Simpatico

I hear you, Buddy! Love our Green Market, but these early Saturday mornings wear me out. Nap time.

With proceeds from the lemonade stand

Nat raked in $7.50 today as a result of his lemonade stand. He even took the time to list the ways that he might like to spend his earnings:

• baseball cards
• toy truck
• flower seeds for Mom
• cardinal card for Dad
• toy doll for Lizzie

Many thanks to Leah, our friend and babysitter extraordinaire, for her loving and creative ways! You make the everyday an adventure for the Harpers!

I'm home!

What a beautiful thing to see as I arrive home from work today!

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Testing blogger on the go

"Rear Window"

Summer living in a small town suits my voyeuristic self just fine. I love sitting on the porch or taking a walk around town after sundown. The sights and sounds of so much living out in the open is reassuring to me.

The kids, Jefe and I had a late dinner and watched "Air Bud: World Pup" on the porch by candlelight. After the kids went to bed, I lingered and enjoyed the beautiful night, the crickets, and the sounds of our neighbor's house sitter playing the piano (possibly a treat that she doesn't have the chance to enjoy at her own home). It was beautiful.

And since my Jefe teaches film studies and loves, loves, loves his Hitchcock class, I couldn't help but think of "Rear Window" tonight.

Soaking up every moment of this summer. I don't complain much about N.W. winters, but I love, love, love my summers.

Cousins! Much to do in just a bit of time.

Aunt Katie, Mack & Hap dropped by on their way from Denver to Harrisburg. We had less than 24 hours with the Mayers, but we packed in a ton of fun: A birthday party to celebrate all the kids' birthdays throughout the year; a plant-watering/water play adventure in the backyard; a walk to the creek out back to skip stones and gather apples; dinner with Uncle Jefe at the Springfield Grille; sleep (zzzzzzzs at last for the little ones. Oh heck, at last for all); and last but not least, early to rise and blueberry pancakes before the Mayers hit the road and I set up for the Saturday morning Market.

I love this cat, but...

I think he peed on our porch.

There's an "S.P." for everyone! (Subtitle: Spain wins the World Cup)

Thank God that Iniesta scored for Spain & ended an otherwise frustrating and uneventful World Cup! We heart you Iniesta. You are our favorite player. And see, Jefe: there is indeed a Special Person for everyone!

NW Green Market + Mariah = A More Colorful Life

The New Wilmington Green Market debuted this June and has brought a burst of creativity and community to our little town! Who knew that this staid, conservative Presbyterian town had a bit of hippie in it! With our dedicated friend Val leading the way, we have been working hard to attract good faith organic farmers (including a few pioneering Amish), green artisans and musicians (for a few weeks anyway: the Amish Community's bishop said it was either "no music" or "no Amish" and we couldn't imagine giving up Dan Miller's yummy veggies and natural cheeses!).

Since we are a fledgling market, many of us have decided to jump right in and become vendors ourselves. My contribution has been "Simple Pleasures" (aka "S.P."). Jeff jokes that the "S.P." stands for "Special People". Well, since Mariah is indeed a special person and dear friend, I created this little mermaid cake topper set for her 4th birthday. Happy Birthday Mariah Bonita Swanson! I have watched you grow since the day that your mommy called to tell me that she just might be pregnant. How lucky we all were that Maureen's hunch was correct!

Life Imitating Daddy

Let the photos speak! Lizzie stole Jeff's spot at the table when he momentarily left his crossword puzzle to run and errand. Too funny!