(NC)—Whether you spend a week or a weekend at the cottage or cabin this summer, an important part of your holiday fun involves sharing good meals with friends and family.

Summer is the time to kick back, relax and soak up the sun. Although we all want to eat well while we're at the cottage, nobody wants to spend all day cooking over a hot stove in the kitchen. Your barbecue grill is the ideal solution to keep the heat out of the house and keep you cool while cooking. You can grill great al fresco meals that are perfect for casual family dining and large gatherings.

Before heading out to the cottage, plan ahead for the meals you'll want to prepare to ensure that you will have all the ingredients on hand when you get there. Decide on what you Cottage Living And The Grilling Is Easy Recipe

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Traveling With Your Chihuahua

by Joanell Hutchinson

Travel season is finally here again and that means hundreds of cats and dogs will be lost and never again found by their heartbroken owners. Many years ago I lost a dog for three days. They were among the worst days of my life but I learned a valuable lesson. No matter how careful and protective you think you are, it still can happen…even to you.

Before you set out for your travel adventures this year, take some precautions to be sure your Chihuahua stays safely with you at all times. Make your travel as great for your Chihuahua as it is for you.

So, what are some of the things you can do to prepare for your trip with your Chi?

Bring a harness with you and be sure it is secured properly on your Chi before opening any doors. I Traveling With Your Chihuahua Recipe

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Wintergreen

by LeAnn R. Ralph

From the book: Christmas In Dairyland (True Stories From a Wisconsin Farm) http://ruralroute2.com

As we drove along the dirt road north of our farm one Sunday afternoon, the color of the sky reminded me of Mom's silver cream and sugar servers when they were tarnished and needed to be polished again.

Since morning, the sky had been cloudy, but now at mid-afternoon, the clouds had grown much thicker and darker. Earlier in December we had gotten a little snow. Several forty-degree days had melted most of it, and the landscape was a combination of dun-colored grass, black tree branches and the russet color of certain oak leaves.

Every year in December, Dad and I went on a Christmas tre Wintergreen Recipe

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Exciting Vacations in Your Own Backyard - You Don't Need To Travel Far To Experience A Memorable Getaway

by News Canada

(NC)—The summer is in full swing and so is the travel season as Canadians take advantage of the long awaited warm breezes and sunny skies. For those of us without a family cottage or a plane ticket out of the province, the options may seem limited for creative, fun destination ideas for a day trip or even a summer-long getaway.

Options do exist – and it's often surprising just how close and convenient the fun can be. Below you'll find some great ideas in regions across Canada that are sure to create memorable and fun vacations for even the most discerning traveler. All of these options and more can be found in Michelin's Green Guide to Canada – a fountain of information, and an indispensable travel companion.

Spas

Spas are sprouting up a Exciting Vacations in Your Own Backyard - You Don't Need To Travel Far To Experience A Memorable Getaway Recipe

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