Warm Summer Sun
by
Mark Twain
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm summer wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, Good night.
August 2026. Because no one ever promised me a rose garden, I am not surprised that I do not have one. I am incredibly lucky, I know, to have a house. A roof over my head. A husband who loves me. It’s involved a lot of work and a lot of moving and some really tough choices, but we have a century old home and we own it outright. It’s what’s called a fixer-upper, but it’s in a charming neighborhood in a nice town in a beautiful part of the country.
This home doesn’t have a rose garden, but it does have a small yard with five trees: a pine, a crabapple, a maple, a walnut and an ash, and for those I am very grateful. This matters because life without an abundance of trees makes me sad.
I think I was born knowing this, that I needed trees, but I haven’t always been able to live in a forest. Sometimes, though, I have. I’ve lived among the branches, crowns, needles, and leaves of thousands of trees, as in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California where the trees literally grew through the deck of the house and rubbed against its sides during storms. I lived amid towering pine and oak forests, watching the squirrels argue with the Stellar Jays. Chattering, flying balls of fur and haughty blue-winged overseers fighting it out for the choicest acorns. In Southern Wisconsin, I lived in boggy woods nestled around the Fox River, heaping piles of autumn leaves burning in all the yards in November, ears tuned to the haunting calls of owls at night and eyes searching for the bright scarlet wings of the cardinals, ears hearing their sweet duets—cheer, cheer, cheer!
I’ve lived in other places that I loved, but found that the number of trees in proximity needed to be at a fairly high ratio compared to the number of dwellings for me to . . . what? Breathe properly? Yes, to breathe. Something close to that anyway.
Here in our new/old home in Michigan, in the glorious Upper Peninsula, we originally had three more trees than currently. Sadly, this was only for the first couple of weeks we owned the house. They were beautiful old pines, but we had to have them removed when we moved in and discovered that all the plumbing needed to be replaced inside the house, along with the sewer line that leads down to the street. This necessitated having those trees removed, half of the yard dug out, and then once everything was redone, a truckload of dirt brought back in and that half of the yard reseeded.
This also necessitated the emptying of our savings account (please don’t ask about why we had no other recourse…). Also, some extremely dear friends helped us with the final expense for all of that. There is no adequate or even semi-adequate way of expressing our gratitude for our friends. You know who you are and I hope you know how much you are loved. And—anyway! Anyway!
When we purchased our house, both the structure itself and the yard had been neglected for quite some time—years—decades even. The house will no doubt be given more of a starring role in an upcoming post, but for now, since I am finally writing again and I seem to want to write about trees and plants, I will briefly describe the yard.
The garden consists of a couple of small areas near the house where my husband and I managed to put in a few plants when we moved here this spring: two small Japanese willows, a lavender and a sumac. Money was very tight (think sewer), so we didn’t even try for an annual garden nor any vegetables. Frankly, it was a money issue and a “first the house has to livable” issue. Next spring, we’re hoping to plant more.
Deer are not lavender lovers, and since sumac grows wildly all over the Midwest as far as I know, I didn’t think it would attract them either. I wanted something that would be colorful in the autumn. I was pretty sure the delicate looking willows would look tasty to wildlife, but I chose them anyway. They were small and inexpensive.
Sure, we knew deer might be a problem, but we adopted the “wait and see” approach. Some neighbors had shrubs and flowers, not as many as could easily have been grown in such lush soil and usually ample rainfall, but still, there were baskets of flowers and ferns hanging on most of the porches and a few manicured beds. On closer inspection, we noticed various deer deterrent devices throughout the area.
We caged the willows and sumac after the first night when they were nearly totally consumed by a few of our local white-tailed deer. The required wire fencing and stakes cost more than the plants, and naturally, they are not as attractive now that they are nubs shrouded by fencing.
The deer are worth it though. They are so beautiful. Life goes on, and we do our best.
Sometimes, when the days feel heavy and colorless, bleak and hot, I cannot summon the courage to write. That doesn’t mean I lose the longing for beauty and comfort during the long hot days of summer, it just means I have to dig down a little farther into the cooler depths where the roots still rest and strive, into a quieter place than the garden above. This has been that kind of a summer. A quiet time of long walks, house painting, reading, and waiting to hear from my publisher. A time of burrowing in, fortifying, growing roots. Hoping that the time spent walking in the woods, the time spent immersed in the compelling work of other writers, the time spent repairing this old house is time spent on growing a new kind of garden. The right garden for us to live in now, here in Michigan, at this time in our lives.
These are the wonderful books that have been filling my head and heart lately:
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline. I loved this book! I am still thinking about it for a week after finishing it.
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen.
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
I See you’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney
The Missing Pages by Alyson Richman
The Mad Wife by Meagan Church
Just for fun: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Just started: The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
And now, Welcome, Welcome to September!
A Month of Change and New Possibilities!
Wishing you all wonderful days
and
plenty of the things that matter most to you!
Lucy Maud Montgomery, ‘September’.
