WELCOME to our monthly collection where we offer links and ideas for you to explore with us.

I do not have a garden this year. The herbs and raspberries came up and they are surrounded by weeds right now. It makes me sad. But I am also glad to take it a bit easier this year and have an excuse to visit the Farmer’s Market on Fridays.

There’s no such thing as not liking change. Change is gonna happen. You just like things how you like them. — Lockwood Yost

100 Reasons to Spend 1000 Hours Outside. Just in case you need a reason to send the kids outside.

Just in case you are wondering exactly why children need unstructured play, what boredom does for a child, the value of sunlight and what social play does for your child, read Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich. It is a quick read that will reignite your love of the outdoors and leaving your children (mostly) alone to get on with summer!

What Are the Dog Days of Summer? The dog days of summer are upon us soon. Find out the facts and folklore here.

Dog Days bright and clear
Indicate a happy year;
But when accompanied by rain
For better times, our hopes are vain.

The Passable Cook by J. W. Jesser. I haven’t read this book but it is written by someone I know, which makes me want to read it! From the back of the book: …Hanna Morland carried the weight of grief at the loss of loved ones in and because of World War II. Her ordered world is disrupted by the appearance of a new vicar and four small girls that eventually worm their way inter her heart. Jacob Stewart, a war-weary veteran turned vicar is haunted by the traumatic echoes of battle and grapples with his own invisible scars from the war… The Passable Cook is a touching story of healing, of the enduring strength of community, and the discovery that we are all capable of being an exception especially in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Strawberry Sorbet. I made this one morning with leftover strawberries and created a sweet dessert while saving the berries from the compost heap. Most sorbet recipes go something like this: Dissolve sugar in boiling water to make a simple syrup. (Or use honey.)Cool. Blend cleaned strawberries with the syrup and a dash of lemon juice. Freeze several hours in a freezer safe container. Scoop into bowls to serve.

We are like books. Most people only see our cover, the minority read only the introduction, many people believe the critics. Few will know our content. — Emile Zola

__Liz

For more:

Come Go Along to Bible School

How To Make the Most of Summer

How to Entertain Children on Road Trips