Monday, June 21, 2010

daybook

{Dieter loved playing with this neighborhood kitty at my parents' house}
Outside: summery and cool. Right now I'm up early and there's a little bit of a fog/mist thing going on. I love that. It will burn off quickly here then get bright and sunny. It hasn't been hot yet, really. The trees are super full--green and lovely. Plums are starting to turn color, just a little bit. Before we know it we'll have more than we know what to do with. Many will become jam. The squash are going crazy.
Inside: dealing with clutter issues again and feeling discouraged by the lack of space here for our large family. Trying to keep my chin up and focus on the positive. The positive is that I'm surrounded by people I love.
Today: is the summer solstice! Our little tea is this afternoon and Rainer and I will be baking and getting ready all morning. (We're trying something knew this summer--twice a week Ken and I will have a special day hanging out with one boy, then switch. Today I have Rainer more, and on Fridays it will be a Dieter and mama day). So for the tea we're trying something really different--inviting people over! Dieter has a sweet and good friend, Sofia, who he wants to invite, along with Sofia's two sisters and her parents too, of course. We've had the girls and the mom over a few times before--such a sweet family. This also works well to motivate me to get the house into shape too.
Working on: having super fun organizing and going through my recipes. My goal is to totally eliminate my giant, ugly, heavy binder of recipes and I'm well on my way. One fun thing has been to sort through my stack of "recipes to try" that I still want to try. Getting all kinds of inspiration from that.
Reading: I just read (most of) The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. I had to do an inter-library loan to get it. It was very interesting. I think she is a smart lady who put all her energy into being super thrifty to the extreme. The book is a little dated. One thing she emphasizes is food-thrift, which I know is still popular today but seems kind of dated to me. I wonder if she has changed her thoughts at all in light of the local/seasonal/organic movement? It's not cheap to eat that way (or at least not as cheap) but I believe in it. Also reading some blogs that Faith reads and has recommended to me. This one is one of her favorites. Also this one because it's written by a school nurse. Currently Faith is gone though, to Colorado, then Oklahoma and Kansas to visit relatives. I miss that girl and all her youthful energy!

Idea for the "daybook" type of post comes from here, a blog which no longer is being published but which I highly recommend for the archives. There's a ton in there about unschooling and raw food.

The boys and I had a great time at the beach. We stayed with my parents. After Faith and my parents all left for Colorado, the boys and I stayed on and enjoyed their lovely house and beachy location. The best day was when Ken drove down and joined us for a beach morning. So fun! And because there were two adults I got to enjoy lots of time with Dieter by the water's edge (which Rainer doesn't like so much). I plan to take Dieter on more beachy outings on our Dieter and mama days.

Happy summer solstice everyone!

13 comments:

nicole said...

i think about food thrift a lot...i agree with you, it is not worth sacrificing organic and local foods. though we are lucky since we live in california where great produce is available year round.

Andrea said...

Thanks for the link to your recipe organizing post--I missed that one first time around. I'm trying to figure out a way to organize and simplify cooking and meals. I like this idea, though I'm not sure I'd ever sit down and hand write them all!

momma rae said...

sounds like you had a lovely time. happy solstice!

lisa said...

What a weird looking cat! It has to mixed with something. The book sounds interesting. I will have to keep my eye open for it.

BellaBree said...

what a pretty puss....and toally know what you mean about clutter and large families- we have 4 kids and live in 100m squared - I would love any ideas about storage as this is toally an issue!

Joy said...

I hope you'll post pictures of your tea. I love seeing your tea celebrations. :) Happy Solstice, Mary Beth!

Kelli said...

I get discouraged by all the clutter also, This summer, I hope to be able to get rid of alot of it.

Dawn said...

I love that idea of spending special time with each child once a week by switching off with the other parent. I'm a new reader to your blog. It's nice to "meet" you. :)

Amy said...

Welcome back. We just returned from camping in Big Sur along the river. I completely recommended Fernwood Campground up there. My girls had a blast frolicing in the shallow riverbed. We stopped at Crushcakes on the way home to So. Cal. So glad you shared that place with us.
Wanted to mention that they will be on the food network tomorrow featured in a show called "cupcake wars" kind of silly I know. Glad you've returned. Keep the inspiring ideas coming~ Amy

Elfin Goddess said...

Looking forward to your Solstice Tea photos! xo, Av

Sparrow said...

I've been beating back clutter like mad, too. Happy Midsummer!

Julie Alvarez said...

Are you sure that that is a cat??
Love the picture.

Nancy said...

I took a little blogging break and am catching up on all your 'old' posts. What a treat ~ little rays of sunshine (or should I say, cool breezes ;) )