Thank you for the support on my last post. I appreciate the acceptance and kindness very much.

We started this month with a cottage get-away and we spent yesterday lakeside in cottage country as well. Those felt like pretty good ways to start and end the month.

In between, we’ve been enjoying Matt’s parents’ pool, picnics and playgrounds. Lots of time outside (we’re thisclose to 500 hours), a second cut of hay, and lots of fun.

We’ve reconnected a bit with our families, which has been nice after not seeing so many people for more than a year. I am finally fully vaccinated, but we’re still being pretty cautious about where we go.

And we moved Ralph outside. Ellie and I were both feeling a bit allergic at times, so it was time for Ralph to remember she’s an outdoor cat. We set her up in the new garage, and she’s adjusted very well.

Here are some of the other things I’ve been doing so far this summer.

The Weight of Ink was enlightening (somewhat over my head) and so compelling. I couldn’t put it down.

DYK tape measures weren’t a thing til the 1950s? And prior to that they cost the equivalent of about $300 in today’s money? I love the projects, information and advice in The Family Handyman magazine. The 70th anniversary issue was a lot of fun.

How to fall in love with your home in 30 days Chris Loves Julia’s summer school has been so inspiring. I’ve kept up with the challenges each week in my own small way.

7 questions you should ask before hiring a contractor (some I wish I’d asked our contractor before starting the garage)

I finished patching drywall in the living room and kitchen, and I referenced this tutorial this week as I was preparing to paint.

While it seems wonky to be having the Olympics during a pandemic, I am looking forward to watching some of the competition.

As July winds down, I’m working to wrap up some projects (treehouse railing, painting the living room, articles for the fall issue of a magazine I write for). I’m also crossing everything that the doors for the garage and mudroom finally come in this week. And I’m figuring out how we can get away at least a couple more times to soak up as much summer as possible.

What was July like for you? How has summer been for you? Anyone else doing summer school–official or not? What books or magazines are on your summer reading list?