Rare

Interesting evening skies over Maple Lake can be a rarity.  We look out east over Maple Lake so the sun sets above the fields across the road.  Sometimes we are lucky to see some of those sunsets reflected in the clouds over the lake.

 

Here is the moon rising a few evenings ago.

 

 

The wispy mare's tail clouds (scientifically known as cirrus uncinus) tell of rain soon to come.  The evening that followed this was full of heavy rain, lightning and wicked winds.  That is a lesson I learned from my Granddad, and one of the many reasons I think of him when venturing through the natural world.

 

 

 

A Mountain of Cloud

Sometimes, having rain overnight produces the most interesting sunrises.  Not every beautiful sunrise is bright and fiery.  I often find the most beauty in the cool blues and purples and creams.

 

 

Over

Although it isn't true fall yet, summer is officially over.  The lake is quiet once again, and the days are growing shorter and the nights cooler.

 

My summer went by in a flash.

 

A newborn baby and a toddler will suck your time away like nothing else.  It is time well spent, and I know that even the trying moments are worth it a million times over in the end.

 

The last August sunrise -

 

 

 

My sweet little time sucks -

 

 

Cool

After a week or so of hot weather, cooler temperatures seem here to stay.  Everything is still green and bright - the crunchy grass phenomenon that strikes late July is nowhere to be found.   The air is fresh, and itss always pleasant to be outside.

 

 

 

We have had a few days that have been a little too fall like for my liking, but in general, this summer's weather has been a welcome change for me  I do hope for a few more days of hot weather - the baby girl has cute clothes to wear!

...and then I see the diamond dust on everything.

Sometimes life takes us down difficult paths.  Ones that are hard to traverse, and often leave us wondering why.  Oftentimes these are paths we've chosen for ourselves.  It's important to remember that's it's all worth it in the end. 

 

My mornings these days are full of spit-up and poop and kids that need me, and even though I'm often left wondering why, I never forget that they are my diamond dust and I am a lucky, lucky person.

Title from : Grant Lee Phillips, Strangest Thing

Maple Lake's Newest Resident

A quick update to let you know that Clare was born on Thursday, June 20 at 10:21 p.m.  She weighed 7lbs 6oz.  We are all very happy and adjusting well to life as a family of four.

 

 

Hope to have more stories of Maple Lake soon.

Hiatus

I'm sure you've noticed my posting has become quite infrequent.  Being 39 weeks pregnant, I've had other things on my mind and on the go.

 

I'm still here and I will be back! 

 

But for now, I am enjoying my last few days with only one child and finishing many last minute tasks.

 

See you soon.