Our summer.

 

{since this is the blog is essentially my journal ~ or the closest i have to one ~ and since i have failed to post in this "journal" on a regular any basis, i'd like to share 'our summer' in a single post. in other words, i apologize for the onslaught of photos. ~unedited photos! *read this: paragraph #2.}

a garden, a graduation, a big-10-celebration, a few picnics, a "few" bottles of wine, 

family & friends, pierced ears & a clean shave, 

a well-checked list, 

& many, many memories.

A new day.

                                                          

On July 1st, Ryan officially graduated. 

This past month, as he has transitioned into a new job, and out of endless hours/weekends of homework, 

I have watched him "get his life back."

And what a difference a weekend of NO HOMEWORK makes.

  We get to venture out of the house as a family, instead of this all-day-scendario.  
                                                                              

 I can now lure him out to the backyard (not that it takes much any luring) to enjoy a margarita (or two)... 

Oh, and that 'honey-do list' {the 3 1/2 year-in-the-making one!}?

...like I said, what a difference a weekend of no homework makes.

Speaking of homework~ the kids have 9 days of summer left.

 We intend on making them count. 

Peachy.

 Remember this little peach tree?

 

          

The first summer, it gave us a few... Last year, next to none (due to pruning too late, and possible over-pruning).

This year, we learned our lesson- and it paid off. Or rather- paid out.

              

We've frozen some, baked with others...

 

and simply drank the rest.

It's amazing how quickly you can use 'em up when you put your mind to it.

Peach Margarita

serves 3

2 peaches

1/2 c tequila

1/4 c grand marnier

1 1/2 T honey

1 T lime juice (1 lime)

1 1/2 c ice

{garnish}

1 T sugar

2 T salt (kosher)

lime wheel

mix salt & sugar.

rub lime wedge on edge of glasses.

dip in salt & sugar.

blend remaining ingredients, & pour.

garnish glasses with lime wheel.

*peeling the peaches is optional.

(we've been leaving them unpeeled)

{ryan found the recipe here}

  

It's a good one.

In bloom.

We're back from another wonderful wine country vacation, and I'm ready to write... to post... to read... to connect (or re-connect, I should say)... but also wanting to enjoy the part of summer that I love most. The part where Hailey's birthday celebrating (July 2nd) is over. The vacation planning, preparing, packing is complete (& likewise~ the unpacking hell) {camping can be a whole lotta work}. 

...the part of summer where relaxation mode has fully set in. Where we take all the inspiration from that wonderful vacation... from the books we've read... meals we've tasted... seeds we planted... and put it to good use. 

...in our own backyard.
                                                                    
{So in an effort to do all/both of the above~ blog + summer ~ I've decided to stop over-thinking it, and keep my posts short & sweet... starting with this article that Stephanie shared with me yesterday...}

It was more timely & relevant than Stephanie may have realized when she generously took the time to send me the link. And I'd strongly encourage you to read it too... So this is me, sending you the link :).

                                    

Why It's Never Too Late to Bloom

  

Let freedom ring.