July 6: Weather, Gasoline, Blueberries

1. There is a 30 percent chance of rain today and the high temperature is 90 °F. Clouds will build throughout the day as the wind comes from the southwest at speeds between 8 mph and 11 mph. There is a 40 percent chance of rain tonight and the overnight low is 66 °F. It will be partly cloudy and the wind will come from the west at speeds between 3 mph and 8 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

2. Look for a rundown of the cheapest (and most expensive) local and area gas prices today on Suffield Patch.

3. If you told your kids you’re going to feed them something nutritious, rich in antioxidants, full of vitamins A, C and E and betacarotene, they’d probably roll their eyes. But if you tell them you’re talking about blueberries, well that’s a different story! By proclamation of the United States Department of Agriculture, July is National Blueberry Month, and what a wonderful time to celebrate these little berries, as they’re ripening on Connecticut bushes as you read this. Below are some ways in which you can include blueberries in your summer activities.

 
4. With seedling, fertilizer and trowel in hand, you can plant your own blueberry bushes. For tips specific to Connecticut on how to go about this task, visit this how-to link.
 
Would you rather pick your own? There are plenty of pick-your-own farms in Connecticut, and this link will tell you where.
 
Farmers’ Markets are a great option, as well. You most likely have a market in your neighborhood, but if not, the Department of Agriculture has a great list of Farmers' Markets in Connecticut.
 
5. Wondering what to do with your blueberries once you have them? Martha Stewart has 41 mouth-watering recipes on her Web site, including lemonade with blueberries, tarts, pies, spreads, popsicles and more.
 
Want to do as the pioneers did and make your own dye? Visit this site to make a variety of colored dyes from all kinds of plants, including blueberries.
 
Want to make blueberry ice cream? Food.com will tell you how.