🔥 Bring on the Bonfire

It was a perfect night for a bonfire. Only a few wispy clouds dragged across

the moon, shadowing it, then freeing it. The heat of the day eased with 
sunset, and the air was balmy, freshened by a calm, steady breeze.

Temptation

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Everyone loves a runny, half-melted marshmallow 

after it's been shoved on a stick and held over a 

burning campfire for 30 seconds.

Obviously the taste is great, but there's something

 even better about the primal act of cooking something 

by sticking it on the end of a bit of wood. 

Which begs the question, what other foods should 

we be shoving on the end of sticks and roasting over campfires?

Campfire food ideas to make Bonfire Night delicious

Fire Pit Ideas

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Every one of the girls had contributed to the making of it, 

just as every one of them circled around the bonfire now, 

waiting for the fire to catch and blaze. An

army of hot dogs and marshmallows was laid out 

on a picnic table. Stacked like swords were dozens of 

cleaned and sharpened sticks. Nearby was the

garden hose with a tub full of water, for safety's sake.

Candy held up a long kitchen match, drawing out the drama 

as the girls began to cheer. 

"The first annual bonfire at Camp Liberty is about to begin.

Secure your hot dogs to your sticks, ladies, and prepare to roast."

Temptation

🎇 Happy Fourth of July

Every year, the Quinns held a huge come-one, come-all picnic. Family, friends, neighbors gathered at the house, as they had since Ray and Stella's day, to eat, drink, gossip, swim in the cool water of the inlet and watch the fireworks.

Chesapeake Blue

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Tim Corradino [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

8 last-minute entertaining and food ideas for the Fourth of July

Last minute entertaining means all hands on deck. Lifestyle expert Maureen Petrosky shares her DIY décor, games and food for the Fourth of July get everyone in the family in on the fun. She shows us how to put a patriotic spin on Twister, make American flag pizzas, set up a sparkling bubble station and more.

TODAY

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“Those some aren’t our tribe. And thinking of tribes, why don’t we gather ours for the

Fourth?”

“Fourth of what—oh. July. God, it’s nearly here.”

“We could play some ball, eat some hot dogs, watch the fireworks in the park.”

Savor the Moment

Getting back to nature

She imagined them sinking into cool, tobacco-colored water in the bend of a

river where fiddlehead ferns grew thick and green and moonlight shimmered in

rays through a canopy of trees.

“I want to go to your swimming hole.”

“We will.”

“In the moonlight,” she said.

The Witness

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By Jim Champion, CC BY-SA 2.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9305393

how forest bathing can make us feel better

The Japanese have known for years that spending mindful time in the woods is beneficial for body and soul. Now western doctors – and royals – agree

Every day, apart from when it’s raining heavily, Dr Qing Li heads to a leafy park near the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo where he works. It’s not just a pleasant place to eat his lunch; he believes the time spent under the trees’ canopy is a critical factor in the fight against diseases, of the mind and body.

Once a month Li spends three days in forests near Tokyo, using all five senses to connect with the environment and clear his mind. This practice of shinrin-yoku – literally, forest bath – has the power to counter illnesses including cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety and stress, he says.

The Guardian

The secret to staying safe while hiking is preparation

“You set?”

Noah took another bite of his tractor wheel. “Yeah.”

“Let’s see.” She stood back, skimmed her measuring glance up, then down, then up

again. “How long have those boots been out of the box, ace?”

Less than an hour, Noah thought, as he’d bought them in San Francisco. “So I

haven’t been hiking in a few years. Unless we’re planning on climbing the

Matterhorn, I’m up for it. I’m in shape.”

“Health-club shape.” She pressed a finger against his flat belly. “Fancy health club,

too. This won’t be like your Stair-Master. Where’s your water bottle?”

Already irritated with her, he held out a hand, cupped it and let rain pool in his palm.

Olivia only shook her head. “Hold on a minute.” She turned on her heel and headed

back into the lodge.

“Is it just me,” Noah asked Shirley, “or does she browbeat everyone?” When the

dog merely sat, shot the doughnut a hopeful look, Noah broke what was left in half,

tossed it. Shirley caught it on the fly, gulped it whole, then belched cheerfully.

Noah was still grinning when Olivia jogged back out with a plastic water bottle and

belt loop. “You always take your own water,” Olivia began and to Noah’s surprise

began to nimbly hook the bottle to his belt.

