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.