07/03/2009

Hot Fun In The Summertime

The first big weekend of summer is here. Memorial Day was just a dress rehearsal and Father’s Day was opening night. By now you should be operating the grill like Bobby Flay and chugging ice cold water as if there was no tomorrow. After the last sparkler has dimmed and the smell of gunpowder has faded, it’s vacation time.

What? The Recession? Oh yes, I understand, we might not be able to vacation like it’s 1999, but we sure can “staycation” like it’s 2009. Aunt B is doing it. You can too.

I honestly think the “staycation” was invented by a single-mom, we call it go-somewhere-local-and-make-it-seem-like-we’ve-been-somewhere, urban hipsters call it a “staycation.” Go figure.

It takes some planning, keeping in mind that you want to do something that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. That means you don’t use this time to clean the garage or put up shelves.

The Tween-let and I have done a few of these and she still talks about the experience. Remember it’s about quality time, and you also get to think about how good you’re being to the environment.

• Behind the scenes tours – We’ve visited a police station, a fire station, The LA Times and the local 9-1-1 dispatch center. All for free.
• Local museums – Museums often have one day they let the public in for free.
• The Zoo
• Fruit Picking
• Train Ride
• Aquariums
• Beach/Swimming
• Backyard Camping
• Game Night/Potluck

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, now is a good time to explore you local parks, there’s something very soothing about being in nature. There are lots of parks that offer nature hikes too. Also, I think picnics turn ordinary meals into something special, so grab a blanket and some friends and head out to the park.

Let me know how your “staycation” works out. I’d love to hear from you!

- Aunt B