Where there is water, there is nature with its own serendipities. Deer are often spotted sipping from the lake. Sometimes wild turkey will walk across the lawn. Plant and wildflower identification in the woods becomes a favorite pastime, as does sitting, eyes closed, at the roots of a shading tree. Early mornings and late afternoons are spent down at the dock, blue jeans rolled up to the knees, feet dangling in the cool water. Boats buzz by – the fish are biting.

As night falls, stars fill the sky with their glitter. Crickets chirp. Whippoorwills call. Fireflies dance. Peace captivates the heart.

And with daylight’s return, life begins again. Never boring; always invigorating.

That’s lake living here in the Foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.