We’re all aware of the chores that we have to do around our houses while the weather is still warm.  The problem is that we always think that we have plenty of time to accomplish them; but, the next thing we know, it’s the end of July, and August is charging straight at us.    

Besides the gardening, yard work, and maintenance, there will be things that are in need of repair.  So, while you’re outside, cooking on the grill, sitting in your porch chair, or playing croquet in the backyard, look around and see what needs your attention.

For example, if you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, patio, sidewalk, or pool area, check to see if it is cracked or dirty.  Do a thorough inspection, so that you don’t miss any spots that need to be fixed.  Move any outdoor dining tables and lounge chairs that are around the pool, and look under your patio chairs, accent tables, and picnic table.  Clear all of the outdoor furniture away from the places that you are going to be cleaning or mending.

Use a power washer to clean concrete; and, while you’re at it, observe the direction in which it sends the water off its surface.  If it’s causing it to flow toward your home, that could be troublesome.  Check around the outside of the foundation for any spots that may be cracked, crumbling, or deteriorating in any way.  Next, go down to your basement and examine it from the inside, looking for water stains, or any other signs of leakage.

If you discover that water is getting in, you may be able to change the course of the drainage, by removing or altering the grade of the concrete.  If you can’t correct the problem on your own, consult a professional.

To get rid of oil or grease stains on driveways, or garage floors, you can use TSP (trisodium phosphate), which you’ll find at any hardware store or home center.  This stuff really works well, but you’ll have to wear rubber gloves when you’re using it.  Just mix one cup of it with a gallon of hot water, saturate the area, and let it soak in for a half-hour; then, scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush, and rinse completely.

To patch up concrete, clean the damaged section with a wire brush, then sweep away any residue with a whisk broom.  For narrow cracks, use masonry crack filler, which is available in cartridges, so you can inject it into the gap.  Fill larger crevices with vinyl concrete patching compound, and smooth them over with a putty knife.

When you’re dealing with asphalt, it’s actually a good idea to look for cracks at least twice a year.  If and when you find any, you can quickly eliminate them by using a caulking gun to fill them with asphalt patching caulk, then leveling the surface with a putty knife.  Otherwise, they’ll just keep growing wider, and, eventually, growing vegetation.

Sure, you just want to be able to relax on your porch swing and admire the view; but you certainly won’t enjoy watching a bunch of weeds sprouting from – and ruining – your driveway, especially when you know that it’s all your phalt.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy.

classic Pasisian balconies

If you have a small porch, you may be confronted with the issue of choosing and arranging outdoor furniture that will make the most of this outdoor space.  But, before you start fretting, take a moment to give thanks!  Even a small Parisian balcony is something to be thankful for, as an outdoor space attached to your home is a wonderful gift.

But, now that you’re thoroughly thankful for your porch, it’s time to figure out how to make the most of it.

For you dwellers of the small porch, don’t shy away from adding patio furniture.  I find Adirondack chairs and outdoor rocking chairs the most versatile pieces for smaller porches.  They’re easily transportable, fun to re arrange, and can be grouped or separated as needed.  Try facing all of your patio chairs outward to face the view.  You might be thinking, “My view is of a busy road and a neighbor that frequently mows the lawn in his underwear.” You could look into planting trees or trellis sections along the edge of your yard to block that view entirely with green.  But, we’re focusing this post on porches! So, why not try hanging a multitude of hanging flowers and plants around your porch?  Or, if the situation is serious, see if you can hang durable indoor-outdoor curtains or sheers to help camouflage the view. But, also don’t discount the fun of people watching.  While you may have tired of your exhibitionist neighbor-landscaper, your guests might find it thrilling!

Using a mix of outdoor rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, patio chairs, and other outdoor furniture, you can arrange them to all face out but cluster them to still encourage conversation.  If you feel comfortable, by all means go for larger porch gliders or garden benches, but don’t over-crowd your porch if the space just isn’t available.

Also, evaluate how you’ll use your porch carefully.  Are you looking for a space to relax or to relax… and eat? Or both?  Your porch might not fit a picnic table, but there are plenty of outdoor bistro sets and trestle picnic tables that are perfect for small outdoor spaces.  Plus, you can pull the chairs or benches from that bistro set over to your other outdoor chairs if you have a few extra people over to sit a spell.

