(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Summer is finally here and a great time to step outside and enjoy the nice warm weather and long daylight days. If you are looking for options to add to your seasonal list I am listing a few which I am sure many of you already have and do.

It is always fun to go to the local summer musical festivals and support the events in our city.

If you are young, floating down the river is always fun if you are into boating.

Rainy days provide a great time to just stay at home and read a book or just relax or just watch a movie or television.

Pick an evening to have something like an “ice cream party” like I did last week and with a large variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to satisfy everyone’s likes.

For the children I made fancy “Shirley Temple” non-alcoholic drinks in fancy glasses making the children feel like adults.

Another great idea is to take a nice long drive over the country roads in West Virginia and Ohio and enjoy all the beauty.

Taking a trip to the Amish Country about a two-hour drive to Dover and Sugar Creek and you can appreciate your air conditioned car when you view all the Amish people riding in their buggies and working their fields in the hot sun.

When I return home I am sure you will say what I say — “Home Sweet Home” with electricity, AC and conveniences. However I do admire and respect those people with their kindness, sincerity and simplicity of life.

Summer is also a good time to visit all the outdoor flea markets for all you antique and bargain hunters.

You might consider grilling fresh fruits like peaches, pineapples, bananas, etc. topped with ice cream or whipped cream along with your hamburgers and hot dogs. One of children’s favorites is s’mores made with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate toasted which makes a perfect dessert for them.

An old event you may want to take up is flying a kite which can be fun and also exciting.

Fishing is also a great summer activity where children can enjoy fishing and quality time with their fathers or grandfathers.

I do not care personally for camping but it is a very popular and loved activity that many people do especially in the summer.

Picnics are especially one of the top family and friends gatherings during the summer. Last Sunday we had a great picnic for all our employees at the Auntie Anne’s Pretzel shop with lots of food and games to thank our employees all arranged by the store’s manager and assistant manager and to give the staff some quality and fun time.

There are many other activities available that you can choose from like hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, swimming and so on.

Enjoy your summer and BE SAFE.

Till next week.

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WATERMELON RIND CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

2 cups sliced peeled watermelon rind with layer of pink flesh attached

12 oz. fusilli pasta

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound Cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz. Cocktail bocconcini alone cheese

1/2 cup thinly fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving

Cook fusilli according to package directions, adding watermelon rind in the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking, until pasta is al dente and watermelon rind is tender. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.

Cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together oil ,vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.

In large bowl, toss pasta and watermelon rind with dressing until well coated. Fold in tomatoes, cheese, and basil. Top with more basil leaves.

Tip. Add sliced grilled chicken for an easy summer lunch or dinner.

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QUICK AVOCADO SALAD

1 avocado

1 small can mandarin orange slices chilled, and drained

La choy Mandarin orange sauce, chilled .

Peel and halve avocado. Place on lettuce leaf. Fill cavity generously with Mandarin orange slices. Top with orange sauce.