Does it get any better than waking up at the lake house in the middle of July? It takes a moment to realize that all you can hear are nature sounds, insects buzzing, birds calling and, if you’re close enough, maybe the water lapping at the shore. There is coffee to be had on the porch, with barely a hint of chill rolling off the water. Poppy seeds from your everything bagel drop into the pages of Vogue that you finally have time to read.
It’s never too early to slip on a bathing suit and sunscreen and pick your way down the dirt path to the lake’s edge. You stand at the end of the dock, your toes gripping the rough edge, and then you dive in, your fingers grazing the sandy bottom before you turn your face towards the surface of the cold water. You take turns tubing or jet skiing with your kids and forget all about lunch.
As the sun starts to go down, a fire is built in the pit in the backyard and marshmallows are roasted before dinner. It’s vacation, why not? You slap at the bugs on your lake-sticky legs and sip red wine while the steaks and potatoes sizzle on the grill. Finally, you all traipse inside and curl up on the couch under a big chunky blanket while a storm rolls in and a scary movie comes on. You fall asleep happily, knowing you get to do it all again tomorrow.