Commercial aviation has been instrumental in making the world more accessible, and a relative nosedive in air fares makes it even easier for Americans to travel long distances in a short time. The Air Transport Association estimates that during the summer months, 2.2 million Americans will travel on a commercial airplane every day. Lots of those will be vacation trips.

“It’s a rainforest!” Judy Hill’s eyes grew larger, and she could not stop smiling.

What really makes a garden? For one, it might be the comfortable reading chair tucked under a shade tree in the back of the garden. For another, it’s a cutting garden or vegetable garden that puts a smile on the face of its creator. But for many, a garden isn't a garden until it gets that personal touch.

Summer afternoons in the Arkansas delta are endless. After a lunch that might include collard greens and hot-water cornbread, townspeople traditionally stave off the heat and humidity by taking a nap.