Five weeks away from the lake, and I guess that’s what happens. You forget things.
Yet, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, sweaty and in a slight state of panic, and wonder what in heaven’s name are we going to do with a lake house. Isn’t one house enough to manage? Four boys do keep us busy enough; why add this? And, then I start to think about the three hours of heavy driving just to get there; one way. What were we thinking? I wonder.
We knew the weather was going to be cold; there wouldn’t be much to do. But it’s our lake house, and we need to explore what it’s like to be there in the colder months. Maybe it would be nice to spend Christmas here. People around the lake tell me that winter is just as much fun as summer. Ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing. And of course, leaf raking.
We arrived after the sun had already went down. The wind was brisk. Ovaltine and cheese quesdaillas and edamame by an outdoor bonfire brought no complaints from my picky eaters. And, of course, we just had to get out the marshmallows; even though it was too late, they were fussy, and their hands, mouths and clothes were soon all covered in sticky goo.
Finally, time for bed. But, to them, I guess that’s the beginning of a 24 hour sleepover; lots of chatter, laughter, one-upping, and singing coming from their bunk beds. They started to bicker, and that was the last sound I heard at night.
But this weekend, we got a surprise. On Friday, it was warm. Upper 70s, sunny, and a gorgeous day for a canoe ride, fishing, football. The two little boys, always in costume. We squeezed as much fun as you can possible get out of every inch of sunlight, in these days when the sunset comes earlier and earlier.
But, my ironman husband did decide it was tooooo cold for a swim. The entire day we did not see one single person outside of our family. The lake was desolated. Wait, let me take that back. We saw the guy who lives there all year; and he told us how much he hates the winter at the lake. Nobody is around.
Rain threatened our fun on Saturday. It wasn’t just any rain; more like pelting stabs of cold. The rain hurt my face. So we left. Two hours of packing, cleaning (the floor still isn’t as clean as I’d like) carrying the boats in, and locking up. Remembering to take this, and leave that… it went on for hours.
As we drove, the rain gave way to sunshine, and we wondered if maybe we left too soon. Then, the clouds would come back. And, the we saw the most incredible sky. Sometimes we would drive through plains of dark gray, and see an entire farm with silos and barns completely lit up by the sun’s bright rays that filled an opening in the clouds.
On our way home, we were greeted by this little black creature that came running down the very same road where the teen on the dirt bike crossed the road in front of us without stopping. Just like, where I am from, the cows were out.
All the commotion from the lack of farm hands available to get the cows back in, (where are those teenagers on the dirt bikes when you need them?), woke my little guy from his nap. He only kept saying, “I want him to be our pet,” about 5,000 times.
More about the lake.
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The photos are just beautiful. What a wondeful weekend trip!
Breathtaking!!
Oh, and I love the cow shots.
Well, it all looks so worth it to me. Just gorgeous.
Those are absolutely stunning!
what a beautiful place to be!
love the cow!
Love, Love, Love the pictures of the lake! I grew up on Lake Superior & going to camp and I really, really miss it! Unfortunately for us we dont get to see many lakes other than when we’re home on vacation. Great photos!
I love the pics, Susie, but most of all I love your blue fuzzy hat. I have a hot pink one just like it. I think our hats could be friends.
I love your beautiful header and all the fun lake pictures. Your photography is stunning!
Those are memories that your kids will always hold dear.
I love the first photo! Well, I love all of them, but that first one makes me miss Michigan.
Wow. It’s so pretty there. I hope you steal away more often.
I tell you, it’s being out in the woods – it’s a salve to the soul.
Those photos are GORGEOUS! And they look like home, too – just flatter.
Lucky you to have such a beautiful weekend on the lake. I have to head back up to get things ready to close it up for the winter. We haven’t even taken the boat out of the water yet, not that we’ve enjoyed it in months. When did life get so busy?
The lake seems so relaxing! We love being up at my in-laws lake house in the fall. The colors and the brisk air give a new life to the summers at the lake house.
Those photos just kept getting better! Looks like you all had a lot of fun!
It was a beuatiful weekend here too. i’m so glad you got to enjoy the weather one last time before winter comes
It looks like a great place to make family memories. Beautiful pictures.
WOW! What an amazingly beautiful place. Those first few photos of the lake absolutely take my breath away.
Gorgeous! It really is a beautiful place. I’m sure the boys will have a blast in the winter months!
Wow – the first picture is GORGEOUS! postcard perfect! I’d say worth the “3 hour tour”!
Well I’m back from sick land (can you believe I went to 5 different stores looking for apple cider vinegar & when asking for it after not seeing it was told, “oh no, but we have malt and red wine vinegar” as if that was going to work – LOL
Glad you had such a good time at the lake, autumn is always my fav time of year & being near a lake where the trees colours can reflect on the water just makes it that much more beautiful.
Can’t wait to hear about your halloween adventures!
Stunning photos — that sky, brightly lit, between storms, is gorgeous.
And you’ve got a handsome family there! Not to mention you, pretty lady!
I’m glad it was a good trip.
I am very jealous. You are so very blessed. (So am I, but I’ll be jealous of your lake house, ‘k?)
Wow, soooo lovely!
Wow. I wish I could have stowed away in the cooler somewhere.. Hope it was as much fun as the pics look like it was..
i want to hang out at your lake house! looks so great!
Your link to “where I am from” is beautiful. How poignant to realize you lost your mother at your own birth…
It must be beautiful up there! The pictures ARE beautiful. And no matter what the season, it will be beautiful. JUst a matter of putting things in perspective.