Spring at the Summer Place

When we arrived at our summer place in late April, it was a pleasure to find that winter had done no damage.  Well, maybe a little to the shoreline, but nothing major.  After the busy spring we had in 2014 cleaning and remodeling, it was fun to just putz with some small projects this year.  The weather was typical Spring in Minnesota - rainy cold and dreary.  We both were struck with major colds and spent much time lazing around. 

The birds came to visit

and there was a waiting line for grape jelly.

 

 

Chilly days must increase the appetite; the suet was disappearing every other day.

 



One silly little fellow kept us entertained for quite some time; seems he was having an identity crisis.

I spent some time just admiring the views; very calming after a hectic winter.

 

 

We made some decisions. Sold the Jeep and bought a pickup.  Listed the Motorhome and will buy a trailer to live in when in the south.  Life changes.

 



 

 

We surveyed the damage the water has done around the lake; this beautiful tree has water logged roots and if ready to topple.

 

 



I bought plants that made me smile.  When we heard that our dear friend Marylou had died, we needed all the joy we could find and we took it from nature. 

 

 Dad's old minnow bucket becomes a planter again this year.

Lael and Doug and Sharon and Jim came to visit.  Diane and Tud joined us for golf at the "Cocktail Nine".

 



 



We relaxed.

Jim avoided having his picture taken,

while Lael took fishing lessons from Mike.

Latter, we fried 'em up for appetizers.

An exciting day got to Jim and he took a little snooze - love the smile on his face!

After a fun night of cards and conversation, the early morning hours were filled with fog.

Such a good man to have around; Doug readied the deck chairs for us.

After the short visit ended, Mike and I went on the lake and enjoyed a quiet evening.

 

 

 

 A full moon lit up the whole area a couple of nights.

 

 

 Neighbor Steve caught some fish one evening while out fishing with us; Mike got skunked!

 

Suz came for a visit and it was fun catching up - a good friend can be such a comfort!

 

 

 Larry from Nevada, Bonnie and Barry from Tucson came to visit. 

 

 

 

 

One night during dinner, the neighbor comes over to tell us that our boat is floating in the middle of the bay.  Dinner and conversation and wine must have been good as no one had noticed it.

 

Nice to have a good neighbor like Larry to bring Mike to rescue the boat.  The good thing about that adventure was that Mike spotted the Loon's nest while out by the weeds.

If we ever doubted that our little piece of paradise was at the end of the rainbow, we now have prove - a full rainbow landing at our front door...

The Miss Kim Lilacs that I trimmed last year came back and the butterflies love them.

 

 The hummingbird feeder is seldom unoccupied.

 

Lots of fish have been caught.

Barry tried to learn how to clean a northern...

 

Liz has been enjoying her dock and catching some nice sunfish.

The Loon is nesting and we are serenaded each evening with her call.

Mike is trying again to get some answers as to why the waterskiing course can be so close to a loon's nest.  Maybe this time someone will listen to his concerns.

 

I love the views of our lake.

 

 

Larry and Barry enjoy a relaxing cocktail on the deck one evening.

Mike helped out Steve when his motor was giving him problems.

Oh Barry, you do like your wine...

 

When the guys needed a break from fishing, we visited Vinning and the sculptures. 

Had to pose Larry by the Elephant made of lawn mower blades.

Maybe this will be a Christmas Card...

This year we visited the Nyberg farm, saw more sculptures and met Mr. Nyberg, the creator of it all. His wife was cleaning windows and they both were a delightful Minnesota couple.  Their daughter is and astronaut and is still working at NASA.  Very informative stop - will definitely go back!

A Crowded shop houses a finished shepherd and sheep

and an unfinished couple of bear cubs.  He has been commissioned to do this for the Byron School District.

Then a busy weekend was here.  Pam and her family and Troy came for a 3-day visit as did Dan and Sue from California.  The girls enjoyed the water on the east side of the lake - clear and good for swimming.

They spent nearly 30 minutes in search of minnows.

The Tubing behind the Jetski was great fun.

Mike and Barry continued to fish... good play mates!

Us ladies enjoyed conversation on the deck and

in my newly finished prayer garden.

We celebrated Mike's milestone birthday and the guys gathered in the garage - close to the beer I guess.

They loved Tud's car.

This is how Mike's homemade angel food cake turned out - wrong pan - never made one before...

He ended up with a small one from the store and then the writing fell - oh well, it's the thought that counts.  When he turns 80 and we have another party, I'm not asking what kind he wants!

Father Duane joined us; it was also a special day for him.  He has been a priest for 45 years!

 

Lots of good conversations and laugher.  It was a beautiful day!

 

This card said Mike is just like an old car, he has specialists for all of his different parts... ain't that the truth.

Dan and Sue brought this special bottle of vodka from INDY.  Picture of the Pagoda visible through the contents.  This one won't get opened any time soon... unless there is an emergency...

The group picture.  (Thanks to Larry for taking it - how come you din't get in it, Jo?)  Thanks to all who came to celebrate and a special thanks to Pam for helping with everything!  It was a good day.

Till next time - Make every day special, we don't know what tomorrow will bring.