Friday Free For All- mid Summer

      I think of this weekend as mid Summer. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend is 14 weeks, and tomorrow marks us at seven done. June felt odd. My daughter's were full of stuff on the next stage of life, friends seeing their youngest graduate, extended family had loads of life events, and then there was us, DH and I observing, helping a bit on the side. July burned in, literally, with heat and humidity. Normally I like summer, but my age must be showing. I just haven't had enough water time. I want to remedy that these remaining summer weeks.  Where else is my mind going and fingers tapping?

Luggage Needs 

     DD2 will not be home for Christmas. She'll be back in the US for her birthday, but back at school by the actual day, so thinking early gifts that she can use now might be good. What she needs is a large suitcase, currently only having a smallish one that just barely meets carry on luggage size. Part of me thinks she could make that work with a good packing job and a decent sized backpack. She's little and her clothes, minus a warm coat needed by December, are too. If not, a large suitcase would be a good gift. 

     But, have you seen the price of luggage? If I'm going to spend a small fortune I'd like to make sure it lasts. But, she probably will end up shipping things home, suitcase included. I suppose insurance would cover the case and contents if damaged. The flip side would be finding the least expensive option and assume it's a disposable item. Oh the first world problems, but recommendations appreciated. 

Food Trucks 

     Why are they so yummy? My younger daughter has a love hate deal with them. She's worked in several restaurants, so knows good and bad practices around food. She questions how well these best practices are in a tiny truck cranking out food in record speed. Our local dairy moved to a bigger location. To mark the move, they've had a cheese curd truck outside in their lot. I'm so tempted to stop when I've driven by, but so far resisted. Melty gooey deep fried cheese from local farms? That's decadence.

     DD2 went to a small "party in the park" Tuesday night, a collection of food trucks, and family friendly activities. She came back with a small margarita pizza, for a not small sum, but got both dinner and lunch from it. It smelled so good. I miss the Thursday Food truck at my office spring to early fall. I probably participated 1-2 times a month. It was a good networking lunch. There's a few trucks that pop up around town but I hear after the fact. What's your opinion? Love them or hate them? 

Ok, A Needless Buy 

     I needed to stop for Oragel on my way home from trivia at the grocery store. Poor daughter was in agony from an inflamed  gum, but no infection, no abscess. All her dentist prescribed was over the counter pain management. I passed an end cap with some 4th of July melamine serving ware. I couldn't resist so bought two long rectangle and two square serving trays, plus two dip bowls. One set to keep and one for my daughter. I spent a whipping $3.20, including tax. I thought the long platters would be so cute for watermelon slices, and the square and bowls for veggies to go with dip. I don't really have summer holiday things. I know, I'm supposed to be decluttering. DD2 asked where hers were. I'll gladly pass mine to her when she wants them. 

     That wraps up my Friday Free For All. Do you have summer holiday serving items? Do you like food truck fare? Luggage suggestions for her? Join in the conversation on these or whatever else you want to talk about.