Summer is Here!!

Tiger Lillies at my house

I know summer is not "officially" here but it might as well be.  Today was Isabel's first day of summer vacation.  She's going to a summer program while my husband and I work; I feel kind of bad for her because she's never had a "real" summer - sleeping in, hanging with friends all day, etc.  She's always had to go to a program.  I comfort myself knowing that she gets to go swimming and...heck, other kids are in the same boat.

My very first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box came yesterday!  The vegetables are awesome and soooo fresh.  I signed up with Round Right Farm and the first box had green onions, radishes, swiss chard, spinach and mixed greens (I also ordered some bakery fresh bread).  I can't wait til July-August when the box will be full of corn, tomatoes, beans, peppers,etc. and etc.


The photo doesn't do it justice



I also finished making my jam (it's currently in the fridge waiting to be "put up") and used some of the berries to make this:

Strawberry Upsidedown Cake

It tastes nice and carmelized, like pineapple upsidedown cake, but with strawberries.  It was really easy to make and I divided cake in to two separate pans so I could give one to a friend.

I went on a 1.5 mile walk with a friend yesterday evening and it was nice and refreshing.  My muscles felt really good afterwards.  I've been trying to watch my portion sizes too, so hopefully I will see some change in the scale come Monday.  I am leaving for Washington DC on Saturday for a conference and won't be back until Tuesday night, so I'm a little worried about my eating.  It's really hard on the diet when you have to eat all of your meals at restaurants.  I will try to be consious of my choices and drink lots of water.  The hotel has a fitness center so I'll also make a point to get some exercise in while I am there.  I always feel shitty after traveling for a few days - I think it's lack of exercise and poor food choices. 

I'll share some pics of my trip upon return!