Yesterday the soup (crazy Heat) wafted away. We’ve been home for a week. And, after a short episode of panic – we’d left a full pack of coffee filters at Northern Comfort – new ones were purchased and normalcy ensued.

Jason drove up last Friday to help me close up the cabin. Saturday morning after breakfast we got started. By 9:30 we had the dock lifted (something, if I’d been by myself would have taken me most of the day). And so it continued, each chore handled efficiently, smoothly, and without strain. It actually made a one-day closing up not only do-able but fun. By 4:00pm and all work complete, we headed out for Iron Bridge and dinner at the Red Top. “FANN-Tastic” 1.

“In a simple and a peaceful cottage with a beautiful view, you will not be dreaming about the palaces or the heaven, because you already have a perfect thing!” ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan

“I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

A Cool Summer – Our summer at Northern Comfort was a short one. Oh, not in mere time, for that at times seemed long. But in summer weathers, for the truly warm sunny days of summer were few and these disappeared early.

So, for a few weeks on end, we had winds, clouds, and cold; perfect for reading. And so, I managed to get through thirteen books (enjoying twelve of them). Standouts were; Calypso by David Sedaris. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. Samuel Pepys a Life by Stephen Coote. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson. The One Man by Andrew Gross.

There you have it, my ‘best of’ readings. A summer where much outdoor activity was curtailed and with no TV around became much more than merely pleasant; actually it was a spectacular time!

Sylvan Circle – is an annual Arts and Artisan tour. Looping around the Algoma area of our cabin, through a number of small towns and villages, it forms a 100Km loops and displays the works of fifty or so artists.

I spotted Marcia taking a second look at the works of a young artist. The young man was drawing at a large easel and describing his works. Turns out he was local to the area. Ray Fox is “an Anishinaabe artist working with graphite on paper, is inspired by the history of passed relatives and the wildlife around him.”

We both zeroed in on a limited edition signed and numbered print of a Black Bear (originally titled “Gizaanaang”). With our anniversary approaching it proved to be the perfect gift.

Cold but no frost – usually means minimal Fall color. For some reason we had plenty. Maybe not quite as bright as in past years, Glorious nonetheless.

Soup – is what we entered upon our return. A steady diet of mid-forties at the lake we returned to a week-long of high nineties. For a few days, not used to this heat, I skipped my walks. This morning it’s starting out at 50 and will climb to 79. Much better!

Later today we’ll, as the Brits would say, “give it a go” to try to unload the 300pound-plus woodstove which we drove back. It’s been quietly stored in the truck; nevertheless the time has come to dislodge it before it decides to hibernate there for the winter.

Fini – a couple of hours from now it’ll be watching Vili play soccer, then again tomorrow – yes, I am getting my soccer fix.

Vai, had five days of tests this week (1 to 1 ½ hours each day) to see where she stands as high school is less than a year away.

Dinah, we hadn’t seen since May. She’s turned into a stunning young
woman, I asked what she appreciated most about going to her new school
(Walnut Hills with 2,500 students). With a bit of reflection she answered she appreciated the freedom and disliked just how difficult it was making new friendships. Smart as a whip!

Marin we haven’t seen since his weekends are spent at his after hours work; he’s seeing and smelling the ‘green’ stuff.

I just renewed my Hosting Service, so I guess that I am continuing these weekly Ramblings (I am smiling).

Make your week a safe one, and push onward with enthusiasm.

Till next week.
Dirk

1 “FANN-Tastic” favorite descriptor used by Lou, David Sedaris’ aging father (Calypso by David Sedaris)

Leave a Reply