September has felt like a really long month to me. As I’m writing this update, I’m amazed with everything that has happened.

Ellie started school (a new school with a bus ride and lots of new experiences, including an awesome ice cream shop up the road, which means we’ve become regulars on Friday afternoons). I started school (second year teaching, so I’m enjoying making the courses more my own and seeing if the changes I’ve made are working for the students. First assignments came in last week, and I’m impressed with what they’ve done. So far, so good).

Cigo met a porcupine and a skunk. Ellie fell off her bike and broke her arm (2 1/2 weeks to go until the cast comes off).

I celebrated my birthday (met up with some friends, had a lunch with Matt’s Dad, two of his aunts and one cousin, and had a dinner with my family too). We went to Ellie’s first concert, a local cider house, our favourite playground and a treetop adventure course.

I’m also working away on the coop and the barn cleanout (donned a mask and tackled a big squirrel nest last week, which is as much fun as you might guess… and smells like you might guess too).

Whew.

Life is very full. But life is good. Ellie is enjoying school, thriving with the lessons, and has made friends. She has done so well with her arm and multiple visits to the hospital. She is a confident, capable, caring person, and it’s so special to see her grow. I feel confident in what I’m doing (teaching, parenting, DIYing, householding). Cigo rolls with it all and makes things fun (mostly). It’s a juggle, but we do our best to find the balance that works for us and take time to just be, just us.

Here are some of the other things that have filled this month for us.

This barn/house blew me away. The reclaimed elements, the space, the nooks, the balconies, the beams. What an amazing space.

I’ve done a good amount of sewing this summer, including two skirts based on my go-to skirt pattern. I’ve probably sewed this pattern at least a dozen times. It’s easily customizable with lining, pockets, side zipper, bias fabric, wider waistband, pegged skirt, gathers… pretty much whatever you can dream up.

Julia Turshen is a new-to-me chef. I checked every one of her cookbooks out of the library and made something from each of them. My Mom bought me this one for my birthday, so I can have it in my own collection. I love cookbooks. I love Julia’s messages around social justice and consciousness. Bonus points for her name.

Ellie became obsessed with playing cards this summer, and she shows no signs of stopping. Bicycle cards has been a great source of new games for us to try. (And for playing cards with kids, the skills of one game build for another. Ellie is now up to Euchre and Blackjack. Great lessons for strategy, memory, math, winning, losing and so much more. Plus a great way to fill the time during long waits at the hospital. Thank goodness for kind staff who will track down a deck of cards late on a Friday night.)

I don’t know much about Emily Carr, so this book was illuminating (and I want to see more of her art). The Indigenous peoples’ experience described was an even more powerful story than Emily’s journey.

We have one day left of September, and I’m hoping to max it out with Matt’s Dad, his chainsaw, some more coop work and maybe even check a couple of things off my fall to-do list.

How has September been for you? Did the month feel long, short, regular? What highs or lows have you had? (Hopefully no broken bones, porcupines or skunks.)

The smell of fresh cut hay filled my room on Friday night. As I lay there, I felt like the bed was rocking under me, taking me back to my hours in a boat last week during our annual cottage getaway. It was like I was in two places. My body home at the farm, yet my mind still on vacation.

It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through summer already. The cottage week with my family is the highlight of my year. All of our kids have embraced cottaging as much as my siblings and me. Watching them play together, swim and ski–and push themselves to try new things and master new skills–is so meaningful. Plus getting to ski myself, play with the kids, and hang out with my family is special too.

Writer Nicole Ziza Bauer mirrored some of my feelings about summer in the latest issue of Magnolia.

We’ve had lots of special moments so far this summer–both here and away, on new and well-worn paths. And we have more to come. I’m going to take a holiday from the blog for the next few weeks and focus on summer.

Here are some of the things that have been part of our summer so far.

I love fish tacos, and I finally made them at home. This recipe was tasty and easy.

This chocolate peanut butter pie was so good I made it twice this month. (Bonus it’s vegan and gluten free.)

I bought new bathing suits for the cottage (an upgrade from my 5-year-old suits). This one is my favourite. This was Ellie’s choice.

