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BeSmartLegal.com | 419-LAW-2020 | June 2026
THE LONG DAYS OF SUMMER
Every year, there seems to be one evening in June when I suddenly remember what summer feels like. Dinner is over, but the day is not. The sun is still hanging around as if it has nowhere else to be. Someone in the neighborhood is grilling. A lawnmower hums in the distance. Kids are still outside, trying to stretch every last minute out of the day. The dog is ready for a walk, and for a little while, the whole evening seems to say, “There is still time.” That may be what I love most about this season … summer gives us the feeling of more time. More time to sit outside after dinner, more time to linger at the ball field, and more time for road trips, graduation parties, cookouts, farmers markets, family visits, and evenings that do not feel quite so rushed. Even ordinary moments seem to expand a little in the long light of June. Of course, the funny thing about ordinary moments is that we do not always recognize how much they mean while we are living them. We are busy packing the cooler, looking for the sunscreen, reminding someone to bring a sweatshirt even though they insist they will not need it, or trying to get everyone out the door on time. We may not realize, in the moment, that these small rituals are the very things that become our favorite memories. Summer has a way of softening the edges of daily life. A simple dinner feels different when it is eaten outside. A walk feels easier when the evening is warm. A weekend feels a little more open when there is nowhere urgent to be. Even the pace of conversation seems to slow when people gather on a porch, around a picnic table, or in folding chairs at a ballgame. And maybe that is the gift of the long days of summer. They invite us to notice, linger, and say yes to the walk, the ice cream cone, the extra inning, the sunset, the visit, the phone call, the last few minutes outside before the mosquitoes finally win. As June begins, we hope this season gives you a little more time for the moments that matter most to you. Maybe that means a vacation, a
graduation party, a wedding, or a weekend away. Maybe it means a quiet evening on the porch, a bike ride, a baseball game, a backyard cookout, or watching your kids or grandkids run barefoot through the grass. However you spend these long days of summer, we hope they bring you rest, connection, laughter, and joy in the simple things. Because often, the moments that mean the most are not the grand ones. They are the everyday ones … those filled with light, warmth, movement, and ease. The ones that remind us how good it feels to have a little more time.
1 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com -Hillary Rinehardt
How We Spend the Extra Hours of Summer
One of the best parts of June is the feeling that the day gives us just a little more room. After work, dinner, or the usual rush of the day, there is still light left, and with it, a little more time to do the things that make summer feel special! In the spirit of this month’s theme, we asked our team how they like to spend the extra daylight. Their answers were a perfect reminder that summer’s best moments are often simple, familiar, and close to home. For Beth , summer means sweet corn and a true farm-to-table experience.
Good company and a great backyard gathering
Taking the scenic route
One of her favorite summer traditions is picking sweet corn at a friend’s farm in West Jefferson. Of course, not every harvest has gone exactly as planned. “One time, we picked in the wrong rows and ended up bringing home field corn,” Beth said. “It was not tasty!”
Stephanie likes to spend the extra daylight outdoors with her dogs, hiking through the woods and along the trails. The dogs love the adventure, and she enjoys the peacefulness and beauty of the hikes.
For Kristin , longer days and warmer weather mean longer walks, gardening, mini-trips around Ohio, and time in the backyard soaking in the fresh air and nature with her family. Beenz and Ozzy are already set for their next adventure! Hannah loves spending those extra daylight hours going for an evening walk. She even tries to include her furry companion, Jellybean, when he can get his harness on! And for Brilynn , this summer brings a new season of life. It is her first year with a little one in a sport, so the longer days are currently being spent at the ball field or outside, burning off all that extra energy. From books on the porch to dogs on the trails, from neighborhood walks to ball fields and backyard adventures, our team’s answers reminded us that summer doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best part of the season is simply having a little more light at the end of the day and choosing to spend it with the people, pets, places, and simple pleasures we love.
Backseat drivers reporting for duty
Fresh from the field and ready for the table
Carrie is looking forward to using the longer evenings for family walks. Her daughter has been asking almost every night if they can go for a walk, and they usually make it about 3 miles around the neighborhood. With a busy schedule, the extra daylight makes it easier to still fit in that special time together at the end of the day. For Barb , a perfect summer evening is peaceful and quiet. Around 7 p.m., she likes to go out on her deck, settle into the glider, and read a good mystery book. It sounds like the ideal way to close out a long day.
Jellybean enjoying his evening walk
Courtney also loves the slower pace of summer evenings. She enjoys sitting on the back porch with a good book while her dogs run around the backyard and wrestle until they completely wear themselves out. By the end of the night, they are usually exhausted and sprawled out beside her in bed … the perfect way to wind down.
Nap goals, achieved!
For Suzanna , the extra daylight is best enjoyed with friends, a patio, and a fun drink in hand. She loves letting the conversation stretch out as long as the sun does. And when she is in the mood for something quieter, she spreads a blanket in the grass, grabs a good book, and lets her mind wander in the warm sunshine.
Making memories together, one game at a time.
