Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Summer Solstice Facts & a $25 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!


First Day of Summer is Saturday, June 21st!

Summer is nearly here and I've been curious as to what that really means in the astronomical sense. So, I decided to do a little reading and look up some facts.

Below are a few fun little tidbits I found while searching online here.

Fact #1:  

The first day of Summer {or Summer Solstice} is the longest day of the year.


Fact #2:  

During the first day of Summer the Sun reaches it's highest point in the sky at noon. It's the one time of the year when the Sun is at it's farthest point North of the celestial equator. 


Fact #3:  

The opposite applies for the Winter Solstice.


So in celebration of longer days and hotter weather, I'd like to celebrate Summer Solstice with you by giving away a gift card to one lucky reader.

Ready to Win?

Just enter using the Rafflecopter form below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway begins June 2nd, 2014 at 8pm MST and ends on June 22nd, 2014 at 12pm MST. Residents of the US and Canada are eligible to win (Canadian winner(s) will receive their prize via PayPal). The winner will be notified by email and will then have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen. This contest is self-sponsored and prize(s) will be shipped within 48 hours of choosing and verifying a winner.


Good Luck!

194 comments:

  1. I am going to be going to Michigan for the summer (in Florida now) and being with 8 of my grandchildren and 2 of my children so it will be a fun summer

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  2. I am going to the beach with my daughter, son in law, and grandsons in July. We love the Destin, FL area and the beaches are beautiful.

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  3. I don't have much planned this summer, other than going camping in a few weeks for a week or so. Not much money to travel and I think this year I would prefer to stay home more.

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  4. I don't have any specific summer plans. I just want to be able to get outside and spend quality time with my family!

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  5. My summer plans are trying to find a full time job. No plans for travel or anything like that . Momma needs a job.

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  6. I hate to say this but we are probably not going anywhere. We have some house repair and updo that we need to do.

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  7. I plan on visiting my brother in Colorado this summer.

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  8. I will be going to a lot of concerts as well as doing some camping.

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  9. I plan to spend a lot of time with my kids this summer. We have several camping trips planned, a trip to the zoo, and trips to our local pool.

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  10. I will be working on the weekends this summer so I won't be able to do as much as usual, but since there won't be time for vacation I'm planning a few day trips.

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  11. This summer we are putting up an above ground pool and the kids will be going to see their grandparents later in July.

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  12. We're planning on going to So. Carolina to visit family. Other than that, we'll be going on day trips and enjoying the outdoors.

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  13. I am going on vacation to Erie, PA this summer.

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  14. We are going to the beach in a few days with my family. We also have season passes to a local amusement park!

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  15. My summer plans include spending time with my family and "spring cleaning".

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  16. I'll be attending a wedding, and then visiting San Francisco with a college chum!

    eai(At)stanfordalumni(dot)org

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  17. Unfortunately the budget is tight so we don't have anything huge planned. We'll be grilling and swimming and hopefully watching some fireworks on the 4th. :)

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  18. Shauntea CrutcherJune 3, 2014 at 8:59 PM

    I plan on spending as much time with my children as possible. I'm looking into activities that we can all enjoy.

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  19. I plan on going to lots of yard sales and auctions.

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  20. We plan to take small mini trips to explore our state. We did this last year and had a ball and saw so many interesting places.
    mintstatesportswear(at)juno(dot)com

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  21. No big summer plans as for sure. Hope to take a trip to Seattle though.

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  22. Being with my children and grandchildren and so excited except I have one daughter and grandson still in Georgia

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  23. We plan to have pool parties, BBQs and also to visit my aunt in another state for her 80th birthday!

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  24. I will be taking a road trip to the beach.

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  25. I dont have any major summer plans yet. I'm trying to save up for a small trip.

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  26. We plan on doing some camping, bike riding and going to the shore this summer.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

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  27. Job hunting, that's what my summer plans are!

