Michiana House and Home - April 2023

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2362 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com

Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2023

editor’s note...

As we put together the April issue, March was trying to decide whether to leave as a lion or a lamb. We went from nearly 60 degree weather down to temperatures in the teens and back up to the high 50s again, all within a matter of days.

And while a lot of people complain about daylight savings, coming home from work and having a few hours of daylight to go for a walk or start doing some yard clean up is nice.

This issue is all about those spring cleaning chores, from cleaning the ducts in your home, to getting your yard ready for spring planting, and how to have fun after all the work is done.

BethAnne Brink-Cox tackled sprucing up our homes in two articles, one on getting those ducts clean, which makes it easier for your HVAC to do its job, the other on getting the yard prepped to make spring planting easier. She covers everything from techniques to warm the soil to what tools we need to get the job done.

Julie Young wrote an article about popular yard games. It’s not all

about corn hole and if that’s not your thing, she provides several suggestions that sound like they would be fun to try. And the nice thing about these games is they are all pretty inexpensive.

Julie also wrote about something close to her heart... Music. Vinyl is making a comeback and to make those studio albums sound their best, you need the proper sound system. Julie wrote about a number of systems available covering a variety of budgets.

Loanne Harms, this month’s Michiana Master Gardener, wrote about one of my favorite plants, orchids. I love how long their blooms last and they aren’t as tricky to care for as most people believe.

As some may have noticed, I haven’t mentioned Turquoise in several months. After being my partner in crime for 9 years, Turq crossed the rainbow bridge last September. At the end of February, I adopted two 9-month-old kittens, Ace and Bromley (formerly Amy) from Catsnip Etc. a trap, neuter release organization in Elkhart County. So I have new supervisors when I’m doing yard work or home improvement projects around the house.

Ready to Refresh?

Spruce Up Your Outdoor Spaces This Spring

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

Think spring cleaning only applies to interior spaces? Think again. Outdoor spaces deserve to be refreshed as well. Your landscape is important to the overall look and value of your property so why not hop to it and get in on the latest trends?

DRAB TO FAB

Before planning your landscape plans for 2023, begin by washing the grit and grime from every exterior surface, clearing debris, and making any necessary repairs so you have a blank canvas upon which to dream. These small tasks can make a big difference to your property and allow you to prepare for bigger projects such as hardscapes, outdoor living spaces and special features.

Chuck Roth of Chesterton Feed + Garden Center said today’s homeowners are looking for plants that grow quickly, look great and require little to no maintenance for their outdoor living spaces. They are also mixing it up by incorporating container gardens into their raised and traditional beds which offers a lot of topography and interest to the landscape.

“They are also moving away from exotic plants to more native plants that can give them the look and color they want without the time and effort involved,” he said. “A native plant is great because you can just put it in the ground

and walk away knowing it will thrive in our region.”

Don Fouce of Fouce Landscaping, LLC, which serves Warsaw and Kosciusko County says Vanilla Strawberry hydrangeas add beautiful color to your sunny spaces, while the narrow skyrocket juniper tree can give your property some privacy and screening thanks to its 15–20-foot elevation. However, many homeowners are looking for glorious groundcovers and there is nothing quite like a Drift Rose.

“A Drift Rose is like a Knockout Rose, but it has a bigger flower, and you don’t have to deadhead them so it’s less maintenance than other varieties,” he said. “If you do deadhead it, it will grow even more but it’s a great little rose that produces all year round.”

BEYOND THE BLOOMS

Beyond plant material, landscape trends also focus on outdoor living spaces and aesthetics. Fouce said one of the hottest trends in landscape is the fire feature (no pun intended) as well as a space to enjoy some quiet time together.

“It seems like everyone wants a paver patio right now with a fire pit and a seating area around it,” he said.

Of course, cool spring evenings will give way to blisteringly hot summer days and when

it is time to get a respite from the sun’s rays, homeowners may want to invest in a retractable awning, which will not only help them beat the heat, but also make their home stand out from the rest.

“A retractable awning can make any unusable space useable by getting you out of the sun and the UV elements,” said Mark Bidelman of Sun and Shade Awning in Three Rivers, Mich. “We have 250 colors to choose from that will help create a cross breeze and help your space feel 20 degrees cooler during the hottest months. They really are a game changer that can not only help you enjoy your yard but can also help boost your curb appeal.”

