Next Generation

Finally, this summer we were able to work on a long-promised project. 

This playhouse was originally built for our four children 28 years ago.  After they grew it evolved into part pool house, part shed.  Once we had grandchildren we often talked about cleaning it up and returning it to a playhouse again.  And then a couple of summers ago we actually got around to putting in new windows and paneling.  However, somehow we never finished it, until this summer.  But of course, this summer was different.

 And now, here we are!  I can’t tell you how happy it makes me seeing children running in and out of it again.

 I let the two older granddaughters, 9 and 12, help me paint.  So there’s a half gallon, (at least) of paint that needs to be sanded off the floor.  And maybe we'll build a new porch, or possibly a loft.  But that’s a project for next spring!

 

Stepping out of my box

It's been nearly a year since I've posted here.  Maybe there's too much to be said, too private, just too much.  Retirement and where we live makes the virus a bit easier to navigate.  

With this newfound time, I've found several free courses to take on the internet.  I started this one yesterday.  This morning I posted my poem from yesterday's lesson in the class community room.  Much to my surprise, it was well-received.  The lesson, finding awe in everyday moments.

the first glimpse is dark

the scoop, like sand

the smell familiar

memories triggered

the anticipation

it’s our choice not to hurry it

but sleep is not so far gone

it threatens to return

and yet, it’s so much better to wait

when allowed to percolate

the weight of the cup

the softening of the milk

the warmth of the swallow

the fog begins to lift and

sleep retreats

If you're interested you can find the course here.

How I Spent My Summer / August Yarn Along

Wow.  Not a single post here since the beginning of May!  I realize summer isn’t over, but today is the first day of school for three of our grandchildren. Since my own children were small, the first day of school has always made me a little sad.

I suppose I could blame my absence on the fact that I am just now finishing the sweater I was knitting for myself back in May.  And other than a knitted, stuffed horse I knitted for number 7 grandchild’s birthday in June, (and failed to photograph), I really didn’t knit much until last week.  What a surprise!  It was like spending time with an old friend.  I didn’t realize how much I missed it. 

Grandchild number 8 turns three this week.  I knitted her a sweet little sweater, Tartelette, by Frogginette Knitting, and a birthday crown.  I also made her a lion, (no pattern) to commemorate our seeing Lion King together.  Lisa Chemery has wonderful knitting patterns for kids.  The jumpers I knitted at Christmas were from a Frogginette pattern as well. (#yarnalong)

Since my knitting has been slow, I have been spending a lot of time drawing, trying to practice as often as possible.  And I have been reading a lot, mostly the summer’s best sellers:  Where the Crawdads Sing, The Guest Book, The Dreamers, and I just started Lady in the Lake.  But my reading list just became huge because I came across the book and website 1,000 Books to Read BeforeYou Die, a Life-changing List.  And it is!!  It has made my head spin with happiness not to have to wonder what to read next.

We’ve been continuing our work with our local Democratic Party which gives me hope.  We had our weekly brunches and lots of playdates with grandchildren.  And in late July our ninth grandchild was born!  Our hearts are full.

I hope your summer has made you happy.  I will do my best to cherish these last few weeks.

P.S.  Check out this short little video for a wonderful feel-good moment.  It brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. https://vimeo.com/259818647 

Fun Things

Now that the neighbor has 5 baby goats on his farm it's the first thing the grandchildren want to do when they come for a visit.  Along the way, we collected flowers so we could make a crown for Frida and fairies out of the paper dolls.  I saw the idea on mer mag here.  Sophie only wanted to pick dandelion seeds.  Luckily mom and grandma had an eye out for other colorful flowers along the way.  Even wilted the next day they were still beautiful.

When my children were little I was constantly making playdough but I haven't done it in years.  I recently found I needed some and searched the internet for a recipe.  I will never buy playdough again!  This recipe is made with coconut oil which makes it incredibly soft.  And even better, it's colored with markers.  We used Crayola washable markers.  It was so easy!

And of course, it's always fun when the fish swim up to see what we're up to!