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  28. I am going on vacation this year and i am grateful for the opportunity

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  29. Summer will be pretty tame this year.
    We'll go to the lake and maybe ValleyFair.
    thank you

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  30. Well, I did have plans to take a trip to Honduras, but they were changed because of my leaky roof. I have to pay for repairs, so my plans are on hold.

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  31. No real summer plans here. I have been looking for a full time job. Other then that I have been spending as much time with my grandson as possible.

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  32. spending tine with the kids at the parks and lake.

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  33. My plans this summer will be doing some much needed home repairs. I would certainly prefer to take a trip or have some fun, but my home is a priority. Thank you.

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  34. Lots of fun days with my kids and grandchildren, going swimming, to parks and garage sales with my daughter

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  35. We live in Kissimmee, FL. So, we don't make plans for the summer because the heat and tourists. We have our fun off-season; and we enjoy the local activities and attractions.

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  36. I'm taking a trip to Florida this summer and hopefully spending time at the beach.

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  37. Unfortunately we don't have plans to go anywhere this summer. We'll be hanging close to home taking advantage of all the fun stuff to do in St. Louis.

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  38. I am going on vacation this year, it will be fun.

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  39. Later this summer, our family will go to the beach together.

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  40. I really have no summer plans, I usually just stick around home and do gardening.

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  41. We will be making our annual trek to Wisconsin, to visit relatives and friends.

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  42. My summer plans consist of playing in the pool with my family and taking a few trips to Dollywood.

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  43. spending a lot of time at t he lakes and pools

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  44. My summer plans will include a lot of work on my home and some home repairs that I have to get done. These aren't a lot of fun, but I still have to find a way to make them happen.

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  45. I'll be having lots of fun day with the grandchildren

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  46. I am going on vacation and doing some work on my house.

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  47. We will be staying close to home, finishing some projects around the house, a short road trip to visit my in laws and celebrate their 50th anniversary. And hopefully lots of swimming, sun, and fun!

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  48. I am going to be spending all the time I can with my husband and daughter.

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  49. I plan to go to the beach, camp, swim and just hang out in the warmth.

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  50. spending time with friends. Having a lot of bbq's

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  51. I don't have anything planned for the summer. We will just take it one day at a time.

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  52. Lauren Olivia WoodJune 6, 2014 at 10:38 PM

    My summer plans are to spend it in the water as much as possible-river, pool, etc. olivia41393@yahoo.com

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  53. My summer plans will include working and doing so home repairs. I would love to take a trip somewhere, but maybe next year.

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  54. My plans is spending the summer with 2 of my children and 8 of my grandchildren and cannot wait to get there to see them

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  55. We are heading to Montreal with our 3yr old to see Mont Royale, the Oritory and dont forget the amazing food there!

    Lori R Jackson

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  56. Well, I am expecting my second child, a baby girl, in August so we are preparing for her arrival !

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  57. I plan to enjoy the sunshine and lakes and rivers this summer.
    heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

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  58. having fun in the sun with the kids at home and the lakes.

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  59. The only plans I have this summer are to get some maintenance and home repairs done. Maybe I can take a vacation next summer.

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  60. Leaving either tomorrow or Tuesday to have a fun filled summer with my children and grandchildren

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  61. This summer im taking a road trip with the whole family to our favorite amusement park! We love spending time together! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  62. I am going on vacation in July, it will be fun.

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  63. My summer plans are to have a staycation at home. Gas prices are astronomical right now.

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  64. My summer plans involve my only working part time because my own classroom is closed for the summer. During my free time I plan on spending lots of time with my grandson, and reading books.

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  65. My husband just bought a chiropractic practice, so we'll be sticking around here. But I have lots of beach, splash pad, library, and play date plans with my kids!

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  66. I'm going to visit my mom and Grandma this week.

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  67. I don't have any fun plans this summer, I just plan on doing some work on my house that is long overdue. I'm hoping to be able to take a vacation next year.

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  68. I am taking a vacation this summer, it will be fun.

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  69. I am going to travel to South Carolina.

