Tuesday, October 19, 2010

A WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY

Off we went to the lake Saturday and having had a late start, decided to stop in Michigan for lunch. This is a little resort town called New Buffalo along the big lake. I've always wanted to spend a weekend here in the summer; it's only about 40 minutes from the lakehouse. It has a quaint little town with lots of shopping and restaurants and is a block from the beach. We could even bring our boat.
We ate at a restaurant called The Stray Dog. In this picture you can see the restaurant in the background. I was more interested in the cute gift shop {or gear shop as they call it}. They sell all things 'Stray Dog'; T shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, etc. It reminded me a lot of the Black Dog Tavern in Martha's Vineyard.
Look at the cute puppy!! A white picket fence surrounded a perennial garden that was waving goodbye to summer. It looked as wonderful to me in the fall as I am sure it does in the summer with all the beachgoers.
As you can see, it was a gorgeous day in the Midwest...sweater weather. Look at those blue skies. I am so glad we stopped.
Everything was decked out for fall and Halloween. I love the pretty flowers still blooming.
The restaurant was a lot of fun. The wait staff wore T shirts that had the 'Dog' on them and on the back they said: Come. Sit. Stay. I have to get one of those. Notice the fireplace along the back wall. Very cozy.
I had the Cobb Salad and...
French onion soup. Let's just say I cleaned my plate.
Back at the ranch, or Casa U Betcha, it was time to do a lot of outdoor cleanup. I took care of my flowers and plants, some of which were still blooming but would definitely be goners the next time I came back. The Husband put away some of the lake toys and patio furniture, it was just the perfect day to work outdoors and get all of this done before it gets too cold.
Before you think we moved to Havana, inside came all of The Husband's palm trees for the winter. Okay, I brought in my ferns and a hibiscus plant but the palms are obnoxious. We can't put them along the walls because the heat vents will dry them out, so they are basically sitting along one side of the bar. All I need is a safari outfit and some binoculars to creep around the house in. But we are now set for winter and we can simply come and go, no clean up to dread, just a long, cold winter sitting in front of the fire or wood stove, sipping hot chocolate or warm cider...
The swans and ducks were out like crazy this weekend and I'm not sure why {making plans for their trip South?}. Mr. Swan came to visit after I lured him with a half of loaf of bread.
So that was it for my weekend. It was good to be back at the lake after 6 long weeks {I don't even want to tell you what I found in the refrigerator}. We will get back on track with our never ending remodeling projects and just focus on the inside of the house after a nice summer vacation.

Today I am off to get some pumpkins and mums and straw. Did I mention we took The Husband's little sports car...the one with no back seat? I realized I had no room for anything after we were halfway there. So now I will have to pay Chicago prices. Ugh. I hope everyone had a nice weekend and is enjoying this beautiful weather. I will be back soon! :-)


86 comments:

La said...

Looks like you had a great weekend. Your lunch looks delicious. I'm having a salad as I am reading your post and it doesn't look half as good.

Have a great day! La

Deb said...

The Stray Dog looks like somewhere we would love to visit :-) I want the doggy bird bath! I've never been to Martha's Vineyard but if I ever do go I will stop at the Black Dog Tavern.

Olive said...

Oh to be able to feed a swan. That was a charming weekend. I have plans to paint this winter. The summer just distracts me but in a good way. hugs♥olive

Linda said...

I loved my visit to your lovely lake house (via blogg!) Thanks for taking me to lunch along the way! I enjoyed that as well!!

Suzann said...

Now that looks like a lovely place for lunch!!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Love your photos, Jane. And how totally awesome to have a lake house. I'm jealous. You can keep the palms tho :-)

Amari said...

Oh my gosh! We were just there with our children, running along the beach, checking out the quaint little shops. As a child, I spent lots of summers a few miles from there in Union Pier (home to many Lithuanians!)...What a beautiful place!

Marianne said...

