Things to do at the cottage

1 Wake up early enough to watch the fog burn off the lake.

2 Eat as many meals as you can outside.

3 BBQ often.

4 Find the best ice cream stand in the area. It makes a great evening trip.

5 Listen to the birds.

6 Swim the length of the lake.

7 Jump off the highest diving rock.

8 Walk in the forest and talk to the trees.

9 Go for a boat ride, tour the lake, and take a picnic.

10 Watch a rain storm cross the lake toward you. Play chicken and see how long you can stay outside without getting wet.

11 Dance in the rain in your bathing suit. (only when there's no lighting)

12 Pick a wild flower bouquet. Give it to someone you love.

13 Pick a daisy or black-eyed-suzie. Play he loves me, he loves me not. Cheat so he always loves you!

14 Listen to your favorite song over and over.

15 Go bare foot as often as possible.

16 Hang the laundry on the line. Sniff your linens when you use them.

17 Pick wild strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Feast on dessert.

18 Eat corn on the cob with butter dripping down your elbows.

19 Chase the loons. You never know where they will pop up after they dive.

20 Celebrate water of glass: Paddle a canoe or water ski first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

21 Have everyone guess when the company will arrive. The person who picks the time the closest without going over wins.

22 Build a bon fire.

23 Roast marshmellows.

24 Listen to the crickets sing.

25 Find the best vantage point to watch the sun set. Make it an evening ritual.

26 Find the big dipper.

27 Watch for northern lights.

28 Be still and listen to the rain on the roof. Summers music.

29 Find a quiet shady spot with a chaise lounge and a good book. Stay there till you've read the whole thing cover to cover. Notice the wildlife will come close to you as you read.

30 Cherish every moment. You may not have your cottage forever