My Favorite Time of Year

Summer is my favorite time of year. Sure there’s more work to be done but the warmth energizes me and I feel more motivated than any other time of the year.

We’ve had so much rain this year that along with the other work mowing the grass has kept me busy. Of course living on a hilly property has meant getting stuck more times than I can count in soft soil this season. Luckily, I have great neighbors who are always willing to give me a hand.

So while I work to get more of my photos edited to show you what we’ve been up to here’s a few I have ready to show you the beauty of summer, and a couple of fun things tossed in. I hope they bring a smile to your day.

The coffee table was hijacked from me.

 

The two girls who are working on the table live next door. I can’t show their faces as they are foster children. They asked if I could show them how to refinish furniture. I never turn down a child asking to learn. They are almost finished and very proud of their accomplishment.

 

There is a change in the atmosphere this year.  As I stroll around town I find more people are planting flowers. I was dismayed when I first moved to see no one had an interest in gardening. The next step, seeing edible gardens. For now I smile just to see the beautiful colors showing up all over.

 

I noticed a tree had been removed at one house, it was dead and needed to come down, but had to snap this picture of how they used the stump to make it a focal point. It’s something I could picture myself doing.

 

I also found a field with wildflowers!  I love cut flowers in my home in the summer months but won’t buy them.

They add just the right pop of color in my living room.

 

As I mentioned we’ve had more than our share of rain this year but I love seeing the raindrops on flowers after a shower.

 

Little guy turns three this week. Boy how time flies.

And he’s still obsessed with tools.  Before I move my chair I always look to see where the children or pets are. This time I looked to see Little Guy had pulled out a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and was attempting to repair my tire.

We sort of have a farmer’s market in town. A business owner picks up local produce then resells it. Her prices are too high to buy much at one time but it’s nice to have an option in town.

 

Speaking of food.  Since I dragged home a kids play kitchen they didn’t play with it much because they didn’t like the plastic food, or lack of food that came with it.  I purchased some felt foods and all of a sudden their imaginations have gone wild.

 

Of course the first day the carrots were here we found one outside on the deck. When I asked what it was doing outside Little Guy informed me he was feeding the rabbits.

I also introduced the kids to a favorite game from my childhood. Jacks

Soon I had the neighbors wanting to learn to play too.

And for the first time, I had a success in the garden.  Every year living further north in the state my squashes developed powdery mildew.  This year none of them developed it even with all the rain.  If I could jump I’d be jumping for joy.

Just the other night we had a clear night that brought the most beautiful sunset. I’d missed the varied hues I used to see over the lake.

And finally, just to let you know I’m still digging through other people’s trash. I spotted this bench at the curb and dragged it home on my lap. Heaviest piece I think I’ve ever carried home.  A bit of wood putty in a couple of places, cleaning of cobwebs and a light sanding and it was ready to paint.  I should close for now and get a second coat on it before falling asleep.

How has your summer been?