September tends to be a favorite month for many reasons, but it also has its moments when I want to clutch the best days and bottle them for the days that are far from the best. Yes, "the days grow short when you reach September."
It has been quiet here at the lake. And I confess, I've been a little stir crazy. After all, this one is a fine roommate but her conversational skills could use a little work.
As I mentioned in the last post, they tell me I will be getting a picc line to help alleviate a pseudomonas infection which is one step away from a virulent type of pneumonia. My family practice doc is now conferring with the infectious disease doc to be sure this is the way to go, and I'm OK with whatever they decide. I've done this before. I don't like it but it's what must be done. But it probably means staying put at home for much of the month, something that doesn't thrill me. Note to self: Keep picc line cords away from this one.
So, I decided I needed a road trip -- someplace that would be away from areas where Covid is picking up. I took off for a ride to the Stonehedge Fiber Mill. This route passes through some beautiful countryside with lots of stone homes and buildings like this one.
I am reminded of the lyrics in the song -- "When the autumn weather turns leaves to flame, one hasn't got time for the waiting game."
I missed the sign for the fiber mill but was happy to backtrack and make the turn!
I've written about this very tiny yarn shop and the mill before. They make beautiful Shepherd's Wool, which might be the softest I've ever worked with.
I left with a ball of roving for needle felting and continued on.
The countryside was spectacular, with scenes like this.
Perhaps the highlight was encountering this -- a glorious field of sunflowers. They were growing on a rolling hill and offered the most gorgeous swath of yellow.
No, I didn't go pick any. But I wanted to.
I also took a look last week at the Super Sturgeon Moon. My photos are terrible but here's the best of the lot..
I've been painting a bit. I'm rather pleased with this one of Paris' Place des Vosges and this will go in the fall sale.
This one, probably not.
I also did a few cards, including a whimsical bug...
....a flower girl...
....and some poppies.
I don't decorate much at the cottage for fall because most of my stuff is home and I refuse to buy more! But with the pine walls and all, it has a bit of a fall feel year round. A few pumpkins on the hutch shelf...
... and a few pumpkins on the mantel with my pine cone tree.
Rick is having a wonderful time on his journey, seeing old friends and making new ones. His newest pal came when his bike had a screw in the tire damaging the rim and he needed a ride. A guy not only helped him out but he turned out to be much like Rick -- a cross country skier, a cyclist and a GIS mapping person! All because he knocked on the door and asked for a ride.
My neighbors Jim and Kathy are wrapping their time at the lake too, and brought over some wonderful porch furniture for me! They will be so missed. They came over for some wine the other night and on my last night here went over to say goodbye and thank you for everything -- not just furniture or the cute tablecloths Kathy gave me. Thank you for everything over so many years of neighboring.
And, on one of those September days, my last here for a bit, I did a final swim. Cool water (not as much as I'd expected) but warm under the sun. The last swim is always a bit sad.
"Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few. September, November."
"And these few precious days I'll spend with you"
Rick will be home this week. The conversation will definitely improve.
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66 comments:
Beautiful photos. Sending hugs
Regine
I love September Song, with that old scratchy voiced guy (Walter Huston?) singing. I've added it into my whistling practice, thank you.
Also thanks for sharing the summer at the lake.
I hope your health holds up. Please keep us updated.
Oh, Jeanie!
If I could, I'd be tapping on the screen door right now with apples, cheese, good bread, and a nice rose'.
Please keep us all posted. (I know you will.)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Now I have Lotte Lenya singing in my head. “It’s a long, long time…”
I hope your medical issues are solvable without too much suffering!
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
It all seems bitter sweet - the wrapping up of summer, the leaving of your friends at the lake, the lead up to a medical intervention... but that's the change of season, isn't it? I love this time of year and it just has such an "emotion" attached to it. When I look at your kitty pictures, I realize that our Murphy has similar little "moustache" marks on his face, too. -Jenn
Lizzie is adorable, even if she's not a great conversationalist.
I do hope your doctors decide what to do soon, that it isn't too horrible, and that you have a very quick recovery.
I'm sorry your lake neighbors are leaving. Do you think you'll be able to stay in touch with them?
Is it possible for me to get on your art sale list? I think I need some new notecards! And, do you have any with raccoons? I have a new chemo buddy, whose favorite animal is raccoons, and I'm having a terrible time finding raccoon themed cards for her.
