Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Postcards From the Lake -- Energetic Guests!

The morning after my ear procedure (thanks for the good wishes, too!), Rick and I headed to the lake to await the arrival of our guests later in the day. And arrive they did, with ten times the energy I had! One seven year old, one eight year old, and their lovely mom! 

 

It was a steamy hot weekend and that meant plenty of time for beach play! The lake water was warm and I enjoyed swimming with the boys (though, keeping my head out of the water, I was actually on my floatie!) Then there was a lot of construction going on!

 

This began almost immediately and involved making a river from the top of the beach to the lake, with several moats and fortresses along the way.

 

It was a massive project, one never quite successfully completed! But the work went on as late as the light was strong -- and even after the sun began to set!

 

 There was time for some afternoon shore  fishing -- but no fish haul that time!

 

Evenings brought time for sharing Pokemon cards. Grandpa got a lesson.

 

Rick did most of the heavy lifting -- I was pretty exhausted between the ear and lung infection! He had plenty of help, though. Molly tackled the dishes when I wasn't looking. And, he had some assistance from some sous chefs, too!

 

On Saturday, we hit the farm market and did a little souvenir shopping.

But there was plenty of time for more swimming and a nature walk.

And of course, there were games! Checkers and Rummikube.

 

A big Battleship competition was a tight one!

 

Time for storytelling creativity, too. These blocks are magnetic and small -- about one inch each. The boys (and Molly!) built structures then had to tell a story about what the structure was, who it protected and all. Some were very creative. I loved the story element -- it added creativity beyond just building a cool tower.

 After dinner on Saturday night, we went down to watch the elk come up. They are in an enclosed area -- elk and fallow deer. This photo only shows a very small portion of them.

 

This guy was massive! 

 

You can't feed them "people food" but they were eating the same things off the ground on one side of the fence as on the other. So Grandpa pulled "some of the same" for the kids to pass through the fence.

 

They were thrilled when this lovely doe took it from them (do they call female elk does, too?).

 

 Of course there was time for romping and hugs and love!  And when a seven year old says "Tickle me!," who can resist? 

 

We were pretty happy to get a Kids-and-Grandfolk photo!

 

Then, back to the lake. First, we celebrated mine and Molly's birthdays (they are a day apart), and then headed to the beach for a little bit of sundown fishing!

 

And this guy was the lucky one -- the only fish, a little bass about 10 inches! (It was catch and release after the photo op!)

 

And so, the sun came down on our time with the kids, as they left the next morning.
 
 
 
For us, it was a weekend to remember!
 
Note: I'm going to take a short blog break for the next week or two. Partly, for art camp; partly because between that, some med treatments that eat up time in the day and just exhaustion, I can't promise to be a good visitor, commenter, or reply well to comments. I may pop in now and then when I can but right now, a little self-care and restoration is sorely needed. 
 
 
I'll try to get another post up and some links to Rick's Canada/New England cycling trip posts.  
 
 
 Meanwhile, if you want to follow him, friend Rick Oberle on FB where he'll post in more detail! (If you can't see the posts, friend him!)

38 comments:

Linda Sue said...

other than recovery from surgery and med stuff That was a perfect summer day/days. Take good care of yourself- be well , be rested. LOVE

roentare said...

It was a joyful but exhausting weekend, and a well-earned break for some rest and self-care is the perfect next step

Boud said...

I'm amazed you held up as well as you did. That was a packed weekend. Now it's really okay to rest and paint a bit and rest.

Tom said...

...why does God waste energy on kids?

Pamela said...

Oh my gosh! That was all one day? That was a day packed with fun and memories. Take care of yourself!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hi Jeanie, looks like a fantastic time! Beautiful photos of everyone, adults, children and animals! And your sunset photo is captivating!

Miss Merry said...

What a wonderful visit! They certainly are full of energy, aren't they! This is your week to relax.

Carola Bartz said...

The "construction" reminds me of the rivers with dams etc. we used to build as kids. So. much. fun. We also had little boats that we let float on the "lakes".
Taking a break when you feel exhausted is a great idea. I hope you will get back to your "old" self and have fun with art camp.

Rita said...

Those grandboys do wonders for the spirit!
Just wanted to say I know what you mean about not being able to get around to comment on blogs. Me--just busy moving. You--take care of yourself--rest and heal! *love and hugs*

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Sounds like a lot going on the day after your ear procedure. Your photos are gorgeous especially the lake- looks like everyone was having a wonderful time. We love playing Rummikube.. It seems to be appropriate for kids as well as adults. Take care of yourself and get the TLC that you need. !!

