Tag: #summer

Summer’s End

Labor Day weekend is upon us. In a blink of an eye, I went from just getting over the fact we had an epic fail barbequing on Memorial Day weekend, to now, the end of summer. How did this happen?

Honestly, I’m sad.

My summer times have changed so much over the years. We used to go hiking, biking, and travel all over during the summer months. But, for various reasons our summers have turned into nursing a sore leg, my husband’s feet issues (plantar fasciitis) and our senior kitty who is now completely deaf. No complaints, I am happy to be alive and things could be way worse. I’m just sad because as summers go by, I’m guessing times of being (or feeling) younger and biking and lots of travel are probably over for us. I wish we both had appreciated those experiences a little more. We kind of took them for granted and acted like we’d always being doing them. I know once we are in our forever home–we will definitely be busy taking care of it for the first few years. So, I guess we’ll live with the memories and going forward learn to appreciate our experiences a little bit more.

The beginning and end of the seasons passes by faster every year. I know my elders told me this when I was growing up. I know it to be true. But, I still wonder why and I’m serious about figuring out a way to slow it down.

Where spring is the season of renewal, summer is the season of full bloom and fruit (+the fruit of our labors). A time to restock, replenish, and, of course, rest. I love the warmth, the sound of, the feel of, every single thing about the growth of, color, life, and light, of summer.

Summer is almost gone. Get out and enjoy the last little bit of the new life it brought with it. Soon, all the insects will tuck back into bed, the forest floor will begin to break down all those beautiful leaves, days will be shorter, longer nights, and then cold.

xoxo

The Dog Days of Summer

officially began July 3rd. I predict fall/autumn will arrive 1 month early this year weather wise (not calendar, of course). Enjoy the rest of your summer. Listen to the birdsong, take a walk along the beach, pick the last of the summer raspberries, relax on your porch and read a good book. Plan a family/friend bbq, make a cool refreshing summer salad. Eat a great hot dog or a street taco, go for a walk at sunset, take a dip, wear your prettiest sundress, take off your shoes, roast marshmallows, drink a cold glass of lemonade. Enjoy it! This is the best part of summer! xoxo

 

Here’s a peek into our July!

Until next time, get out there and enjoy those dog days of summer!

Summer Solstice

Happy Happy First Day of Summer 2025!!

Warm nights, lightning bugs, the croaks of a nearby bullfrog, soft rain through a screened porch window, the smell of river water mixed with sunscreen, sand between my toes, and delicious, quick to fix, summer food (salads, corn, roasted veggies, and hot dogs). I’m always reminded of my growing years–bike rides in the heat, kool-aid, marshmallows, fresh peaches, mac salads, and quick meals. Oh the many afternoons I spent laying on my back on our lawn looking up at the sky. Listening to the lowing of our dairy cows, cicadas in the tall grass, and the songs of the the Song Sparrow w/ the distant whippoorwill and buzzing bee.

Happy Summer Everyone

xoxo

Summer is almost gone

Reflections on the summer of 2024 and more,

As it is often with most things, summer was so fleeting and many of the things that I wanted to experience, simply didn’t happen. I’ve noticed, as I get closer and closer to my fall birthday–turning 60!, that many of my feelings about things in life have changed.

Once upon a time, I didn’t like summer at all. I’ve always worked a lot and much of it on weekends and holidays. No vacations, heck, it took hubby and I many years before we could even take a trip away from home. Now, summer is so many things for me. It is spent working, yes, but no commuting any longer, or weekends, or holidays. The things summer once were–swimming, mountain biking, and impromptu trips here and there are no more, for now, and instead, bird watching, farmers markets, walks in nature, and fresh, healthy eating. 

Where spring is the season of renewal, summer is the season of full bloom and fruit (+the fruit of our labors). A time to restock, replenish, and, of course, rest. I love the warmth, the sound of, the feel of, every single thing about the growth of, color, life, and light, of summer.

Summer is almost gone. Get out and enjoy the last little bit of the new life it brought with it. Soon, all the insects will tuck back into bed, the forest floor will begin to break down all those beautiful leaves, days will be shorter, longer nights, and then cold.

xoxo

Lavender Infused Berry Salad 💜 🐝

lavender
So Good!

Here’s a recipe for a  refreshing salad that my family really enjoyed this past weekend-

Lavender Infused Berry Salad

Add all berries to a large bowl. Add the oil, honey, and vinegar to a small bowl. Whisk together until completely combined. Pour the dressing over the berries and toss to coat.  Refrigerate. This salad is best eaten the first day. It can be refrigerated another day or two depending on the ripeness of your berries.

Right now in Wisconsin, lavender season is about 2 weeks away from its beginning. We live within 30 minutes of two fairly large lavender farms. I buy lavender products all year long every year. It is one of my favorite things in the world. I grow my own lavender all summer and I so enjoy watching it grow and taking clippings to dry and fill sachets with. I also make lavender ice cream and lavender infused biscuits and croissants.

I hope your spring has been a happy one, and until next time—be safe and be well.