Arizona Springtime = The Perfect Time for Outdoor Adventures

Monet's painting,

Springtime is upon us, and that means more time outdoors before it gets to hot here in Arizona, lighter fare for dinner, and staying out later. In today’s blog post we will be featuring some great outdoor lawn games, summer salads, and picnic fare to take to the park. So pack up the croquet set and your picnic basket, and head on out from Liv Northgate for an adventure at a nearby Gilbert park.

Lawn Games

Croquet

Croquet can be played by two or four players. The object of the game is to hit your ball through a course of six hoops in the right sequence in each direction and finish by hitting them against the centre peg. A portable game, it’s perfect for taking along on a picnic.

 

Bocce

Bocce, or lawn bowling as it is sometimes called, was brought to America by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. The game dates back to 4000 B.C. Early versions of the game were believed to have been played in Egypt, Asia Minor, and Rome. Every region has different rules for the game, but these guidelines focus on rules for playing backyard bocce.

Summer Salads

To get you started, we like this super-easy summertime Tomato/Avocado/Cucumber Salad.

 

1 avocado cut into small chunks

1 cucumber peeled and cut into chunks

1 basket cherry tomatoes

1 bunch of green onions minced

 

Mix together and let chill. Just before serving, add a garnish of chopped cilantro and 4-8 oz of a hard cheese, cubed.

 

This salad is delicious — but if reading the recipe doesn’t whet your appetite, check out these 25 Summer Salad Recipes from Country Living.

 

Picnic Fare

For a simple but filling picnic that you can get at the grocery store on your way to the park, grab a loaf of French bread, a package of American cheese slices, and a cluster of grapes. Instant picnic. Add your favorite beverage, and if you’re wanting to splurge and go all out, get some fried chicken from the deli.

 

However, if you want to do a full-fledged, old fashioned picnic, it will take some preparation. All of these recipes can be prepared a day ahead of time: Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, and Chocolate Cake. Add some buttered rolls and a beverage, and dinner is served.

 

Enjoy the spring weather while you can, the temperatures will rise to sweltering all too soon.  Please feel free to share your springtime adventures with our apartment community in the comments.

 
Monet's painting,