life at

Dear Friend,

Most afternoons after work, you can find me either strolling around my yard or working in my garden. While I like to try new things, I always make sure to plant bell peppers in my EarthBoxes every year. That way, I'm certain to have a plentiful supply of red, green, and yellow bell peppers until frost. clay Nordan, our Managing Editor, grows tomatoes and eggplants in his EarthBoxes. We both think of this as easy gardening. So when Assistant Features Editor Allison Barnes wanted to write a story (see page 144) encouraging people to garden for our "Healthy Living" special section, I suggested that she do an article on container gardening using EarthBoxes. Allison not only offers insider tips on how to get going, but she also details all the healthy benefits of gardening. That story and our entire "Healthy Living" section, which starts on page 109, reflect our mission of providing you with usable information to make the good life of the South even more enjoyable. Let me know what you think of our approach.

As the harvest of summer fruits and vegetables begins, I could not resist letting you know about the creative recipes that Associate Foods Editor Kate Nicholson has put together in her story on layered salads. From a new-style congealed salad to cornbread-and-turkey salad, the emphasis is on fresh ingredients with a twist. All of these salads are pretty enough to serve at a party, but they're easy enough to make ahead for weeknight dinners. The tasty recipes begin on page 90.

If you have not decided on a special trip for this summer, consider Savannah. Starting on page 86, Associate Travel Editor Cassandra Vanhooser tells you of her love for this charming, cultured city, and she shares the secrets she has found on how to enjoy this icon of the South.

As the weather turns warm across the region, it's a great time to enjoy all the things our June magazine has to offer-fun, friendship, and fruits and veggies. They make us all savor the great tastes of summer. Enjoy.

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Best regards,

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2005
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