Our Happy Place

For more than 15 years, I’ve crossed the Canadian border to a place that has become so much more than a cabin. It’s our happy place.

Nestled beside the lake and surrounded by mountains, this is where life slows down. We operate on lake time here—there’s no rushing, no packed schedules, just time to enjoy the people and the beauty around us.

Over the years, our neighbors have become our lake family. We celebrate together, lend a hand when someone needs it, look out for each other’s cabins, and create memories that last a lifetime. It’s the kind of community that is becoming harder to find.

Some days are spent cruising the lake by boat or paddleboard along the shoreline. We also love exploring hidden gems on our side-by-side, finding scenic viewpoints and quiet places that remind us why we fell in love with this area.

Our cabin wouldn’t be the same without Sarge. The moment we arrive, he knows exactly where he is. He loves swimming in the lake, exploring the trails, and soaking up every minute outdoors with us. My daughter, Zoe, escapes here whenever she can too, finding the same peace and comfort that has kept us coming back year after year.

This cabin holds a special place in my heart. It was thoughtfully designed by my late husband, and seeing his vision brought to life by Amish craftsmen makes every visit even more meaningful. His legacy lives on here. Anthony has embraced that legacy. Together, we’ve continued to care for this special place, improve it, and create new memories that we hope will become part of the legacy we leave for future generations.

With everything happening in the world these days, it’s easy to let politics creep into everyday conversations. Our lake community includes both Canadians and Americans with different backgrounds and viewpoints, but we’ve always believed this place is too special to let those differences come between us. We come here for peace, friendship, and the simple joy of being together. Respecting one another has allowed lifelong friendships to flourish, and I hope that spirit continues for many years to come.

Every time we cross the border, we are grateful—for this beautiful corner of the world, for the memories we’ve made, for the friendships we’ve built, and for a place that will always feel like home.

Sometimes, home isn’t where you live—it’s where your heart finds peace.