Yes, I realize we’re breezing through August, but I like to set some goals as I go along. Blame it on living through the midst of a pandemic, but I find myself more present than I was last summer. Despite things reopening, life has still significantly slowed down and remained simplified and I’m not upset about it in the least. I find myself looking forward to the pleasures my great grandmothers might have, like corn and peach season, when the idea of getting corn or peaches in any other season was unfathomable. Lingering afternoons spent lost in a good book, with the curtains billowing in a soft breeze. The sound of crickets at night as I sit barefoot on the front steps last night. Lemonade on a scorching day. Floating in a river.
What I’m constantly reminded of right now is the importance of the little things, the pricelessness of time, the beauty in simplicity. That being said, I am looking forward to spending time with family this weekend and continuing to embrace the lessons and pleasures that this time has reminded me of. Here’s what else I’m looking forward to.
Peach Cobbler. My great grandmother was famous for her peach cobbler. Farm stands or farmers markets, you cannot beat a local peach! I bought a basket the other week and made some cobbler. The recipe stays in the family, but the legendary Edna Lewis has a fab recipe that I recommend. A scoop of homemade ice cream is also key. Plans in the works to bake another round next week.
River Floating. Last year, my husband and I rented tubes and floated down a local river. At first I felt like a ship wrecked victim, trying to stay afloat in rapids and whatnot, but once we got to the part of the river where you just float, I was in heaven. Due to COVID, we have to buy our own tubes this year, but I’m so looking forward to a nice, lazy float on a hot afternoon.
Summer Reading. I mean year round, but I have been ravenously devouring books this summer. I recently finished The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and loved how she wrote, so plan on reading a previous book of hers, The Mothers next.
Day Trips. Another year round thing that has been reeved up this summer, thanks to the pandemic. We love to explore new and old fave pockets within driving distance of us, taking back roads and stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. Looking forward to a trip to the shore soon…I can already taste the fried whole belly clams.
Grocery Shopping. Yes, you read that right. This pandemic has really changed the way we eat, shop and spend. We have been extremely stringent about shopping small, supporting our local farms, and treating ourselves to take-out once a week to do our part in keeping our neighborhood restaurants up and running. It’s become a fun treat to decide which restaurant to order take-out from and we opt for a different place each week. We also use farm runs as an excuse to enjoy a scenic drive, music playing, windows open.
Wherever you are, I hope you’re making the most of what your area and this season has to offer. Have a great weekend, everyone.
-Michaela
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