Postcards From the Lake -- Summer is Ending

Summer may not officially end until mid-September but for me, Labor Day has always felt like the end of the season. Like so many, I used to judge time on when school started or classes began at the university, along with the cooler nights and shorter days. Those school days are long past -- the cooler nights and shorter days are still here (and getting cooler and shorter!) You can tell when out walking too -- the goldenrod is now out in glorious abundance!

While we won't close the cottage till the end of September (early this year, because of the England trip) it is the time of year when we gradually start bringing things home -- the extra swimsuits; the summer clothes that won't be worn anymore up here (or to be re-packed if we get a heat wave), and some of the plants from the yard. I might have to make Rick pedal home or we won't be able to fit everything in the car with the bike in the trunk! Fortunately, we'll have another trip or two.

Yes, Rick rode his bike up and Lizzie and I hit the road, stopping at the farm stand for some sweet corn, tomatoes and cantaloupe. A few hours later I pulled in, unloaded the car and now, let the end of summer begin!

First up, was dinner with my cousin John and his wife Becky, who drove to Michigan from Colorado. So good to catch up with him. And the next day, after Rick arrived, John and Becky came down for dinner.

It was fun to see them and especially to spend more time with Becky. They've only been married a few years so it is getting to know a whole new -- and wonderful cousin. 

In addition to John and Becky, Rick and I welcomed cyclist Mick for lunch as he traveled from Ann Arbor to Michgan's upper peninsula.

And our friends, Mark and Martha Bashore, came for lunch and an afternoon of good conversation. (We will be staying at their house in Bath during our trip and Martha filled me in on lots of tips for the area!) I hated to see them leave!

I mentioned earlier how very much things in nature change as the season go. The jewel weed is out, too.

These seem to be in the aster family. We don't start to see them here until the brink of autumn.

And the ferns are beginning to curl up and brown. 

Berries that were green before have turned deep red. Christmas colors!

Even the trees on the lake are beginning to bring out their fall finery. These will be bright in another couple of weeks.

 

I've painted a bit -- here's another to add to the future collection of cat-themed notecards. 

And another, a Wine Garden!

We've had a mega-thunderstorm and very hot, humid days. On this 90-degree day, the gulls were taking a break from flight and fishing!

The little bird (a woodpecker relative, perhaps) is having fun with our pine trees.

And we're having a bit of fun, too!

 

There have been complications this trip, to be sure. But if things have to be complicated, it's better at the lake!

Meanwhile, I am continually reminded -- fall is coming.

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