By Susan Hunt-Bradford
Summer Memories
When I think of summer, some of my fondest memories come to mind. Having been a teacher for more than 30 years, I never took for granted the gift of a three-month summer break and the opportunity to spend that time with my son while he was out of school.
Summer vacations meant traveling to new places or returning to familiar ones to visit family. I remember hearing the ice cream truck slowly making its way down the street, meeting neighbors at the subdivision pool, hiking one of Missouri’s many beautiful trails before the heat of the day set in, and walking my dogs early in the morning before an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in.
The best summer memories didn’t require a lot of money. They were filled with laughter, time spent with family and friends, a little sweat from the Missouri heat, and, of course, plenty of ice cream.
If you’d like to travel this summer but the cost of hotels, food, and gasoline has you thinking twice, consider planning a staycation instead. Spend a day exploring St. Charles or another nearby community. Take a weekend drive to Kansas City, central Missouri, southern Illinois, or another destination just a few hours from home. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones waiting just down the road.
For those of us who love good food, Healthy Planet Food Editor Natalie Toney has created another wonderful recipe featuring fresh, light summer flavors that are perfect for a picnic, Fourth of July celebration, backyard cookout, or your own staycation.
Speaking of the Fourth of July, fireworks are a tradition many families enjoy, but they can be frightening for our pets. If you’ll be away from home while fireworks are being set off nearby, make sure your pets are safely indoors in a basement or interior room with calming music, a fan, or a white noise machine to help mask the sounds. Even if you’re only stepping outside for a few minutes, keep dogs on a leash, as loud noises can cause even the calmest pet to panic and run away. More pets go missing around the Fourth of July than at any other time of the year, so be sure your pets are wearing identification tags and, if possible, are microchipped. A microchip is inexpensive and greatly increases the chances of a happy reunion.
Summer offers countless opportunities to make memories with family, friends, and our furry companions. Whether you’re relaxing in your own backyard, exploring a nearby town, attending a local festival, or simply chasing down the neighborhood ice cream truck, I hope you find time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy summer!