Like many of you, most likely, I am welcoming August this morning with happy delight in some cooler temperatures, at least for the first day or so.
July was not only very hot, but also quite robust for us. Family time, and with true summer weather that opens us all the summer things to do. Swimming, beach time, fun trips into Midland, ice cream at Picnic island, huge breakfasts and a lot of food just in general (with the dishes to go with).
We had chipmunks to feed, and frogs to catch, and snakes to relocate. We had cribbage to play, and rainy day forts to build (but only on one day which was perfect), and loft Lego and Plus Plus to keep us busy.
We also did a lot of work together in general cottage maintenance, and the 'other' project of reclaiming the property next door. Good family conversations about it all.
It was big, and busy, and summer in all it's humid glory.
Now comes a different phase. Quieter and cooler for the most part. And I'm ready for that.
Ready to celebrate the birthday of our youngest family member, Timothy, shown here doing his happy-day-at-the-beach dance.
August, however, also comes with not one, but two remembrances of Thai family members whose absence is perhaps more keenly felt as the anniversary of their deaths collide upon the end of the month. Beloved son Bee, and beloved father Pat. So there's that. And the fact that this is the first summer in a long time that I haven't been there for a visit. So I'm missing them even more than usual.
Overall though, I'm glad for first days of things; of the week, of the month, of a phase of summer. Like a fresh start full of no end of potential.
So, a prayer that's good for any time, but not a bad way to begin an anticipated month of quieter reflection, and, for other reasons, came to mind today.