Spring into action now and get a jump on these timely trends that will have you loving the way your landscape looks! n

Celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month with SCAN

Laying the foundation for healthy, happy childhoods is a job bigger than any one person or organization, it takes everyone. When you join SCAN in learning how to keep the kids in your life safe, you help us celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month!

We believe each person can be an advocate for their own community by sharing resources designed to help protect families. You can learn more and view resources like this in your community by visiting the link below. Together, we can cheer on the children and families in our lives!

Cleaning those ducts, the unseen part of the house

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Have you considered ductwork cleaning as you begin planning the usual spring chores, both large and small? There are varying opinions on whether or not this is a necessary task, but Ryan Ousley, Comfort Specialist for Colliers Commercial Service in Warsaw, has a good opinion on this question, with plenty of experience to back it up. “Have you ever looked inside your ductwork? Some of what we clean, it’s like pulling cats out of the ducts! So just imagine breathing in all that hair, dirt, dust. And the work of your furnace or AC can blow it all around.”

Ousley continued, “If you have respiratory issues, such as asthma, and/or if you have dogs in your house, cats in your house, you should probably have the cleaning done more frequently than the norm, which is 5-7 years. You can also consider the Reme Halo, which uses molecules of hydrogen peroxide; they attach to other particulates like mold, pollen, dander, even COVID and kill them.” A quick check for more information showed that this ionized peroxide system is U.S. Military and hospital approved; for instance, they can reduce 99% of sneeze germs by the time that sneeze can reach three feet! Ousley said, “The first couple of months you’ll see more clumps of stuff, because it’s cleaning your house, your system. I mean, we can’t completely eliminate all dust, but these Halos help with all kinds of bacteria and other issues, and it’s all through the filters. I have one in my house, and believe me, if it’s unplugged for any length of time, I can see the difference.”

What about furnace filters? Ousley explained about Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and how the size of the filters used, which vary, can only handle so much dust and dirt. “A 1 inch filter should be replaced monthly. If you moved up to bigger box filters, the MERV ratings show them working for 9 months to a year. We’re talking carbon clean filters. They’re costly, but the result is best. Hospital air quality. But they can be installed in residential homes.”

While there are many do-it-yourself projects you can safely manage, Ousley said, “Please leave it to the pros. The machine we use is the size of a small refrigerator. We block your furnace so nothing gets pulled inside. Once it’s hooked up to the supply duct, we go to all your supply vents and cover them with plastic, create suction so anything loose can move. We wash and clean all your registers. Once that’s done, we go to the return side and do the same thing, taking each vent off the wall or the floor. Floor returns are dirtiest, because you can walk right across them. Just think of all that can fall down in there. We have a three part filtration system, HEPA filters that are hospital quality.”

Lastly, Ousley said the best time to do this kind of indepth cleaning is during what he called the ‘shoulder season’--between the end of the heating season and before the cooling season begins. “You just went through a season where it ran all winter or all summer. But honestly, even if you just built a house, you’ve got drywall dirt, fibers from carpet installation, you really just want to get a fresh start.”

And if you’re moving into a pre-owned home, you could be dealing with allergens you didn’t know were in the system, such as pet dander.

Ousley said they’re busy all year long, so add this task to your list if you were considering it. If you weren’t, you might want to reconsider. n

Lumber ~ Shiplap ~ Flooring

Hardware ~ Makita Tools

Milwaukee Tools ~ Valspar Paint

Therma Tru Entry Doors

around michiana

APRIL 1-30 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

1105 Northside Blvd., 574-282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

APRIL 7 | GOSHEN FIRST FRIDAY: “SPRING INTO ACTION”

Featuring entertainment, food and drink, kids activities, downtown business promotions.

5-9 p.m. Friday

Free admission

Downtown area

574-312-9922

downtowngoshen.org

MULTI-EVENT VENUES

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS | SOUTH BEND

• April 15, Girls Ambitious about Learning Science (GALS), 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Hurwich Shelter, SP. For girls fifth through eighth grade. Free admission. Registration by April 10.

• April 22, Audubon Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Red Barn, SP. Gate fee after 10 a.m.

• April 22, Garlic Mustard Zap!, volunteer project to remove invasive plants, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Berta Shelter, SP. Free admission. Registration by April 19.

• April 23, Earth Day Trivia, 1 p.m. Sunday, Brown Barn, SP. $10/group up to six people. Registration and payment by April 18.