River's End

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Whenever you head outdoors for an adventure, preparation is the key. Make sure you pack more than a water bottle and a snack. Whether you're planning a short nature walk or a major overnight camping trip, it's important to pack properly for outdoor excursions of any length.

Mother Nature Network

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Cal was waiting for her when she drove up.

He stepped out, started down the steps, the dog

wandering behind him, as she got out of the car. 

He took a scan, starting with her feet.

Good, sturdy hiking boots that showed some scars and wear, f

aded jeans, tough jacket in I’m-Not-a-Deer red, and a multistriped scarf 

that matched the cloche-style cap on her

head. Silly hat, he mused, that was unaccountably appealing on her.

In any case, he decided she knew what to wear on a hike through the winter woods.

“Do I pass muster, Sergeant?”

Blood Brothers

Weird Things You Can Really Buy at Home Depot

She lifted her glass in toast. "I had a good day. How about you?"

She sparkled, he thought. A trip to Home Depot, or wherever she'd been, 

and she sparkled like sunlight.

Tribute

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Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine [CC0]

Home Depot is a virtual wonderland for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. 

Of course, if you spend enough time hunting the aisles in search of the perfect item 

to complete your project, you may come across some products that will surprise you. 

Here are 20 of the strangest, funniest and most unexpected weird things you really 

can buy at Home Depot.

Family Handyman

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Guilt stung, just a little, but Ethan rationalized that deer and rabbits 

could be a problem, so she should take precautions anyway. 

"Dried blood."

"Dried blood ? Whose?"

"You can buy it at the garden store, and you just dump it around. It'll keep them away."

"Dried blood." Her lips pursed as she made a mental note to buy some.

"Or urine."

"Dried urine?"

"No." Ethan cleared his throat.

Rising Tides

Patio Designs to Get You Thinking About Summer

"I've been toying with redoing the patio."

"First I've heard of it," Jolene muttered.

"I saw them putting on one of those herringbone patterns out of bricks 

on one of the home shows. I liked the look of it. You know how to handle that sort of thing?"

"Done a few like it. I can take a look at what you've got now if you want."

"That'd be just fine." Will pushed back from the table.

Blue Dahlia

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You won’t want to go back inside after seeing these patios.

Family Handyman

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"What are you doing planting oleander for my father?"

"My job. Putting in a new patio, too. Your stepmama's already talking about getting new furniture for out there. And a fountain. Seems to me a woman can't see a flat surface without wanting to buy something to put on it. They were still talking about it when I left the other night."

Blue Dahlia

Should you feed birds in winter?

In a moment she was trudging back, dragging an enormous burlap sack.

"What are you doing?"

"Going to feed the birds." She was out of breath but still moving. "This time of year they need all the help they can get."

He shook his head. "Let me do it"

"I'm very strong."

"Yes, I know. Let me do it anyway."

He took the sack, braced, put his back into it and began to haul it across the snow. It gathered snow— and weight—with every step.

"I thought you weren't a nature lover."

"That doesn't mean I'd let them starve." And she'd promised Libby.

He hauled the bag another foot. "Couldn't you just dump it out?"

"If a thing's worth doing—"

Times Change 

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It seems like a no-brainer to help our feathered friends, but consider these potential risks

Watching birds at your feeder during the barren winter months is a great way to stay connected with nature and help creatures that might otherwise struggle to find their next meal.

mother nature network

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The mourning doves were cooing, bobbing heads as they pecked along 

the ground under the bird feeder. Too fat and lazy,

Duncan thought, to bother to fly up into it. Rather take leavings. 

A lot of people were the same.

High Noon

How to Pick the Best Christmas Tree Ever

The simple pleasure of choosing a Christmas tree was enough to put the 

laughter back in her eyes.

“This one!” Shane exclaimed, stopping in front of a short-needle pine. 

“It's exactly right.”

“It doesn't look much different from the other five hundred trees we've looked at,” 

Vance grumbled, slicing the point of his shovel into the snow.

“That's because you don't have a connoisseur's eye,” she said condescendingly. 

He scooped up a handful of snow and rubbed it into her face. 

“Be that as it may,” Shane continued with remarkable aplomb, 

“this is the one. Dig,” she instructed, and stepping back, folded her arms.