What a beautiful place and a great way to celebrate Fall!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, oooh, I am in love with that little place! Everything looks so quaint and beautiful... your food looks yummy too! The swan is just gorgeous... you have the best little mini vacations, I want to go with you on one! Happy pumpkin hunting... my sister and I did that last week... I love Autumn and wish it would never end (until Spring that is, just by~pass winter... our winters here are beautiful, but too cold!)... xoxo Julie Marie PS PLEASE post photos of you in your safari outfit and binoculars! tee hee hee!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Looks like it was a nice trip. Your lunch looked delicious and that fire burning really does make a cozy place. Wow! Is it cold enough for fires up there already?
Love the swan photos too, they are beautiful!

Kat said...

Sounds like the perfect weekend. The restaurant sounds like a fun place, love the T-shirts! Love the shot of the swan, how beautiful. So glad you got to spend such a relaxing weekend! Kat

Sherri said...

Jane, I LOVE the photos! I always like seeing where everyone is going, and love your take on it too. The lunch looked delish! And I did think you were vacationing in the tropics. ;-) I would SO wear one of the 'dog' t-shirts. too cute!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a lovely getaway! Your lake home looks like it is the best place to relax in.
Hugs,
Penny

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh, what a great weekend Jane!
I love the pics, so Midwest Living looking!
And your Lake House is wonderful, love that bar and big windows!
Oh, I can't wait until we can get together again!
Hugs,
Cindy

Jenna@Breathe Beauty said...

This looks like the perfect weekend and I can tell that the weather was gorgeous-sweater weather is the best and look how blue that sky is.

Laura said...

Jane- your descriptions of your time at the lake always sound fun and relaxing-although I know it does involve work and projects.
What would we do without our projects??

Laura
White Spray Paint

Gloria said...

Hello there! What a nice trip - I feel as if I were there... and I would have liked to have been there to have that delicious lunch! ;)
Best regards,
Gloria

June said...

Jane I think lunch at 'The Stray Dog' sound like a real treat. One of those places you could hang out with friends for the entire afternoon.
A perfect weekend for sure!
So when you get your safari suit and glasses, be sure to show us the picture of the big game you hunt at (or should I say in) the lakehouse. LOL!
hugs

Amy Chalmers said...

That looks like a great weekend! I have been to the Black Dog on MV many times...have you been?

Charlene said...

That swan is amazing! Oh Jane you are soooooooo lucky to have the lake house to go to. So beautiful. Someday I would love to come visit & see it in person. And let's do lunch at that place you showed us. YUM. We're starting to cool off so I bet you are really cooling down now. Are you ready for cold? I'm SICK of HOT! HUGS!
Charlene

Knitty said...

It is bittersweet packing up for winter, isn't it? The weather was beautiful and is again today in SE Michigan. Autumn colors in the trees and mums stand out so vividly against blue skies and patches of green lawn. Lots of leaves have fallen so visible grass is spotty.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane!
Glad to see you are enjoying this wonderful fall weather. The restaurant looks like a great place to unwind and enjoy. I love the cute dog fountain.

Have a wonderful week.

hugs
Sissie

Penny said...

We will be closing down the Lake Lure Cottage in two weeks. Not looking forward to it. We are headed back to Florida for the Winter. I know you are not looking forward to Wintertime, but maybe all of those inside projects will benefit from the snowy weather. I love New Buffalo! And I know the restaurant in Martha's Vineyard you are talking about.

Jane said...

Hi Jane,
What a wonderful weekend! Your pictures are beautiful and really relay the fun, relaxed weekend you had. Glad the weather cooperated for you.
Jane

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

The restaurant sounds so fun! You got a lot accomplished. Don't ya love that feeling?

Carolyn said...

Janie, it looks like a wonderful weekend....your salad looks so yummy and such a cozy place to dine! How awesome to feed beautiful swans....everything just seems so dreamy! :)

Hope you find the perfect pumpkins! :)

Hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What fun Jane! You had me at French onion soup! lol Love that little fountain with the doggie! I hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Debbiedoos said...

