No Place Like Home

Spring is almost over. It has going fast here in the East because it got off to a really slow start. The late frosts and snowfalls burned blooms and scared away new growth. Even though Spring was slow to begin and is screaming toward its end,  our family is still hopeful a pair of birds will build their home in our yard. (Frankly, directly in front of my work desk or family room window would be perfect.)

For weeks now I have watched numerous species of birds flit about the feeder, skinny dip at the bird bath and hop amongst my sprouting greens. They have gathered and pecked. They have collected and sang at all hours of the day and night. The National Geographic-type "one night stands" and consequential feverish screechings and squawkings and color-flaunting has been shameless.

I sneak about bushes and trees peeping and poking and hoping to find a nest; and yet, have not found even one pair of birdy architects willing to call our yard "home." We have been lucky in past years to have robins nesting and even hummingbirds, but this year, nothing... What to do? What to do? Easy. Think about the upcoming Memorial Day holiday of course? 

To prepare for Memorial Day, do the following:
1. Visit my Recipes page for excellent recipe ideas.
2. Make sure the grill is ready and has fuel.
3. Start looking at sale advertisements NOW to snap up the best deals and to help with menu-planning.
4. Purchase sunscreen and citronella candles.
5. Look up local free events in your area (such as music in the park events) and plan a menu that can be eaten as a picnic and/or prepared in time for you and your family to claim place on the lawn at the park.
6. Keep things fun and easy so you are part of the party.