Memorial Day

There are those who maintain that Memorial Day is the official beginning of summer and must therefore be the date of the first picnic of the year. No one from a warm area of the U.S. would argue the point but those of us from Northern climates have issues.

If snow is still on the ground or cold winds still blow--let common sense be the guide. No one really enjoys wearing those nice new summer clothes with an overcoat while shielding hamburgers on paper plates from artic winds. Take this celebration indoors!

How about getting one of the new indoor/outdoor barbeque grills and serving dinner in a sunroom? It has all of the ambience and none of the frostbite. The foods can still be grilled to perfection and the decorations can still be red, white and blue. Plan for indoors in such climates but be prepared to move outdoors if weather actually permits.

Even if the outdoor barbeque is a bit premature it may still be warm enough for outdoor games of a more active nature. This may be the first holiday of the season when yard games can be enjoyed after lunch or dinner; unless flood conditions prevail.

If extreme weather is the norm on Memorial Day then perhaps one of the new indoor water parks and lodges will hold the best solution for holiday celebrations. These are a bit expensive and require advance reservations but are very popular. Since they specialize in get-away weekends the long summer kick-off of Memorial Day would be great timing.

Many people live in extremely hot parts of the country. In this case Memorial Day is the last chance to enjoy the outdoors before sweltering heat keeps them close to air conditioning units. If so then enjoy the great outdoors.