Summer. It seems to be going by in a flash. While it's my least favorite season (each season has something to love), I am not ready to pack lunches and set the alarm clock every day. Of course there is a part of me that craves a schedule and not melting when I walk out the door but I'm still hoping to slow this pace down for the time we have left. I don't know how much time that is exactly, because I refuse to look at the calendar and count the days.
This past week Emma had ballet camp and last Friday she performed at an assisted living home with her class. We met the sweetest ladies and in particular, a lovely lady named Betty. Here's what I know for sure, when I get old I want to be a Betty. The next day we went to a different home that we've started visiting so Em could read to the residents of the memory care wing. Harry Potter of course, because what else would you read?
I find that I've been in the mood to cook and bake a lot lately which is honestly kind of strange for me during summer, in my not-especially-insulated old house kitchen.
I made these Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies last Saturday and they were gone by last night. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. I made mine bigger than the recipe called for because we like a substantial sized cookie in this house. A treat ought to feel like a treat. Also, that way when I take half a cookie I'm getting more bang for my buck. Also, more calorie.
Things have slowed down this week, for which I am thankful. I woke up Monday morning with a back flare up which sort of forces the slow down but I've learned to listen to my body. We wrapped up Emma's 3 1/2 month bathroom renovation this past week and are just working on the finishing touches now. She has officially moved out of our bathroom and I am more than a little thrilled to not be sharing one little sink with two other people. No one is happier than Em is though. I bet she has said she loves her new bathroom at least 10 times in the last day! I can't wait to share the project with you. I'm more than a little jealous of her new space and might have to sneak in there and pretend it's mine when she goes back to school!
This summer has been very good to us and now that we don't have the big project hanging over us, I hope we can really just relax and enjoy the rest of it. In two days we celebrate our big girl turning 23! 23! In the blink of an eye people. Enjoy every moment young mommas. Well except the ones that include cleaning up gross stuff. You don't have to enjoy those.
Oh I just love your blog! It makes me so happy to see people living real lives that are beautiful and meaningful and slow (or at least try to be). Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts. I agree, cherish every moment you have with your children. In a blink they are grown. My baby is 32 with two babies of her own. Whew, when did that happen? Enjoy the rest of you summer. I still have a good month before returning to the classroom and I am savoring every moment. Hugs!
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ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to hear from you. Sometimes I think we are soul sisters. I wrote today about summer and the passing of time. I don't have school age kids coming and going but I have adult children popping in and calling me at 7:00 a.m. If I don't answer they just keep dialing! Grrrrr...
Emma's experience with the elderly will stay with her for a long time. I hope it has a positive effect. Things have changed quite a bit. I worked the summer after high school at a 'nursing home', (horrible term used back then and slightly barbaric, too). The sad awakening of cleaning up messed beds, cleaning up people very personally three times your size, spoon feeding these lovely souls who could no longer do it themselves, and the worst, listening to them cry for their loved ones. Terrible. It's noble but it's also a game changer.
And I, too, have the back problems. If you don't mind, please email me so we can discuss this a bit. I wrote a little bit more in this post about what is happening to me here in mid life! :-(
Good wishes,
Jane
Such a lovely post. We are empty nesters and the summer makes me long for the days when I took my kids to the pool, had picnics and made weekly trips to the library for the summer reading program. How nice that your daughter reads for the senior center, I love that!
ReplyDeleteJen - you are so right - summer is speeding by and like you, I refuse to count the days or weeks til it starts again. I know it will be soon enough. Funny, I have like baking cookies to even though the heat index is 100+! Whoa - we've had the heat and humidity this summer. When I'm melting outside, I try to remember when I was freezing and running for the warm car or house! That helps a teensy bit! Can't wait to see Emma's bathroom project! Take care sweetie!
ReplyDeleteSummer is actually my favorite season! No, I don't love when it's in the 90's or the intense humidity, but I always remind myself it's better than winter. :-) I love the constant sunshine, being barefoot all the time, the ability to just walk out the door without having to grab a coat or boots or a hat or mittens, the laughter of kids playing outside during the day, walking down to the lake and dipping my toes in the water, the sound of cicadas during the day, on and on.
ReplyDeleteI love that Emma is visiting people at the nursing home. So many of those lovely souls are so lonely and bored. Probably a humble and eye-opening experience for her, I'm sure. Can't wait to see her new bathroom!
The chai cookies look and sound delicious. I pinned them so I can make them for a special occasion. Right now we're doing no sugar, so these are a big no-no!
I totally relate to your back problems. I've been having flare-ups lately now, too. I was so good for a long time (I herniated 3 disks years ago and have had back pain on and off ever since)...after numerous rounds of PT, chiropractors, and acupuncture, continual yoga classes is what kept the pain at bay. I haven't been to a class in about a year, but I now do yoga at home. I guess it's not the same, because I'm fighting the flare-ups lately. Just had a deep tissue massage and that helped at first, but then had another few days of intense pain, and now I'm doing better again. Whew. Anyway, I am also finding that the more I move (esp lots of walking) really helps, too. Oh - and Biofreeze is my BFF. ;-) If you have any tips what has helped you, let me know!
So true - my baby is turning 25 in a few weeks - where on earth does the time go?
ReplyDeleteYes I agree summer is certainly flying by. The older my kids get the harder I try to hold on to summer...
ReplyDeleteSummer is the least of my fav seasons too and that is due to the heat. It has been in the 90's for 2 weeks now. But like they say in the West, it is a dry heat. Still hot tho and I must do all my gardening in the morn or in the evening. Otherwise I organize and purge the basement. But I have been able to slip in watching lots of movies. With lots of popcorn. :) Have a great weekend! Kit
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