Sweet buddies-o-mine,
Remind me, who thought coming up with a whopping 30 activities on my summer bucket list was a good idea? Surely that wasn’t me! Or if it was, I must have been experiencing one of my very temporary bouts of insanity. This list was about 15 activities too long. In the immortal words of Monty Python “I woke up with one sock too many“. Or in this case, 15 activities too many.
But I am in this til the bitter end. And there is a wee bit of summer still left. So I have a glimmer of hope that I might be able to cross everything off before our autumn bucket list reveal, 9.21.2017. You have to promise to come back to see.
Let’s see where I stand at the moment.
The List
The Progress
Or lack there of. Actually, if I had another August, I could probably do some real damage on the activities remaining. But not sure how to get that second August. Not as easy to pull off as second breakfast.
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The activities with an asterisk were carried over from my spring bucket list. Revisit it, here. The items with a plus sign also appear on a list of 10 things I’d like to try someday. Read that original post, here.
Attend Baseball Game
For what I haven’t accomplished yet, I should get extra credit on this activity. When the girls visited mid-July, we had tickets to see our Triple A team play. It rained all afternoon so we took a pass on the game. Last Friday night, PC and I finally attended a Chihuahuas game and win.
And Saturday with a cortisone injection on board to quiet his plantar fasciitis, my Prince was finally able to play baseball again. He was 2-2, scored two runs and an RBI.
Welcome back!
Attend “Music Under the Stars”
Begin Bible Journaling – pending
Collect School Supplies for Donation – kinda
Here’s the deal. I haven’t bought pencils and crayons to donate. But I did make a donation to a sweet teacher-friend’s Donors Choose project. Zulema Estrada was a volunteer in my library at her little brothers’ school. We have remained friends on Facebook and I even did a sub job at Lee Elementary where Zulema is now a wonderful classroom teacher. She’s asking for donations to buy a laptop. On the Donors Choose website Zulema writes:
My students looked out the window and started asking questions about the abandoned garden at our school. Then, they came up with a great idea. They want to take over the garden. I have requested a laptop computer so that my students can research information for our environmental garden and healthy eating project. This resource will change my students by teaching them how to garden and grow their own food.
As soon as I get paid again (come on payday!), I hope to make a second donation. You can help, too. Just click here.
Still hoping to get some pencil and crayon donations together for a few underprivileged babies.
Decorate for Summer
Donate Treats to Animal Shelter – pending
Eat on the Patio
Feed Some Ducks*
This proved harder than I thought it would be. Several years ago, when my granddaughter Cady was visiting we had great fun feeding the ducks at our little man-made city lake. I put this on the list in hopes of recreating that sweet memory. But it rained so much when the girls visited last month! At the first sign of a break in the rain, we jumped in the car for the lake but couldn’t find any ducks when we got there. Ha! Can we get an A for effort?
Just as we were turning back toward the parking lot, we spotted these ducks? geese? hiding in the bushes near the lake’s edge. They preferred the grapes to the tortillas we offered.
Finish Elephant Cross Stitch – pending
Get a Make-Up Makeover+ – pending
Go Out for Dessert – pending
Have Yogurt Outside
Yes! Yes, we did. Menchies. With Cady and Brennyn. Cady doesn’t like the frozen yogurt so she just had a bowl of gummie worms and M&Ms. But I ate enough yogurt for both of us.
Hike and Picnic* – pending
Make Crepes+ – pending
Haven’t made crepes yet. I am scared to try. But we ate crepes at la Madeleine for brunch on Sunday. Well, to be exact, I ate crepes. PC had an omelet.
I hope to overcome my fear of crepe-making and get on with it. So, leaving this as ‘pending’
Make Homemade Bread
Can cross this off just by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin. Wednesday and Thursday. Started the process with our 100+ year-old yeast starter on Wednesday but didn’t actually bake the bread until Thursday. Because I started work that day, and had to stay late for Open House, PC put on his baker’s hat and put the bread in the oven. It had risen so well that the dough stuck to the tea towel I had resting over the bread pan. You can see the texture of the towel baked into the bread.
Not my prettiest loaf but it tasted good.
Master a Summer Cocktail
Not sure about my level of mastery but I did try my luck at making a summer cocktail for my Prince on Sunday, the day before this post goes live. Came across a refreshing-sounding recipe for cherry beergaritas on Pinterest. Check that pin, here. And feel free to follow me on Pinterest while you are there!!
My beergaritas were not pink like the ones in the pin. So I added a little red food coloring. And I only made a half a recipe. Which was just right for our Sunday soak in the hot tub.
