This summer has been pretty nice. July and the first week of August were jam packed. Now suddenly it’s the second week of August and I’m faced with back to school talk and a keen awareness of evening light lost.

Between two local vacations, a kid-free week at home, an 80^th birthday celebration for my dad and a variety of summer get-togethers, I seem to have completely lost track of this summer. I didn’t even realize that this Tuesday had come and gone and I never posted a blog.

But now, with my head on straight and a bit more clarity, I’m ready to get back into the swing of things. Yes, there is still plenty of summer to enjoy, but I like the idea of easing into the chaos that is soon to come with two girls now in high-school.

Today’s photo comes to you courtesy of my oldest daughter, Julia. It was so pretty and fitting I asked to use it. The butterfly represents transformation and, in some way, I felt my entire household transformed over the summer. Both of my girls spread their beautiful wings and became dramatically more independent. Tony and I embraced it and did our own thing more than ever before.

Oddly, for us, one big moment this summer wasn’t really a moment at all. After weeks of anguish wondering if we’d ever get Julia’s driving school on-roads scheduled, she was able to successfully lock down her remaining dates. I swear, this feat rivaled scoring front row seats to a Taylor Swift concert or Hamilton.  Assuming all goes as planned, Julia will be a licensed driver by mid-October.

Ally seemed more excited about this than Julia. It’s clear she sees Julia taking over as her personal chauffer. Apparently, she desires later pick up times than Tony and I are able to accommodate with our “early” bedtimes.

As is always the case for me, I’m ready for fall – it’s my favorite season. However, this year, I’m sad to see summer end.

How has your summer been? What’s your summer highlight so far? Comment below!!!

Next Week

I am finally getting around to my book club review of “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty. Book club was yet another thing that got away from me this summer, but hopefully we can get back on track this fall. Gals of book club – let’s pick a new book! Any recommendations?

Finding the Right Groomer

If you’ve got a dog that requires grooming, you know that finding a good groomer can be just as challenging as finding the perfect hairdresser.

Some dogs don’t require the same level of expertise when it comes to their cut, but schnauzers are a particular breed. They have specific grooming standards and on top of that, I am fussy. It is important to me that Oscar’s “look” match his fastidious personality. At one point, I thought I’d never find just the right groomer.

Happy Tails Andover

That is until I found Happy Tails Andover. I could not be happier with Oscar’s groomer, Amanda, and have recommended her to many of Oscar’s furry friends. This Tuesday I dropped Oscar off for a summer cut and his schnauzer friend Charlie was there getting primped at the same time. So cute!

In addition to Amanda having mad skills when it comes to the specifics of Oscar’s skirt, beard and brows, the entire crew at Happy Tails Andover puts me at ease when I drop him off. Tina, the owner, is lovely and always accommodating when scheduling appointments. And Liz, who is often in the salon grooming other cuties when Oscar arrives, is an absolute doll.

If I’m being honest, Happy Tails Andover is my 7^th groomer in the four years we’ve had Oscar. I’ve left the others for a litany of reasons including bad cuts, bad attitudes or bad handling. I recognize that I’m probably over the top when it comes to the perfect groomer for Oscar, but I’m glad I kept searching for just the right one because I am so happy with Happy Tails Andover.

The dogs days of summer have nothing on my schnauzer’s sleek summer cut! Thank you Amanda and all the folks at Happy Tails for putting an end to my search.

Blog on Break!

I can’t believe next week welcomes August! Thank you for reading and I hope you are enjoying the summer. The blog will be on break next week! I hope to see you back here on August 8^th.

A Few Firsts

This summer has been full of firsts. First time I saw Jimmy Fallon at the Wolfeboro parade that we’ve both attended for years, first time both of my girls are working real jobs, first time in 16 years that both girls were simultaneously away for more than one night and first time I dragged Tony to a shopping event that he didn’t hate.

This past week welcomed my first kid-free staycation. Tony and I talked about going somewhere, but the ideas of just being home was even more appealing to me. It was our first real taste of life at home when both girls are off to college.

Of course I missed my girls, but I have to admit this was a really nice week.

Top of the ToDo List

As we looked for things to do, at top of my list was a trip into Boston to check out SoWa Open Market. I blogged about my Instagram Field Trip to Giardini Di Sole in SoWa a while back in which I express wanting to return to experience SoWa Open Market.

On Saturday, Tony and I did just that and it was awesome. Weather-wise is was a lovely day and when we got to our destination the scene was lively, but nicely not overcrowded.  We learned that Saturday is the quieter of the two Open Market days. If you are looking for more vendors, more food trucks and more of a crowd, Sunday is the day to go.

SoWa Open Market

If you haven’t heard much about SoWa and the Open Market here’s what you should know. SoWa stands for South of Washington and on any day, it’s a fabulous art and design district in Boston’s popular South End. The resident art galleries, boutiques and restaurants offer an eclectic mix of experiences for your eyes, taste buds and wallet.

SoWa Open Market further adds to the area’s fun and fine flavor when every Saturday and Sunday from April 29-October 29, a slew of artisans, farmers, brewers and musicians tent up outside for a cool and distinctive festival experience. Food trucks round out the hip scene.

Everything about our day trip was enjoyable, interesting and tasty. Neither Tony or I had eaten from a food truck and I was all in to give it a try. Tony, not so much. “Come on,” I said, “Get with it!” I watch enough Food Network to know that food trucks are where it’s at. No sooner was I enjoying my Vietnamese vegetarian dumplings from the Saté Grill truck than Tony’s reluctance weakened and he was cozied up to the NEOTB (North East of the Border) Taco Truck followed by a box meal of really yummy Korean bulgogi beef and a crispy veggie roll back at the Saté truck.

SoWa Vendors

Finally, Tony and I were also impressed with the SoWa market vendors whose wares we’d be unlikely to find elsewhere. So many unique items caught our attention and Tony actually walked away with more purchases than I did.

I’m looking forward my next trip in to SoWa Open Market. It’s the perfect, non-touristy, outdoor city experience when you are looking for something artsy, unusual and unique. Tony’s last words…”I loved that!”