Last year we had no days on the farm with significant rain fall, we were never rained out of a day of work, so we never had days "off". These past couple of weeks have been nice with all the rain we have been having, life is going at a slower pace. It has allowed me more time in my kitchen. I have had some successes and failures in the jam making department, finally giving in to using some natural pectin after making a rather lemony, runny strawberry jam.

I think we have to go pick more berries as 12 jars of this is not going to last very long. A bowl of plain yogurt mixed with a couple of spoonfuls of strawberry jam is
SO good, we are already finishing our second jar! It would be terrible if we had to live off everything I can or freeze because we cannot practice moderation, especially when it comes to jam or applesauce.
With the rain I have had time to finish up Amelia's Homeschooling portfolio, which I will share highlights of after we have our review, although I have shared much of what we have done throughout the year. I also bought a big stack of books from Bob and Nancy's for next year's 8th grade curriculum- despite all the threats of sending Amelia to public school because I feel so overwhelmed, I just can't see her there. We are making some less than "waldorf" modifications to our curriculum, but I do not have it all figured out yet.

With the rain, I am able to take long walks in the woods and hills. The whole valley is in bloom with "Multi-flora Rose". It is a nasty invasive plant that redeems itself this time of the year. There is a heady rose scent to the air that makes you feel like your feet are barely touching the earth as you walk in a state of bliss.
While Jerome is at the market this morning (in the rain) Amelia and I are thinking about what special meal we can prepare for him for Father's Day tomorrow.

We celebrate everything with food, forget little gifties, it is all about excellent food and maybe a good bottle of wine. Which makes me think of how excited I am about
this movie coming out in August. We will also celebrate the Solstice with a reading of
"Midsummer's Night Dream" by the fire tomorrow.
With the rain Amelia and I had time to make some new signs for the market, Amelia drew the sunflower and I painted the lettering on this one.

Have a good rest of the weekend and I hope you find ways to fill all your rainy days.