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Two years ago, my family and I went to the beach. Before heading out to enjoy the sand and sun, I made sure that we were all lathered in sunscreen.  We were outside for most of the day with consistent breaks under a canopy to avoid sunburn.  Later that evening, we went out to dinner and as I took my first bite into my jalapeno burger, I had such a severe pain in my lips that I could not finish my dinner.  My lips were sunburnt and I was miserable. It is very important to know that your lips can be damaged by the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and need to be protected.  There are lip balms that contain SPF agents to protect your pucker from these harmful rays, and can be carried easily in your purse, pocket or diaper bag. Remember, children are most affected by the symptoms of sunburn on their lips. So as you are lathering up for some fun in the sun, don’t forget to protect your pucker as well!

You’ve had a long day at work. You just want to go home and relax, but there’s that little voice in the back of your head telling you to stay away from the couch and that bag of potato chips and go get some exercise. Ugh! That is the last thing you want to do, but you know you should. The bottom line is exercise is good for you. According to mayoclinic.org, aerobic activity can help you: 1. Keep excess pounds at bay Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps you lose weight and keep it off. 2. Increase your stamina You may feel tired when you first start regular aerobic exercise. But over the long term, you'll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue. 3. Ward off viral illnesses Aerobic exercise activates your immune system in a good way. This may leave you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu. 4. Reduce your health risks Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke and certain types of cancer. Weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as walking, help decrease the risk of osteoporosis. 5. Manage chronic conditions Aerobic exercise may help lower blood pressure and control blood sugar. If you have coronary artery disease, aerobic exercise may help you manage your condition. 6. Strengthen your heart A stronger heart doesn't need to beat as fast. A stronger heart also pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body. 7. Keep your arteries clear Aerobic exercise boosts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good," cholesterol, and lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad," cholesterol. This may result in less buildup of plaques in your arteries. 8. Boost your mood Aerobic exercise may ease the gloominess of depression, reduce the tension associated with anxiety and promote relaxation. 9. Stay active and independent as you age Aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong, which can help you maintain mobility as you get older. Aerobic exercise also keeps your mind sharp. Studies have found that regular physical activity may help protect memory, reasoning, judgment and thinking skills (cognitive function) in older adults, and may improve cognitive function in young adults. Some studies suggest that it can even help prevent the onset of dementia. 10. Live longer Studies show that people who participate in regular aerobic exercise live longer than those who don't exercise regularly. Just remember to speak to your physician before beginning your exercise regimen and start slowly. And don’t forget to have some fun while you’re at it!

One great part about the summer months is the opportunity to fire up your grill and cook outdoors! For me personally, food just tastes better when it has been cooked over a hot flame outside.  I have recently discovered foil-baked meals, which consists of meat, potatoes, vegetables and seasonings all packed inside an aluminum sealed makeshift bowl and then baked on the grill (or even in the oven if it’s not grilling season). This fine way of dining is so simple and the clean up is almost nothing if you choose to eat your meal out of the same “bowl” in which it was baked. Also, your options are endless.  Why stop at just dinner? I’m sure there are recipes for great desserts made in the same fashion…I’ll get back to you on that one!  For now, I am posting a Shrimp Boil Foil Pack recipe that is just simply delicious and so easy.  Serves 4.  Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and de-veined 2 ears of corn on the cob, husked ½ pound andouille sausage 1 pound baby red potatoes OR baby yellow potatoes 3 tablespoons old bay seasoning OR homemade seasoning (see note) Salt and pepper, to taste 3 teaspoons minced garlic Juice of ½ lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving 3 tablespoons, melted + ½ cup butter, divided Chopped fresh parsley, for topping Instructions: Chop corn into thirds, then chop each third in half lengthwise. Chop potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Boil corn and potatoes for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl combine shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes. Stir together melted 3 tablespoons butter, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, juice from half a lemon, and salt and pepper to taste and pour over shrimp, sausage and veggies. Stir to coat. Divide between four 12x12 inch sheets of aluminum foil. Fold edges of foil up around the food to create a closed packet. Cook on preheated grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes on the second side. Alternately, you can bake the packets at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until corn is tender and shrimp are pink and fully cooked. While packets are cooking, melt remaining butter in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Once melted, continue to stir gently over medium heat for 3-4 minutes longer until color changes from pale yellow to a golden amber (but be careful not to burn it). Serve shrimp boil packs topped with chopped parsley, lemon wedges for squeezing, and browned butter for drizzling over the top or dipping.