If outdoor dining is really your preferred method of enjoying your porch, by all means go for it!  Survey your options for patio dining sets and outdoor bistro sets until you find something that fits your space, your style, and your budget.  And, don’t be afraid to ask for customized options!

If you have the room, make sure to still craft a little secluded corner for yourself.  Even if you use an outdoor rocking chair you plan to pull over to the larger group when guests arrive, have a home base for it.  Add an outdoor accent table for piling books and setting your drink on, and know that that little corner of the porch will be your special spot.  If you prefer afternoon naps to afternoon snacks… string a hammock in the corner of your porch.  It will give you a retreat, while adding a hint of relaxing whimsy to your over-all design scheme.

No matter the size of your porch though, porch swings will work anywhere!  In fact, you might want to use one  to craft that personal retreat I mentioned earlier.  Find an outdoor furniture retailer that provides customizable lengths, measure the widest part of your porch, and ask them what size they recommend to get the most use from the area.  Don’t forget to also get plush outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows to make your porch swing a destination!

So, no matter the size, shape, or view from your porch… remember that it’s a blessing! Use your space wisely with expert outdoor furniture arrangement, and you’ll enjoy it for longer!

Have Fun!

Hazel

I think we’re all guilty of not appreciating what we have.  So often we look out to our porches and outdoor spaces and wish we could have that front page worthy living or dining area.  And then, deciding we can’t completely furnish a new outdoor room, we walk away and let our backyards and patios stay non-functional and boring.

But, on a tight budget, it’s still completely possible to create an outdoor space that you feel comfortable entertaining in.  The first step is to assess what you already have.  Adirondack chairs are great because they can be used in large numbers, alone in the corner, or as a part of a varied outdoor furniture set. If it’s crafted from pine or cypress, you can change the look and brighten it up by adding a coat of paint.  Plus, indoor pieces can often transition to outdoor furniture.  Have a side table that just doesn’t fit into your living room anymore?  Paint it or stain it, then use it in your outdoor space!

When looking at new outdoor furniture, look for pieces that are both versatile and durable.  Going with the most inexpensive furniture you can find might save you money now, but you’ll be in this same predicament by next spring.  Invest now so you can enjoy it for a lifetime.  A good way to see how long-lasting a piece will be is to consider its material, hardware, and construction.  Teak, Eucalyptus, and Cedar are some of the most durable woods available.  While Cypress and Pine also do very well when properly painted, treated, or maintained.  Stainless steel hardware will last you your whole life, and definitely worth looking for, but galvanized steel will serve you well too.  Finally, pieces individually handcrafted from artisans and made in the United State will last infinitely longer than those mass produced overseas.  It’s important to spend your money wisely.  As your outdoor furniture will come into contact with the elements on a regular basis, it’s vital to ensure that it’ll last!

Well, now that you know that criteria… the fun part is picking out your outdoor furniture (of course!)   How do you envision yourself using your outdoor space and who is going to be using it most?  Al fresco dining is fantastic and patio dining sets come in all shapes and sizes.  Looking for just a cozy spot to escape with a loved one? Try an outdoor bistro set that can nestle into a corner.  Hoping to host raucous backyard bashes full of kids and family? Better go with an ultra heavy-duty picnic table that’s big enough to accommodate all the hungry eaters.  Of course, if you’re looking for more of a lounge area than an eating area, you can always take your plates out to the deep seating or patio chairs anyway.  A great deep seating collection is going to be luxurious, hugely functional, and incredibly long lasting.  But, if money’s tight, you can always go with a nice garden bench or patio chair and add an outdoor cushion to still lend comfort.

Outdoor design is not about how much money you can spend.  It’s about getting creative about what you already have and deciding on pieces that are worth your investment.  If you choose your outdoor furniture wisely to serve your needs while mix and matching it with pieces you already have… you’ll have a wonderful outdoor space that you’ll love to come home to!

Have Fun!

Hazel

Everyone has a different picture of the ideal backyard.  Some people like grand gardens that feature arbors, trellises, pergolas, and garden bridges, while others feel it’s more important to have lavish entertainment areas furnished with grills, picnic tables, and patio chairs.

