My summer days can best be described as “a little of this and a little of that”. I know you are just on pins and needles waiting to hear what Mrs. Maurer does all summer so this here is the scoop:
- Gardening. I know, I know…you never would have guessed this one. However, people who don’t garden often fail to realize how it dominates your days. There is always watering, weeding, trimming, harvesting, deadheading, mowing, and more watering. Gardening, once started, is not something you can just decide to abandon. Well, not unless you want to reap the consequences.
- Reading. Summer is not the time for me to catch up on the classics or renew my love for Flannery O’Conner. I don’t read “trash”, but I do read a variety of books that don’t require major time or brain power. I just finished The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and Raising Abel by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. Currently reading The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer. Next I’ll probably read some western or historical fiction. I also read a few non-fiction topics in the summer.
- Writing. I’m attempting to get back into the game and make a little money from my writing. I wrote seriously for many years and have been published in a wide range of magazines, newspapers, and books. Then I slacked off a bit and focused on teaching. Now that I see less than ten years of teaching in my future, it is time to get back into writing so I will have a little extra retirement money and an activity to keep me out of trouble.
- Photography. Yes, I have become more and more addicted to capturing the beauty of nature out here on the hill. And I’m working to improve my skills. My goal this summer is to send some of my photos to a few magazines and websites.
- Genealogy. In addition to researching for other people, I am working on my own family history, my next two books, and some major file re-organization. I take headstone photos for Find A Grave, and post newspaper articles to a couple of sites. I manage the Caddo website and a blog about Caddo history.
- Cleaning. Yes, if you are a woman there is no escape from cleaning, even in the summer. I am cleaning out my kitchen cabinets this year. Yes, Robert the pasta machine is going to Goodwill! And I’m cleaning my office closet. Slowly but surely…
- Repairs. Minor repairs like fixing screens, caulking the tub, repairing bird houses and feeders, etc. are usually done by me because of Gary’s odd retail hours.
- Movies/Napping. Anyone who knows me well knows I can’t watch an entire movie unless I’m in a theater. Pop in a DVD at home and it’s just a matter of time before I’m asleep. So, in the heat of the summer at about 3pm I start a movie, fall asleep, and wake up refreshed about 45 minutes later! LOL I may or may not finish watching the movie.
- Socializing. I love to visit family and friends in the summer when we have more time for relaxing conversations. We are looking forward to a few parties this summer. And of course there is more time in the summer for FB and blogs and emails!
- The usual….even in the summer we must eat. So there is shopping, cooking. And there are the trips to Lowe’s for gardening supplies. Stops at Walgreen’s for medicine. All the little errands that keep us going. I’m also walking each day. Paying attention to what I eat. Spending time with Gary when he is at home.
- Traveling. Gary is on vacation next week and we will do a little traveling here and there. Nothing major in the works. Like most of you we are trying to save a little money so that when we do need to travel (two more graduations in the future) we won’t have to take out a loan!
- Surprises. Life is always filled with surprises. I try to be enthusiastic when they arrive!
Well, that covers most of it. As I’ve told you before I’m not an exciting person. I’m just a country woman with great friends and a wonderful view.
Have a magnificent day!
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