Top 10 on Summer

Now that fall is officially here, I wanted to take a minute and reflect on the best parts of this past summer. So here we go, David Letterman style. 

Number 10: Ice cream. Nothing says summer like ice cream. Ok, really, Ivanhoes can be eaten at any time of the year (the pumpkin shake is my new fav right now) but summer is obviously the best time. 

Number 9: Festivals and garage sales. They were everywhere this summer! We particularly enjoyed First Fridays in downtown Marion, the Upland Strawberry Festival, Van Buren Popcorn Festival, and Octoberfest this past weekend, also in Marion. I know we missed a bunch, but the tenderloins and sweet tea we had at all those were plenty to last all summer. Plus, we made some money and saw some great sights at our own Labor Day weekend garage sale. Can't beat the garage sales in mid-summer Indiana!

Number 8: Morning walks with Miriam and Lisa. Yes, they were early, but the sunrises and the great conversations were beautiful. Upland in the middle of summer is so peaceful, particularly in the early mornings and it was always a great way to start off the day. Now that it's getting colder...well, needless to say it's a bit harder to get out of bed.....

Number 7: Being warm. I am writing this blog under a blanket right now because our house is COLD! I love those summer days when you can walk outside and the temperature is just right. I also like those days that are really, really hot. (I know not everyone will agree with me there) But I just like to be warm. Period.

Number 6: Decorating our little house. What a treat to finally have a home to decorate! Thanks in huge part to my mom coming for four days in July our house finally has some furniture and wall decorations. I love it. I love finding new pieces to add to the whole look. I know our material possessions do not define us on earth and we can't take them with us, but it's so nice to have a home that feels like us and is so nicely decorated. 

Number 5: Our flowers. I had both the joy and discouragement this summer of plantings. First, to my sheer delight the morning glory seeds I planted grew strong and tall against our arbor. We were also blessed by the plantings of black eyed susans, purple cone flowers, and lilies by our landlords last spring. What a wonderful treat to have those flowers greeting us every morning! I loved it. My discouragement was in my herb pots. Not so much luck there and hopefully better luck next year. 

Number 4: The knowledge of a HOME. Last year not having a permanent home was a real struggle for me. I know it's nothing compared to being homeless, but not having a place to call your own while waiting to get married and make a home with that person was really hard for me. Finally, this summer I felt like I had a home with Rob. What an incredible feeling. To come HOME everyday, to a place that is safe and ours (by paying the rent every month of course) is such a good feeling. Also making that home with him and making it a place we want to come home to and hang out in is really great. 

Number 3: Our CSA farm, Victory Acres. I cannot say enough good about being part of a CSA farm. Wow, where do I even start? For just over $200 we got (and are still receiving!) 20 weeks of fresh, organic, local produce of all varieties. There were some weeks this summer we couldn't eat it fast enough. What an incredible blessing to be so close to such an amazing farm and be living and eating in a way that pleases the Lord. I think now that fall is here I'm going to have to learn how to cook all over again without all my fresh veggies! We definitely ate like kings and queens this summer. 

Number 2: As always, being with our family and friends. Particularly right before we were married, during our wedding weekend, and then right after the wedding (our weekend in Chicago with Ash and Noel in particular) and several times at family weddings since then. We were so blessed by how many people came all the way out to PA for our wedding. They truly made our day so special. 

Number 1: How could I say anything else but our wedding and honeymoon?! I couldn't. We had such a special day on June 29th and I couldn't have asked for anything more. Since that day we've been experiencing the incredible joy and intimacy of marriage and it is so sweet. I am beyond blessed to get to spend each day with my best friend. I know there will be many more summers to come that are even sweeter. 

Don't get me wrong, I love fall. I think the richness of Indiana's landscape this time of year is so magnificent. Every day on our drive to and from work I wish I had a camera to attempt to capture the beauty of the weeds, flowers, fields, sky, and trees. I am not so much a fan of the cold setting in, but I know it is all part of this cycle of life we live in and it is still good. 

So as my husband would say, "adios verano" and hello fall. Welcome to a new season.