We are at the point now that we’re peeling ourselves out of bed, schlepping to the school room, and willing ourselves to do the minimum. We are done, done, done. Summer is officially now less than two weeks away. As a gift to myself, I decided that summer will start with Mother’s Day. Though Jeremy will continue with math until early July and Jackson will have weekly review sheets on myriad subjects, the blessed summer schedule will come into effect shortly. Lazy days are ahead, and thank the sweet Lord, because I’m done.
Yesterday the boys and I cleaned out the big toy box in the garage, discarding broken light sabers and cracked Frisbees. We purchased two new basketballs and a kickball and unearthed some outdoor toys they forgot they had. Though we allow video games (which we all enjoy), we place a lot of emphasis on going outside to play. Imagination, competition, creativity, all of it. Go outside, get sweaty. Thirsty? Get a drink from the hose.
This is my view from the kitchen sink. In this space, as well as in the front yard, summer happens. Neighborhood kids congregate here, and I love it. They are welcome to drink out of the hose too.
I finally, FINALLY got the garden prepped and planted. There were a few threats of freezing temps in early April, and then we got busy, but I got everything in the ground this morning. Special thanks to my husband with super-human strength for helping with the new soil. I’d like to think I could do this without him, but no.
New this year is okra. I’ve never grown it before, so I don’t know what to expect. Also, artichoke. No clue there. The rest is old standbys – pickling cucumbers, zucchini, big fat sweet Georgia onions, basil, tomatoes, and so on. Here’s hoping the new soil makes a difference because last year’s garden was low yield and near flavorless.
So yeah. I’m counting the days, as are the boys. We’re making mental lists of things we want to do this summer, and aside from one out-of-town trip, the time off will be spent tooling around in town, having friends come to visit, and enjoying the freedom to do whatever comes to mind.