“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:”

– Mark 13:28

I’m so excited for summer. This week is the last week that I am contracted to work as the Science Lab Manager at a local university (you can read more about that here). While I’m still adjuncting, from now until my nine-month position starts again in August, I’m looking forward to summer for a couple of reasons:

• Canning

I discovered canning a few years ago, when my mom taught me how to waterbath can. For my birthday last year they got me an amazing waterbath canner, and I love using it! So far, I’ve made salsa, and quite a few rhubarb items (more on that in a second). My goal over summer is to keep practicing my canning skills, and learn from my mom how to pressure can, since I haven’t ventured into that yet!

• Gardening

I’m not very good at it, but gardening is fun! We have rhubarb plants that are doing so well! Our potatoes, onions, garlic, and chives are doing great too! It’s been a rather hot spell this week, so we’ve been trying to keep our other plants alive. The jury is still out on those, but I think the basil looks like its doing alright! Being able to grow food and then can it is definitely an amazing thing, and we’re working towards that!

• Cooking/Baking

I love baking, and not having to drive an hour each way to work (on top of an 8 hour shift) will be such a blessing. I’m looking forward to cooking and baking and making all sorts of goodies!

Aside from my top three things that I’m excited for, I’m looking at teaching violin lessons, potentially starting a from-home bakery/canning business (this one will require more research), and putting more time into Back To Stable Hill.

I thought this Bible verse was fitting for today’s short post. Seasons are often mentioned in the Bible, and this one is talking about how we will be able to see that Christ’s return is near (and is also mentioned in Luke 21:29-30). We see signs pointing towards summer. Things are growing after a hard winter, some plants are already producing crops (rhubarb, for example), and my contract is coming to a close the end of this week. These signs, much like ones that we can look for with Christ’s return, are all pointing to summer approaching – and the chance for me to learn new things, better hone my skills, and enjoy the three month break I have from driving to work (and the adjuncting will keep me busy)!

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Let me know if you have any comments/questions below or you can contact me here! I love hearing from you!

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