You can calm a restless weekend with a picnic to the local park. Get the kids into the planning. They can make the sandwiches, while you organize a frisbee throwing contest. See who can get the frisbee into the hula hoop. The winner gets to choose where to stop for ice cream on the way home.



It's time to pull your bike from storage and AIR UP THE TIRES! As the days warm, you can take short trips around the block to ready yourself for longer treks with the kids once school is out for the summer.


There's still time to plant summer-flowering bulbs. Gladiolas and lilies will do fine, although don't risk your dahlias until you are sure the last frost is past. It's also a good time to feed your early-flowering bulbs with a general purpose garden fertilizer.


Raised beds are perfect for early-season vegetables. The soil comes up to growing temperature quicker, and you can cover it with a tarp on raised stakes to keep the midday sun from drying out the soil. This is a perfect solution if you plan to move seedlings to a permanent spot once they are established.


As a fun treat, have your daughter or son line up your dog or cat with their stuffed animals. The one who can hide the real animal in the toys best can choose what's for lunch that day.