Summer Days

We heard a notice from our electric company yesterday --
try to limit the use of electricity during the day --
from 7:00 a.m. until sometime in the evening. 
Ellis and I looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders. 
No one home today so no one is washing or drying clothes,
vacuuming, running the air conditioner, fans, water,
baking or cooking -- 
the house is empty.
     (Unless another mouse joined the household)

It's been so hot and humid.  That's why they have this peak alert. 

We have joined the ranks of empty nesters for a couple weeks . . .
just trying it out for a few days.  Krysta will be back after
Labor Day - starting school again and a new after-school job.
She will be one busy girl.  That's good because she didn't really
sign up for being an only child and she's not sure she will like it.

Our lives took an unexpected twist this summer when the school
where Deanne teaches asked Jorgan if he would teach as well.
They will each have 12 students if I heard right.  Two teachers -
no first graders this year and no fifth graders.  So Miss Dea will
have 2nd - 4th and Jorgan will have 6th -10th.

What will his school name be?  Mr. Harshbarger?
Mr. Jorge?   He has been trying on different names.

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We have pickles in the kitchen.
Cucumbers, onions, garlic, salt, vinegar, spices,
jars, lids, rings, hot water

The final count: 
4 quarts Dill Pickles
10 pints Bread and Butter Pickles

It is satisfying to touch the lids the next day and sigh with relief.
Every jar sealed.  It is no fun trying to decide what to do with
pickles that don't seal.  It sort of takes the crunch out of the day
if you know what I mean.

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Yesterday I rode with Ellis on a couple deliveries.  In between runs I
stopped at my parents place and helped mom clean the play house. 
Usually this is Krysta's job but she is in western MT
helping Deanne and Jorgan. 

It was very warm!

Every year the play house gets a fall cleaning in time for the fish fry at
Dad and Mom's place.  All the little girls will arrange the dishes in the
cupboard and bake and cook up a storm in that little house. 
They can pretend to wash clothes in a tiny ringer washer.

There is a picture taken long ago of two little girls posing in front of that
same play house.  One tucked her braids in her belt to look like suspenders,
the other has her hair up under a white cap style covering -
a miniature Amish couple come to visit.

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Random thoughts for warm summer days --