Seashells and Lavender will be closed.

With the change of seasons, I've decided to make a big change in my life.

I'm closing up shop.

I've had my own business since 1994.

I started out with a dried flower business....growing my own flowers, drying them, and using them in arrangements.

I slowly built up clientele, and eventually businesses took notice.

After we moved to Houghton Lake I opened the store, "Country Gatherings".

The shop did well for a few years, but when the economy took a nose dive, so did my business.

I closed the shop, and ended up renting space in a larger shop down the road.

The owner recently decided to sell her place.

It's time for me to put my days of being in business to rest.

At the end of the month....Seashells and Lavender will be "closed".

The business, as well as the blog.

I will be going back to running the "Lakehouse" blog.

I'm hoping the new followers from Seashells and Lavender will follow me back to Lakehouse.
It's been a little confusing trying to get this blog going. I lost my blog roll, and the blogs I had been following for the past few years. I would have to go back and forth between blogs to keep up with my old friends.  I sincerely hope you understand why I'm doing this.
I learned some good lessons from doing both blogs, and made some great new friendships through Seashells and Lavender that I hope will continue over at Lakehouse.
I plan to continue with my posts the way they have been.....God, family, life, home.
Please don't give up on me.  
I'm just moving back to where I started.
~~~~Debbie~~~~
houseatthelake.blogspot.com

Sweet Surrender.

Sweet Surrender.

I am not ready to break out the Fall decorations yet.

Our boat is still in the water...waiting for just a few more days of that perfect combination of sun, and heat.

I have no choice but to admit to "September" with the earlier setting sun, and the cooler evenings.

Pulling on a sweatshirt before going out to sit by the campfire with a glass of wine, and good friends.

Our local market is filling up with mum plants, and gourds of all kinds.

It won't be long, and piles of pumpkins will fill the fields, and market bins.

A trip to my favorite winery,this weekend ,will fill my new wine cabinet.

Instead of serving my friends the usual summer Michigan salad on Tuesday, the menu will include a French salad, and potato soup, with some crusty French bread.

I am letting go of Summer a little at a time.

The seashells will give way to more candles as the darkness comes earlier in the evening hours.

As I slowly give in to Septembers' embrace, the sweet memories of Summer will be stored in my heart. The place where I hold the cherished times spent with loved ones.
It's time to look forward to a new season. Times filled with the excitement, and laughter of children. The anticipation of the coming holidays! More time spent with my children. 
One day at a time......
xxxooo