October is a good month. I was married in October. The leaves turn in October. Halloween is in October. October is the best month of the year as far as I’m concerned.
There’s some work involved in October though. Closing up the family cottage(s) in Wisconsin is a chore that has to be done, especially as those dwellings are not winter-friendly. A friend of mine was recently surprised that the family cottage actually consisted of two properties with two structures. Yes, my parents managed to buy an adjoining property from a neighbor quite a few years ago in order to accommodate our growing family.
Stats aside, my family and I spent a weekend closing up the cottages for the winter. It was busy work and caused some bodies (mine mostly) to cry out in protest. That only proves the bodies in question are extremely out of shape and should shape up. Raking leaves is the biggest project in October.
The original cottage, built by Grandpa Mike in 1950. Leaves ready to be picked up and hauled away.
Leave raking is the biggest closing-time activity. Lots and lots of leaves. At the end of it there were seven truck-loads of leaves dumped away from the properties. Seven, squished loads of leaves. But we love the trees and don’t complain too much about their shedding.
Here’s the second property, right next door to the previous. How happy am I and my entire family to own two properties on such a lovely lake?!
Yes, it takes more effort to maintain a second dwelling in addition to the primary. But it’s totally worth it. Good thing we have a big family to pitch in with the work!
It’s closing time at the family cottage. We’ll not be back for a while, but after the hard work we spent tidying up the yards and winter-proofing the dwellings there were cozy times spent with those who make us a family. Treasured times.
See that happy little man by the fire? That’s my dad. His dad was the one who gave all of us the opportunity to enjoy pleasures of lakeside living. Dad’s the one (along with Mom, of course) who kept the dream alive for the rest of his family.
So, with October coming to an end I pay tribute to the ancestors before me, for giving their family a peaceful respite from the trials and stressors of everyday life. Summertime at the lake is something we all look forward to.
Autumn at the lake is a beautiful farewell.
Auntie B's Wax 
Oh, Sara, I love this! You captured lots of my feelings, as a cousin and two sisters were here last week to close up the farmhouse for the winter…underlining Aunt Katie’s absence, but making me glad we still have family that appreciate the old homestead.
Right?! I’m glad my family cherishes the lake properties we have. I’m certain it will be handed down to another generation past me (nephews) as they love it there too. That would make our residency there four generations. Maintaining property maintains many memories too. Thanks for your comment – I’m glad to know others are cherishing what previous generations have provided.
Oh, I love your cozy cottage cabins! Thanks so much for sharing pics! Especially love the pic of your dad! I must visit some day! Much less rustic than the Little Red Cabin in the Woods I retreat too – more charming and cozy!
Ah, but it is SO rustic! No running water, electricity goes out often, and guess what? No TV! I didn’t include an indoor picture of the original cottage, which is even more rustic than the other. It’s nice to get away to places like this, as I’m sure you can appreciate with your cabin in the woods.
Sara,you are a great writer! I enjoyed you descriptions and myself thinking of similar experiences at “the lake.” You are also a great photographer. You have an eye for beauty on many levels. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your compliments! You certainly have had your autumn lake experiences at Tug and the retreat house. Hard work, but it’s so nice to be out in the fresh autumn air. Thanks for your comments, and I hope to see you here again!