“I want to light the Olympic torch,” Ellie said as I tucked her into bed on Friday night. Watching the opening ceremonies with her was so much fun. My highlights were the light show on the Eiffel Tower, the torch run through the streets of Paris and Celine singing from the Tower.

I’m still deep in summer mode, but I’ve been saving some back to school tips from my favourite parenting account.

I hope that your summer is going well.

Anyone have some good summer recipes to share? What about good summer reads? Any other Olympic fans? What were your highlights from the games so far?

Summer is underway here, and it’s been so much fun already. Ellie is finished school. We’ve had ice cream, a heatwave, water fights and a campout. We’ve gone swimming, strawberry picking and to the zoo. We’ve also done some work on the coop, mowed the grass and tackled the usual household chores. In all, it’s been just what we like–a good mix.

I wrote an article for our community newsletter about my summer philosophy. I’m going to share part of it here in the hopes that it encourages you to “do” summer.

“A few years ago, I made the decision to “do” summer. That meant saying yes to opportunities that came along, soaking up the great weather, being a bit flexible on the schedule, and spending time outside. Nothing was overly complicated or expensive, yet we had the best time.

How to “do” summer

Summer should be relaxing and fun, and our activities should help to achieve that. Eat meals outside instead of in the house. If a friend invites you to go swimming, say yes. Notice the animals, insects, birds, flowers that share our environment. Maybe have a campout in the backyard or stay at the park a bit later. Enjoy some farm fresh or homegrown food. Find simple moments to experience the fun of the season.”

As we begin summer, here are some of the things that I have my eye on.

The transformation of Bluestone Cottage has been incredible to watch. Daniel’s style is one of a kind.

I had a terrible crick in my neck last week. I’m hoping this pillow will help.

I love a furniture makeover. Repurposing a hutch into a gardening station is something I never considered, but I love the idea. And my Mom has the perfect hutch in her basement…

Can we improve our physical health by changing our mind?

Why women should get outside and embrace adventure.

We’re ending the month with our first summer getaway this week. I’m also anticipating at least two ice cream cones. I hope that you will consider “doing” summer, whatever that means for your family. Have fun and embrace the season.

How have you celebrated summer so far?

I feel like I’ve been going full speed ahead this month. My main focus has been the barn cleanout I mentioned last month (hence my office, above). It’s not been the most fun project. It’s a bunch of stuff Matt had that he enjoyed, but it’s not something I’m interested in.

There’s baggage because it’s Matt’s and he should still be enjoying this. There’s also baggage because it’s a tonne of stuff (and some it is a pretty big mess).

But one of Matt’s friends whom I’ve not heard from since Matt died and that I had no idea how to contact reached out to me just as I started to sort through things. He immediately offered to help, so while I’m counting and organizing, he’s cold calling and trying to find people who might be interested in this stuff.

I feel like Matt had some influence on his friend, so it’s nice to know he’s with me, doing as much as he can for us.

The cleanout has felt all consuming, but I am making progress. I’ve also had some time to get lumber for the coop, work with Matt’s Dad to continue to rebuild our firewood, celebrate Matt’s Dad’s birthday, chip up a whole tonne of brush, plant some trees with Ellie, join a community clean-up to pick litter out of ditches, do a bit of gardening, have a few work meetings, and do a bunch of other things. I won’t say there’s balance this month, but there’s productivity.

Here’s some other things I’ve been up to.

We had our best asparagus harvest yet! This tart and this pizza were excellent ways to enjoy it (Smitten Kitchen never lets me down).

I bought these nesting boxes for the coop (influenced by the Elliott Homestead)

Detach, discover, delight, determine–the steps of a digital detox (via Darren Whitehead on the 1,000 Hours Outside podcast)

50 things I hope you know (1,000 Hours Outside again)

“A book of relationships: with the animals, with the land, and with a calling” (quote via the book’s editor)

I’m considering buying a ceiling fan for our front hall to help regulate the temperature between upstairs and down, but I’m not sure how much of a difference it will make. Any advice?