While I was in college, I took a world religion class. My instructor was a nun who was a lovely person and well-informed on the different religions of the world. It was really an interesting subject to study. It was, and still is, fascinating to me that many of the other religious works are similar to the St. James version of the Bible, which is my personal choice for spiritual instruction. How did the other religions come into being? Was it from a main religion that took off in different directions? Many scholars believe this to be true. For instance, Christianity and Islam is an offshoot of Judaism, and Buddhism is an offshoot of Hinduism. This is fascinating stuff, and, I believe that is the reason all the different religions have similar stories. A site regarding the origin of religion is here. http://www.allaboutreligion.org/origin-of-religion.htm Several years ago, I read a book written by a self-professed atheist. I don’t remember the author’s name but recall he said religion ruined the world. Religion in and of itself cannot ruin the world. Only people can ruin the world by their refusal to accept that everyone has the right to believe the way they choose to believe. If your neighbor believes differently than you do, it’s not your business. If you think they are going to Hell for their beliefs, it’s still not your business. God says in his Word that he will separate the wheat from the chaff. If you think your neighbor is chaff, don’t fight with them. Pray for them! My youngest child is an atheist, despite being raised in the church from the time he was a baby. He thinks that when he dies he’ll just go poof and be gone from existence. No Heaven. No Hell. We have had many philosophical discussions over the years. He believes that because many of the religions have similar stories they all must be false. Lucky for him because of my beliefs (and many hours of prayer), and the promises that God made us, I know he will come to accept the existence of God and go to Heaven when he dies. Of course, I’ll be long gone by then receiving my reward in Heaven, but I’ll be waiting to greet him when it’s his time to leave this life, and lovingly tell him I told you so.

My 14-year-old son graduated from middle school this year. There was a ceremony for the kids on the school’s football field. Several of the faculty and students participated by giving speeches, receiving awards, etc.  Of course, the highlight for me was when my son walked up to the stage and received his three awards. In addition to that moment, though, the principal’s speech really hit home for me. The 2016-17 school year will be his last because he is retiring.  This older gentleman spoke about “being in the moment.”  He asked that everyone put their cell phones away and focus on the surroundings – to think about things like the beautiful sunny morning, the trees that towered behind the stadium and even the thoughts of the graduates at the time. The principal said that by having so much of our time invested in watching the screens of whatever electronic device we choose, we are missing out on so much.  A baby’s first smile, your child’s first perfect dive off the diving board at the pool, that perfect person for you…it all could be there and gone in a few seconds - missed opportunities and milestones because of the addiction of constantly checking our devices. I am definitely not without guilt when it comes to this, but after that speech, I try to watch my usage.  Time flies as it is and I would rather focus on my family and friends as well as my surroundings rather than social media trying to determine who I was in my past life or what cartoon character describes me best.

With the hot weather upon us it’s important to be mindful of keeping your pets comfortable in the heat. To prevent overheating, keep in mind the following: -If they must be outside, your dogs need a cool, shaded place out of the sun to rest. -Clean cool water is very important this time of year for your dogs. -Don’t push your dogs too hard to play or work. Give him/her plenty of breaks throughout the day. -Never leave your dogs in a hot car with the window up or down. -If you must run an errand, leave your beloved dogs at home where it is cool. If you must take your pets with you, please make sure you have cool water for them. If you are planning on leaving them in your car, please make sure to leave the air on for them with a note stating such so others know that you understand the responsibility of having a dog. Their safety comes first. Please note that I DO NOT recommend leaving your pets in your car with the air on in hot weather. This suggestion is only in case of an emergency. -If you do see a dog left in a hot car call the police or the dog warden. In conclusion, Barley and Guinness have a few reminders for you. Dog fighting it not a sport. If you know of anyone who is involved in a dog fighting ring, call the authorities and report this activity. Also, if you have your dog chained outside to a dog box day and night, that is not a life a dog wants to live. They are pack animals and want to be with you. They consider you their family and pack leader. You should consider them your four-legged children. To keep the animal population under control, spayed or neuter your pets. This is your responsibility as your animals cannot do this for themselves. Bark on, Bordas dog nation, bark on!

