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Looking Back At Summer

August 31, 2021

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Oh summer, my friend, why oh why are you the shortest season of them all?

The days go by so quickly and before you know it, the long winter is upon us.

Again.

The Ocean

That neverending season of coats and hats and ice and snow.

Boo.

Ok, well that's not technically true. I looked it up.

Summer is actually the longest season, if you're counting days.

Yup.

Winter is the shortest...although in my neck of the woods it feel like it goes on for three quarters of the year.

And summer feels like a few brief glorious weeks.

I often wonder why that is.

Maybe it's because I love it so much.

The beach, the pool, the sun and the sand.

I adore the cute clothes, the late night walks, the flowers, the fireflies and barbeques. I can walk barefoot in the yard, keep my bathing suit on all day and fall asleep to the hum of the air conditioning and the cicadas. 

Dusk At The Beach

But now, the sun is setting earlier and I can feel it slipping away a little more each day.

So I'm doing my best to hold on with two hands, but it's not easy. I know I'm fighting a losing battle, especially on social media.

While technically summer doesn't end for a few more weeks, the rest of the world seems to have sadly moved on.

Haven't you heard? It's fall.

Or it will be tomorrow.

Again, boo. 

Well, I don't really decorate for fall around here until I'm forced to, but I will admit that the bulk of my favorite season is behind me now. 

However, rather than be sad about it, I prefer to celebrate it.

To look back at all that I've done over the past three months and spend a little more time in the land of hazy, lazy, humid days.

Won't you join me as I reminisce?

Cottage Style Garden Plants

I kicked summer off by whipping the garden into shape. Like I said, the winters are long here and the garden is basically starting over from scratch each year. 

Perennials are our choice, hearty meandering plants that fit my cottage aesthetic well. Plus, they usually just wake up on their own and settle in. 

Unfortunately, this season wasn't the greatest. It rained more than usual and when the sun was out, it was too hot for anything to flourish. 

Morning Glory Vines Growing On A Gate

Thankfully my Morning Glories still put on a show. I know many people consider them to be a nuisance, but mine always behave

My sunflowers, eh, not so much. They were quite stubborn this season, but finally opened up...in late August.

Better late than never I guess.

Sunflower

Besides gardening, I spend a lot of time at the beach. I live on an island, in a small beach community. So I'm lucky enough to literally be surrounded by water. 

Bays and harbors where I walk every day.

And the ocean. Where we spent many, many evenings, watching the sun go down, after the crowds had left. 

I never take the views for granted and feel blessed to live here. Especially from June to September before the ice sets in!

When I wasn't soaking up the sun, I was thrifting and making over my finds. Honestly, that's one of my all time favorite past times. Creating is my zen.

Some of my finds looked great as is. I mean how pretty is this galvanized tin?

So simple, no upgrade needed.

Pink Roses In A Galvanized Tin Vase

My little cow did get a facelift though and I adore him now. 

I also covered up the creepy hole in my unused summer fireplace and I had time to use a few socks for an ode to Christmas in July.

The DIYs weren't as ambitious as some summers past, but I upgraded the bathroom thrones, hung a new shower curtain (if you missed it, it's fabulous!).

And I gutted my pantry and gave it a cottagecore style treatment. It worked out so well and remains crazy organized.

Time well spent.

Cottagecore Pantry Update

I do have to confess...that all of my indoor crafting and DIYs were completed at night...when the sun went down.

No sense in wasting that nourishing light by spending time inside. I'll be trapped there soon enough when the mercury drops. 

In addition to my usual content, I also went out on a bit of a limb this summer and introduced the idea of Fun Fridays, where I planned to regularly share food, fashion and some cool finds. 

I say I introduced the idea of it, because I was less than consistent about doing so. Summer just got in the way. Hopefully, this fall, it'll become more of a habit. 

Especially since you all seemed to enjoy it.

My daughter's knitted top was a big hit.

And the two recipes I shared were also very well received. 

Lemongrass Coconut Curry Chicken Salad

Quick And Easy Bolognese Sauce

As a matter of fact, I've received several emails and comments from people letting me know they made both recipes and loved them.

That just makes me smile.

Plate of pasta with Bolognese sauce

It was also very reassuring to know I wasn't alone, when I shared my addiction to worry. I have to say, all the tips have helped.

I think I love those kinds of posts the most, since they generate such wonderful conversation.

The comments on this one gave me such great food for thought while I was floating in the pool. 

Which will be a memory all too soon.

But that's ok. 

Memories can carry you through the rough patches if you let them.

And I think that's just what I'll do.

Did you have a happy summer?
Kim Signature


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  1. Hello Friend,
    Summer did go quickly. We were hot and dry here in Northwest Wisconsin. We hit over the 90 degrees mark 12 times this summer!
    With the heat some of my plants loved it, like the peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and zinnias.. so that was good.
    Our hens did not like is so much. I gave them a little pool of water each day to do a little more cooling off and they enjoyed the lawn in the evenings in the safety of the chicken tractor.

