Summer in the City

May 27, 2010

There is a very easy summer recipe at the end of this post. 

It's been a full day of summer. Three full days of summer really. I don't remember a warmer May since moving here. I even watered my garden tonight for the first (or maybe second) time ever in my history of May gardening in Maine. 

Damien and Brienne are gone tonight to Boston for the Imogen Heap concert. The alternative, electronic musician from the UK. We're all fans of her music but Brienne especially. Brienne is a music lover altogether and is the only one in the family with a little ipod, paid for with her own funds. 

I'm so happy Damien has someone to go to concerts with him. This past winter Celine and Damien went to Boston for a Switchfoot concert (alternative rock). Having children old enough to do this kind of thing is quite fun. Personally, I'd rather save my money and go to bed early. I also hate late night driving, even as a passenger. 

So, two of our crew are off to Boston (thanks to our friends John and Renee for hosting them tonight) and the three of us remaining had an afternoon and evening of gardening, an easy leftover supper, a movie, trampoline bouncing and reading.

It's been summer in the city to be sure. And in spite of the heat I'm just not prepared the last week of May to be trekking to the beach, even if it is near 90 in our backyard. The beach is for June, July and August. May is for getting the garden going, planning camping trips and enjoying the last days of spring.

But summer is definitely here. This week we planted tomatoes, worked in our gardens and bounced on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath, I even joined in. We made popsicles (see recipe below) and enjoyed them dripping off our chins in the intense heat of the afternoons. 

We've also planned for this weekend's backpacking trip and seen Damien and Brienne off on their little mid week adventure.

It's been good. Really good.

I'm sitting here, tired as all get out, comfy and cool in the new pj's Damien sewed for me reflecting about the goodness of these past three days and feeling full-to-the-top with the warmth and well being that comes with summer's arrival.

Lemon Popsicles

These are very refreshing on a hot day. They can be made as sweet or as sour as you like.

• 2 cups water (or whatever fills your popsicle mold)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed is best
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (or more to taste)

Stir all together. Pour into molds and freeze. Enjoy.

I mixed this up in the early morning and they were ready by the afternoon. All I currently own is (gasp) plastic molds, one of the few plastic containers remaining in our home.