Around here...
The seasons are starting to shift. The landscape of my lush green summer trail runs is changing to where I am seeing yellows, browns and even an occasional red leaf making its appearance. Although we are in summer mode subtle changes are hinting of the onset of fall.
The rhythms of our activities are changing as well as we are gradually gearing up for the start of the new school year. I have been in school, getting my classroom ready for my new students. This year will mark my 18th year of teaching!
The cross-country running season has also started. Our eighth grader is training hard, gearing up for the first meet next week. I am helping with the team as an assistant coach, as I have been doing the past couple of years. We have both been running and doing some other cross training all summer long. I am working through a running injury (plantar fasciitis), but still on track to complete a half-marathon in late September. My daughter and I have been inspired by the newly published book: Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.: Quick-Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. There are lots of great recipes, tips and training advise including the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (pictured above) that my daughter has been making from the "Power Snacks" section of the book.
Around here...
I have been keeping up with our bountiful garden and lining my pantry shelves with canned goods. Lately, I have been busy pickling cucumbers and beans. We are having a great year for tomatoes as well! We're eating a lot of garden suppers (BLT's, salads, and quick pasta dishes celebrating and savoring the gifts of the garden.
Around here...
I am still working on new and different avenues of publication. I recently received the exciting news (and payment!) from Highlights for Children that two of my submissions will be published in upcoming issues of Highlights High Five.
Around here...
We are making progress with our sauna building! James is working hard and the rest of us are pitching in when we can. We have the slab poured and we just started framing up the walls. We will be slowing down just a bit as we wait for our trusses order. We are so excited about this new addition to our homestead.