It is early-ish, on one of the last mornings of summer (break). The birds are chirping in a freshly rained on earth. It is peaceful and still.
And I realize, this morning is probably the last time I will get to sleep in for the foreseeable future. It is early mornings from here on out with the advent of school.
I wonder to myself where this summer has gone. It did fly by. But it isn't a discontented feeling. I am not regretful of my summer. It turned out to be what I hoped it would be.
The Barefoot Hippies had a summer full of reading and bike rides and swimming. Of staying home and doing some fun day trips. It was a great balance of doing and relaxing. At least for me.
The three oldest got to do some age specific things this summer...cousins' camp out, day camp, DVBS. Meres stayed with me, drove me crazy, and got partially potty trained.
We did our retreat at the beginning of the summer. I cooked and taught. Mr. Hippie facilitated and taught. The kids did outdoor camp things all day every day.
We had one HOT week of summer. That week we swam. We cooled our heels in the pool down the block. The kids each got more brave.
We planted seeds and seedlings, tended them, and our now enjoying the fruits of our labors. Pole beans and tomatoes ladening down their respective vines.
It is the end of summer and the end of an era. We started the Harry Potter series at the beginning of summer break last year. This week we are finishing up the last chapters of the last book. It has been quite the journey we have travelled with Harry, Ron and Herminone. I can't wait to read them again!
Mr. Hippie and I have both been bit by the triathlon bug. We both did well in our first official tri, with our bucket list one up ahead the weekend after Labor Day. I love the balance of the three disciplines. The challenge of giving your best for each of three stages. The endurance and fortitude it takes to get on a bike and make your muscles move, and then get off a bike and make your muscles move. I feel stronger than ever before in my life. The 30s rocket, people!
This week we are camping out at our camper. It is hot and rainy. And, that, in a nutshell, is why I don't camp. Buckets and buckets, torrential downpours. Everything damp, if not soaked.
Oh, and something goes wrong each time-which is the other reason I don't camp. Like the kitchen sink not draining. And plunging and plunging it. Using vinegar and baking soda to eat through any build up. Desperately calling husband. Said husband drives an hour to help. Just before said husband arrives, campground caretaker pulls the forgotten forward grey water holding tank lever, and voila! the backed up sink is miraculously fixed. Sigh...
Oh, and something goes wrong each time-which is the other reason I don't camp. Like the kitchen sink not draining. And plunging and plunging it. Using vinegar and baking soda to eat through any build up. Desperately calling husband. Said husband drives an hour to help. Just before said husband arrives, campground caretaker pulls the forgotten forward grey water holding tank lever, and voila! the backed up sink is miraculously fixed. Sigh...
But, we are living at a camping pace for a few days this last week of summer. I have read an entire book, and gotten halfway through two more. We have spent time at the beach and at the creek. We bought ice cream. We had a campfire between the rain drops. We get to carry that amazing smell back to our newly painted house. (Campfire, not rainy-damp)
It has been an idyllic summer. On the one hand, I don't want it to end. On the other, I am excited for all the new adventures our school year is bringing.
I have one last summery recipe for you. It will tie wonderfully with your Labor Day celebrations. It features peaches-those late summer golden orbs of juicy sweetness. Everywhere you drive around here, you see stands advertising fresh peaches. Different varieties as the weeks tick past, but all delicious.
Peach Strudel is a 6 ingredient dish that whips up like a dream. Serve warm with ice cream and a generous dollop of summer memories.
8 large peaches, peeled and sliced
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 egg
Place the peeled and sliced peaches into a greased 8x8" glass baking dish. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Add the egg, and stir until crumbly. Pour on top of the peaches.Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.
What is your favorite memory from this summer?
Btw, I am taking Monday off from all things blogging. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and I will join back with you on Tuesday for another HomeSchool help installment!
linking up to Serenity Now.
