Beating the heat - Deam Lake

Even though it hasn't officially started, summer is here and so is the hot, muggy weather. Luckily, there are loads of ways to cool off around here and if you're looking for a lake just a short drive away, Deam Lake is just about 20 minutes from Downtown Louisville in Borden, Indiana. The only fee is admission to the park which gives you access to the lake. Deam Lake offers:

• beach
• shaded picnic area
• playground 
• and more

Visit the web site for more info: http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/4825.htm

Upcoming events I don't want to miss:

Ecokids Discovery Day at Bernheim - Saturday, June 19th

From their web site (http://www.bernheim.org/event_detail.htm?id=600):

• FOCUS ACTIVITY: Pollinator Investigator

• ON YOUR OWN CHALLENGE: Pollinator Investigation Hike around the Visitor Center; 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• DISCOVERY STATIONS: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• The ECO in Bernheim's ECO Kids program stands for Every Child Outdoors. Each ECO Kids Saturday provides kids and families with opportunities to get outside for play, fresh air and to learn about nature. On Saturday, June 19 the ECO Kids focus activity is "Pollination". The on-your-own challenge is to observe insect pollinators as you hike trails around the Visitor Center. Pick up your challenge sheet in the Visitor Center between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Discovery Stations, including one on insects and pollination, will be in the Visitor Center between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. This ECO Kids week celebrates National Pollinator Week. Find out more at www.pollinator.org

Fox Hollow Farm Tour - Tuesday, June 29th (Crestwood, KY)

From their Web site (http://www.foxhollow.com/FoxhollowNews.html):

• 4pm & 5:30 pm - $5/ per person
• A guided tour includes a hayride, fun farm facts, a history of Foxhollow, and a special feature and tour of the new nature trail. Meet at our Farm Store 15 minutes before tour start time for best hayride seating.
• RSVP not required but highly encouraged! Please Contact Us or call 502.243.4323. You may pay at the door with cash or check.
• Tour Foxhollow Farm The Last Tuesday of every month!

Froggy Fun at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve - Saturday, June 26th (Prospect, KY) From their Web site (http://www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org/): Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., FREE Back by popular demand is Dr. Bill Dean to reveal the mysteries of our local frogs. After a short presentation, we’ll explore the Frog Pond, collect tadpoles, and hopefully spot a variety of amphibian friends. Free crafts for kids in the Nature Center.

Locust Grove Grand Re-opening Free Day Saturday, June 26, 10:00 am–4:30 pm

From their web site (http://www.locustgrove.org/):

• FREE TO THE PUBLIC all day!
• Join in the celebration of the re-restored House, with our own guides and costumed interpreters on hand. Concessions available.

Locust Grove Summer Antiques Market Sunday, June 27th (Louisville, KY)
From their web site (http://www.locustgrove.org/):

• This annual Antiques Market features professional dealers from the South and Midwest displaying their wares on the lawn at Historic Locust Grove. In addition to American country antiques, the show features formal furniture, books, fabrics, jewelry, and silver. Admission is $6 ($3 for children 6-12). Admission includes tours of the historic house museum. Concessions are available. Proceeds support the continued operation and preservation of Historic Locust Grove.

Blueberry season

Eating sweet, sun-warmed blueberries straight off the bushes is pretty magical. And not too far from Louisville in Campbellsberg, KY is a lovely little blueberry farm with several varieties to savor. We've gone to Blueberry Hill Farm every year for the past few years - picking lots of berries - some to eat right away and some to freeze and enjoy when the season has passed.

If you go:

• Check the Web site for hours and availability: www.blueberryhillfamilyfarm.com
• There is a play area for the kids
• It's sunny out there so be sure to wear your sunscreen/sun hats

My Mom's blueberry Muffins

1 c. blueberries

1/4 c. butter

1 3/4 c. flour

2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 c. milk

Mix it all up and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. These are best the next day though they are really good warm from the oven slathered with butter too.

Buffalo Trace Park

Today a friend and I packed our kids, some towels, shovels, and sunscreen into the car and headed up to Harrison County, Indiana. Neither of us had ever been to Buffalo Trace Park, but we'd heard it had a lake with a beach and was only about 30 minutes away. Wow! How'd I miss that all these years?!

We drove past the city and out into the countryside. Apart from my baby nearly throwing a floaty out the car's open window, the drive was pretty simple - the park is just off highway 150. We paid our $5 to park and headed toward the lake and the sand. Only to find out that we were about an hour too early. Gates open at 10 but the beach doesn't open until 12:00 (see, I'm making note of this so I'll remember next time...).

When we finally got to enjoy the beach, we found it was pretty well worth the wait. The lake is not big (only 30 acres) but it is clean and the water is warm. The sandy beach was lovely. Some beaches are kind of rocky, but this one has that fine sand that feels good under your toes. Our kids spent a lot of time building sand castles and moats. We splashed to our hearts content in the water and watched as other folks swam out to the dock and did dives and cannonballs off the diving board.

If you go:

• Park gates open at 10 but things like the beach and petting zoo don't open until noon.
• There is a $5 charge to park (unless you're local)
• It costs $3/person to swim (two and under are free)
• There are lifeguards on duty
• You can rent one of those nifty paddle boats for something like $6/hour (that's on my list for my next visit)
• You can camp or cabin at the park
• Web site is http://www.harrisoncoparks.com/BTP.html