I’m feeling torn in different directions. There are two situations happening right now in which I’m approaching a crossroads. It could be that nothing changes, or everything could change. Sorry to be vague. If anything actually happens, then I’ll be able to explain.
On top of that, the change of seasons is happening and I feel the push/pull of that too. Looking forward to events happening this fall, and excited for the kids to get back to school and sports, but wanting one more day at the pool, one more evening sitting out back reading or capturing bird calls, one more ocean swim. Trying to hold onto that carefree state of mind even as cares and concerns stack up. Labor Day is late this year, and we have two full weeks until then. But the sunsets are earlier, preseason football is on TV, and school starts before Labor Day, on September 3. We’ve had cooler nights this past week and one morning that was downright chilly.
So, I’ll have to try to enjoy these next two weeks. I didn’t make it to the pool at all this week — felt like I was getting sick, but didn’t, plus there was rain and storms. Maybe today, but most of today will be spent prepping for F’s birthday party tomorrow night. Per usual, she has many specific plans and requests. I do appreciate that she pulled out all our mismatched paper plates and said that they would work just fine.
The garden continued to provide nice harvests this week. I spent time thinning the turnip and carrot sprouts and also trying to protect the Brussels sprouts and broccoli from pests, including adding fabric protection. Thursday morning, I roasted Big Rainbow tomatoes, and I seeded and froze them on Friday. I also blanched and froze broccoli (from Wegmans) on Friday.
Unfortunately the Big Rainbow plant seems to have kicked the bucket. Not sure if it just got too big for its pot or if it was a disease. It just wilted all over.
I brought some tomatoes and peppers in to my boss, and I think I’ll give some peppers to my mom today.
The wall o’ beans is going strong. So many beans!
Saturday, F and I went to the farmers’ market (corn, blueberries, eggs, yogurt) and also to Kismet Bagels. There, we just got an iced latte to share, but the bagels and sandwiches looked good, so I’ll be back. (It’s not that new a place but it was my first visit.) Beyond that, I just did some errands and cleaning up before we had to head to Philly for a Mass being said for my late FIL, and dinner afterwards with family.
Check out my neighbor’s pretty sunflowers! Love having them right next to my planters.
Meals this week:
Monday: grilled chicken with onions and peppers, mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans, canned corn. Beans and peppers were from the garden.
I learned that if you rinse peppers with water to wash away the seeds, you aerosolize the capsaicins, and you end up feeling like your throat is closing up!
Tuesday: Rigatoni Bolognese with meatballs
Wednesday: Sandwiches from Primo for me and Tom, Chinese for F
Thursday: PB&Js for me and Tom; Chipotle BOGO burritos for the kids
Friday: Stella Pizza and sauteed green beans from the garden
Saturday: Tiffany’s Diner in NE Philadelphia with family
Lunches: was only in the office two days; bought both times.
Right now, the AC is off and there is a nice breeze. Our latest electric/gas bill is $570. I came downstairs today and saw Tom had left the AC on all night, set at 64 degrees, so he is about to get a tongue lashing.
Off to daydream some more about potential futures, while trying to appreciate and savor the present. The kids are doing well, the garden makes me happy every day, and Tom keeps me laughing. And Rocco continues to be a good boy.
Garden State of Mind 
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