Wednesday, September 2, 2009

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY: AUGUST LAKE PICTURES

I love reflections on the water. It seems the closer we get to fall, the calmer the water is and I can get beautiful shots like this. Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday!!
Today I am going to share some pictures from the lake. We were on a little vacation that we take every year during the first two weeks in August. We do some work around the house and a little visiting of some small towns in Southwestern Michigan. So I have some pictures I took outdoors at the Lakehouse. I am saving pictures from our little jaunts into the other towns to share next Saturday on Sightseeing Saturday that Christine from Christine"s Travel And Home Adventures hosts. This is a great event to showcase your vacation pictures or even a day trip. You can click on this link or the button on my sidebar. But today's event is hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer. After reading my post, visit Susan and all the participants in today's event. This is a great way to visit new blogs and make new friends!


We invested in a new dock this year. This is it in the picture above. The one we had was wood and it was in such bad shape I wouldn't walk on it. The dock is a great place to sit in a comfy yard chair with a good book and a cool drink, soaking in the sun and looking out at the tranquil water. We are fortunate that we face a bay because it is very calm here. The front of our house faces the lake, which can be quite noisy with all of the activity (boats, wave runners, screaming kids...). We have a channel that takes us out from our dock around to the lake. Anyway, the dock was rotting and I really wanted another wood dock, but The Husband explained that they only have about a thirty year life span which I thought was perfect timing for us. ;-) So we bought this instead, and it does look good. Next year I will have some pretty flowers on it.


I took this picture one evening while sitting on the porch of the Summerhouse. For some reason the air really had that fall feeling to it. Only when I decided to take a picture did I notice that the leaves have started to change. Has anyone noticed that taking so many pictures for our blogs makes us notice and see so much more around us? I really enjoy carrying my camera with me because I notice the little things more and it makes me feel I am living in the moment, which is the biggest hope I have. Our neighbor built this screened in gazebo a few years ago. It's a great place to get out of the sun and to avoid mosquitoes at night. It's pretty, isn't it?



This is a nice little place to have coffee in the morning on the patio. These are the palms that The Husband fusses over constantly. He won't even let me water them which makes me want to cry... ;-)


Here we are sitting on the porch of the Summerhouse. The Lakehouse is in the background. Being the devoted attorney that The Husband is, he mixes business with...




...pleasure!!






This is the cute little chair I found a few months ago at a resale shop. I like it under this oak tree on the patio. Have I mentioned that we have flying squirrels living in it? The tree, not the chair. I truly did not know they actually existed. I mean, I did watch Rocky and Bullwinkle when I was a child, so I thought they only existed in cartoons! But yeah, he pokes his little head out once in awhile and soon we will have acorns dropping and see him more. Flying squirrels have a thin piece of tissue that connects the front paws to the back paws and these serve as "wings". They don't fly like birds. They use their flying ability to avoid predators and generally glide from tree to tree. I will try to get pictures this fall.






This is a nice spot against the Summerhouse to sit and read or relax. It hardly gets any sun so it's nice and cool on 90 degree days, which we only had about a handful of here in the Midwest. That is Monster Fern that I kept here in Chicago over the winter. He looks sick. He didn't do well at all and a wonderful summer at the lake is not reviving him. Maybe a ski trip?? My bare English Garden is in the background. My tall perennials are around the parameters of the garden. I am working my way gradually toward the paths with shorter plants. Now is a great time to buy plants as they are all on sale. I have some work ahead of me!
So this is what I have for this Wednesday. The rest of my week is busy. We have a wedding to go to on Saturday and of course, Procrastinator Blondie has put off getting a dress until now. I am not looking forward to this ordeal. It's not like I am fussy about dresses, in fact, my taste in clothes is very wide ranged. It's just the Dressing Room Phobia I have. They really know me at Macy's here. I am in the little room where all the loud screaming and swearing is coming from.
Since I probably will not post again this week, this will be your last chance to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway for The Ugly Roosters. This must be the first giveaway in the history of blogging where people are commenting that they don't want to be entered, that they don't want the free gift!! lol!!! Let me just say that this is going to have a bit of a surprise ending!! :-)
I hope everyone has a fun filled Labor Day weekend. Wherever you go, be safe. See you all next week!!
xoxo
Jane







50 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Oooh I LOVE it all, especially the pretty lounge by the summerhouse... I would lay there all day and drink coffee and daydream... Bisous... Julie Marie

Mary Bergfeld said...

