Friday, August 21, 2009

Cottage Colours

A short while back, Frank and I spent a few days up at his cottage. The company was good, though the fishing was mildly disappointing.

The weather was mostly fine despite a strong summer storm which arrived just as we did - making a wet task of unpacking the car. However the sun shone for much of the rest of our stay.

We had a wonderful opportunity to see plenty of wildlife - some of which was only semi-wild. I'll post more about the creatures next time but today, just sit back and relax on the deck, dock or hammock. I hope you enjoy your visit.
Please remember to click on each image to enlarge.




We arrived to discover a couple of new additions to the lakefront - this pair of colourful hammocks, which I'd remembered from my childhood cottage life as difficult to maneuver. A first attempt at getting settled down in one of them was easier than I'd recalled. It was comfy. (please click to enlarge)





Very comfy! (please click to enlarge)





And they made for a colourful foreground against the beautiful sunsets we experienced most evenings. (please click to enlarge)





Like this one which was actually photographed from the boat as an evening of fishing came to an end. (please click to enlarge)





After the last worm had been sacrificed to the lake, we secured the hooks to the rods and headed back to the cottage under golden skies. (please click to enlarge)





And peachy mauve skies. (please click to enlarge)





Of course Benny was waiting for us faithfully. We tried taking him on the boat with us but he was like a canine pinball machine. He bopped back and forth between us, jumped from lap to lap, barked at each cast, bit the rods, almost jumped in the lake (again) and refused to settle down. So that was his first and last boat ride - for this visit anyway. (please click to enlarge)





Once we were back, and the boat was secured, it was time to sit back and enjoy a drink on the dock. (please click to enlarge)





So dangle your feet, or grab a chair and a drink, and sit back and enjoy the sky. (please click to enlarge)





It's as yummy as it looks. (please click to enlarge)





Goodnight! (please click to enlarge)


I'll be back in a few days with various animal photos. See you then.

54 comments:

Nancy said...

I feel so relaxed! Thanks for the beautiful pictures. What a lovely place to spend time. Could the sunsets be any more beautiful? I think spending time on water makes everything just a tad better.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

My first favorite was sunset over hammocks. And then I saw the last series of photographs and now I can't choose!
What a lovely way to spend Friday evening. Thank you, Hilary! :)

Leah J. Utas said...

Oh how beautiful and relaxing.

Joanna Jenkins said...

I love hammocks!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures. It looks like a magical place.
xo

Country Girl said...

I love when you take us to the lake with you.

Cloudia said...

Wow!
Waikiki is blushing at your lovely pics!

aloha-
Comfort Spiral

ds said...

Oh, give me a hammock! And the peachy mauve skies...So beautiful. I am completely relaxed now. Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

The cottage looks like a wonderful place to put it all aside and chill ... especially the hammock! :) Gorgeous shots!

Tabor said...

Wonderful photography. Really sows that you had a wonderful time. I am going to post a 300+ sunset on 'my other blog' soon. Over 300 and that is since January and not counting all the deletions! I am an addict.

Russell said...

The phrase God's Country comes to mind as I go through these images.

I confess, I have never been on (in?) a hammock. I have visions of them spinning around and around like you see on an old cartoon! But they certainly do look comfortable. The idea of laying on one of those hammocks and looking out over the lake is pretty nice.

Take care -- and maybe Benny can go for another boat ride soon!

Anonymous said...

An impressive set of photos. Looks like you had a good time.

I have the issue of "breast feeding" on my main blog today Pick a Peck of Pixels

Anonymous said...

Sooo relaxing, Hilary. I have wonderful memories of a hammock from my childhood, but have never owned one as an adult. Especially love the picture of the colorful hammock combined with the sunset. Beautiful pictures as usual, friend.

And, I automatically smile at any picture that includes Benny. He is so cute.

Michelle H. said...

Why do I get the feeling you barely left that hammock? These are serene photos. Anyone looking at them feels relaxed immediately.

NJ said...

Beautiful shots. Every summer we usually spend a week up in Bancroft but this year chose PEI. I'm missing my Bancroft fix although we had a great trip. Your pictures are truly fantastic. Such great sunset shots. I can almost hear the loons!

Daryl said...

Wonderful colors ... I love love love the pix on the dock, from the dock .. and he waits faithfully, albeit a teensy bit 'impatiently' .. ;-D

Love your comfy sandals

Gary's third pottery blog said...

very comfy indeed, and what pretty skies!

Zuzana said...

