according.to.kim

Daily pic: 30 Jun 14

Our old rain guage... We had rain all day yesterday, overnight, and all day today. Over 3" by the time I went to bed last night, and - thankfully - only another half an inch or so since then. Yesterday's heavy rainfall caused us some grief (water in the basement, half flooded yard), but nothing like the 8+ inches of rain many communities suffered in the same period: 37 communities in Saskatchewan and 33 in Manitoba have declared a state of emergency.

Daily pic: 29 Jun 14

Nice second harvest of rhubarb today. Picked in the rain while waiting to move a water pump -- which is really the story of the day: 3+ inches of rain so far and no end in sight. We spent much of the day dealing with water in the basement and yard. I also took a picture of a window well full of water. Yuck. This picture is much happier!

(Our third day of deep cleaning the girls' rooms came to a sudden halt when the water problems started. Hope we can get back to it tomorrow. But we have other commitments, too.)

Daily pic: 28 Jun 14

Today, I went shopping for a dress to wear to my sister-in-law's wedding. I think it's been more than 8 years since I last wore a dress! (I recall wearing them when I was expecting G.) I hadn't really noticed my lack of dress wearing until I realized I should get one for this special occasion. After trying on several dresses this morning, I may be converted; I wanted to buy more! (Thanks to Neil for helping me with this picture.)

Daily pic: 27 Jun 14

Waiting for their grandparents to pick them up and take them to Edmonton, a 9-hour drive from our home, for 6 days. They'll stay with cousins and have a wonderful time! I'm glad they could do this. (Meanwhile, we're cleaning and rearranging their rooms!)

Daily pic: 26 Jun 14

Last day of school! I was delighted to see M's excellent math scores (end of 5th grade evaluation). All three had a good year overall, with some subjects shining above others for the older two. Interesting to see!

Daily pic: 25 Jun 14

I did a bunch of cooking and food prep this evening. Here's my favourite veggie dip, just before blending: 3 cups parsley, 1/4 cup red onion, 2 cloves garlic, 10 kalamata olives (I used 12), 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, juice (and pulp) of one lemon. Delicious!

Daily pic: 24 Jun 14

Just a bit of our garden that I enjoy... three kinds of sedum.

Also: Daisy went home today. The girls have started packing for their summer vacation. G's hair is free of knots.

Daily pic: 23 Jun 14

Leaving work after thunder showers.

Plus: Last week of school. First week in 2014 with all free evenings. Sweet!

Daily pic: 22 Jun 14

G and her friend/dance classmate at our annual year-end barbecue/potluck for Mosaic volunteers and dancers. I had a different shot here, but this is the one I really wanted for my POTD, so I've cropped out their faces (as I don't post pictures of people outside of our immediate family).

Daily pic: 21 Jun 14

We attended the annual Summer Solstice day in my hometown (Yellow Grass). Wonderful event with activities and meals through the day, all the way to fireworks at 10:30 pm. It was our second time, and I think we'll go every year. The girls say, Yes! Definitely! 

Today was also my parents' 45th wedding anniversary! I'm glad I could spend some of the day with them and wish them happy anniversary in person.

Daily pic: 20 Jun 14

Where I stand, it's very wet! Lots of rain this week. Wearing my trusty, comfy Bogs. Quiet evening for me, with the girls in YG and Neil at the Rider game.

Daily pic: 19 Jun 14

While S attended B's grade 8 farewell (grade 7s sang in the choir at mass), the rest of us took Daisy (our guest for a second time this month) and Dash for a walk around the park. It was a nice evening. Quite damp from yesterday's rain (about 1.5").

Daily pic: 18 Jun 14

My 8-year old was proud to show me how she can write her name now. So glad I took a picture right then as the rest of the evening was chaos thanks to rainwater coming into our basement.

P.S. I've heard cursive handwriting isn't being taught anymore (in some places?), so I'm glad to see my girls are still learning this in school! So important in my mind. (What's Lost as Handwriting Fades)

Daily pic: Weeks 23 & 24

Busy, colourful June. Summer freedom is just around the corner... When ringette finished in March, my manager asked me if I would feel like I have a lot more free time. I said, I don't think that will happen until July. I was right.

Daily pic: 17 Jun 14

I enjoy seeing how people decorate their yards in the summer. (As a paper carrier, I see quite a few front yards!) BlackBerry photo, edited in Instagram.

Daily pic: 16 Jun 14

S has been busy putting henna on herself. These designs are her own creations.

Also, M was excited to learn she'll be playing flute in the grade 6 band.

Daily pic: 15 Jun 14

Father's Day... While doing yard work and finally getting some pots planted this afternoon, I managed to get this treasure! In one shot. 

Daily pic: 14 Jun 14

My sister-in-law received some fun gifts at her family bridal shower today. (They were on the gift registry, picked out by her husband-to-be.)

Daily pic: 13 Jun 14

I enjoyed taking my girls to this store for the first time today. So many interesting products! We went to get henna. After getting a bunch of henna designs at Mosaic, the girls have been eager to try doing it themselves.

P.S. Within 24 hours, all three were covered with designs - hands, feet, arms, legs, back, belly buttons... Sophia has a knack for drawing intricate designs, and with a little practice, could easily do this for other people.

Daily pic: 12 Jun 14

Our lilies are coming along. Looking forward to those blooms! Our yard looks awful as we haven't had time to do any yard work. For now, this is about all of the yard I'm willing to share. Hoping to get out there and make a real difference on Sunday. A free day, finally.