The Party's Over (Almost) by Weezilou

The Party's Over (Almost)

With several photo choices today, this image best captures my feelings of friends departing and summer coming to a close.

We spent a nice morning with Mary and John before Mary and I went into town to meet my other friends for a ladies lunch. Besides the pleasure of my friends' company, I had a nice surprise request. The owner of The Fishcake Cafe asked if I'd photograph some of the food as she'd like to have framed enlargements to hang on the wall. I was delighted to comply and was able to send her some choices that I thought looked good. I'm not looking for anything in exchange and will just be pleased to see them in there if she actually uses them. We had a terrific meal and lingered over chocolate ganache tart and cappuccinos, knowing the time to say good-bye was nearing. The walk back to the house is all uphill, so we didn't rush, but by 3:00 we were seeing our friends off on the rest of their trip. I have occasions yet to see my local friends at least one more time.

Closing the front door behind us, Ken and I went out back, and there was Dill, constant companion and remaining guest. The patio that has been the scene of morning coffees and cocktails before dinner is showing signs of summer's end. But not willing to close up shop earlier than necessary, I have the morning planned. If the rain holds off, we haven't visited Mica for several days and a nice walk is in order. If the rains come early, I'm throwing a breakfast party. Barbara Harris, our most amazing cook from Australia, sent a recipe for her Blueberry Muffins. I'll see if I can't do them justice!
*sniff sniff* The drama queen in me wants to throw my arms around you and beg you to stay, not to leave a place I've grown to love through your pictures! The less diva person that rests within me can't wait to see that grandbaby of yours and your other life stuffs! I sure am going to miss Dill, though. Sure he can't come with you back home ? :D
September 9th, 2010  
Oh, how sad... not the photo, of course, but that good things must come to an end.
But that gives way to the hope of new things ahead!
September 9th, 2010  
oh, you can see the fall coming--i spy a few leaves on the patio! perfect title with this shot. i'm so happy for you to have the honor of taking the photos for the cafe!! the owner clearly knows talent when she sees it!! (:
September 9th, 2010  
Well, as they say, parting *is* sweet sorrow. I know you will miss all your NS friends and visitors but as I recall you have that grandbaby on the way soon and another trip in the works ...all more photo ops!

