In search of a perfect cup of coffee...

I'm on a mission. I'm trying to discover the very best coffee for making at home and drinking black.

To be honest, I could indulge in Starbucks' Caramel Macchiatos every day but neither my waistline nor my pocketbook are agreeable to that idea.

I do enjoy a good cup of black coffee, but I find I'm getting pickier as to what I consider "good." I've heard rave reviews about Dunkin Donuts coffee, so I bought a pound and tried it. It was okay, but I didn't think it was all that outstanding. I really couldn't tell much difference between that and Folgers. I saw Eight O'Clock coffee at the grocery store and vaguely remember my dad drinking that brand years ago, so I tried that. Same thing. Just okay.

I wonder if I'm not getting the "right" roast? I have no idea whether I prefer light roast or dark roast. I just know what I like when I taste it!

Maybe I need to get a coffee grinder and buy whole bean coffee? Does that make a difference in the taste? Is percolated coffee better, or different, than drip coffee?

Coffee drinkers, help me out here! What brand do you prefer? Do you buy ground coffee or the whole beans? What kind of coffee maker do you use? Do you add anything to your coffee or do you drink it black? Do you like flavored coffee?

So many options!

Summer Days

Even though my work doesn't slow down for the summer, I am trying to make a conscious effort to enjoy the beautiful weather we're having and the change in our normal routine.

Outside my window… warm sunshine and cool breezes. We truly are having perfect summer weather!

I am thinking… of all the "little jobs" I need to do today. My Grandmother used to call her daily chores "little jobs." She had a knack for recruiting the grandchildren to help with the little jobs by making them sound so fun!

I am thankful for… the glorious weather. I can't remember when we've had such a long stretch of not-too-hot/not-too-cold days.

From the learning rooms… we aren't doing much "real" school work now that it's summer, but I am encouraging the girls to read some every day. R is also enjoying working on a lapbook to go with The Long Ride Home. L is learning to play the guitar.

From the kitchen… southern-style sweet iced tea, except I go light on the sugar!

I am creating… some little crocheted accessories-- cell phone cases, coffee sleeves, etc. --embellished with crocheted flowers. Right now I'm just playing around, but if I get a stock built up I'm thinking of opening an Etsy shop.

I am going… to family camp in the mountains this weekend!

I am reading…Through the Fire by Shawn Grady.

I am hoping… that my 89-year-old MawMaw gets better soon. She's been pretty sick this past week.

I am hearing… leaves rustling in the breeze.

Around the house… making sure laundry is done and the trailer is stocked for camp this weekend.

One of my favorite things… planning for the upcoming school year. For some reason, I think that's the most fun part of homeschooling!

A few plans for the rest of the week: After we drop the trailer off at camp on Thursday, I get to ride with my husband on some business errands that afternoon before we go back to camp. The nice thing is, the girls can stay at camp while we're gone because my brother's family will be there, too, in case they need anything!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunset in our backyard! The picture doesn't do it justice, but the clouds were edged with pink. Just breathtaking!

Grandmother Wren is hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook this summer while Peggy takes a vacation.

Summer Sunday Supper

When I was a little girl I would beg my mother, "Tell me stories about when you were a little girl!"

She'd laugh and say, "I don't have any stories!" But she did! Just simple anecdotes of everyday happenings when she was growing up.

Now that I'm a mother, my children love to hear my "stories," too!

One Sunday recently I told the girls that we would be having a Sunday supper like we used to have in the summertime when I was a little girl...
...watermelon and popcorn!

We would split the watermelon in half, and everyone just dug in with a spoon! The salty, crunchy popcorn was a perfect accompaniment... and occasionally we would also have homemade fudge or divinity candy! The beverage of choice was sweet iced tea.

It seems like a funny meal, doesn't it? But it tasted good... and no one ever went away hungry!

Ah, the memories!

Cookie Plays Frisbee

"Oh! Hello, Daddy! You're outside!
Great! Let's play Frisbee! Go on! Throw it! I'm ready!"

"Where'd it go? Where'd it go? I can catch it! Just watch me!"

"See? I caught it! Want it back?"

"Throw it again! Pleeease? I like this game!"

"Oh, wait. What's that noise over there?
It's fun to play but the 'head of ranch security'
must be ever vigilant, you know!"

"Whew! Time for a break!
All that exercise and guard duty wears a doggy out!"

Cherishing the Summer

My children are growing up so quickly.

I am trying to remember
to slow down enough to "be in the moment"
of these swiftly fleeting days of youth.