Deep breath and release.
That's how I feel now that February is over. What is usually the longest short month of the year due to Michigan winters has passed in one quick blink.
The weather in February was unnaturally warm, many 40 and 50 degree days, the average is usually around 20 degrees. We have had very little snow. I don't think I got the snowblower out once. We also saw more sunshine than all four winter months put together.
Big changes also occurred in our house. Our daughter moved into her own apartment with her dog. It is very weird to be living in a house with no dog, we have had a dog or dogs for the past thirty years, I am still getting use to the emptiness. I spent a couple of weeks helping her find furniture for her place and painting the dark brown walls light and airy shades of gray. All of this left me with very little time for exploring.
This photograph was taken on the second to last day of the month. My husband took the afternoon off for a date day. For Christmas we tend to do experiences instead of big gifts. I gave him 12 date days for 2017, one per month, vacation days were required. He always ends the year with too many vacation days unused, I plan to change that this year.
For our date afternoon we went to a Bar & Grill we had never been to for lunch, after that I made us climb 300+ stairs to the top of a small mountain with great views of a resort town and Lake Michigan. The day wouldn't have been complete without a trip to the beach. In summer you have to pay $8 to park at this beach, but off-season equals free. My husband and I explored a natural area at the end of the beach, and then wandered down to the lake. As my husband lingered on this path I captured the moment with my iPhone.
20 comments:
Very nice photo. Such vastness and tranquility to the scene.
I like best . . . that it is truly a prize photo . . .
of/for a February day on the Western Michigan Lakeshore.
And the other best . . . is reading your telling about that
"date day" plus the rest of February.
Sarah, what a wonderful way to celebrate February, the unusually pleasant weather, your relationship with each other, and all the changes in your lives. You know how much I love your idea of gifts of experiences. Thanks for sharing this one.
Love the photo, great idea for a gift exchanges. The one thing I miss living here in the desert is the beach. I lived in Florida for 7 years before moving to here and I loved going to the beach in the late afternoon.
I can imagine you are going through quite an adjustment period with no daughter and no dog in your house...the empty nest syndrome times two. I am sure it will take some time to get use to your new normal. I love your photograph, the golden grass is beautiful with the water in the background. What a great day to have a date...and free parking too. :)
I can see why you needed to breathe and pause after this week. Your date was a perfect way to relax and enjoy each other's company. It's hard to let our babies go out on their own, isn't it!
It has been a very strange winter in the Mitten. We always complain when it snow too much because everything is so white & hard to photograph, now we haven't had snow & we still complain because it's too gray & barren. I do love the colors and textures in this photograph though - you have captured the essence of our Michigan winter in it.
What a lovely idea to do a date day with your husband! Your daughter has become independent but still lives fairly near, but I'm wondering if you will be tempted to take on a new puppy to love in the near future. A lovely scene by the water for your date day!
Having date days with your husband throughout the year is such a lovely idea and gift. I might copy a similar idea - this is so inspiring. The photo has a beautiful atmosphere - I have to think of the term "melancholy" when I look at it. To me it is a good feeling, not sad, more contemplative (sorry for waffling, I have a hard time expressing exactly what I mean).
Love the idea of date days as gifts! This is a beautiful and evocative image to remember a special time. I know what you mean about the house being empty without a dog! I keep looking around for one when I'm home…I can imagine how much you miss Mallory and Findlay…but they are making a new life together.
I agree with the other commenters. It's hard to put my finger on all the reasons why I love this photo so much, but I certainly do love it. It resonates. The textures are beautiful. It is art.
Great story and photo.
Date day is a wonderful idea! Your photo captures a certain peacefulness - and also a feeling of loneliness. I'm getting used to our quiet home - children on their own, and now pets at the moment. It's an ever-changing landscape, and one I'm making peace with.
Oh my...so much to love. Especially 12 'date days'!! Ingenious! Love the dreamy, slow-paced quality of your shot...draws me right in! {Love this link up - sorry I missed last month!}
What a wonderful idea/gift, Sarah, and this photographs is just beautiful!
I love the idea of date days as gifts. Our home will be empty January 2018...I thought I was ready...but now...I'm not so sure. I love the feel and tone of this Sarah
Lovely photo. I love grey walls of certain colours.... I have a plan to paint my walls and ceilings a certain shade of grey in various rooms. I find it so calming and cocooning. Sounds like some massive changes to get used to.
This has been a strange winter, one I knock on wood and cautiously remark on in fear of that late season snowstorm (always manages to crush our Spring spirit by crushing our daffodils and tulips). Love the idea of date days and going to the beach off season.
I am faced with the daunting task of the long overdue job of painting the front hall and stairwell. I am also leaning towards lighter colors (out with the browns).
This is interesting. I like your gift idea. My husband just told me he doesn't use all his vacation days. I couldn't believe it. I am changing that too. I Never knew how many he had...now I do.
Great photo and what a wonderful Christmas gift to give your husband.. A gift that lasts the whole year. I hope you are getting used to having a dogless home, and also know it is an adjustment to have your daughter gone. That is not an easy thing to adapt to, but you do eventually. Have just now seen your new meme, and thing I will try to participate in this. Looks like lots of fun!
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