Vacation at the Lake

Unlike the past two years where we've tried to have an extended vacation at "The Lake," this year it actually happened.  Normally we'll spend about half of our summer weekend there, but this year we actually got to spend a week there for vacation.  Since it is a major part of the summer, I thought I'd share a few thoughts and pictures.

As seen, the cottage lies on the Eastern edge of Cayuga Lake, so in favorable weather we are treated to beautiful sunsets.  Something I've learned is the idea that no sunset is ever the same.  Having the opportunity to watch it in the same place day-after-day and year-after-year, I thought it would grow boring.  But in fact, it has turned into a favorite time of mine.  People slow down and watch the gradual change of colors in the sky, on the lake, and in the clouds.  Since the sky is different everyday, the sunset is unique as well; it is always enjoyable and is a different form of worship that I've grown accustomed to.

When you pull up to the property though, this is what you first see.  You can see the lake in back.  Although some might consider the cottage rustic, I think it's the perfect blend of modern comfort and a place to escape.  We have running water and electricity, but no cable or internet.  Cell phone reception is, at best, spotty.  In a time where culture values constant connectivity, this is place a get-away to enjoy NOT being connected.  We also have a DVD player hooked up to a small TV set, that gets used when its too rainy to play outside or start a bonfire.

After walking through a hallway, you come to a very open room.  We make and eat (and digest) our meals here.  During vacation, Andrea and Grandma (who lives here throughout summer) took turns making meals.  During the weekend though, food prep rotates amongst the different members of the family who choose to spend the weekend.  Not only am I blessed with a beautiful location to spend the summer, but everyone in Andrea's maternal side of the family are excellent cooks and bakers.  There is always a plethora of snacks and healthy dinners.

In any given weekend, the front porch is where the business is happening.  People pass the time by chatting, reading magazines, playing board games or lawn games, or sunbathing.  Although ladderball has been the game of choice for many years, this year someone bought Corn-Hole, and has become this year's favorite.  This is also where I grilled food for the first time, so this place also has special manly significance.

I believe that Cayuga is the longest and deepest lake of all the Finger Lakes.  This makes it the ideal for boating and swimming.  Although most of the adults don't swim unless it's really hot, I try to take advantage of the water as much as possible.  We have a small motorboat to go tubing with as well as paddleboat for shorter distances.  (Grandma in particular likes using paddleboat before the sunsets to watch all wildlife settle down in the evening.)  But mainly, I just really enjoy swimming and goofing off in the water.

One topic of conversation Andrea and I had last week was how much of a blessing the lake and cottage is to us.  Before meeting Andrea, I didn't have anything like this growing up, so I certainly envy the fact that she has enjoyed this since before she could remember.  Now that I've married into the blessing, I'm reminded how much God has needlessly given me.  And although the sights, recreation, and food blessings are something to be thankful for, I think it's best function has been simply to serve as a place for retreat and escape.