Let the Summer Begin

If the temperatures are any indication, it is definitely summertime in Arkansas, but it never really seems like summer to me until school is out. Although the students were out at the end of May, my contract goes longer and this is really my first week at home.

Last Monday and Tuesday, I started my summer vacation with two all-day workshops in Harrisburg gaining in-service credit toward next school year's required 60 hours. They weren't too great. Was I ever glad to get home Tuesday afternoon and have that behind me. Then I was back at school on Thursday to help a colleague with some computer projects for an on-line college class he was trying to complete. So as you can see, it wasn't much of a free week.

Friday was a busy, but exciting day for me. My baby girl was headed home from NOLA and I hadn't seen her since April. I had some house cleaning to do so she and Rhyne would have a clean room, some mowing to do so the yard would be nice for the weekend, a few things to do in the kitchen because we like to eat, and Collin and I had haircuts scheduled at 5:30. All this and we still beat them home. Bryan has stuck by pretty close this weekend, too, as he thinks his big sis is just pretty special. We kept it simple and had pizzas for supper. Saturday morning, we had a big pancake breakfast, Micah and I went shopping, and Saturday night, we grilled hamburgers.

Sunday was a special since it was Father's Day. We went to church, then on to mom and dad's for lunch. I want to share a picture of the family. Sorry about the table; first things first. As I said, we love to eat, but this is a pretty good photo of our bunch. I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful father, and I'm very lucky to be married to a wonderful father. Sunday night at church, we had home-made ice cream fellowship. That was kind of fun.

We had a great visit with our kids, but they've gone on their way from us now. They have visited with the Putman's and tomorrow are enroute to Tennessee for the remainder of their vacation.

At any rate, summer has now begun. I enjoyed this special visit, and now, I'll have to focus on some housecleaning and home projects. Of course, no matter how busy I get, I always start the day with a walk and coffee time sitting outside on the patio. As July rolls around, Collin and I hope to get in a little vacationing and recreation ourselves.

Thank goodness for air-conditioning,

Marcia

Weekend Bliss

Another weekend has come and gone. It was fairly peaceful and relaxed. We finished up a few odd and ends that were pending including the pergola. We took down the first blind and put up a new that will be a bit more functional. I've included a few pictures of the finished construction. We've already spent quite a bit of time swinging and enjoying some late evenings and early mornings.

I finished up at school on Thursday just to start on in-service meetings tomorrow and Tuesday that will be needed for the fall. Hopefully, I'll get finished up so I can do some things at home. And then, we are so looking forward to taking a little vacation time before too long.

Collin and Bryan managed to find some time Saturday afternoon to "play" in the backyard. Although the picture is a bit distanced, they played with a bat and ball. I was reminded of days gone by when Bryan was a little bit smaller than he is now. I guess you never get too old to share time with your dad. I think it's true; men are always little boys that just grew taller. Whatever the case, these two had big time.

Taking it easy,

Marcia

Working the Holiday

As usual, I'm running behind with the events and happenings in my life. My Memorial Day celebration was a bit different this year. Instead of the usual three-day weekend and being home with the family, I worked; well, I worked half of the day. Due to the ice-storm and trying to make up the days missed at school, we were in session on Monday. I was a little pouty since Collin was off Friday due to plant fumigation and off on Monday for the holiday. To fix this situation, I took half-day sick leave both Friday and Monday afternoons so I wouldn't miss everything going on and feel so bad. I didn't have students in the afternoon. When I do this type of thing, I refer to it as mental health days. I sometimes think my mind suffers more than my physical well being with the business I'm in.

We began the holiday on Thursday night by eating hamburgers and hot dogs with the Sr. Putman's or the other set of in-laws. We had a great time; it's too bad our NOLA children weren't there to join in on the festivities. Any time you grill and have picnic food, plus share it with others whether at our home or theirs, it just seems like you've really celebrated and it makes the event more special. We had a great time. Bryan came along as well.


I have been wanting a pergola added to our patio. All the magazines insist that they extend family living into the outdoors and enhance relaxation. Now I already spend a great deal of time outside in the early mornings and late afternoons on the patio. At any rate, Collin and I have been looking at them on the Internet and in magazines, pricing lumber and making plans. He started in building it on Friday, and finished the actual structure on Saturday. In the meantime, I bought and potted flowers in containers, we've done additional electrical wiring for a fan, bought a wooded swing, and just today, I have stained it. Perhaps it will dry out and we'll get it hung over the weekend. Bryan helped along with our neighbor, Steve, and of course, I did what I could. I was primarily the ground crew, fetching tools, handing things up, moving ladders and extension cords, and most importantly, making tea and keeping the glasses full. These pictures show the construction. When the swing is up and the job completely finished, I'll show additional photos.
Drinking my early morning coffee, sipping tea in the afternoons, and taking in nature makes me as happy as anything. Micah bought a book for me a couple of years ago that I really enjoyed called "Leota's Garden." Anytime I sit outside, look around, and enjoy my flowers, I think to myself; "Ahhhhhhhhh. . .Marcia's Garden." I think I'll run right now, get a glass of tea, pick out a book for summer reading, and head out to the patio.

Lovin' summer,
Marcia