There are also those who love the thought of creating private little havens on their patios or in their gazebos; and some people want nothing more than outdoor rocking chairs on their back porches.  The interesting thing is that, no matter how diverse they are, most people’s ideal scenarios also include lush lawns and beautiful flowers; but not a single weed.

There’s no doubt that it’s a perpetual struggle to eliminate weeds; and, alas, our fantasies are among the few places that they can’t actually invade.  We do, however, put forth valiant efforts to thwart them, some of which we covered yesterday.  Of course, there are other things that can be done, besides pulling them up, digging them out, spraying them, or salting them (or sautéing them).

For one thing, you can try to keep them from growing in the first place (or any place), by launching a pre-emptive strike.  If you want to go the way of the spray, you’ll find many weed killers that supposedly prevent them as well; but you do have other choices.

Among these are weed barriers, which, like everything else, have their strengths and weaknesses.  Available in fabric and black plastic, they control the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching their seeds, and keeping them from putting down roots.  Fabric barriers let some moisture and air through to the roots of plants; but weed seeds that land on them can put down roots through the fabric, get tangled in it, and tear it when you try to extricate them.

In contrast, plastic barriers are impenetrable by the weed roots, so, yeah, they also keep out the sunlight, water, and oxygen that plants require.  Obviously, you can’t poke holes in the plastic to benefit the plants, without allowing the weeds in, too.  Another drawback is that, because the plastic is slick, any mulch that you cover it with may be washed away by even a moderate rainfall.  Therefore, fabric is more suited for use in flower beds, and plastic, in places that you want to keep absolutely weed-free.

Mulch is another option that has a lot of points in its favor.  The first, and most important, is that it’s very effective in inhibiting the growth of weeds.  Furthermore, because it insulates the soil, it keeps roots from being compressed by foot traffic, prevents bulbs from blooming too early, and conserves water, by slowing evaporation.  Beyond that, it comes in endless types and hues, so it can add color, texture, and variety to your landscape.

A covering of mulch over a garden bed should be applied in a four-inch layer, thinned to two inches around plants.  It shouldn’t be allowed to come in contact with tree trunks, or your house, garage, or shed, as it promotes decay.  It also erodes and blows away eventually, so you’ll have to replace it periodically.  Keep grass clippings from spraying into it when you mow, and remove fallen leaves from it.  If they’re left to decompose in the mulch, they’ll invite weed seeds to breed.

Indeed!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Of the millions of Independence Day celebrations that will be taking place this weekend, a large percentage will be pool parties.  If you’re going to host one, don’t skimp on the red, white, and blue decorations, when it comes to your pool house or cabana.

Of course, outdoor décor, although key, is not your first consideration; nor, for that matter, is the food.  If you own a pool, you know that ensuring the safety of all those who will be using it takes precedence over everything.  After all, you want everyone who goes swimming to have fun, and emerge feeling refreshed and, perhaps, hungry for another burger hot off the grill.

Obviously, the first, and most crucial, precaution is to never allow kids to go into the water unsupervised.  Even those who know how to swim, or are using flotation devices, can develop cramps underwater, or hit their heads, before anyone knows what’s happening.  Moreover, no child under four years old should be in the pool at all, unless accompanied by an adult.

So, make sure that there are enough patio chairs, lounge chairs, or steamer chairs around the pool, positioned too much to drink.  Anyone overseeing children must be fully alert, and able to keep track of them; and that’s hard enough as it is, because, as I’ve noticed many times, while watching kids at pools, they all seem to look alike when they’re wet!

It’s also a good idea to set rules – in writing – and post them prominently, poolside, along with emergency numbers.  Make sure that everyone reads them before going into the pool, and knows that they will be strictly enforced.  Keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook, or a life preserver, nearby; and, if you don’t already know it, learn CPR.  Don’t hesitate to yell at your kids if they violate any regulations; and, if necessary, do it loudly enough to scare their friends straight, too.

All pools should be enclosed with fences, at least four feet high, which have gates that can be locked, and no nooks or crevices that can be used as footholds.  Keep outdoor furniture, such as garden benches and picnic tables, away from the outsides of the fences, so that kids can’t use them as aids in climbing.

When they’re not in use, pools should be covered; otherwise, open them completely.  Never leave a cover on partway, because kids may get trapped beneath it.  When an above-ground pool is not in use, remove its ladder.  Don’t leave toys near the pool, especially moving things, such as tricycles and wagons.

