The birthdays are over, and the summer camps and activities are in full swing. The days are warmer, and we are finding our groove. There are things I don’t love about summer (namely, the heat), but I sure love the way I get to savor the mornings, linger over dinner al fresco, and take an extended separation from the clock. Here’s a snapshot of life lately:
What we are eating: Well, nothing particularly special. However, the addition of sweet corn to our meals once or twice a week is a refreshing change. I am also sprinkling in fresh basil from our garden to whatever dish makes sense for it, and I am eagerly awaiting for my tomatoes to get plump and happy . Last night, we enjoyed Tuscan bean soup, and tonight it will be zucchini, sweet potato, and black bean quesadillas. I made these cookies for dessert this week. It was a new recipe, and we have decided, it’s a keeper. In between the good stuff, we are trying not to eat too much, because, you know, summer schedule means the pantry is always just there, close by, beckoning.
What we are watching: Jason and I are on the search for a new series to enjoy together. Send recommendations! We are tackling You are What you Eat on Netflix little by little, but it’s not a fun, silly piece of entertainment (although it is very good, I will say). And though I am starting the new season of Bridgerton, Jason is not eager to sit next to me for that one. We have all enjoyed the NBA semi finals and finals, though we were a house divided. Jameson and I came out victorious as the Celtics fans. With basketball ending, we are now all anxious to watch the summer Olympics in Paris this year. Plus, Jason and I always tune in to the Tour de France. Someday, maybe we will get to go watch a leg of it.
What we are reading: Jason is reading The Maze by DeMille. Harper is reading the third book in the Hunger Games series, and Jameson is reading an I Survived about an Alaskan earthquake. I am reading a few books. Each morning, I walk around with a hot mug of coffee and my book stack wondering which one to start with. I typically dip into nonfiction a little each day and take notes over time. I am reading these in chunks:
Dr. Attia discusses what he calls the four horseman- diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s and what we can do to increase not only our life span but our health span.
I read this once a few years ago but decided to whip it out again. It’s a refresher on how to focus less on consumerism and all the noise. I like it. Plus, it’s filled with beautiful photographs.
I love to read fiction most. Good books make me so happy. I recently finished:
This one was okay. I did not particularly care for the characters, but I did get pulled in to the plot. It is a little thriller, a little secret identity, and a little dark web. I kept wondering if people like this actually exist.
I loved this book. It is about a group of retired spies who are all trying to live peacefully on the Maine coast, quietly away from their former CIA lives. But, they get sucked back into a case, and together, these silver-haired characters get back to their whodunit roots. It was entertaining and charming, and rumor has it it will be a series.
I also loved this book. This takes place in the 1700’s in Maine, as well. The main character is dynamite, and the story encompasses midwifery, crime and justice, the politics of the time, a portrait of a small town, and family drama. It is engrossing and also beautifully written.
I loved Emily Henry’s last book, Happy Place. This one did strike as sweet of a chord with me, but it was still an engaging read. Plus, the story takes place in the UP of Michigan, and the setting itself is its own charming character.
Unquestionably, Kingsolver is a beautiful writer. I have waited awhile to read this book, knowing it would be heavy and hard. In hindsight, I would have waited a bit longer since being out of school to read this. (I fully realize my students are not destitute, rural Appalachian children, but there are certainly connections to be made here, as there are for any public school teacher across America). I found myself rooting for Demon, as I am certain most readers will. This is a memorable and notable read. Just be ready for a heavy heart.
So, now, what to read next? I have not yet decided, but one thing is for sure. It will be light and summery 🙂
What I am listening to: Right now I am binge listening to all of Laura Tremaine’s Best Books Lately podcasts. Tremaine is the author of Share your Stuff, I’ll go First, a book I enjoyed quite some time back. The podcast itself is put on with her two other book club member friends, who can be a little pretentious at times, but I must say I have taken note of a zillion new titles since listening, which I always appreciate.
What I am looking forward to: In general, just the days of summer with my family. Specifically, we have a couple of trips planned in July, which I am eager for. As always, I spend a lot of time daydreaming about future travels. Maybe we will plan our next big trip this summer.
What I am dreading: The feeling of not accomplishing enough. This happens every summer. Also, my strawberries and watermelon not growing. This is a bit dramatic (dreading). But, those fruits have never been easy for me! So far, they aren’t looking overly promising.
What I am reminiscing about: Last weekend, we celebrated Father’s Day. We were all reminiscing about where we were a year ago- Hawaii. We had the best time together on a family cruise to all of the Hawaiian Islands. My kids both want to go back sometime. I also find myself remembering summer days when Harper and Jameson were little. I really loved those summers. They were filled with simple pleasures like storytime at the library and picnics at the park and visits to the zoo. I love where the kids are now, too, but it’s a different kind of busy.