Lo! a ripe sheaf of many golden days
Gleaned by the year in autumn’s harvest ways,
With here and there, blood-tinted as an ember,
Some crimson poppy of a late delight
Atoning in its splendor for the flight
Of summer blooms and joys
This is September.
I’ve moved a lot too but wherever I am carry pieces of Lake Arrowhead within. And like you, trees play an important role in feeling connected to the land. Native Americans referred to trees as “ standing people”.
Thanks for the book recommendations. Just ordered A Piece of the World.
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Hi, Gloria! I once met a woman in Arizona I had never known before, but she had also lived in Arrowhead. I must have shown her my longing somehow because she looked me in the eye and said, “I have often wondered if there’s life after Lake Arrowhead.” 🥰 There is, it turns out, but the longing remains. I was so sorry to read about the loss of your brother. I know how important a brother can be. 🙏💞🙏 I hope you enjoy A Piece of the World. ❤️❤️❤️
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We’ve lived in our house for 52 years, built it new. The subdivision used to be a dairy farm, so there were no trees. We planted some right away, and many of them survived, others have been cut down and cut up for the woodpile. Veggies, annuals, and shrubs are planted here and there. Rabbits and squirrels and chipmunks frolic, while the bird flit about and sing. I love what God has created.
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Your home sounds wonderful, Bob! I agree with you about loving all of God’s creatures.
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I feel your photos and words, Lori. I too need trees and air and wildlife. I’m happy you are happy, my friend.
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Thank you so much, dear Mary! We know what we need and are fortunate to have it: trees and air and wildlife! So much fresh fall weather on the way, too! 🧡🧡🧡
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So compelling, Lori. We’ve lived here 50 years, half a century, with four trees from those days and at least four more. All of them were trimmed well today, so hopefully they will weather storms–winter and more–better from now on. I enjoy low-hanging branches but Favorite Guy isn’t fond of them lifting off his straw hat when he rides by on his well-patched riding mower.
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Oh! I would love your trees and your well loved home for certain, Joy! I was just thinking of you today because your new book is finally on the way. I’m excited to read it! xxxooo
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Oh, Lori, bless you! The last story in the book is about one of the trees that got a pruning today!
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What?!?! Meant to be! 😘❤️😘
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if you were going to undertake a labor of love and for nature, the UP is the place to do it. i can’t wait to see the updates. i know that each milestone will feel amazing. you’ve already gotten the big stuff out of the way! Mike
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Oh, Mike, thank you. That is such a kind and much appreciated remark. I will be excited to share! You are so right about the UP! xxxooo
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I loved reading about your lovely home and trees. May it continue to flourish under your gentle care.
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Thank you so much for reading and for your good wishes, Bridgette! 🌹We are so lucky to have the opportunity to care for it. xxxooo
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A beautiful tribute to trees and the environment in general, Lori. 😊
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Thank you, Lynette! 🌲🪺🌻
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Here’s to contentment and smooth sailing as you continue to settle into your new home.
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I love the sound of that! Brings the music of Christopher Cross to mind! Thanks so much, my friend. ⛵️🥰
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Thank you for a beautiful perk in to your new home and garden which is waiting for your touch
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🥰I would love to have you over for a cup of tea! Thank you, sweet Kathy!
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We also planted trees on our barren lot and now two decades later enjoy the benefits of shade, privacy, and that lovely quiet waterfall swish when the winds ripples through them.
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Such a joy to reap the benefits of your work and forethought! Love the way you describe that lovely quiet waterfall swish, Pam! Perfect!💞
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You are on an adventure to make your home and land perfect for you, and I have no doubt, you heart will be completely full soon. It’s a process. I love trees too (starting when I was a girl who climbed my backyard tree to read books ☺️) They offer such sanctuary. Thanks for all the book recommendations, Lori.
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A girl after my own heart! Thanks so much, Melanie! Wishing you a lovely autumn filled with trees and books!🌲🧡🌻
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You as well! 🌞 🌳 🧡
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Love this post. The Upper Peninsula is beautiful but winters can be harsh. I know you’ll manage to find beauty in all seasons.
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Thank you, Christine. The winter will keep us on our toes, I’m sure! We are saving up for a snow blower! 😅 I do look forward to the long winter nights. I have always loved them. ❄️🌬️🌛
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We use some awful smelling deer spray on our plants to deter the deer. The trick is to remember to reapply it after a rain! We had to resort to fencing on some crabapple trees in our front yard. I think they’re almost tall enough now that we could “free” them – maybe next spring?
I loved Tom Lake. Such a fun MI book. And your dining room looks great! Sounds like you’re having a productive summer even though it might not be as full of writing as you would like. Best wishes!
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Thanks for the tip on the deer spray, Marie! I hope you can free your crabapples next spring! I felt the same about Tom Lake. I didn’t know about the Michigan setting when I got it, so it was a really fun surprise!
