We took a short drive yesterday in our neighborhood. We were looking for a lake that we’ve known of but never visited. It’s actually not all that far from us – maybe 10 minutes away. After some missed turns, we finally found it.
It’s gorgeous. Not all that easy to access, but I suspect there’s another entrance.
The history of this lake is interesting. It was originally created in 1929 by damming the property – apparently it was very wet and bisected by a river. Eventually, there were badminton courts, a roller skating rink, a pavilion, a beach, diving platforms and grassy areas on which to picnic. This was a very popular place and older locals remember spending time there every summer. Eventually, the property was sold to another owner, who kept it as is. Then, in the 70s, it was sold to the owner of Goya Foods who proposed surrounding the lake with trailers, which would have cut it off from all the locals who loved to visit. Our town board said no. Get this: because he was petty, he retaliated by draining the lake. It became a field of invasive plants. Interesting to note that the present owner of Goya Foods (same family) is a Trumper.
After 12 years, it was acquired by a new owner who wanted to build houses there, which would have surrounded the lake. Our local organization, Save Our Ridge, fought that proposal and a judge eventually decided to sell the property to the Open Space Institute and it eventually became part of the State Park.
It’s awash in controversy again because the dam is old and not up to whatever codes are in effect today. There’s been a proposal to destroy the dam, which would mean no more lake. There is yet another group fighting this, bless them. You see signs everywhere.
By the way, I saw that the road into the glamping property we fought so hard against is open and there’s construction going on. I can hear the noise from here. I can’t even go there, I get so angry – yet another destruction of a natural environment for birds and wildife, all so some urbanites can ‘camp.’ We already have a campground down the street. There are a couple of house for sale on our road, and another one already sold. I wonder if the campground invasion has anything to do with that. The campground that’s been here for years just keeps expanding and it’s ridiculous.
Back to the story. It’s recently been found that rebuilding the dam would cost the same amount as destroying it. Hopefully, sanity will win.
The mountains in the distance. Why would anyone want to destroy this beauty?
You recognize this guy.
We walked some trails and paths and we’re going to go back to see the dam. It’s really lovely; pristine and relatively untouched. There are some people who live nearby. I imagine they have their own paths to access the lake. It’s known for kayaking and canoeing and fishing.
We’ve been here almost 16 years and this is the first time we’ve seen the lake. Go figure.
It was a lovely mini-adventure. We were gone less than two hours and it really felt as if we got away.
In other news, my easel came and I feel overwhelmed. It’s large, made of oak (beautifully made, I might add) and I suddenly felt it was too important and weighty for a beginner like me. I was uncomfortable for a while until Don gave me a loving lecture about taking possession of it – ‘owning’ it. Funny how our insecurities can suddenly overtake us. Also, you have to remember that in this small house, any new addition can seem too big, too attention-getting, too, too….
Anyway, it’s here and I suppose today is as good a day as any to start using it.
Stay safe.
Happy Thursday.
you deserve it … time at the lake and other favorite places, that sweet & smart husband of yours, the new easel and all other good things … enjoy!
kathy in iowa
ps: best wishes and prayers for the lake/dam and no more “glamping”.
some shameful history there. sad.
in the 60s when segregation was obvious, even to me as a little kid, my family and i lived in a small southern town. that town chose to get rid of a swimming pool rather than allow people of color to use it. crazy wrong, mean to everyone and stupid. thankfully my parents knew we had to move and got us out of there right away.
ps again … proper tools make chores and hobbies so much better. glad you got the easel for yourself!
xoxo Thanks for being so supportive, Kathy!
Thank goodness your parents got you out of there. It’s just shameful, isn’t it?
Stay safe, Kathy.
Power to the people!
Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t – as in the case of the glamping resort. Our town ruled in favor of business in a residential zone.
Stay safe, Carolyn Marie.
It looks like a beautiful lake…and sounds like a wonderful day out.
I don’t get the whole idea of glamping. Just go to a hotel!