First Impressions

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By Trevor Webb - Own work, CC BY 4.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65119685

Confused about how to choose the best Christmas tree for your family? The experts at Better Homes & Gardens can help! With these tips for choosing the optimal real Christmas tree and keeping it looking good for as long as possible, you'll have the best Christmas tree on the block.

Better Homes & Gardens

Replant a festive tree

"I'd say we're ready for the tree. Let's go find one."

You want to drive into town now?.

"Of course not." Pandora was already pulling coats out of the hall closet.

"We'll go right out in the woods and dig one up."

"We?"

"Certainly. I hate it when people cut trees down and then toss them aside after the new year.

The woods are loaded with nice little pines. We'll dig one up, then replant it after the holidays."

A Will and a Way

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By Randi Hausken from Bærum, Norway - The Christmas tree, CC BY-SA 2.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29876120

By the time you purchase a tree, it has already been cut for weeks, or maybe even months. However, even a freshly cut tree has been separated from its roots and replanting a Christmas tree without roots simply isn’t possible. If you’re determined to plant your Christmas tree, purchase a tree with a healthy root ball that has been securely wrapped in burlap. This is an expensive alternative, but with proper care, the tree will beautify the landscape for many years.

Gardening Know How 

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“You know,” he said a few moments later, “it suddenly occurs to me that you‟re going to expect me to dig a hole

to put this thing in after Christmas.”

Shane sent him a guileless smile. “What a good idea. 

I know just the place too. You‟ll probably need a pick though. 

There are an awful lot of rocks.” 

Ignoring Vance‟s rude rejoinder, she waved over an attendant. 

With the roots carefully wrapped in burlap and the tree itself paid for—

by Shane over Vance‟s objection—they headed home.

First Impressions

“I want to do some hiking and camping in the backcountry.”

Her laugh came fast and was none too flattering. “The hell you do.”

“Three days. You and me.” He held up a finger before she could laugh again. “We get away for a while. You do what you do best. And so do I. You’d agreed to interviews, so we’ll talk. This place is something you love, and I want you to show it to me. I want to see what you see when you look at it.”

River's End

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By Jason Pratt from Pittsburgh, PA - Trees and light, CC BY 2.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34597

America's Best National Parks for Camping

The United States has dozens of gorgeous national parks spread around this big country. Most of them are incredible places to camp out, and here are our favorites.

Popular Mechanics

Easy Outdoor Chairs You Can Build

“No. You could use a new rocker for your porch. The one you have is ugly.”

“It’s not ugly. It’s serviceable. And it needs repainting.”

“The left arm is warped.”

She opened her mouth to deny it, then realized she wasn’t sure either way.

The Search

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By Moritz Poll - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63525929

These amazing outdoor chair projects may look difficult to build, but they're actually really easy—even for a beginner! We've got the step-by-step plans for each project, so all you need to do is decide which one will look best in your backyard; then get started!

THE FAMILY HANDYMAN

A Garden Story

He walked to the windows, looked out over her gardens. “It’s like an illustration out of a book of fairy tales.” 

Face the Fire

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A landscape can be a narrative offering a beginning, a middle, and an end

FINE GARDENING

Winter Bird Photos

A movement caught her eye, and as she turned to follow it she saw the cardinal take its perch on the snow-covered branch of a maple. It sat, a single spot of vivid red, and sang. Mac crouched, zoomed in rather than risk going closer and losing the shot. Was it the same bird who’d smacked into her kitchen window? she wondered. If so, he certainly seemed undamaged and unruffled as he sat like a single flame on the white-laced branch. She caught the moment then, taking three shots in rapid succession, slight changes in angles that coated her jeans with snow as she inched left. Then the bird took wing, swooped over the frozen sea, through the bright light, and was gone. Emmaline, beautiful Emmaline in her old navy coat, white cap and scarf trudged toward her through the snow. 

“I wondered how long I’d have to stand there until you finished or the damn bird took off. It’s cold out here.”

Vision in White 

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As temperatures dip, look no further than your backyard 

to see how full of life this blustery season truly is.

BIRDS & BLOOMS

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He opened it carefully, peeling up the tape and flapped ends. And took out the photograph matted in a simple black frame. Against the black and white of snow and winter trees, the cardinal sat like a living flame. 

