I am sitting on the deck of our borrowed lake house trying to snap pictures of dueling hummingbirds.
I am listening to the waves lap against the shore.
I hear a father trying to coax his daughter up on skis for the first time.
I see some unknown birds (which I am also trying to capture on film.)
I spot the illusive bluebird and the red headed woodpecker.
I feel the breeze blowing and enjoy the mostly cool weather at 11:30 and wonder when the stifling heat and humidity will hit and run me indoors.
I sit in the evenings with The Hubs in the swing by the shore line as he points out the grass carps and hastens me to hear their slurping pig-like sounds in the water.
We watch the the mallards come by to roost on the neighboring pier.
We hear the occasional leftover firework.
We are enjoying life.
The Hubs posed a question: “What is it about the lake?”
We are here doing nothing. Rather, I am doing nothing. He is still working remotely during the day. But, what creates that feeling that life is slower, there is no rush, simple and easy is the mantra?
So far in the cove, the daughter is still trying to tackle her first time up on skis.
I think that the feeling is generated for us because we are borrowing this house, i.e. house sitting while the owners are out of the country for a week. I mean they have left the house immaculate for us (and we, of course, will do the same on our departure). The only chores they have tasked us with is to water a few new fruit trees and the geranium pots on the deck and feed the dog. That’s it. Hey, I can handle that.
But, again, what creates that feeling of “lake life“?
Could it be that the joint we stopped for lunch upon arriving was (a) truly a joint, (b) and one of those places where everyone knows your name. How can you not love a place that had the bartender asking The Hubs his opinion on which beers to order and when patrons come in she hollered, “Hey, Peanut! Hey, Penguin!” (Are these lake nicknames or aliases?)
Could it be that we don’t have cell phone reception? That is a big one for me as I totally ignore any job related duties for a few weeks. (I am only sporadically checking work email and am only responding to seemingly vital emergencies. Most of these issues can wait.)
Could it be that I can eat breakfast on the deck in my nightgown, return in my caftan, and around noon put on a sun dress?
Could it be that I can basically be shoeless (or in flip flops if I must) for an entire week?
Could it be that I have time to just watch the wildlife and take photos of wandering bumble bees and butterflies?
Could it be that the most cooking I have done is slicing cucumbers and tomatoes, making sandwiches or stirring up sangria?
Whatever the illusive feeling is, I am all for it.
The new skier is still not up but we now have a boat load of swimmers that have just arrived (along with a crane on the neighboring dock). And, those rascally hummingbirds are still being difficult getting their picture taken.
Excuse me, I have magazines and a foodie book to read.
And, I have to share what I’ve learned. The Hubs taught me to recognize the large areas of bubbles as “herds” of shad that the sand bass are rounding up to feed on. It reminds me of some Stephen King story about the fog. I can now also identify the slurping, popping, pig-like sounds that the grass carp make along the shoreline.
Good that you enjoy the relaxing and peaceful lake life 🙂
Have fun reading the magazines and foodie book!
Angie
Reading Delicious! by Ruth Reichl. I really am enjoying it (and the lake).
Awesome post. I felt like I was sitting there with you, listening to you tap tap tap on your laptop! I followed a herd of bubbles around this morning while I was out fishing on our lake. It was an awesomely gorgeous and quiet time. Even though I didn’t catch any fish, I caught everything I needed to. Hope you continue to have an amazing time! (The short story is actually named ‘The Fog.’)
Isn’t it peaceful to just watch those bubbles appear, morph into shapes, and move so speedily. I don’t know why they remind me of “The Fog.”
Sounds like you’re experiencing pure bliss! I need a week or two like that. Have a great time.
Thanks, John. I have to admit, it is pretty amazing here.
Debra, you described an ideal way of spending time. That’s why our place is a mess – we sit and watch birds and listen to the sounds of wildlife at our rural home. But a lake house- that would be super fantastic!
Relaxing and taking a break from all the electronic media is needed sometimes. I hope you all have a great time and relax. But I see you are doing that now! Lovely photos.
Thanks, Tina. When the weather is beautiful like this, we shouldn’t worry about messy houses and should just relax and enjoy nature.
You are having my dream existence. I would like to live on a lake. But if not that, at least vacation. I love your photos as well. Just looking at them made me feel more relaxed. I wrote down a list of the books you suggested, because I am a reader. I was able to find The Baker’s Daughter which I just started last night. So far I am intrigued. Will keep you posted. Smiles to you on your R & R time.
Let me know what you think and you should check out Cook the Books club for more suggestions.
What a beautiful place to hang out! There is nothing like a large body of water to calm to nerves, rest the soul and just force you to appreciate life. Thanks for sharing your vacation. I read you’ll be there for weeks? Now I’m really envious. 🙂 Have fun!
Weeks? I wish. Only one week, sigh.
HI Debra:)
I am so delighted for you:) Some of my most treasured moments were spent at Moon Lake many years ago. The questions you wonder about and the answers that remain untouchable are the Lake’s way of saying sit back, relax and enjoy every single moment. No questions, no answers, sheer bliss:) Thank you so much for sharing, Debra, enjoy:)
You are very wise, Louise.
What a wonderful place to enjoy and relax yourself. These moments are actually more precious than people realise but you do 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Must savor them.
Lakes are the very best place to relax and chill out. Love your pics.
You said it, Margaret!
What a great post. I felt like I was right there with you. And, as an avid birdwatcher, I could identify every one of those birds for you… and probably annoy you with all kinds of little facts about them. 🙂 Have a great time.
I would love your expertise right about now.
How wonderful! Grand Lake? Looks and sounds fabulous!