Summer Lovin' as The Pumpkin Widow

Our summer is off to a rip-roarin' start!

On the first day of our vacation, we went to Lakecrest Park, a new-to-me wonderland where we climbed trees, explored trails, discovered 50 birds nests under a bridge, blew wishing flowers, had a picnic with good friends from church and fished for crawdads.

I just listed a whole bunch 'o narratives. But this picture?


Defies description.

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How much is a good night's sleep worth to you? I decided NOT $120, which is how much my prescription for cough medicine would have cost me. The doctor said I have a virus that is lasting as long as six weeks for many of her patients. I am 2.5 weeks into it.

Sleeplessness does have one advantage: I have been getting up before the crack of dawn to work out. On Thursday, I took my new road bike for a spin along some great river trails. At one point, I was led on a detour past a busy intersection and I blithely noted the Gunther Tooty "Diner" sign that only read "Die."

Not even 30 seconds later as I was barreling down a hill, I hit a squirrel.

A sign?

No pun intended.

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On Monday, I went for an early-morning hike to Matthews Winters, cleaned my car, did laundry, mowed the lawn, hit the bank, post office, Target and Costco.

This whole summer "break" thing may just kill me.

Though I've stayed on top of messes piling up, I hadn't deep-cleaned my car in months. I spent 1.5 hours just on the interior and after it was done, Hadley made the following observation:

"Wow, Mommy. It looks so nice in here! I think you should clean it like this every week!"

"I've got a better idea, Hadley. Why don't you just stop throwing things on the floor so it will stay clean?"

"I like my idea better!"

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Jamie is heading to Scout camp tomorrow and between that, work and Bishopric responsibilities, I have been a single mom lately.

But his biggest time-sucker of all?

Hail netting.

I was initially supportive when he told me he was getting some specialty hail netting from Italy because I did not want to deal with last year's hail massacre of the pumpkin patch. What I did not anticipate: that it would take ENTIRE weekends and evenings to get in place. And no, I am not exaggerating.

Jamie was in charge of FHE (Family Home Evening) on Monday and the lesson was on the 10 Commandments. He was stumped trying to explain to the kids, "Thou shalt have none other gods before me" so I helped him out with a little analogy.

Here's a hint: It started with "P" and ended with "kin."

It did not go over well.