take SHELTER

Treat yourself to a summer of outdoor living shaded from the sun.

Nothing beats sitting on the beach, beneath an oversize umbrella, while you catch the breeze, read, or let the gentle sound of the waves soothe you to sleep. Spending time outdoors is an important part of our physical and mental vitality. Umbrellas and tents help us make the most of our summer weather.

under the umbrella

If you like relaxing on your patio or in your garden, but you need shade, try a market umbrella (which is anchored in the ground) or an umbrella that fits on a patio table.

Both come in varying widths, from 7 feet to 13 feet. Some structures have rust-free aluminum poles and are made of weather-tough fabrics, including polyurethane, canvas, and polyester, which have been pretreated for ultraviolet (UV) protection.

cool intentions

Similar to umbrellas, sun tents are made from easy-care fabrics, such as nylon, that have been treated to block more than 98% of UV rays. This means that even during the hottest part of the day-11 a.m. to 3 p.m.-you can spend time outdoors in places where the sun is beating down.

Some tents have full walls with zipper window openings, while others have partial walls, which allow air to circulate freely. Most designs are easy to assemble; just unfold the legs, pull a cord, and your tent will virtually put itself up.

Let sun shelters be your gateway to more gratifying outdoor living-you might even find yourself drifting to sleep beneath your umbrella.

ALLISON BARNES

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2005
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