This is the last full week of summer. The kids go back to school next Wednesday. The hint of change is in the air. We have to buy school supplies tomorrow. Jonah needs to finish his summer book report. The kids forgot all their math facts in two months, so I've started quizzing them while we're driving to the swim club. What's five times nine, Jonah? Ian, what is six minus two?

Jonah's soccer training has begun. Dinner prep 4:00. Jonah eats at 5:00 and then gets on gear. 5:45, we drive to practice. 6:30 – everybody else eats. 8:00, pickup. 8:15-9:00 – shower, books, bed. Sigh, we're back on a schedule again.

I'm trying to block out these background pressures. I want to cling to summer laziness for just a bit longer. I'm going to hang out with my kids for the next four days, play Trouble at the swim club, and pretty much ignore everyone. I'm making a big taco dinner for the kids and their cousins tonight.

My Almost Homemade trick for Mexican rice: Saute a couple of scoops of Trader Joe's salsa in olive oil for a minute. Add a cup of basmati rice and cook in the oil/salsa for 30 seconds. Add two cups of chicken broth. Cook. When it's done, add a handful of chopped cilantro.

Blogging will be slow this week; it also might happen in manic bursts.