Another month is almost over. Read on to find out what I’ve been up to!

Books

I read the first two Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante in May. I’m still not sure exactly what I think of them — or if I recommend them. If you’ve read them I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I enjoyed this award-winning YA novel set in Maine in 1912. It’s poetic and tragic and thought-provoking. I’ll definitely look for more books by Gary D. Schmidt.

I also read Deep Work this month. It confirmed some strategies I was already trying to employ (like checking email less often) and encouraged me to press on. I highly recommend it for anyone trying to use their time more efficiently.

Have you noticed how many picture books about farm animals there are? Well, here is a sweet one; I love the twist.

TV Shows

I watched the first two episodes of Anne on the CBC website, but I just couldn’t get over the differences from the book. (I find myself increasingly picky about TV and movies… what about you? I haven’t been to a movie theatre since the first Hobbit movie came out.) Now I want to re-read some L.M. Montgomery, I’m thinking the Emily trilogy.

Currently my husband and I are enjoying Signed, Sealed Delivered. It’s goofy and light-hearted — and it involves solving mysteries based on lost and damaged letters. Obviously it’s right up my alley!

Food

It is ice cream season! I think I need some strategies to keep me from consuming way too much over the summer.

I barbecued some chicken drumsticks to great success, so I’m planning more barbecued dinners coming up.

I bought myself a one kilogram bag of Werther’s at the grocery store. These are the best hard candies on the planet. I think my supply should get me through the rest of my novel revisions.

On the other end of the spectrum, I want to get back into making smoothies as healthy breakfasts or snacks. I keep things simple (no added sugar or protein powder). I just made one with banana, plain yogurt, spinach, orange juice, and ground flax.

Activities

For our fifth anniversary, I took my husband on a surprise getaway to this bed and breakfast. We also visited art galleries, hiked, heard live music, and ate great food (onion rings and chocolate malt shake, grilled sandwiches and soup, pear ginger pancakes, spicy burrito, an amazing hamburger, and more — who knew you could pack so much food into 26 hours?). If you’re in the Calgary area, definitely spend a day or two in Black Diamond and Turner Valley.

We had another family birthday this month, complete with chocolate cake decorated with m&m’s and jelly beans.

Our baby learned to crawl and pull herself up (one day I turned around to find her standing up and holding onto the rack of the open dishwasher).

On Victoria Day we headed downtown for a self-paced scavenger hunt using an app on Andrew’s phone. It was a little too difficult for the kids (140 things to find and photograph!) but the adults had a great time and the kids got to be pushed in the stroller, eat subs, and run around at a playground.

Bible Verses

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.
– Psalm 34:4-5

What’s been keeping you busy in May?

P.S.  Negative things that happened this month include dropping my DavidsTea travel cup (it was broken beyond repair), one of my kids breaking my favourite mug by knocking it off the table, and catching a mouse in the house. On the other hand, I’m so glad that flowering trees are blooming all over the neighbourhood now, and my kids are having a blast collecting dandelions and lady bugs. 🙂