Jeanie, I loved so many things about your post today. Where do I start? Well, I'll start with the drive in the country.....such beautiful countryside, and it looks like Fall is really coming around with the leaves changing. Oh, you have the prettiest Autumns. My sister would love that yarn shop. She sometimes stops at the fabric store and browses. And I know you said your moon photo wasn't the best, but that is really pretty....very mysterious. Your painting are so delightful, with the flower girl being my favorite. It's always a treat to see you decorate for the holidays, even if you didn't put too much out. Those pine cone candle holders are sooooo cute, and perfect for the lake. That was thoughtful of your neighbor's to give you the porch furniture. I know it's hard to say good-bye to the days at the lake, Jeanie. It's hard for us too. ; )
~Sheri
What a hard month it is for you. I know you hate to see your good neighbors leave :(
It looks like you picked a nice outing to enjoy some time out during September. I'm now looking at videos of covers of that song :)
Lovely kitty is Lizzie.
Wishing you the best for a speedy recovery, Jeanie.
Sorry you have to wait to get things started.
Beautiful countryside.
Love your artwork, especially the flower girl. So pretty and cute.
That yarn shop would call my name, too. Hope you have good luck keeping the cat away from your tube-line. She seems too old to be playful, though. Hope you get to see some fall colors before coming back to town.
Hi Jeanie, hope you feel better real soon. Thank you for these delightful photos, especially of your sweet Lizzie. I always love your artwork, every piece but the Paris' Place des Vosges is exquisite. I am so sorry you are losing your neighbors. Always a hard time saying goodbye to good people. What a fun trip out and always a pleasure to go along with you. I enjoy my virtual tours. Sending hugs!
The good news is Spring returns next year. Now it seems so far away but the time keeps on ticking. Wishing you happy days. Take care, Jeanie.
September does seem like a farewell to summer - though often these days October is equally beautiful. I hope that's the case for you too. I'm glad your old family doc is involved with discussions and I hope he and the consultant come up with the best solution for you. What a lovely drive you took - I loved that hill with the horses. Hugs.
It has been a while since I saw your paintings. My goodness! How beautiful.
Ending and leaving is bitter and sweet. I hope your friends will wander back your way soon.
So glad to hear that Rick is safe and ran into just the right person to help him out! How kind your neighbors are. Nice porch furniture. I know you will miss them! Glad you were able to take a swim in your lovely lake in September. Your drive in the country is beautiful. Love the stone barn!
The yarn at that shop look soft from here. ;)
Glad Rick ran across a nice person in his time of need!
You will miss your neighbors so much. I hope you get new good ones.\
Love your artwork.
I've had a port in my chest for two years and plan to ask about getting it removed when I see the dr next Friday. They are less bother than your picc line it sounds like. But you do what you have to do, right?
Has to feel like a sad time--neighbors leaving, Rick gone...soon things will be better when Rick gets home.
Your pine cones do look like they belong there. :)
Like that one "When the autumn weather turns leaves to flame, one hasn't got time for the waiting game." and the picture matches it.
You're using your time well. I know you'll love having Rick back home.
Love your post; it was just YOU all over the place. felt your personality and joy as you made the rounds saying "goodby" to summer. glad you and Rick have such a wonderful life and that you share so much with us all. hugs.
Lizzie is good company I'm sure. I imagine the weather must be warm enough for you to go swimming in the lake. Sometimes it's a good idea to go on a day trip with a stop off along the way. I would love to go to that yarn store. You're such a creative person with your painting interest. It would be interesting to see your craft work. Meanwhile, I hope all goes well with the medical treatment you need. I'm glad Rick will be back soon.
When good neighbors leave, I get to feel devastated. Good neighbors are hard to replace.
Love your cards and paintings.
They are wonderful sceneries. Thank you for sharing!
Good thoughts on the picc line helping you out. Sunflowers are my happy flower. Love all of your paintings. What a sweet fiber shop too. Janice
The end of summer is always bittersweet, isn't it? Especially when you're keeping a lot of your own company, it must be even more bittersweet. That yarn store is adorable, and boy it would be tempting...smile. You took a lovely drive; what a great way to enjoy a beautiful day. I'm not sure if I have any swims left this year or not, but I hope the last days of summer last for a little longer while for you. hugs-Erika
Jeanie, I love the song but it always makes me feel a little sad. I know you are sad to see wonderful neighbors leave. I love your drive in the country, so peaceful. I know you are happy that Rick will be home this week. Take care of yourself!