BEAUTIFUL! I wish I knew a stronger adjective. I love these pictures and the vodka cooler looks delicious! What can I say, I have slavic roots.;)) Hehe.
The picture with the hammock and the sunset sky is out of this world...
You know, the set of these pictures remind me of the time when I visited your blog for the first time, as that post showed pictures of your last trip to the cabin for the season...
Have a lovely weekend dear Hilary.
xo

Kerri Farley said...

Hilary - your images are awesome! Loved this post!

MaggieGem said...

Once again a small vacation without ever leaving the den! Love the Sunset2 and Sunset on the dock, and you know there were just too many!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Gorgeous! So glad you have access to the piece of paradise to rest and recharge.

Shammickite said...

I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days at a cottage recently too... so relaxing and I love to sit and watch the sun go down reflecting in the lake. I think I'll have to rent a cottage for a whole week next year.
Great pictures, as always, Hilary.

Brian Miller said...

whew...so relaxing...beautiful pics! thanks for sharing...

Swetha said...

Its so beautiful... the last shot is superb!! you are a wonderful photographer!

photowannabe said...

These photos make me so envious. What a magical, peaceful place to just "be". Love all the pictures but the sunset from the hammock just says it all for me. I would love to sit on that dock and have the drink with you. Ahhh.

Hilary said...

• Thank you, Nancy. I would have to say that no, the sunsets couldn't be any more beautiful than those we enjoy by the cottage. But I many be biased. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank YOU, KC. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and good thing you really don't have to choose. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Leah. It truly was. :)

• Thank you, Joanna. I believe you're right about the magic. :)

• Good thing, Kate because I love when you join me. Thanks. :)

• Thanks, Cloudia but I have a hard time imagining Hawaii blush. :)

• Thanks, DS. I'm glad the photos could relax you. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Seamus. It sure was a great time. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Thank you kindly, Tabor. Congrats on 300. I don't know how you keep up like you do.. oh yeah.. you said "addict." ;) Looking forward to that sunset. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Russell. I had the same visions of being flipped out of it too, but I did all right. :) And Benny has since gone for another boat ride with Frank and his son. He's still a pest. :)

• Thanks, Abe. It was a fine time, indeed. Thanks for stopping by. :)

* Thanks very much, Sandra. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. I think it's more difficult to get out of a hammock than in one - if only because you have to drag yourself away from it. I'll give Benny a scratch for you next time I see him. Thanks always for your visit. :)

• Thank you, Michele. I'm glad you found the photos relaxing but you're wrong about my barely leaving the hammock. I stayed fully clothed the whole time. ;)

• Thank you, NJ and you're right about the loons. There were many of them and they were heard often. Such a soothing sound, eh? I have to admit that I love PEI too and haven't been there in decades now. I'd love to head back sometime. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Thanks so much for all of the kind words, Daryl. I have to admit that "impatiently" came to mind but that's your trademark so I bow(wow)ed out. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Gary. I'm glad you think so. :)

• Thank you, Protege. You always have the kindest things to say. I'm glad this post reminded you of the first one you read of mine. Mostly I'm happy that you keep coming back time and time again. Your friendship means a lot to me. Hopefully one day we can share one of those drinks. You just never know. :)

• Thanks very much, Kerri. That's how I always feel about your photos. :)

• Thanks so much, Maggie Gem. I'm glad you enjoyed your mini vacation. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, Angie. You described it aptly. :)

• Thanks kindly, Shammie. I'd highly recommend it if you can. It's heavenly. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, Brian. I'm glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for joining me. :)

• Thanks so much, Pranksy. Very much appreciated. :)

• Thanks so much, Sue. Just say the word and I'll be pouring. Thanks always for the visit. :)

Frank Baron said...

I feel like I never left!

Oh, wait....

:)

~JarieLyn~ said...

Your photos and your narratives are always so delightful. My favorite photo is the sunset over the hammocks. I envision it blown up to poster size hanging on my wall. It's definitely a piece of art. And of course, I love the one of Benny on the docks, and the last one too. What an awesome way to spend time.

ellen abbott said...

All good, but I really love the last one.

Anonymous said...

Those sunset on the water photos are gorgeous! I love the colours of the hammocks too! I had a hammock once, and really never mastered getting into it, lol!

Reasons said...

Gorgeous pictures. How relaxing, you can't beat a hammock and a view!

SandyCarlson said...

I feel like I'm there when I see your pictures. Oh, to relax and enjoy summer!

Jinksy said...

I'd dip my feet in your lake any day - it looks glorious.

Michele said...

I have never successfully "launched" myself into a hammock before... hehe... those are just not my thing but you make it look so easy and so comfy!
I'd rather be out there fishing those waters and enjoying those beautiful skies you have shown!
Very pretty post!!

