It is a bittersweet time at the lake – so different from the spring opening when the leaves have not popped, and everything is bright green and new. The lake comes alive with the return of summer and its inhabitants -  both the 2 legged, winged, and swimming kind.

Toward the end of August, there comes a chill in the air in the late afternoon calling for a sweater and perhaps socks. Looking out at the lake in the early morning, we see the steam rising. The air is cooler than the lovely warm water of summer. We still sit outside in the screened-in porch and have coffee, dressed in a fleece or warm robe, and drink in the peace that the lake gives us. These last days of summer are precious and a bit sad. Summer friends pack up and begin to say their good-byes, the docks come in, the boats go to their winter hiding places, and the mouse proofing (not really possible!) is in progress.

Fall brings a new kind of beauty as the leaves turn and are reflected in the lake creating double color. The days are still warm but the nights are crisp and cool – perfect Maine weather. Yes, we love fall and, yes, we shall get through another Maine winter which will lead us back to the lake in the spring.

Katherine Emory is a columnist for MF&L