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  70. This summer I plan on going to CO to see my brother.

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  71. This summer we will be going to the Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg, WI!!!

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  72. My summer plans are to spend quality time with my family and to relax on vacation!

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  73. We like to find local festivals and farmers markets :)

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  74. I plan to spend a lot of time at the beach this summer with my family.

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  75. I'm going to have a staycation on home this year because of the high gas prices.

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  76. Working on decorations for our Vacation Bible School.

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  77. We have been spending a lot of time at my mother in laws since she lives on the lake. It's been fun! We hope to take the kids to the zoo this summer too!

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  78. spending summer at wildwood beach with my kids and friends.

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  79. For right now, my main summer plans are centered around me finding an efficient way to make some pocket change on the internet! Or finding a job! lol

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  80. having a lot of bbq's and hanging out at the pool

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  81. My plans this summer are being put on hold because I have some home repairs that have to be taken care of, but maybe I can make some plans for next summer.

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  82. i am looking forward taking my kids to alabama to visit my brother i didnt see long time.

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  83. I am going on a vacation this summer, looking forward to it.

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  84. We'll be on the road for 8 weeks and visiting the following locations; Toronto, Georgian Bay, Newfoundland and Algonquin park.

    Thanks for making this giveaway open to Canadians.

    Besos, Sarah
    Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo

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  85. I will be studying for a exam plus go to the pool thanks

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  86. Spending time with my family, getting in the pool and going to Dollywood.

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  87. We will be going to the Saint Louis Zoo and the Gateway Arch.

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  88. No vacations planned because my daughter will be starting college. Money is tight.

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  89. My summer is not going to be a lot of fun. I am going to be doing some work on my house and it's really tough on my budget, but still has to be done. I am hoping to have a little more fun and relaxation next summer.

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  90. We are going to get the garden in order which is a big job. Going to go to theme parks, beach and a bunch of day trips around the state.

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  91. My summer plans include, cooking out, camping and lots of swimming with my kids!!

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  92. We will most likely just continue on with school with trips to the park and beach thrown in. My mom also wants to do some themed parties for the kids and their friends at her house.

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  93. I am going to a family reunion and I am going on vacation.

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  94. spending time with the kids swimming and playing outside.

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  95. I am thinking of going too San Diego too enjoy the beach not seen the ocean in ages

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  96. My family is planning on having a Big BBQ on the 4th of July.

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  97. We want to take our grandkids to the ocean. Myrtle Beach probably.

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  98. We hope to spend a week at the beach. I would like to read some books. Deb P

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  99. My summer plans have been derailed a little. I won't be taking a trip or a vacation this year because I have to make some home repairs. I have two roof leaks that I have to address.

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  100. This month has been busy with open houses, a wedding and getting ready for our daughter's open house next week. As for the rest of the summer we have no definite plans. We will probably go to Mackinac Island later in the summer.

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  101. This summer I plan to clean out my storage building.

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  102. I am going on vacation and to a lot of festivals this year.

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  103. no big plans yet, hoping for a trip to Seattle with the kids.

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  104. I am planning to make some repairs on my home this summer. I would love to take a trip or go on a vacation, but I have to take care of some roof leaks.

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  105. We are taking the camper out as many times as possible.

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  106. I am going on vacation and I will greatly enjoy it.

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  107. We generally like to have a few BBQ's with friends and family. Also going to the water park and camping are some of our favorite things to do. So far thats about all that we have planned.

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  108. Visiting my family and having fun is my plans. Lots of garage sales with my daughter

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  109. my plans are mostly spending time with the kids out side.

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  110. One of the things I want to do is go to the Farmers Market and get a Watermelon. My family loves to eat watermelon and fresh fruit and vegetables during the summer.

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  111. I will be trying to get some roof leaks repaired this summer. I would love to take a vacation or a go on a trip, but I'll look forward to trying to do that next summer.

