monday's mulling: july gratitudes {july 31, 2023}

WOW...it's the last day of July. Half way through summer. For me this month flew by but the quick passage of time still lets me sit back and reflect upon the reasons to be grateful from this past month.

⁕The month started off with a trip to Cleveland to babysit little grandson for five days. One of the days we kept him in his daycare so we could visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio's only NP. We enjoyed hiking many trails through the heavily forested park. CVNP is short distance from Cleveland and Akron, but it seems worlds away. It's a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and we enjoyed hiking many trails through the heavily forested park. We walked along the Towpath Trail for a bit, which follows Ohio & Erie Canal route.

⁕We took little grandson on a couple field trips to show him some sites in downtown Cleveland and out to Shaker Heights to a cool indie bookstore.

⁕I've been reading a lot about brain health cooking and quite a few articles mentioned black lentils, legumes loaded with a lot of protein. Found some at Whole Foods and have tried a few recipes with them. Always on the search for new cooking ideas!

⁕After hot and dry weather messed with the sweet corn growing season, it finally arrived at the farm and customers have emptied the bins almost every day. It's a treasure of summer eating.

⁕Attending T's 75th Family Reunion. T's dad was one of eleven kids. Five of the seven boys served in WWII. After they all returned home, their mom and dad started the annual reunion. It's been happening every year except for 2020. 

⁕For a few hours, the stars aligned and all of my siblings were in town at the same time. The next time we'll be together will be at my daughter's wedding in September.

⁕Having all of my kids in town for a weekend! And I didn't get a group photo...ugh. Just treasured having a full and busy house.

⁕Strolling through Dayton's Celtic Fest. T's dad's family has Scottish descent and we enjoyed listening to Gaelic Storm, people watching...so many wearing kilts, and then walking over to the river to watch the fountain's last spray of the night.

⁕My daughter and son-in-law announced that they are having a baby, due mid-February! 

⁕On my breaks at the farm, I usually take some time to walk among the sunflowers. The five rows are filling  daily with more and more of these golden flowers that exude happiness and share their bounty with the bees, birds, butterflies, and other bugs. 

“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden.” 

~ Jean Hersey