Play Catch* – pending
Put Love Lock on Bridge
Remember that break in the rain where we tried to find ducks to feed while my girls were visiting in July? Well, we planned to kill two birds with one stone (unfortunate choice of adages) that day. But what a colossal spaghetti that turned out to be. I had a lock for Brennyn, one for Lauren and one for me. Lauren was visiting her in-laws so didn’t go with us to the lake. Before walking across the duckless lake to the bridge, I put my initials and PC’s on one lock, and Lauren’s, Francisco’s and Lucia’s on another lock. We stepped onto the bridge and I promptly dropped Lauren’s lock right into the water. I was so frustrated. Decided to put her family’s initials on my lock. Brennyn and I hung our locks which made Cady cry because we were leaving them on the bridge. She was afraid we were breaking the law. I assured her we weren’t (we weren’t, were we?). But despite her apprehension, Cady put her name and her boyfriend’s on her mama’s lock! Yeah, boyfriend…at 6 going on 7 years old. Rick. Cady and Rick sittin’ in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.
And then we found a couple of ducks to give our grapes and tortillas to.
Random Act of Kindness
Run a 5K – pending
Have my eye on one but having some weird right leg pain that has kept me from running much. Hope to feel better in time for this race.
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Stay tuned.
Scrapbook Easter* – pending
Still trying to finish Christmas. This probably will not happen between now and 9.21.2017 unless we find that second summer somewhere.
I did use my Cricut for the first time in over a year. So that’s something, right?
Shoot Our Guns – pending
Still very probable. It has either been 100+ or raining lately, neither terribly conducive to spending time on the gun range.
Slow Dance (with PC through an entire song) – kinda
Backed him up against the kitchen cabinets and began slow dancing to a song that was playing on his phone. He didn’t exactly dance back but he didn’t run away either. Would like to give this another go!
Summer Photo Challenge
Did this and will create a post with some of my favorite photos later this week.
Take Photo With My Girls
Use Good Camera for My Fashion Haus
Viva El Paso with the Girls – Unable to fulfill
This is not going to happen. We planned to go in July while the girls were here (I hoped to basically cross everything off my list during their stay!) but this musical performance was only playing in Spanish that weekend. Better luck next summer.
Watch Fireworks
Work on My Mosaic – pending
Write on My Book
The Numbers
I’ve waited until Saturday to start writing this post, knowing it goes live early Monday morning. As I type, I have completed 14 out of 30 activities. Let’s make that 14 out of 29 activities because the Viva El Paso deal is kind of out of my control. So not even 50% of the list. Yikes. I am hoping to make crepes in the morning and to maybe have dessert out somewhere tomorrow which will require me to update this post at the last minute.
*Did eat crepes out but didn’t make them, no dessert yet, but managed to stir up a new cocktail to try. Still have a dozen or more items to accomplish on my list. Yooohooo, second summer where are you?
Your Turn
What activities filled your summer? Would you like a second summer or are you ready for fall? I like fall clothing best but can’t see myself bundled up in sweaters quite yet.
Although we have a number of gals participating in this bucket list series, not everyone had a update to share. Hoping you will take a few minutes to visit the blogs of those who did and have linked up below. And, of course, would love to have you join in! Mark your calendars now to join our autumn bucket list reveal post on 9.21.2017.
Hoping to share a recipe for ‘Tasty Tuesday’ and put together a post with my favorite photos from the July Instagram photo challenge. Might even open ‘My Fashion Haus’ to share a couple of back-to-school outfits with you. Thank you for coming by, sweet friends. Find something beautiful in everyday.
Hugs and kisses,
Michael Ann
That was a BIG ol’ list, my friend, but look at all the fun stuff you did! We have another month to go! I am ALL about having Second Autumn, but PLEASE, oh PLEASE don’t make us do Second Summer! I’m ready for some cooler temps!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Yes, my list was a bit ambitious. We will see what I can hurry through during Indian summer since it doesn’t look like we are going to get a second summer. I am ready for cooler temps but still want to be able to swim awhile longer. Maybe just warm late afternoons and cool evenings.
Danielle
You have done pretty well considering the size of your list.
The cocktailsyou had at the ballgame look delicious. Reminded me of Mexico.
I’ve never made crepes either. My dad makes them really well. It is the one food he can cook, the one my Grandpa taught him. I think they ate a lot of crepes as kids. I really should learn that skill. Although the crepes we are we’re always super simple. Filled with jam or syrup nothing else.
Yikes 100+ or raining. That’s crazy. Does it get humid down there? We had an incredibly dry summer here in Regina and southern Sk. Almost no precipitation in July. Thankfully August has brought some rain but we are still way too dry. Everything is brown and burnt.
Thanks again for hosting this link-up. I look forward to starting my fall list.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
You asked if it gets humid here, it doesn’t. Until this summer! Ha! With this crazy rain we have been having, our humidity (normally 6%) has been over 50%!!! We are melting!!
Glad to know what you guys put inside your crepes. That has been part of my reluctance to make them. Then what? How do we eat them. Will remember to try jam! And powdered sugar maybe? This weekend I really want to make some, so stay tuned.
The drinks at the ballgame were good. Margaritas. Super tart and refreshing. And definitely a favorite Mexican cocktail.
