Day 184 of Week 27 for 2026

 Mid way of 2026 was day 182.5 July. You can feel the year is half over or celebrate another half is left to enjoy. Summer 2026 is 93 days from 21 June to 23 September. There are 81 days left of summer 2026. 

If the passage of time interests you, then keep a journal that numbers the days. Instead of floating on your future as a background always there, enjoy the your view, the one you create for as much as you are able. 

Shape your weekend well

Celebrate the 4th of July 250

Create a deluxe potato salad

Read about New England

Sing to sourdough bread

Draw a picnic basket

Make peach ice cream

Decorate your front door

Summer is being summer

This summer has an observation vibe early on. A feeling of what is going to happen next plays in the background of my mind along with the frequent chant, No Scotland, No party!

There are things I hope to do. For this year’s warm weather months in this northern hemisphere, not making plans is the theme I’m going to go by. Once the cast is replaced with a splint, my confidence doing more will kick in. 

For now, I’m in awe that after 4 days not wearing earrings, I put in a pair of French wires using one hand. Yesterday I scored my 5th Wordle on 2 out of 120 games. I’m so scared about tripping and falling, I went barefoot. Having to use my right arm more, I ache more from sore muscles than the broken wrist. 

Meanwhile, I’d like to paint today, sit outdoors under an umbrella with a no sugar ice tea, and glue something fun. 

Tissue decoupage on an Altoids tin takes
several layers to obscure the raised lettering.

Adding fabric over the tissue, the raised lettering
still shows through. It adds a homemade vibe. 

Muggy city days are upon us

Heat is exhausting. I went outdoors briefly this morning. The air feels thick. It is muggy city out there. 

If you are elderly or of frail health, and can tolerate air conditioning, then consider having it installed. Please, don’t underestimate the impact heat has on your health. 

Last night thunderstorms rolled by. The sky in the south lit up bright white. I shut off the TV to create a sort of 1950s vibe. I’m hoping this Summer is a Summer’s Summer with heat, thunderstorms, beach and picnic days galore. 

Yesterday I visited Lowe’s in South Burlington. Wow to their gardening section! It is full of gorgeously healthy plants. The annuals are a good price as well. 

Petunias

Thinking About Summer

A favorite photograph from a trip to Lake Champlain recently is a thinking image. There are scenes to admire and scenes to think about, draw you in for a ponder.

Think about picnic benches. They are there for folks to sit, rest, have a meal, and enjoy life. 

As people watching perches, they provide permission to view. Via technology and creative minds, this is the first time like this in human history where globally, people are sharing and performing for each other. 

Having meals outdoors when the weather allows is an important part of summer. As kids, packing up a picnic was always exciting. We were part of something. We were going some place. We were going to have fun. There is no cooking indoors that has that sense of adventure. 

Plan summer excursions outdoors where there’s a public picnic bench. Enjoy life.

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About Determinations

This Summer 2026, I am determined and looking forward to doing several outdoor excursions. Hiking, despite a bad knee, is one of them. 

I have bug spray, sunscreen, backpack, water bottle, clothes, first aid kit, walking pole, and rain poncho. What I need is a compass, bear spray, whistle, and jackknife. 

Mind you, where I will be hiking has footpaths, maybe even sidewalks. I may not be wilderness hiking, but I will be wilderness ready. Besides, weight when walking is good exercise. 😎

Footwear. I buy new to me on Poshmark by setting a maximum price for a watch and wait that can take months before I buy. I began sandal hunting in late February early March. To my surprise, and delight, I found a pair of Keen hiking sandals, perfect fit, super comfortable and within the set budget.

A compass is the next purchase. I will by a new one. 

So, it is beginning to feel like summer to me.  What is next requires reading and researching locations. If I really really want to immerse myself in an outdoor experience, then I can pitch a tent in the backyard. 🤣 

Keen hiking sandals

This is one of those subjects that feels that I’ve posted this before.

Summer Photograph: Sun On Water

 August sun on water

New Haven River

Lincoln Vermont

Rambling On About Summer

Creativity can be fickle. Just as this artist reaches the exciting almost finished stage, anxiety can be overwhelming. What if I make a mistake!?   

A simple solution is to remind myself, if I did it before, then I can do it again. (I also use that reasoning to help me get to dental appoitments.) Talking through it blazes the trail forward. 

Trail!?

This summer, I feel is peaking. Next Friday, August begins the slow slide into autumn. I have yet to hike or walk anywhere. I also haven’t been to a beach yet. 

Lincoln Vermont

Remember this?

The last half can be a 2nd summer dedicated to creativity. That includes traveling to take photos and see places to blog about. Being out and about learning and experiencing is, I feel, part of being a creative person. 

Today’s local forecast of 90°F or higher means if I am outdoors, then shade, sunscreen and hydrate. It is just after 10 AM EDT here. Time to get out into summer. 

Day 199 of Week 29 July 2025

Have a fun weekend hanging out

with love ones & friends

Sing a Connie Francis song

Read about rose perfume

Draw a fancy door

Make a big green salad

Browse art online

Have strawberry shortcake

Visit a local museum