It looks like summer is here, though you couldn't tell by the weather. The mornings are gray and cool. It heats up to moderate in the afternoon and then is sweater weather by night time.
Today is Jakey's last day of school and then it's vacation. The whole time sequence around here will change. There are plans for day trips and and an overnight one up to Monterey. It will be a chance to refresh my memory of the area as I write the next Casey book.
Every summer is different as he becomes more of who he is. I enjoy watching him experience the world. I am continually stunned by how different things are for him compared when I was his age. Both my parents worked and I had to get myself off to school. I walked to and from and came home for lunch which it was up to me to make. There were special concerts for young people put on at Orchestra Hall in downtown Chicago. We were allowed to leave school early and on our own take the train to and from downtown. That required carrying money and buying a train ticket, along with walking around downtown. Jakey can't even walk out of his classroom unless an approved person comes to pick him up.
I am ready to switch gears with SCONED TO DEATH. I finished the draft of the manuscript and now will begin rewriting. Characters and situations changed during the writing and I have to make sure it all makes sense. It always surprises me when things I hadn't thought of pop out as I'm writing. It's as if they were there all along, but I just didn't see them.
With all the mentions of scone making, I'm going to make a batch to experience it first hand. I'm sure Jakey will be glad to help with the tasting.
10 comments:
It is amazing how childhoods have changed. I remember taking the L downtown to just walk around with my friends and walk over to Buckingham Fountain. We had a little money but never worried a second about our safety. When I was a teenager, my friend and I actually hitchhiked up and down Montrose and Irving Park Avenues. I can't imagine that now. Never felt threatened or unsafe. We sure live in a different world.
We are in the midst of Florida heat right now. Maybe I should take a trip to California. :)
Good morning -- Sounds like good plans for summer -- so many places to go, so many things to see. I agree -- so many things have changed over the years for kids, and not always for the better. I could be out after dark and walk home by myself -- that could never happen now. When my two were young, we lived in a two-story house -- there was a half bath right inside the door from the garage. I could be upstairs in my sewing room and the garage door would be left up so the kids could run in and out a needed. They rode all over on their bikes -- the rule was if they went out after supper, they had to be home when the street lights came on. We had fire drills at school -- now they have active shooter drills -- scary stuff.
I finished the solid granny square blanket -- looks good. I'm starting a blanket using the front post double crochet stitch -- I made one using a pattern I found online and didn't care for the way it looked on the backside -- a ridge on the front, a rut on the back!! I'm sort of making up a pattern using several fp dc stitches together to make a striped pattern -- I'm hoping that will look better on the backside. We'll see.
Good luck with your scones -- hope you and Jakey enjoy them. Will you be able to include a recipe in your new book?
The changes over my 30 year career working in schools, and since, are incredible. Kids don't walk alone, and the parking lots are monitored by teachers trying to direct traffic. Now they have "bluebird" shooter alert drills. Kids are not even riding bikes to school in my area. My son teaches near by, and he had a student hauling a gun in his backpack. I experienced a 5 year old commiting suicide by running into fast traffic because he was mistreated at home. His sister revealed his story after his death. Such a harsh world our kids now grow up in--school should be a safe haven.
Sally, there was lots of stuff happening when I was a kid. I was just brought up to be streetwise. There was plenty of trouble in my elementary school, too. It was different. Not mass shootings, but I had a violent teacher and had to deal with a mentally disturbed classmate.
Patty, I wanted to be home before dark even then. I grew up street wise and was always aware of my surroundings. Your right about fire drills instead of active shooter drills. Good luck on the blanket.
Linda Osborn, How horrible about the five year old. The thought of kids with guns in elementary school is scary. There were weapons and other threats at my high school. I never went to a football game or any school activities. I was too worried.
The world sure has changed that's for sure. The weather hasn't been very summery in Northern Alberta, Canada either. We had some hot, dry and windy days with fires all around us in May but its been chillier and rainy most days so far this month. Great for the fires but not so good for the seasonal depression which should be gone by now. I cannot wait for another Casey book!
It's definitely fun watching kids grow up, Betty. And I do wish that things didn't seem so potentially dangerous these days. Enjoy your scones!
Anonymous, I understand how gloomy weather makes for gloomy moods even if it lessens the worries about fires. Coffee usually helps me. I am working on the next Casey book now--at least in my head while I write the next Crochet and Crumpet book.
Linda O. Johnston, being around kids helps keep me in touch with what's happening. It is interesting to know what their concerns are.
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