currently {7.23}

It feels like we’ve had one foot in summer, one foot out.

In ‘the old days,’ I’d park three little kids (among a slew of cottage friends) on the beach with sand toys, floaties, snacks. For the day. And sometimes into the night, with sunsets, s’mores, and night swims. While a version of sunsets + s’mores still happens, our kids (and those cottage friends) are now so…old!

While I don’t pine for them…diapers and bedwetting with no washer/dryer, eyes on littles by the lake every single second, constant kitchen duty for kids who couldn’t reach the countertop…those sweet summer days *were* predictable.

the baby then —

–and now

Life in this middle takes ‘flex and flow’ (like I mentioned weeks back with What do I need from summer?). Linc loves his summer job…and pick-up time is all over the map. He’s also had an ongoing injury that overshadows the days. We’re not sure when Audrey can visit…maybe summer, maybe fall. Elsa’s our outgoing child and sinks her teeth into ev-er-y-thing. It’s fun to watch — and requires a timer some days, or I’ll forget where she’s going, when.

It’s a different kind of summer. And one we better get used to. (Because we’ll be in this space for some years to come!)

That said, the first of my 5 Currently verbs shouldn’t surprise you. I’m —

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{adjusting}

…my expectations.

Years ago, I heard our minister quote one of my favorite writers:

— and I laughed. For a second. But the truth of it is…sobering! And worth remembering.

So instead of thinking whole season (or whole weekend!), I’m adjusting expectations and taking moments. A morning, like now…listening to the creek run and a bald eagle call. The sun peeking through for the first time all day just as it sets, a burning ball of neon orange. An hour picking blueberries before picking up Elsa. A simple summer dinner or campfire — with whoever’s here! Ice cream floats on National Ice Cream Day Night, once we’re all finally back at the cottage.

The adjustment, for me, is not just expectations — it’s attitude, too. Like when we started hiking with kids and I had to forego ‘summit or bust.’ That M.O. doesn’t work with tiny ones — and it doesn’t work with teenagers, either.

So, adjust.

I’m trading in ‘all or nothing’ with ‘whatever I can get.’ (And it’s fine.)

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{packing}

…Elsa for camp!

On Sunday, she’ll take off for five days of Tack & Ride with the Girl Scouts of Western New York. There were all sorts of camp themes to choose from, and she picked English riding because she wants to try something new. From what I understand, the big difference between English and Western is saddle: English riding requires a simpler, ‘less supportive’ saddle — plus more balance and coordination than Western. (Kinda glad I won’t be there to hear how sore she is on Day 2.)

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{substituting}

Fake gin for the real stuff.

Long-term health…specifically, long-term brain health…has been on my mind lately. (Haha.) And while the resveratrol argument for red wine wins me over, let’s face it. There’s no real good argument for spirits.

So why not try it?

Ritual was the one that first caught my eye. But after reading reviews, I’m going with Seedlip. (Named for the basket you carry seeds in while sowing…in case you wondered!) (The rest of their story‘s pretty great, too. Like, recipes from the year 1651.)

There are three flavor profiles to choose from. I ordered the Garden 108 blend — which they’re clear to point out is not a zero-proof gin. (But the herbs are close enough for me.)

I’ll let you know what we think!

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{freezing}

…berries. Lots and lots of berries.

Troy’s dad has very happy blackberry bushes, and we’re lucky to pick from a local farmer who grows organic blueberries. We eat a bunch by the handful for snacks, breakfast, in salads. The rest are frozen for a birthday pie in August and smoothies this fall and winter.

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{seeking}

…a better deodorant!

I’ve tried ’em all, toxic to crystal. The one I loved (and that worked!) was discontinued ages ago. I’ve yet to find a replacement.

Any suggestions?`Please!?!

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What are you up to, Currently?