Beautiful photos. Cute shots of Lizzie.
I love the views of the lake and sky.
Your decorations are pretty and I love your art work.
I know you will be happy when Rick comes home this week.
I wish you the best with your health and treatment.
Take care, have a great day!
I have been following your blog for some time but never posted a comment. I love to see your photos of your family, friends, lake, and of course your painting.
September makes me a bit melancholy but I love the fall.
Good wishes for a successful treatment.
Ga
When I see Canada Geese and a White Pelican on your shelves, it’s already a good September. Now, just get those health issues dealt with and you will cruise along for the balance of the year.
September is a good month to tell us changing processes of seasons.
The soap must smell good and bring users a happy time.
Lovely thoughts on the last days of summer. Your art is lovely as usual, as are your photos of nature and countryside. Hang in there, hope your course of treatment goes well.
Oh we knew it was coming ..but sad to see good neighbours go.I'll cringe when mine move.One has tennis court and pool..I can only imagine a rambunctious fam moving in...Things change:(
We are all just dust in the wind..in the long run and fall although beautiful reminds me of time passing..Hows that for cheer? LOL.
Love the porch furniture..suits the room so well.LOVE your Place des Vosges!You painted it so well!
When I was a kid, I always got sad when fall was approaching. It looked like death with leaves turning brown and falling. Winter is cold, wet empty trees to me. I would be sad to see this season in the cabin end. Of course, lots of great things are coming but only if we move on and let go. Have a cozy weekend!
I'm definitely a fall person. This extreme heat we've had the last five days or so is driving me crazy!
I love your touches of autumn at the cabin and seeing your little friend too.
What lovely new porch furniture, a very thoughtful gift.
You adventure to the yarn shop and the sunflowers was extra special.
Hoping and praying the doctors figure out the best treatment to get you well the very quickest.
The paintings always make me smile and tell me to get my paints out soon, but I don't believe it will be until October. I do love your French one alot. Good job!
The September song is lovely. Fall is coming. So glad you got out for a country drive. So many wonderful things to see. I wish you luck regarding the treatment. So sad seeing lovely neighbors moving out. Happy September.
Sounds like Rick knocked on the door of an angel! What great furniture Jim & Kathy gifted you, Jeanie. I hope things turn around quickly for you. I detect a real sense of melancholy from you. Big hugs.
I don't knit, crochet, embroider, or needlepoint, but I love yard shops. It's the color; I always want to scoop up bundles of the yarn, even though I know I'd never do anything with it. I did make a stuttering attempt at beginning needlepoint again, since I had a lot of Mom's canvas and such, but in the end, it wasn't going to happen. Maybe when I get old!
It may be September, but no one's singing down here. We're still waiting for some reasonably tolerable summer days to show up!
I hope your pic line serves its purpose and that all goes well with your treatment..
The heat has kept me in prison for the last several weeks..I think it is coming to an end..
The fiber Mill looks like a great place to visit..what a find!!
Lovely countryside..
Wonderful painting of Paris Place...Love the poppies..
It doesn't feel a bit like fall so no pumpkins or mums yet!!
I know you'll be glad to see Rick!!
Jeanie, you are an amazing woman. I am so sorry for your health issues. I hope all goes well. I feel silly complaining about mine.They aren't truly trivial, as they limit what I can do, but they are simple.
I so miss lake life.
Wonderful post and beautiful photos.
The September song is so lovely and I loved the beautiful photographs from the lake.
Take care, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Looks like a lovely road trip. Oh, those sunflowers!
Yes, Covid is everywhere...in fact, I've got it right now (my first time). Not exactly the birthday gift I wanted, but at least thankful my symptoms aren't too bad.
So, you're still there making it last if I read that right. Not sure that I did though.
Me ugstaron las fotos en especial la del gatito y los girasoles. Te mando un beso.
I always love reading your blog, Jeanie! Beautiful words and the sentiments behind them. And beautiful visuals--your photographs and paintings and the images they remind me of, from my own September experiences. Wishing you the best with your health issue and sending warm hugs! Jane
Lovely Autumn thoughts Jeanie, and you've been keeping yourself occupied while Rick is away. Lovely paintings and sweet kitty! I know you will be happy when Rick returns, I'm glad he's enjoying his trip!
