Friday, July 19, 2013

A Simple Summer

The herb garden is quite lush right now.  


What makes up a successful day?  Recently, this question has often been on my mind.  You see, this summer, unlike any other that I can recall, has been rather simple.  There have been more quiet days at home than usual.  We have not ran around very much.  We have spent whole afternoons reading, building with Legos, watching old movies, or playing board games.  Not a lot of heavy housework has been done either.  And recently, the heatwave has kept us inside more than I would care to be.  All this downtime has been wonderfully restoring to me personally.  We did spend a crazy week at VBS last week, but other than that we have stayed mostly quiet.

I have fought the temptation to feel as if we are being unproductive.  Quite  the opposite is true.  I think we are being wise.  A busy school year is fast approaching and we will need to be rested and ready.  We will need to be good and ready!

So, the other day, I asked myself what makes a successful summer day?  I came up with a baseline for myself.  If these things happen, then I can look back and say that I have been productive enough.

My morning routine...

  • Make and have breakfast with my husband
  • Enjoy my coffee 
  • Read my Bible and pray
  • Clean up breakfast
  • Feed the wild birds, change their bird bath water
  • Water the outside plants
  • Take a short walk
  • Shower
  • Swish and swipe the bathroom (Flylady style)
  • Make our bed
  • Start a load of clothes
  • Empty the dishwasher
  • Plan dinner 
  • Computer time 
The afternoon is pretty loose.  I make sure laundry is getting done, the dishes and kitchen are being kept up, and dinner is ready when my darling comes home from his hard work day.  We do spend some time cleaning in the afternoons, but we do it mostly when there are people coming over.  Otherwise, we have free afternoons to work on things we want to work on or go swimming if invited.  

These simple days of summer will be over in less than a month.  I am hanging on to each one, feeling satisfied that we are making the most of them, right here at home.  

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Dog Days Are Here



The dog days of summer are here.  I have to work harder this time of year, work harder at being content.  Hazy, humid, hot days drag me down, as much as the bitter, dreary, cold days of a long winter do.

It occurred to me yesterday that these seasons are really no different. Both must be cheerfully endured. Both must not be wished away. Both have their good points, when one searches with diligence.

After reminding myself of the many good points of this season, I discovered a renewed joy in summertime. Even on a very warm, muggy day, at the very least, I can rejoice that it is sunny and I do not have to struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder!

Today, I am busy in an air conditioned house. Yes, I will hate the electric bill a month from now. Yes, I am feeling cooped up. But at least the sun is shining and I can enjoy this season, for it is short and soon another season will be arriving, bringing relief.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Feeling Blah Today

I woke up feeling a little down today, not to mention having some tummy trouble due to eating off my program yesterday.  I decided the best way to combat these blues was to write a gratitude list.

Cataract Falls, Upper Falls

I am thankful for...

  • A beautiful summer morning with sunshine, cooler temps, birds singing, and time to enjoy being outside on my hammock, praying for myself and others. 
  • My husband who is working hard today for us.  He wanted to take the day off, but decided it was best to go into his office and work.  
  • My children, who are safe and at home with me today. I am thankful for their creativity.   
  • Another chance to eat right today.
  • A slower paced day. 
  • Leftover food from yesterday!  Now I won't have to cook tonight.  
  • My family who came over yesterday and celebrated Independence Day with us.  
  • Friends who are praying for me.  

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Summer Contentment

Today was one of those perfect weather days, sunny, not too humid, a gentle breeze. The kind of day that lures me outside to enjoy. And there I found a volunteer tomato plant! So, I staked it right there and then. And I lounged on my beloved grandfather's hammock, remembering his 95 year old sister who passed today. My garden is wild, but I love it just the same. And lastly,  my cat, trapped indoors, enjoys the breeze, too.