Asep Haryono said...

Even if you were taking it easy post-procedure, having that lake, warm water, and two energetic boys must’ve made the place feel extra alive. Floaties, beach play, and family perfect recipe for summer memories

Prims By The Water said...

What perfect days/ nights you had with the boys. Special memories were made for sure. I have yet to see any of our wild Michigan elk yet. Some day I will head North to the counties they are in to try and spot them. There was a farm about an hour away that use to raise them. I want to see them in the wild though. Janice

handmade by amalia said...

That was one busy weekend, full of summer fun. Good for you!
Amalia
xo

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
Love all the family photos. Looks like the boys are having a grand time visiting you and Rick at the lake. I wish you a speedy recovery, take care of yourself. Enjoy your day!

Anvilcloud said...

What a great weekend visit. You captured it beautifully with some super, almost poignant, photos. I am thinking of the beach photos but others too.

Have a great respite.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Great visit! Time to restore, be well!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Recovery from surgery and all that activity probably means that you NEED a break, Jeanie. Enjoy your time away. We’ll all look forward to your return.

My name is Erika. said...

After such a busy weekend, I'm sure (with everything else going on), a blog break is well needed. The boys look like they had a great time, and what a good way to build memories for all of you. Safe travels to Rick on his bike trip. I hope his New England weather is cooler and comfortable for him. And I hope the treatments go well and you feel recharged and reenergized. hugs-Erika

Marilyn M said...

Have a good rest. Hoping Rick's bike adventure goes well too. What total fun to have the time with grand kids. I know you would have enjoyed it, but been ready for a rest after for sure. Enjoy art camp, healing, and rest. One more time - Happy Birthday to you!

La Table De Nana said...

The best of times 💙

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

That a fun weekend for one and all. I'm curious about the elk. Are they on canned hunting farm? Why the fence?

Linda Stoll said...

Dear friend, be kind to yourself and enjoy a break as your body heals and catches up with herself. All of us fans and followers will be here when you return.

Praying for you right now.

shoreacres said...

To be honest, I was a little out of breath by the time I finished reading all this! Keeping up with kids is a challenge even for the youngest and healthiest! A blog break sounds like just the ticket -- both rest and recovery are more important than posting.

shoreacres said...

ps: good luck and good weather to Rick. I can't follow, because I'm not on Facebook, but I hope all goes well.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Such a wonderful time was had by all. Now, rest up and recover.

The French Hutch said...

I remember those little bundles of energy! They do spread good cheer just being around them. Sounds like your sweet daughter in law and Rick had you covered so you weren't overtired, so sweet. Hope you are feeling better soon. Enjoy your break and look forward to hearing about your art camp...........

FitFoodieMegha said...

Looks like a fun packed weekend. Lovely pictures!

maya said...

What a lovely weekend, Jeanie. I felt joyous just reading about it... I think that first photo says so much. And Happy, happy birthday!!

maya said...

And reading between the lines and beyond your beautiful, bright smile--some health challenges and concerns...
I hope they resolve soon, dear friend <3

Joy's Book Blog said...

What a fun post! Grandkids look like a great distraction for not feeling quite up to snuff, especially with some other adults to put in the work. Take care of yourself!

Sandra Cox said...

Oh what fun.
I do hope you get to feeling better. We'll leave the light on for ya.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

The boys are getting so big. Looks like everyone had fun!

Red Rose Alley said...

Fun times with the kids. I didn't know about your ear and lung infection. I do hope you recover from that soon, Jeanie. How delightful those magnetic blocks are for the boys to build tall towers. The Elk visit was so cool. That's great that they are in an enclosed area, and the boys got to view them up close. And how exciting to catch a fish to end the day. Happy Birthday, Jeanie, and this is a sweet picture of you with the kids. Take care, and have a restful break. I'll be here when you return. : )

~Sheri

This N That said...

Enjoy your break. We need to rest up from that weekend. I could not have kept up with everyone. It would've been fun though. Hope all goes well for you.

Anonymous said...

Prayers for your health. Get good rest!
Amazing how the boys get older so fast. Fun summer by the lake is good memory making time.
May

Shari Burke said...

What a beautiful time to have with family after your surgery. I wish you a speedy recovery and much good rest.

DVArtist said...

Ahhh what nice family time. Yes, those boys have way too much energy. Wish I had just a bit of it. LOL The photos are wonderful and so many memories have been made. Hope you are feeling better day by day.

Bill said...

Weekend to remember! Enjoy your break and take your time, be good!

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