The Great Late Summer Wrap Up
The end of August is approaching and with it a stampede of to-dos are coming at me it seems. I find myself starting lists of back to school things to take care of, supplies to gather, clothing to assess all while trying to manage the loads of zucchini still piled high on my kitchen counter. Problems that are actually signs of abundance.
Our evening walks to the park are a smidge earlier as the sun gracefully bows out a bit sooner each evening. It is still hot out as we make our laps around the grassy field and the kids play unaware of the soon to come whiplash of school year routine. Part of me aches for rest but I realize that when winter is deep in I will wish for more of this time. It will feel a world away. So for now I will soak in every sun-kissed moment.
It’s time to get it together though. To figure what needs wrapped up from summer and what needs prepped for fall. As I look around the house I realize I need to start with some of the garden abundance before it goes bad.
We get to work shredding zucchini and piecing together a recipe that won’t ruin our waist-line. Chocolate zucchini muffins double batched coming up. Half to the counter for easy grab and go and half, to pay it forward, go into the freezer. Still, I have many of the summer squash to work through so more to come and some seeds will be tucked away because, clearly, this variety is a winner to keep around for next year.
What have I not done enough of this summer? I have not tasted enough watermelon, ventured out on the paddle boards much or made enough iced tea.
Watermelons got added to my grocery list then I rummaged through my cabinet, found the pretty Red Rose tea bags and got started on the sweet drink because that I could do in the moment. Paddle-boarding again may have to wait until next summer’s bucket list but we will see how things go.
My sister reminded me that red rose tea used to come with little stone figurines when we were kids. For some reason I had forgotten about this. I see them all around at antique stores and recalled playing with them but not that this was their origin. My son has one in his room, a gift for him from his sister years ago when she just toddled about.
Tea boiled on the stove. 6 teabags to 2 cups of water brought to a boil and allowed to steep 5 minutes for a nice concentrate. ¼ Cup of sugar for a classic sweet tea or monk fruit or stevia work great too and are my preference. Then add 2 more cups of cold water. Get a Sweet Iced Tea printable here. Chef’s kiss.
Next up, back to school things. Time to go through closets and drawers. To let go of things as we go and bring forward things that work for the upcoming season.
Some tattered and stained things are placed on the floor. Other things crumpled on the floor or in corners, long lost, are rejuvenated, straightened and hung once again.
It’s still so warm out that there is no need to rush out for true autumn clothing but I noted that a new pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt or two will be needed soon.
Next, we check our school apps and get teacher assignments and class schedules. Some disappointments ensue. We check the bus app for updates on drop off times. Download the district schedule and get the dates into the joint calendar.
Do we need hair cuts? Doctor’s appointments for sports physicians?
And finally the fun part. School supplies. Fresh pencils and binders are so satisfying. I think back to the glee I had going with my mom to Payless or similar store as a kid to restock. The 80s and 90s offered bright Lisa Frank graphics. Never a wasted opportunity back then to add some wild colors and prints. But we are a little more toned down these days. The satisfaction of a fresh start as we order what we need. Next week we will get to put it all together.
Now, I think it’s time for a little afternoon rest with some iced tea, zucchini muffins and a good book.
As always, enjoy!