Almost August

It is almost August, the beginning of our harvest. The tomatoes are turning and the potato plants are dying back slowly. The 90-100 degree days from May on through combined with monsoon rains have made a great environment for garden growth (as we seek the shade). I have been walking about 10 miles a week with Theo to stay in shape and enjoy the green-ways of the city. Theo is now in robot underwear, fully toilet trained before his second birthday. Maybe he will unwrap some fun undies at his party next month!

Derek started taking Korean language lessons, and is dipping into his neglected Japanese training for help. Yesterday he finally dusted off his Ducati and took her out. The extremely hot weather has waned his overall desire to put on all that black Kevlar and get baked on the blacktop during red lights. So maybe autumn will bring some nice riding weather. Maybe I could go too...
Anyway, Derek and his father have also been working on the patio steps every weekend. I have heard remarked by several people that the steps may outlast the house. They're sturdy enough for an elephant to walk down, the style of Grandpa B's design for everything he makes. Soon it will be Theo's turn on the toddler bed that Grandpa built for Michelle's boys. He could use it as a trampoline without consequence. Anyway, I am definitely looking forward to lounging on those stairs, staring out at our new patio (Derek in his full body mosquito net).

Tool time, and the remains of the weekend

mid-summer cicadas

It's mid-July and we are just kickin' it. My priorities this month were beating the heat, getting lots of exercise (Theo and myself as well), keep my garden under control, and have fun. Theo and I have spent our mornings and afternoons at the park, the canal walk, Monon trail, and various museums. The summer months have been heavy on birthdays, so Happy Birthday Andrew, Jason, Aaron, Heather, Ryan, Alec, Hazel, Haydon, & Les!....anyone else? Theo's 2nd is coming up and I'm leaning towards a simple cake & ice cream afternoon, maybe with Weihenstephaner Dunkel (Rathskellar?). Next month brings mountains, more birthdays (the Autumn bunch), weddings, & more vacations! Busy as bees or mid-summer cicadas are we.

cooler weather descends (thank you Canada!)

Finally the north winds descended and brought a short but welcome respite from the heat. We spent the cooler days tromping along the Monon Trail, exploring Connor Prairie, walking the Canal, and digging in the sandbox (while I pulled weeds and mowed). Theo got to visit with his cousins, get lots of exercise, and hang out with baby farm animals. Mostly I enjoyed our outdoor time more than usual because I wasn't soaked through with sweat. Alas the North winds cannot withstand the onslaught of the scorching West, so the 90's return this weekend. It was nice while it lasted!