!
Beautiful photos. Hope you’re well.
Dear Jeanie, I am so happy you are enjoying the lake and seeing old friends. Sounds like a grand life. The pizza made me hungry and looks delicious. I love your sketch of the flowers in a vase. And, my mom would say about the goldenrod, "Sign of an early winter." Enjoy your lake days and evenings!
Spending time with friends and family are especially nice after the last couple of years. Enjoy your time at the lake. Karen (Back Road Journal)
Oooo, I'd love a film festival! That pizza looks delicious. I see the appeal of calm days with a regular routine. Especially if it includes dinners on a grill and such lovely sunsets :)
R.I.P. Stuart Little, but they should learn to stay outside ;)
Good that you got together with friends.
Your cloud kitty is perfect. Yesterday (I think) was International Cat Day, so it showed up right on time. You want dull? I could show you dull, but I'll not inflict that on you. Get up, sweat for eight hours, collapse, and go to bed after staring at the computer for an hour certainly is less stimulating than your days! But tonight? We got rain. I think we received 1/2" or maybe even 3/4" but in Houston there were places that got two or three. They say we may get more tomorrow and even into the weekend, so we'll see. Everyone will feel perkier if some rain shows up!
It looks idealic Jeanie
Of course I love the cat cloud…
It reminds me of recently I saw a big wet water stain of a running rat on the pavement around the corner. Of course for once I did not have my ipad to shoot it. My entire childhood was spent seeing things in the rosebud wallpaper in my room…n
How to become an artiste 🎨
Jeanie,
All great pics!! Looks like you are enjoying yourselves!! Good for the two of you! hope you are feeling well! Thanks again for stopping by!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
hugs,
Deb
Your Summer days sound great! Love your sketches that might be turned into cards. We enjoyed our visit to see family and now it's time to relax before our next lot of social occasions. In the meantime home activities in the garden and preparations for visiting guests are a priority. There's always time for some reading too. Take care both if you.
Lovely that you got to see your family and friends. Great sketches! I enjoyed your photos, a delightful window into what’s going on in your world and thanks for sharing.
I stopped by one other time, but forgot to tell you how much I love that first picture. Just wonderful! Happy Birthday again to you!
The sameness of your days, sprinkled with get-togethers with friends and family, sounds like a perfect recipe for summer lake days. That pizza looks so good - I'd almost hop on a plane to go try it! I saw the cat image in the clouds immediately! Enjoy these last few weeks of summer!
You’ve been busy! How nice to get back together with old friends. Your cabin is a very nice retreat. Love your drawings!
🍀🍀🍀
After the confinements of Covid it is so wonderful to spend time with family and friends.
Thank you for the lovely photographs on your post and for sharing your art.
All the best Jan
Glad you got to spend some quality time with the people you care about. And I love the idea of the mushroom pizza.
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