Althea said...

*passes the m&m's*...it's going to be a long 7 weeks or however long it is... :)

Cheffie-Mom said...

How wonderful and relaxing! My hammock is one of my favorite spots in the world!

Suldog said...

I would so LOOOOOOOVE to be in that Adirondack chair right about now...

Cedar said...

I love hammocks we use to have one in our yard growing up and everytime I would take a nap on it my brother would sneak up and flip me out onto the ground. Good times.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Lovely photos. I feel as though I went with you. Purple sunsets. Hammocks. Who could as for more.

the Bag Lady said...

WOW. Just wow.

Rajesh said...

Nice way to relax. The scenic shots are fantastic.

Clowncar said...

"canine pinball machine" is very funny. And descriptive.

My wife bought me a hammock 2 years ago. I've never used it. After seeing how comfy yours looks, I promise to on Labor Day.

Lulda Casadaga said...

Ahh, now that was relaxing! Always love dropping by. Now, I want to go sit by a lake, rent a cabin and for sure have one of those drinks!
Damn...it's only TUESDAY!! :(

david mcmahon said...

My kinda place!

Louise said...

Your lake world is absolutely so beautiful. There is no way I can pick favorites from these glossy, smooth waters and wonderfully colored skies. Although I'd probably rather hang out on the dock with Benny (would he leave me alone for 2 seconds?) than fish with worms for sure, your lake life would be hard to beat.

Indrani said...

Absolutely beautiful shots. Feel like taking a vacation. :)

Hilary said...

• Frank, you sure went back there in a hurry! I'm glad you got to spend more time up there with son #2 this time. :)

• Thanks so kindly, Jarie-Lyn. I'm quite fond of that hammock photo, myself and hope to print it for hanging at the cottage (one of Frank's sisters suggested that). Thanks very much for your always-kind words. :)

• Thanks, Ellen. It was a beauty of a sunset. Thanks for enjoying it with me. :)

• Thank you, Rain. It's a lot easier than it looks. The trick is in getting your butt well centered .. the rest follows. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks so much 123. You'd be hard-pressed to find something that does. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Sandy. I'm glad you could join me on the dock. :)

• Thank you, Jinsky. It sure was. I'll save you a spot beside me on the dock. :)

• Thanks, Michele. The beauty of the place is that you can enjoy both - just not at the same time. Thanks always for your visit. :)

• Thanks for the M&Ms, Althea. Silly girl.. can't you find something else to give up? Why chocolate? Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Cheffie. They really are comfy, eh? :)

• Suldog, don't think you can manage the hammock? ;) Thanks always for the visit. :)

• Cedar, that worry always plays in the the back of my head. It's a classic scene from the comics I'd read as a kid. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Midlife Jobhunter. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks, Baggie. Just thanks. ;)

• Thanks very much, Rajesh. It was indeed very relaxing. :)

• Thanks, Clowncar. Be sure and let me (and especially your wife) know how very much you enjoy it.. because you will. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Lulda. It's good to see you again. :) You say "Tuesday" as if it's wrong to be drinking.. ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, David. I thought you'd enjoy this setting. Thanks so much for including me in your POTD once again. Very much appreciated. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Louise. Benny would not leave you alone at all if you stayed behind with him. Especially if you were kind enough to throw sticks off of the dock for him to fetch. Then you could experience the joy of wet JRT on your lap and in your face. Still sound better than worms? ;) Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Indrani. That's how I always feel over at your blog. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Cheffie-Mom said...

I'm back to congratulate you on the Post of the Day mention! Very well-deserved!

Sandi McBride said...

What wonderful holiday shots, Hilary...and I adore the hammocks...plan on a couple for us next spring! Benny is a winner, what a cute pup...and you're a winner, congrats on POTD mention girlfriend!
Sandi

Hilary said...

* Thanks kindly, Debbie. Much appreciated. :)

* Thanks so much for the very kind words, Sandi. I'm certain you'll enjoy those hammocks a lot. They're quite comfy when you get it right. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

Anonymous said...

The pictures of the sunset are just breathtaking. How fabulous i bet it was to sit and recline in the hammocks and watch the sun go down with someone special.

Great post!

betty-NZ said...

Those are really great photos! Looks like a lovely place to spend some time! Congrats on POTD!

Hilary said...

• Thanks very much, E. It was incredibly wonderful. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, Bettyl. Much appreciated. :)

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Nothing like the water to calm. Beautiful pictures. Love the one with the dock and the boats.

Hilary said...

Thanks very much, MJ. Much appreciated. I agree.. water is very calming. Thanks for stopping by. :)