finishing up summer

I found a couple of articles from Marie Ricks at House of Order that I thought might be helpful considering that August is in full swing now. I personally wish that I had a couple more months before I had to think about any of this.

FINISHING UP SUMMER

Because summer seems to end too soon and school descends before we are quite ready, many of our lives are in "overlap" during August. We don't really want to "finish" summer because the days are still hot and yet the requirements of clothing, school supplies, and homework are right before us. How do we handle this overlap period and gain the cooperation of our family members to help with the putting away of one season even as we prepare for the next one? May I suggest taking just a few minutes this week and making an "overlap" list?

Yes, fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise and write "Finish Up Summer" as the heading on the left side and "Begin School" on the right side. Then list on the left side the items which need attention to complete your summer activities and list on the right side items needing your attention to get ready for school/autumn. Maybe put the list on your fridge and add to it as you remember other items. This will also bring it to the attention of your family members and possibly you can elicit their cooperation and help.

I know that some of you don't have school beginning or are maybe on a year-round school schedule, but even then finishing up summer and beginning fall will "happen" next month which means we must be thinking about it this week if we are to stay organized.

My own "finish summer" list would include three times for harvesting and freezing vegetables from my garden, having another evening picnic in the canyon, and altering three skirts for September's needs.

My "start school" list will include purchasing Spanish tapes (as I want to learn that language during the upcoming winter months), buying warm socks, and taking advantage of the school supply sales as I'm low on binders, pencils, and glue.

Thinking now, making a written list, and then transferring these goals to your regular routines during August will make the "overlap" season happen with greater ease. Good luck, my friends. The long, hot days will be waning soon. It will be sad to say goodbye to a good summer, but we'll be glad to be ahead of the game (at least in theory) as we approach a new scholarly season.

SCHOOL CLOTHES INVENTORY

I'm sure you don't want to hear it, but for many school districts in my area (and maybe in yours, too), school will begin in about one month from now. Ouch! Where did the summer go and do we need to think of school already?

Yes, I would propose it is time to do a school clothing inventory, figure out what clothes you have on hand, what you can use for this year's needs, and what you will need to purchase to fill out each child or teenager's wardrobe?

I have attached a simple form to help expedite this process, keep the budget in tow, and help you along the way. This form is also useful for those of you who have grown children but would like to update and improve upon your own or spouse's working wardrobe. What do you have? What works? What needs to be added? How much do you have to spend?

Remember, all projects, especially a big one like this, are best done in small steps. First, we will take an inventory. That will take a bit of time (with everything else that needs doing). Then soon afterwards, we will begin shopping with our printed inventories (which will then act as our shopping lists). Finally, we will mend, alter, and otherwise label the items so they will have a chance to be used for the whole of next year (layering for seasonal weather needs).

One word of caution. Some children and teenagers seem to grow the most between when you shop for pants and they begin school. Buy big at the waist and long at the leg to allow for this spurt of growth.

So, my friends, with all else that is on your mind, get out enough boxes for each of your family members and label them: School clothes for ___. This can act as you initial stash as you sort, find, and make decisions.

Out of season clothes that useful but not needed right now (meaning that they are the size between two children) should be stashed in additional, labeled boxes or containers. My favorite labeling system is: Boys-1 pants, Boys-2 shirts, Girls-1 pants, Girls-1 tops, Girls-1 skirts/dresses, etc. for all ages.

Let's get going! School will be starting up again too soon this year unless we get a head start on our preparations!