Regarding my hunter photo...yes, that is my dear friend, J.R., a man I care a great deal about...he is the one who has been in and out of the hospital with colon problems this summer...he has surgery scheduled week after next. And I agree with you...he really is a true representation of a sportsman. He and I were both happy with the photo. Thanks for your nice comment about the it.
September 9th, 2010  
What a beautiful picture. I can see why you hate to leave. Fall is coming everywhere. Looking forward to your continued adventures.
how great for you to have a reaquest for your talents. Congrats!
September 9th, 2010  
What a perfect composition!!! The white chairs, and then beautiful Dill in the blue chair. It wouldn't have worked if Dill had picked a white chair to sit in would it? We are all sighing with you as we get ready to leave Nova Scotia!
September 9th, 2010  
Aha, I really love this picture :)
I love everything about it! Great shot!!
September 9th, 2010  
have one of those blueberry martinis too!
September 9th, 2010  
Enjoy your last week In Nova Scotia. So fun to photograph the food of the Fishcake Cafe. I can't wait to see if they are framed and hung! Continue to enjoy your time with Dill.
September 9th, 2010  
How sad it must be to know that soon you will be leaving behind some great memories? There's always more to come but it's still a bit sad. I can't wait to hear how the muffins turn out. And I think you should pack Dill away in your bag when you leave. Hehehe
September 9th, 2010  
awwwwwww sad you have to go, I'm sure your little cat friend will miss you guys a lot...... Do you do this every year for summer?
September 9th, 2010  
It's been such a joy to have a glimpse into your summer in this beautiful place...so much color, light and life! I have to make a request, though...more Dill this week? Please? I'm going to miss him so!
September 9th, 2010  
Wonderful photo Louise...I wish I could make it for the blueberry muffins in the morning but I don't think I could make it there and be back here by 9:00am for my photoshoot...lol. Maybe I could call in sick.
September 9th, 2010  
It's a beautifully composed photo. It has to be hard to say goodbye to everyone.
September 9th, 2010  
A really evocative picture. Dill looks gorgeous on the blue chair. It's sad for your summer to end, but my goodness it seems to have been a full and fabulous one for you! You must be so looking forward to meeting your grandchild. And what about your squirrels in California? : )
September 9th, 2010  
That's really an empty nest! Beautifully serene picture.
September 9th, 2010  
This really captures the mood. I'm sure you'll be having a good time in no time soon.
September 9th, 2010  
Dill is the best he knows how to light a spot.
September 9th, 2010  
Dill will miss you guys so much!
September 9th, 2010  
Dill is already trying ro get used to the empty chairs! Great picture! he looks contented in spite of the emptiness,though.
I'm happy to report that Pip came trotting toward her haydinner last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She had been walking better since last monday, using all 4 feet again, but i hadn't seen her this good just yet! As you can imagine, it made me very happy! I just had to share this good news with you, as you've been so concerned about her and I appreciate this so much!
Joe seems to have a little more trouble, i think he's developing an ulcer under or in his left front foot, so we'll have to wait and see about that one. Hopefully it'll break open soon so he'll have some relief.
September 9th, 2010  
Sad ... very beautiful photo.
September 9th, 2010  
This image really captures the feeling of the season winding down. I can't believe it's almost over. I've so loved sharing in your Lunenberg adventures and I almost feel like I know the place. But you're the kind of person who will have fun and find adventure wherever you go, so I'm looking forward to seeing what fun things California has in store. Are you still planning that trip in November? I forget where you were headed (but I do remember being a tad envious!), but I'm sure you'll be looking forward to that!
September 9th, 2010  
Well it sounds like you all had a great time, and it is great to be able to enjoy time together. It is so neat how Dill is right there, just at the right time to promote a bit of cheer.
September 9th, 2010  
How cooperative of Dill to select the blue chair instead of a whilte one. With the empty summer chairs, the leaves on the ground and Dill huddled in a ball it surely captures the departure of summer and the arrival of fall. Yes, Dill will miss you, but you have kittys and squirrels waiting for you in California. Just think how happy you will make them.
September 9th, 2010  
This photo speaks a thousand words...........my motto currently is "embrace the change". Sounds like it may fit your world too!
September 9th, 2010  
This is a really good shot. And not only because we get to see Dill one more time! Hope the muffins go down well!
September 9th, 2010  
Good shot. And I always like to read what you have to tell us. Dill will miss you so much. And he chose the comfier of the chairs to sit in, I see.
September 9th, 2010  
The picture says it all. A little sad, a little lonely, and Dill.
September 9th, 2010  
What a perfect photo to capture what you are feeling, Louise. Your life is full of so many friends. It must be so sad to leave a few of them for a while, but yet joyful to think of the other friends to whom you are returning. I know your remaining days in this spot are going to be special.
September 9th, 2010  
Bittersweet.
September 9th, 2010  
So many memories to look back on fondly and so many new ones to create. Such good fortune to have these fantastic opportunities and wonderful friends to share it all with. I am sure we all understand the mixed emotions you are surely feeling and I know we all feel lucky to have shared in your journey. =) *hugs*
September 9th, 2010  
Re comment to Brad about the photo op: In doing photowalks I have found no two people see the same image. So, go the that corner and take some pictures. :-)
September 9th, 2010  
gosh I am starting to get teary-eyed thinking about you leaving, I can only imagine how you are feeling! I love the leaves on the porch such a sign that summer is coming to an end
September 9th, 2010  
"touch base" oh my you are toooooo funny. I actually snorted from laughing so hard
September 9th, 2010  
poor Dill is going to miss the breakfast treats bacon uum and Mica will miss the carrots etc. But before you know it you will be back catching up with all your friends, who I am sure will miss your company.
September 9th, 2010  
ali
aw.... this is a powerful photo. i'm a teeny bit sad for you but know that you will have many more summers of fun. seasons come and go and times ebb and flow (wasn't even going for a rhyme there haha) and it's all for good reason. i pretty much want to see a photo a day for the rest of your life... can you please never stop doing 365?? thanks!
September 9th, 2010  
really lovely photo :) I can feel the melancholy.
September 9th, 2010  
This certainly captures absence, made even more poignant by the proximity of the chairs signifying many a good conversation and the cat on the chair presiding over the empty chairs makes it even more powerful. .
September 9th, 2010  
You are correct! I was in the water. I took the photo from about knee deep in the water near a boat launch. I liked the perspective and it kept the boat launch, etc out of the shot. I like to try and keep my shots as natural as possible with a minimum of power lines, cars and the like. Today I am off to Reno for the balloon race, I have a long weekend away to Manresa with some girlfriends next month and then between holidays, birthdays and busy season, February will be here before we know it. We will chat more on that later but I have reserved a rental car for under $100 for the trip. Woohoo!!! =D So many wonderful things to look forward to! I know you know how I feel. *hugs*
September 9th, 2010  
Andrea and I though you would enjoy seeing us at the game. I like the look of Dill on the blue chair.
September 9th, 2010  
"Somehow I know, we'll meet again
Not sure quite where and I don't know just when
You're in my heart so until then
Wanna smile
Wanna cry
Saying goodbye" ~ from Muppets Take Manhattan

