long lovely weekend.

I think the long holiday weekend finally made me feel like we are back into the swing of summer. I love long weekends with my husband home - and knowing A might have a longish recovery adjustment time we didn't make any big plans. A weekend together was what we needed, and we spent it well.


Time in the kitchen for canning, baking and making.


Time in the garden caring for the jungle.


Visiting new parks in the mornings before the heat of the day. Followed by cold treats.


LEGO playdates with friends on the deck when it got hot, fan blowing, icy pitchers of water, and red white and blue cookies to decorate.


Re-arranging rooms and playing lots of games when the heat (and allergies) drove us inside.


And some (not loud) sparks and sparkle for little boys who like that kind of excitement.


Who doesn't like a little sparkle?


I know I do.

ready to resume...summer!

After weeks of cancellation and sick kids and re-scheduling, on Tuesday A finally had his oral surgery we have been waiting since February for. It was scary for him and quite stressful, but it went well and is done. I hope I never have to watch one of my children going under anesthesia in an operating room ever again.


He has had a few days of recovery and not feeling quite so hot, but is feeling better and better each day (and he has a groovy new hair cut). And now we can move on with our summer. And somehow it is ... July? We have a lot of catching up to do!

herbs from the garden.

Being home this week has meant plenty of time in the garden and kitchen. Many herbs are nice and new right now (not woody or thick), perfect for using in herbal recipes. I love growing things that are not only tasty but also have other properties and uses. For me, I like building and experimenting a little more every year so that I can build up my recipes and experience, as well as find what things really work well for us and that we use often. It feels good to see bottles of hand crafted goodness from the garden. There are a bunch of things we have made this week - here are a few::

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::mint apple cider vinegar hair rinse::


1 quart freshly picked mint leaves (you can use any type of mint you like/have)
2 cups of hot distilled water (not boiling, but very hot)
2 cups apple cider vinegar


Place your freshly picked leaves in a quart jar. Pour over the hot water and loosely cover. Let steep overnight.

Strain into a bottle, squeezing the mint to get all the liquid out. Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to the bottle.


To use, simply pour some over your hair in the shower, and massage into your scalp (don't get in your eyes). Let it sit a minute and rinse if you like. You can also leave it in, if you don't mind the slight vinegar aroma for awhile.

Together with the mint, the apple cider vinegar cleanses your scalp and removes residue buildup on your hair from styling products, soaps, shampoos and hard water. The mint also adds shine and balances out the strong smell of the cider.

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::lemon balm astringent::


1 quart of freshly picked lemon balm leaves
3/4 cup good quality witch hazel
1/4 cups of hot distilled water (not boiling, but hot)**

**(I noticed this morning I put the wrong amount of water in the recipe - this is now correct. It is 1/4 cup water, not 2 cups. I suppose that is a risk when blogging late night!)


Add the freshly picked leaves to a quart jar. Add the hot water. Let it steep with the herbs and come down to room temp. Add the witch hazel. Cover and let steep overnight (or a few days). Strain into a bottle, squeezing the herbs to get all the liquid out. Keep in the fridge for a hot summer treat for your skin - use with a cotton ball as you would any facial astringent.

The leaves of lemon balm contain potent astringent and antibacterial properties. Witch Hazel extract has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties. This astringent can be used on your face and is nice stored in the refrigerator to cool and soothe a sunburn. It can also be used as a compress for eczema flare ups, sore muscles and plant rashes (poison ivy, nettles stings, etc.).

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And in progress? Rose Water - to be made into linen/room freshening spray. It needs to steep a few weeks before ready.



Can't wait!

How are you using herbs from your garden?

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lost!

under the weather.

We have had quite the week. Sick A, then sick me, and then sick asthma boy G. Cancelled oral surgery due to the cold (for A).


Re-scheduling and sick days and snuggles and wanting to enjoy the nice weather, but really needing to just be inside, quiet.


Even with all the cold hoopla we have been puttering.


Bird and animal watching in our own yard.


Strawberry picking (it is time!).


Cold treats (strawberry elderberry ice cream).


Lots of lettuce!


Playing cards and board games, reading books, and watching movies.


Shadow puppets.


We are slowly feeling better, and looking to all the re-working of schedules to get A's mouth done so we can move on with our summer! I can't believe June is more than half over. Time does fly.

Happy Monday!


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