Postcards From the Lake: Hot and Happy

I promised myself that no matter how hot it got this summer, I would not complain. I would observe, such as "It is SO hot today!" but not complain. So far, so good. Things have "cooled" off to normal summer. After a sticky start, the fun of summer has started!

 

Postcards From the Lake -- Reflections On the Fourth

Recently I was cleaning out paperwork at home and came across an essay I'd written in 1976, shortly after the 200 year anniversary of the United States of America was celebrated -- the Bicentennial. I put it in a safe place so I could bring it out to share this year. And you all know how that goes. Safe places are only safe from burglars, but good luck finding what you hid!

 

But what I remember is that it was a document filled with great joy and hope. I recounted the things of that happened that day. Not just the fireworks; that happens every year (and frankly, I'd rather they didn't. So does Lizzie.)

Postcards From the Lake: Guests, Grands and the Fourth

We have settled into the lake and kicked off the summer with house guests and a "grand" birthday celebration -- not to mention the July 4 holiday. 

Postcards from the Lake: Fireworks and Festivities

Our recent Saturday began with Rick's bike ride. He's having a lot of problems with his bike and waiting for a new part to arrive. That means rides are shorter and closer to home. (We still don't know about his upcoming Canadian trip yet.) 

But he took off in good form, happy to be in motion!

Postcards from the Lake -- North for the Fourth

June 29 was a cold, wet, rainy summer day. As soon as I was up and dressed, I fed Lizzie, picked her up from her bowl and tossed her into the cat cage for the ride north. She wasn't amused but it was a good grab and we were on our way. Several hours later we arrived -- still cold, west and drizzly but at our destination!

Lake life started on a cooler note, though due to pick up in the week to follow. Meanwhile it is good to get the car unpacked and settle in. The first thing I noticed when I drove in was the the fellow doing the yard had actually done it! Hooray!

Postcards from the Lake: Happy July 4!

I'll say at the outset that the Fourth of July is my least favorite holiday. Even at the lake where it is cooler and there are diversions, it turns into the loudest noise-fest of the year with too many boats, too many loud parties and way too many home-grown fireworks, versus those nice organized ones. This year more than any, I am longing for independence and revolution.

I did a little playing around in the sketch book before Rick arrived. Who knows -- maybe it will manifest into next year's Christmas card!

That said, we are safely isolated in the cottage, neighbors more than six feet away and two out of three really good neighbors, including the one two doors down that brought us gorgeous strawberries and took out the rest of the weeds on the beach with his tractor!

Rick arrived after a horrendous two-day bike ride from Lansing to the lake in 90-plus degree weather. I met him halfway with a picnic, after which he sprawled on the picnic bench at the campground to rest before pitching his tent.

It was tough saying goodbye and leaving him there, Covid hair and all (which to be honest, I really like and I hope he doesn't want it cut too much.)

I was very happy to see him wheel in on Friday night!

He was ready for snacks...

....and a good dinner!

While he took a nap I did a little reading and spotted this wonderful bird which Rick told me was a flicker. There were two of them  at least. This one was high-up but so pretty. And very chatty.

Then came the fireworks. We were one of the few counties or areas to have them here in Michigan because they shoot them off over the lake. The boats gathered early on and the lake parties started. (Fortunately the good neighbors on one side have a fun group but not obnoxious!)

They weren't bad this year but you know, after awhile they got boring.

I remember when they were the most exciting thing in the world. Now I think mostly about the cat quivering in the linen cabinet.  I wonder what the flickers thought of it.

Ah well. The third went out with a bang. Today is the fourth -- I suspect Lizzie will be back in the cupboard tonight.

 I'm a fortunate woman. I'm here at the lake. I can isolate easily. Rick made it safely. We have food in the fridge for two weeks. And hopefully most of the crazy people with their own fireworks will go home tomorrow afternoon, the lake will be calm and quiet again. There is much for which to be thankful.

Things are looking up!

Postcards from the Lake: A Jolly Fourth

Finally! The lake! And just in time for the Fourth. Lizzie spent most of the evening in the linen closet but the "real" fireworks were great. (I wasn't so thrilled with the "independent" versions! Too close!

