Here’s to the Lake

Here’s to one last hurrah at the lake this season.  Here’s to the sun poking through trees, drawing ever-changing patterns on the rocky ground.  Here’s to smokey fires and crisp, nearly burnt hotdogs.  Here’s to water misting your face and kayaks slicing through the waves.  Here’s to the fish nibbling, but not biting.  Here’s to frogs hiding in the brush, frogs springing from your steps, frogs splashing in coves and puddles – here’s to an abundance of miniature frogs.  Here’s to flaming marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies and honey grahams.  Here’s to sunsets more orange and brilliant than I’ve seen before.  Here’s to small American Coots and migratory pelicans.  Here’s to Bald Eagles soaring overhead.  Here’s to campfire bacon and crispy potatoes and eggs cooked in bacon grease.  Here’s to tea and coffee in the brisk morning wind.  Here’s to the lake – one of my favorite places on Earth.  Until next year, friend.