A Birthday Weekend and Quiet Days by the Lake

The weekend started with a birthday celebration for Lia. We had this chocolate cake decorated with strawberries and small white flowers, a simple way to mark the day at home.

The rest of the time was spent down by the lake. The weather was what you expect for mid-July here — bright sun, a few scattered clouds, and that clear mountain air. The water was calm and intensely blue, with the surrounding pine-covered mountains reflected on the surface.

The shoreline was mostly rocks and gravel, with a line of kayaks and canoes pulled up near the trees. It was quiet. We didn't do much besides hang out by the water's edge, looking out at the familiar view of the peaks across the lake. Just a regular few days at home.