Carlin Lake Association

Please fill out brandband survey

 

I'll bet you have frequently watched this spinning, colorful disk on your computer screen. 

Those of us who live at the lake received a letter this week from Grow North Regional Economic Development, inviting us to complete a short survey about how satisfied each of us is with our internet speed.    

I know our service is improved from what it once was, but we all probably hope that our internet speed could be much speedier.   Here's a chance to try to make that happen---fill out your survey and return it in the self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Chuck Hayes forwards an encouraging email from Vilas County Economic Development, saying, "Before any improvements can be made, we need to have an accurate idea of the level of service we have today." 

If you did not receive the letter containing the survey, Linda and Cecil have let me know that you can also complete the survey online:      www.grownorth.org.

Chuck's email also included a link to an article from the Journal Sentinel about grants which are available to expand and improve internet service into rural areas like ours.   

http://www.jsonline.com/business/state-giving-millions-to-broadband-providers-to-expand-in-rural-areas-b99561426z1-322623981.html

Go ahead and get your form into the mail--it took about a minute, I think.

 

Chilly, chilly!

 

We just experienced about three days with unseasonably cool temps, 40s and 50s.    Lots of people tell me they started fires or clicked to turn on their gas fireplaces, well before they would have wanted to, now the end of August.

Julie Draves shares these thoughtful words about summer's eventual end, and the fall days on the horizon.   Thanks, Julie, for the photo of fall berries, and for your careful writing about our coming change of seasons.

 

The beginning of the end. That's where we are now, at least as far as summer goes. Here in the north, it is easy to see. The sun has slid to the southern sky. It no longer dominates the center or hangs so high overhead. It is positioning for the coming days of winter when it will make its brief appearance deep across the southern edges of the earth. The crickets know, too. The cadence of their song has changed, and in the dewy evenings, that come earlier now, their slow, deep, rippley trills announce the coming of a new season.

The flowers know, The milkweed is releasing its silken seeds, the lupine have exploded their brittle pods, casting next year's crop. It is now the reign of asters and goldenrod--summer's last hurrah-- before the leaves begin to yellow and turn brown. A few maples seem to feel the need to bugle the change, the tips of their leaves tinged with red. The Bracken ferns have begun to sign out--yellowing gracefully, and the last of the blackberries beckon for intrepid jam makers.

It is still summer, but we are being given our notice. Autumn is on the way. The days are still warm and balmy, although there is a chill in the air at night and in the early morning. In just a month the oaks and maples and aspen will paint our woods with glowing reds and yellows and vibrant orange. Autumn will be here--and quickly gone.

Then the snow will come, and the cold days. . .seemingly endless in some years--the long sleep, and we will eagerly await the new spring with its tender shoots of green and yellow, and promises of summer's brief profusion.

That is the definition of hope. And we embrace it.

  

July's bat map

 

 

Judy forwards this map, showing the results of the bat survey circuit she, Bob, and Noah took around Carlin Lake in July.   

It must have been disappointing to have so few "hits," compared to the 100-150 bats which have been recorded on earlier surveys.  

Judy says they had many more "hits" on their August survey, so we will look forward to seeing that map.  

 

You can click the graphic to enlarge and read the map's legend.    (I think I remember, from elementary school geography class, that is what you call the information on the side, telling how to interpret the map.)

 

Wiffle-ball golf postponed; supper still on

 

You have already received an email, telling that because of the high percentage of rain predicted for Wednesday, the "golf" outing has been postponed, probably till a date in September.

But, still plan to join the group for supper at Mary's at 5:30 on Wednesday, the 19th anyway.    Lots of chicken salad and cole slaw will be supplied, thanks to the Friends of the Presque Isle Library----just right for a summer supper, I think.

Mary will provide plates, napkins, and tableware.   You are asked to bring your beverages of choice, and perhaps some other simple item to add to the supper.    When you RSVP to Danny, maybe indicate what you could bring along.  

And, don't worry if you don't have something at home to grab----I'd be surprised if we don't have plenty.    I do have this weakness for something sweet, though, so hope someone will bring a little dessert!

 

Get out your putter, your driver, your golf umbrella

 

Mary Watkins is inviting us to her home next week, on Wednesday, August 19th, at 3:00 for the first annual Carlin Lake Wiffle Golf Outing.    Who knows how challenging the course will be?   How many steep hills and water hazards we may expect?  How many sand traps?    What devious course may be laid out for us?

We have heard rumors, though, that an assortment of prizes may be offered by the social committee, and for sure, we know there will be plenty of laughs.    Plan to grab a club of whatever length, and show up at Mary's next Wednesday afternoon.

The competitive part of the afternoon will be followed by a potluck supper, so please bring a dish to share and the beverage of your choice.    As I get more info, I will let you know, but for now, make sure your calendar is marked in red for the 19th.

 

Twenty years ago---annual meeting 1995

 

Thanks to Sally Wise for sharing these photos of one of our first annual meetings, two decades ago in 1995.

We gathered on the lawn of Wally Krueger, now the front yard party-place of Bill and Jeanne Huemann.  

You will see the picnic tables, as I think the meeting was followed by a fish boil, hosted for us by Wally.

 

 

Quite a few of us were around 20 years ago----and find that it doesn't really seem that it's been so very long!

Make monarchs happy---and safe

 

Bill Draves gives two good reasons for Carlin Lake Association folks to plant milkweed on our property, either here and/or back home:

1.There’s a campaign centered here in the Midwest to plant 1 billion milkweed plants and save the Monarch butterfly;

2.You get to see beautiful Monarch butterflies in your backyard.

Photo: Monarch butterfly on milkweed Julie planted next to Draves’ cabin.

You probably know that monarch larvae feed exclusively on milkweed, as in the large patch that grows kitty-corner across the road from Stockers.     I used to see flocks of monarchs there when I walked by, and now this summer, have seen only one totally.   It's sad, certainly, and a reason to do whatever we can to create a healthy environment for the butterflies.  

I assume that when the seed pods open in the fall, we could transport those seeds back to our yards.    Can a more knowledgable gardener tell us if that would likely work?

 

Carol and Carol---and Isabelle and Dorrie

 

This Tuesday August 4th is Carlin book club morning, and our friend Carol will be doing double-duty:   she is both our hostess, and our leader for the discussion.

If you have finished  Calling Me Home, you will know that Isabelle and Dorrie are the two pivotal characters, sharing their stories with one another, as they take on an unexpected road trip, for a purpose that only gradually becomes evident.   

Men, enjoy your good Skyview breakfast!