She said that she is having a little bit of success carving out time during the week to do the things she would usually have done on a Sunday. Small manageable bits, not a whole day family outing, but a visit to a relative or a drive to a special store or museum. Things that have flexibility,, can be planned in advance and take up to a few hours. She finds that she can do some of these things, but usually everyone in the family is not able to participate. Usually there is one child that has an activity that simply cannot be missed or someone has a school trip or important meeting that cannot be rearranged.

And so I remain committed to Sundays and using them to their fullest!

This past Sunday it was very rainy. From the time we woke up until the time we went to bed there was rain. Sometimes heavy, sometimes light, but always rain. Fortunately we did not have anything major planned. I spent most of the day either in the kitchen or on the couch. In the kitchen making popcorn, hot chocolate and various baked goodies. On the couch variously reading, playing cards with the kids or watching movies. It was a great day. Cozy and warm and oh so relaxing. We even ordered in Chinese food. It was a great way to start or end the week – whichever way you look at it. Either way it was energizing and fortifying. We have been eating the cookies and muffins ever since as a reminder of our happy restful day.

We had a great Sunday a few weeks ago. Family friends made a wedding and we were invited to all of the festivities. The wedding itself was on Saturday night, but there were parties before and a big brunch the day after – on a Sunday! We were among several families hosting the brunch. We have been planning it together over the last few months. Nearly 100 people, mostly family of the bride and groom and out of town guests, were there. Of course we have known many of them for years, but some of the guests we only met this weekend. But by Sunday, we were all like family. We had spent time together eating, toasting, dancing, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was great fun.

When Sunday finally rolled around though it was a bit of a work day for some of us – setting up the place cards, flowers, handling last minute changes to the menu and the guest list. Nothing arduous, but we weren’t just one of the guests for this part of the party. Fortunately it all went beautifully. There was room for everyone – even the 10 extra guests – they had intended to leave on Saturday night after the wedding, but stayed later than they intended and joined us for brunch. The food was delicious. We were a bit adventurous with the menu so it was a relief that it all went over as well as it did. We had very few leftovers, but what was left was delivered to a shelter so the food wouldn’t go to waste.

We were also thrilled that the bride and groom joined us for brunch. Until the last minute they were debating breakfast in bed versus brunch with the masses – their masses, but masses just the same! Everyone was so excited for them and happy to share in their happiness.

All in all it was a wonderful day. The brunch lasted well into the afternoon. Guests stayed and hung out together. Not much to clean up.

I’m looking forward to the next wedding in this family. I think it will be the only time we will cross paths with some of these folks again

Fall is definitely in the air around here. The weather has changed, the light is different outside, the leaves are beginning to start to turn color. After a good breakfast and a chance to read the paper, we headed out the door to the Farmer’s market. It was bustling and full of life. The produce selection had changed since the last time we were there. There were fewer summer fruits and vegetables and the apples were starting to appear. Only a fracture of the different types of apples that will eventually be available, but they are off to a good start. No pumpkins yet, but there was some squash.

The plant selection had also changed. Instead of tons of bright perennials to fill up your garden, hardy potted mums in their subdued colors were for sale. There were still the usual cut flowers available; my favorite are the gladiolas. They stand so tall and there is such a variety of colors. I could choose a different color for each week of the summer I think. I also love how they only reveal their fullness a few days after we buy them. It is as if once they are settled into our home and are comfortable that they begin to open up and show their true selves. We bought some bright pink ones. They are beautiful.

The colors of the market were so vibrant and there was the feeling of abundance. We walked through all of the stalls and bought apples to make a pie and applesauce – I told you Fall is in the air and now our kitchen will smell of Fall as well! We each had a delicious ear of corn and listened to the music. Our favorite Ecuadorian group was there playing. Sitting in the sun listening to nice music and eating good food. It was a great combination. I highly recommend it!

At around 11 we arrived and unpacked our car. Mostly just ourselves and the food, but it was a small production nonetheless. We were amongst the first to arrive so it was nice to catch up with our cousins and Aunt and Uncle who also arrived on time. Everyone else arrived in dribs and drabs and by noon we were all there and as hungry as could be. The food was spead out in the kitchen and everyone grabbed a place in the kitchen, dining room or outside on the picnic table or on a blanket.

The food was delicious. I took home more than a few new recipes. My favorite dish was the baked beans with franks. They were so good and sound easy to prepare. I’m looking forward to giving them a try at home. After lunch, assorted games of softball, basketball, apples to apples and four square began. Others stayed at the table and caught up on each other’s news.

