Relative Something

Yesterday marked the end of summer activity at the lake place. All the inflatable toys have been deflated, and anchored rafts have been removed from the swim area. It was a bittersweet day. The weather started out beautifully sunny and we got in a last bit of boating before setting about with the chores of dismantling the equipment of summer recreation. It was a stark reality being presented that affirmed the finality of the season.

Cyndie and I stayed for the afternoon and were able to get in one last game of Cross Crib with her parents on the deck. Then we gathered the cushions and brought them into the basement for storage. Clean up seemed even more dramatic when the contents of the refrigerator were being thoroughly sorted for us to bring home perishables. With family travel plans scheduled for many of us, there will be an unusual lull of visitors to the lake place, and we needed to put a little more effort into the chore of prepping for departure than usual.

From the grass field beside the lodge, I took a look back as we were packing up the floating trampoline, and I saw how great the lodge looked. Behind it, one of the trees was already losing its green color. My favorite place is about to transform into a spectacle of autumn. By the time my next chance to visit rolls around, many of the trees will probably have lost their leaves. I’m alright with that. Bring on the winter, I say. I’ve got igloos to build. What a treat it is to have that to look forward to!