It’s the last day of the month — and we started school today — so it feels like a good evening to look back and say goodbye to the summer.

Read

My favourite novel of August was Virgil Wander by Leif Enger. (I still think Peace Like a River is his best work, but I found this one quirky and more enjoyable the more I read.)

I feel like I should mention Bruno, Chief of Police even though mysteries aren’t really my cup of tea at the moment. This one (the first in a long-running series) is set in rural France and ties in history and archives. (What’s not to love, right?!)

News for Dogs is the much later sequel to Hotel for Dogs and was also entertaining to listen to with my young kids. We are now on the last one, Movie for Dogs.

I’ve been reading Desiring God for some time; important ground covered, lots to think about.

I meant to compile a list of favourite picture books we borrowed from the library this summer, but I ended up taking most of them back. I’ll try to have some recommendations in the fall.

Eat/Drink

Lots of good eating this month, but not much was new to share here. I did make a pavlova topped with peaches and blueberries!

And how could I forget that after reading this article on ten different methods for making lemonade, we made the number one recommendation and it did not disappoint.

Do

We ended up spending two weeks of August in quarantine with my in-laws who were visiting from the U.S. (We thought it would be more enjoyable for all than having them stay in our basement by themselves.) I think it went remarkably well. (Thanks for being such helpful house guests!) Here are some things we did:

• Sewing projects
• Sidewalk chalk
• Fabric markers on new pyjamas
• Exercise videos
• Making ice cream
• Practicing bike riding
• Reading countless books
• Potty training!

Also in August:

• Mini golf in Meaford
• Bonfire with friends
• Visiting an old friend at Harrison Park
• Beach day in Kincardine with my parents
• Library reopening

Finally, our exterior house painting is almost complete! (Click for larger images.)

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Meditate

Over the summer our pastor has been preaching from Ezra and Nehemiah. Here’s one of my favourite verses.

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10b

What are some of your August favourites?