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    1. I love it! I don't think there's anything sweeter than the idea of your sweet ladies cooling off in a summer pool!! 🥰

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  2. You know I'm in complete agreement with you about Summer and the rush into Fall. Sadly, this year Summer was not very enjoyable with all the rain and high humidity. I didn't get to spend as much time outdoors as I usually do. But, I'm trying to be positive about Fall and hope we'll have a nice on that lasts a bit longer before the snow begins to fly!

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    1. Yes! I’m hoping for a very long, very mild, very sunny fall, too! One that actually didn’t start until September 22nd would be lovely, as well!

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  3. I have to say, even though I'm not a summer person. I was disappointed this summer. So humid, hot and rain. We sat outside 1 time. It was too hot.

    I loved the girls knitted top.

    Beautiful sunflowers.

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    1. Thanks Cindy! It was a less than stellar summer, that's for sure, but I'll still be sad to see it go. Fall is lovely, too. I adore decorating with the rich colors. I've already started some fun projects!

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  4. Hi Kim, I am a true fall girl. I hate to see October go as Barry Manilow would say. I live on Long Island and am happy when the mosquitoes leave in September. I festoon my mantle with orange and gold lights and light my candles. I try to sit outside with a fire after work and breathe in the fall scents! Enjoy your Indian summer my girl!

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    1. Susan, I didn't know you were a NYer! Those are all lovely reasons to enjoy fall, Susan! I have to say after summer, that's my next favorite season. I love going out east to visit the farms and decorating with all the rich reds that nature offers up. I bet your home looks and smells wonderful dressed for the season!

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    2. Yeah girl! I was just out on the north fork this weekend! I love it out there too. I love to turn off of Sound Avenue and explore. Once my daughter and I turned at a sign that said ‘goats’. It was a long dirt road that led to an old home and barn. We wound up talking to the owner for two hours and touring his land…I almost came home with a goat!

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    3. FUN!! And haha, we've been down those roads...looking for bison of all things! No chance in bringing one of those home. Thank goodness...although if I'm not mistaken, there's still a bull roaming around loose somewhere on the south shore!!

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  5. I love fall. I would probably love summer if I lived where you live. In my part of Texas summer is very hot and humid. However, I cannot even fathom decorating for fall and partaking in pumpkin flavored anything when it's so hot outside. I just can't pretend.

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    1. I'm with your Briana, pretending is not in my decorating genes. There needs to be a chill in the air before I can bring out the pumpkins. And Texas does get hot. I'm not sure I'm hearty enough to endure that kind of heat. 🥵 Stay cool!!

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  6. Summer has been going very quickly. I remember so many of your posts over the summer months. You have accomplished so much. I am a summer girl but I have to say this year with all the hot and humid weather I am actually looking forward to fall. Cooler days. I hope with all this hot hot weather we will cool down enough and get some needed rain so the leaves here in the midwest might change to beautiful color. Last year it was hot like this and we did not get the pretty colors and not much of a fall. Hoping this fall will be different. Have a good week sweet friend. xoxo

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    1. I don’t remember fall last year, isn’t that terrible. I think I was in denial! Haha. It would be nice if the leaves turned here, the colors are really the best thing about fall. Hopefully we’ll get a good show!! xxoo

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  7. I usually love summer in New York but lately with the high humidity I find myself saying "this is why I don't live in the south! Go away!" Living at the beach like you do might change my mind a little. We have a creek flowing through the back of our yard but it's just not the same! I will miss the sunny days but by August I am ready for Fall, my favorite season. As long as it doesn't rain the whole time! My summer was productive if nothing else....surgery, house painted, kitchen renovation. We are done! Hurry up Fall and cooler weather!

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    1. Oh...a creek in the backyard sounds storybrook charming, AnnMarie! I love that. And yes, I went to school upstate and the summers were glorious on those hot, dry days. There's something crisp about the air up there and the skies are the bluest I've ever seen. The humidity isn't fun anywhere, I'll admit that, but it does make the pool and beach water warmer, which is why I love it! I'll miss that in the fall, but the colors will make up for it. PS...your house looks FABULOUS!!

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  8. The summer had a few high spots, but overall, the weather didn't cooperate. Too much rain and excessively hot days. Yet, it will always be my favorite! The days are shorter, and my plants are starting to wane, but I'll hold on as long as I can. We're heading to the beach for Labor Day weekend, and the weather is supposed to be nice. I do love fall, too, but I'm in no rush. I've already seen that some have put out mums already - I want to shout, NO! NOT YET!

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    1. Haha...I passed a house a few doors down the other day and there were mums on the front stoop and I had the exact same reaction! I have sad looking flowers in my pots, but I'm not ready yet for mums. Enjoy the beach, I hope it's full of summer sun!!

