God Days of Summer Friday Five

It has been far too long since my last post. But my fingers are itching to type a little today, and nothing else is pressing on me right now except the laundry. And the gorgeous weather today. So....an attempt to get back in the habit, with a summer Friday Five fromPresbyterian Gal at RevGalBlogPals:

1. What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?

Sweet summer memories include long days at the lake with a big pot of boiled peanuts on the stove, eating dinner in my bathing suit, and making drip castles in the sand with my sisters.


2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.

This summer it is my brown sandals. I spent awhile finding the right pair, and I love them. Clarks Indigo Hibiscus.....


3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?

See above picture of boiled peanuts. I will also now include grilled veggies from our new grill. Zucchini, onion, red pepper, whatever. Yum.


4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.

There were lots of summers spent at camp, both as a camper and a counselor. Plenty of family trips as a child. Summers now as a mom are different and memorable as I watch my children store up their own experiences. One summer that is standing out today is the one right before seminary. I spent about a month at home with my parents before starting Greek School. There was no job, no real responsibility. I recall lots of time at the pool down the street trying to learn the Greek alphabet, and looking forward with fear, trembling, and a sense of call to this new phase. Such anticipation. The summer I met Mr. Incredible during CPE has to be the winner, though. Falling in love in the hospital, over Snickers ice cream bars from the cafeteria and verbatims.....it was dizzying. (Note: I first wrote "Sickers" instead of Snickers.....)


5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?

I suppose my hesitation at this question means I need to slow down and listen a little more closely. I've certainly felt grateful that my family is healthy this summer. For the first time in three years neither myself, nor any member of my extended family has been in the hospital or in treatment of any kind for cancer, brain injuries, whatever. At the same time there are others we know facing such a summer. I am cautious about just being grateful to feel well again, and not attributing it solely as a sign of God's grace, since there must be some grace in suffering. Other people say there is. I just haven't figured it out yet.....


Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?

A shower, a tank top, a new book, and (new as of yesterday) fresh squeezed lemonade made with SuperGirl!