Mostly we had already heard the goings on of our relatives, but it was nice to discuss things face to face and be able to see each other’s expressions and pat an arm or give a hug from time to time. The kids had a great time running around and reconnecting with their cousins and extended family. The birthday cakes were a big hit. Of course, most of us had to try all three kinds. All in all it was a lot of fun. We left hours later exhausted but full of warmth and joy.

It is the season of several family birthdays and it is our cousins’ turn to host the event. It is always a festive noisy gathering with three generations of family gabbing, playing, running around and of course eating. There are birthdays spanning the generations and a cake for each. Different cakes even for each person celebrating their birthday.

Fortunately the host does not need to bake all of the cakes and prepare all of the food. Its all divided up between the many families who will be there. This time we are responsible for bringing a cake (the type of cake was requested by the child during 6 this month) – he chose a chocolate ice cream cake. Yummy! It looks delicious. We also brought lots of whip for the cake. Always a hit with the kids! We are also bringing BBQ chicken and our favorite potato salad. Between all of the families there will be no shortage of food that’s for sure.

Fortunately the weather looks to be nice – warm and party cloudy. Even is we had to be outside the whole time it wouldn’t be too bad. Regardless, our cousins have a big yard and a good air conditioner so either way we will be fine and comfortable. Anyway, out the door now. Time to load the car and hit the road. Fill you in later on how the day panned out!

The kids woke up slowly, but even they stayed in bed and read for at least an hour. Finally I got up and made breakfast. It wasn’t quite late enough to call it brunch, but we took our time eating and enjoying the relaxing pace. Fortunately we had all the ingredients so we didn’t need to leave the house to get anything. After we all pulled out our favorite section of the paper and read for a while.

And the rain kept coming down. Nothing dramatic, but steady peaceful rain. We had the windows and door open so we could hear and smell the rain. It was so soothing. The temperature never rose much so it remained comfortable. I made a big pot of homemade macaroni and cheese for lunch. It was the perfect comfort food to match the day.

After lunch we played a big game of Apples to Apples. Laughed a lot. No winner, the game just went on and on. If someone got bored, they put their cards down for a bit and came back. Later on we I made popcorn and we watched “Singing in the Rain” together.

There were loads of tourists enjoying our fair city and it was fun to see the city night life through the eyes of a visitor – it was exciting, fresh and full of energy. The younger kids had taken a nap in the afternoon so there was little whining and lots of fun. We watched the street performers and their juggling entertained us. Our cousins bought some goodies from as people selling handmade jewelry and picture frames. We stopped someone who agreed to take our photo. Who knows maybe they will put that photo in their new frame. No matter…it was a great shot and captured the fun of the moment.

We went out for ice cream. Usually I am bothered about eating sugar so late at night – it keeps me wired and awake long after bedtime. But since this was Saturday night I didn’t really have a bedtime. So I ate two scoops. It was delicious. After overdoing it everyone rolled out the door of the shop and we walked for a good hour after enjoying the ongoing nightlife. But as the kids were getting tired we decided to pack it in and headed for the car. We said goodbye to our cousins.

What a great chance it was to see them. We all were relaxed. They were in vacation mode and we were in Saturday night mode. A perfect combination. The worst is when you are with a group of people and some people are in vacation mode and others are in check-their-watch mode. It really makes for a difficult fit. Fortunately for us, everyone of us was in vacation/weekend mode. It was perfect. Off they went to their hotel, and off we went to our house. Everyone flopped into bed and was out like a light. The night air did everyone good.

And so I’m writing about and in honor of Sundays, or the lack of them, depending on where you are living,

It is an average Sunday in July. My children are done with school and settled into their summer routines. Camp, summer jobs, baseball. It’s a looser schedule but everyone has a place to be and a schedule of sorts. Sundays in the summer are great. There is always something happening – music in the city, fairs in the country, reunions and BBQs. This Sunday though we’ve decided to have a lazy, lazy day. Everyone will sleep in, wake up on their own – no alarm clock and ease into the day. But by 1:00pm everyone is ready for something to do. Since its not too hot today we hop in the car and drive to the drive-in restaurant that is only open in the summer. Open the windows, place our order. Someone else does the cooking, the cleaning and delivers the meal to our car door. It is such a novelty that no one minds the crumbs on their lap. Since we are all used to snacking in the car, its not a problem for us to eat a meal in the car! And what a taste – of the root beer float. A definite drive-in food.

After a great lunch, we head to a nearby playground. The equipment is new here and a little different from our neighborhood parks. Everyone enjoys a chance to play and run around after being cooped up in the car. No rush, we can hang out for an hour if we like. And so, our lazy day continues as we make our way home.