My mother in law is sending subtle hints that the blog needs to be updated. No, Mere, I don’t spend all of my time at Mass. Of course, I always say this, but I am busy. I’m taking two classes this summer for my Masters program. Cleaning the house for showings takes a lot of work. And I’ve over committed myself to several volunteer projects – I don’t necessarily spend a lot of time working on them, but I do spend a lot of time feeling guilty about them. Plus, you know, the boy.

Anyway, mille excuses.

Summer has only begun this week, but already I am watching the calendar fill up. Lou is attending ½ day camp for a good part of the summer, where he will explore such themes as Bugs! And The Beach! He has asked to go back to school every day this first week of summer break. He has an active little mind. I feel like I should have some well planned curriculum for him to do at home, but I apparently prefer my procrastination/guilt cycle.

We also have various other activities planned, such as family bowling (!) and swimming and free movie Wednesdays at the local theater.

Personally, I plan to do a lot of food preservation and canning with fresh, local produce this year. I did a minimal amount last year, just to get my feet wet. Most of the last summer we spent in France, which, oddly enough, I did not find conducive to cooking. It was a combination of the low dollar, and not being in my own kitchen.

Next weekend, I think we will go pick our own strawberries in the field. They’re nearly ripe. I’ll make jam and preserves and of course we’ll eat our fill. It is so satisfying to put food away for the winter – I imagine it must fulfill a basic human need.

Other than that, we have a thousand and one household projects going on as we prepare to move. Right now we’re working on regarding the soil around the house, to fix some drainage issues. We’re also having three of our 1,000 trees cut down. Blah blah blah… I am beginning to bore myself.

Of course the big event of the summer is our move on August 6th. We’re a-goin to the big city! Soon we’ll have to pack up the wash tub and the tin plates and the young-un. Time is creeping up on us.

Oh happy days...a new posting! Sounds like a busy schedule for your family. Just remember to add a little time for some R & R., summer is to short not to enjoy it. Summer camp sounds like a big adventure. Let Lou know that Auntie Kirtsen has 3 mice, 2 lizards, a box of crickets,2 tanks of gold fish, 1 dog and perhaps other things that I'm unaware of living in her room. He'll have to come for a visit soon to investigate.

Love Mom

dude,
are you guys coming to la Francia this summer? I'm guessing not. But if so, you know where we are.
By the way, when is croissant no. 2 set to go into the oven?

dude,
are you guys coming to la Francia this summer? I'm guessing not. But if so, you know where we are.
By the way, when is croissant no. 2 set to go into the oven?