“The month of August had turned into a griddle where the days just lay there and sizzled.”
― The Secret Life of Bees
Yes, this quote perfectly sums up what August was for me…a month of sizzling, never ending heat. By months end, my gardens were all looking rather fried. We did have some significant rainfall that made all the weeds leap to life seemingly overnight, but do you think I did any weeding? Yeah, that would be a big N-O, lol.
We also found ourselves at the six month mark of Pandemic times. My state went on “lock down” on March 15, but my house started at the beginning of March. The days have a familiar rhythm and it is hard to think back to what “life before COVID” was like. It almost seems like another lifetime ago. But some of the changes are so very good. I feel like a smarter shopper now, with a major shop about every 3 weeks. Yes, I pick up “fill in” items… veggies and fruits. But my garden provided loads of fresh beans, some incredibly delicious orange peppers, and a plethora of tomatoes. And all that helped reduce the “extra trips” out.
But some of these changes are just very bad, there is no way to sugar coat not seeing my kids and while I am extremely thankful for FaceTime, texting, and phone calls… it is really not a substitute for being together in person. It pains me to say that this will likely be “reality” at least through the end of this year and it is the thing that makes me the most depressed.
The Best Part of the Month
This, ironically, was not something I did… but rather something Vivi’s chicken did! Yes, one of those Easter chicks laid its first egg! There was much joy and excitement in this feat and it might have been one of the best photos I got all month!
Something New
Zoom Knitting seems to be here for the duration, and this month we finally got “smart” (yes, even knitters can take 6 months to get their act together!) One of our members had moved away, and we finally figured out a day and time that worked for everyone, her included! So Knit Night now seems like one of the best things as hearing her escapades again make for some much needed laughter. No one tells a story quite like Julia does!
Best “Oh, Wow” Moment/s
The August skies absolutely came through with the “Oh, Wow” factor! And they reminded me that looking up is always a good idea! They kicked “ho hum” mornings in the pants! And for those “end of the day” moments… well sometimes they provided that last needed thing for my daily gratitude list.
What I did Well and What I can do Better
Sadly, August had no “I did this well” moments. But boy do I have a list of things I can do better. While there are no photos here, August was a month that I learned the hard way that my opinion not something anyone needs… ever. I read some of the best reminders of this on your blogs this month… along with the reminder that there is no prize for martyrdom. Oy. There is a part of me that is very, very glad August is over… and with it, hopefully, my incredible talent for being the truly most obnoxious ass in North America. My goal for September centers around this quote:
Thinking doesn’t hurt. Words DO. — Anna Maledon
And that is my August… even the not so pretty parts. See you all back here on Wednesday!
I think I have said this before…but your happy hours always look amazing! (and I don’t drink!) I always like your opinions, probably because I agree with you! Thanks for sharing!
Like Ellen, I’m always happy to hear your opinions, but I also usually strongly agree with them! I had high hopes that with the end of August, we’d get the end of the high temps, but it looks like we have at least another week of it ahead of it. Sigh.
I love your thumbnail photos as always. I am sorry to read that August has not been a great month for you. I hope your temperatures start to cool soon and September is full of happy moments.
I’m so happy to see your photos, full of lovely skies, Vivi, your garden, and a mahi-mahi, along with your thoughtful words. Keeping with the theme of “too hot” and not seeing our kids, I’ve spent the day on the phone with Ryan trying to decide if he should evacuate from the Cameron Peak fire burning near Fort Collins. Your post has provided a welcome respite from worry. I’m always glad to hear the opinions of a smart, thoughtful person (you)!
Your monthly wrap ups are the best! There’s so much to love in your pictures! I’m also glad to see August go. Your quote at the beginning of this post is perfect.
I’m not sure what happened that led you to believe that no one needs your opinions, but I know I certainly appreciate them! It helps to know that I’m not the only one who is overwhelmed and angry by everything happening out there. It’s one of the reasons I love reading your blog!
I hope September treats you much better – there’s still time to enjoy the gardens, even if it’s putting them to bed! I’ve been loving that process lately. And of course, there are SCORES of books left to read!
That picture of Vivi with her chicken and the egg is beautiful! I’m sorry August was a tough month for you in so many ways. Hopefully September will be kinder and gentler on you. I’m another one who is not sure what happened to make you think that your opinions are not valued. We all have a right to our opinions and we all have a right to voice them )or write them).
Um…that pizza on August 7 is making me hungry–and the gin cocktail, thirsty! Curious what you decided about Erie? (If that’s not nosy…?)
Man, that Anna Maledon quote packs a punch. The hardest thing for me is when I’m speaking, but it feels like an Out of Body experience. Like I’m watching myself from overhead…”Yup…there I go…I’m actually saying that. I definitely shouldn’t. But I am. And….I get to live with that big fat mistake.” I really hate it when that happens. It’s some serious part of my work here, I suppose. Pema Chodron’s ‘pause’ is something I’m reading about right now in Taking the Leap–I know in my brain (!) that it’s something I can practice daily.
I have high hopes for September. I think we are all feeling the pressure of the last 6 months. It really can’t be helped.
FWIW, I have never resented your opinions.
Oh Kat, don’t be too too hard on yourself. I agree the time before the pandemic seems like another world. And also the hardest part is not being able to see our kids in person. Amen. The skies, the garden produce, the chicken with the egg all are wonderful. On to September.