That is what I tell myself when it is clear that the demands of life are going to exceed the time and resources available. Start the coffee. Go get the paper. Take the Duo for a little walk on the shore. Look at the clouds. Oh look! There’s still a little pink from the rising sun. And the swans are feeding—three of them, nearly invisible as the morning light slants across the silvery water.
We climb the stairs to the top of the bluff and mourn once more for the great white pine, ruined in last summer’s storms. Breakfast, that’s what we need. And a camera. While the Duo scarfed up their kibble and Miss Puss nibbled at her morning pate, I went back out into the day to capture what was left of it. A bit of pink. One swan. The remains of a squirrel’s breakfast. And your snow report. Have a peaceful day.
Torch Lake Views 
Fee
December 20, 2011
Lovely pictures. Mind you, the first image I saw was the swan’s bahookie, and I did wonder what the post would be about …
Gerry
December 20, 2011
Ha. I’ll bet what you really thought was, “there’s Gerry, bahookie over teakettle again.”
It was a truly lovely morning, and I am sorry that I seem to have forgotten how to take pictures of the Bay. I’m going to practice for the next couple of weeks.
P.j. grath
December 20, 2011
I remember the storm-blown pine downed last year. Hope you are still breathing calmly, Gerry. The morning lake surface looked calm. Did that help?
Gerry
December 20, 2011
It helped, truly it did. It usually helps to pay attention to the Duo. They seem to have their minds firmly set on the important things in life.
Then I did a little shopping in Elk Rapids and really enjoyed myself. No crowds, time to exchange pleasantries, and very nice things to buy, should a person wish to arrive Bearing Gifts. (I aspire to Wise Woman status.)
kanniduba
December 20, 2011
This has been the year where I have practiced “calm” in order to keep the Fibro and nerve in check. In bed early religiously, shopping trips that last no more than two hours, tea breaks throughout my days…my mantra has been, “It’ll all get done somehow.” And yet now, I have three days left and haven’t wrapped a single thing. It won’t get done if I don’t get to it! lol. Ah, well…it’ll all get done….somehow! 🙂
Gerry
December 20, 2011
Two words. Gift bags.
OK, another three words. Bag of bows.
The things that matter most will all get done. The hugs, the smiles, the moments of listening. All the rest . . . is so far down the list that it isn’t worth losing a moment’s peace. I hope you have many excellent tea breaks.
Dawn
December 20, 2011
Aww…thanks for that. Had just a terrible stressful day at work; this is a nice end to the day for me…might look at it again in the morning before going back in to work.
Gerry
December 20, 2011
I am so sorry about the stressful day at work. If you do find yourself back here in the morning, I recommend another de-stresser: Isa’s lovely post The pace of nature. I promise you it is worth sinking into.
Carsten
December 21, 2011
I hope you had a good day Gerry. Judging from the photos there were no threats from mother nature.
I can almost feel how it must be, walking your path to the shore and looking for new or changed items on the way. I recall the feeling from my local lake though your lake is very much larger.
Advice: Bring your camera on the first walk too.
Gerry
December 21, 2011
Mama Nature is saving it up for another day. We still have no snow, but one day we will.
Usually I grab the camera on the way out the door. That’s the whole point of having a little camera. But some days . . . some days a person needs to look without the intervention of the lens.
I am amazed at how much more I am able to see since I started taking lots and lots of photos – and at how much less I see if I don’t put the camera down now and then and just live in the experience itself.
Karma
December 21, 2011
Gerry, your avatar has become a pink quilt square! Where did the smiling Gerry face go? 🙂
Looks like it was a beautiful morning. I was staring at some beautiful pink clouds on my way to work one morning this week and wishing I could go home and get the camera instead of continuing my drive to work – they were an unbelievably gorgeous, vibrant pink. I hope that’s what you got to see on your morning walk!
I hope Santa is good to you and the duo!
Gerry
December 21, 2011
You don’t want to hear me on the subject of gravatars just now. It is the season of peace and joy.
It was a beautiful morning. Just a nice soft pink, but lots of it, and very calm. The swans shimmered into view and disappeared in the silvery light. Sometimes its good just to see it all and remember it.
Santa was already good to us. We got broadband. (Imagine my smiling Gerry face.)
Sybil
December 22, 2011
Gerry, another lovely post, but I must confess to equally enjoying browsing through the comments and your thoughtful responses.
When I grow up I want to be thoughtful and wise like you.
Sybil (61 yo)
Gerry
December 22, 2011
Thank you Sybil. I think the comments are the best part myself. (Miss Puss wishes to point out that only a portion of me is wise, and I decline to tell you which portion. I intend to continue to aspire to full wisdomhood.)
Joss
December 23, 2011
Well, I’m there too, looking forward to some relaxation and pottering. This is because, however, I got ready early! First time ever. And the reason for this was … a trip, for my 50th, to Prague! Wow! It was the first time we’ve been able to go abroad in eight years and, knowing we’d be making the most of it and getting back late, I ‘did’ Christmas before we went away. (Oh, and we called in at the supermarket at midnight on our way back from the airport!) Now all I have to do it wrap the presents to put under the tree and sit back with a mince pie and a glass of sherry. Bring it on!
Gerry
December 23, 2011
So when are you going to start a blog about the trip to Prague, complete with photos of its very photogenic self? I’ll bet it was a wonderful trip. And your peaceful Christmas sounds very fine too. Potter in joy.