Monday, July 11, 2011

STILL ANOTHER SUMMER . . . . .

Home again and another 4th of July memory maker.  It is funny how differently I observe and photograph since I have joined the blogging community.  I thought you might enjoy seeing the place we stay, the friends who invite and the places we go.  It is  a SUMMERS' GIFT and a story of friendships that continue to be strengthened . . . how lucky we are.         



Taken from the car window in Petosky . . . a familiar sight with rows
of painted ladies all ready for the FOURTH.  At this point, we are almost
there and only about 10 minutes away.



The sun dappled ride through the woods. . . . .



 

The private entrance to signal we have arrived. . . .




The original SPRINGS of Harbor's namesake which have been
in existence forever. . . . just updated to fit this beautiful community
of Ramona Park




A beautiful pergola with climbing Hydrangeas' and a
welcoming site because we have arrived!


A garden dog that seems to welcome us all. . .


A knock at this door which seems to melt all cares away. . .








The boardwalk and the gazebo (with yoga instruction
lead by our very own) each morning.



A wrap around porch with geraniums at every turn. . .




Stone columns, lanterns ready for night light and geraniums loving
lake life. . .




The other side of the wrap around porch facing the lake with
Petosky  in view on the other side of the lake.


View from the gazebo . . .



The gazebo window box in full color . . . . .



Another view from the gazebo. . . . . as you listen to the sounds
of trickling streams emptying into the lake. .



Could we be in Nantucket?  Architecture adopted from the east coast?




Our home away from home. . . .



Lake views so welcoming and familiar . . .




Stone pillars, white fences and blue skies. .




Cares cast to the winds . . .



Our captain at the helm, our daughter and our dear and special friend from
the Chicago area. . . .


.




My better half. . .




Can I get anybody anything?  Our hostess with the mostest!!!





Very special friends from Chicago and guests every year as we are. . . .





"The captains daughter"




One of our boating trips takes us to Bay Harbor for the fireworks. . .




Docking in the harbor with dinner to be shared outside at Palettes. . .




Have you ever attempted to capture fireworks with your camera?

It is all about ANTICIPATION with your camera. . . . This was about
my 10th attempt!!!





The next day, a sun porch for drinking coffee in the morning and reading

AND

always a big bouquet of red "glads"




Fresh bouquets everywhere from her garden. . .



Parades to watch, lemonade and various other summertime drinks to be enjoyed, smiling faces
and friendships that are priceless!



Veterans returning to march. . . .




A marching band. . .





An antique car with a rumble seat!




Our daughter out numbered!





The awaited BAT MOBILE!


More fireworks from the Harbor Springs side. . .


Friends whom we have come to know and love and neighbors of our hosts.


All of THE GIRLS of 1139 E. Bay Road





Roger, Mary Anne and our daughter Kim





The 5 o'clock cocktail bell. . . . hmmm
A gift to our host and hostess one year. . . etched with the year 2000
.....the first summer in their home away from home.


A great architectural element for a lake house which is always
lit at night.




Morning departure "shots"



A seagull contemplates the loneliness when all will be quiet again. . . .



Lakeside living




Zinc tabletops and antique chandeliers . . .



One last photo as I think about the last 5 days. . .




Good byes, good times and another summer


OF





























                                                     

6 comments:

savvycityfarmer said...

I do believe you know how blessed you are ...

we used to take an inland water boat trip with friends ... hitting Petoskey, and Harbor Springs and spending nights at water hotels... to this day i remember every detail and this filled in all the blanks.

charmed and now craving the beach

Mary Anne said...

Joy:

Thanks for the visit. It is SO special and the highlight of every summer. So familiar, so comfortable and they make it our own!! I hope your summer has been enjoyable as well. Coming Western Springs way?

Anonymous said...

What an idyllic spot for friends, fun, and the fourth, Mary Anne. The home and surrounds are beautiful and lush and your ventures on water so peaceful. Can you see the green oozing through the words as I write this?

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful spots and your friends and lovely daughter here. Penny

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Wow, what fun to be with friends and family on the holidays. This place looks picture perfect.

Eileen

mary anne said...

Eileen:

Long time no see. . . so happy you stopped by.
You can't believe how awesome this place is until you experience it!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Mary Anne I am catching up this morning. I so enjoyed this post. We love Michigan!

Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful images!