We have a seriously sick 12 year old here. She had a test for strep and covid yesterday. She has a severe headache and at first I thought she had strep which she’s had in the past. Of course my daughter and I started googling and this type of headache is a symptom of covid. The Dr said it is a red flag for covid to him but there are some other viruses going around right now. We are hoping it’s not covid. And I am worried now that even though we are vaccinated we could still get sick. My daughter is taking tomorrow off and she may have to take some time off work the way this is going. I’m one worried grandma right now. We are hoping to get test results tomorrow but who knows.
This kid is so sick she just lays in a dark room with a cool cloth on her head, listening to Hamilton over and over. Any prayers and/or positive vibes appreciated.
Stay safe
praying for comfort and a quick & full recovery for your granddaughter and good answers and good health for the rest of your family and you, too, marilyn!
kathy in iowa
Thank you Kathy.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this, Marilyn. You must be worried sick. Prayers are being sent. Please keep us updated if you can.
Much love.
xo
Thank you Claudia
Covid has certainly added to our worries and uncertainty. I hope she feels better soon and is on the road to recovery and a summer of fun. I’ve spent many migraine hours in the dark with ice, so I completely sympathize with her situation. Hugs to all.
Thank you Roxie
Sending healing thoughts, and positive vibes for your granddaughter. Take care! ;)
Thank you Donnamae
Sending love and light for your daughter from Michigan, Marilyn.
Thank you Jeannie
I can’t even begin to imagine how stressed and worried your family must be. Prayers for your Granddaughter and all of you.
“Happy painting and God Bless” that’s what comes to my mind, when I read your lines. Words of Bob Ross, whose painting lessons appears in the late late programme of an art corner in the German television. He is still quite popular in Germany, although dead some years. He always was too kitschy in my eyes, but I loved to see how he filled an empty canvas.
I wish you “happy painting” too! And easyness and lightness!
Helga
Bob Ross was enormously popular here – he had a show on Public Television for years. My dad watched his show on a regular basis. His books are still on the shelves in the bookstore. You remember my dad’s paint box? He had a Bob Ross brush!
Stay safe, Helga.
Dear brother in law died yesterday
We grew up together
His brother and I started dating when I was fifteen almost sixteen
Brother 13
My boyfriend was 17
This is up to sixteen or seventeen close ones dying on one year or so
To counting six good friends
I am almost so sad I can’t breathe
Daughter and grand left today
Son and family home next week
I have much to do but still…prayers please
Brother in law a surgeon with four kids and so many grands
aw, brendab … so many losses. too many losses. sincere condolences to you and your family for them all.
praying for you all.
you do a lot for so many people. hope you do something nice for yourself today and every day.
kathy in iowa
Oh, Brenda. I am so, so sorry to hear this sad news. You’ve had so much loss this past year.
Sending you prayers for strength in this time of grieving.
Much love,
Claudia
Thank you all
No words
oxoxox
I’m so sorry for your loss Brenda. Prayers for you and family.
So sad. I hope there are many wonderful memories to comfort all of you.
So sorry to hear about your brother in law’s passing. May your memories carry you though. Take care! ;)
Brenda, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss and that of your family. Sending wishes for peace and healing of your broken hearts.
I am so sorry Brenda. So much heartache and sadness to bear. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
I’ve been boycotting Goya since 2020!
Same.
Stay safe, Jen.
The lake is lovely and so close to you. I hope it will be saved. So many want to destroy nature or block it from public use. Sad. I’m happy to hear Don gave you a little talking to about owning that easel. I know the first time I spent BIG money on a really good set of watercolors and brushes I felt so unworthy. Honestly higher quality tools and supplies do make a difference. So I am happy to treat myself on occasion. Hugs!
Interestingly, the town approved that place and now they’ve put a moratorium on any more of that kind of thing. I want to smack each and every board member across the face.
Thanks for your support, Linda.
Stay safe!
Humans are a really arrogant and greedy species, aren’t we? We truly need to learn to share the earth with all other species who share this tiny little planet of ours.
I agree.
Thank you, Denise.
Stay safe.
