Monday, June 21, 2010

THE LAKE GARDEN

Friday morning Daughter Abby and I left for a 3 day weekend at the lake. Yay! Her boyfriend Tom met us there with a friend from where they go to college 1/2 hour away. They had a great afternoon going on paddle boat rides and fishing off the dock. The Husband drove in from his office in downtown Chicago and just missed a huge storm that knocked out our electricity for 24 hours. So much for the start of a great long weekend. We managed to get around that night with candles and a lot of walking into walls, and the next morning The Husband was able to get us coffee from a nearby town. It was sort of like camping, no water, air conditioning, lights...the perfect excuse for sitting around outdoors with friends and neighbors. And that we did. Unfortunately the lights came on that night.
A sure sign that kids were visiting... beach towels and rain coats and life jackets lying around. How the clean up used to drive me crazy and now I welcome signs that they were here. The Husband worked on the beach until it looked perfect, no weeds or lily pads and sand raked in perfect rows. I worked on my tan. Just kidding.
I just planted all my pots last weekend so they are looking rather small, but soon they will be overflowing. I really have to start in May next year. It seems one thing after another gets in the way. This little chair sits on the side of the Summerhouse. See the chair on the little front porch? And the palms? The Husbands likes to think he is in the Bahamas.
This is the wee little garden I told you about that he made for me on the other side of the Summerhouse. Isn't it cute? We have grass seed down and you can see small branches from the big storm the night before. The first section is planted with peas that are just coming up...

...and some tomato and basil plants that are quite small...

...and in this last section I had beans. HAD. The bunnies got to them and ate all the leaves. My neighbor Barb, who has a fabulous garden, said they would continue to grow. I read about a spray repellent from Gardener's Supply catalog that keeps rabbits away. Apparently, it has egg whites in it that rabbits abhor. I think I may give it a try. I have never had a critter problem at home here in Chicago, so I am at a loss. I was SO disappointed when I saw this. They really sat down to a buffet here.
So that was my weekend and it was really a lot of fun. Next weekend we will get our wave runners in the water and family and friends will start to visit. I can't wait for my first boat ride. I''ll show you some great pictures of the lake and island and all the pretty homes. I hope all of you had a great weekend. Thanks for stopping!

89 comments:

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I love it when you tell us about your lake house and especially when you show pictures.

It looks like a wonderful place to get away from it all and relax. You are so fortunate.

Those rascally wabbits, shame on them for eating your garden.

hugs
Sissie

Kim said...

I agree with Sissie, I too love hearing about the Lake House Blondie. It sounds like so much fun and Summer is my favorite season so I can be doubly envious now~!

xoxo,
Kim

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Looks like a lot of fun girl! Just ask me about critter problems, I have them all the time.
I've had quite the day, the mail lady followed me in the drive today to tell me she saw a Mother bear and two cubs right behind my house last week. And then my brother. I posted about them. Come by when you can.
Hugs,
And it's raining here again, we've had enough!
Cindy

Debbie said...

Sounds like you had an interesting weekend at the lake Jane! What a wonderful place for you and your family.
We have rabbits here too....grrrr.
Debbie@houseatthelake

Terri Steffes said...

The lake garden is exquisite!

Stacey said...

Oh girl! Your summer is just beginning and it's already blazing hot here. Your lake weekends always look like so much fun.

We've been watching the weather in the Chicago area just out of curiosity. I think Tanner is going to love the spring and summer. Not so sure about winter.

Theresa said...

Oh how fun that sounds to me! Kids grow up and don't hang out with us so much, so enjoy it while you can:) I love your garden and small plants grow into big ones! I love your home away from home. Have a blessed evening and I look forward to more pictures from the trip next weekend! HUGS!

PAT said...

I love your lake garden, Jane.

We are at the lake, as I type. Our daughter, granddaughter and grandson are here with us, this trip.

Unknown said...

I love to watch a garden grow, I am having a really bad time with bunnies in my back yard. They are eating all my petunias! Enjoy your house, family and friends, you are so lucky to have a summer lake house.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I wish I was up where you are in the cooler climate, Janie. It's HOT here, and it keeps threatening to rain every day in St. Augustine and doesn't!

Sounds like you are going to have a great summer! Wave runners? Do you ride them, too? I feel like such an oldster at times. I would have been riding with the best of them (and did in my teens). I can remember riding something called a sea jeep in the Bahamas for hours on end. Now? I'd be waving from the shore. LOL!

I can't help you with gardening, but I hope you get the pesky bunnies to leave your flowers and plants alone. If I hear of something, I'll let you know.

