Beech Tree News Network

Recently, I saw a phrase, “summer to the max,” on the cover of a Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I like the idea of maximizing summer. For me, maximizing the summer days would involve foods, outdoor activities, and family-and-friend gatherings.

For me, foods are definitely a part of a good summer. Summer brings fresh foods and allows outdoor eating. Locally grown tomatoes, squash, cantaloupe, watermelons, and other produce will soon be readily available. Having the local Farmer’s Market each Saturday morning is a great way to obtain fresh produce. I also like seeing produce stands set up around town. Many of us have a vegetable garden or a few plants to provide some favorite foods, too. Another way to maximize summer is taking our foods outdoors. I enjoy having breakfast outside on the deck or eating ice cream in the shade on a hot day. Food definitely helps us summer to the max.

Outdoor activities are associated with summer because the warm weather allows us to participate in numerous activities. Most enjoy water activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Many enjoy floating in a pool. Participating in sports, individually or on teams, can entertain entire families. When I was a child, I spent hours on a bicycle, and later I rode a horse (spring, summer and fall). Simply visiting a park or attending an outdoor concert provides good entertainment. Our city park has definitely been well used since its reopening. Outdoor activities are one way to enjoy the summer.

Family-and-friend gatherings in warm weather allow people to enjoy time with others. The warm evenings allow people to “spill out” of a home into a yard. These gatherings may or may not include food. Sometimes grilled foods or homemade ice cream are a part of the gatherings. Sometimes games, like corn hole, are a part of the gatherings. Most people don’t really care whether food and games are provided; after all, the gathering itself maximizes our summer, providing memories.

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy ourselves – at least a little. Interestingly, Taylor Swift said, “When I figured out how to work my grill, it was quite a moment. I discovered that summer is a completely different experience when you know how to grill.” Foods, outdoor activities, and family-and-friend gatherings can help us “summer to the max.” Let’s make the most of these warm days.