I’m finishing off the month with… you guessed it… more time in the barn. I’m hoping to make some really good progress this week. I also have a special project for one of my clients, lunch with one of Matt’s Mom’s friends and Cigo’s annual vet check-up. I also really need to mow the grass. It’s getting hard to distinguish between our lawns and the hayfields.

Who else is going full speed ahead? Has anyone achieved “balance” this month? Any other asparagus fans out there? What was the highlight of May for you?

As I look back over April, I feel like it was a full, good month for us. Seeing the eclipse at the farm was a super cool experience. We also had our first patio dinner of the year, five family birthdays, some progress in the gardens, some progress on the coop, a little project in the house, an Earth Day double tree planting, and watched (virtually) my sister run the Boston Marathon.

Oh, and I also wrapped up my first year teaching. Teaching has been a great experience, and I’m looking forward to going back in the fall. But for now, I’m savouring a bit of time off before Ellie finishes school and we’re fully into summer.

As long time readers know, I often gauge the progress of spring by when (and whether) our forsythia blooms. This year, the forsythia was loaded with blooms by mid-April. This is in line with last year, but still later than our first year at the farm when it bloomed by April 2. I’m attributing the blossoms to the mild winter, as I assume temperatures weren’t cold enough to kill the flowers. The timing I’ll attribute to spring, which has been a bit cool so far. The handsomes I’ll attribute to Cigo.

Here are some more links from April.

The perils and puzzle of income taxes

I managed to sew this sweater while it’s still cold enough to wear it (I had hoped it would be ready for Christmas… then Valentine’s Day. It turned out spring was the deadline.)

April is our first 100+ hour month for the 1,000 Hours Outside.

Lessons in Chemistry… and patriarchy, cooking, parenting, rowing, love and life

Simple rain barrel idea

Eight ways to measure wealth – only one is money

I’m finishing off the month by reconnecting with a long-time friend and some more progress on the coop. I’m also going to kick off a big barn cleanout project that I am not excited about. Though it will be nice when it’s done.

What was the highlight of April for you? Did you watch the eclipse? Or the Boston Marathon? What projects are you working on at your house? What signs of spring do you watch for?

Anyone know where March went? I don’t know whether it was March Break, the time change, spring coming (and then going), being in a fog because I had a cold most of the month, looking ahead to Easter, or what happened, but this month seemed to disappear.

March Break was a lot of fun. We did small little things around home. Went out for a few meals. Saw some family. Our usual lowkey, fun time together.

Being sick is obviously not as much. But it’s been an opportunity for me to practice rest and go to bed early.

In the blur that was March, here are a few things that caught my attention…

Kit without words has some beautiful words

Ellie is deep into Greek myths (this book is still a favourite, so much so that I bought Ellie her own copy for her birthday so the library could have theirs back). This podcast retells kid friendly versions of many classic stories including numerous myths, which has been a huge hit.

We’re also deep into BBC nature documentaries. This one was our gateway and this one has been the best so far. We’re working through the first Planet Earth series currently.

When do you feel a glimmer?

I really want to do these adult Easter games

A simple Easter craft (Ellie added a chocolate egg to the bunny’s paws)

This week I have a field trip with my students, a trade show with one of my clients and then Easter. Easter is my favourite holiday, so we will be rounding out the month with egg hunts, dinners, lunches and family.

How was March for you? Anyone else feel time flying by? How are you celebrating Easter?

The highlight of this month (as in every February) is Ellie’s birthday. Our girl is six. I am so proud of what a smart, kind, enthusiastic, giving, curious person she is. It’s amazing to watch her grow and learn and see who she is becoming.

We celebrated with treats at school, a trip to a butterfly conservatory, a party with friends here at the farm and dinners (yes, plural) with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. It’s been a big birthday month.

Online, it’s easy to present a “highlight reel.” Only those moments that are shiny and idyllic. We have lots of those in our life. But there’s also reality. A sixth birthday is exciting. It’s also exhausting, and there are lots of big feelings to go with that.