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  112. I just wanted to leave a comment to let you know that I did like/become a fan of the facebook pages. However, Facebook just blocked me temporarily from liking pages and deleted all of my recent likes. So, that is why it may show that I didn’t LIKE the pages. :(

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  113. Will go to the park and there's a little zoo there and we all enjoy it so much. The beach weather is now here so will take time to venture out there too.

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  114. We are finally having a family reunion! Its been a long long time.

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  115. I would say too keep cool this summer. May even go too San Diego too the beach this year

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  116. I won't be doing much this summer because I have some roof repairs to make that are quite costly.

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  117. I am trying too cool plus studying for my exam too get my license thanks

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  118. My family is going to have a big cook-out - which usually includes Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Italian Sausage with all the "fixins" (southern term).

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  119. I am looking forward to going to some concerts this summer!

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  120. I don't have any specific summer plans. I just want to be able to get outside and spend quality time with my family!

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  121. Lots of fun outdoor time, pools, parks and more

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  122. This summer, I'm going on a trip to Ireland. My daughter just graduated high school so my mom (who is 76 years old) decided to take me, my daughter, and sister to Ireland to celebrate.

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  123. I plan on going to Hawaii to visit family this August!

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  124. I live in the South and the hot and humidity weather at times is horrible. I plan to make some homemade Lemonade to help on the hot days.

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  125. This summer I will take a girls trip to New Orleans and I am super excited!

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  126. My plans this summer will be doing some much needed home repairs. I would certainly prefer to take a trip or have some fun, but not this year.

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  127. No major plans yet. having fun In the sun with my kids and grandkids.

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  128. our summer has all ready started with so many things going on been fun with carnivals, parades, fairs, bible school and so much more and lots more to come
    shopannies@yahoo.com

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  129. Right before complete darkness in the South, the lighting bugs come out. It's sit on the front porch and watch them light up.

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  130. We are doing the beach thing. Yeah Baby!

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  131. My plans this summer will be doing some much needed home repairs. I would love to take a trip or have some fun, but my home is a priority. Thanks.

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  132. lots of cooking out on the grill and fun

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  133. I am having a Doctor Who themed party on June 28...that's the biggest plan at the moment. I have a summer bucket list that I want to work on too though.

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  134. My summer plans will include a lot of work on my home and some home repairs that I have to get done. They aren't a lot of fun, but I still have to make them happen.

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  135. I plan on getting areas of my home clean and organize that I usually put off.

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  136. Summer plans are camping with my hubby and pup and spending time with my neices and nephews!

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  137. I am hoping too go too San Diego this summer enjoy the beach for a chance thanks miss it

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  138. We are going to be doing a lot of swimming. My niece is getting married next month.

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  139. just enjoying the summer at home but hope for a trip to Seattle.

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  140. We are hitting the lakes and rivers this summer and just enjoying the sun.
    heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

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  141. I just completed a month of backing in the NE of the Appalachian Trail.

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  142. don't have any plans, just trying to make it through another week - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

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  143. I plan to spend some time doing home repairs, I have a couple leaks that need to be addressed. Thank you.

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  144. My summer plans are to clean up my craft room. That should take the entire summer.

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  145. This summer we are going on vacation to the Smoky Mountains. We are also going to Cedar Point for some roller coaster fun. We have several cookouts and fishing at the lake.

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  146. Haven't really made any plans besides Vegas in August. But everything else will just be spontaneous trips. (: Actually excited to see what this summer has in store.

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  147. no big plans for the summer, just spending time with the kids and doing activities.

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  148. My kids want to go to Florida, but we haven't made definite plans yet.

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  149. My summer plans are to work and have fun with my wife when i'm not working.

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  150. I am working on a surprise redo of my son's room while he is away for a month.

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  151. I am going to make some roof repairs on my house this summer.

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  152. My plans is too go to the pool maybe even San Diego too walk along the beach study for exams

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  153. My summer plans are to finish up a yard renovation that was started last year.

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  154. I plan to clean out my basement and have a big garage sale!

