So, what are you guys doing this summer?
For us – having spent all my life living on the east coast, where the day can change from sunny to GRAB THE FOOD and RUN FOR THE CAR in a matter of minutes – making definite plans ahead of time really depends upon the weather and having to learn NOT to, you know, make any plans, etc…
Unless I check my local, regional and…what the heck, because I can!…national weather – gosh, but I love the internet! – and ONLY then, will I probably do what my grandmother always used to do, when I was little.
Stick my head out the front door and sniff for rain – I mean, I don’t want to waste any time, taking a shower, when I don’t really have to – and then, I call my Dad.
"How’s your knee feeling?"
[heavy sigh]
"My knee’s fine, but my blankety-blank-blank back hurts like…."
Click.
"Okay, grab the cooler, don’t forget the umbrella and get in the car…LET’S GO…we can get in a good couple of hours, at least!"
Not accounting for traffic, of course.
As most parents already know, keeping kids cool in the summer – while keeping enough money in your bank account for, you know, everything else – well, it isn’t easy!
Thankfully, I have low-maintenance kids — yes, they get that from their mother — although, they don’t always like it and perhaps even complain to their friends about wanting to, you know, swap moms, they have learned to accept words like, "Not today," and "Maybe next week, when daddy gets paid!"
But, we still find ways to have lots of fun – like celebrating the last day of school at the local sprayground – and, if nothing else, we can appreciate the fact that a little sprinkle…every now and then…goes a long way at Camp This Full House of sweet and sour laundry.
.
.
That’s pretty much the reason why I decided to participate in Summer Swap ’07 – brainchild of the very pretty Jay Jenny:
"When I started this in May, I never expected how much fun I’d have. And by reading many of your posts, you all had a wonderful time too! It truly was more than simply getting and giving gifts to celebrate the summer."
Although I am a day late — I was supposed to post this yesterday, but it was really sunny, we were at the beach ALL DAY and then I, you know, fell asleep — I received a package of summer goodies from my swap buddy, Renee!
I can’t tell you how much fun it was gathering items that spelled out the word SUMMER (I did send a package to my buddy, a day late, of course) so, I’m going to let me kids just show you what I got, along with the note that Renee wrote:
"I hope that the summer in Jersey is treating you well. I had a blast shopping and hope that you enjoy your Summer Swap goodies!"
S…Something special from my own personal garden!
U…UV sun protection for the days you hit the Jersey shore!
M…Multi-colored flip flops to show off your summer pedicure!
M…Magazines that highlight two of your favorite hobbies (cooking and gardening).
E…Everything you need for a quick escape to the beach can be thrown into this adorable tote.
R…Relax and unwind with a weekend pamper pack.
Thanks so much, Renee – as summer swap buddies go, you ARE simply the best – it’s like you know me so well.
My pedicures, not so much.
[see flip flops above]
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to take my new bag and the kids out for the day.
[sniff-sniff]
As soon as I check the weather, give a quick call over to my parents house and, you know, take a shower – Happy Summer!