Never let anyone dive into an above-ground pool, or from the sides of an in-ground pool; and don’t let anyone go down a slide head-first.

It’s also important to remember that even small amounts of water, such as can be held in wading pools, hot tubs, fountains, barrels, and even buckets, can pose perils to small children.

The point is to (please!) just be safe and happy, and have a wonderful time celebrating this, the

234^th birthday of our nation; and (please!) be kind to each other while you’re at it (aw, heck, I know you will!).

Happy, Happy, Safe, Safe Fourth of July!

Kathy

In most areas of the country, this is considered to be the best time of the year for selling homes.  In fact, unless they have urgent reasons for doing so, many people won’t dare to put theirs on the market when the weather is cold.

The general feeling is that houses look a lot friendlier when the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the trees and grass are green, and flowers are in bloom.  Patio furniture is also a factor, because, in the winter, it is either stored away, or hidden under outdoor furniture covers.  Undoubtedly, a porch swing, some comfortable patio chairs, and a pitcher of lemonade on an outdoor coffee table, make a much more inviting tableau.

On the other hand, every season has its drawbacks; and, in summer, one of the biggest is that the fast-growing vegetation can quickly get out of control, making your home look unkempt.  Therefore, it can be a struggle to maintain “curb appeal,” the term that refers to the desirability of a home, when viewed by passersby, especially prospective buyers.

Indeed, this first impression can influence a person’s decision about whether or not to even bother taking a tour of the house.  Moreover, many realtors say that the landscape is so important that, if it looks shabby, some people won’t even get out of their cars.

Of course, even if you’re not selling your home, it’s a good idea to keep it in (or close to) showcase condition at all times.  For starters, practice regular maintenance, and you’ll catch minor problems that can be inexpensively repaired, rather than letting them sneak up on you and become major headaches that you may have to pay professionals to fix.

These things can take us by surprise, because we’re so used to seeing our homes and yards, that slight changes often go unnoticed.  They can be anything, from vines that are trimmed one day, and strangling roses the next, to a minuscule spot of mold that doesn’t draw attention until it destroys an entire wall.

To evaluate your own home’s curb appeal, try looking at it through the eyes of a potential buyer.  Every so often, park across the street, and approach it, as if for the first time, taking in every detail.  Start from the actual curb, and check to see if your parking spots, driveway, and walkways are free of debris.

Look at your mailbox.  If it’s battered or rusty, replace it with a nice, decorative mailbox; and get a new mailbox post, too, if yours is dilapidated or splintered.  Glance around and make sure that the greenery is perfectly manicured, and that your outdoor décor items, such as birdfeeders, planters, porch furniture, and outdoor lamps and lanterns, are clean and attractive.

Whether or not you’re going to be selling it, this exercise is a good way to, at least, get an idea of where your house stands.  I mean, appeal-wise, of course.  Obviously, you know where it stands, or you’d always be getting lost.  Well, you know what I mean!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As I believe I’ve mentioned a time or two (hundred!), every year, millions of people turn their yards, porches, decks, patios, and gazebos into outdoor living rooms.  This has been going on for quite some time now; and it doesn’t appear that the trend will ever end.  In fact, it’s reaching new heights, as these exterior spaces are also being made into outdoor kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, game rooms, guest rooms, and just about any other type of room you can name.

If you’re trying your hand at this kind of landscaping, and you have a large area to develop, it may be difficult to know where to begin.  That’s no wonder, because it’s like trying to decorate a house that doesn’t have walls or ceilings.  Wait a minute.  Like that?  No.  It is that!  After all, without walls and ceilings, it’s not a house; it’s a yard.  So, there you are.

Still, you can approach the task as if you’re remodeling the inside of your home.  All you need is some structure; or, rather, structures, as in, the garden varieties.  Yes, you can use garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas, to define your outdoor rooms, and then work on each section as a single, manageable project.

Start by determining how much space you have, and how many outdoor rooms you want.  Make sure that they will all be large enough to suit the functions that you have in mind for them.  Otherwise, you may have to give up a room, or design one for dual purposes, as you don’t want things getting too crowded.

