Well ok, I guess there's no hope in getting this newsletter out Monthly. Time just never seems to permit me to find the few hours it takes to sit down and crank one out! I must thank everyone yet again for their patience in the unreliable delivery of this.

Speaking of lack of time, I've been considering and even promising a site revamp for many months now. Ideas are always welcome. If there's something missing that you'd like to see, simply email me and let me know.

With summer here already I've added two easy recipes that are perfect this time of year. Something quick that won't heat up your house -- what more could you ask for?!

Continuing with the summer trend, I've gone looking for books with a kids and summer theme. Looking for great ideas to keep your kids amused this summer? These might be a great place to start!

As usual, I'd like to take this moment to welcome all of our new subscribers and bid a 'welcome back' to our returning ones.

A welcome to all of you who discovered the site via the CBC Morning Show. The National interview went well and created a huge rise in hits (we peaked at over 15,000 a day and are holding steady at about 9,000 a day. Way up from our old 5,000!) and some new regular faces on the board. This interview again lead to the original newspaper story running in major cities all over Canada.

DRIPLESS POPSICLES

• Dissolve one 85g package of Jell-o powder in 1 C. boiling water.
• Stir in 1 1/4 C. juice.
• Pour into moulds and freeze.

SENSATIONAL SLUSH

• Fill a small yoghurt container 2/3 full with juice or pop.
• Cap with lid and place in freezer for 1 1/2 hours.
• Then, mix with fork every 1/2 hour or so until to desired

Summer's here! ... "Mom...I'm bored..there's nothing to do!". How often have we heard that? What DO you do with your children as the days drag on? These books give great ideas to pass the days and have fun while you're doing it.

The Kid's Summer Handbook
by Jane Drake

"This compendium of activities offers ideas galore for young vacationers. Most topics fill one or two pages, with large green headings and green-tinted boxes containing lists of ingredients, ecology suggestions, or nature facts. The array of crafts, activities, and outdoor skills will make the book a useful tool for camp counselors and scout leaders." -- School Library Journal

Hopscotch, Hangman, Hot Potato, and Ha, Ha, Ha : A Rulebook of Children's Games
by Jack Maguire

Ever wonder where all of those wonderful games that you enjoyed as a child went to? Well, they've compiled themselves here in Mr. Maguire's book! These games are great for any interest level or age range. Looking for a quick or a long game for your children or all of the neighbourhood children? Then this is indeed the book to buy.

Summer's here! Sadly, I'm stuck in the office all day (as most people are) but there's just something wonderful about looking out the window and seeing sunshine and not snow.

My children are now just days away from becoming 13, 11, & 9. Daycare is no longer an issue as it was two years ago, but I remember the fear the summer would bring. What am I going to do with the kids for two months?! How am I going to afford the huge summer raise in Daycare costs?!

Even now as they're older, and my oldest is not allowed in Daycare, I still spend most of the day worrying about them. Countless phone calls and a web cam both at the office and at home help a bit but nothing's as good as actually being there for them.

Do you have these summertime daycare worries? What do you do -- depend on Neighbours, Family, Friends, or just suck it up and pay the higher Daycare fees? Click here to take part in our poll, (Sorry, poll is now close) and if you've found a great solution or resource share it for others to benefit from. Maybe we can use these ideas to set up a page with Child Care suggestions for people new to this.

Well folks, that's it for another month. As usual, if you have any suggestions or contributions let me know! We're always up to suggestions and recipes sent in also have the chance to be included on the website.

Jill Lassaline, editor
Single Parents World