Donna Dunn
When I was a little girl growing up in the rural outskirts of Chatham, I took for granted that fireflies would light up the woods behind my house and that the stars would shine brightly, unencumbered by streetlights. I savored the sticky sweetness of homemade ice cream straight from the wooden bucket filled with rock salt. I ran through the sprinkler. If you’re like me, you wish sometimes that you could go back to those endless, care-free summer days. While we cannot turn back time, we can intentionally rediscover the wonder of summer. That’s why I think you’ll especially enjoy Shelley Basinger’s article about seeing summer through the eyes of a child. She offers some beautiful ways to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of our region.
Another summer night delight can be found in the sights, sounds and fragrance of a moon garden. Mitzi Bible gives you a primer on some of the best plants that bloom and show up beautifully in the moonlight. While you’re basking outdoors in the evening, you’ll want to keep away pesky mosquitoes, so don’t miss our article on preventing pests.
Summer also offers an opportunity to savor fresh flavors and imbibe cool refreshments. We’ve gathered some fun cocktail and mocktail recipes from local restaurants that you can try at home. Or relax and order one of these flavorful concoctions at Isabella’s Italian Trattoria or Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante. Speaking of taking it easy, we’ve got some simple five-ingredient recipes to make your grocery store trip a bit shorter. Simpler menus make it easier to keep your pantry tidy — we’ve also got you covered there in this issue.
As always, we feature a stunning local showcase home that offers many ideas for decorating and refurbishing. This time, we revisit a home from years ago that has been updated with many new touches to lighten and brighten. The Crists’ hospitable home invites in family and guests and makes them feel right at home.
Finally, as we think of guests, we know summer is prime time for travel. Make sure your guest room is ready for visitors! We offer guidance on creating an awesome night of sleep as well as including little touches that make friends and family feel welcome.
There’s so much more to check out in this issue. I hope you’ll enjoy it by sunlight — or moonlight — preferably at the pool!
’Tis moonlight, summer moonlight,
All soft and still and fair;
The solemn hour of midnight
Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere…
“Moonlight, Summer Moonlight”
— By Emily Jane Brontë
Donna Dunn | donna@jamesrivermedia.com