A dining area should be spacious enough for, at least, a grill, a picnic table (or outdoor dining table), some patio chairs, and a few accent tables.  To add more privacy or shade around a pool, place some trellises in key locations, leaving an adequate expanse of grass open for playing lawn games.  If you want just a quiet little retreat, you may need only a remote corner of your yard.

If you already have a gazebo, pool house, cabana, or sunroom, use it as a focal point, and build around it, tailoring the other areas to specific uses.  You can use anything, from a simple trellis, to a paneled garden screen, depending upon the degree of isolation, and the style, that you desire.  Even if you have limited space, one carefully-chosen piece, such as a gated arbor with a swing, or a double planter bench with a lattice back, can instantly become a miniature haven.

Actually, you can have a lot more fun – and a lot more freedom – designing rooms in your backyard, than you do when working within the confines of your house.  For one thing, having trellises as walls lets you change the size of an area any time you wish.  Moreover, with patio furniture now available in so many styles and colors, there are tons of decorating options as well.

Of course, you’ll also be able to select from thousands of varieties of gorgeous climbing flowers, which will surround you with color, and bring your outdoor rooms to life.  So, I guess that would make them living rooms, in the truest sense.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Every year, millions of people get married outdoors.  Some take their vows in their own backyards, as they stand in beautifully-decorated gazebos, or beneath arbors or pergolas, while others choose public places, such as parks or beaches.  No matter where the ceremonies are held, however, those who are planning outdoor weddings must be prepared for every eventuality.

For example, I once attended an outdoor wedding in Minnesota, during the second week of October.  Naturally, when I first heard of it, I was worried that the event could be ruined by cold temperatures, rain, or, considering the location, even an early snow.  Instead, there was a freak heat wave, and it was 94º on the big day!

Now, even in August, that would have been a bit uncomfortable; but it wouldn’t have been the nightmare that it was for the out-of-towners who had packed for chilly weather.  So, if your ceremony is going to be outside, stay abreast of weather conditions, and e-mail your local forecast to long-distance guests a few days in advance.

Remember, their comfort is key to the success of your event; and, aside from the weather, seating is one of the most crucial considerations.  For the actual ceremony, of course, you’ll probably have to rent some wood outdoor folding chairs.  If you want to dress them up, you can use ribbons, or, for a more formal look, go to any event planner and get some of those white outdoor furniture covers that are designed to slip right over the chairs.

Afterward, during the period when people will be mingling, make sure that they will find patio chairs, garden benches, outdoor sofas, settees, porch swings, and porch gliders, in all areas where they are welcome to wander.  Don’t leave anyone without a place to sit.

Wind is another thing that can blow your plans; and it can kick into high gear on any day of the year.  Therefore, it’s best to avoid light fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, for bridal, and bridal party, gowns.  Likewise, long trains and veils may prove to be injudicious selections if it really gets gusty.  You should also plan for wind when you’re getting your hair done for the occasion.

Of course, even more substantial materials will be tossed around in very high winds; so, for good measure, you may want to use fishing weights, which can be spray-painted to match any color, to hold down veils, dresses, and tablecloths.  You can also use the weights on ribbons, and attach them to place cards, to keep them where they belong; or put the cards into decorative photo frames, which will be your favors.  Moreover, be sure that the patio umbrellas on your outdoor dining tables and picnic tables are held down firmly with heavy umbrella stands.

Indeed, there’s an endless list of details to tend to, in order to be certain that your outdoor wedding will go off without a hitch.  Uh, I’d better make that, in order to be certain that everything will go smoothly.  After all, if there’s not a hitch, it won’t actually be a wedding!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

When you’re having an outdoor wedding in your backyard, there are, of course, many things to worry about, besides the insects that are waiting to crash the affair.  During every step of the planning stage, the comfort of your guests must be your paramount concern.  Then, after each detail is painstakingly worked out, and you think that you’ve got everything covered, go back to the beginning, and make arrangements for the unexpected.

As I’ve said before, even if you’re having a simple cookout, it’s essential that you supply everything that anyone could possibly need, before you sit down at the picnic table.  Well, that’s nothing, compared to the magnitude of preparedness that is required for an outdoor wedding.

