Happy Birthday Dad

It's that time of year again. When hunting season begins. The days just before Thanksgiving.

The days leading up to my Dad's birthday.

It's bittersweet for me.  Dad passed away three years ago.

We always talked on the phone on Sunday nights around 8:30. Still...if the phone rings, or if I happen to walk past the phone on Sunday nights, my heart skips a beat.

 My Dad gave me this beautiful cameo on my 18th birthday....I will treasure it for as long as I live.
It sits on my desk...always close.

 My granddaughter, Madison, was born on Dad's birthday. Every year she reminds us that it's not only her birthday...it's Great-grampa's as well. She has a sweet spirit...just like her Papa had.

The day Dad met Maddie, he was sooo proud. He was crying when he held her in his arms.
Where does the time go?
I miss you Dad.
Love,
Debbers

Ugly corner.

Good morning everyone.

Snow is coming to the lakehouse for the next few days.

The ground isn't frozen, so it won't stay for long.

Mother Nature is just giving us a preview of what's to come.

 I thought I'd give you a glimpse of another corner of the house. There is this nasty "pretend" fireplace that the previous owners put in....ugh. We plan to replace it in the NEAR future. Until then, I try to mask it as much as possible.

 I have this vintage iron and board that I've displayed another piece from my linen collection on, sitting in front of the ugly "pretend" stones of the ugly "pretend" fireplace.  What were they thinking????!!!!!

 I tend to "junque" up my house....leftover habit from the "country decor" days. Some habits are hard to break.

Until we tear this monstrosity out, I'm stuck trying to camouflage it as much as possible.
Do you have a corner that you are trying to hide? or is it just me?

Labors of love

It's Monday here at the lakehouse.

I've been wandering around the house, looking for something to pretty up.

Since Hubby is camping in the woods, it gives me time to putz around without any interruptions.

 I collect vintage table clothes and runners, AND napkins, doilies, towels, pillow slips, etc. I love to use them in every room of the house.  I even use the smaller table linens to dress the windows. It seems such a shame to fold them, then put them away in a cupboard where they can't be enjoyed.

 I LOVE all the details in linen pieces! It amazes me that someone took the time to make such beautiful works...a labor of love.
I used to steam press all of my linens...but lately, I like the wrinkly look of them fresh off the line.

 I understand this look isn't for everyone...especially husbands!  whatever.....I love it!!!!  It adds to the shabby look I crave. 

 I cannot imagine the time it took someone to make these pieces.

So...as I wander through the lakehouse today...I will be appreciating the hands that put together all of the lovely linens I love so much.
Enjoy something pretty today.
Debbie

A peak inside, and some time alone.

It's Halloween night here at the lakehouse.

I'm home alone.

Hubby is at deer camp.

I'm loving the peace and quiet tonight.

No radio, no television....just me.

A whole week of...just me.

 That means: a clean bathroom for a week. A clean kitchen for a week. NO hunting shows for a week.
And the whole bed to myself for a week.  YES!!!!!!!!
Don't get me wrong...I will miss hubby, after a whole week. But in the meantime....I'll come home from work with no socks to pick up. No dishes on the coffee table, or in the sink. No supper to make. And NO hunting shows on the television!!!!
It only happens once a year....like Christmas.
Again...I love hubby, and will miss him....but think of the possibilities!!!  The upstairs bathroom for one! White paint!!!! heeehaaaa! I've been patiently waiting for this time to get here. That nasty old bathroom will be white! Finally! I will replace the black and tan checked shower curtain with a white one! White, and some light blue towels!  AND...a white rug!!!
Aren't you excited???!!!!
Okay...maybe not as much as me...but....you must understand just a little.

 Okay....now back to the post.
Do you ever wonder what people keep inside their cupboards?  Have you ever peaked inside someones medicine cabinet..or linen closet...or refrigerator...or behind a shower curtain?
I'm not saying I'd do that sort of thing...but don't you wonder?

 I have a cupboard with a screen door on it, and people always want to peak inside....and since I had to dust in there today...I thought I'd keep the door open for a minute or two, and let you see what's in there. Nothing all that interesting....but some treasures for me.

 My favorite gardening books. A couple of pictures...one of my Dad, who passed away three years ago. He's holding my granddaugther Maddie. She was born on Dad's birthday. A clay bumble bee that my grandson Ethan made for me. A little bird house another granddaughter, Zoey, gave me for Mother's Day.

 A favorite basket......a lamp made by a friend. Shells from our Florida vacation with the kids and grand kids.  Just "stuff" to  others. Treasures to me.

Treasures..that cannot be replaced.  Kind of like my hubby. Although I am happy that he's out in the woods, spending time with his oldest son..doing what they love to do(going to the bathroom in the woods wouldn't be something I would want to do)..anyway...having the house to myself for a whole, entire week......I will look forward to his return....safe and sound.
Until then.......where's that paint brush!

Cozy Saturday

Good Saturday morning friends.

It's one of those lazy mornings here at the lakehouse.

It's cold outside, so we have a fire going.

Hubby is sipping a cup of coffee, and I'm wandering around the house...enjoying the sun dancing on the water.

 I know I'm a little early for Thanksgiving, but it's one of my favorite holidays...so it's hard to wait to move on from Halloween. I've already changed things on my blog, making the transition to Turkey Time.

 All of our kids and grandkids live three hours south, so changing things over is easy for me.
I don't want to rush through life...but LOVE the house all cozy and warm for the next holiday.

 Hubby repaired the arbor and fencing from the wind storms. So things are back to normal outside.
He's getting ready for his hunting trip. That will leave me time to get some house work done. Being sick all week took it's toll on the house.
I'm just rambling this morning...sorry.

I hope you are able to enjoy some fun this weekend..with family and friends. It's a fun time of year...get out and have a blast!!
Happy Halloween!
Debbie~~~I'm late for Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage...but I'm sharing with Courtney for the party. Go over there and see what everyone is sharing!!

Auntie Em!!!

 Hello everyone! I've been sick the past week, so haven't been on the computer for awhile. The lack of electricity from some horrific wind storms here in Michigan didn't help matters.  At the Mackinaw Bridge the wind was clocked at 78 mph.  We had gusts over 60 mph here at the lakehouse.
We watched as the ducks would glide by on the water...backwards! The wind just kept pushing them past....reminded me of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz looking out her window as the tornado lifted her house, and she saw people and animals go by.

One of the arbors and some fencing was damaged. Hubby will be working to clean up that mess today.
I've had an awful cold and flu bug for a few days. I wonder how bad it would have been without my flu shot!!!
The power returned last night for most areas around the lake. The sound of generators has quieted down, and the wind has diminished considerably. We are fortunate to have a pellet stove, so we just hunkered down with quilts and sat in front of the fire.
It's good to be back online again.
Hope all is well with you!
Hugs....
Debbie

Reflections

                            Good chilly day to you! It's actually sunny right now, but this morning it was VERY nippy outside. There was a mist rolling off the water, which was a little spooky...yet beautiful. It seems every few days the view out our windows changes...subtle changes...a few more leaves are down, the sun is rising a little farther south, and the clouds seem to have a pink hue to them.

I love getting out of bed early to greet the morning...especially when the water is like glass. It reflects the gorgeous sky as the sun is coming up over the trees. It won't be long, and the canal will be iced over.
Instead of reflections, we'll see coyote's running down the middle of the ice..along with fox, and deer.
Each season the view is different....yet glorious!
I'm sorry if it seems I keep taking the same pictures over and over....I am just so amazed at the difference in the view from day to day.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Debbie