• April 29, Overhead and Underfoot: Part 2 of 3, at Glenn Bauer Shelter, BW. St. Patrick’s County Park (SP), 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend; Bendix Woods County Park (BW), 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle; Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park (F/B), 57057 Ash Road, Osceola; Spicer Lake Nature Preserve (SL), 50840 County Line Road, New Carlisle. 574-654-3155 sjcparks.org

LERNER THEATER | ELKHART

• April 22, 7th annual “A Year in Dance,” 2 p.m. Saturday, $24.50.

• April 27, Cirque International, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $29 to $59.

• April 29, Stunt Dog Experience, 3 p.m. Saturday, $25 to $40. 410 S. Main St. 574-293-4469 thelerner.com

GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN

• April 14, Free Movie: “The Sandlot,” 7 p.m. Friday.

• April 15, Goshen Theater Drama Club: Spring Showcase, 7 p.m. Saturday, $5 general admission.

• April 20-23, River Bend Film Festival, noon to 10:15 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, tickets/passes $12 to $225.

216 S. Main St. 574-312-3701

goshentheater.com

WAGON WHEEL THEATER | WARSAW

• April 22, Symphony of the Lakes presents “100 Years of Magic!” 7 p.m. Saturday, $20/adults, $15/seniors and students.

• April 27-30, “The Phantom of the Wagon Wheel” audience participation murder mystery, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $20/person, $150/team of eight, general admission.

2515 E. Center St., Warsaw 574-267-8041, 866-823-2618

wagonwheelcenter.org

POTAWATOMI ZOO | SOUTH BEND

• April 12, Senior Stroll, 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, for seniors 55+, $10.

• April 14, Stroller Safari, 9-10 a.m. Friday, for children 0-2 and caregiver, $15.

• April 17, Tiny Bookworm Story Series, 9:30-10 a.m. Monday, for children 0-2 and caregiver, $5. 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. 574-235-9800

potawatomizoo.org

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND

• April 15, “A Night at Woodstock,” South Bend Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $10 to $79.

• April 16, “HITS! The Musical,” 3 p.m. Sunday, $42.50/$52.50/$102.50.

• April 22, “Rock the Pink” concert featuring The Funky Divas, 8 p.m. Saturday, $38.50 to $78.50.

• April 25-30, “Dear Evan Hansen,” various times Tuesday through Sunday, $53.50 to $113.50.

211 N. Michigan St. 574-235-9190

morriscenter.org n

Listen Up! A Vinyl Sound System Can Rock Your World

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

Vinyl albums offer an experience in listening that cannot be replicated by a compact disc or a streaming service. From the cover art to the liner notes and the elements of the tracks themselves, it is a feast for the senses that has enjoyed quite a resurgence in recent years. If you are ready to discover (or rediscover) all that vinyl has to offer, it’s important to find the perfect sound system to rock your world!

and keeps its speed there is not much more that you can do with that component.”

STARTER SETS

Julie Hershberger at Ignition Music Garage in Goshen says it’s no surprise the accessible, affordable and portable Crosley suitcase record players have been a huge hit with young hipsters discovering vinyl for the first time. They hearken back to the vintage players of the 50s and 60s, but it is important to remember you get what you pay for. While it is not a bad starter set for kids, they do not last long, their cartridges cannot be upgraded and they only take one type of needle, which tends to wear down re cords quickly.

“The two most important things about a turn table are the cartridge and the nee dle,” she said. “As long as it has its parts

As for speakers and receivers, that’s another story. Hershberger says her favorite system at the moment is the Audio Technica LP120 that comes equipped with a built-in phono preamp and USB output that can accommodate bookshelf speakers (sold separately) for a fuller sound. At nearly $500, it is not as affordable as a Victrola or Crosley (Under $100) but it does not require a receiver to give you a decent output.

“If you really want that warm, full sound then you are going to need a receiver and a good set of speakers,” she said.

UPGRADED SYSTEM

For those music lovers looking for a more rounded set up, a receiver is a solid purchase and gives you more than a mere amplifier can. A receiver not only amplifies sound but also has a built-in radio component. Put simply: all receivers are amplifiers but not all amplifiers are receivers. Experts rate the Yamaha R-N303BL the best overall ($549) while the Sony STRDH190 2-ch ($168) has the best value. Like receivers, speakers come in a variety of sizes and prices depending on your need. While Hershberger likes brands such as JBL, which makes

a $149 model that has been called the best entry-level speaker for vinyl, another popular choice that won’t break the bank is the Polk Audio T15 100-Watt home theater bookshelf speakers ($99).