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  155. We plan to go camping for a few weeks at the beach. It will be fun!

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  156. Our plans for the summer are a trip to the beach, camping and visiting family and friends in different states.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

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  157. Going to go on vacation- twice! Can't wait!

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  158. No big plans, like vacation. Our 25th wedding anniversary is in November so hopefully we'll be able to do something then. As for summer, probably some swimming, fishing & maybe a little camping.

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  159. It seems that summer never lasts long enough here in NE Ohio, so my plans are to enjoy the warmth as much as I can. I will be doing a bunch of yard work and spending time with friends.

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  160. I was planning a few days at the beach but I think I'm going to Chile to visit family....over there winter is just starting :S

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  161. I will read the Divergent Book Series and in between that I will work in the garden. I will also go to the beach to sit, relax and listen to the waves, as I am a teacher and I need the rest.

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  162. I am staying home this summer in order to do some repairs on my house.

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  163. Sticking close to home this summer - but I live on the California coast, so that's not a hardship!

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  164. My summer plans include relaxing and taking care of medical issues. We might plan a quick getaway towards the end of July. I live in South FL and short getaways are easy since we only live a few hours away from Orlando.

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  165. I will be lounging by the pool with my family

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  166. I plan to just relax, enjoy the warm weather after a long, cold winter. Nothing special yet, we'll see.

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  167. I'll be taking a trip to Los Angeles in August to see my niece

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  168. I do not have particular plans. I just plan on taking some days off to clean up around the house and relaxing.

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  169. We just moved into our home and this summer we want to put a lawn in the front yard.

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  170. I will hopefully be going to the beach a lot.

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  171. We're planning on doing some projects that are always put on the bottom of the To-Do Lists.

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  172. We are going to meeting our youngest son for a vacation. We are also having our granddaughter come visit. Rosanne rosans4@comcast.net

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  173. I plan too do what ever i take too keep cool this summer here

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  174. We have a family reunion on my fiance's side of the family in a different state, coming up in August. My birthday is also in August. Other then that we're just playing out summer by ear. :) Hoping for lots of swimming at the in-laws!

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  175. My summer plans are going to Virginia beach for vacation

    lmurley2014@yahoo.com

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  176. My summer plans include reading at least 20 books and relaxing a lot. I have been working hard all year and I'm going to take a nice break.

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  177. sticking home for the summer and enjoying summer break with the kids.

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  178. going to amusement park and local fairs

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  179. Went to Washington D.C. with 2 of my kids.

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  180. No big plans. A trip or two to the mountains. Lots of swimming.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

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  181. We have plans to see Niagara Falls and Canada this summer with hubby and our sons.

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  182. I am going camping and fishing. I can't wait!

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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  183. Just trying to adjust to a new area and a lot of unpacking.

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  184. My summer plans will include working and doing so home repairs to fix some leaks. I would love to take a trip somewhere, but maybe next year.

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  185. We are planning to take the kids to the beach and local parks.

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  186. I want to go to the beach this year. It has been years since I have been with York Beach,Maine being my favorite beach

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  187. I don't really have any summer plans for this year. I will most likely work in my yard and spend as much time outdoors as possible.

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  188. We plan on spending some time on Redington Beach and maybe a trip to Orlando.

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  189. I planning on getting fruits and vegetables as often as possible.

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  190. I'm getting ready to take a trip to Ireland. I'll be going with my teenage daughter, my mom and my sister. My mom is 76 and has always wanted to go to Ireland so she is taking us as a celebration of my daughter's high school graduation. It really is a once in a lifetime trip for us. My daughter and I have never been out of the country and my daughter has never even flown in an airplane.

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  191. I have a few road trips planned, to New York and Boston, and I'll be playing a lot of tennis, swimming, and gardening to relax on my down time this summer.

    Geoff K
    gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com

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  192. This summer I'm taking a road trip from AZ to CA. We will go to Disneyland and also the beach. I also plan to go to the beach and pool as much as possible

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