End of July

We are starting to get produce from our garden!  Kevin has been working hard on it. I am enjoying fresh cucumbers!! And we have made two batches of zucchini bread already.

Pool is delightful!

Rose is very creative making things with paper!

Kevin and Lydia at a church picnic yesterday. I had a headache and stayed home while Kevin took all the kids to the picnic. I was alone in the house. I seriously cannot remember the last time I was alone in the house. It waas kind of nice. But I was happy when they got home.

I intend to start homeschooling the younger four in a week or so. I always start very gently; usually just math the first week, and then I add things until we are full throttle in early September. I feel a little intimdated, but that is not unusual. I always do this time of year. Just getting organized and started seems tiring. Once we are in the groove, I am good!

Angela is taking two college classes and is also going to do some math and microbiology on the side. She is thinking about a medical career so learning microbiology, in particular, should be helpful. She is only 16 so we are in the exploration time of her life. This is to say I don't think many 16 year olds are SURE what they want to do. I certainly wasn't at her age! We will see.

My allergies have been bad but by the grace of God, and thanks to hot water and pools, I have not had one chigger bite all summer, so far anyway. I am very thankful as they are EVIL. I take two showers a day and swim often as well. Go away, evil chiggers!

I wanted to write a lot this week and thus far have succeeded. I am writing two novels at once, both Pride and Prejudice variations, so it is FUN keeping the plots separate! Actually, I am doing fine with that. One of my gifts, definitely! The Lydia Bennet in one book is a total idiot and the other is quite a bit more sensible. That kind of thing!

I don't want to spend a lot of time on political stuff on this blog but I am thankful Biden isn't running for re-election. He obviously is not very well and I think he should relax on a beach somewhere. There is arguing about whether he should step down NOW... we will see what happens there! It has been a tumultuous political season. Who knows what will happen next?

I am inclined to be anxious about it all and keep reminding myself of the following verse.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Also

Matthew 6:33-34

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I tend to be an anxious person so this is hard for me, but I am trying my best. I am also very thankful for Lexapro!