One aspect about the recession that challenges our family is the work-time imbalance that has become routine for almost the last 2 years. My husband and I each have too much of what the other wants so desperately. He, a true hunter/gatherer, wants nothing more than to be working again, and I of course have more work projects than I can handle. I want nothing more than to have another 10 hours in my day so that I can work on all the many non-work projects I have had to put off for longer than I care to remember, whereas my husband, after working on his job apps in the morning, has stretches of hours to fill. And I think both of us crave nothing more than a bit of balance for each other. Something you never read about when the news reports of "more jobs being shed" (can't help but notice how the human element has almost been entirely removed)....I am currently juggling four projects, which is what has been keeping me away from these pages, but I am excited because all this hard work will be rewarded in three weeks, when I'm taking two weeks off. :-D
Although I haven't been writing here much of late, I have been saving lots of bookmarks for postings. First, Independence Day is this weekend (wow, how did that happen!), and if you're looking to try out some new recipes, here and here are some great suggestions. I love the foodie blog "eat make read", and particularly the yummy summery drink recipes---check it out! Also, as we live in an area where summer wild fires are a serious danger, BBQs in July really aren't done. Which is why I saved this bookmark for BAKED s'mores! Can't wait to make these this weekend! Finally, if you're looking for a tried and true, nothing fancy macaroni salad, here's a family recipe from the archives. I grew up eating this macaroni salad, which I believe my PA Dutch great-grandmother Mamie had published in one of those old church cookbooks.
On the craftier side, last Sunday I did manage to sew up a new tote bag (pictures coming) for carrying my books and things to the pool and beach. The pattern came from this book (an example of the bag is on the book cover), and it was really "simple sewing"---highly recommend. Other projects I really liked and have saved to do later include these flower necklaces and this knitted market bag.
And for a bit of fun, how excited I was to see two of my favorite singer dudes on the same episode of NPR's World Cafe: Lyle Lovett AND Steve Earle. :-D Listen here.
Ok must be off, articles to write and chapters to edit. Happy July, everyone!!!