Of course, once you have your vinyl system set up, you’ll want some classic albums to listen to. While you can’t go wrong with something like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album, Hershberger says there is one title she returns to time and time again.

“Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon on vinyl is just amazing and the remasters are just as good as the original,” she said. n

Spring Garden Prep

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Seems like the minute snow begins to melt, we’re impatient to start planning and planting for our gardens, large or small. But there are things that need to be done first. Do you know all of them? Gerry Schwartz, owner of E&R Seed LLC, 1356 E 20 S, Monroe, since 2016, knows.

“We’ve been in business here for 40 years. We sell seeds, nursery plants and supplies, mostly. ”So let the preparations begin! Schwartz said, “Well, tasks that need to be done, for me it starts in the fall. I really feel it’s essential to workup the soil in the fall, and when I say that, I mean that we plant a cover crop in the fall, then when it reaches full height we till that down in as a green manure. That really seems to help get things started earlier in the spring.

For myself, I use a blend of turnips, radishes, buckwheat, and sometimes I add winter pea.”Think of it as a bedtime snack before the hibernation begins! Another good preparation is warming the soil in the spring by covering it. That can be as simple as putting down sheets of newspaper, wetting and weighing them; they’ll breakdown as any compost would. Other methods are sheets of black plastic, and Schwartz agreed. “Black plastic still sells and it does help. But you can now buy commercial things that compost, like newspaper does. They’re organic and that’s been a good selling point. It’s a product from DeWitt, and they call it biodegradable paper mulch or weed barrier. It’s 100% all natural paper mulch.”

A quick search showed that it’s available at all the big box stores, many garden stores and online as well.

Next, make sure you have all the tools you need! What might those be? Schwartz said it’s pretty simple.“It depends on what you’re doing, but you want a good set of small tools, like pruners, trowels – and you can buy all kinds, but get a good one! Get a good set of snips, a hoe, a shovel.” Other sites recommended what they called eight essential tools: garden

gloves, hand pruner, shears or scissors, watering can, hand trowel, sprinkler and hose, garden kneeler, leaf rake and shovel or spade. In other words, most of what already appeared on Schwartz’s list!

Some of you will start your garden with seeds, others with seedlings you started a few weeks ago, and still others will buy plants from a nursery you trust. But if you buy them before your soil is ready to receive them, Schwartz said there are things you should do. “It depends on what the plants are, if they’re flowers and vegetables it depends on the size of the container. If they start to look root bound, transfer them to a bigger pot. Keep them in sunny places, like window sills. And they need air! They don’t get air movement inside your house. Open a window for them. And if you can’t do that, fans seem to help.” For people like me who planted a lot of strawberries and never got to eat a single one (we had some happy squirrels, though) Schwartz said there are good things you can buy that go beyond the old remedies of human hair around the plants or screening in your garden.

“There’s products available. We like the ones from a company called EPIC. They’re called SCRAM, and there are formulas for deer and rabbit. They’re granules, made of natural products like garlic and I’m not even sure what all they use. You sprinkle them around the plants you don’t want eaten. You do have to reapply when it rains.”

So when can you start planting? Schwartz said that’s a hard question to answer precisely. “I’d say early April, but if you learn something different, let me know!” He advised watering in the morning during the cooler weeks of spring, and never to water during the heat of the day. “And fertilize early to help the plants get started, but you can burn vegetables if you feed them too much, so don’t fertilize again until the plants are pushing through the soil.” Write your list of needs and start your planning! n

Growing Orchids requires attention to detail

By Loanne Harms Michiana Master Gardener

Orchids offer us unusual forms and beauty, but their upkeep can sometimes be confusing. While there are many orchid species to choose from, they all have similar physical characteristics. Orchids are easy to spot because of their tall, gently curving stems that are covered with blooms in solid colors or speckles.

Caring for an orchid indoors has some fairly straightforward requirements that even beginners should be able to manage. Orchids require little care once all their basic needs are met such as light, temperature, and humidity.

The golden rule for orchid care indoors is to duplicate the plant’s natural conditions as closely as possible. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or even stone. And their roots are water-gathering organs that need fresh airflow to remain healthy. When you first obtain your orchid, it will likely be healthy and in bloom. However, many store-bought orchids are potted in the wrong conditions for long-term growth. They are usually sitting in plastic containers and packed tightly with moss around the roots, which can result in too much moisture.

