Looking to Make the Most of Your Summer?

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it’s clear that summertime has arrived. The season is filled with opportunities for fun in the sun, from pool parties, backyard barbecues and picnics in the park. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the warmer months.

My author friends and I are doing a Blog Hop to kick off the summer season. Please click on their blog posts below to see what they have planned, too.

In this months blog post, explore three activities my family and I will spend most of our time for some summertime fun.

My Favorite Three “B” Things to Do in the Summer

*Baseball/Softball

*BBQ

*Books

Baseball/Softball

For those who have followed me for sometime now, they know baseball is a huge part of our lives and has been for more years than I can count.

With our oldest son starting t-ball at age 5, then playing baseball every year of his life until adulthood. He is currently active in softball, coaching his own team for 17 years now. His dad and I have been welcomed on his team over those years. I’ve become more of a cheerleader than player these days. We have such a great group and they are a blast to be around.

Our youngest son caught the baseball bug early on, as well. He too, excelled with this sport all through childhood, high school and pitched in college. He’s currently coaching he’s son’s year round team and loves every minute of it. Yes, they even practice in an enclosed area in the winter. He has a team of players and parents who are as dedicated to this sport as he is.

That leaves us attending lots of baseball games, which we love!

Watching our grandson play and grow in this game is our favorite!

Oh, I forgot to mention. We have our granddaughter in t-ball now and it’s the cutest thing ever. Of course this grandma’s opinion, they are both top notch in their games. 😉

BBQ

Living in the Midwest, and particularly, KCMO and Kansas City, KS, BBQ is the much requested meal and talked about food.

I conducted a survey with a few of our friends and asked their favorite places and what they like the most about their choices of BBQ restaurants.

Slap’s BBQ (KCK) is Jim R’s favorite. Their BBQ Ribs with the white BBQ sauce is his go-to. He also mentioned their Bake Potato Casserole is a side dish you won’t want miss.

Mindy R. claims Joe’s Barbeque, in KS (formally known as Oklahoma Joe’s) and is her favorite place to dine for BBQ.

Jeff Z. said, “Gates BBQ and their sauce is his all time favorite.”

I personally like, Arthur Bryant’s. Their sandwiches are served with just a few slices of white bread, nothing fancy, but the meat? Amazing!

Gates and Arthur Bryant’s were noted to be the two oldest barbecue spots in our city. In fact, they style their BBQ back to a well known chef, Henry Perry, Kansas City’s original barbecue king.”

Click here to read more about how he started it all in the early 1900s! ► Henry Perry (Credit: NPR in Kansas City)

Books

After being shut in all winter, I love sitting out on our deck in the summertime reading.

I think I’ve mentioned once the baseball months start, my reading would slow down a bit and it sure has. I still have tried to read everyday, even if it’s a page here and there. My goal in Goodreads is to read 50 in 2023 and I have completed 23 books so far.

My Books in May:

“Dying of Politeness: A Memoir,” by Geena Davis

My Review: (For Adult Readers)

“If you have enjoyed movies with Geena Davis, you’ll like her new book, “Dying of Politeness: A Memoir,” with stories behind her movies and life growing up. She shares a candid, (strong language) look at her years in show business, marriages and so much more. Even though I did not hear the CD of this story, I could almost hear her say the words as I read her memoir.”

“As Bright as Heaven,” by Susan Meissner

My Review: (For Adult Readers)

“As Bright as Heaven,” by Susan Meissner, written in 2018, is not a book I would have been able to read close to the events of 2020.
In 1918, the Spanish Flu took many lives. Author Meissner’s historical fiction explains this emotional story with the Bright family and their three daughters. After living in rural rural Quakertown, they move and began their new lives in Philadelphia. The father, Thomas, is asked to come and work in his uncle’s funeral home, which is also located where they will live, as well.
The first half of the book sets the stage with twists and turns for the second half of this story.
I enjoyed how this was written, breaking it down to each of the daughters thoughts and feelings throughout the pages.
I’m looking forward to reading more of Susan Meissner’s books.”

“100 Things to Do in Kansas City Before You Die,” by Traci Angel (For All Readers.)

My Review:

It didn’t take me long to read this 160 page book, “100 Things to Do in Kansas City Before You Die,” by Traci Angel. Since growing up in KCMO, I knew of most of these places, but not all. I’m looking forward to checking them out.
Angel’s has a 2nd edition, which I was able to put on hold at our local library. I’m looking forward to that one, as well.
If you ever plan to visit KCMO and our surrounding areas, you’ll want to look into these books. Make sure you check online to see if these sites are still open since a lot has changed since this 1st book was written in 2015. Her 2nd edition is more current, 2022.

Currently Reading: (For Adult Readers)

I’m on page 119 with this book I’m currently reading, “What Happened to the Bennetts,” by Lisa Scottoline. So far, it’s a real page turner. My sister suggested it from her book club and they all said it’s a really great story. I have to agree and looking forward to finishing it.

Now, let’s join some more summertime blogs below…

Take a trip to where these awesome authors live and how they will spend their summer months.

► Sandra Bennett, Author – How Do You Find Your Winter Bliss?

► Julie Gorges – Finding Some Summertime Bliss

► Author Rebecca Lyndsey – Summertime Bliss

Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us about what you have planned for this summer? 🙂

Happy Summer!

As always,

Happy Reading, too. 🙂

Rosie

Did you miss my May’s blog post? If so, click here ► Exciting Book Release Party With Tips, Recipes, Reviews And More”