Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

Weather-wise this summer has been one for the books. Pick any spot in the United States and chances are weather records have been broken. Winter was the same. Many people having survived frigid temperatures and more snow than had fallen any year this century welcomed the arrival of summer. Now they are sweltering in record breaking heat, often with high humidity that only makes matters worse. [This I know first hand. If you doubt me, fly from Los Angeles to Charlotte, NC. Step off the aircraft and onto the jetway. You’ll know what I mean.]

What’s a person to do for fun, especially if energetic children are involved, when the weather saps our energy? Standing under a ceiling fan, relaxing in a hammock in the shade of a tree or in a rocking chair on a shaded porch, preferably with a breeze stirring the air, sipping ice cold lemonade all provide relief when “the lazy, hazy days of summer” set in.

To these, I’d add bubbles. Doesn’t everyone brighten up when bubbles fill the air? And the beauty is we can blow bubbles whether we’re sitting quietly on the steps or, energy permitting, racing around the yard. Even children too young to blow bubbles become mesmerized watching bubbles float on the air. Pets might even stir to join the fun, giving chase to really big bubbles.

Here’s our favorite recipe. You may already have the ingredients on hand.

12 cups of water-distilled recommended
3 cups liquid dish soap
Dawn or Joy works best, but avoid formulas containing hand lotions.
3/4 cup light [clear] corn syrup

Mix ingredients in large container. Makes one gallon of solution. We’ve found that shallow roasting pans make the best bubble tray. Scrape the foam off the top of the solution before you begin. Try to keeo the solution out of direct sunlight.

For bubble blowers, fashion your own. You’ll be amazed by all the different sizes of bubbles you’ll blow. Bend chenille pipe cleaners or Brain Noodles into bubble wands of different shapes and sizes, leaving one end loose for a handle, or bend a wire coat hanger to form a circle and use the loop for a handle. Try a slotted serving spoon, a rubber ring from a canning jar, the plastic holder from a six-pack of soda cans, or a green plastic strawberry basket. For the ultimate in big bubbles, dip a hula hoop in a wading pool filled with bubble solution.

Do you have a favorite recipe for bubble solution? Ideas for bubble wands? Please share your bubble making experiences. Include pictures. That way we’ll all have fresh ideas when “lazy, hazy days of summer” roll around again next year.