Warm and pleasant greetings to all. We hope you are enjoying a good week. Seemingly, most people are enjoying the spirit of summer. Family and friends are visiting and staying in touch.
Talked with some residents in our community, and they have enjoyed or are enjoying family members visiting from out of town.
Our children stopped by for supper Friday evening on their way back from Nashville. Grandson Ethan just completed his second summer engineer workshop at Tennessee State University. He is happy to be getting back to Baton Rouge for his 17th birthday on July 2.
Sure hope you can enjoy the summer fresh fruits and vegetables while in season. It’s nice when you can pick from your own garden or stop by the farmers market and pick up something you like. It’s good, too, when others think of you and share a treat.
My friendly neighbor shared some strawberries with me. I’m waiting for peaches from somewhere — anywhere I can find them! I started my summertime refreshments with a BLT sandwich. It’s not summer without at least one BLT and the next one with thin slices of red onion and cheese!
Vegetables and fruits give you a mix of antioxidants and help increase heart health benefits. If you’re not used to eating fruits and vegetables, start with eating one or two each day and build on more.
Of course, you get rich vitamins, minerals and fiber which can help lower blood pressure while keeping you hydrated.
Who doesn’t like tomatoes, watermelons, corn, okra, peaches, berries and all the other cool refreshing fruits and vegetables!
Remember to always wash (rinse) all fruits and vegetables before eating or using in other dishes. Rinse produce at least 20 seconds, like the method we use for washing hands. This helps remove bacteria, dirt and other materials that may be present. Avoid using soap, detergent or even commercial wash which can be absorbed by the produce.
One other item on your July list may be to stop by the post office and get stamps. Did you know that on July 13, there will be a price increase for first-class mail and certified mail? First-class stamps will increase by 5 cents, from 73 cents to 78 cents.
Happy Independence Day! Enjoy the Fourth of July weekend. Be safe, have fun and honor the USA with a prayer and salute to the flag.
Enjoy life today. Be blessed.
