Susan Says

Summer is here and temperatures in the 90s serve to remind us that the season has changed.

But June has been marked with several refreshing showers which moderated the temperatures and provided good moisture for our tomatoes, peppers and strawberries. On those cooler evenings, I've enjoyed sitting on the front porch at nightfall and watching the fireflies drift lazily upward.

We spent many happy hours when we were kids chasing down these little insects. Then we'd pop them into fruit jars, punch a few holes in the lid and carry them for a little while, using their blinking taillights for a lantern of sorts.

Our strawberries have been bigger and more numerous than in past years and they've made a tasty topping for my Cheerios several mornings.

The farmers' market is doing well and has been the source of some delicious meals. We've dined on green beans and new potatoes, I've had green onions to chop and add to my scrambled eggs, and crisp radishes have accented several dishes. Baby turnips and ruby-red beets have been among my more recent purchases, and the offerings promise to get even better as the summer goes along.

We recently received an invitation to a baby shower from nephew David and his wife. Since they're located in Connecticut, it's not likely we'll be attending but we're happy to be invited. David and Stephanie are excited about the impending arrival of their baby girl, Savannah.

David's an avid reader and they've asked folks to forego sending a card and to help stock baby Savannah's library instead. The card requested: "Please write your inscription and wishes in your favorite children's book."

Area students are enjoying their vacation from school and summer's traditionally a time for some adults' vacations too. Well-known writer Alexandra Stoddard suggested some time ago trying out a dream vacation at home. She recommended making a vacation file of events in the area and taking part in some local activities. Couple that with lots of reading, watching favorite movies, taking an occasional hike, picnicking and sleeping late. The money you save on travel expenses and hotel accommodations can be used for local entertainment or meals at area restaurants. You may want to splurge on a weekend at a local hotel or bed and breakfast.

We had friends a few years ago who cut their vacation short and bought a hot tub with the money they saved. One couple from Ohio took a vacation at home and bought an oil painting with the money they saved on travel expenses. Another couple purchased some rosebushes from a local greenhouse and spent their vacation happily gardening together. All these folks used their vacation funds for an investment in their home they'd use for years to come.

Consider what the word vacation means to you: a time devoted to pleasure, rest, relaxation and leisure; a recess from your occupation, work or duty; a scheduled period in which to rejuvenate your spirits. All these can be accomplished while enjoying the comforts of home. But in the rush of a busy life we often overlook the pleasures right under our noses.

Many of us feel that when we travel we must be busy sightseeing and taking pictures until we drop. But rushing around under pressure deadens our senses of taste, smell and hearing.

When we are on vacation, we should exercise our right to choose what we wish to do and not feel guilty about what we choose not to do. So plan your dream vacation carefully and you can meet your expectations of having a relaxing break and spending quality time together even if you don't venture very far.

Susan Holland, who is a reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer, is a lifelong Benton County resident. She can be reached at [email protected].