Sunday was our day off. We went grocery shopping, I did some laundry (there’s a convenient and free  washer and dryer just down the hall) and, when I realized the predicted rain was not  coming, I took a long walk around the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.

I took lots of pictures, which I’ll share with you this week.

By the way, if you want to learn more about the Chautauqua Institution, visit their website by clicking here.

The incredible amphitheater, built in 1879. Yes, you see organ pipes behind the stage. So many famous people have been on that stage – the mind boggles. Last year, I heard the symphony play in this space, attended the Opening Ceremony, and listened to Tom Brokaw.

There are Houses (like this Presbyterian House) scattered throughout the grounds. People, presumably of that faith, can rent rooms and take part in all the summer activities.

Although, whoever is in charge of the sign needs to brush up on letter and number spacing.

The gorgeous (and huge) Athenaeum Hotel. There are rocking chairs all along that porch and sitting in them is a favorite activity around here.

A glimpse of a Victorian-era tower.

I love the railing on this building.

Seagulls perching.

I stood on this dock for a long time. Oh, to live on the water.

And then I sat on a bench here. My dream has always been to live on a lake. When I am lucky enough to visit a place like Chautauqua, which is situated on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, I feel my shoulders dropping, I take deep breaths, I relax.

Maybe some day?

The bell tower, which is on the lakeshore and is the symbol of the Chautauqua Institution. It chimes on the hour and half hour. Come to think of it, I think it chimes on the quarter hour, as well.

Ahhhh. My grandfather built the first cottage on a lake called Silver Lake. It was very modest. We used an outhouse when I was a kid. It was a big deal when the indoor bathroom was installed. My father and his siblings inherited it when my grandfather passed away, but my Aunt Lettie spent the most time there, so the other siblings eventually sold their shares to her. Nevertheless, it remained the Family Cottage and we all gathered there on summer holidays, as well as for a week or two at time during the summer.

Summers at The Lake, as we called it, were part of my growing up years and I suppose they have left their mark on me. I long to live on a lake, to hear the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore, to sit on the dock, to sleep to the sound of the water.

In the meantime, I will visit this lake as often as possible.

Don had to leave the house at 2 am this morning in order to be in Manhattan by 4:30 am. He was being picked up at that time by a driver who then took him to the film location in Brooklyn. He’s filming his third episode of Mr. Robot. Poor Don! I imagine he’ll collapse when he gets home. Friends of ours are stopping by to check in on Scoutie.

Happy Monday.

Unlike last year’s Sunny Chautauqua Adventure, this year is the Rainy Chautauqua Adventure. It’s rained most every day and I was disheartened to see that almost, but not quite, every day in the next 10 days will be rain-filled. Rather depressing, I have to say, as there’s nothing I like more when I’m here than to stroll around the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.

But hold on there, some cool nature-related things are happening here despite, or maybe because of, the weather. Last night we were blessed with a spectacular sunset that filled the western sky, which just happens to be what I see when I’m sitting on the sofa.

Quite amazing, and it went on for a long time. I had to hang up on Don in order to capture this beauty. Don’t worry. I called him back.

Today, we’re not called until 3 pm. That means we’ll be rehearsing from 3 – 9. And rain is in the forecast for this afternoon. So I’m going to grab some time this morning to visit Chautauqua Miniatures. I’ll take some photos.

More cottages:

Love the board and batten exterior, the gingerbread details, and the pink front door.

As you’ve no doubt noticed, porches – sometimes, multiple porches – are king here. Lots and lots of daily living is conducted on the porch. This house is still being readied for the summer, as evidenced by the overturned bucket on the front walk. Cottage porches have wicker furniture, adirondack chairs, wooden rockers, potted plants, hanging plants, lamps to read by at night. When walking down any street at night, I often see people reading by lamplight on their porches. It’s very cozy.

American Flags are everywhere. The landscaping is beautiful and cottagey.

Sigh.

There are several houses for sale throughout the grounds. Last year I looked at the real estate listings and, let me tell you, they are not cheap! Plus, the taxes are very high. After all, you’re paying for a gated community, lake access, and access to all the incredible activities that go on here during the season – opera, music, theater, art exhibitions, lectures, concerts. Garrison Keillor is bringing A Prairie Home Companion  here this summer. Tom Brokaw (I heard him speak last year) will be back. Anthony Doerr, the author of The Light We Cannot See, is lecturing. Charlie Rose will be here the first week. Carol Burnett will be here, as will The Beach Boys. And Henry Louis Gates, Bill Bradley, Phil Donahue, Dawn Upshaw, and more. It’s pretty spectacular.

Of course, I’m only here for one week of the official season. And much of that will be taken up with tech and dress rehearsals of Our Town. But I’ll try to catch a few things.

Happy Saturday.