I just gotta say it...

There are 3 things that drive me crazy (well, more than 3, but let's limit it to that for today!)

1.

Back-to-school supplies in the stores in JUNE.  Yes, JUNE...I am a FIRM believer in letting kids be kids! Let them unwind, unplug, and enjoy the summer away from the stress of exams, deadlines, and projects. In my humble opinion, it's bad enough school starts weeks before Labor Day. In the little time that they do have off to recharge, it's important to do exactly that: recharge.

2.

Halloween candy and decorations in stores in JULY...the Independence Day sparklers are packed away before the 4th and monsters & mermaids are lining the shelves. I've quoted Jeffrey R. Holland before and his words are so true:

"Nature has its rhythms and its harmonies.

We would do well to fit ourselves as best we can with those cycles 

rather than frantically throwing ourselves against them.

Be calm, be patient, be happy with the season you are in."

3.

And truly, what's fueled this post:

Those who MUST tell me how "things will never be the same" or "you'll have to find a new routine". Let alone, "you've had them long enough."

While it was certainly no one commenting here, it was a face-to-face comment, I absolutely have to rant from my little corner of the world. 

May I just say it is not necessary to share these words with moms whose children are high school Seniors or in college. I was taken by surprise when the comments were made to me last week, and I found myself (through the tears beginning to well up in my eyes) unable to gather my thoughts to reply.

If I could go back a week, these would be my words...

As my youngest is about to begin his Senior year, trust me, there are some things you should know...

I am completely aware of how quickly time has flown...there is no need to point it out (especially to me, who is prone to be weepy-eyed at the mere thought of it.)

I am completely aware that my days will be different. 

And lastly, I am completely aware that the kids are no longer at any of these stages:

Please, I ask that we all be mindful of what is being said...or maybe, just don't say anything at all.

I am incredibly proud of my children and glad that we're a close family...and yes, that does make separations harder. 

Because of that, this has been what's fueled me for years...and why I feel the way I do.

"Motherhood never ends, but childhood does.
The magic years are unbelievably brief, and every day, that little girl or boy
is changing, edging a little closer to the door.

Remember that the essence of parenting isn't in the milestones,
but in the everyday moments. So stop, pay attention,
and make sure you celebrate them every chance you get."

-Unknown

snapshots from the farm and a free find!

Like so many of you, we're finding the July days filled from beginning to end...there is much to be done. I remember hearing that having much to do is a simple country pleasure, and that's absolutely right...gardens to harvest & jams to make are paired with star-gazing & taking walks. Much to do, but so much to enjoy.

So today's post is short & sweet: a few snapshots of what you'd see if you stopped by for a visit. 

zinnias in the old stock tank

bee balm 6 feet tall!

a little afternoon lunch

trying my hand at a 4 Sisters garden

tedding in the field after the winter wheat harvest

And a story to share, just because it just makes me laugh! 

My daughter and I were out for a little drive and passed a "FREE" sign by some furniture. At first I drove by, then we both looked at each other and said, "Hey, that little table was nice."

And so we turned around, went back and found that little table was really a vintage heavy-duty White 651 sewing machine in a lovely wooden cabinet. The farmer came out, in the pouring rain, and offered to put it in the car for us. I'm so glad he did...it probably weighs 50-60 pounds!

I'm searching online for a manual and will then give her a little maintenance, but what a find; a true workhorse that lives up to the saying, "They don't make 'em like that anymore!"

My friend says every vintage item needs a name...Maizy is our 1963 camper, Mae our 1950 stove, I'm thinking maybe Fern for this 1956 sewing machine!

seasons on the farm...

In our part of the Midwest, we enjoyed an amazingly cool and rainy spring...

rain during the day...rain at night.

That rain must be the secret, because our perennials have never been taller...bee balm is over 5 feet tall almost blocking the coop door, and there was no need to buy the old fencing to help "hide" the heat pump...the perennial sunflowers and rudbeckia hortensia are 6 feet tall. 

But now that it's July, we've finally settled into summer and the humidity is taking over...gone are my ideal temperatures of 65-70 degrees. Luckily, a pair of springy chairs, tucked in the shadows of our large maples, make a good spot to rest between outdoor chores. Weeding and watering are done early in whatever shade and cool might be found in the morning...and I use the word "cool" very loosely.

To me, these snapshots just say "HOT"...

Back inside, in an attempt to beat the heat, canning continues with red raspberry, and black raspberry jam, along with applesauce. I'm looking forward to blackberries, blueberries, and peaches! I may even try some hot pepper jam this year...does anyone have a good recipe they'd like to share?

So with flowers blooming, 

the grill in use, 

and the garden in, 

it's a blessing when the moon brings a coolness to the heat of day,

over the coop,

and over the fields.

And as the old hymn says,

"All is well, all is well..."