Naturally, it’s absolutely necessary to have some sort of shelter.  If you own a gazebo, you already have the ideal setting for the ceremony.  Undoubtedly, it’s picturesque on its own; so it will be utterly spectacular when it’s decorated for the wedding.  However, unless you have a very large gazebo, or a backyard pavilion, you’ll have to rent a tent for the reception; and make sure that it is sturdy enough to endure heavy winds, and that it has thick, weighted sides.

You can also have an indoor room set up for guests, in case the weather really gets nasty.  Decorate an enclosed patio or porch, including your patio chairs, gliders, chaise lounges, accent tables, and planters, with ribbons and/or streamers in the wedding theme colors.

Of course, providing cover is crucial, even if the weather is magnificent, as too much sun can become unbearable (and there’s enough fainting at weddings as it is!).  To begin with, make sure that it won’t be glaring in people’s eyes during the ceremony.  If you’re going to be standing under an arbor or a pergola, position the seats on the side of it that will have the sun at their backs.  It’s also a good idea to use wood outdoor folding chairs, as metal can get very hot.

As for the reception, have patio umbrellas for all of your outdoor dining tables.  Large, free-standing cantilever umbrellas, or commercial market umbrellas, with heavy umbrella stands, are also great for use over food and beverage tables, outdoor bars, and garden benches.

Another way to protect guests from the sun and heat is to have sunscreen available for people who forget to bring their own.  In extremely hot weather, consider renting some large, electric fans for the tents; and if your gazebo is equipped with outdoor ceiling fans, don’t forget to turn them on.  To keep everyone cool from the start, you may even want to print your programs on decorative fans, and have your ushers pass out cold bottles of water to the guests as they arrive.

After all, it’s better to have your ushers pass out water, than to have your guests pass out!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As we’ve established, when packing for a picnic that won’t be held close to home (yours, or anyone else’s) it’s important to include anything and everything that you could possibly want or need.  Now, I don’t know whether or not anyone has ever actually accomplished this, but I do know that even the most organized, fastidious, list-making perfectionists can slip up sometimes.

Strangely enough, often, the overlooked articles also happen to be some of the most basic and obvious, such as salt and pepper, ketchup, or other condiments.  Another interesting-yet-common mistake that people make is forgetting something that is closely related to another item that they have already packed.

For example, they’ll put in the silverware (or plastic ware, as the case may be), but not the serving utensils, or the long-handled forks, tongs, and barbecue mitts that are needed for safely cooking on grills.  Likewise, they’ll bring blankets, but forget outdoor throw pillows, or towels (if they’re planning to go swimming).

Therefore, it’s best to think of things as belonging to certain families, so you’ll be able to make quick associations when you’re readying for an outing.  Perhaps you may even want to draw up some “family trees” for the essentials, and store them in your picnic basket.

Among the oft-forgotten things that should be on your lists are cutting boards, if you’re going to be slicing anything, and sharp knives, not only for said slicing, but for when you’re serving meat; in these cases, plastic knives just won’t, well, cut it.

You may also want to set aside an attractive, unbreakable vase to take with you on occasions when you wish to dress up the picnic table.  Fill it with flowers from your garden, or wildflowers that are growing near your picnic site, and you’ll have a lovely centerpiece.

Outdoor folding chairs are great to have along as well, but if you don’t have room for them in your vehicle, load up some of your outdoor furniture cushions.  You can use the ones from your patio chairs to sit on, and those from your lounge chairs for napping or sunbathing.  Take a beach umbrella with you for extra shade, even if you’re not going near the water; and don’t forget the first aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Books, magazines, puzzles, and lawn games, such as croquet, horseshoes, badminton, and quoits, are absolute musts for traditional outdoor family fun and recreation.  Of course, to make it official, you’ll have to leave the video games and other high-tech gadgets at home, turn off your  cell phones, and don’t check your e-mail (yes, I realize that’s a preposterous suggestion, but, at least, try it; you may enjoy your triumph over technology!).

Well, since I can’t think of another famous bear to quote, I’ll end this blog on a serious note.  While we’re all having our safe and happy Memorial Day celebrations this weekend (and that is what I wish everyone), the most important thing to remember is the true reason for this holiday.  It is meant to honor all of the women and men who have died while defending our great country, and showing appreciation to veterans, as well as those who are still serving in the military.  Without them, life here would surely be no picnic.

Happy Memorial Day!

Kathy