A walk in the woods

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.
-Henry David Thoreau

Greg's parents have a cottage on 20 acres nearby to our log cabin. The setting is so beautiful filled with so many old trees. One cool morning, the four of us along with Scout went on a hike.






Here's Greg's dad leading the way. He wins the prize for being the fastest walker.





I did notice one thing. Greg and his dad walk alike.





I loved this photo of Greg's dad in the middle of the valley, breathing in the fresh clean air and enjoying the moment.


I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
-Henry David Thoreau

Small Town Fun

I think one of the best things me and Greg did was select a "small town" in which to base our log cabin. It's nice to escape from the concrete jungle. And doesn't it seem like the small towns always have the nicest events and friendliest people?

One evening we headed downtown.....





I packed up my wine backpack with "spirits" and cheese. (Special thanks to one of my friends for getting us this gift for our wedding - best gift ever!)






And we headed to the town pavilion to listen to the local orchestra play a summer concert.







They played a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as many other favorites. My in-laws loved it. (On the other hand, my pre-teen nephew and stepson were begging for ice cream money but I think they managed to listen to a few tunes...)



Now I must admit, I wasn't sure if I should have brought my wine backpack. (Greg's mom was glad I did! Ha!) And during the concert, I noticed this elderly lady staring at me and my backpack. At the end of the concert she approached me and I thought "uh oh, I offended someone." Instead she smiled and said "now that's the way to enjoy a summer concert!" I knew I loved this town......

Love of a child and dog

Greg's best friend and his 2 boys came to visit us at the cabin this weekend. Scout loves all kids but was particularly enthralled with the youngest one. Scout loved him immediately and followed him all around. My heart melted to see these two together. Can you see the connection in the photo? I still can't stop saying Aw!

Wildfire

Remember that song...."she ran calling Wildfire......" It was by Michael Martin Murphy. I love the songs of the 70's and this was one of my favorites. When Greg and I went for a day trip down to the Manistee River recently, we saw this woman riding her horse down the River. Can you imagine what a beautiful ride that was.....wish that was me.....sigh.....

Special Note To Greg: I want a pony and I'm going to name it Wildfire!
For the rest of you, I've posted the video below.

Indestructible

See my chipmunk? He's lucky to be alive. He jumped from the deck railing trying to land on one of my bird feeders in the trees. Once he jumped, he was only able to grasp the very ends of the perch with his front paws, did a somersault and then fell 2 stories to the ground. SPLAT! Horrified and half crying (yeah, you all know what a softie I am)- I go running down and find him. Here he is looking around. He chirped at me and went on his merry way. Yep, he's indestructible!

P.S. I had several essays to write for school this week and a job interview that I think went well. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I'll be over to visit you soon!

Outdoor projects at the cabin

We've been busy at the log cabin doing outdoor projects and entertaining friends. This past weekend I was elected recording secretary of our lake association. I keep joking to Greg that I'm one step away from being mayor of this one-horse town!


Greg has been driving his ATV and picking up all these free rocks for our slope. He also put in a mulch pathway that I think turned out pretty nice.






Greg's flower boxes are doing well!






The butterflies seem to like these purple flowers. (I don't know what they are called, I'm just happy I haven't killed them! Ha!)






My new bird bath - don't think I've shown it to you yet. I found this in an antique shop for $20 - isn't it wonderful?





We've been invaded by baby Grosbeaks! I counted 7 of them the other day on our deck crying for their parents to feed them. They're noisy and I love them. Look at this plump little girl - she's certainly well fed! I don't know what my excuse is......I need to tell PF Changs and Pepsi Cola to quit feeding me....

Three questions on the cabin pets

Question #1 - Do you think I feed Marvin too much?






Question #2 - Do you think Marvin is daydreaming about chipmunks or about buying Scout a one-way ticket to Switzerland?







Question #3- Who do you think is the King of the cabin?

From 2010_07_04