OUR FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Do you remember fun of running under a sprinkler as a child? It was a hot, sunny day and cold water made summer’s heat tolerable and even enjoyable. Well, now you can offer same relief from heat to our fine feathered friends. Providing a birdbath not only enhances your yard but brings pleasure of watching and enjoying myriad of birds that will thank you with their songs and their antics. A bird bath does not have to be an expensive item. It can be as simple as a shallow pan perched on a tree stump for stability. There are a few items to consider when you place a bird bath in your garden. Birds prefer shallow water, approximately 1-2 inches. Anything more than that is considered a danger to them and they will avoid it. Also, bottom should have a rough surface. They appreciate having a solid footing. You should also place your bath in clear view or an open section of garden. Predators have a tendency to lurk in shrub and low lying plants and birds prefer a clear view so that they can ascertain danger. A few simple precautions and birds will be waiting in wings to have privilege of your birdbath. Once you find perfect place, then concentrate on attracting these wonderful winged delights. Having food nearby will help. They will notice your birdbath a lot quicker and begin using it. Also sound of water will attract them. When you are watering your lawn or garden, keep it on a fine mist as sound of water will also bring birds in from near and far. Once you have established a population of feathered beauties, remember to keep bath clean. Algae and mud can be a health hazard to birds, and who would want to step into dirty water anyway? Also, refill with water as necessary, especially in hot months. Water evaporates and birds need water to maintain a healthy life balance. If you can, have your bath near some perching branches or tree limbs. After bathing, birds enjoy preening their feathers and making themselves beautiful!
| | QUENCH YOUR THIRSTWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
The temperature index is rising and so is your thirst. If you drink any more water, you may just float away. You’d like to try something different, but refreshing. It can’t be too sweet or heavy, because day is calling for light and cold. The colder drink better! The kids are looking for something to drink. Its one of those days that food is not very appetizing. You want to give them something they will enjoy but not pop. So what do you do? Guests are coming and its suppose to be a sweltering day. Something cold that will slip down their throats to refresh and revive, but - . Check these out and see if they don’t quench your powerful thirst - STRAWBERRY FRUIT SLUSH 3 cups water, 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed ice, whole strawberries, lemon slices Put 1 cup of water, lemon juice, sugar, and 2 cups fresh strawberries in blender. Blend until mixture is smooth and sugar is completely dissolved. Combine strawberry mixture with remaining 2 cups water. Add crushed ice, and float some lemon slices on top. Place a whole strawberry on side of glass, add a straw, and enjoy. ************************ PEACH MILK SHAKE 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup sliced fresh peaches, 1 pint peach flavored ice cream, 3/4 cup milk, and additional peach slices Put 1/4 cup milk and sliced peaches in your blender. Blend until smooth. Spoon in ice cream. Blend again until mixture is smooth. Garnish with fresh peach slices and you have yourself a very healthy shake. ************************* COME TO THE ISLAND LEMONADE 1 6-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate, 1 12-oz. can apricot nectar, very cold, 1 12-oz. can unsweetened pineapple juice, chilled, ginger ale, chilled Place lemonade in a jug and add 1 can water. Mix in all fruit juices. Add ginger ale slowly and ice. If you like fizz, add ginger ale to fruit juice mixture just before serving. ************************** FROSTY LIME PICK ME UP 1 12-oz. can pineapple juice, chilled, 1/2 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 quart of lime sherbet, and lemon-lime carbonated beverage, such as 7-up or Sprite Combine pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar in a blender. Spoon half of sherbet in and process until smooth. Pour mixture into chilled glasses and add additional sherbet. Fill each glass with carbonated beverage, add a mint leave for garnish and quench your thirst. ************************
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