My family has taken a vacation every summer since I was 5 years old. Last year we went to New Orleans and this summer we are going on a cruise. It used to be just my immediate family (mom, dad, and sisters) but the trip now includes my extended family, too - aunts, uncles and cousins. It’s great. The more the merrier. I absolutely love spending time with my family. Some of my fondest memories are from vacations we have taken together. Although being with family is typically a fun time, sometimes, with so many people in the mix, they can drive you insane. Luckily, my family and I have perfected a way not to become aggravated with each other by the conclusion of the trip. Here are some vacation tips that I have found to work for us when we go on vacation. When putting together the itinerary, be sure everyone is ok with the activities. Doing this prior to the trip saves a lot of stress and everyone will know what to expect. Spending time together is great, but it can start to become annoying after a while. In the trip itinerary, schedule some free time so everyone can do whatever they want whether it be shopping, taking in the sites or, my personal favorite, napping and enjoying the spa. My younger sister was famous for complaining about how she did not get to do anything she wanted during vacation. Adding a free day or two has eliminated the small family arguments. Create a fun hashtag to keep up with your family. That way while you’re out and about on your free day you can check the hashtag and see what the rest of your family is up to. #johnsonfamilyvacay Allow everyone’s input when it comes to deciding dinner. If you are taking a road trip, have everyone put together a playlist and pass along the aux cord or Bluetooth. I think it makes the trip fun when each person plays DJ. I hope these tips help you and your family this summer. Enjoy the sun and each other!!!

With summertime, comes heat, and with heat can come dehydration. As much as we all love summer, please keep in mind our bodies need some extra attention and help to maintain a healthy core.  Water intake can play a big role in this. Myself, like many others, do not consume enough water daily.  I personally would much rather drink something much better tasting than water.  I can assure you it is not my drink of preference as it should be.  Thus, I find myself on the verge of dehydration, especially when I am outside soaking up the sun and not consuming the water my body needs.  Our bodies use water to regulate everything, and we need more depending on physical exercise, external heat and sickness.  Staying hydrated and healthy is important. Here are some sure tell signs that you too may be on the verge of dehydration: Dry, sticky mouth Less frequent urination Muscle cramps Dizziness Increased heart rate Less skin elasticity Thirst Dry, cool skin (feels rough and itchy) Headache The next time you are reaching for that ohhh sooo good diet soda or gusto, ask yourself if you have hydrated sufficiently for the day. If not, reach for the water first!  You won’t be sorry.

One day as I was scrolling through social media, a picture of a beautiful garden caught my attention. Of course I opened up my friend’s online album and looked through her gardening creations. This got my wheels turning and I decided to make some floral creations for my own porch. I know we are all busy, and at first thought I would never have time to spend on gardening.  Then I turned my thoughts around to how I was going to MAKE time. Not only does gardening make our outdoor living space beautiful, but there are major health style benefits as well. According to www.rodalesorganiclife.com, some of the health benefits include the following: 1.  It reduces stress and anxiety. 2.  It decreases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. 3.  It makes you happy. 4.  It keeps your mind sharp. 5.  It helps you sleep better. I enjoy watching my flowers and plants grow as a result of the care and feeding I have given them.  I also enjoy my kids asking me to come sit out on our porch with them because of the peaceful atmosphere.  For me, that is the best benefit of all.

