This morning started out rainy, but now glorious sunshine is pouring through my bedroom windows. It is cool-in the 60s. A perfect summer morning.
The boys are with my parents overnight, so I couldn't train this morning. (no babysitter for the girls) I was going to use the morning to read and write, but I got thinking about school, so I took the time to plan my school year instead.
Oh.my.word. I am so very excited! I will share more about my school plans next week, but for now, let me just say that the historical period we are studying is Ancient Greece. Couple that with a good dose of Greek Mythology, and it is going to be an amazing year. I didn't think anything would top the 1600-1800 year, but this one just might! Essentially, I've spent the past 3 hours in my bed, surrounded by a couple tall piles of books-figuring out lectures to watch, and reading lists, and projects, and all that stuff. I just might be a history geek. And I'm okay with that....
Like I said, my parents have the boys. Which means that they are in town visiting for the week. Well, actually, they are staying in the camper, about an hour away. But, they are popping in on a daily basis. They had the girls from Tuesday to Wednesday, and then the boys from Wednesday to Thursday. I'm wondering when it will be my turn....
Tuesday was our 14th anniversary. Each anniversary that comes is such a blessing. At this stage, I've come to realize (hopefully) that a good marriage is not to be taken for granted. A good marriage is a blessing. It takes hard work, prayer, love, and investment. We don't have anywhere near all of our junk in order, but, I feel that this year was more of a thriving than surviving year, and for that I am truly grateful.
We have Mr. Hippie's brother's wedding on Saturday. I'm praying that it is God-honoring, and also a peace-filled experience. Weddings can be so stressful! Especially if you are playing any bigger part than simply attending. And, for this one, we have two players. Meres is a flower girl. Mr. Hippie is a groomsman. My goal is to get Meres into her dress, with some sort of hair-do, just in time for pictures. Then to keep her spotless until after the ceremony and other pictures. And, then, well, then I don't care how spotless she remains. I also would like to see her keep her shoes on for the entire ceremony. But, let's be honest-that is not very likely. So, I'm hoping that if she kicks her shoes off, she will be content to wander back up the aisle barefoot, and not try to hold up the show while she puts her shoes back on.
This is a realistic scenario, people. I asked them if they were SURE they wanted Meres in their wedding...
Well, I'm leaving you with another summery side dish/salad. Greek Cucumber Noodles...
Essentially, it is very similar to Greek salad, but without lettuce. And with hummus. It was oh so good! And look at that gorgeous color!
An important tip...
-Make your noodles, salt them, and let them sweat for 5-10 minutes. And then drain the accumulated juice. It makes for nicer "noodles".
Greek Cucumber Noodles
Prep time: 20 minutes
3 seedless cucumbers
1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1 small red onion
6 Tbsp hummus (buy or make recipe below)
3/4 cup Feta cheese
Kosher salt and Black Pepper
-Adjust the blade of a mandolin to the 1/8” setting, or use a julienne peeler to make noodles with the cucumbers.
-Divide the cucumbers onto 4 to 6 plates, or just place all in a serving bowl.
-Halve the tomatoes and the olives. Thinly slice the red onion. Divide among the plates. Spoon 1 Tbsp hummus in the center of each plate. Sprinkle feta cheese over all. Salt and pepper to taste.
Hummus
Prep time: 15 minutes
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup tahini paste
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
-Add all ingredients to the blender before adding beans. Drain the beans, reserving the liquid. Add 1/4 cup liquid to the blender on top of the beans, and pulse until smooth. Add more liquid as necessary to get the thick dip effect.
Have a fantastic weekend!