You've created a beautiful home for your family. I love the images you chose to share with us today. Few are better than those we take of relaxed husbands. I hope you are enjoying the last few days of summer.

Cass @ That Old House said...

Oh have a lovely rest of the busy week! LOVE the lake house pictures -- fabulous still water pics. Nice new dock!

Flying squirrels? I thought Rocky was the only one!
Cass

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Beautiful images! So tranquil!

April said...

That's the kind of place I want to call home one day...absolutely breathtaking! Hope you have a fun-filled Labor Day weekend!

Miller Racing Family said...

Oh, take me back to lake. It is my favorite place to be, so relaxing. I love the photos of the purple trees, how beautiful. I love the photo with the gazebo, it looks like it should be on a postcard.
Happy OW!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Ahhhh..yes...just what I need! It's all so beautiful and relaxing.

Now...that looks like one happy guy! :) At this moment mine is sitting in his new glider rocker in front of the window..reading a new book from our recent "garage sales" and looks peaceful. What a good feeling that is! :)

Lori E said...

To heck with everyone else. You know I want that handsome rooster and his mate. He is isn't ugly he is special.

So how many cocktails had you had when the squirrel started to fly? Uh huh. I see.

I won't try clothes on in the dressing rooms. They come home with me so I can cry in private then I return them.

Jane said...

Beautiful photos! What kind of trees are those with the purple flowers? They're gorgeous!

Your Summerhouse is such a lovely place for your family. Judging from the photo of your husband, relaxing must be high on the list of things to do...

Jane (Artfully Graced)

Kat said...

What a wonderful place you've created for your special times together! The water pictures are lovely, there is nothing more relaxing than being on the water. And I love all the great places you have to sit and relax and just do nothing! Hope you are having a great week. Kathy

Betsy Brock said...

That lake is so still it looks like a mirror! Lovely! I especially love the photo of the gazebo...now I could sit there all day and just 'be'. :)

Kathleen Grace said...

What a beautiful place to relax. The gazebo is lovely. A lake in the autumn is so beautiful! Now I need to go see this ugly rooster give away! lol.

Claudia said...

You make me laugh... very pleasureable.

Such a beautiful spot to rest.

If you have a moment I would love you to stop by!

TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

Charlene said...

Your photos are so wonderful! I want to come & drink coffee on the dock with you!!!! Just think of all of the things we could talk about!!!! :) And you comment on the dressing room made me hoot. I have gained weight & HATE to try on clothes. In fact this is the first time I have no interest in loosing it. What is that about? Good luck finding the dress & enjoy the event. Again, I LOVE YOUR SUMMER HOUSE! And the fact that you can feel fall in the air. Remember last spring you were so jealous of my flowers & you still had snow? Well, I told you that the tide would change & look at us now. You have flowers & cool. I have burned flowers & hot. Such is life. Hugs!

jeanne said...

Oh wow, your post is so beautiful. I love your location at the lake. The new dock looks awesome. Your photos of the lake with the reflections are like a postcard. Good job. Your hubby relaxing and the lovely outdoor furniture is the perfect combination for a wonderful getaway!!! The palm trees are very nice. You can't water them??? LOL. My dh would let everything die of thirst.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Hugs...Jeanne

xinex said...

Enjoy thew weding and hope you find a really nice dress, Janie. I really like your lake house and summer house. The water is so relaxing. And what is that beautiful purple tree? I am so excited to read that you will join me for Sightseeing Sat. I cannot wait to see your post. I am in FL now so most of my posts were done in advance. We are going to Ann Arbor this weekend to watch a football game....Christine

KarenB said...

