Postcards from the Lake -- Rick has Arrived. The Good Weather has Gone!

Well, here in the last postcard I was talking about our mostly lovely weather and that it was warm. Then the rain came and cooled it off. But enough is enough. We don't need a week of cooler temperatures, even when it is sunny! Last week was Gaylord's annual Alpenfest, which I confess isn't my favorite time of year up here. So I've been hanging at the lake.

Monday, July 11

Rick finally made it up, cycling from home over two days. He spent the Fourth volunteering at a camp for blind kids in Grand Rapids and then cycled home with his friend Nino. After a couple days of rest and some lawn mowing he hopped back on the bike and cycled here.It was good to see him arrive safe and sound!

 

On his last cycling day it was terribly windy. Even my swim was a tough one, fighting large and frequent waves when swimming back to the house. 

After dinner we sat on the porch, enjoying our solar burst lights and talking over the week and the ride. The next morning felt like the temperature had dropped 20 degrees -- which was close (a good 15!) 

Meanwhile, I got some sad news when my doc's office called to set up a video appointment with my family practice guy whom I've been with for more than 30 years. He is retiring. The day of my appointment is his last day. I could cry. In fact, I did. Best doc one could ever have and now -- what to do? Time will tell.

Friday, July 14

Yesterday was my video appointment with Dr. P. and it was a good talk. He does want to see me in October to see how things are going, although most of the practice will be turned over to nurse practitioners until they can hire docs. They seem to be in very short supply. I'm grateful he hasn't cut us off entirely but staying to administer the practice and consult as needed with the NPs. A huge relief.

I have to admit that I'm having trouble emotionally dealing with my limitations, feeling less than a complete person because of the things I can't do. I'm so grateful for Rick, for the cottage and lake, for the time and ability to be able to read or paint. And yet, I feel ... well, at a loss. At sea. And I suppose it is a loss in a way, one I'm trying desperately to get back, at least in part. But it's a challenge.  

I did do a bit of painting last week too. The cat below is from a Terry Runyan class. I like it and I don't -- not a style I think I'll be doing often but it is sort of fun and whimsical. (By the way, Terry Runyan and many other instructors are offering free workshops in a variety of media beginning August 1-6. Google The Pigeon Letters for sign-up info.)

The sunset was done on a blank greeting card and copied from a photo I took last year from one of our lake sunsets. I'm really enjoying using a dip pen for very thin lines, such as those on the tree branches.

Saturday, July 15

It was a good walk today, my longest yet. I am getting used to my walking stick (although I still think it makes me look old, but maybe not as old as the cane does!). Today I did 1.6 miles (I did stop for a sit break about half through.) Day by day.

I've seen a few pretty things along the way. I"m not sure what this is (yes, I should get the app). It looks a bit like a petunia but definitely not. Maybe a poppy? It's just very small and short.

There's a perfect resting spot about .8 miles from the house by the public bathing beach. I love taking a break here to watch the gulls. 

There are six poles in the lake and they seem to take turns, one often kicking another off a favorite pole and then that "evacuee" moves to another!

Back at the cottage, I finally got some birdseed to fill the feeder Neighbor Jim gave me last year. I've seen a blue jay there and this handsome red-winged blackbird.

But more often it has become the "in" place for the neighborhood grackles, some of which appear to be juveniles.

And I also saw this cute little fellow in the yard under the seed -- the 20th bunny of the season. 

He's a pretty charming fellow!

Not to be outdone in the charm department is Ms. Lizzie. She has fully adapted to lake like and is even being relatively good about her litter box! (Fortunately when she's not, it's on the puppy pad beside it!)

Rick has been riding. A nasty storm the other day changed his plans for a longer ride but that will happen!

He's also been practicing his guitar. When he plays the music it's lovely. When he just repeatedly (and I mean for what seems like hours) plays only a few notes or scales over and over (and over and over), I hit the porch or plug in the headphones! I understand repetitive practice; we all have to do it in whatever endeavour in which we hope to improve. And, I know that's what makes him a much better player. But between that and the repetitive tinnitus, it makes me crazy!

We had a little plumbing problem when a valve on the very old water tank broke. Trying to find the right part wasn't easy, especially on a Saturday and Rick wasn't sure if he had the right tools to fix it, even if we did. Fortunately, he knew a fellow from the water well services and they connected. No water for the weekend, but soon. . At least Rick saw the problem before the house started flooding -- just water in the utility room, which isn't fun but do-able.

One of the good things about grilling out is that is does make the kitchen mess a bit easier to handle! And it's more delicious and more fun, too! 

This lovely butterfly wanted to join our grill-side conversation. He didn't stay long and given that he was on a hot grill, probably a good thing!

 

Monday, July 17

Yay! The water is fixed. Two days without is no fun -- especially when one hadn't yet done the dishes! But all is well now. The interesting thing is that our water has always been orange (yes, I had it tested). Loads of iron. Well, that water tank was so rusty that it was coloring the water. I wouldn't say it's perfect now, but it's so much clearer! The almost $800 was worth it! The new water tank is smaller and a lovely shade of blue, which really doesn't matter but it looks lots better!

Tuesday, July 18

It's another chilly morning but the sun is out and the weather looks promising for the week. We have been in the cool zone and would be happy for ten more degrees. I'm sure that my friends in the south and southwest (and maybe some in Canada and Europe, too!) would be happy to pass on at least ten degrees of their overly hot weather. The world climate is wacky. And a little scary.

I leave you with a look at the lake -- loads of pretty stones.

It's so good to be here.

Sharing with:   Share Your Style    /   Saturday's Critters