XO,

Sheila :-)

P.S. I love the blue color of your house. Love it... but of course you know I like blue. ;-)

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, I just love when you post about your lakehouse... everything looks so nice and serene and I would love being there with the power out, and just relaxing outside, no worries at all... I believe eggshells will deter rabbits as well... and I never use any sprays or anything that might be toxic so you may want to try scattering some around! But bunnies need to eat too! And the more you pick lettuce, the more it will grow...they love your lakehouse too, and thought it said "Bed AND Breakfast"!!! xoxo Julie Marie

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Hi Janie,
Glad to see you are having fun at the lake house. I love your little garden! So cute!!!
xo
Robin

Privet and Holly said...

Jane ~ loved the tour! How lucky to have a getaway like this! Your comment about the messes that used to drive you crazy now lifting your heart really struck home with me and I'll try to see my kids' messes in a different light.....We only have them at home for such a short time! xx Suzanne

Carmen said...

It all looks so beautiful at the Lake House. But those furry little nibblers have no manners whatsoever. ;) Btw...like your blog header!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I think it sounds like a great weekend despite the poor conditions starting out!. Love the little garden! I can't deal with the dear here so I don't have a garden, but would love one! Can't wait to see more lake fun photos!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hey Jane....What a great place to be on a hot summer weekend! Your garden will be popping one day soon! We use cayenne pepper to keep the bunnies away...they don't like it! ~Hugs, Patti

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Jane, It won't take long and your pots will be huge, can't wait to see them in a month or so. How lovely to have a nice lake house to escape to, I think we all deserve that. Love seeing what you have been doing. Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a great week!
Hugz,
Kim

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Janie.. Isn't it funny how much you enjoy it when the lights go out? We lived in an area of frequent black outs, and bought a generator... yet I always look back at the fun of before...though I didn't miss freezing to death:-) Your beach house has to be the most fun!
Bella

Bonnie said...

Hi Jane, looks like your weekend getaway was a relaxing one! When I was young my father bemoaning the fact that it was a shame and a waste that the birds had attacked our papaya trees and I said dad the papaya's didn't go to waste the birds ate them!

Hope your husband enjoyed Father's Day!

Bonnie

Melanie said...

It sounds like you had a great weekend. I love being near the water. I am a wee bit jealous:)

Glad you had a nice weekend.

Kathy@ Gone North said...

Funny...You were in Mi. & I was walking in Chicago when the big storm hit... umbrella's were flying thru the air from roof tops :)
LOVE the pics of the lake house...
We have had a place in northern Mi. since the boys were teens & friends would comment on my kids & I would always say, "Get a get-away place...You are all together on weekends... you don't watch movies or play cards together on a Sat. night at home, but you do at the cottage" :)
We would trip over each other to get out the door to get there :)
There is nothing like it ....

KTW said...

What a wonderful place to get away! :) Thank you for sharing it with us. Love the little garden area!

GardenOfDaisies said...

I love the front porch on your lakehouse.. the cutouts in the wood that create the diamond is just perfect vintage. And the garden... well... bunnies have to eat too. I wish I had a lake house to escape to on the weekends... sounds heavenly!! :-) Glad you enjoyed your time away with your family!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Looks and sounds divine! How fun to enjoy such beautiful surroundings with your kiddos!

Cathy

stefanie said...

how fun...you need to show us pictures of the sand!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Sometime...the best times are when the lights go out!!!!
Looks like you all adapted well!
Love the signs of kids around too!
We had a load of them here over the weekend...such fun.
Lovin the beach house!
More photos!!!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

bj said...

I am so in love with your lake house. I think it ought to be a LAW that EVERYone have a lake house. :)

What a great get-away place for you and your family. And, how fun that your daughter can have her friends there, too. Such fun.
I am also totally in love with your swing!!
Sorry about the little rabbits eating some of your garden...but they are soooo cute..(the bunnies, that is!)
hugs, bj

Anonymous said...

Jane! That garden! It's absolutely adorable and inspiring; I could handle something like that. So sorry about the bunnies though!
Sometimes power going out can be a great thing, can't it? I love that it brought everyone outside!
Have a SUPER week!!

Joanne Kennedy said...

It looks like the perfect get away to me!

Love your little garden and I heard that if you put coffee grounds in the soil it keeps animals away. You can go to Starbucks and they will give you them for free. Plus it's good for the plants.

I've not tried it yet but I am going to soon.

Your chair with plant in it is so cute.

Hugs,
joanne

Rhondi said...

Hi Jane
Your place at the lake looks like a lovely place to relax and enjoy your family.

Gypsy Heart said...

