Summer- A Few of My Favorites

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a year since the last time I posted anything. Life has been a little weird over the last 18 months or so. Don’t worry, I’m not going to talk about the great Pandemic or Covid, mask-wearing or vaccinations. To be honest, I’m just plain tired of talking about it. I’m grateful things are getting better and I’m doing my part, but in all honesty, my hope and trust is 100% in the Lord. He is my provider, protector, and comforter. I pray for His protection and guidance every time I put something in my mouth, every time I get in my car…and I did this long before Covid showed up. Yes, I wear a mask in certain places; yes I practice social distancing the best I can; yes I now have hand sanitizers in my car, purse, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen; and no I’m not an anti-vaxxer! But for now, my list of pros and cons as to why or why not I should get it doesn’t balance out for me. Maybe one day it will.

I do know I hope to travel overseas one day, and if things keep going like they are, I may need the vaccine in order to go on my dream vacation. If that day comes, I will roll up my sleeve, lay hands on the syringe, and pray for protection. But it will be my choice, and I will never put my complete trust in those things over my faith in God. Those are temporary; God is eternal.

So life marches on. Summer is back with vengeance! Today it will reach 117 degrees and it’s only June 15. Monsoon season can’t get here soon enough! It’s the one thing that breaks ups those long dog days of summer – where it’s so dry that you feel as though every ounce of moisture has been sucked out of your body. Stay hydrated people! Seriously. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived in the desert, or call yourself a native, please cover your head and never step outside without several bottles of water! EVER.

I decided to categorize this post under “My Favorite Things.” I’ll keep it as short and sweet as possible. Keep in mind, these five things, are just my current favorite things! My favorite things are always negotiable. Here we go!

1. Starbucks Iced Peach Green Tea! My favorite Summer iced tea.

2. Lola’s Coffee: has the best breakfast burritos and Honey Lavender Latte’s. Plus it has the cutest patio to enjoy them on.

3. Audiobooks. Need I say more? As much as I’m on my computer/laptop for work and for writing, it’s nice to give my eyes a break and listen to my favorite authors through my ears. Especially while taking long drives or staying indoors and relaxing in your favorite reading chair. Beware there are a few narrators who can ruin a perfectly wonderful book for you, so always listen to the sample before you decide to purchase. And always read the reviews. Trust me, they will let you know if the narrator is great, meh, or awful.

4. Taylor Farms Salad Kits- My summertime go-to for lunches and dinners. When you live alone, it’s perfect. There are many varieties to choose from and I have tried them all. If a salad alone doesn’t fill you up, add a good egg salad sandwich on rye, or a turkey, provolone cheese, and pickles on pumpernickel! Can you tell I don’t like to cook during the summer?

5. Tillamook Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip and Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream are my two favorites. Unfortunately, Tillamook has decided to discontinue the Stumptown Coffee Ice cream, which makes me very sad. It was the best! They’ve replaced it with a Chocolate Chip Coffee Ice Cream, which I haven’t tried yet. I’m back on the search for a great coffee ice cream. Any suggestions, please let me know.

That’s all for now! Thanks for reading.

Pam