may/june reading challenge and knitting update

Traveling gives great allowance to read and to knit, but sadly I can not do both at the same time. See Middlemarch resting atop of my necessary bag at my feet? Of course, I took it along to the beach to read, but then I must say I also carried a couple of other books to read too, and those were successfully finished. Therefore, the May/June reading challenge is not quite accomplished yet, but almost! I should be done with it within the next week.
As far as my Swan Island Amethyst Sweater is concerned, I continue to knit around and around with this easy to follow pattern...stitch markers are the key. A very pleasant woolly summer knit wherever you may be.

the completion of Middlemarch

It took exactly two months! I began reading Middlemarch on May 7 and finished reading the Finale on July 7. It traveled within my home as I would read it in bed, in the living room, or outside while sitting on the wicker furniture. I also read it in the car waiting for Charlotte, by the pool, and on the beach, not to mention the hours reading while traveling in the car (as a passenger...*smile*).  Note the worn edges...to be expected on any book as it is tucked amongst carrying gear. To say I did not sigh with satisfaction as I read the last pages is an understatement. But my satisfaction was two-fold, no make that three-fold.

1. I was satisfied that I had taken the challenge to read the novel.
2. I was satisfied that I had completed the novel.
3. I was satisfied in how much I enjoyed the novel.

I will remember reading this book, and I hope I will revisit certain thoughts from this novel as the summer months linger. It is that kind of book, a true classic. You may read my review on goodreads.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2371409955

a middle of the week holiday

Thankful I was this morning to go outside and realize there was less sultriness in the air. It made walking so much more more pleasant, and I came home to make my husband two poached eggs. Learning to poach eggs is worth knowing when your husband enjoy eating them so much. I have tried a few snazzy gadgets, but this has been my best and simplest method.

Poaching an Egg:

 Boil four cups of water in a small saucepan, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and lower the temperature to a simmer.

 Crack an egg into a bowl then slide it into the simmering water. With a wooden spoon give a gentle swirl. Add another egg in similar manner if one egg is not enough...never is for him!

 Simmer 2 minutes, remove the egg with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel to drain.

No special holiday decorations for the fourth of July this year other than a few flowers of red, white, and blue set into a vase of water. We have been invited to Witt and Claire's house for dinner, all I am taking is cut-up watermelon. I love watermelon! There is hardly a day during the summer months that you will not open my refrigerator and find watermelon, it is like a summer staple.

a days knitting recorded

I  returned from the beach and began working extremely hard to play catch up on extremely neglected house duties, just the consequence of the unexpected things that  had played havoc on my routine in late May and throughout June. Even though on most days I will try to squeeze at least an inch of knitting into my day, sadly, it doesn't always happen. But from the start of this day I just wanted to knit.

Ergo, I sat outside on the porch and as I enjoyed one last cup of coffee I knitted a couple of rounds; then by the cool-looking pool I knitted a few rows before the heat beckoned me into the water.

And knowing the charm of things that happens in threes, I peacefully knitted about thirty minutes before beginning supper preparations later that afternoon.

            Make it happen! That is one to inspire!

beach

I never intend for time to crunch me so tight that I do not manage to post here more often, recording my simple journey as well as reading other blogs. But it does, and sometimes for weeks on end. Back on June 1, I mentioned a family health issue that was at the time keeping us out of town with uncertain and unsettling unknowns. We thank the LORD for His perfect intervention and we know assuredly He is trustworthy in this matter too.

But a family beach trip was on the calendar, so we packed up our bags, left our worries behind, and went expecting the best. It was so much fun being there with Ivy and Rose.

                                                              Fathers Day

                                           Early mornings on the balcony

For years I have quietly slipped out early to walk the beach while the others slept, coming back to brewing coffee and sitting on the balcony with my Bible and journal. But time has made some alterations here too, and I am finding myself okay with these small changes. While I am still the early riser, I brew the coffee first then sit on the balcony with Bible and journal in hand before the long beach walk.  One fine morning Ivy was up early so I took her with me to the beach. We meandered down the beach a bit then sat on the sand wearing our sleeveless dresses and"chatted" as we watched the waves.