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SUMMER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST
There is nothing quite like a summer road trip. Whether you are heading to the beach, visiting family, taking kids to a tournament, or just escaping for a long weekend, the open road feels a little more inviting this time of year. Before you pull out of the driveway, a little preparation can make the trip safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Check your vehicle before you go. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, your oil and fluids are topped off, and your windshield wipers are working well. Summer storms can come up quickly, and a clean windshield and good visibility make a big difference. Pack the essentials. Bring water, snacks, phone chargers, sunglasses, sunscreen, medications, insurance information, and any roadside assistance details you may need. It is also smart to keep
a small emergency kit in the car with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic first-aid supplies,
and a blanket or towel. Plan for breaks.
construction zones, and young drivers. Give yourself extra time, follow at a safe distance, and stay patient when traffic slows down. Have a plan if something goes wrong. If you are involved in a crash, move to a safe place off the road if you can, call the police, exchange information, take photos, and seek medical attention if needed. Even if you feel okay at first, it is important to pay attention to symptoms that may appear later. A little planning can go a long way toward making your summer travel safer and less stressful. Wherever the road takes you this season, we hope your trip is full of good weather, fun music, delicious snacks, and happy memories.
Long drives can be tiring, especially in summer traffic. Build in time to stop, stretch, use the restroom, and let everyone reset. A short break can help drivers stay alert and make the trip more pleasant for passengers, too. Avoid distractions. Set your GPS, playlist, or podcast before you start driving. If you are traveling with others, let a passenger handle texts, directions, and snack negotiations. Keeping your attention on the road is one of the simplest and most important ways to stay safe. Watch for increased summer traffic. Summer roads are filled with vacationers, motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians,
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with buttermilk, 2 tbsp of salt, and a generous amount of black pepper. 2. Toss to coat the chicken well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. 3. In another large bowl, combine the flour with the remaining 1 tbsp of kosher salt and 2 tsp of black pepper. 4. Pour the oil into a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet with high sides. 5. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 degrees F. 6. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet or tray. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Coat the chicken in the seasoned flour until evenly coated (either in the bowl or in a paper bag). Shake off excess flour. 7. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, place the chicken, skin-side down, in the hot oil. 8. Cover and fry until the first side is golden brown, about 5–15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. 9. Remove the lid, turn the chicken, and continue cooking uncovered until the chicken is cooked through and deeply golden brown. 10. Transfer the chicken to the prepared rack to drain and rest. Sprinkle lightly with salt while it is still hot. Serve warm or at room temperature. Father’s Day falls on June 21 this year, and in honor of the dads, grandfathers, father figures, and fried-chicken lovers in our lives, we are sharing one of John’s favorite splurges: classic buttermilk fried chicken. It is not an everyday meal, and that may be exactly what makes it special. Crispy, golden, salty, and best enjoyed with plenty of napkins, fried chicken feels like summer comfort food at its best. Serve it warm with coleslaw, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, biscuits, or a simple green salad, and maybe let Dad have the biggest piece.
Father’s Day Favorite: JOHN’S BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS • 3–4 cups buttermilk
• 3 tbsp kosher salt, divided, plus more for serving • 2 tsp ground black pepper, plus more as needed • 1 whole chicken, cut into 10 pieces • 1½ cups all-purpose flour • 3 cups peanut oil, lard, canola oil, or another neutral frying oil, plus more as needed
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2404 Park Ave. W, Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
INSIDE THIS EDITION
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The Little Moments That Make Summer Feel Like Home 2 Our Favorite Ways to Unwind When Summer Evenings Linger 3 How to Prepare Your Car for a Safe Summer Adventure John’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken 4 What to Do When Temperatures Spike
Beat the Heat Simple Steps to Stay Cool and Safe This Summer The summer months can get incredibly hot, and this year may be even hotter. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicted that this summer could be one of the four hottest years ever recorded. As each day passes, their prediction becomes increasingly realistic. If you or your kids are planning to spend some time outdoors over the next few months, you need to take steps to protect yourselves! Hydration is key during the summer. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; drink plenty of water around the clock. Avoid drinking beverages with large amounts of alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, as they dehydrate you. Whenever you head outside, whether it’s to garden, play with the kids, or walk the dog, bring a water bottle. Even when you’re just driving around town, it’s a good idea to bring water in case you break down and have to walk to get help. Before heading outside, take precautions to protect your skin and avoid heat stroke. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and throw on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head. Sunscreen is also a must, even on days that aren’t overly sunny. If you’re going to be physically active outdoors, make sure you do so only in the mornings
and evenings. Working too hard during the peak of the day’s heat will quickly exhaust you. You can even implement home practices to help cool your house down. Avoid using your stove or oven when cooking meals, take cooler showers, and apply weatherstripping to doors and windows to help keep cool air inside. You should also cover any large windows with curtains or shades to keep the heat out. Most importantly, if you drive anywhere with your kids or pets, don’t leave them in the car. Your vehicle can reach dangerous temperatures quickly, even if the windows are down. It’s never worth the risk! We don’t have to feel sticky and hot all summer long. With the right strategies, we can stay cool and make the most of the next few months.
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