With August here, the time is fast approaching when school will start and time for a vacation. I like to sit out on my deck and think where would I like to go and what I would do. In the past we had some pretty good vacations. Then the thought comes why I would want to go anywhere while everything is dewey, sweet and fresh smelling, now that we have received the much needed rain. Most of us have always harbor end the notion that “good times” are always sweeter and more attractive away from home.

At times it can be fun to have a vacation right at home. Day trips to a zoo and museums can be educational as well as enjoyable. Some factories provide guided tours through their plants and often give away generous samples of their products. These tours can very well turn out to be a rewarding experiences and they would be well looking into. I know one of the most rewarding and educational tours our family took was the John Deere factory tour. However it is a good idea to check with the company on their rules and guidelines for visiting. Also be sure to make your plans well in advance.

Mini-vacations can easily be taken around the state of Iowa. There are so many special festivals and events taking place right now, that it is quite easy to plan one day away from it all. Then one of the nicest things about a one day vacation is that when bed time comes a person can sink down into the pleasant luxury and comfort of one’s own bed.

Then if you don’t want to leave home to take a vacation, you can do that too. Most of us work the major portion of our lives to have a nice comfortable home and work through the year to keep it up, and then when vacation time rolls around, instead of remaining at home and enjoying what they have, their homes are locked up and the family seeks enjoyment elsewhere. In your own home it should be possible to walk away from everyday tedious projects and enjoy what you have right at home. However, when you are spending a vacation at home you shouldn’t worry about cooking. If you don’t eat out, have something that can be taken from the freezer and eaten. Such as this Casserole.

CHOP SUEY CASSEROLE

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup rice

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 can mushroom soup

1 can cream chicken of

chicken soup

1/4 cup soy sauce

Cook ground beef, celery and onions until done. Drain off grease. Cook rice until tender, drain and blanch. Mix all together including soups and soy sauce and bake in a 3-quart baking dish. Bake 1 hour in 350 degree oven serves 6 to 8. This can be baked and frozen or frozen before baking.

“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” -Jane. Austen