This Week at Acorn Hill
July 19-July 26, 2026
Pull up a chair. The kettle’s on.
Monday
I decided I needed something to help me move through the year with more intention. Traditional seasonal calendars never quite worked for me, so I created my own: A Year of Ordinary Magic.
It’s not a calendar of holidays or goals, but a collection of weekly invitations to notice the season I’m in and the ordinary moments that make it special.
Tuesday
My new raised beds arrived. Hooray! My current beds have decided to become one with the earth again and have disintegrated into the ground. I built them ten years ago (almost to the day). They have stood up well. I took the opportunity to invest in beautiful cedar beds from EarthEasy. I have had my eye on them for many years.
The beds arrived in eight big boxes. I felt terrible for the FedEx driver. As he walked away, I opened the door, waved, and mouthed, thank you. Luckily, the dogs didn’t notice.
Wednesday
Full day in the office today. It doesn’t happen often, so I can’t complain when I get the call to come in. I treated myself to an M&M cookie on my afternoon break since I had had 80% of my packed lunch before I even arrived at work. Why am I hungrier when I go into the office, vs. when I am working from home?
Thursday
Half day today.
Took Henry for training. He’s building up his confidence. He didn’t particularly like the rubber mat, but he did show courage by jumping up on the raised box.
When I got home, I went straight to building my raised beds. Instructions called for leveling out the space first. I pretended not to see that and put the pieces together anyway. I got three partially done and took a look. Should have listened to the instructions. Lesson learned.
Friday
The garden looks brilliant. Even though it’s in a state of transition, I still appreciate what’s there. I may never see the Echinacea bloom because of the bunnies, but I can enjoy the Black-Eyed Susans. They are always the star of the show this time of year anyway.
Saturday
New day, new approach. I’m going to slow down and enjoy the day. I don’t have to take Henry and Lucy for a walk, I get to. I don’t have to build my raised beds, I get to. No more rushing through “tasks” just to say I’m done.
I decided to start again with the beds. No more cutting corners. I will do one bed, take my time, and do it properly. If it takes me until the end of autumn to get all six built, then that is what it will take. And boy, is it worth it. It’s looking much better than before.
I celebrate by making a cherry and almond cake. It’s delicious. It goes well with my evening cup of tea.
Sunday
Today is for lavishing the long summer days.
Enjoyed a glass of Rose from Provence in the sunshine. Played with the dogs in the backyard. I’m trying to teach them not to bark as neighbors walk by. Needless to say, I may need to buy more treats.
This evening I made:
Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette
Crusty Bread & Irish Butter
Enjoyed on the deck with the family. Even James enjoyed it. I consider that a success. Beautiful evening with a slight breeze. We watched a hummingbird stop at the honeysuckle and a goldfinch stop at the bird feeder. I wish I could bottle this feeling.
Until next week,
Abby