August Good Things List: Discover Kayaking Adventures, Healthier Granola, Inspiring Reads, and Must-Watch Shows
A curated monthly list of delightful experiences, essential purchases, captivating reads, compelling watches, and much more to enrich your life.
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Welcome to the heart of summer, often referred to as the “dog days of August”! For those of us enjoying the Pacific Northwest, August typically signifies a delightful continuation of the summer season. Our school year doesn’t commence until after Labor Day, allowing us to savor these long, warm days to their fullest. This month is packed with anticipation for various family gatherings, exciting outings, and, of course, significant progress on our ongoing farmhouse renovation projects. Our to-do list includes the hopeful completion of the garden’s deer fence, continued removal of the aged vinyl siding, and the intricate process of securing permits for our planned 8-foot bump-out addition. It’s a busy but rewarding time as we transform our vision into reality.
I sincerely hope you have an array of enjoyable activities planned for yourself this month. Whether it’s embarking on a new adventure, catching up with loved ones, or even the exciting (or sometimes daunting!) preparations for back-to-school, may your August be filled with moments that bring you joy and satisfaction!
For this month’s special edition of “Good Things,” I’m thrilled to share a fantastic destination for kayaking enthusiasts (or anyone who loves to swim, camp, fish, or simply relax outdoors). I’ll also reveal how I’ve made my beloved homemade granola even healthier, introduce you to some new kitchen tools I’ve recently acquired, and much more. You’ll find insightful reviews of the books that captured my attention and completion in July, alongside a few standout shows and movies my family and I enjoyed, which you might find entertaining too. As always, your recommendations are invaluable – please don’t hesitate to share your own “good things” with me; I absolutely love hearing what you’re discovering!
Good Things: Exploring August’s Best Discoveries
For anyone passionate about kayaking, or simply seeking serene natural beauty, Oregon’s Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway offers an abundance of breathtaking lakes. These pristine waters are absolutely perfect for nearly any type of small boat activity. While some larger lakes accommodate motorboats, the true gems are often the smaller, quieter lakes where motors are either prohibited or restricted to very low horsepower. This ensures a peaceful, unspoiled experience for paddlers and nature lovers.
The stunning lake pictured above, where we enjoyed a magnificent kayaking trip a few weeks ago, is Little Lava Lake. The majestic peaks gracing the horizon are the South Sister, the barely visible Broken Top, and the iconic Mt. Bachelor. The scene truly embodies the peaceful and calm atmosphere it projects, even on a bustling Saturday. Little Lava Lake is a natural formation, a testament to ancient lava flows (hence its descriptive name), and remarkably, this tranquil body of water serves as the very headwaters of the powerful Deschutes River. Imagine the journey this quiet stream begins! If you’re fortunate enough to live nearby, like us (about 1.5 hours away), you understand the privilege. However, even if you’re planning a camping getaway from afar, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the Cascade Lakes region. The sheer natural beauty, crisp air, and abundance of outdoor activities promise unforgettable memories and an awe-inspiring connection with nature.
This month, I enthusiastically joined the spiralizing bandwagon, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! My introduction to truly palatable “zoodles” (zucchini noodles) came during a visit with family in LaPine, following our kayaking adventure. Unlike past, less-than-stellar experiences, these zoodles were lightly warmed – I hesitate to say cooked, as they retained their delightful crispness (I have a strong aversion to soft, mushy squash!). Prepared in a pan with fragrant garlic olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and finished with a dusting of parmesan cheese, they were an instant hit. Even my daughter, who typically shies away from zucchini, loved them!
Naturally, this delicious discovery meant I absolutely needed a spiralizer of my own. My initial thought was to grab one of the inexpensive handheld versions, typically around $10. However, after some research, I realized those are primarily suited for softer vegetables like zucchini. I desired the versatility to spiralize harder produce such as carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. After diving deep into reviews and comparing various models, I ultimately settled on this Brieftons QuickFold 5-Blade Spiralizer. It was only a few dollars more than the basic models but offered significantly greater functionality. Brieftons is a well-established name in the spiralizing world, known for durable and versatile kitchen tools. This particular model seemed to offer the most flexibility and robust performance for its price point, allowing me to explore a wider range of healthy and creative meals. I’m curious: do you incorporate spiralized vegetables into your cooking, and if so, which tool do you find most effective?
For anyone who owns a Keurig or any other single-serve coffee machine that utilizes “K-cups,” I highly recommend exploring San Francisco Bay K-cups. What makes them truly stand out is their environmental footprint: they are almost fully compostable, a significant improvement over standard plastic cups. This eco-friendly feature makes me feel considerably better about using them, especially when combined with our practice of filling reusable baskets with our preferred ground coffee. It’s a step towards reducing waste without sacrificing convenience.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the coffee itself is excellent. We’ve been purchasing their whole beans from Costco for years, consistently impressed by their high quality for the price. Lately, my dietary changes mean I only drink decaf coffee, primarily for bone health considerations. Finding a dark roast decaf that genuinely satisfies has become quite a challenge. Discovering their French roast decaf K-cups for approximately $0.40 a cup was an absolute thrill. It’s not only a fantastic daily option for me but also incredibly convenient to have on hand for guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious, eco-conscious cup of coffee.
A few weeks ago, I experienced a minor tragedy in my kitchen: my beloved and trusty Cuisinart Classic food processor finally gave up the ghost. Heartbreakingly, the motor was still running as strong as ever, a testament to Cuisinart’s enduring quality. However, a critical piece of plastic broke off the lid, preventing it from fully latching. Without that secure latch, the machine simply wouldn’t activate. I genuinely *loved* that food processor. It was incredibly simple, powerful, and utterly reliable, serving me faithfully through countless kitchen tasks, from creating the finest bread crumbs to expertly kneading robust baguette bread dough. Its consistent performance made it an indispensable kitchen companion.
Naturally, I moved quickly to replace it, purchasing another Cuisinart Classic, which arrived last week. My research indicated that its 600-watt motor was still significantly more powerful than other machines in its price range, a key factor in my decision. However, I must confess, I am deeply unhappy with the “upgrades” introduced in this newer model. Specifically, the design of the feeding chute is a significant step backward. It now features flimsy plastic pieces that you have to meticulously push into place to lock the lid, allowing the machine to operate. These components feel alarmingly fragile, and I honestly doubt they would last more than a year, even with careful use. Furthermore, the redesigned pusher no longer comes out completely. This means that to utilize the full-sized feed tube, your food items must fit perfectly *inside* the tube, allowing the pusher to still lock into place for the machine to run.
Consider this: how many times did I simply drop full-sized carrots or long zucchini pieces into my old machine and gently push them with my hand until they fit the tube? Now, I am forced to precisely cut everything to *the exact internal size of the tube* – a task that is surprisingly difficult to eyeball accurately. This added step completely negates the convenience a food processor is supposed to provide. I honestly don’t believe this design will work for my cooking style or workflow. If I end up returning it – and I’m strongly considering it – what reliable alternative should I consider? It truly baffles me why they would tamper with such a simple, efficient, and well-loved design.
In my ongoing quest to make healthy eating both delicious and effortless, I recently started incorporating quick-cooking steel cut oats into my beloved quick and easy granola recipe. The most delightful surprise? The difference in the finished product is virtually unnoticeable in terms of taste and texture, yet the nutritional value and overall healthiness of my morning cereal have significantly increased. This simple swap provides a considerable health boost without any compromise on flavor or convenience. Steel cut oats, in comparison to their rolled counterparts, boast almost double the fiber content. This includes a higher proportion of insoluble fiber, which contributes to a lower glycemic index. This means they digest more slowly, providing sustained energy and helping to keep blood sugar levels stable, making them an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast.
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from discovering an easy substitute that elevates something you already cherish into an even healthier, more beneficial treat. It’s these small, intelligent adjustments in the kitchen that make a significant difference in long-term wellness.
July Reads: Diving Deep into Diverse Stories
I managed to read another seven books this past month, a pace that makes me wonder if this is becoming my new normal! It seems that when you actively seek out every possible moment to read or listen to audiobooks, the books simply get consumed. Here are the four outstanding titles that particularly resonated with me and stood out from the rest:
Cold Sassy Treeby Olive Ann Burns. I actually highlighted this novel as one of my “Cool Things” in a recent podcast episode, describing it as a fun and lighthearted exploration of small-town life. While it certainly begins with that charming premise, as I finished the book after the recording, I realized the narrative took a much sadder turn than I initially anticipated. Despite the shift in tone, I still thoroughly enjoyed the journey. It was just a bit darker and more poignant than the initial chapters led me to believe. Intrigued by the characters, I also picked up Leaving Cold Sassy, Ms. Burns’ unfinished follow-up to the original. While I longed to revisit the beloved characters, it proved to be a somewhat depressing read, lacking the vibrant humor and spirited narrative that made the first book so captivating.
Alas, Babylonby Pat Frank. This was the captivating audiobook that Brian and I listened to together this month, and it proved to be utterly fascinating. Written in the late 1950s, right at the height of the Cold War, the book’s premise is chillingly relevant: Russia launches nuclear warheads at the United States, devastating much of the country. Through the lens of a small Florida town that is miraculously spared, we witness the build-up to the catastrophe, the immediate aftermath, and the profound changes that unfold in the town over the course of the following year. Imagine major cities annihilated, the government in disarray, and a complete collapse of essential services – no water, no power, and dwindling food supplies once the initial stores run out. What truly happens to society in such a scenario? How do people react, adapt, or ultimately fail to cope? This was a truly immersive listen that sparked numerous deep conversations between Brian and me long after each session. It’s a powerful exploration of human resilience and the fragility of civilization.
The Four Lovesby C.S. Lewis. I’ve continued my ritual of listening to C.S. Lewis’s profound works while getting ready in the mornings, and this month, I completed two of his seminal books. The Four Loves offered incredibly interesting and deep insights into the various forms of love we experience throughout our lives: Affection, Friendship, Eros, and Charity (Agape). I particularly appreciated his in-depth examination of friendship and its paramount importance to human flourishing, a subject often overlooked in contemporary discussions of love. Lewis eloquently states:
Christ, who said to the disciples “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends “You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The Friendship is not a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all the others.
Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our natural lives.
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.
His words on friendship highlight its inherent value, not as a means to an end, but as a fundamental aspect that enriches life itself.
The Problem of Painby C.S. Lewis. This book proved to be an incredibly eye-opening and challenging read. It delves into the profound question of why a good and omnipotent God allows suffering in the world. I found it so thought-provoking that I believe I need to read it again in print, allowing myself to slow down and fully absorb every word and argument Lewis presents. Here are a few powerful thoughts and quotes that I specifically jotted down while listening:
God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
If God is wiser than we, His judgement must differ from ours on many things, and not least on good and evil. What seems to us good may therefore not be good in his eyes, and what seems to us evil may not be evil.
We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it’s there for emergencies but he hoped he’ll never have to use it.
These reflections underscore Lewis’s ability to articulate complex theological concepts in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply empathetic, offering solace and perspective on one of life’s most difficult questions.
Watching: Engaging TV Series and Family Films
TV/Streaming Series:
The Good Doctor – Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. We just began watching the first season of this highly acclaimed medical drama last week, after consistently hearing positive reviews since its debut last fall. So far, it has been exceptionally compelling, though it does contain some undeniably sad moments and delves into darker flashbacks concerning the protagonist’s challenging upbringing. Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon, is truly remarkable and deeply convincing. His performance masterfully captures the nuances of a brilliant mind navigating significant social challenges, making it at times excruciating to watch his struggles with social interactions, particularly when dealing with patients and their emotional families. We are eagerly looking forward to completing the season and witnessing Dr. Murphy’s continued growth and impact. (On a side note – I often wonder why medical shows feel the need for such graphic close-ups of surgical procedures, showing skin being cut and the internal workings of our bodies? Ugh – there are so many instances where we simply have to avert our gaze!)
The Night Manager – Available on Amazon Prime Video. This is a brilliant, one-season limited series from a few years ago, based on the acclaimed novel by John le Carré. We were primarily drawn to it because of our admiration for the two lead actors: Hugh Laurie, who delivers an incredibly nuanced and chilling performance as the formidable antagonist, and Tom Hiddleston, who shines as the enigmatic protagonist. The series is exceptionally well-crafted, boasting a super-suspenseful plot and an intricate web of mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a visually stunning production with high production values. Be advised, however, that it contains violent scenes, moments of genuine tension and peril, and a few brief, non-graphic nude/sex scenes. Despite these elements, its compelling storytelling and superb acting make it a standout espionage thriller.
Endeavour, Season 5 – Available on Amazon Prime Video. Brian and I have diligently watched every season of the PBS/BBC production of Endeavour, a masterfully crafted police drama and mystery series set in the picturesque city of Oxford during the swinging 1960s. Like many of the best detective shows, it consistently keeps us guessing until the very end of each intricate case. This series serves as a compelling prequel, tracing the early career of the character who would later become the popular Detective Inspector Morse in the classic 1970s BBC drama, Inspector Morse (both series featuring “Morse” as the main character’s surname, Endeavour being his rarely used first name). We did attempt to watch the original Inspector Morse after discovering Endeavour, but found it somewhat lacking in comparison, and the older character’s demeanor was notably less pleasant. It’s a bit bittersweet to realize we’re essentially watching the origin story of how the younger, more optimistic Endeavour gradually evolves into the more cynical Inspector Morse.
Seinfeld – Available on Hulu. Our thoughtful daughter gifted us a Hulu gift card for Christmas, and we finally began putting it to good use last month (she smartly advised us to start with the free trial first to extend our viewing time – a truly clever move!). Her primary motivation was to re-watch this iconic old series from the 1990s, a show we absolutely adored during its original run. So, we’re now enjoying a delightful re-watch with her. It remains as hilariously funny as ever, and yes, sometimes delightfully cringe-worthy in its observational humor. It’s truly a pleasure to have such a quick, lighthearted, and brilliantly written show to dip into occasionally, providing much-needed laughs and nostalgic comfort.
Movie:
Incredibles 2. We purposefully waited to see this highly anticipated sequel with our daughter, as the original Incredibles is arguably our favorite Pixar movie of all time. The follow-up was undeniably fun and visually spectacular, with incredible action sequences and stellar animation. However, we both felt it didn’t quite capture the same depth of heart, witty humor, and profound family dynamics that made the first film so exceptionally resonant. While still a solid animated feature, it didn’t quite reach the same emotional heights. Did you have a chance to see it? What were your thoughts on the sequel?
That concludes another exciting edition of the Good Things List! If you’re eager to discover more of my favorite recommendations and personal enjoyments, you can explore all the previous Good Things Lists here. I would genuinely love to hear from you – please share your thoughts, whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself, or if you have some fantastic “good things” you’d wholeheartedly recommend to me and other readers. Leave a comment below and let’s keep the good things circulating!
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