Summer Relaxing
by : Vincent Lawrence
Goldilocks had it right. Finding (or creating) a situation that's "juuuust right"---neither too hot, nor too cold, too hard, or too soft---is the key to a relaxing summer siesta---or even just being able to kick back and enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a book and an iced tea. Obviously, siting your little rest spot beneath a centuries-old oak, or, even better, on a summer porch overlooking the breaking waves of the Atlantic or Pacific would be ideal, but few of us have that luxury. So, instead, we make do and adapt to the situation at hand.
Unless basking (baking?) in the sun is your goal (or your nearest metropolis happens to be Anchorage, Alaska), it's likely that providing a bit of shade is an essential part of getting comfy in the dog days of July and August. Though it's little comfort in the near term, if your yard doesn't have a good shade tree or two, this is the year to plant. Too often, homeowners repeat to themselves year after year, "I wish I'd planted that [choose your favorite tree] years ago, when we first bought this place?" all the while letting more time slip by. If you've ever needed or wanted one, make it a point to plant a shade tree this year.
In the mean time, take advantage of the shade cast by your house, garage, or other outbuilding if possible, siting your personal rest area on the north side of one of these structures. If your property doesn't lend itself to such a solution, consider a large freestanding umbrella. Somehow, you want to be able to temper the heat of the day, at least a bit, in order to enjoy the fresh air and avoid retreating into an air-conditioned environment.
A shady spot with a warm breeze makes a nice start, but you've also got to have a good seat to plunk down in, or else you'll be doing more squirming than reading or napping. Everyone has a personal favorite, from the classic Adirondack chair to a padded chaise lounge, but you'd be hard pressed to find more comfortable "seating" than a hammock. Suspended in a hammock is about as close as most of us will ever get to floating weightless, a very relaxing proposition indeed.
What about relaxing in the evening? Especially in the Rockies and across the northern tier of states, summer night temperatures can dip sufficiently to make a sweater absolutely essential. Even with a sweater, though, the nip in the air may demand more serious action. Think back to summer camp days for the solution to this "problem." Though a bonfire isn't an option in most communities, a contained fire is, and it makes a warming and welcoming focal point around which to congregate and enjoy a summer evening. Just don't forget the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers for the 'smores?
Unless basking (baking?) in the sun is your goal (or your nearest metropolis happens to be Anchorage, Alaska), it's likely that providing a bit of shade is an essential part of getting comfy in the dog days of July and August. Though it's little comfort in the near term, if your yard doesn't have a good shade tree or two, this is the year to plant. Too often, homeowners repeat to themselves year after year, "I wish I'd planted that [choose your favorite tree] years ago, when we first bought this place?" all the while letting more time slip by. If you've ever needed or wanted one, make it a point to plant a shade tree this year.
In the mean time, take advantage of the shade cast by your house, garage, or other outbuilding if possible, siting your personal rest area on the north side of one of these structures. If your property doesn't lend itself to such a solution, consider a large freestanding umbrella. Somehow, you want to be able to temper the heat of the day, at least a bit, in order to enjoy the fresh air and avoid retreating into an air-conditioned environment.
A shady spot with a warm breeze makes a nice start, but you've also got to have a good seat to plunk down in, or else you'll be doing more squirming than reading or napping. Everyone has a personal favorite, from the classic Adirondack chair to a padded chaise lounge, but you'd be hard pressed to find more comfortable "seating" than a hammock. Suspended in a hammock is about as close as most of us will ever get to floating weightless, a very relaxing proposition indeed.
What about relaxing in the evening? Especially in the Rockies and across the northern tier of states, summer night temperatures can dip sufficiently to make a sweater absolutely essential. Even with a sweater, though, the nip in the air may demand more serious action. Think back to summer camp days for the solution to this "problem." Though a bonfire isn't an option in most communities, a contained fire is, and it makes a warming and welcoming focal point around which to congregate and enjoy a summer evening. Just don't forget the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers for the 'smores?
Source : Plowhearth.com
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