The Face of Fall

Very windy today. Pine needles are raining down putting a fresh, new carpet on the woodland floor. It's as beautiful as snow.

Gilbert Lake has a new face each season. She's best known in summer, all carefree and buzzing with life. In the fall she's clear and composed - showing her depth.

Do you know your lake in all seasons? Magical any time.

Water Testing

Are you there but wish you were here? Gilbert Lake has gone very quiet since Labor Day. We miss the summer bustle and lazy swims, but the lake is especially beautiful this time of year. It is sparkling and clear, and when mirror-like, the falling leaves float on the surface like little sailboats.

We've completed what is probably the last full water test of the year, though we may get a chance to do another set of Secchi and temperature readings in October. The DNR doesn't much care about readings at this time of year, but I find them interesting. Do you?

The lake level is down 2 inches since the August reading. Temperatures in the top 30 feet ranged from 68 to 64 degrees - quite a change from the 80 degree readings we spotted in August. Clarity remains good - holding the 13-foot Secchi reading we had in August.

I'm sure that you are busy gearing up for the fall and winter seasons at your homes. Those of us who remain here are hoping for another, if brief taste, of summer. But I, for one, love the Fall season. I do, after all, live at Autumn Lodge.

Important day

It's one of those rare days in Wisconsin - perfect temp and humidity. A little windy, perhaps, except for those with sails.

We treasure that which we know will be gone soon - -

Another important day - this to put on your calendar. The Gilbert Lake Christmas Party will be held on the first Saturday in December. Here are your instructions: go to December 4 on your calendar. With your Magic Marker, write G Lake Party in the square. Draw a little Christmas tree in the corner. Await further instructions.

All joy - all the way around.

September 11

Rainy this morning, but last time I looked it was sunshiny above the clouds. I'll hold that thought.

Remembering that other 9/11. Also remembering God's goodness that never fails. I'll hold that thought too.

Gilbert Lake Picnic

The Gilbert Lake family picnic was held on August 14th - really less than a month ago? Labor Day marks the break point. Not thinking about cooling off with a swim but finding my favorite sweater.

But - back at the picnic - did you go? Did you enjoy it? A major focus for the picnic was a simple get-together with friends old and new. Another was keeping it easy enough that planners could relax also. The committee would like your feed-back [groan]. Comments are welcome.

It was a dark and stormy night - -

Wind, rain, with fog closing in. Light your fires and get out the bunny slippers. I have lots of wonderful, scary mystery novels for you to read, but remember, it's not a night to open your door to strangers.

Stay cozy!

The Last Pier

How does Fall know to arrive exactly on Labor Day? It happens more often than not, I've noticed. Pier not taken it? Too bad. It will be a very cold job from now on.

I am exaggerating just a bit, but we always seem to have one of the last piers shivering in the lake. Maybe it's not a mysterious Fall coincidence, but simple procrastination. Hmmm - I'll think about that later.

New blog

I introduce this blog, dedicated to Gilbert Lake, WI - my favorite place to be.

I hope you'll join me to read bits and pieces about Gilbert Lake and the things and non-things going on here.

Comments that I write are mine alone and do not represent the positions of the Gilbert Lake Advancement Association, though I do currently serve on that board. I may, however, shed some light on the highly secret machinations of the workings of the Board. For instance - at today's biannual meeting - we were served kringle. Now there's a tidbit I did not want to miss. Yum!

You will forgive my shoot-from-the-hip style, or not - as you wish. It's what I do best, and worst.

For today:

• weather is windy and sunny - fall temperatures.
• fall Board meeting was held this morning. It was organized, fruitful and blessedly short.
  
• Labor Day weekend sailing regatta has be postponed until tomorrow. Sometime the wind is just too much. BTW - isn't it cool that Ross Richards has organized this?
  

Onward! Come back tomorrow to see if I've prettied up the blog.