The first half of May I was away from home, getting an early start on the season’s travels. The second half of the month found me catching up on chores at home while keeping up with work deadlines. Finally, this weekend, the garden is planted, the weeds pulled, winter clothes replaced with summer ones . . . and I’m ready to enjoy some activities in my own area. Our local paper, the Mail Tribune, does a great job in its Friday editions of presenting a host of options for those seeking weekend entertainment. In the Tempo section, besides the usual film reviews and listings, there’s always at least one full page of all the coming week’s music performances, divided into genres, from acoustic to jazz, rock to country, as well as open mic and jam sessions. In addition to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival repertoire, several theater companies produce top-notch musicals and plays. Another full page lists gallery offerings and art walks, and then there are several more pages of “Activities” listing everything from farmers markets to book sales, vintage car rallies to writing workshops. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Outdoors section is chock-full of ways one can enjoy all that the Rogue Valley has to offer. This weekend there are walks, runs and hikes to choose from. Some of the hikes are led by U.S. Forest Service rangers and specialists, offering a chance to learn more about the flora and fauna as one takes in stunning vistas. Local velo clubs offer weekly bike rides as well as special races and events. If you’re more into solitary wilderness pursuits, a fishing report on all the region’s waterways, lake by lake and stream by stream, alerts anglers to conditions on each. This weekend marks Oregon’s annual Free Fishing weekend, no license required, with some special events and tackle giveaways to kids at nearby fishing holes. If you’ve lived in one place for quite a while, it’s easy to get into a routine of the same activities and become blind to other options. I’ve found that moves from one city to another forced me to consciously look into what my new home had to offer and nudged me to try new pursuits. Now firmly settled here in Southern Oregon for six years, I still find it refreshing to give a thorough look at the Friday paper, rather than skimming over those sections, and find something new and different to try. Challenge yourself in the next few weeks: Use your local resources to find a new-to-you music venue, running or biking trail, farmers market or gallery, winery or brew pub. Get out there and enjoy the summer! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor