As we anxiously await the arrival of spring, it’s being reported that all of the lower 48 states have snow at this time.  So, it looks like Punxsutawney Phil was dead serious.  In fact, he seems to be downright angry, for some reason.  Well, I don’t know what happened to displease him, but it appears that there’s nothing more dangerous than a vengeful groundhog.

One thing for sure is that we all want to put this behind us, and welcome the warmer days, when we can put out our patio furniture, picnic tables, porch swings, hammocks, gliders, and outdoor sofas, and get back to some refreshing outdoor living.

However, the recent, crippling winter storms, which caused week-long power outages, impassable roads that took days to clear, and nearly-empty store shelves, have taught us that it is possible to have trouble surviving in our own homes.  That’s a lesson that is worth remembering, because, even without snow, at any time of the year, many things can happen, from natural disasters that affect millions, to individual emergencies that occur in our homes.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an emergency survival kit, which will include many things that you already have around the house; you may just have to stock up on some items.  Although, in most cases, you’ll probably just have to get through a power outage, you should still be prepared for the worst.

Naturally, the first thing you’ll want is a supply of batteries and flashlights.  Yes, you can use candles, but they pose a real danger, especially when people light a bunch of them in every room, to try to keep their entire houses bright.  Forget about that.  After all, you’re supposed to turn out the lights in empty rooms anyway, so it’s better to use only flashlights, or battery-powered lanterns, particularly with the powerful, long-lasting, LED flashlights that are available today.  Having a portable generator can be a blessing; but it has its own, long list of hazards and safety precautions, so make sure that you know how to use it properly.

You’ll also need a source of heat.  Even if you’re not in danger of freezing, you’ll still want to be comfortable, so, for starters, dress in warm layers, and always have plenty of extra blankets on hand.  If you have a fireplace, that’s great, but make sure that it’s clean and safe to use.  In fact, that should be a part of your yearly routine maintenance.  Kerosene and propane space heaters are also excellent for providing heat, but they, too, require many safety measures, and must be clean, fully operational, and constantly attended.

You should also have a supply of non-perishable foods, such as energy bars and canned goods (make sure you have a manual can opener) on hand.  Try to get things that can be eaten – and enjoyed – cold.

I know, right now, in many areas, it seems like everything’s cold, and impossible to enjoy; but spring will come soon, and winter will be a distant memory.  You know, I’ve heard that they may be making a movie about this month of monstrous storms, which they’ll call “Snowmageddon.”  Hmm.  I prefer, “The Wrath of Phil.”

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Don't worry, you'll be using fire places for marshmellows instead of warmth quite soon!

As I swept heaps of snow from my car this morning, I admit, it was difficult to think what kind of new years resolutions I should be putting in for my backyard, patio, and garden.  It seems like the days of crowding around picnic tables and lounging across Adirondack chairs to take in landscapes and gardens will never be upon us again.

But, isn’t that one of the wonderful things about gardening?  A new beginning stumbles to our feet every spring so we can try the flowers again that failed us last year, and even improve upon our vegetables that were so delicious last summer.  Gardening is a great reoccurring experiment; endlessly forgiving and always beckoning for more.

While many gardeners are vowing to pick their squash before they get too large, to keep up with weeding, or to stake their peonies and lilies to ensure they stay upright through rainstorms… my resolution is a bit more simplistic.  I want to spend more time outside, and to enjoy my time there.

It would seem that we spend all winter waiting for a day that doesn’t chill or shock us as we walk out our front door… but then we spend all summer inside our houses. Instead of spending my free time as the weather gets warmer on airplanes taking me far from home, I plan to stay in my own back yard.  Whether it’s the economy encouraging people to stay closer to home, or more environmentally conscious minds are realizing their ecological footprint grows with cross-country travel—the draw to your very own patio oasis is cost effective, family centered, sustainable, and… well… worthy of your New Years Resolution. Take more time for you and your family.

Instead of spending hours and hours (and dollars and dollars!) scheduling trips to spend time with my family, I want to have a place to casually gather without notice, without traveling, and without planning.  Though many are committing to weight loss, I’m committing to fire-fly blinking summer nights rich with the smell of bug spray and dinner on the grill.  The best table in the house will be my very own, and always open for picnic lunches and raucous dinners.  With a croquet or quoits game set up, some patio chairs, and maybe even a porch swing, I’ll be on vacation all season with plenty of activities and fun for my friends.  Let’s be honest: summer television is never worth it anyway, and the gentle breeze blowing through a gazebo or cabana is absolutely irreplaceable.  Who needs the traffic on the way to the shore, when I can just string my hammock between the posts on a pergola, and read a beach romance novel all afternoon?

a moment to treasure

Of course… I’ll also be spending plenty of days digging up vegetables, tending flowers, weeding with dedication, and creating the perfect scenery for my backyard oasis.  I’ll always mow the grass before it gets unruly and never forget to…

….I’ll never forget to have the garden hose ready when my puppy needs a bath on a sweltering day or a baby pool is looking dry, to keep the grill clean for perfect dinners “out,” keep my patio groups pulled close for get-togethers where no one has to worry about talking too loud, and always remember that my swing bed is waiting for me on the porch when I just need some time to relax.  If my flowers droop and weeds grow… my garden will always forgive me and wait until next year.  If I miss enjoying a beautiful season… that’s one thing I’ll never get back!

See you Outside!

Hazel