Life Lately: Summer is here!

Hello Friends and welcome to summer! It's official. And not just because of what the calendar says, but because we had our first proper beach day.  We are talking sand sticking to our backs, riding the waves, the smell of coco butter in the air, and hot dogs on the beach, kind of day.  It was awesome!

My son could swim for hours, but one of my favorite things to do on the beach is walk the shoreline and look for sea glass.  With just my feet in the water I could walk for miles.  In fact, I think I might have.  I only found one piece of glass to add to my collection, but that's OK.  We have many more beach days ahead of us. 

We stayed all day, and then at dusk we had our dinner right there on the sand.  Late afternoon is my favorite time at the beach.  The crowds are gone and it's not as hot.  There is a peacefulness to breathing in the salt air and listening to the waves crashing in. I just know we are all going to sleep like babies tonight! Can't wait to do it all again next week. ♥

 

 

Another thing I love about Summer are the Farmer's Markets. You never know what you are going to find. We went to this one in Hingham a few days ago.  Not only did they have fresh produce, fish, plants, and herbs, there were also cupcakes (yes!) crafts, ice cream, jewelry, popcorn, and my son's favorite - cider donuts!

 

 

I hit the jackpot and found a Lemon Thyme plant.  I've heard so much about this herb but have never been able to find one.  The smell and taste are more lemon than thyme, and I actually prefer it that way.  It's just the right balance : )

I made a marinade for fish (haddock) that night using this herb.  I mixed olive oil, white wine, the juice of a lemon, fresh dill, and a few sprigs of lemon thyme.  I poured it over the fish, topped with panko bread crumbs and baked it.  OMG.  Delicious!

Next I'm going to try it on roast chicken.  I'll let you know how it comes out!

The yard is also blooming right now. Every night I take a little stroll around outside, deadhead my geraniums, water the inpatients, and check to see what's come back from last year.  There are little buds popping open every day.  We've also discovered a birds nest inside our holly bush! If you carefully peek through the leaves you can see (and hear) the baby birds in the next.  And if you wait long enough you'll see the mommy bird going back and forth with food.  It's the cutest thing!

These yellow roses were a mother's day gift to me two years ago.  I think of that every time they bloom ♥

So nice to see these colors!

This time next week I'll be cutting some of these Hydrangeas to bring inside.  Can't wait!

Do you like my garden flag?  I love it, but since I am a family of three, I wish it said "tea for three".  However, I really don't think anyone is offended by this.  They probably didn't even notice.  They're boys. *sigh*


On my agenda this weekend? Blueberry Pie and maybe these Strawberry Coconut Popsicles...

Happy Sunday Everyone! I hope you are enjoying this first weekend of Summer..... xo