Now that is my kind of day Jane. Loved the look of the cobb salad, and the entire vibe around town...funny name too!~ Thanks for sharing, bet you enjoyed that ride!

KarenB said...

What a lovely weekend! It looks like such a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for taking us along.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Looks like a fun time, Janie!

I can't believe the Stray Dog. I agree that it looks like they "borrowed" their idea from the Black Dog in MV. ;-) Those shirts sound cute. Did you get one???

And LOL about living in Havana with the palms! I feel like that when I sit in the living room here, only it's the Banana Republic. The banana tree outside has gone hog wild after freezing to death last winter. I have a "faux" one of sorts that the stager put inside that I detest, but you know that is going to sell someone on this house so I have to keep it. Right-o! ;-)

I am having server issues, so I must run...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Theresa said...

Gorgeous home and looks like you guys had great food and fun at the restaurant! I LOVE french onion soup...my favorite when we eat out! Enjoy your safari, uh I mean winter lake house setting:) Have a blessed evening! HUGS!

Gypsy Heart said...

Looks like a really fun time! Love the blue skies and I'm sure the temps were nice. Your photos are great, as usual. Thanks so much for sharing!

Hope you have a blessed week ~
xo
Pat

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
Looks like a neat place where you stopped. Hasn't the weather been wonderful! I know we need rain, but I do love this great weather!
xoxo
Robin

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

What a great way to spend the weekend! Your lunch looked so yummy at a great little restaurant with a cozy fireplace!~Hugs, Patti

xinex said...

Sounds like a perfect weekend, Janie. The restaurant looks very nice and the food looks delicious. Your lake house is looking like a jungle which I have to look forward to over here too, lol. We'll get lots of oxygen at least...Christine

FOUR ALL SEASONS said...

I love New Buffalo also! Since we are from Ohio we try to make a trip somewhere along Lake Michigan each summer. We also like Union Pier just a few miles north. The Stray Dog is a great place to eat, if you like ice cream next time try Oinks!!

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

I can't even imagine what Chicago prices would be...I know that in our little burg it is sooo expensive..especially when your dad has a cornfield - ha!!
Enjoy your fall decorating Jane!

Low Tide High Style said...

Jane that store and restaurant look like my kind of place. And I love how you have to keep your ferns smack dab in the middle of your room during the winter months, it must give you that tropic boost you need mid-winter! Our swans won't return until sometime in December if it's cool enough, I love looking at them along our creek.

Glad you enjoyed your weekend!

Kat :)

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Wow! What a great lunch! LOVE the little doggie birdbath. I would love to find something like that for my back yard. The lake house did end up looking like ritzy condo from Florida! It looks beautiful!! Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend.
Patricia :o)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

OK now I'm hungry Jane...Oh I love me some onion soup...love that dog bird bath...pray all is well in your world my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Unknown said...

Jane whata gret post...I just love when others take pics of their food! The French Onion soup looks delish and the avocados...num! Your Swans are gorgeous too...I'm glad you had a nice time and then let us live vicariously through you! Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Jane, do you get weepy like I do when we put away the summer stuff for cold weather? When we pull the cover over the pool, I cry every single time. :) That little shop is adorable!

lila Braga said...

thank you for visiting my blog today and leaving such a lovely comment. I have so very much enjoyed reading and visiting your beautiful space. This post is so beautifully written I simply love it.
hugs
lila

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

looks like fun... and now I am starving!!!!;)

All That Glitters said...

That looks like a really fun place to visit and that soup looks sooooo good!!!

Take care!
~Jennifer

Chandy said...

Now that was a great weekend! I'd love to have more of those. I love swans!

Glad I got to visit!

Anita Diaz said...

Oh everything sounds like fun! The food looks so yummy, and again I'm trying to diet. Not the right time of year for that. Love the palm trees too! I could use a trip to Havana. Enjoy the season:-)

bj said...

What a great weekend...
Going to Marthas Vineyard is on my Bucket List...:))

Deb said...