I can’t believe the projects our city council has approved in the past couple years. So shortsighted and propelled by the developers with money. No regard for the neighborhood character, no regard for parking needs, no regard for closing off streets. So frustrated! Seems the locals’ opinions and worries don’t have much pull. Meanwhile, I’m still voicing my feelings and can’t wait to vote them out.
Thank heavens for art and creativity. Your easel will make it so much easier to paint–wise choice! Don’t feel too intimidated–my neighbor (professional artist) has John Singer Sargent’s easel. Talk about a high bar!
I’m treating myself to a new watercolor palette, a travel palette and the Winsor&Newton colors that need to be replaced. Plus I learned how to paint clouds yesterday! Finally!
hope and praying that you get no more migraines, roxie!
kathy in iowa
hooray for watercolor painting and treating yourself to more supplies!
wish there was a way to see everyone’s paintings/other talents!!
hope it’s cool where you are and that you have a nice night.
kathy in iowa
Wow! John Singer Sargent’s easel! I love his work. How did your neighbor get it?
Yay for a new palette, clouds, etc. Good for you, Roxie!
Stay safe.
That lake is a real gem for your community. I hope that reasonable, logical minds will prevail, and they will not drain the lake. Goya? Figures!
Your easel is too much? Naw…it matches your talent! And, Don’s right…you have to own it. You’ve earned it! Now have fun painting! ;)
I plan to do that today, Donna!
Thanks for your support.
Stay safe.
What a beautiful natural space. I’m glad your Open Spaces group was able to save this and incorporate it into the park where it will be protected. As for the glamping, I don’t get it. Maybe I’m jaded because I do go to a cottage and I know that I am terribly lucky on that score and not everyone can do that. But I don’t understand why people leave town in a smallish trailer (or even a big one) and go park in a park right next door to someone else who might be loud or play music no one wants to hear or any number of things. It seems like it would be too easy to just end up inside the trailer with the air on and that just seems odd to me. Those trailers aren’t inexpensive either, and it seems like it would make more sense to rent a house or cottage or even a hotel instead. But that may well be my inexperience.
The easel — three cheers. I’ll tell you, I learned long ago to use good supplies and equipment. The surface you paint on makes a difference, so does the paint quality and just having a good easel will be sturdy and reliable. Something you will have for a long time to come. Celebrate it with your first new painting and you’ll find it belongs with you.
These won’t be trailers. They’ll be little one room cottages. At least, that’s what they had on their plans. But still – too close together, surrounded by residents, etc., what’s the point? I feel the same way about the longtime camp ground, as well. I grew up camping and we went to state parks in northern Michigan where it was quiet and remote.
Thanks so much, Jeanie!
Stay safe.
I would be at that lake everyday if I lived there! My dream was always to live on a lake but
that has not happened yet. My grandmother lived on a lake in Michigan. We would go there every summer. I would wake up in the morning, run down the hill to the pier. They had a small rowboat. I would get in the rowboat and row out to the middle of the lake. I was only like 8 or 9 but I knew that if I got to the middle of the lake and just sit there, it would be the most peaceful place I had ever been. The lake was like glass that early in the morning. To this day if I want to envision a peaceful place, I think of that lake. Such good memories!
I grew up in Michigan and my dad’s family owned a cottage where I spent time every summer. I miss it.
The one thing that would make me move would be the chance to live on a lake.
Stay safe, Deborah!
I grew up in Illinois, the north suburbs. What part of Michigan did you live in? My grandma lived in Linden, a small town outside of Flint, on Byram Lake. That was when Flint was booming with the automobile business. My grandpa worked for GM. I am so with you that if I could live on a lake, I am there!
I lived in Dearborn, just outside of Detroit, home of the Ford Motor Company. Everyone’s parents seemed to work there.
xo
Claudia your talent for painting is already shining through! Enjoy the new “tools” that are required to pursue it. Since it is hard to know how the lake and surrounding land will be preserved you should try to capture it on canvas. What a beautiful place to visit and admire Mother Nature.
Thank you, Sherry! I want to go back there and explore (and take some more pictures.)
Stay safe!