August so far

Ramont kindly fished my good rechargeable batteries out of the kids' walkie-talkies, and I've been taking photos like crazy the last two months. Probably too many, since they're just sitting here on the computer wasting away.

Anyway, I will post the July shots yet, but first here are the ones from this month so far.

 We've had some lovely evenings all summer, perfect for making guiso.

This time - for my mom's birthday - was with pasta and deer sausage. My favorite this summer has been just plain rice and beans (and garden veggies).
 

The kids decided on their own to make some birthday cards for Oma. The cut-out on the left is a depiction of her (Matisse, anyone?) and on the right is E for Eva, of course. We would all have much drearier, less creative lives if I had to give them ideas...

This was birthday 64!!

What would either one be without the other?

Fort-making in the lilacs. Decorations by Anna.

Joanie and Gracie out to pasture.

Grapes this year! Juice and jam will be made next week.

Luckily we don't eat much at the dining room table.

Children's book author, Nancy Loewen, was here this morning to read to the kids (Believe me, I never felt a pea!) and have them test out some projects she'll be doing with kids at the State Fair.

And now off to pick up some more apples for applesauce...