When I was a child, my family lived in a rural area that didn’t have much in the way of entertainment. Mind you swinging off a steel cable bolted to a tree from a very large hill and riding my bike off homemade ramps was fun, but the thing I loved most was summer reading from the Bookmobile. It would park at the church every two weeks all summer long. My sisters and I couldn’t wait for it to appear. We were each allowed to borrow six books for the two-week period, which wasn’t nearly enough. My sisters would run to the romance section. Not me. I went for the mysteries. They have always been my go-to reading genre. Probably from the time I was 12 to 15 or so, I avidly read every book by Phyllis A. Whitney I could get my hands on during the summer months. She was one of my favorite authors. She has written many books for young readers and adults alike. Reading her books was like being able to travel the world without leaving my room. Adding mystery, murder and mayhem to the mix made it all the more exciting. I spent many happy hours whiling the summers away helping her solve mysteries in exotic places. I loved her books so much! If you’ve never read any of her books, please do. They are wonderful! Phillis passed away on February 8, 2008 at the age of 104. She led a wonderfully colorful life while she traveled the world gathering background information for her many fantastic books. Rest in peace dear Ms. Whitney with the knowledge that you gave me and many others countless hours of reading pleasure. I will fondly remember you always.

A little over a month ago, I began noticing a strange “crowing” sound every time I stepped out on my deck. I could not figure out what it was, but knew it had to be some kind of bird or animal.  A few days later I was surprised to see a beautiful ring neck pheasant perched on the fence surrounding our yard as I went down my driveway one morning.  When I got home, I was delighted to see that he was still hanging around our house.  I quickly nicknamed him “Phil.” I knew he was a male because only male pheasants have the beautiful coloring, while females are all brown. Pheasants also love to live in high grass, so he has been living in the hayfield by our yard for about six weeks now.  I also have a patch of wildflowers I planted and he occasionally hides there as well.  This past weekend it was time to mow the hay and I was a little worried about how Phil would react to having it (his hiding place) cut down.  My husband had to get off the tractor several times to make Phil get out of the way of the mower.  In addition to Phil, we also found five fawns and three foxes living in the hayfield.  The day after the hay was cut we did not see Phil anywhere.  I guess he didn’t like it very well that we had destroyed his home, and he decided to move on to higher grass.  I also feared the worst—that one of the foxes may have killed him.  A second day went by with no Phil, but on the third day, as I came up the driveway from work, there was Phil perched on the fence again.  He was home and I was ridiculously happy to see him.  I even forgave him for the two times he was hiding in my patch of wildflowers and suddenly flew out of it almost scaring me to death. It’s silly that I have become so attached to this wild bird when I really don’t like birds at all.  Maybe it’s because he’s all alone and seems a little lost and out of place.  We are enjoying him so much that we created his own Facebook page, and “Phil Pheasant” is starting to get quite the following.  I have also been shopping around for a couple of pheasant hens so that Phil will have some companions and not be so lonely—maybe we will call them Phyllis and Felicia.

As summer approaches, the warm weather and sunshine entices us to spend more time outside. As good as the sunshine is for us mentally, is can be very harmful to our skin. As a mother, I was a drill sergant with my daughters about applying sunscreen before they headed outside and I always received the “ugh, Mommmm” response.  As with every kid, they did not want to take the few seconds needed for me to spray them down.  It wasn’t until many years later that I realized, I was always applying it to their skin, and never worried about my own. I should have practiced what I preached. I am now seeing some of the affects of not applying it on my own skin throughout the years. Here are the top five reasons to apply sunscreen daily, even in the winter months: 1.          It shields your skin from harmful rays; 2.          It protects you from developing skin cancer; 3.          It prevents brown spots and skin discolorations; 4.          It reduces red veins and blotchiness; and 5.          It slows down wrinkles. Studies also show that some medications increase your chance of getting sunburn.  Medications prescribed for cardiovascular issues, inflammation and acne can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn.  If you are on any of these medications, be extra cautious. One more quick tip - sunscreen does expire.  Make sure you are applying sunscreen that has not reached its expiration date.   Studies show that expired sunscreen provides no protection against the sun.