You have probably figured out that summer is my favorite season; there's so much I want to do, to cram in so short a time, that the last few summers have been anything but lazy. This one is no exception!
Because southern New England has been blessed with hot, sunny weather this year, instead of last year's rainy cold mess, I've gotten an early start on my wish list, at least on the outdoor things:
1) Vogue pink A-line skirt: sitting for three weeks while I've been running around like a crazy person. But thanks to everyone's advice, I've decided I'm going to rip the block pattern out and re-knit it with all the blocks the same number of stitches, and do the decreases later.
2) I've started the 12-week Walking in this World book, though I'm a little behind.
3) Sundays at the beach with books: I've been to the beach a couple of times, though it's never as much as I hope for. But the reading is tough: beaches should have a "social" section and a "quiet section." You can guess which kind of people I got stuck next to last Monday!
4) Long bicycle rides (in progress), including a return visit to Block Island (below): Done!
The ocean is off in the distance, over the trees. Our friends Dorothy and her husband are in front of me.
A self-portrait of us on the bluffs, by Chris
5) A bicycle trip to Cape Ann/Gloucester/Rockport: Done!
6) Grilling and eating outdoors: a big fail on this one. With all the bike rides and races, we come home too late at night to start grilling out. Or, we're too far from home and visit with friends over a restaurant meal instead. Maybe I can try to get a picnic basket to the beach, if I can't actually grill on our deck?
Chris racing at The Rent, our summer home away from home. I love Tuesday night racing with our friends!
7) Gardening: There was some early deer damage, which I remedied with some repellent that is rain-resistant, and the roses are starting to come back. But the overall garden is sparse and weedy, as it usually is for me the first year. It is really not photogenic so I'll spare you the pictures. I am having a hard time keeping up with it.
8) Writing project: nothing yet.
9) Update my wardrobe: I bought The Dress (scroll down to bottom), but haven't made any knitting progress on the pink skirt, or chosen a pattern to make a shawl to go with The Dress. My friend Mrs. SDC helped me pick out new sneakers for our walking regime on Tuesday nights, as my old ones were seriously dorky. But that is all I've been able to do for now.
Summer also means, unfortunately, that lots of litters of kittens are born, and my shelter has been overloaded with new babies that need trips to the vet for shots and things. I've been doing a lot of extra transport for them, and the planning and organization for our bike ride, Pedal for Paws, has really gotten crazy busy! But the registrations are slowly starting to come in, and after months of planning, it is very encouraging.
Chris and I are sneaking away soon with our friends Mr. & Mrs. SDC to Cape Cod for a week long rest, if you call cycling and running and walking "resting." I hope to get in some beach time, and reading time, and most especially, some knitting time!! I really miss it.
How is your summer going? Are you doing what you'd hoped to do?
With the temps we had this week, I'll bet everyone in New England didn't get much done this week!! Your week in Cape Cod sounds wonderful though - enjoy!!
Posted by: Karen | July 09, 2010 at 09:49 AM
Mmmmm...Sunday's on the beach.
I leave next week for our annual summer week on the beach and I can't wait. I wonder...What is "Walking in This World?"
Posted by: Lynne | July 09, 2010 at 10:47 AM
It IS a great summer! Glad you are enjoying it and making the most of it!
Posted by: Sarah | July 09, 2010 at 10:55 AM
It does sound like you're having a great summer! Have fun on your week in Cape Cod!
Posted by: Beth | July 09, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Amazing list and amazing progress! It really is turning into a great summer.
Posted by: Kara | July 09, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Sounds like you are getting things done and having a fun summer...
Enjoy...have fun on your next week-long trip to the Cape!
Posted by: Sara | July 09, 2010 at 02:38 PM
In spite of the heat, I have to say that it is nice to finally have the summer season upon us. Even running errands hasn't felt so bad...
Things at our local Animal Refuge League are pretty dicey right now, too. They are totally overloaded with adult cats and many seem to have "special needs." Everyone there seemed pretty tired!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | July 11, 2010 at 08:42 PM
You have been busy! Have a great time at Cape Cod. :)
Posted by: Chris | July 13, 2010 at 03:57 PM
Great update - I like the picture of you and Chris by the bluffs! I would say yes, that my summer is going along pretty well - moving too quickly, but I'm enjoying the wonderfully warm (hot) weather!
Posted by: Robin | July 18, 2010 at 08:28 PM
You're getting so much accomplished! I just got my tomatoes staked up this week. I love your dress from a few posts ago. Have you cast on for a purple shawl yet?
Posted by: Sonya | July 21, 2010 at 06:49 AM