Summer Starts!

It's been a long time since we had a grade school kid getting out of school for the start of summer. I remember now that the rush of freedom isn't just felt by the student - it's a whole shift in the family's attitude. No early morning schedules, no rushing out the door, at least not for a week or so. A whole day of possibility ahead of us!

We celebrated the end of school with a beach dinner and milkshakes from McDonald's. It was obviously the right choice because they want to do it every day. If only.

The Vegetable Garden

...is really overgrown. We have a lot of stuff in a little space. The peas and beans are funning wild. Next year we'll just do beans because no one seems to like sugar snap peas. There are lots of lovely green tomatoes, but not enough sun to ripen them yet. We will not be harvesting pumpkins or watermelons. I think they're too squashed. And four of the corn stalks have tassels. Does that mean something?

Maybe next year we'll just do successive plantings of tomatoes!

Oops, I Think I Get It

I just finished Joanna Trollope's The Daughters-in-Law. I've read a few of her books over the years, and pretty much liked them. Some speak to me more than others, and this one had a big-time message - moms don't have to be in control. In fact, after a certain point, they shouldn't be. I don't think I ever thought I would have a hard time separating from my kids, but I was obviously wrong. Sure, circumstances have been such that it has been necessary for us to stay very involved, but we would all benefit if I could maintain a little emotional distance. Just a thought, and a goal.

Our Garden Gnome

Our little garden is flourishing. So far we've harvested about 12 snow peas and 1 tiny carrot. Mackenzie is my best helper out there. She'll water, weed, and pet the corn, because you know, corn has to be petted to make it grow.

A Night in the Frog Pond

Tonight was the kindergarten play, "Once Upon a Lily Pad." Very cute and it was a huge success. Christian was a snake and he handled it well. Much better than the end of summer play for the YMCA last year. How nice he's growing up!

The Birds' New Home

Our love birds are so happy in their new aviary that I feel guilty for having them in their indoor cage for so long. I hear them first thing in the morning, eager to be part of the outside world.

California Spring?

I'm not complaining, but it's raining today. Maybe not the best day because we moved the birds to their outside home yesterday, and I worry about them being too exposed. But the cloudy skies are beautiful and the air smells fresh. Everything is green and I love the rain. I wouldn't be sad if we have a cooler, wetter summer, but that's probably too much to hope for.