In summertime, when the weather is hot, you can reach right up and touch the sky. — Mungo Jerry
Oh, July. I will not miss your incredibly hot, dry days. July was one very long run on day… an endless repeat of heat and humidity. I almost bailed on this look back post because, well, on month four of Covid-19-stay-at-home there were not a lot of “new” or “expanding my world” days. But Mary’s post convinced me otherwise. Perhaps a celebration of “all things at home” is exactly what I need to do!
Something new
The best new thing was the fried green beans for happy hour on the 23rd. After doing a little research, I settled on this recipe. Yes, it was a little work, but it was so worth it. The batter was light and crispy and the dip was excellent. (I subbed about a half teaspoon of tabasco sauce for the wasabi powder) If you have an abundance of beans and want to try something different, I highly recommend trying Almost Famous Green Bean Fries!
Best “Oh, Wow” moment/s
The early hours in the garden were absolutely my favorite times. Though most mornings started in the upper 70’s temperature wise, it was much better than the upper 90’s of the afternoons! I savored those moments outdoors because the remainder of the day was spent hibernating inside sitting in the air conditioning!
What I could have done better
I did manage to finish one project in July, but there are so many “lingering” projects that should be getting some attention! Instead, I spent lots of time in the tranquility of Knitlandia (my AC island). Here is to an August with less “checking out” time and more focused making!
The best part of the month
Hands down, the best part of the month were my grandchildren (especially Vivi’s birthday on the 21st) and Sherman, who continues to be the best pandemic companion…ever!
Finally, I am thankful for this house – which is not the worst place to stay! And how can forget the joy of my local library, who provides an endless stream of books to while away the Pandemic hours with! (and all those Pandemic Happy Hours!)
You always have so much good stuff in your look back! Life looks good in Knitlandia and I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t escape to Utopia (my AC island). Real life looks pretty darn good with adorable grandchildren, green bean fries, and sumptuous happy hours. I hope August treats you well, too, Kat.
Summer is a good time to . . . take the pressure off and just BE. So many things to be celebrating in your look-back! Thanks for sharing.
Those fries really caught my eye! And wasabi powder in the dip? Genius!
I’m glad you wrote this post. Just a few more weeks in Knitlandia (I hope!) and then fall will arrive!!
I, too, kind of wish we could forget July. It was so hot! I still got out to exercise every day, but it was tough, and I discovered that I can sweat a lot more than I thought! I am so thankful for air conditioning!
I hope August is better for you. At least we’ve already had lower temps and more rain!
You gorgeous coleus (7/19) is something to celebrate! I think coleus is quite possibly my favorite annual…. Enjoy the current cool. And here’s to August!
Knitlandia – I LOVE IT! I’ve been spending a lot of time there myself (and expect that to continue – August is usually our hottest month). I’m so glad you shared this post – I love seeing how different-but-the-same our stay at home lives are. and always love the kiddo and grandchildREN!!! photos 🙂
I love your daily photo, what a great idea. Are they from IG, I love the thumbnails. I would love to have some of your heat if you are willing to share.
What a nice look back. You pulled some joy from July and some days that just isn’t easy. Those two grand children are simply wonderful. Sherman is a tried and true companion. I am envious of your fresh green beans. I simply cannot grow them without a lot of insecticide and then who would want to eat them.