I am slowly dragging myself out of the weekend, as it was deliciously relaxing, even with all the heat, bugs and yardwork that we endured. Summer decided to stick it's nose in for a few days, and I was reminded again that as much as I enjoy not waking to an alarm clock when school is out, I more enjoy not having to mow the grass in the full heat of the day. And I need a few minutes to myself before anyone expects me to be productive. Back to early rising I think.
So now it's time to focus on summer days with children at home. Hmmm... As usual, I have a rough plan for our days, a rhythm, if you will, but little scheduling. My children and I get very cranky about scheduling in the summer. However, I know full well, that left to their own devices, Couper and Patrick would happily plop themselves down in front of one screen or another and while away their days. So I'm aiming for a happy medium. Active down time. Is that an oxymoron?
Menu planning for the week is a little loose, as we're entering that part of the year when I rely heavily on the farmers market and the garden to fill our table, which makes for great meals and frequent improvisation - fun! I love this time of year, to the point of wanting to try every great recipe for fresh produce, every flavor of homemade ice cream and every frosty drink concoction that I can imagine. And the farmer's market opens on Saturday for the season!
So here's what we'll try this week:
Wednesday: burgers on whole wheat buns, sauteed bok shoy (1st garden harvest of the season!), roasted new potatoes
Thursday: spring rolls with spicy cucumber dipping sauce (fresh mint from the garden - hooray!), coconut rice, fruit salad
Friday: Mom's night off!
Saturday: Chicken salad with red grapes, walnuts and fresh tarragon (from the garden - double hooray!), cornbread, green salad (or substitute farmer's market greens)
Sunday: Summer farmer's market feast - fresh fruit (is it too soon for cherries? I hope not), bread, salami, cheeses, olives (OK, those I will likely have to go to Prisco's for)
Monday: Spaghetti with chunky tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, oregano and basil
