Name that machine

I know I already posted about my new old sewing machine, but I just can't help saying, again, how much I LOVE this thing. Everything about it. The way it looks, how heavy it is, the sound it makes when it's stitching, its cover. It has a soul, this machine. And so it needs a name.

I keep trying to give it grandma names like Rosie and Martha (also talk show hosts' names, I now realize), since it's at least 40 years old, but so far nothing has stuck. So I turn to you, my loyal readers (all 12 of you). I'm having a "name my new old sewing machine" contest and the winner will receive a custom-made zipper pouch much like the one pictured below (in different yet equally charming fabric):

Submit your names in the comments, and I'll pick one by Saturday, May 10. And please, at least one or two of you have to play. How embarrassing would it be to have a giveaway that no one entered...

But oh, those su-hum-mer niiiii-hites

One of my favorite things about summer is playing outside with the kids after dinner. The hours between dinner and bedtime are my favorite of the day anyway because our chores are done, daddy is finished working, and everyone is well fed and happy. We often play a game with the kids or do some drawing and coloring until bedtime.

But in the summer, we go outside. Sometimes we take a walk, sometimes we just play in the yard. I love the light of summer evenings and the feel of the air. I still get excited when the fireflies come out. I love being barefoot on the driveway, feeling the heat of the day radiate under my toes.

Tonight was one of our first nights outside after dinner. John lit some firework snakes we had left over from last 4th of July, and even though it started to rain, and the snakes made it look like the driveway was pooping, it was a gorgeous evening, a harbinger of a summer full of warm nights. The first one of the season.

Strawberry pickin' on a Sunday in May

Today we had a "best laid plan" that actually went off as I'd imagined it. Usually when I arrange a charming family outing, imagining the sweetness of an afternoon together, doing something that the children will love and be grateful for, the outing goes awry and ends with me exclaiming, "Why can't we just enjoy a fun day together without (insert obnoxious behavior here)," then feeling ridiculous and old because I sound so like a mom.

But today was charming. It really was. The sun was warm, the strawberries were gorgeous, the children were enchanted by the idea of picking their own food (Paige just like carrying the bucket), and we got 8 pounds of beautiful berries for half what they cost in the supermarket.

Now we have a lovely vanilla cake with strawberries and cream cheese icing. And a pile of stained clothing on the washing machine.

And we have strawberries to eat for a week and some to give away in yummy treats for teacher appreciation week, and some to put in homemade milkshakes. Strawberries are Owen's most favorite food, so we also have a very happy boy.