End-of-July Daybook

Just hangin' out version

In the garden...

...the sky is clear blue and no showers are in the forecast for today. A high is predicted for 81, the highest temps we've had in a week or so. I am loving this cool, and rather rainy, summer, but lamenting the purchase of a pool pass -- it's not getting a lot of use, and even then only by one member of this family. By summer's end I think the cost will equal about 10 bucks a swim. Oh, well. We can't predict the weather, can we?

It's good laundry hanging weather though -- if you check the weather forecast and avoid the storms.

I am thinking about...

...resting, much like the cat but with no napping, just moving from one spot in the house to another. I feel a lot better than I did last week, but not strong. It's an odd feeling, but I'm trying to ignore it for the most part. I rested for most of the weekend, after my revelation last Friday, but then I had to get going early Monday to go with Joshua to an eye appointment. Halfway through the eye appointment, because the office was overbooked and running late, I had to leave to get home (we were at the eye institute down on campus, almost downtown) because my dryer repairman was coming. Unfortunately he arrived with no ignitor for the dryer on his truck, and had to come back. The afternoon ended with a much-needed haircut. Since Monday my days have been full, but with periods of restful sewing.

I am hopeful that taking it easy will fill the stores for days ahead. That's what summer is for, right?

I am wearing...

...a cotton blue floral skirt, blue v-neck and peachy leather sandals.

I am reading...

...I have not been reading much. Feeling so yucky made it hard to concentrate. One wouldn't think you'd need to concentrate to rest, but I guess your mind must be clear at least. On my kindle I am still reading Second Nature by Jacquelyn Mitchard, and it's turning out to be a very interesting read. 

I am creating...

...a new baby quilt, for a little dolly who is going to be brought from China in the months ahead. I picked out some really cute prints that I think will be perfect for her.

I have scapular orders which are keeping me busy during periods of rest, and I have supplies bagged up for several rosaries and tenners for the shop. It's nice to just grab a baggie of supplies and have everything I need.

I also have fabric for a practice bridesmaid dress, but I am dealing with the anxiety that always comes before starting a project like that. The fabric is beautiful -- I bought the same fabric Taylor chose, but in navy because the mystic purple lace is on backorder until September. If I don't get this dress started it will be September and I might as well have just waited. I need to get the dress finished to see if we like it and should order a large quantity of the fabric. I don't know why I always get this anxiety. I call it "first cut nerves" because I just get nervous until I make the first cut and then it's done. It's very irrational, I know. I need someone to come and hold my hand.

At the school table...

...Noah passed chemistry -- finally, and yay! -- so our summer has started. We have about a month to enjoy it. The public school children will start back in, um, 20 days, so I plan to have a quiet week before we start back as well.

Faith has two parts of the CAT test to finish and then when the results come I can send in our letter of intent. There are books to buy choose, as well. I'm really rather behind, but not stressing it. I know it can all be done in a week if need be. I think I pinned most of my choices earlier in the summer, so I can go to my homeschooling board and refresh my memory on my choices. The hardest part is picking reading books for the year. Faith and I just do not have the same taste, and that makes it hard. Not that she should only read what she likes, but it makes reading a lot more enjoyable, and less like pulling teeth (for both of us). Suggestions for a busy, active, outdoorsy kinda girl? Seventh grade level?

On the table...

...Doug and Noah will be at a car show this evening, so it will be the other kids and me. We already had breakfast for dinner once this week, and Tostada pizza last night. I'll have to check the freezer to see what's lurking and needs to be cooked.

Plans for the rest of the week...

...a doctor's appt. on Friday and a work dinner Friday night. Then there's a birthday party on Sunday for a friend's 50th.

A few of my favorite things...

...fresh peaches from the orchard -- oh my

...the smell of line-dried clothes. In the past year or two, with the nerve pain in my leg, I stopped carrying the clothes outside and just hung them in the basement. I forgot how worth it the smell of line-dried clothes really is.

....having all the kids home

Prayers sent heavenward for...

...my husband, in his new job, and my children

...our oldest son as he begins his adult life
...our priests and religious, especially our parish priests, and Fr. Howe
...our dear friend, a former classmate to my husband, a priest, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer and is recovering from surgery and beginning chemotherapy
...my husband's Aunt Mary, who became very ill on their trip from Ohio back to their Florida home and is hospitalized in between; prayers for a diagnosis and recovery. They were in Ohio celebrating their 50th anniversary with family.
...all the babies whose mothers are contemplating abortion this week, for a change of heart


Photo of the days...
...or photos as the case may be. I wanted to get a photo of Faith in her new Tiny Tea Leaves cardigan for my Ravelry page. This girl will never be a model, let's put it that way. 

Me: The sun is casting shadows on your face, let's go in the garden.

Me: Can you just relax your mouth? You don't have to smile if you don't want to, but soften your mouth.

Me: S-o-f-t-e-n, like not a hard mouth. Just relax.

Faith (flapping arms): I c-a-a-a-a-n'-t!