How wonderful! A lovely place to get away from it all...and everything looks so nice.

xoxo
Pat

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

What fun! Love your little garden...we don't have much luck with our beans either....lot's of critters enjoy that we provide dinner for them :)
Wishing you a wonderful week!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Jane, if we had to go that long without AC, we'd be hospitalized I fear. Ninety nine degrees in the shade. Over 100 degrees day after day. I shudder to think.
Brenda

Knitty said...

I know what you mean about beach towels, raincoats and such lying around. Totally different meaning now than when the kids were under the roof all the time. :)

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Your swing at the lake house looks sooooo inviting! Come by and enter my GIVEAWAY...I think you might like it:)

Blessings,
Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane
I love your beach house! It reminds me of summers when I was young
Thanks for sharing
Sue

Anne Lorys said...

What a gorgeous, relaxing place to just get away from it all! I'll bet you can't wait to get back there every chance you get, huh? :-)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Anne

Sue said...

Hi Jane,
Loved all the photos, and since I have got this new thing for blue, I love the shade you have on your cottage, simply beautiful.
I am so sorry to hear about the beans, we had the same problem , but had to go and put fencing around the things we didn't want to share with the bunnies, so good luck with the spray.
As always I so enjoy reading about what you are doing, Enjoy your week, and shoo those bunnies away.
Hugs,
Sue

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hi Jane,
Your lake house sounds like the perfect place to relax with friends and family. so glad you had a great weekend:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Unknown said...

Hi Jane! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I would have loved to count you in on the giveaway... but it's already been through and the winner was already selected over a week ago. I'm sorry you missed it. I like to do giveaways as often as I can... so stay tuned for the next one!

Laura said...

Hi Jane-
Everything looks beautiful.
I know exactly what you mean about clean-up-
We are at the beach right now and as messes are made, and I seem to be the one cleaning them up- I keep telling myself to let it go.
People are more important.

Enjoyed visiting-
Laura

Deb said...

The lake house looks like such a wonderful, relaxing spot to spend time at! What a pretty garden you've planted too.

Barb said...

Hi Janie, first, let me thank you for your lovely comments on several posts at Bella Vista. You lifted my heart. I am an upbeat gal but sometimes my heart needs to be lifted.

Since I live on a lake....I always feel you and I have something in commmon. Don't you love all the towels and summer things on the dock? I always stand back and try and 'take it in.'

I have tried to grow a garden in our tiny back yard but the lake birds and critters eat everything up. I have just given up but I long to grow tomatoes. I love tomatoes.

Sending you a big, big hug,
Barb ♥

Sonny G said...

it looks like ya'll had a great time.. thanks for the wonderful pics of your trip.

Sonny

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love your beach cottage. I would love to be there. It is really hot here in the desert now. We got home late last night and it is so great to try and catch up with everyone. Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my posts. I always look forward to your visits. Hope you enjoy your cool retreat. Love it. Hugs, Marty

The Muse said...

What a wondrous time we can have when Mother Nature decides to turn off all the lights..save her spectacular luminaries!

Sounds as if you are basking in the joy of home and family...as well it should be... :)
For they are our greatest treasures!

Karen said...

Oh Jane - I just love going with you to the Lake house. Someday we will have one!!! And you get monsoons too? Sigh. I just love a GOOD storm! LOVE THEM!
BUNNIES!!!! Don't even go there with me!! We have one - just ONE little baby bunny that somehow got stranded by Mama bunny in our yard. I have it all fenced and chicken wired off - I don't know how that little thing got in there. But it has eaten everything with color in it at my house. And is even eating the grass. and it POOPS everywhere! And then my little dumb doggies eat that and UGH! It's vicious circle! So if you find out what's the repellent, let me know!!!
I tried scooting him out with the house and he ran right between my legs! Of course my son just stood there laughing!
Anyway - enough of my escapades. I've been a terrible blogger lately and wanted to pop over and say HELLO!
Enjoy your weekend away! YAY!
:) Karen

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Sounds wonderful! Before we had the little one we would stay at B&Bs in michigan. Now we rent a house for the week in union pier, love it there.
Can't wait to see more!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

You are such a lucky girl to have a lake house! And your plantings look great. Those darn bunnies know a good garden when they see one ;)!

Coloradolady said...

What a marvelous place to get away from it all!!! So relaxing and peaceful it would be to have a Summerhouse. I agree with your neighbor, don't pull the beans, they will come back!! Loved all your photos today!! Have a great Week!

koralee said...

Everything is so so pretty...I could use your sweet porch swing..amazingly charming. xoxoxo

Lori said...

You have such a beautiful spot ~ funny how we can find things to amuse ourselves when there is no power. I giggled about your bunny buffet ~ the garden looks great and with some sunshine and rain they will fill out quickly. Hope you are having a fantastic week!