“It’s wonderful.” 

“It’s nice.” She studied it with him. “One of those lucky breaks. I took it early yesterday morning. It’s no bellycrested whopado, but it’s our bird, after all.” 

Vision in White

The world's ultimate snowmen

“Mom and I are going to build a snowman. She says Christmas snowmen are the best. You can help.”

Home for Christmas

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The internet has curated some of the most creative ideas when it comes to ice figures with wow-factor

DAILYMAIL

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“We need carrots and scarves and stuff.” 

“I’ll take care of it.” 

With a grin Clara gulped down chocolate. 

“And hats?” 

“And hats.” 

A snowball hit the kitchen window. Clara was up like a shot. 

“There she is. Gotta go. Come soon, Mom. You make the best.”

Home for Christmas 

Grilling mistakes and how to avoid them

"A monumental moment. I am passing the sacred tongs and spatula to you."

"Wait a minute, wait a minute." Ally elbowed her brother aside. "Why can't I do it?"

"Ah." Boyd held a hand to his heart. "How many times have I heard you say those very words in our long and exciting life together?"

Amused and fascinated by the family dynamics, Jonah watched mutiny settle over Ally's face. "Well, why can't I?"

"Allison, my treasure, there are some things a man must pass to his son. Son." Boyd laid a hand on Bryant's shoulder. "I'm trusting you with the Fletcher reputation. Don't let me down."

"Dad." Bryant wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "I'm overwhelmed. Honored. I swear to uphold the family name, no matter what the cost."

"Take these." Boyd held out the barbecue tools. "Today, you are a man."

Night Shield

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By Hedwig Storch - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4380081

Cooking is still a science, even when you're doing it outdoors. Despite what your dad might have taught you, grilling is more about patience and planning than poking and prodding. Make a single error, and your burgers could turn out tough and bitter, your chicken rare and unappetizing.

Luckily, these errors are easy to avoid.

REVIEWED

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“Quite a view,” Quinn added, nodding toward the men at the grill.

“Camera worthy.”

“Excellent idea. Be right back.”

“Where’s she going?” Layla asked.

“I have no idea. Just as I have no idea why it apparently takes three grown men to cook some hamburgers.”

“One to cook, one to kibitz, and one to insult the other two.”

“Ah. Another mystery solved.”

The Pagan Stone

picnic

Shutting down again under the shade of bending palms and cypress, she took out Jackie's idea of a picnic.

 There was Pouilly-Fuisse in paper cups, and cracked crab to be dug out with plastic forks, 
and tiny Swiss meringues, white and glossy.

Loving Jack 

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By Hartmut Josi Bennöhr (user:josi / de:user:josi) - self made by Hartmut Josi Bennöhr, CC BY-SA 3.0, 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133571

THE PARISIAN PICNIC: IT’S AN ART FORM!

The Parisian Picnic is a Fine Art.

Not to be taken lightly,  it takes the right amount of preparation, 
thought and planning to Master the Perfect Picnic like the Parisians 
manage every time.

WORLD OF WANDERLUST

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He flipped open the lid of the hamper, took out the blanket folded on
top. She helped him spread it open, then sat on it cross-legged.
“What’s on the menu?”
He pulled out a bottle of champagne snugged in a cold sleeve. Surprised, touched, she laughed.
“That’s a hell of a start—and you just don’t miss a trick.”
“You said champagne picnic. For our entrée, we have the traditional fried chicken à la Marg.”
“Best there is.”
“I’m told you favor thighs. I’m a breast man myself.”
“I’ve never known a man who isn’t.” She began to unload. “Oh, yeah, her red potato and green
bean salad, and look at this cheese, the bread. We’ve got berries, deviled eggs. Fudge cake! Marg gave us damn near half of one of her fudge cakes.” She glanced up. “Maybe she’s in love with you.”
“I can only hope.” He popped the cork. “Hold out your glass.”
She reached for it, then caught the label on the bottle. “Dom Pérignon. Iron Man’s car and
James Bond’s champagne.”
“I have heroic taste. Hold out the glass, Rowan.” He filled it, then his own. “To wilderness
picnics.”
“All right.” She tapped, sipped. “Jesus, this is not cheap tequila at Get a Rope. I see why 007
goes for it.”



Chasing Fire