Spring Family Picnics Made Easy DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and finger
foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup. Create a cozy, kid-friendly setup. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
Smart Strategies for Safe Driving in Rugged Weather STORMY ROADS AHEAD
Spring can be a time of high weather drama in Missouri. When winter refuses to let go while summer is making an entrance, the result can be a clash of air masses that sparks severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, clusters of tornados, and damaging wind. These violent storms often produce highway hazards to match. Driving in severe weather demands not only your undivided attention but awareness of dangers specific to these conditions. To avoid accidents that can cause personal injury to yourself or others, here are a few strategies to keep in mind. Heavy Rain Poor visibility is a major problem in heavy rain. Turn on your headlights and increase your following time by 1–2 seconds. That means adding a second or two onto the customary three-
second rule for determining a safe following distance. The three-second rule holds that a driver should maintain enough distance from a vehicle ahead to count three seconds (“1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000”) between the time that vehicle passes a landmark or sign ahead and the time your vehicle reaches the same point. During a storm, increase that distance to 4–5 seconds. Drivers also should guard against hydroplaning. This occurs when a vehicle travels too fast during heavy rains, and its tires slide atop a thin layer of water rather than gripping the surface of the road. Steering and braking a vehicle are difficult during hydroplaning, causing drivers to lose control. Also, try to avoid driving immediately after it starts to rain. Rain can cause oils on the road to float to the surface, making it slick and especially hazardous.
Approaching Tornado On average, the Show-Me state has 30 tornados a year, and nearly half of them hit during spring. If a tornado is approaching, avoid stopping under a bridge or in a tunnel, which often acts as a channel for high winds. Remember, tornados carry swirling debris that can cause serious harm or injury. If you can safely lie down in an area lower than the roadway, get out of your car and do so, with your hands covering your head. If not, stay in your car with your seat belt on, lower your head beneath your car windows, and cover yourself with your hands or a blanket for protection. Sometimes, the best decision you can make during severe storms is to stay off the road altogether.
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