Teresa~ Gardening with Soule said...

Looks like you have a wonderful place to relax at your lake house. Sorry about the bunnies eating your plants. Imagine how happy they were to find that feast you left them.

Pondside said...

It sounds like you're all set for a great summer - let the fun begin!

Pamela said...

What a charming place!
Made me feel all homey and warm!
Pamela xo

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Glad you had a good weekend despite the storm. Love your hubby's 'desert island' corner.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh my! Your plants are staked and everything! You are amazing.

And I'm sure your garden is very grateful. You really give it a chance to produce, for you. :-)

Nancy said...

I love spending time at the lake with you! How true about the power going off. When my grandson was little ours was off one evening and we had lanterns outside and played lighted frisbee and sat in the swing and all of a sudden the lights all came on - his face just...fell. Nothing like a power outage to bring everyone together. I love your swing...and your daylillies...and the whole lakehouse! xoxo Nancy

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

I LOVE to read about your lakehouse! Isn't it a blast to have two homes to decorate and add all of your personal touches to? You are blessed to have a place to getaway to. I'd be there as much as possible.

xo
becky

Decor To Adore said...

I feel cooler already looking at your lovely photos.

The wedding looked like such fun and how neat was it that you met Christine!!!

Be blessed dear one.

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

What a beautiful place you have! We love a summer thunderstorm, something so romantic about it:)

susan said...

Jane-I love he open diamond woodwork and color on your porch. Every time I see a glimpse of the the house at the lake, I see something else I love. I miss having a lake house to escape to on weekends. About the towels and the mess--My MIL always said she'd rather be bothered than bored. I get it now! A mess is a sign of people having fun! What's a bunny got against egg whites :)?

Tina said...

Hi Jane. Your summerhouse is so beautiful. Actually having no electricity sounds like a fun adventure, especially if it meant being able to socialise outside:) I love your garden, darn rabbits though! Hope you have had a wonderful week and wishing you another fun-filled weekend at your summerhouse!~ Tina xx

Lorrie said...

Hi Jane, I enjoyed this peek at your lake house gardens and flower beds. I know you must love heading there for long weekends and vacation getaways.

The one thing that really struck home home with me though is how cleaning up after the kids used to drive you crazy and now you welcome the signs that they've been there. I feel exactly the same way. Sometimes, not often, the way a light shines through a window, or a song on the radio makes me think I'm going to see my children's younger selves running through the door after school, or clattering down the stairs on the way out to play. I think only a mom has those moments...

Denise said...

Hi Jane, sounds like a lovely time and a great place to get away to. Hope you have a great weekend this week too :) Thanks for stopping by and always leaving me lovely comments, I so appreciate them :)
Hugs
Denise

Heidi said...

Hi Jane,
Oh how I envy your lake house. I have one in my dreams, someday I may see it for real!!
I love what you said about the pickup and mess of the kids. I often wonder if I'll miss it when they've both moved out. Probably!
To me, the worst part about not having any electricity is we have no water as well, the pump on our well won't work And then the house gets really cold, because the only time our power goes out is in the winter!! But I do love living without the TV and computer for awhile!! You have those amazing summer storms on the east - it's so different from here!
I can just imagine your fun times there this summer in that pretty house by the water. So lovely...
XO
Heidi - Heart and Home

The Shiny Pebble said...

That cute little two sitter swing is just the most charming thing I have seen in the longest while. what a fun place!

Anonymous said...

Morning Jane! I'm so jealous! I adore being by water! (I've probably said this everytime you post from the lake?!LOL) Call me crazy but I love the rocks around your flower bed! I've always had a thing for rocks until I moved to WV! They are not round and grey but flat and peachy colored???lol At least the few I've come across!lol Bunnies are becoming my main enemy and I'm having a hard time even looking at the ceramic ones I have!lol He keeps eating all my zebra grasses; has destroyed my orange marigold leaves and a few other things!lol I need to find something too to keep him away! I'm tempted to go crack egg whites everywhere!!!!lol Well if you are still at the lake I hope you are relaxing and enjoying!!! Thanks for your sweet comment on my sewing room - I need to find more ME stuff!lol Take care - Sincerely, Jeannette

Unknown said...

Hi Jane! I just love your lake house cottage. It is so perfect. Looks like the garden is going. :)

~Liz

My Grama's Soul said...

Good morning Jane. .......Thanks so much for showing us the lovely photos of your lake house. I so love it that you have planted a vege garden. Hummmm.....rabbits....they are a problem here too. I throw garlic in my garden and it does seem to deter them a little.