Sounds like a great weekend to me and your foods looks so yummy! BTW, you really should get the white ruffle shower curtain from Target...you will love it! Deb

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend and that onion soup looks so gooood!

Blessings,
Linda

Barb said...

Hi Jane, I love your pictures. Little towns like this have such charm. The French Onion soup looks divine. I made some last week. Yum!

Did I tell you that my hubby has one of those little sports cars too with no back seat. Yikes. I have made it my business to plan ahead since his car won't hold anything but us! Ha.

Hugs, Barb

BECKY said...

Hi Blondie! Thank you so much for your sweet comments about the things I create! I can't wait to start preparing my blogaversary giveaway! Definitely time to get started!

I love your blog! What a wonderful blessing to be a part of such a great blog community, huh?

I hope you have a delightful day!
HUGS,
Becky

Signing Out said...

The Stray Dog is such cute place! It definitely reminds me of the Black Dog Tavern on the Vineyard. That French onion soup looks delicious, too.

Jane

Bill said...

Hi Jane,

Looks like great fun! The food pics made me VERY hungry! Loved the pics of the swan. Your upcoming times at the lake house sound so relaxing and cozy. Hope your weekend goes well.

Regards,
Bill

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Jane, that does look like such a charming place to stop and eat. I love French onion soup, and that looks delicious. Sounds like it's a good thing you stopped to enjoy that place, since it was a work weekend at your place. Your photos of the swans are wonderful. What beautiful creatures they are. laurie

Chubby Chieque said...

What a stunning week-end. Looks your're enjoying the bonding time with the loveones.

Huh! that sallad, is to die for & your is so intruiging. Yummy...

Happy TS, Lady & enjoy the week-end ahead.
/chie

April said...

I'm always amazed! Everything you do, you make it sound like such an adventure...how FUN!!! So glad to hear you had a wonderful time!

Sue said...

We have talked about going to New Buffalo because we can be there in a shorter time than Traverse City. I'm glad to see the pictures...the food looks good!

As much as I love summer at the lake, you make winter with a fire and hot chocolate sound pretty good too!

Melanie said...

Hi Jane. I know that y'all are enjoying the weather up there. We are having great weather in SC. Loving all this sunshine.

I laughed when you talked about the sports car and no backseat:) Sounds like fun, that ride!

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
What a charming little store and a great weekend at the lovely lake house (palms included). Oh how nice it would be to really feel the fall season. This has been the closest we have come in a while, with our little bit of chilly weather and rain.
As for DWTS...I was surprised that Bristol hung in another week, but Florence was probably the next best choice to go. I did love the "Bewitched" dance with Kurt Warner. Who is your favorite and who do you think will win?
Enjoy your day.
Maryrose

stefanie said...

wow, that looks so fun!!! love the fountain!

Heaven's Walk said...

Hi Jane! It WAS a gorgeous weekend, wasn't it? The perfect weather to take care of all those seasonal outdoor tasks. Your cottage looks so cozy inside - so Havannish! lol!

That restaurant looks like such a neat place....and you had my fav soup!

xoxo laurie

Unknown said...

Wow, what a lovely place. That lunch looks so delicious, and such a peaceful spot with those gorgeous swans. Looks like a wonderful weekend.
Karen

Debbie said...

Hi Jane...so glad you were able to get all the Fall chores finished at your lakehouse. You had a beautiful weekend for it.
This has been such a great Fall!
We got some flakes and freezing rain today...ugh. NOT ready for winter just yet.
Debbie@houseatthelake

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Janie...

It looks like you had a great weekend, my friend! What a cool restaurant...my kind of place! I have to tell you...that little bird bath with the puppy is just the cutest thing I've ever seen...I loved that! Well, it looks like you are set to "weather the winter" at the lake house! Girl, I just giggled when I seen all of those big palms! And, I could just see you sportn' around there in your safari suit! Too cute! Loved your photos of the swans...they really are gorgeous creatures aren't they? I hope that my note is finding you well, sweet lady! Have a fabulous Friday!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

PS...thanks so much for coming by yesterday! I always enjoy your visits, my friend!