Thanks for your good wishes, too! I hope you’re enjoying a beautiful weekend. We’re going to check out the Dickinson County fair later today. 🌻
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Well now, you had me with this:
…”life without an abundance of trees makes me sad….”
Good grief – yes! I’m finally coming to terms with that fact. Some of us are simply “tree people” – almost as if they’re our literal friends, wrapped in bark? I totally get it…just feels like home. 💝
Thank you for the beautiful photos of your new abode, too. You are settling in, wonderfully so! I love it. Sending big hugs and hearty waves to you, dear Lori!
xoxoxox 💝💝💝
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Thank you, Vicki! And yes trees are definitely our friends wrapped in bark! It’s so nice to be understood. 😻🌲😻 I just remembered that I was fascinated with the way The Swiss Family Robinson lived in a tree in the novel I read as a child. We’re definitely proud tree huggers!
xxxooo Love those hearty hugs and waves!!! Have a fabulous weekend!💞💞💞
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Oh my gosh – yes!!! The Swiss Family Robinson! I loved that, too!
Proud tree huggers – absolutely.
Xo! 😘❤️😘
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🌳🌲🌴!
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❤️😘❤️
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Your new home sounds beautiful, Lori!! So pleased to hear that you are enjoying your new location, and making it your own!! Sending hugs!
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Hugs to you, Anita!!! And thanks so much! I hope you are well and enjoying a wonderful labor day weekend. xxxooo Happy September!🥰🍎
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Good luck with making your new house into your home. It sounds like a wonderful place to call home.
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Thank you, Diana! I am really enjoying exploring the area and experiencing each new season as it arrives! Today is bright and fresh after a couple of rainy days and everything looks fresh washed. Hope all is well for you at your home and you’re enjoying a fun weekend. xoxoxo🍎💞
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A lovely post that resonates, Lori. We love our trees and beautiful scenery around us too. Your dining area looks lovely. And deer stroll down our street all the time, which is why we don’t have plants in the front that they love. Many don’t like them because they eat gardens, but I love watching them. They’re so beautiful. Have a good week! 💕
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I’m with you, Lauren. I love watching the beautiful deer! We had fun at my sister-in-law’s house Sunday night sitting out in their yard which is on a river. We saw so many deer that we stopped counting, and also a muskrat and an eagle! It was wonderful. Wishing you a great week! xoxoxo
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💝🌷💝
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I love Lu y Maud Montgomery. Didn’t she write the Betsy books?
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I think Carolyn Haywood wrote the Betsy books. Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote the Anne of Green Gables series along with an astonishing number of other titles. I’d like to learn more about her!
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Thanks. I even read some of the Anne of Green Gables books.
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I loved them!🥰
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You have such a lovely and engaging writing style that draws me right into your yard, your house and, yes, even that recent expensive property fix. We faced a similar situation this summer. But onward.
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Yes! Onward Audrey! Love your philosophy and thank you so much for reading and commenting. I am encouraged so much by your kind remarks. Thank you so much!❤️💞❤️
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Wonderful post, Lori. There are always things that happen when we move to a new place. The photo of your dining area looks great, so little by little, you’ll make your place the way you want it. I like what you’re reading in preparation for your writing project. It’s going to be good. 👍
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You are so kind, Edward! Thank you! Little by little! 😅 And thanks for the writing friend boost! It had been so long since I heard anything on my manuscript that I was thinking it wasn’t really happening. I am so insecure about it!!! I was told this morning to expect editor notes at the end of the month. Fingers crossed! And thanks again!
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You’re so welcome, Lori. That’s wonderful, and hopefully, you’ll receive some good news. I’ve been reading the Writer’s Market catalog, and sometimes it takes a while to get a response from an editor.
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Very true, Edward. Thanks again! 🥰
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My pleasure!
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great
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Thank you very much!
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Your home and surroundings are beautiful and peaceful, Lori. And your poetry is lovely. I agree about the trees.
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Thank you, Mary! It is a labor of love and deep appreciation. 🌲🧡
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Love your dinning area!
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Thank you, Lize🥰
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That dining room looks so inviting, Lori! You obviously know a bit about interior design (!) and your new home will no doubt be a stunner when you’ve finished waving your wand of creativity. I’m sorry about the necessary plumbing depleting your savings AND the deer who are helping themselves to your foliage. Not a very warm welcome! I agree with you about trees. One of the things I love about living in southern Ohio are the big old oak, hickory, and maple trees. They refresh my soul, especially after 40 years in Florida.
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oh my goodness, yes, Nancy! The big old trees speak to my soul. Thank you for your very kind words!
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Lovely post, Lori. Glad you’re enjoying your new home- your interior sure looks wonderful. Thanks for the book recs – the only one I’ve read out of these is Tom Lake. Lots of great reads to go through!
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Thank you, Jane! When I started reading Tom Lake I didn’t even know it was going to be set in Michigan, so that was a fun bonus! It’s so true that there are lots of great reads out there! I know I will never be able to get to all of them!
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