Thanks for coming by for a visit! I used to live outside Chicago! In Batavia. Lived there for 7 years. Where do you live? Your vacation house looks wonderful! Not too far away, either, huh? My husband would be staring at his Blackberry. I have several pictures of him on various vacations. I'll be waiting to see the flying squirrels!
Karen B

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I love the summer house patio, Janie! I'm wishing I were there right now, relaxing.

Checking in from break to say, "Hi." Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend!

xo,

Sheila :-)

My name is Riet said...

What a lovely home you have there. Thank you for visiting Have a nice day

Irene said...

You're so lucky to have a lakehouse..like your humour too.
Have a lovely week. Thank you for your visit..

SmilingSally said...

What a fantastic two weeks you must enjoy, Blondie! Everything looks so gorgeous. I love your new dock and that lake!

Maggie said...

Bonjour Julie,
I so enjoyed visiting your Lakehouse today, I can well imagine the pleasure you have sitting in the various little nooks & on the dock too.
a bientot
Maggie

penny said...

Blondie, Your investment will always pay you back in play-time on this beautiful lake. Your views are incredible and very relaxing.
Thanks for stopping by...

storyteller said...

What a delightful collection of outdoor photos! I love the reflections and the subtle purple shades in several. You have a beautiful yard and lovely places to sit and relax. Thanks so much for dropping by Small Reflections ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What wonderful, relaxing spots you've created! I think I could love it at your lake place. laurie

Sue said...

Hi Blondie,
I so enjoy reading your writings you have such a gift for putting your thoughts on paper. Your OW is such a beautiful place to relax, no wonder hubby is smiling and he does look so relaxed.
Hope you find the right dress for the wedding, I do put off shopping for dresses for special occasions.
Enjoy yourself this Labor Day weekend, My Dh and I were married the day after Labor day many moons ago, but this year we will celebrate Friday. Thank you for coming by and for leaving me such a sweet comment, and I am so happy to put your name in the hat for Sats. drawing, good luck.
Sue

Sue said...

Boy, could I ever relax and enjoy my time away from it all in your little oasis! It all looks so calm and comfortable. Hope you have an enjoyable weekend. Oh, and like Lori E, I love that crazy rooster and his gal pal! tee hee
hugs, Sue

Anonymous said...

I can picture myself in one of those chairs with a big ole cocktail. Ahhh!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Janie,
That's so funny about people saying they don't want the rooster! Now what is all the swearing about at Macy's? Oh, maybe that was me next to you wondering where my girlish waist has gone! hehe. I so love your Lake house, what a great place and I bet you have some great times there! Have a great wedding party... Cindy, your neighbor just to the north.

Roberta said...

I love that you call your charming place the 'Summerhouse' Jane.
The dock looks great and your storytelling is delightful. Pretty pics and yes, having the camera close by and blogging does help me 'live in the moment' and notice so much more!
xo Roberta

Anonymous said...

The first and third photos are my favorite. Beautiful!

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Thank you for your lovely comments. The paint is a gloss but looks glossier than it is beca
use of a stream of light that came in to the room as I took the picture.

I love photo number 3!!!

What a stunning place!

All the best with the wedding!

Have a lovely weekend
Isabelle x

Barb said...

Hi Jane, your pictures are wonderful and I really like your new dock. There is something about the water, isn't there?

I hope you have a great Labor Day Weekend. Sending you my good thoughts.

Hugs, Barb

Anonymous said...

It all looks so wonderful Janie. It's nice to see your husband relaxing at your wonderful cottage. Why won't he let you water the palm trees? They suddenly do just turn brown you know. Mysterious ailments. Palm Tree drop deaditis.

XOSue

Mary said...

Looks like hubby is settled comfortably - and see he is a two bottle guy, ha! ha!

Lovely home in such a delightful spot Jane - a house on the water is always the best. Lucky you being gifted with a chandelier - hope it's a beauty - I'm thrilled with mine, makes all the dfference to the dining room......which has now become my office so I can sit and admire it more!!

Have fun at the wedding and a great Labor Day holiday.
Hugs - Mary.

bj said...

O, Blondie...this is all so beautiful. You are truly a blessed lady.
I still say that if I win those Ugly things, I'll send them to someone and maybe they will send them to someone and we'll have those babies all over Blogland. Maybe if someone else wins them, they will do this. Just think it would be so funny..
Have a great day!