Rettabug said...

Such a delightful way to spend the weekend, Jane! I envy you the lake house but not all the upkeep that goes along with it. We spent our weekend doing much the same stuff...pulling up flowers, taking in the deck furniture, covering up the A/C unit, etc. I think this weekend will be our last warm one for awhile.

LOVED the photos of your lunch stop & that t-shirt would be hilarious to wear when company came to visit. "Come.Sit.Stay" Too cute!!

Denise said...

Hi Jane, looks like a wonderful place, and oh to see a fire lit, so cozy :) Have a great weekend.
Hugs Denise

From the Old InkWell said...

One day we will head toward Michigan and the lake area. Never been, but it looks like such a pleasant place to visit! (The french onion soup looked so yummy!)

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Hi Blondie,
I really enjoyed taking this trip with you. I am so glad the weather cooperated. Your lunch looked so yummy...I would have cleaned my plate too. Since I love doggies, I am loving that puppy bird bath. Thanks for taking me along to share your lovely adventures. Oh, I am your newest follower too. Enjoy the week-end. Linda

Simple Home said...

Beautiful photos Jane, and that restaurant sounds wonderful. I'm glad you're having such great weather.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Marcia

Blooming Rose Musings said...

What a wonderful place for a getaway. I love that your lake home looks so relaxing and inviting. Looks like you had a nice day with a little shopping and a delicious lunch.
Have a great weekend.

The Charm of Home said...

That looks wonderful! I love the Dog Gear. Sounds like it was really nice. I love French Onion soup! Glad your feeling better. :)
Sherry

The Charm of Home said...

That looks wonderful! I love the Dog Gear. Sounds like it was really nice. I love French Onion soup! Glad your feeling better. :)
Sherry

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane, What a cute shop!! Love the doggie birdbath, and those gorgeous blue skies:-)))
Bella

Unknown said...

G'morn ~ What a charming place to relax & enjoy good times & great food. We so enjoy Martha's Vineyard & many other beautiful places up that way ... glad you had a lovely time.
Have a beautiful PS weekend ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Karena said...

Jane, so beautiful.....thank you for sharing!

I have a Fabulous Giveaway from Metis Linens you will love! Be sure to spread the word.

Karena
Art by Karena

SmilingSally said...

What a fun life you have! I love those swans! The dog place looks like a treat; I bet that French onion soup was yummy.

Call me crazy, but I love palms and would do most anything to accommodate them.

koralee said...

What a lovely day...that place sounds so cute...I love the black dog stores when we visited the East coast. We did eat at the Black Dog Tavern in Martha's Vineyard.

Hugs for a great weekend. xoxoxo

Lori said...

What a fabulous spot ~ I love little towns that have character. The Stray Dog looks like a perfect spot ~ did you get a tshirt? Laughed at your comments about the ferns ~ too funny. We need to get to the cottage and get it closed up as the closer to Christmas we get ~ the busier the week-ends will be. Hoping you are having a good one!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I love french onion soup. Looks like a weekend at a lake would be heaven. Hope you have a great week!

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

Fun weekend Jane...
Weather has been amazing this year.
Must try the Stray dog!
and....love your Bath makeover...
deliciously chic!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

raggygirlvintage said...

Looks like a very fun weekend and yummy food! thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Tracey

Sue said...

Come. Sit. Stay. I love it!! Sounds like an invitation to a party if I ever heard one. LOL
How fun to get away, even if you had to do a little work! Don't you just love this kind of weather?
hugs, Sue

Decor To Adore said...

This looks like my type of place! I love the dog fountain.

Your bathroom is looking gooooood!

Unknown said...

You have the life. I loved that t-shirt saying of come, sit, stay. Very funny.

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Well it is still hot here in Mississippi-87 today-so it will be a while longer before I have to bring plants in. I love the dog bird bath! Are your swans mean? A lot of them are- though they are so pretty.