I’m ignoring all thoughts of being half-way through the year and half-way through summer. I’m going to focus on how much I loved June because … hello, Summer! Even while sitting by the pool, barely cooking, and lingering longer, I managed to learn some things.
1. Road trips can mean love.
We drove three hours for Greg’s third cousin’s wedding because we appreciate the relationship we have with her parents.
I drove the kids to Louisville for the day because I wanted to hang out with my sister and her family. They live in Buffalo, NY, so I have to take what I can get. The 15-hour day involved 3 1/2 hours there, four hours at the zoo, a few hours at a park then dinner, and 3 1/2 hours home. But it was such a fulfilling day.
And then less than two weeks later we went to Louisville again for a quick weekend that included my 20th high school reunion.
2. Taking care of our pool isn’t as overwhelming as I thought it might be.
Greg and I are more and more comfortable with being pool people. We get our water tested at Schecter’s Pools & Spas in Murray, and we’ve loved their help. They help teach us what to do at home. We’ve got the weekly maintenance down and rely on the professionals’ wisdom for tweaking the regular treatment.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know we’ve been swimming often, like most every day.
3. Even as a grownup, summer gives me the freedom to sit and linger longer.
I read more fiction. I feel less self-imposed pressure to be productive. I enjoy life more. Truthfully, I need to carry this summer mindset into every other season.
This month I’ve read three fiction books – “Fool Me Once” and “Home” by Harlan Coben, and “Ladder of Years” by Anne Tyler – and nonfiction memoir “Lean On Me” by Anne Marie Miller.
4. Rachel is a patient, quiet hide-and-seek participant and sometimes hides when nobody even declared a game.
This makes us laugh because she’s usually constantly on the move and has many, many toddler words I’m certain mean something in her head. It’s hard to believe she’s 21 months old, and quickly approaching being a 2-year-old girl!
5. The fourth (and final) season of “Revenge” was too drawn out, but I’m glad I finished binge-watching that show.
This means I’m taking recommendations about what else I should watch.
6. Having a kid old enough to play games I love is fun.
Cate has been into Apples to Apples for a while, but this month we taught her Rummy. She, Greg and I have made it part of our nightly routine to play after the other two kids are in bed.
If we were sitting on a porch together, what would you tell me about your June?
*****
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I love these end of month posts so much that it keeps me from freaking out that the month is really over . . . already . . . really? I’ve loved this summer, but it’s been waaaaaay too full of BIG and momentous events. I’m ready for some long days stretching out before me with not enough stuff to fill them up.
And weeding. Always weeding.
I like to reflect on the months before they’re totally over too. It helps me remember and appreciate what’s happened. I’m glad you took a break from weeding to be here, Michele! xo
I love reading the month in review and seeing into each other’s lives. I must say I’m a wee bit jealous that you have a pool, but I’m happy for you as well. Especially for your children. And Summer lingering? I’m all for that! Revenge – I’ve never heard of it but I’m always looking for good series to watch on Netflix so I will check it out. Maybe not the last dragging season though.
Thank you for the porch party today.
Blessings,
Patti
I’m a nicer person when I linger. Maybe I should try that in the fall & winter too! 🙂 Thanks for being here, Patti!
Pool life is the good life! We had an above ground pool at our old house, and cleaning it became therapuetic…lol! And I could play board games all day with the family. All these are so good, Kristin. I’m glad you are enjoying the summer. xoxo!
Yesterday I went from my pajamas in the late morning to a swimsuit for most of the rest of the day. Those are my favorite days! Today I had to be a productive adult, but I’m seeing more pool time in our future later today. 🙂 I hope you’re enjoying your summer too, Mandy!
Love sitting on your porch for the month’s wrap-up. And, guess what? I was at your house in my dreams last night? Except it was my old house from the early 80’s (750 sqft) – when I became a single mom. And, it had YOUR pool in the backyard. A Publix grocery store right around the corner and we were planning our days evangelical outreach. YES, Lord! Cate was older and we sent her and Ben to Publix for something. It was nuts!!!
I LOVE THAT DREAM SO MUCH! 🙂 We don’t have Publix here, but I associate them with the beach because that’s where we’d grocery shop on our Florida vacations when I was a kid. I’m looking forward to sitting on a porch with you one day in real life, but, until then, thanks for joining me on this one. xo
Kristin, it is amazing the many little things we discover each month. I love these posts! Keep on enjoying each summer day!
Thanks, Joanne! Yes, noticing the little things does big things in my perspective. I’m always glad to have you here.
I would say June isn’t over yet! We’re leaving tomorrow for our 10 year anniversary, and I’m so excited! We haven’t had a trip in years….three babies in three years, and then of course the toddler years…so it’s overdue! 🙂
You’re so right! I’m certainly not rushing June – I just wanted to share this post for Porch Stories on Wednesday, so I went ahead. ENJOY YOUR TRIP! That’s well deserved after three babies in three years, and, yes, toddlers. And happy anniversary! Thanks for being here, Liz!
I love your monthly wrap up posts!
My June flew by and we learned not to plan to trips back to back. Too much at once! I’m loving these longer lazy days that are letting us just be instead of go go go.
I’m glad you enjoy them because I really love compiling them! 🙂 Hooray for some longer lazy days for you guys after a crazy few weeks. xo
Driving long distances is indeed a gift of love. 🙂 Last week we drove 3 hours each week to visit for one hour with a friend at his dad’s funeral visitation. But those 6 hours were worth the one hour! Time isn’t always measured proportionally. Thanks for sharing these six things, Kristin. We’re always learning!
“Time isn’t always measured proportionally.” –> Isn’t that the truth? And such a wise way to put it. Thanks, Lisa!
So, the pool. Have I told you this before? I always tell my husband we should be able to claim it as a dependent on our taxes because the thing takes so much care. Our area of SoCal gets these lovely evening breezes – that blow everything into the pool. Then there’s the sweep that needs constant adjustment. The capacitor that blew out on the first day of summer. Ugh, I digress. I love sitting by the pool, but for reals – I think we might need a pool man. 😉
You have mentioned the pool should be a dependent. I would agree, moreso because of the money invested. 🙂 Our pool, thankfully, is in a wide-open space so there aren’t really any leave. Plus, auto vacuum. Do you have one of those? If not, it’s worth the investment. And deduction. I wish we could sit poolside together. Love you, friend. xo