: )
September 9th, 2010  
Even Dill looks forlorn and sad... i guess she/he I forgot....knows what's inevitable. until next year!!!
September 9th, 2010  
It's sad when summer comes to an end :( But there's still next year!
September 9th, 2010  
It sucks that summer has to end. Dill looks like he knows what's coming.
September 10th, 2010  
I love Dill. I will surely miss the pics of his cute sweet face!
September 10th, 2010  
It's really a perfect shot for what you're feeling Louise! As others commented I can figure out that the fall is knocking yours doors. As ever, Dill it's been a great partner for your summer shots.

Thanks to come and comment my picture. I can see that you love spring, but the fall has its beauty, specially in Northern Hemisphere, you can see leaves changing colors, view that I miss from my days in Japan.
September 10th, 2010  
Poor Dill, he'll be so lonely! :(
But this is a very pretty picture, and it describes the summer coming to an end perfectly! :)
September 10th, 2010  
Awww, kind of a sad and deserted picture, except for the lovely Dill of course! I imagine you are not looking forward to leaving at all. So this is your last Thursday there, that is sad.

How exciting for you that they asked you to photograph the food! Awesome, and congratulations! I hope you get to see it on display!

Fall is definitely in the air here! Only 69 when I came into work and it was in the lower 50's this morning. I do love fall though and I really can't wait to photograph the colors.
September 10th, 2010  
It's so sad that summer is coming to an end... but, there's a lot of excitement ahead of you!! A delightful trip abroad and an adorable grandbaby coming into the world! I am sure Dill will wait patiently for a couple of months until you return again for another season of wonderful days filled with good friends and sweet delights! =)
September 10th, 2010  
so sad! even dill looks a bit bummed that the summer is coming to a close! can't wait to see pics of your grandbaby though! hope your travels are safe!
September 10th, 2010  
This picture does have that certain bittersweet quality about it-- the leaves, the empty chairs, the poignancy of knowing it is almost time to leave and Dill doesn't realize it. I guess it is the inevitable dimension of human relations that we understand that the future ends will good-byes, until we reach the ultimate good-bye. But even knowing that, we take the great leap of loving people despite the inevitable pain that accompanies opening our hearts. For most of us, we wouldn't have it any other way.
September 10th, 2010  
P.S. Glad your traveling companion finally arrived by very slow snail mail. I'm excited!
September 10th, 2010  
this makes me sad ...
September 10th, 2010  
aww. As much as it's sad to see summer come to an end, next year is soon to make it's way around here again.
The photo as allison put is certainly "bittersweet" I really like it.
I think it's great that you were able to photograph some of the food for the shopkeeper, definitely an awesome thing. :)
Maybe your friends will come back next summer.
September 10th, 2010  
perfect photo for the close of the party. it seems your last "party guest" is not ready for it to be over yet as well. :)

that's wonderful to be asked to take those photos, and it would be lovely to see your photos hanging up in the cafe, congratulations! :)
September 10th, 2010  
It was so much fun joining you throughout your summer vacation and seeing all of your beautiful photos of friends and places. I will certainly miss seeing the adventures of Dill too! But, then there is always next summer!
September 10th, 2010  
Dill knew the perfect spot to sit! How exciting to be asked to take photos for the restaurant! A friend of mine asked me for prints of several of my bird photos to hang on her wall - I was thrilled!
September 11th, 2010  
Such a lovely photo!
There's Dill still waiting for you :D
September 12th, 2010  
awwwwwwwwwwwwww
February 4th, 2011  
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