“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” (Henry James)

I think I’m one of only a handful of people who are completely happy with the heat and humidity that the upper midwest is experiencing right now. It’s so wonderful to thaw out finally after a long, cold winter. I’m writing this while sitting on the screen porch, faithful dog at my feet, birds chirping away, and the moisture so heavy in the air you can see it. The only drawback is that it’s hard to do anything productive when you’re feeling so warm and woozy. But I’m sure that whatever needs to be done can wait, can’t it?

This week we’re enjoying a visit with family from Phoenix, complete with a young cousin who likes American Girl dolls as much as my girls do. Thanks to our visitors we’re indulging in a week chock full of our favorite things: picnics, water balloon fights, lunch at the American Girl store, games, canoeing and kayaking, and lots of reminiscing each time someone asks, laughing, “do you remember the time we—?”

Alas, Mama can only sit so long on the porch. I hear the kids stirring and it’s time to get a move on. There are Things To Do and a mermaid party to plan for this weekend. So I’ll tear myself away from the hummingbirds and get busy. This afternoon, we’re going to attempt to make ice cream in a bag, so I’ll let you know how it goes.