It’s been a lovely day. We finished an early dinner on the back deck about 5 p.m. Our guest just left.
Dinner was the summer usual for us with steak, asparagus, cottage fries, tomato, basil and mozzarella salad, bread and wine. Finally! The salad was made with tomatoes and basil from the garden. The spouse managed to kill another wine glass reaching for the last scoop, though. (Add another reason to the list of why one finds wine glasses for less than $2 a stem.) Unfortunately, he also splashed a new summer skirt of mine. Hopefully the OxyClean will work its magic and all will be well by morning.
I’ve been a little perturbed at the cool summer we’ve had. When I balance that with the fact that our air conditioner is out, I suppose it’s ok. We’re indeed in the hunt for a new a/c and maybe furnace. The one leak that was found earlier in the year must not have been the only. A new unit is inevitable.
But what do I buy? I’m much better at cars that air conditioning units. Heat pump? Size? Pay to have the ducts zoned? It’s too much for me. I think I’ll put it off until next April or so.
Sitting outside tonight it was hard to fight off the feeling fall is coming. I’ll postpone it a bit by spending two weeks in September in Tuscany. Then I may push it back by heading to my folks for my dad’s birthday at the end of October. Still, it’s hard, with school about to start and all, to deny the daily rhythm will be changing soon.
So how do you handle the transition?
I used to do it with preparing the children’s school supplies, mending and resizing uniforms, buying new socks and shoes. Not anymore. I’ve given some thought to redoing the front perennial garden when I come home, but I’m not sure I’ll muster the energy. Of course there’s always a closet or two that’s been neglected, but that’s more of a January chore.
Maybe I’ll have to make summer last instead.
Spray and Wash has this new bleach stuff out, it’s pretty incredible. Try it.
Cindy, maybe you’ve already been to this site but thought I’d send it anyway. I’ve found it to be helpful.
I don’t even buy things necessarily but it’s just the fact that I honor my interests that sort of renews my spirit. I also like planning some good late summer meals because all too soon it will be soup and stew weather (which I enjoy too) but those late summer veggies are delectable! Just made six loaves of chocolate zucchini bread yesterday to freeze some for a yummy Saturday morning treat when the temps get chillier!
http://www.focusonenergy.com/Residential/Efficient_Heating_and_Cooling/Geothermal_Heat_Pumps.aspx
As far as the school transition goes, my kids are still in elementary and middle school but I do relish a little longer walk with the dog in the morning along with another cup of coffee and try to mark the “new year” (September always feels like that to me) with some trips to antique shops/resale shops just because it’s something I enjoy for me
Also, had wine with some neighbors last night and they had these wine goblets – they are terrific and acrylic – great for outdoors.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/acrylic-glasses/tabletop/1
Just found this too. http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=383827&pid=_Froogle&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=986326
I sent an email regarding researching HVAC systems but it didn’t post so don’t know what happened???? Anyway I’ll copy/paste here. Maybe this will be useful in your quest http://www.focusonenergy.com/Residential/Efficient_Heating_and_Cooling/Efficient_Heating_and_Cooling.aspx
Sold!
Sorry, Pat. The spam filter mistook your exuberance for spam links.
I really like the look of the Crate and Barrel glasses better. I think they’ll be a great Christmas gift for the spouse! (Maybe you should sign on as a personal shopper.)
Thanks so much for the hvac link. That’s exactly where I need to start.
Cindy,
Those C&B acrylic goblets really looked like the real thing until I picked mine up! I think you’ll like them. Glad the HVAC site helps, too!