We got here early in the week. There is nothing better than that first grilled out dinner up north!

That first night's sunset was pretty fabulous!

Of course there is loads of work to be done on the house. We accomplished quite a bit while Rick was here and I have a rather long list myself!

But it looks like summer! Flowers and lakes and all things good.

My cousins were here for the holiday. Rick was glad to have David help us wrangle out a problems in a NYTimes crossword!

After too many years, we connected with their daughter, Heather, who was here with her friend Mike, a great guy! Good to see another generation at the old family cottage down the way.

And we celebrated Bonnie's birthday!

I made the wonderful Swedish visiting cake from Marie's blog for the celebration. It's super easy and was a real hit!

Then came time for the fireworks, which were on the sixth. We have a ringside seat, right across the lake from where they shoot them off.

And yes, they were terrific. (Note the crescent moon in the sky!)

I leave you with another sunset.

They're pretty lovely up here!

Sharing with:  Best of the Weekend    

Happy Fourth!

In honor all #WorldWatercolorMonth and all things red, white a blue, Bella's Porch Pup!

And for those of you wanting a look at the Declaration of Independence, at this LINK you can listen to NPR hosts and reporters read the complete document or read the text itself. It's well worth it and timely during these days in general and July 4 in particular.

Have a great and safe July 4 weekend! (And remember, animals freak with fireworks and so do people when they go off after 11! Same with super loud music. Neighbors down the way were playing full tilt super loud music till 3 a.m. last night. It's probably good Rick didn't know who it was because he might have been down there giving a piece of mind about peace!)

(Due to blogger grief and lack of internet for a bit, I won't be replying to comments unless a direct question is asked. Please know how much I love your visits and value being in touch but for a few days things are a little complicated! I might be slow visiting too, but will do my best to keep up!)

An Unexpected Weekend

Normally, going to the lake over the fourth for a week is no debate. The house is there, the fireworks right across the lake so we have ringside seat and the weather is usually good.

But this time we had issues. Namely, we were expecting Baby Grand 2 on July 3. Rick was going to ride his bike up, a two day trip with the second day largely in no cell coverage and should we get the call then or even while we were at the lake, the ride to the hospital was four hours from there, a little over an hour from home.

So, we opted for more or less a staycation. Since temps were predicted in the high 90s and higher heat index, we thought movies might be nice. And then we shamelessly invited ourselves to Rick's Aunt Carol's cottage, about an hour from here -- and closer to the hospital, too!

Let's hear it for Carol, who was incredibly gracious and welcoming. It was the gateway to a few days of fun, water, fireworks at a lake and family.

I've always loved time at Sand Lake with Rick's family. Carol may be Rick's aunt but in truth she's only about six years older than I am, so it's more like spending time with a good friend. Cousins Stephanie and Brian and their kids Abby and Jilly added to the fun.

Think hours on the dock, talking, reading, laughing.

And just as many hours in the water, playing on floaties and minding the little ones to be sure all was well.

They are like fish, loving the water. No worries.

Our time included a short jaunt to the farmers market for strawberries...

...and saw some enterprising "slime" sales, too!

We eagerly awaited the fireworks (or the "fiery") ...

...some more eagerly than others!

Actually, we learned from Jilly, age two, the correct pronunciation is more like "fieyawee."

All glorious.

 There were bedtime stories...

...wet suits...

...and bubbles!

Flowers on the walkway...

...and a golf cart ride.

Stephanie opted to carry Jilly up the hill, as we were on the back end of the golf cart and it seemed like a good idea. But a hot one on a hot day!

There was time to read...

...time to try out toys...

 Some of enjoyed wine on the porch...

...others tunes to dance to!

Shortcake with whipped cream...

And a fashion parade.

It was all over too soon. Our suits are now dry...

...Rick made it home on his bike...

 And we're still waiting for the baby. We know he'll be as cute as this one and worth waiting for!

So, I leave you with the grand finale ...

... and wish you a Happy July Fourth!

Linking to: Let's Add Sprinkles    /   Share Your Cup  /   Pink Saturday