I can’t wait to move on to our fall lists!! My favorite season and so many fun things we can do. So glad you are joining me. I still haven’t heard anything more about the collaboration project I asked you to work with me on. When and if I learn more, I will give you a holler.
Tamara R / My Retirement Project
Leslie, my sweet girl, you have made amazing progress, but give yourself a much needed break if you don’t complete your list. It’s perfectly OK , and I am sending you a great big virtual hug right now!
You make summer in El Paso look really, really fun! I loved reading about your hunt for ducks (anything for our granddaughters, right?!?), and your kitchen dance with hubby. So sweet! Your list really reflects your wonderful heart. ☺
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Oh, Tamara, what a dear comment. You warmed my heart with your words. Texans really treat El Paso like the state’s step-child! In fact, my daughter told the other nurses she works with that she was going to El Paso for vacation and they all asked why in the world she would come HERE!!! Ha! I am a transplanted Tennessean but El Paso has been very good to me and was a good place to raise my girls and meet my prince. It will always be home.
Thank you for the big hug. I needed that. Last week was a tough one for me. I have very bittersweet feelings about working at the school where I am the substitute librarian, knowing how very ill the librarian is for whom I am filling in. So sad.
We grandmothers would do just about anything for our grandbabes. I love my big and little girls so much and know you can relate! XO
Natalie
Look at what you’ve accomplished, Leslie, and there were wonderful activities with and for your family. The homemade bread looks delicious. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Natalie! I need to be reminded sometimes that the glass is half-full!!
Christie Hawkes
Since your list is twice as long as mine, I’d say completing half the items is an accomplishment. Although, fall is my favorite season, I wouldn’t mind an extra August, if only to push winter out by another month. Good luck on the remainder of your bucket list!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Hey Christie, thank you for your good luck wishes as I enter the last month of progress on my summer bucket list. Fall is my favorite season, too, so I will do what I can to finish up summer and look forward to bigger and better in September.
Andrea@WellnessNotes
I love the items on your summer bucket list and the 50% that you accomplished! And I think that’s quite an accomplishment! Plus, you have an entire month left to accomplish some more… And if it doesn’t happen, it’s probably not meant to be… I realized that with some of the items on my list…
As always, thanks so much for organizing this link up and always reminding us to not forget about our posts!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
You are so right! If it doesn’t happen, it wasn’t meant to be. I have found myself just rushing to accomplish an activity because it is on my list and not because I am looking forward to doing it. Losing sight of the whole purpose for the bucket list…to experience life!! Not rush through it.
Such a delight to have you wonderful gals joining up for this with me. The organizing is so simple and I have been rewarded ten-fold in the relationships with you gals that have enriched my life.
curlycraftymom
For 30 items, you did darn good! And, yay to dusting off that Cricut! I was just thinking I haven’t used my Silhouette in awhile. Too bad you don’t live closer, we could both go to Sephora for a fun makeup tutorial/makeover! I should look at some fall 5k’s!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I need to get back to that Cricut before I forget what I had to figure out in order to use it this time. My sister is so good about making time for scrapboking…I make excuses and find a million things to do to keep from scrapbooking. I think because I am afraid of messing up a page! So silly. Such crazy fear of failure.
Oh, we would have such fun at Sephora together! Wish we could go for a tutorial/makeover, too. I really want to do that just to see what they do with me. Then maybe with some of my paycheck, I could buy some good makeup for change.
Terri Webster Schrandt
My goodness, you are one busy chica! As a fellow educator, we can only wish for that second summer. Where did the first one go?
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
You haven’t done too badly Leslie and yes who’s crazy idea was 30 things on a Summer Bucket List! LOL:) I love looking at you with your grandchildren and hubbie and you have such a gorgeous smile. I’m sure you will tick off a few more over the next few weeks but hey if you don’t just add them to the Fall list! Have a great week my friend and cuz!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Awww, Sue…just seeing this comment. I don’t know what happens, but sometimes comments don’t show up. You are just so sweet. I am so blessed to know you. Thank you for always saying the kindest, dearest things. You make me smile!! XO
Nikki
I enjoyed reading your list and your progress. Now, I am intrigued enough to think that Id like to participate. I am a list maker, however, I am not one to plan ahead. Are there any guidelines for making our lists? Yours was rather extensive. I think I might need baby steps…
🙂 gwingal
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Aren’t list the best? I do so much better when I have a list of to-dos to follow. There aren’t any guidelines at all for creating your list. You can make your list a combination of goals, activities, projects, etc. Just have fun with it. So glad to have you join us.
Jo Tracey
I’ve been super slack with updating my bucket list – so will have a major hurrah when I post on September 21! You’ve accomplished more than you’ve given yourself credit for
Leslie Roberts Clingan
This season’s bucket list taught me some important lessons. I hope to learn from the mistakes I made this go-round.