Summer Thoughts

Summer is in full bloom.  We've not yet entered the dry season and we've only had one day reach 90 degrees. My plants are doing well, although, I did not plant as much as last year.  That is OK.  I chose to spend my money on adding another rescue cat in March and he is worth it. 

That's how life goes on a budget.  I took from my garden budget so that I could increase my cat budget.  I still have lovely plants to enjoy.  And I have an extra wonderful cat to love. 

I really, really need to work on clearing out the extra stuff in our home this summer.  In particular, the garage is out of control.  I just don't like spending time out there.  I need a plan and a schedule, but books call to me during the heat of the day, not a hot garage.

I am so thankful to have the luxury of summer days at home.  They are a real gift.  I have my children happily busy around me.  My husband is working hard so that we can be comfortable and enjoy all the blessings that surround us.   Life is full.  I am grateful to the Lord for the pleasure a quiet summer day brings.  

A Letter to My Stuff

Dear Stuff I Want Rid Of,

You were once a blessing to me. I know I really wanted you here, but now things have changed. I no longer have a use for you inside my home. So now you sit in my garage, mocking me each time I pass you. I keep you because of fear or out of sentiment.   If I get rid of you, I may need you again, just like a few other things I once had. And, technically,  I do have the space to keep you, so I talk myself out of calling a charity truck to come by. I avoid you when I am able. And, the good stuff hides you.  One day I will have to deal with you, when we move again. Until then, I will try to find courage to say goodbye!

Yours truly,
Jenn

Ten More Things

• Time spent rocking in the sun on my hammock.  
• Good family times over the weekend.  
• Friends who want to come over and BBQ.  
• A foster kitty to love on.  
• Sons who spontaneously go outside to work on their physical training.
• BBQ leftovers!  
• Birds singing outside my window.
• Lower humidity.  
• Dry weather in order to hang my blankets outside, again.  
• Physical strength to go play disc golf.  

Ten Things

10 things that I am thankful for right now.

• A beautiful sunny day
• My children outside encouraging one another
• Free seeds planted 
• The gentle breeze blowing my wind chimes
• A baby Robbin hopping around the yard
• A cold glass of water to sip
• Strength to ride my bike
• My bike
• An old washer and dryer that keeps a going
• Blankets hung outside 

Abandoned

On a recent hike,at a favorite park, I came across a couple abandoned houses.  I had never been in this part of the park before, so I didn't know they were there just over the fence.

Abandoned houses really bother me.  They are such a waste! I think of all the happy times that the houses must have provided, for these are beach houses, and beach houses are for fun times.

Of course the real reason this bothers me is because I would dearly love to have a house on my favorite beach and these are just sitting there going to waste.  Heavy sigh.

Homemade Cleaner, Follow-up

Today was the day! I made up a spray bottle of one half vinegar/orange solution and filtered water.  I used it to clean the bathrooms and kitchen.  Seems to work well.  The smell was as I expected, mostly vinegar.  I clean with vinegar and am used to it.  It goes away in an hour or so.  I did not smell much orange though.  Otherwise the cleaner worked great.  It even kills ants.  (I am in an ant war at the moment.  Grr.)
Happy cleaning!

Grandpa's Bread, Again

Some here might remember that in January I started making my grandpa's sourdough bread.  I have made it a few times, but decided that I needed to perfect my technique.  Now as it happens, my father is a certified master baker.  I know, kind of handy!  So, this past Saturday, he showed me how to knead dough properly.  I love my stand mixer, but it isn't built to make bread, or at least when I try, it makes a burning smell and overheats!  I suppose you have to get a commercial one to really make good bread.  My next attempt at making this bread will be using whole wheat flour.  I want to see how it does.  Happy baking to you!