Patty at Good Better Best hosts this monthly sharing of tips, tricks, and conversation starters. I don't manage to participate every month, but I try! This month we are looking ahead to our summer plans and preferences.
1. Tell us about your Memorial Day weekend.
This year we didn't travel to Maryland for the long weekend, partly because we'll see the kids in a few weeks anyway, and partly because we thought we could get some packing done for the upcoming move. Turned out my husband wasn't feeling well, so our plans to go have dinner with friends on Saturday was postponed to Sunday and we stayed home home and didn't do a whole lot. Sunday we went to church and then to our friends' place for dinner, so again, not much packing got done! And then on Monday we were invited to another cookout, so that cut into our packing schedule as well. Of course I started feeling a little under the weather by Monday night, so overall it was a relatively low-key weekend, but I'm glad we did get to spend time with some friends.
2. What were your summer jobs when you were younger?
I don't remember having jobs for the summer only, but I did work/volunteer at our church camps in the summer a couple years. And I did start my part-time jobs during the summer, when I had more hours available, then continued but with fewer hours once school started. First part-time job was at Wendy's, and the second one was at the city's cable company.
3. Ice cream or popsicles? Favorite flavors?
I definitely choose ice cream, though I have to be careful how much I have unless I'm prepared to have an upset stomach. I like almost all ice cream flavors, but my favorites are black raspberry or cookies and cream.
4. What do you like on your burgers and hot dogs?
I usually keep it pretty basic with my burgers and dogs. Burgers should have cheese and maybe bacon, and condiments are mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Sometimes I forgo those condiments and just put Thousand Island dressing on my burger. I usually put just ketchup and mustard on my hot dogs.
5. Beach, lake, or mountains?
Mountains, or ideally a mountain lake, I guess. I like the beach okay, but I don't feel like there's much for me to do there, because I don't like to swim in the ocean. I feel like there are more options for things I like to do in the mountains, and the cabin setting is more appealing to me than a beach house setting too.
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| Last summer's family vacation house was in the Deep Creek area of Maryland - mountains! |
6. Share any travel for summer 2026.
We only have one trip planned at this point, though I'm sure we'll go to Maryland at some point. Or maybe just for Labor Day. Anyway, in the middle of June, we are meeting all our kids and their families at an Airbnb vacation house in the Niagara Falls area. My parents will be joining us for the week there as well. We will do some touristy things there, like the boat tour at the base of the falls, and spend a day over on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. But we also want to make sure we have plenty of time at the vacation house with the whole family together.
7. Do you visit amusement parks in the summer? Tell us your favorites.
We used to visit amusement parks quite a bit but haven't done so in quite a few years. The one we visited most often was probably Darien Lakes Theme Park (formerly Six Flags Darien Lakes) in upstate New York. We've been to Cedar Point a couple times and I'd say that one is our favorite for rides. Others we've visited are Kings Dominion, Six Flags in Maryland, and HersheyPark. And of course the Disney World parks, but that was usually in the fall. Disney World is the absolute favorite for overall experience.
8. Do you enjoy dining outside in the summer?
Well, yes and no. I do like eating outside, especially at restaurants, assuming the weather is right for it, and there aren't bugs annoying me! For the past couple years at our apartment, our patio was not very nice for sitting out, so we haven't been in the habit of outside dining at home. However, the new house has a very nice deck, so as soon as we have some outdoor furniture I'll be glad to make dining outside a regular thing during good weather!
9. Favorite summer beverage?
My go-to is always water, but my summery favorites are sweet tea, margaritas, white wine, or hard lemonade.
10. Favorite side dish for summer parties? Please feel free to share recipes.
I just started making this caprese salad platter this spring, but it's become my new favorite for dinner parties or potlucks. It's basically salad served sort of like charcuterie. I like it because with it spread out on a platter instead of heaped in a bowl, the add-ins don't all sink to the bottom, and it's easier for everyone to kind of grab the elements they like and avoid any they don't.
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| I hadn't added the balsamic glaze yet |
Not really a recipe, but here's what's in it: I start by spreading 50/50 mixed greens on a large platter. Top with rolled or sliced prosciutto, cherry or other small tomatoes, berries or sliced peaches, and marinated mozzarella balls, and maybe olives. I love burrata cheese and add that if it's a smaller group - so there's one burrata or a half burrata per person. Sprinkle on marcona almonds and slivered fresh basil, then drizzle with a little olive oil and some balsamic glaze.
What are some your summer plans or summer favorites? Leave a comment and let me know!
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