I wasn't going to make more jam. Seriously, I thought I'd sworn off canning. But when the fruit is free...

One Sunday, a friend noticed the wild currant bushes on our ranch had produced a crop of berries. They were a bit sparse, but there were several bushes. We picked a hat-full. 

I brought them home, and thought about how to use them. This same friend had gifted me with a bag of frozen clove currants from her garden. 

I still didn't have quite enough currants, so I threw in a cup of frozen cranberries.

I pulled out the canning recipe book, and got to work.

​Photos, from currant bush to finished product.

Last year, the annual summer  Shakespeare-in-the-Park was cancelled due to COVID-19. This year, with uncertainty about the possibility of an in-person event, the UCCS Theatreworks tried something new. And yet as old as entertainment from ages past.

Theater in-the-round, and outdoors. A Midsummer Night's Dream has been performed in multiple venues. There are still a few shows left! We caught the performance in the park behind our local library.

Quite a crowd showed up, some with umbrellas for shade. The actors tolerated the heat well, and gave a lively performance. We were all grateful when clouds provided some relief from the afternoon sun. 

Although Theatreworks may move back into the large tent and folding chairs next summer, I think I might prefer this casual arrangement. Kudos to the troupe for bringing entertainment to the masses. It was a wonderful experience.

The days are now getting shorter, but the weather is warmer. I'm not sure how that works. I'm enjoying being outside at night without being dressed for an arctic expedition.

For over a decade and a half, we have been fixing up our outdoor living space. That included replacing our deck after I put a foot through a rotted step. 

This summer, we've reached a moment in time where our deck, flower beds, and the patio under the deck, have achieved a pinnacle of beauty and utility. 

I'm trying to make the most of it, because Colorado's summer season is short.

This weekend, we're going to a free play in a local park. Theatreworks is presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's an afternoon performance, but I expect to spend evening time on our deck afterwards, discussing the highlights of the play.

I hope wherever you live, you are able to enjoy free, or inexpensive, local entertainment this summer.