Anne Marie said...

Hey Janie! Thanks for stopping by today...and looks like you are enjoying yourself around here :)

Go to the "about me" on my sidebar and it tells you all about the name of the farm - and no, you aren't nosy you silly!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Your Boston fern does look a might sad. They like plenty of humidity and no sun (though I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know!) I do have one that likes some sun. A little different variety. Looks like a wonderful place to relax out there on the water. When they're pounding away seven days a week building the bank across the way, I'm wanting to join you!
Brenda

Tootsie said...

what type of trees are those???? they look purple...are they? I love it! have a good long weekend!

Bill said...

Hi Jane,
Thank you for giving us another peek into your summertime paradise! Your thoughts and descriptions are always as interesting as the images are beautiful!

Thank you for stopping by again and for your kind words. Hope your weekend goes well!

Bill

RobinfromCA said...

I could get on board with staying in a lovely place like this all summer long while I ate fresh strawberries and drank lemonade as I read favorite books by the water...sorry, I got carried away in the moment. It's beautiful!

Thanks so much for visiting me! Chloe is a joy and yes, she is all legs. She is what is known (but not officially classified) as a "deer legged" Chihuahua. You can see why! At her last puppy check-up two weeks ago she weighed in at 5.5 lbs. I will have to post the latest sleeping pictures of her at another time. They are also amusing. She is our little comedienne!

Thanks for the holiday wishes - same to you and your family. We head out early Monday morning (still Sunday night?) for Amsterdam. I've promised everyone here at home daily blogs while I'm gone. Yikes!

Robin

Lori E said...

In tole painting a pattern is just a drawing, black and white that you use to apply the pattern with carbon paper. You start with the outline though because once you base coat it all your lines would be gone. You gradually add in the detail and layers of color. There are often instructions with the pattern stating what colors were used in the original to base, fill and shade and highlight.

Regina said...

Such a lovely outdoor.
and beautiful scenes!
Happy weekend.

Decor To Adore said...

This truly looks like a wonderful place to unwind. Your little chair is just precious.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi sweetie, I'm finally getting over here. It's been a week, computer crashed, many many hours on the phone to dell and then AT&T and on and on. Hubby hasn't been the best either, so I'm officially letting blogland take me away for a bit. Your pictures of the lake are incredibly beautiful. Would love to sit out there and enjoy the view... If it's not too late enter me in the give away for the "ugly" roosters... just another name to sweeten the pot..lol. I hope you have a terrific w/k..hugs ~lynne~

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Jane,
I've heard we have flying squirrels around here...but I haven't ever seen any. When I was in Wild Birds Unlimited yesterday buying seed, they told me that they are nocturnal...didn't know that. :-)
When you are done leaving a comment at a blog or just done visiting a blog, just click on the orange "B" that you will see at the top left hand corner of the main page of the blog and it will take you straight to your dashboard. You may have to hit the "back arrow" once to get to their main blog page but from there, if you click on the orange B, you will be taken to your dashboard. :-) Hope that helps.
Susan
Susan

Unknown said...

How lucky you are to have your beautiful Lake/summer house. Everything looks gorgeous!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Hope the dress buying was enjoyable, after all. :-) And the wedding as well. Or is the wedding, still coming? Guess I'm a bit mixed up on the time sequence.

Thank-you-much for commenting/telling me that you see my blog Background-sides-thing as Brown with scrolls. So far, I'm glad to say, most people who commented, do see the deep Chocolate brown.

'Aunt Amelia'

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi there June,

How wonderful to have a summer retreat by a lake, I'll bet you wish you could spend all year there. I know I would!

The scenery looks so tranquil in your photos and I love how the trees look lavender! Are they really!

Thanks for stopping by to visit today, and I would be so pleased for you to link my post to yours if you decide to.

I also have back yard full of squirrels! At first I thought they were kinda cute and fun to watch, but they have become some what annoying with their constant high pitched chirping!!

Anyway, I hope you get to enjoy more time at your wonderful summer retreat before the season is over!

Hugs,
Sherri:)

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