“The Lake”
This week’s “5 Beautiful Things” emanates from our get away home on a lake in gorgeous northern Michigan. Nine years ago, we had been fortunate to find ourselves in a position to afford to purchase a second home on one of the many Michigan inland lakes. It is our own little slice of paradise. A place to make happy cherished memories with family & friends, and a place to relax, unwind and regain perspective. I cherish every moment I’m here.
We bought this house in August of 2010 and I had the foresight to begin a Journal on the very first weekend we spent here as new owners. I have been writing journal entries on every visit, almost nine years later I am beginning my 6th volume. It has been such a blessing to be able to go back re-read…re-experience moments that have been spent here and to know that the recollections are detailed and accurate because they were recorded in the moment.
The Flag: I love this country…even with all of its turmoil, scars and scandals…and the flag represents all that is good with America. The Bell: As kid growing up my grandmother lived on a lake and it is there that we would celebrate the Independence Day Holiday or more commonly just referred to as the “4th of July”. My siblings and our cousins would fish, swim, boat, play games, scout for turtles and snakes. To call in all the kids scattered about my grandmother would ring the black cast iron bell that stood facing the lake; which meant food for famished stomachs. My husband bought me this bell as a gift for my birthday our first summer here and every time I look at it, I’m reminded of my grandmother and of all those magical summers at the lake.
Michigan has about 11,000 inland lakes and of course we have coastlines on 4 of the Great Lakes; Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie. In fact, Michigan has 3,288 miles (5,291km) of shoreline; only Alaska has more shoreline in the United States. Our lake is a modest 815 acres but is large and deep enough to allow for speed boats pulling water skiers & tubers, and jet skis. It is a long and winding lake with many “fingers” that shoot off the main lake; which makes it great for exploring by kayaks and canoes. It has great fishing and hosts lots of wildlife…there is something on this lake for everyone.
There is something just magical about the setting sun’s light on water! I think of it as God’s way of tucking us in for a good night’s sleep. “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”-Psalm 113:3
The Wallace Adventure! 