Hugs,

Jo

Barbara Jacksier said...

What a perfect getaway! You lucky girl.

Heaven's Walk said...

Sounds like you guys have had the torrential every other day rain, too, Jane. Ugh! I feel like we're living in a tropical rainforest! Tropical is just fine.....but enough with this rain!! And there's more on the way for us. :( Anyway, I enjoyed your pics of your gardens. Our veggie garden is growing like crazy, too, have been eating peas and zucchinis already. I just love the ticking chair on the porch with the palm tree. Mmmmm! Just like the tropics! lol!

xoxo laurie@heavenswalk

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I envy you your home on the lake. I grew up on a lake and miss it madly! Love the rock border around your garden!

I plant marigolds around my veggie garden and the rabbits, deer and bugs stay away. It always works for me.
Hugs,
Penny

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Blondie,
I just wanted to stop by and say "hi." I saw your blog on Frenchy's site!
I have a brand-new blog and I was hoping you'd come to visit...I'm a mixed media artist and have 3 drawings for giveaways right now...thought you might want to enter...If you know anyone else who wants to, feel free to send them my way.
Hugs,
Cindy Adkins
Whimsical Musings

Barb said...

Hi Jane,

It looks like summer has definitely arrived at your lake home. I like hubby's chair(I like the idea of being in the Bahamas too).
Thank you for stopping by. I am so excited that everything turned out o.k. The lump still needs to go but there is so sense of urgency now.
Still celebrating.

Have a beautiful weekend.

hugs,
Barb

Lori E said...

Those wascally wabbits. I don't have a problem with them but I sure do with snails and slugs. Brutal.
Just so disheartening to come out and find only stems left.

xinex said...

It's starting to look good, Janie. Sorry about the beans. I love your potted plants and the containers. We just got back from Mexico and I am still trying to catch up....Christine

Maria | Vintage Simple said...

I loved the part where you wrote that you used to hate the clean up, and now you welcome it as signs that your kids are home..! What a wonderful image. It'll help me to think of that next time I am muttering under my breath, picking up stray socks and plastic dinosaurs!

Your lake house looks wonderful - and your little garden..! Bunnies or not, it is looking fantastic.

Loved reading about your weekend, dear. It sounds like it was a wonderful thing - including the part when you lost power. I do love how it brings everybody out of their homes and creates an opportunity for everyone to catch up and be social...

xoox,
-maria

myletterstoemily said...

there is something magical about a
summer place. i can tell you really
enjoy yours.

we find that our family is so much
more together when we leave town.

blessings,
lea

savvycityfarmer said...

oh how I wish we had a lake house ... maybe I'll just move in with y'all ..

shabbyfufu said...

Hi Janie.....your busy, crazy young adult filled life sounds a bit like mine. I too love when you write about the lake house. We have a beach house but it seems that we don't get up there often enough! xo, Janet

Charlene said...

Oh how I WISH I was at the lake house with you!!!! Where it is cool. It's so blasted HOT here I HATE IT!!!! Wow those bunnies had a feast!!!! That is a bit dicouraging isn't it! DARN THEM WABBITS! I think I'd try that spray you were talking about. Have a great week. Hugs! Charlene

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh Jane,
I'm so glad you came on over to my blog...I hope you had fun in New Orleans--it sure sounds like you did!
We are about 8 miles from the French Quarter...We actually used to live there after Hurricane Katrina, which was when we moved here (my husband was sent for work and we stayed!)

Your lake house is so dreamy...and I love all your flowers and vegetables!! Wow!
HUGS,
Cindy
Whimsical Musings

Lady Katherine said...

I just love the swing!! Love seeing your lake house. Sometimes it fun without electricity!
I so wish I could have met you at Christine in Natchez. I tried to talk hubby into bringing me for an afternoon. We went the next week. Maybe another time, if your near Jackson,Mississippi! Love seeing your gardens!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, what a lovely place to spend time with your family. Love that you have such a blessing. Hope you are having a happy week, sweetie. xo Lidy

raggygirlvintage said...

It sounds like so much fun Jane! Hope the rabbits stay away, send them to the neighbor's patch!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

What a great thing to have a place to get away. However, I can't keep up with just one home, let alone two! :) It sounds like you have such a great time there..
It sounds so lovely, Blondie!
Mona

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

How pretty everything looks! Just beautiful!! Don't you just love summer? It is SO HOT down here! We have been in the upper 90's everyday and it is sweltering, but I still love it!

I am working my way forward...

Moving on!

Lou Cinda

xinex said...

Hope you had an enjoyable 4th, Janie. Did you light some firecrackers at the lake? We are in Destin and I enjoyed the fireworks....Christine