Monday, August 21, 2017

full days...

 




Last week was our last free week of summer. I know the official start of fall is not until mid-September, but the start of school almost always signals fall in my mind.

However, today is in the mid-80's. We just finished up an awesome first day of school after a deliciously full summer of fun and experiences. We were so blessed to be able to view the eclipse (80-90% coverage here in Western Pennsylvania) this afternoon, and we are all looking forward to our upcoming annual trip to Maine.

And as we ease back into the routine of studying and learning, I'm also going to keep a bit of a hold on these summer days. They slip by so quickly, yet there is so much about them that fills me up. The days are still long (though I've noticed the shifting sun setting earlier every day now), but I can feel myself shifting into a different mode now. I recognize it because it happens every year.

The last two weeks of freedom were full. Hanging out with friends. Walking the dirt paths through the fairgrounds. Seeing Crowder perform from literally fifteen feet away. Spending time bringing in the harvest from the backyard gardens. Learning new skills. Spending an evening canning and preserving as a family. Spending precious, precious one-on-one time with the kids. Early morning walks with a friend.

It's been full and wonderful and life-giving.

2 comments:

Wendi said...

I'm glad to see you are back to blogging. The past month has been full for us also. Squeezing in all the memory making we can. :) We viewed the eclipse and it was awesome! It was over 90% in Central Indiana. Is this the first time you have made vanilla extract? I'd be interested in hearing what you think and what the cost is compared to buying it. I almost passed out when I saw the cost at Sam's Club a couple of weeks ago.

Billie Jo said...

Happy new school year, Amber!
May it be happy, healthy, and fruitful. : )