A Slice of Life at Otter Lake

Two days ago we were sweltering in 90 degrees. Since then the thermometer hasn’t risen past 62, and at night we’re down in the 40’s and happy to light fires in the stove. Good thing we turned Al and Agnes’ would-be outhouse into a woodshed these past couple of summers. We’ve got plenty of wood to enjoy fires this month!

Each morning we wake up “whenever.” Often I first open my eyes before dawn, then try to doze until there are traces of light in the sky, signifying that it’s at least 6:30 or maybe closer to 7am. When we’re lucky we catch a glimpse of a pinkish orangeish sunrise. The day begins with coffee – half-caf on our new regime -- but not before feeding the dog, who is ecstatic that we FINALLY got up.

Each day then unfolds as it will. Depending on the weather, there may be brush-cutting or kayaking or wood-chopping, walk/runs, yoga and reading. A couple of times a week we go to town for food and errands, and once a week David takes his Triumph to Chassell to get our mail packet.

The pace of everything is leisurely and the scenery is just fantastic. Just about every day one or both of us says, “Isn’t this beautiful?”

Sometimes it is disconcerting to be this “unprogrammed” and therefore present to our truer selves. But even in the uncomfortable moments I am so sure this is important time. Long may it resonate.