Jenna
I’ll be happy for you once Rick returns back home as I can see how much you’ve missed him. Your photos and paintings are beautiful. I just wrote about September, too. It does come too quickly. Wishing you the best with your pneumonia! Take care, my friend!
You always find beauty wherever you are. Lovely of your neighbors to give you patio furniture and tablecloths. Too bad they have left for good. I like your art, very pretty. Hope you resolve your health issues soon. Take care.
Love the lake, the tour, the kitty, the furniture, your artwork (!) and this entire post
I am sending best, healthy, happy, fun wishes to you with my whole heart. xo, V.
Sorry to hear about the infection. Hope you feel better soon.
What a lovely drive you went on.. look at all that beautiful yarn.
I love the bug and peonies the most.
Nice that Rick will be home soon to entertain you.
That's a beautiful, slightly whimsical, post, Jeanie. Beautifully illustrated and a good choice of audio - not one I know well, but it was perfect. I hope you're OK - do what the doctors tell you!
I feel bad for you and yourhealth issues. I hope that it isn't as bad as you fear it could be.
I love your paintings and I am glad you had some time away before you can't go anywhere, Stay well and safe, dear friend.
love your artwork jeanie. that paris one is fabulous tho I like them all. hope you are feeling better/okay soon.
Thank you for the smile the pic of Lizzie gave me.
Sorry you´re fighting sickness. But you do the best out of it!
When I was around 14 I knitted a lot (I was a boring introvert always).
Your fist painting is really wonderful.
Nice to see you also publish the not-so-good ones to encourage beginners. I did that, too (I am still a beginner, just a tad improved one).
Love the flower girl. And the poppies - I now have a canvas story up on the wall I bought years ago at ALDI.
The ones I planted ... in 6 pots! 2 pale ones grew. Poppies are my favs.
To new friends and great neighbors. And to swimming!!
Cute parting pic, too.
Loved your post and pictures.
Brought me some moments of melancholy as I read on,
thinking of September days, changing colors, things ending.
Sad to learn of your discomfort and needing the pic line.
Might not have the right understanding.
You are in my caring Jeanie . . .
love love
Lizzie is good company. And has the right idea- nap.
I'm behind on blog reading since work has been very busy lately! Sept is a bittersweet month. It's beautiful and I love the crisper, cool morning temps. It will still be quite summer like as we have highs in the 90s next week! I don't like the days getting shorter, though. So I will go to work and come home in the dark and that is a real drag!
That yarn shop looks amazing! I am starting to miss knitting so might need to start a project this fall. I haven't knit since having kids!!
Hard to believe that it is already September 11th and summer is winding down! Why does summer go so fast but winter seems so long? Fall is my favorite season and it also seems to flee. In any event, it sounds like you had a wonderful summer at the lake and have been happily busy.
I get melancholy with our last days at the lake as well. Summer goes by so quick.
But I am enjoying the seasonal transition into Fall.
That sunset picture on your lake was gorgeous! And your areas in the country so pretty!
Sending prayers for you and what the doctors decide for you.
Take good care my friend.
Such a beautiful post. Yes it's September but it has been so hot and humid here, it still feels like August! Love your cards and photos. Saying goodbye to neighbors is sad and difficult because it does change things. Hope you feel better!
Preciosa "canción de septiembre"... Bello poema, gracias.
Vi un espacio hermoso y ya me quedo por aquà para disfrutar de estas cosas tan bonitas que haces, Jeanie.
Saludos!
This is a beautiful post, poignant and the perfect summation of that late summer feeling. You have a very beautiful retreat for the summer, and I love your decorations and new porch furniture! I hope you are feeling better soon.
I wanted to mention that yarn shop too! That place looks amazing! I need to look it up for future road trips, even though I can't crochet or knit at all. Lol
Ginger tea or ginger and lemon tea for the lungs, it worked like a miracle for me last year
Love Cath in Australia xo
I am sorry to hear you are not well. Hopefully, by now you will feel much better. I guess you have so many interests that you can occupy yourself, even if you have to stay at home. Reading, painting, and other interest. Get well and take care.
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