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  9. I love the changing of the seasons - our summer seemed short - hot in early spring, then cooler, then lots of rain and super hot temps. Looking forward fall colors and cute sweaters.

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    1. Oh yes, Rosemary!! Sweaters and boots are another reason to love fall...they do soften the blow. 😉

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  10. I am a summertime girl and I don't like the calendar rolling over to September. You accomplished a lot over the summer.

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    1. Thanks Paula, it went by too fast, but then again, it always does. Here's hoping summer lasts a little bit longer. Enjoy the lake!

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  11. I am rejoicing in Autumn, but we had a lovely summer. Busy with selling my parents house, and getting our home ready for them to move in. But we enjoyed the pool, and I've been loving my surprise Zinnias in the garden.

    I think your Morning Glories will bloom until you get a frost! They are such lovely flowers.

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    1. You had a super productive summer, Deanna! Lots happening in your world for sure. Fun fact...we've never been able to hold onto our Morning Glories until a frost. Some hurricane season storm usually whips through here and takes the whole wall down. Maybe this year, they'll hang on!!

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  12. Thanks for this round-up post: You've accomplished a lot this summer, and I think I saw most of your pretty projects. Your daughter's top is my favorite! You are blessed to live in such a beautiful place. I love seeing your neighborhood! Thanks for sharing so meany neat projects on your blog.

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    1. Thanks Ricki!! We spent the majority of our time home this summer, so we decided to make the most of our area and home. Hope you’re having a lovely end of summer, too!

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  13. Hi Kim!
    Oh my goodness, I feel about Summer just the way you feel about Winter. Down here in Alabama, it feels like Endless Summer. Is that the name of a book or a movie? Or maybe a shampoo, LOL. In fact, we have a jingle about it.

    Summer
    Almost Summer
    Late Summer
    Christmas

    I would love to have a bit of that winter you describe!

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    1. That's funny, Florence! I always say that I wish it were summer, fall, Christmas, summer! Winter and spring are almost one around here...sometimes it snows until late April and since the snow often falls as early as October, by January 1, I've had enough!! Time for summer again...if only!

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  14. I totally agree! I hate to see Summer come to an end, and really dread the cold that's coming. Around here Summer is June, July, August and Winter goes from November to March - much longer... :)

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    1. Same here, Mari! Winter feels like it goes on forever….

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  15. I love summer too and it's my favorite time of year. We've had a very hot summer this year with so much rain. I am looking forward to cooler temps and opening up the windows. I enjoyed reading your posts you shared this summer.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the posts, Julie! It was a nice summer overall, but yes, very rainy- right down to last night! Yowzas, that was crazy! That part wasn't so much fun!

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  16. You had quite the summer Kim! I find it hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. I find right now, I am going through the motions and just woke up on Wednesday to find September is here. Where did the last year go? Not quite sure, but I know I have been busy... it's a blur!

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    1. It has been a blur!! I hope that the fall slows down just a bit..

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  17. I'm with you on summer! It's my favorite season. Don't worry about the calendar turning to September and it being fall - it's not! Fall doesn't start until September 21st. It's still summer...enjoy these last three weeks while you can! :-) You are so lucky to be surrounded by water. We live about 1/2 mile from a lake (we have a LOT of lakes in this area) and a couple of miles from a river, but it's not the same as living right on the water. Hope you have a good Labor Day weekend!

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    1. Yes!! I hold out until September 21st, too. I know a lot of people now go by September 1st, but I’m just not ready to settle into the cold quite yet. Plus, it’s still hot here…and I do feel lucky to live where I do, I never take it for granted. There’s a peace and a spacious feeling that I get when I look out at the water. I always tell my husband that I’m not sure I could live anywhere else. Enjoy your weekend, too, Melanie!!

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  18. Oh, my, yes. Let's not hurry autumn. Really, when did September 1 become the end of summer? Here in Colorado the day temps are still in the 90's and probably will be through September. My patio garden is in lush, full bloom and my big fat tree in the side yard is gorgeously green. There will be plenty of time for pumpkins and snuggly sweaters, for hot chocolate and plaid lap robes on the porch. But not today. Nope. It's still summer for me. Love the post, Kim. You made the most of your summer days, and I hope you continue to do so until YOU decide it has ended. Hugs.

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    1. Nancy! Yes!! Everyone's talking about meteorological seasons and how fall begins on September 1st. I've never heard of this before. Boy, I'm out of the loop!! I'd much prefer to hang onto summer until the true end of the season and enjoy every last drop. Sounds like you're doing the same. Hugs!

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  19. I love summer too. Sadly, where I live we do only get a few weeks of summer. Having said that, our winters are very mild compared with yours so I can't complain. I'm really looking forward to summer and the days are starting to length so it feels like it's maybe not that far away.

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    1. I hope you really enjoy your summer, Carol. Especially since it's so short...I can relate.

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