move-in day & to-do lists...

I would be truly ungrateful if I didn't thank those who left comments filled with kind words of understanding and encouragement as I prepared for the countdown to college move-in day.
Truly, friends from across the miles, you lifted my heart!

The countdown week was busy...we shopped, crossed items off his to-do list and escaped on family day-trips. I cooked his favorite foods, baked sweet treats, washed oodles of laundry, dusted off suitcases, and triple-checked lists. He squeezed in visits with friends who are also leaving for college, to enjoy a movie or milkshake together.

Before we knew it, it was Saturday (the last day for move in because he said it would give us extra time to say goodbye - sniff, sniff.) That afternoon we took just one more look over what had been packed and then we loaded the car. 

After navigating our way around campus we found his dorm room, unpacked his belongings, made his bed (top bunk, yikes, 6'3" squeezed in for sure!) and then we took him out to dinner. However; it wasn't long before it was time to drop him back at the dorms and for us to go home. We took pictures, hugged, told him for the hundredth time to be safe, to eat, and to let us know if he needed anything. We hugged again, then hugged just one more time, before saying goodbye.  

Now I know this is the way it's supposed to be...a changing of seasons, a time for chasing dreams, for finding out about himself, learning, and growing. However, it doesn't make it any easier. Yes, as it is for everyone, there have been ups and downs, but there's something wonderful about immersing oneself in the upbringing of children and having a sweet life built around them. 

    

        

And so now I've made a long keep-busy list...26 things are listed on it to be precise! Yes, things that need doing anyway, but they'll keep me distracted. Calls to be made, garden to harvest, deep cleaning to do, planning for winter...

Again, thank you for your sweet comments and expressions of empathy...they mean more than you can know.

"There are two times when parenting is the most difficult.

When the baby first arrives at home,

and when the adult first leaves home. "

-Jennifer Quinn

the countdown is on...

Fluttering somewhere between summer and fall, a change of seasons is in the air. Almost like magic, summer's almost unbearable heat & humidity are gone, replaced with cooler days & nights, northerly breezes, and enough rain to keep the garden happy.

Around here we see...

a volunteer Golden Glow
over 6 feet tall,

birds flitting in and out
of a cheery green birdhouse,

amazing sunsets, 

Swiss Chard that is 3 feet tall
(recipes to share, anyone?!)

and sunflowers that always
make me smile.

Also, if you've been reading here awhile, you may recall there is a countdown on:

4 days to college move-in...

- waterproof mascara  - ✔

- waterproof eyeliner -  ✔

- tissues - ✔

- trying to hold it together - not so much

Everyone needs to chase their dreams, and yes, this is the way it's supposed to be. Still, it's emotional, exciting, and bittersweet. I feel the same way I did when my daughter left for college 3 years ago (post here). 

Yep, he's 6'3", and here's the reality:

but this is what I see:

And so the week has been filled with check-lists, dorm necessities, family time, cooking favorite foods, and counting down.

Monday, I'll jump in and tackle my own to-do list (intentionally planned to be extra long to keep me busy & distracted) until I get used to this new part of life. 

Tonight (borrowing from the Swedish) I'll try and settle my noisy brain with Egentid...me, myself, and a cup of tea.

Have a good week, friends.

dog days of August...

During these "Dog Days" of summer, the humidity is high, the sun is hot, and my energy level is almost non-existent. The work is getting done, but not without drinking a lot of water and long periods of standing in the shade. Tonight lightning could be seen in the distance and predictions are for an end to our stretch of rainless days. 

"Dog Days"...if you've never heard that expression before, it's used to describe the hottest and most unbearable days of summer...for us, that's August! The Farmer's Almanac tells us where the name comes from...because this time of year the star Sirius is so bright it was believed that is added to the Sun's heat. You can read all about it, Here

But you know, in addition to all of that heat & humidity I grumble about, there really is so much more to August...

cheery flowers in the coop windowboxes, 

butterflies floating by, 

an acrobatic crop-duster 
I was sure would hit our barn
with all of its loops and dives!

and goat kisses
(that's Tardis...love the LaMancha breed
with their Shrek ears!)

It's also time for a Throwback Thursday recipe, and it's one I remember (come on, can it really be a Throwback Recipe?!)

Poke Cake

Oh-so simple!

1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 c. water
3-oz. box strawberry gelatin
1 c. boiling water
8-oz. frozen whipped topping

Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and water; blend until smooth. Pour into a greased 13x9-inch pan; bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until the center of cake tests done. Let cool one hour. Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake; set aside. Whisk gelatin mix and boiling water together until gelatin has dissolved; pour over cake. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, spoon thawed whipped topping over cake. 

And a heartfelt thanks for all the kind words about my last post...ahhh, hair color! 
As my daughter says.

YOU BE YOU!

Good advice indeed,

as is this:

"You make your life hard by always being in your head. 

Life is simple. Get out of your head and get into the moment."

s. mcnutt

Trying to "be in the moment" as we prepare for college move-in day in only 16 days...
time flies, friends.

Have a great rest of the week!