Most orchids require moist, welldrained conditions, not in regular potting soil or potting mix. Common orchid mixes are light and porous and include bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and peat. Use a pot that allows for good air flow, such as unglazed clay or a specialty orchid pot with built-in spaces. Orchids require shallow planting to allow for air flow. Never repot an orchid while it’s in bloom. Instead of repotting then, it’s better to back off on watering until it’s finished blooming.

Place orchids in an east to south-facing window or room. Insufficient light results in poor flowering. Orchids need bright light to produce blooms. However, direct sun can lead to leaf scorch. How much light is enough? The answer to this simple question is “as much as they will take without burning.” This means that the foliage should not be a lush, dark green. Orchids grown under sufficient light will have lighter, yellow-green foliage and strong upright growths.

Temperature is also important for indoor orchid care. While orchids tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures throughout their normal growing season, they need to be about 15 degrees (8 degrees C) cooler at night than during the day in order to bloom sufficiently. You can keep your orchid blooming longer if you provide a sufficiently warm and somewhat humid environment. Don’t place your orchid where it will experience cold drafts or exposure to heating vents. Dry air, direct heat, and chills are enemies of these delicate flowers.

Orchids need to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. One way to tell whether it’s time to water is if the growing medium feels dry to the touch and the pot feels light. Or look at the roots themselves. If they’re plump and white or green, that means they’re well-watered. If they’re shriveled and gray, they need water. And if they’re shriveled but spongey and black or brown, they could be rotting.

You’ll typically need to water twice a week in the warmer months when the plant is actively growing and only once a week in the colder months. Use room-temperature, distilled water, and water slowly until it flows out of the pot. Not only does this soak the potting medium but it also flushes salts that naturally accumulate. Without question, more orchids are killed by incorrect watering than by any other reason.

Feed with an orchid-specific fertilizer. Administer only when the plant is actively growing. Don’t fertilize in the winter. Plants can be fertilized once a week during the summer and every two weeks in the fall. Regardless of the fertilizer that you choose to use, use no more than ½ the label-recommended strength. It’s best to water first to wet the potting medium before you fertilize.

In general, remove faded orchid blooms to keep the plant from spending energy on old growth. After flowering is complete, you typically can cut off the flower spike. Proper pruning of old wood will make way for new blooms. When pruning an orchid, make sure your tool is sharp and sterilized. A clean cut will help to keep an orchid healthy. Some orchid species grow faster than others, but overall they have a relatively slow growth rate.

Most experienced growers will agree that observation is the most important key to growing orchids well. Examining your plants on a regular basis will allow you to adjust and correct any problems before they become severe. n

Game On! Lawn Games are Fun for the Whole Family

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

No matter if you are planning a beach getaway, weekends at the lake or a simple backyard barbecue, lawn games should be part of the festivities. These fun and portable sports promote healthy competition and a way to bring everyone together. While Corn Hole remains wildly popular with many families, we found some new favorites for families to enjoy! Be sure to send us a photo of your family getting their game on!

KAN JAM

PICKLEBALL

SPIKEBALL

A twist on traditional volleyball, in spikeball, a point is not played over a net but rather on to it. One team serves the ball onto a central, circular net and then the other team has three tries (bump, set, spike) to return the ball to the net so play can continue. Equipment needed: a Spikeball set (About $70)

Also known as “Garbage Can Frisbee,” Kan Jam is similar to corn hole in its objective but distinguished by the use of two flying discs being tossed or deflected into two cans on opposite sides of the playing field. The first to score 21 is the winner. Equipment needed: a Kan Jam set ($17-40) or two trash cans and assorted flying discs.

