::: the incredible sweet corn massacre :::

Yes, there were some tears. Yes, my back and feet are aching. But now we have twenty-two quarts of corn and five quarts of basil in the freezer. There's still a ton (Okay, maybe not a ton. Maybe a few gallons.) more basil to harvest, but some will be pesto and some will go into sauce and bruschetta. Most of it, though, will be put into more freezer bags and pulled out in the middle of winter when heating up the oven to make pizza is more fun than it is during this hot, humid August.

::: late summer afternoon :::

Swimmin'!

I had a couple of extra kids palling around with me, it was hot, and there were no other plans for the day. Sounds like the perfect opportunity for the first swim outing of the season. We loaded up with food and towels and swimsuits and kids and we set our course for the swim park we'd never been to. First thing I said to Bard as we headed from home was that it seemed to all go too easily, that something probably wasn't going to cooperate.

After we had arrived at the swim park, about two hours later than I'd hoped, and paid my $50 to get in, and laid all of our belongings out on the crowded grassy area, I heard thunder. And then multiple whistles.

"There has been lightening sighted. Everyone out of the pool. We'll resume swimming twenty minutes after the last lightening strike."

Which meant that our four hours of swimming has just been cut to three.

Of course, this news was followed by a steady downpour.

We loaded everything back up and squished into the small block building, where a large sign was posted saying, "NO REFUNDS. NO EXCEPTIONS."

"Not even if we just walked in and haven't even been in the pool yet?"

The young girl at the register shook her head. Only if they close the pool, she told me, and only if it's before 2:00 p.m. (it was), but it wasn't likely they'd close the pool, because this was just one tiny pop-up storm.

So we waited it out.

An hour later, the lifeguards are called to their stations and we're allowed to return to the pool. For about half-an-hour, until the swim break.

Then it's back to the pool. Most people have left because of the storm, so it's not even very crowded. It's warm, and the water feels good. The kids are having a great time.

And then the thunder rolls again.

Ah, well. At least we got an hour of swimming in for my $50 bucks. Oh, and a few good photos with my new waterproof camera.

Sweetheart splashin'

The play area.

My neice Bella was absolutely lovin' it.

The girl has no fear.

She saved these flowers from the cupcakes to give to her mommy.

The Baby

Today's Project: Basil Bread

When the basil comes in, the eatin' gets good. Today's basil project was Genovese Basil Bread. Hop on over to my food blog, Time to Cook, for the recipe and pictures of my helpers. :-)

I'm also working on the No-Knead Bread from the New York Times. You can check out that recipe and an article about it here, but I won't post it on my food blog until I see how it comes out.

If you want to see some *real* food blogs, check out Simply Recipes and Farmgirl Fare. Good stuff, I tell ya!

::: sweetheart's art :::

Sweetheart, the darling nine-year-old girl of the family, has recently taken to photography. She can very often be seen with a camera in her hand, usually Mom's Canon. Recently, after months of camera lust, I bought this little miracle, and now Sweetheart can take high-quality photos to her heart's content without me worrying that she'll drop the camera or get it wet. Here are a few of her photos.
Swing-out sister.

Self-portrait.

Cousin Bella's lovely locks.

Sisters.

Her favorite model.

::: what summer looks like :::

The view from my kitchen window. Look closely. :-)

Tomatoes, hollyhocks and a little girl.

The Scarecrow.

Petunias in a clay pot. See the lilies in the background?

An old, old, old cooler full of flowers.

Happy Birthday, Houdin!

Houdin is away at camp as a counselor for the week, and today, on his birthday, I'm thinking of him. When he gets home, we'll have a birthday celebration for him and a Father's Day celebration for Bo and my dad.

It's pretty strange not having Houdin here. Dare I say it's quite a bit quieter? But at the same time, when I need someone to lift this or carry that or run here or hurry there, I remember how helpful he is. I'm sure he's enjoying his week of training at camp and will be a big hit with the camp kids; that environment is right up his alley.

So send birthday wishes his way, and we'll be sure he gets them when he gets home.