July is an excellent time for National Picnic Month. The fresh air stirs the appetite, and garden vegetables and fruits make outdoor eating easier.
Picnics hearken back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. A bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit made for an instant meal under the sky. The word picnic is derived from the French word piquenique.
Whether we pack meals for tailgating at sporting events, an afternoon get-away or a weekend of camping, picnics provide an excellent way to enjoy the company of friends and family away from home.
It’s important to keep the meals simple and focus on the company. Sandwiches, finger foods, and beverages may seem plain, but it’s more about spending time with each other and being in nature.
Pack up the picnic basket and head out to your favorite park. Bring juice, wine, fruit, cheese, bread and some smoked meats and you’re all set. Use #NationalPicnicMonth to share on social media.
On the longest day of the year, Summer Begins in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the Summer Solstice, which happens either on June 20th, 21st, or 22nd. It all depends on the time zone in which you live. This one is June 21, 2026.
With the Summer Solstice, the astronomical calendar marks the first day of summer as the Earth’s axis is pointed toward the sun. It’s rays more directly impact the Northern Hemisphere giving us more daylight and more warmth. It’s a time when plants grow rapidly and animals are more active. That includes humans.
Many schools are out of session during the summer which gives families the opportunity to take vacations. Even those without children take time to explore the outdoors through camping, hiking, and biking. Community pools open, inviting everyone to cool off on hot summer days. The beaches are open, too. Water adventures in the form of kayaking, canoeing, skiing, and fishing entice us to the rivers and lakes.
Gardners and farmers spend time cultivating their bounty and watching the skies for foul weather. And speaking of fouls – baseball, softball, and soccer teams take the field with cheering fans in every color of the rainbow.
There’s so much to do during the summer, we try to pack it all in over weekends and short breaks. But it never seems to be enough time. Before we know it, summer is over. Though, it’s only just begun.
SUMMER BEGINS HISTORY
Since ancient times, the summer solstice has been marked on calendars with celebrations honoring the sun and as a way to mark the seasons.
HOW TO OBSERVE SUMMER BEGINS
There are so many ways to enjoy the beginning of summer! Whether you spend the day hiking, reading a good book on the beach or grilling some burgers, the important thing is that you celebrate summer. Spend some time outside in the fresh air. Take a long walk and visit a local park.
How will you celebrate? Let us know by using #SummerBegins to share on social media.
Spring begins on the March 20, 2025 or vernal equinox, which is when the amount of sunshine is approximately 12 hours long. The amount of sunlight will incrementally increase until the first day of Summer.
The vernal equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. This is the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator, from south to north. The vernal equinox happens on March 19, 20, or 21 every year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, this same event marks the beginning of fall. Meteorologists mark the spring from March 1 through May 31st.
To keep our calendar following the seasons so that spring happens when flowers grow and winter arrives when snow falls, an additional day was figured into years divisible by the number four. This caused the 2020 spring to occur earlier than any living human being alive had ever seen. Before 2020, the earliest spring on record took place in 1896.
Get ready for longer days and increased sunshine. Get out the patio furniture, gardening tools and enjoy Spring! Tune-up the lawnmower. More sunshine means the grass will be growing. Use #SpringBegins to post on social media.
Anniversaries are special milestones that commemorate significant moments in our lives, whether it’s a wedding, a relationship, a business partnership, or even a personal achievement. These occasions provide an opportunity to reflect on the journey, celebrate the bond, and express gratitude for the time spent together. Anniversaries are not just about marking the passage of time; they are about honoring the memories, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the relationship. Whether it’s a first anniversary or a golden jubilee, each year holds its own unique significance and deserves to be celebrated with love and thoughtfulness.
In our case my husband and I are celebrating 21 years of marriage. In a world where so many get divorced after an average of 7 or 8 years ,we are proud to have been happy all these years. I hope long term relationships can look like this for years to come. Both our parents celebrated 35 and 25 years we aspire to reach those milestones.
The Significance of Anniversary Gifts
Gift-giving is a timeless tradition that adds meaning to anniversary celebrations. A well-chosen gift symbolizes appreciation, love, and the effort to make the occasion memorable. Traditional anniversary gifts, such as paper for the first year, silver for the 25th, and gold for the 50th, have deep-rooted symbolism that reflects the evolving strength and value of the relationship. Modern interpretations of anniversary gifts often include personalized or experiential presents, such as custom jewelry, romantic getaways, or handmade items. The key to a meaningful gift lies in its ability to resonate with the recipient’s personality and the shared history of the relationship.
Creative and Thoughtful Gift Ideas
When it comes to anniversary gifts, creativity and thoughtfulness go a long way. For couples, a photo album or a scrapbook filled with cherished memories can be a heartfelt way to relive special moments. Personalized gifts, such as engraved jewelry, custom artwork, or a star named after a loved one, add a unique touch to the celebration. Experiential gifts, like a cooking class, a weekend retreat, or tickets to a favorite concert, create lasting memories and strengthen the bond. For those who prefer practical gifts, consider items that align with the recipient’s hobbies or interests, such as a high-quality kitchen gadget for a cooking enthusiast or a stylish watch for a fashion-conscious partner.
Making Anniversaries Unforgettable
Ultimately, the essence of an anniversary lies in the love and connection it celebrates. While gifts play a significant role, the most important aspect is the time and effort spent together. A handwritten letter expressing your feelings, a surprise dinner at a favorite restaurant, or simply spending quality time together can make the day truly special. Anniversaries remind us to pause, appreciate, and nurture the relationships that bring joy and meaning to our lives. Whether through grand gestures or simple acts of kindness, celebrating an anniversary is a beautiful way to honor the past and look forward to the future.