One of the fastest growing sports in the nation, pickleball is having a moment and is perfect for driveway competition. A combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball can be played by two or four players (singles and doubles) and is a great workout for the young and young at heart. Equipment needed: Pickleball paddles, balls and pop-up net.

campin

bargames101.com

LADDER TOSS

Known by a variety of different names, ladder toss is a game that caught on in campsites around the country and is now a popular lawn game that encourages trash talk and a lot of good-natured competition. The ladder has three rungs in which players toss their “bolas” (Two weighted balls connected by a nylon string) to score points. Points can be lost if your opponent’s bola lands on the same rungs as yours or knocks your bola from the ladder. Equipment needed: Ladder Toss set ($20 and up)

BOCCE

Borrowed from an Italian word meaning “bowl,” bocce is a lawn sport that is played with eight weighted balls aimed at a smaller target ball known as the “pallino.” The object of the game is to get your ball as close to the pallino as possible, but beware, your opponent can knock your ball away from the pallino as part of his or her strategy. While the game can be played on grass, you can create a sand bocce pit as well. Regulation size is 60-feet long, by 12-feet wide. However, a friendly game does not require a pit. Equipment needed: Bocce ball set ($30 and up)

KUBB

dreamstime.com amazon.com

By Chef Michael Symon,

Ingredients:

2 large avocados, diced

1 cup coconut cream, not cream of coconut

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon kosher salt

Directions:

1.) In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk, combine the avocados, coconut cream and cocoa powder. Mix on low until combined and then slowly increase the speed to medium until completely smooth and aerated, about 2 minutes.

2.) Add the orange juice, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and a pinch of salt and mix on low until combined, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and blend for 1 minute.

3.) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to overnight before serving.

“Fix it with Food,” Michael Symon and Douglas Trattner, Clarkson Potter/Publishers Copywright 2019

Did You Know?

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Like, for starters, yes, it’s the fourth month according to the Gregorian calendar. But it wasn’t always so. In the Roman, or Julian, calendar, April was the second month of the year (in the earlier version, April was the fifth month) and January and February didn’t exist. Another quirk of that Julian calendar? April had only 29 days. When Caesar established the calendar in 45 B.C. he added the 30th. No wonder it’s named for him.

APRIL FOOL’S DAY

Let’s get back to April Fool’s Day for a minute, though. Some of the more famous pranks included the BBC running a news piece about spaghetti being farmed in Sweden, and another about flying penguins.

as in April Fool’s Day. But there’s so much more about the fourth month of the year.

Most of us know that April 22 is Earth Day, but April 25 is World Penguin Day. And April is the equivalent of October in the Southern Hemisphere, which seems odd when we equate it with spring flowers.

ENTERTAINMENT

The most influential writer of all time – William Shakespeare – was born April 26, 1564. He wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and invented dozens of words! And 400 years later, in 1964, the Beatles held all top five positions on the Billboard singles chart in the U.S. with “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and “Please Please Me.”

There are other fun days to celebrate in April. How about April 6? It’s International Pillow Fight Day.

Maybe you’d prefer April 9, which is National Unicorn Day. There are all kinds of ways to celebrate–cupcakes, glitter, movies with unicorns, the pos sibilities are endless. But did you know the unicorn is actually the national animal of Scotland? It is deeply beloved there and has been on the Scottish Royal Coat of Arms since the mid-1500s (or longer.)

APOLLO 13

Babies born in April become adults who are known for their optimism, and according to research, they live healthier lives and excel at their careers.

BABIES

Diamonds are their birthstones, and daisies and sweet peas are their birth flowers, both imbued with happy feelings, as the sweet pea signifies bliss and pleasure, and daisies are said to represent childhood innocence, loyalty and purity.

April is National Humor Month, created to share the therapeutic value of humor. It is also BLT Sandwich Month, Grilled Cheese Month, Soft Pretzel Month, and peanut butter and jelly has its very own National day–April 2. When you’ve finished your picnic, you can celebrate National No Housework Day (April 7) and National Hug Your Dog Day (also April 7.) It could certainly be argued either or both of those might be popular every single day!

And there’s National Garlic Day (April 19) and International Jazz Day (April 30.) Not mentioning Tax Day, though, which has been in effect since 1913.

POP CULTURE

And some of us know from the actual history while others know from Ron Howard’s magnificent film, APOLLO 13, that April 11, 1970 was the day space flight was launched. Two days later, great difficulties meant the astronauts could be effectively marooned in space, with no way home. The line so often quoted is actually MISquoted – what was said? “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” NASA rolled up their figurative sleeves and worked every problem one by one, solving and improvising any way possible, and all three astronauts returned safely on April 17, undoubtedly the longest week of their lives.

The first Doc Martens boots, model 1460, were released in 1960.

We’ve also got April to thank for the invention of Twinkies in 1930.

Last but not least and also in 1930 on April 18, the BBC reported there was no news, and then played out with piano music. n

Probably the first thing you think of when the month of April is mentioned is, well, the first,