Baking cakes, finding the right presents, planning special outings, designing an epic scavenger hunt, and coordinating everything all take a lot of energy too. (Though it’s worth it for all of the fun things I was able to do with our girl.) While my mood swings have been less than Ellie’s, I’m ending this month pretty tired.

But it’s winter break for the college, so I will be taking advantage of not teaching to regroup this week. My to-do list is a bit ambitious, but hopefully I can find some rest too.

Amongst the busy birthday-ness of the month, here are some things that caught my attention.

This historic mansion is for sale. I can’t decide if my favourite feature is the porch or the staircase.

Beyonce’s new song has been stuck in my head since the Super Bowl. It’s certainly catchy, but I wouldn’t mind some peace and quiet. (Anyone want to learn the dance with me?)

Anything can be listified. Ellie got this book for Christmas and it’s been so interesting to read together. (It is great for “stumble upon” learning.)

My book of the month. (I’ve ordered book two in the hopes that I’ve found a new mystery series to read.)

Inspiration for my next trip with Ellie. (Matt’s Mom’s family is Swiss, so that gives us a great excuse to go, right?)

I will be finishing February with marking, lesson planning, catching up with some clients, income tax prep, sap boiling, a trip to the dentist, lunch with my Mom and hopefully meeting up with another friend. My big hope is that I’ll have time to work on the finishing touches for Ellie’s room, so I can share a reveal of that soon. It’s a leap year. Maybe that extra day will do the trick.

Have you had any special celebrations in February? How are you spending your leap year?

How has the beginning of 2024 been for you? Ours has been up and down. We had some birthdays and get-togethers, and we had some lows. We sledded in the fields and skated on the pond, and then watched the water level rise in a big thaw.

Friday was Matt’s and my 16th wedding anniversary. The day hurts less, but it’s still hard that he’s not here for it. As I was heading out to pick up Ellie from school, I turned on my music in the car, and the first song that came on (when I picked a random shuffle) was the song we danced to at our wedding.

At first, I wasn’t really in the mood. I believe I said something like, “Really? You think I can handle this right now?” But then I quickly switched to being grateful. Matt, my Dad, his Mom, the universe, whoever was sending me a message, and it was coming from a place of love.

Some people would say that moments like this are just coincidence. But I don’t agree. For me, they’re a sign that the universe is on my side. That Matt is still with me. That there is so much love.

So I turned off shuffle and put the song on repeat. Once from Matt to me, and the second time from me to him. Because while I receive what the universe gives me, I also want to send goodness out.

Here is some more giving and receiving, from me to you.

These mystery day trips were my favourite gift to give this Christmas–and they worked for kids and adults

What can the construction industry learn from Taylor Swift?

Three words to describe Arnold Schwarzenegger: surprising, impressive, thoughtful

See how many people you can smile at tomorrow

This is the song (“Through the good times and the bad, I’ll be standing there by you”)

This week, I’m finishing off the month with something new. I’m donating blood today, which I haven’t done in many years. I’m also hoping to make a few tweaks in Ellie’s room or mine… or both if the universe is on my side.

How was January for you? Does anyone else see signs from the universe? What are you hoping to accomplish this week?

Like so many people, I am watching what’s happening in Palestine and Israel (and Ukraine, Sudan and other places) right now. Like many people, I don’t know what to say. But I feel I need to say something.

Harming and killing people is wrong. Destroying and taking people’s homes is wrong (this goes for Indigenous peoples too). I believe that supporting groups or people who carry out these acts is wrong. Not speaking out for a ceasefire and working for peace is wrong.

I teach Ellie that people are different. Some people think differently than us, live differently and have different opinions about what’s important. But they deserve care, respect and peace. They deserve a home and they deserve to live.

Within our lives, we can determine our own values and make our own choices. But we are part of the world. As I wrote on Remembrance Day, it is my responsibility—everyone’s responsibility—to care for and protect each other.

Here are some other things in my thoughts these days.

On Canada Project is working to bridge information gaps, challenge divisive rhetoric, and lead important conversations grounded in human rights.

What would you do if you knew when you were going to die?

Grief is full of choices (life is too)