August 30 and 31st., 2008

August 30th.....Today we decided to wind our way north from Frankford, Michigan, up past Sleepy Bear Dunes making a loop that took us back south to Traverse City, and then back to Onekema and our cottage in the woods, Breezy Point.
On our picture perfect, blue-sky day, we passed large and small Michigan lakes evidencing every kind of water activity from sailing to surfing, small quaint Michigan towns with artisans everywhere displaying their crafts for sale, outdoor eateries in cafes and decks overlooking the water, deep awning woods and forests with narrow roads in and out, that we were tempted to take time and time again (the roads less traveled), colored barns in abundance from reds to rusty browns, farmer's markets with fresh farm produce...tomatoes, sweet corn, Michigan peaches and blueberries, and colorful wildflowers that dotted the hills and valleys.
The Sleepy Bear Dunes we admired from a distance as we watched people (who looked as small as sand crabs without speed) scale the heights one slow step at a time. Two steps up, three steps sliding back down in the sand). Mike and I watched as we sat at a roadside picnic table next to a clear blue lake reading our books enjoying a cool breeze that created small ripples across the water. At one point I had to retrieve my sweater from the car. A very fine moment, indeed.
Coming back we saw trees beginning to turn to the spirit of Autumn with yellow and orange summac dotting patches on the ground, and the foliage already beginning to turn its leaves to the reds and oranges of Fall, creating the bitter-sweet moment I feel at the first sensation of changing seasons.
So often, we have been here in Michigan in late August where we get a first taste of the coming season and are always relieved to return back home for a little more summer before Fall rushes in to be followed all too quickly by the snows of winter.
August 31st......Today we will take advantage of both the Lake Michigan beech and Portage Lake, the former to test the water for warmth and perhaps go swimming (just to say we did it), and if not swimming, to watch the large sail boats gliding across the lake, and the freighters snailing their way along on the horizon. Portage Lake in front of the cottage will be guaranteed swimming this afternoon and kayaking, something I have loved doing this summer.
Last evening we watched an awesome sunset over Lake Michigan from my sister's cottage and sat on her deck on the dunes while sipping wine and catching up on family news. For me, there is no more beautiful spot on earth.

August 27, 2008

Michigan continues to be magnificant....we wake up to cool mornings and wait for the sun to wind its way through the woods to warm us on these chilly days. By noon, we can head to the beach, and enjoy the water and sand with blue skies overhead. Yesterday there was not a cloud in the sky. I had the most tranquil hour kyaking across Portage Lake, the gentle waves bobbing me up and down as a I paddled my little vessel backwards and forwards. A truly lovely moment in time. We have a big wide, screened front porch that wraps itself around the front of our cottage, and dinner is always here as we drink a glass of wine, feel the evening breeze, and watch the last sail boats coming in off the lake. It is hard to imagine while I am here, that school has started for most students around the country, and that summer is coming to an end. As always,summer has gone all too fast. Today, the weather is, once again, Michigan marvalous and this afternoon we will be heading back to the beach.

Michigan, August 25, 2008

Michigan never disappoints! We are here in 70 degree weather with beautiful blue skies, sunshine and just enough breeze russtlling through the trees to make you think that, yes, there really is a little bit of heaven on earth. Ah, a week to read, think, sevor, and enjoy the quiet of the woods, the sand on the beach, and my favorite little bookstore in Frankfort, Michigan. As always, I will not want to come back, but then, the leaving is what makes it so delicious to come back to every year! I am continuing my reading of Lin Yutang's book, "The Importance of Living" (and the noble art of leaving things undone) and have just started the section on Tea and Friendship. Now, isn't that a lovely thought! Until tomorrow...

Going to Michigan

August 23, 2008
Heading to Onekema, Michigan today where my family has had a summer home for over 60 years. "Going Up North" we have always said, and it is the most tranquil spot sitting in the woods overlooking Portage Lake, and only a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Michigan. It has a wide screened front porch where I can look through the trees and see the boats gliding across the water in full sail. I often do my best writing and thinking in this place, and when our time there is over, I lament coming back to the responsibilities of my life in the city. Years ago, I wrote a poem about leaving ........

Another Summer Season

The fog sits low on the lake
In mid-August
Something not visible
In June and July
Cold temperatures
Greet us each morning now
And signal the coming change
Of seasons from summer to fall
A melancholy time to say good-bye
To our cottage here
Until next year

But I want to linger
Like the fog on the lake
And hide in her elusive, mysterious arms
And not go back
To the noisy, clamoring responsibilities
Of the city

And I see
That the fog is moving on
Like me
Slowly, reluctant to leave
Moving over the water, above the trees
And hills beyond
That there is no hiding place here
And like the fog
I must be gone………………