You may not know this, but in some states, it is illegal to have a lemonade stand. Fortunately, here in Connecticut, it is technically legal. And at a time when we’ve been given lemons, and your kids want a chance to make lemonade, here’s some good news from Country Time. They are offering  “The Littlest Bailout. An economic relief program to help the smallest of small businesses: lemonade stands.”

They are offering $100 to kids whose lemonade stands have been affected by the virus. If your child is 14 or under, and with your permission, they have to write an essay that answers the following question: “How would your child use their stimulus check to juice the economy?” and a photo of the lemonade stand they were going to use but can’t. Country Time will award 1000 grand prizes.

If the big guys are getting a bailout, why not lemon aid for the littlest entrepreneurs. Deadline is August 20, 2020.

– Danny Lyons July 28, 2020

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Masks have become part of our everyday life. Before you leave the house you grab your phone, your car keys, your glasses, your purse and hopefully, your mask. It’s the new dress code whether you match it with your outfit or not.

The CDC says cotton is the best material since it will keep your face cooler and is more likely to reduce the spread of the virus.

Try to keep it dry and watch out for “maskne”, a combination of mask and acne, caused by the friction and moisture rubbing up against your skin.

Our Governor says, “if you have to ask, wear a mask”. Just as a reminder, everyone can get the virus, so everyone should wear a mask, even though it is uncomfortable in this heatwave. Maybe together, we can prevent the second wave.

– Danny Lyons  July 6, 2020

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You may be reading that nearly 10,000 New Yorkers are changing their addresses to the more suburban zip codes of our beautiful State of Connecticut. Our property taxes are lower than NY and the view outside a home office window is much more serene and picturesque.

Mortgage rates are near record lows and inventory is limited so it is a sellers’ market as prices in the suburbs are rising faster than in the cities.

Lynne and I like to watch those home improvement shows where beams are added to carry the load for open floor plans. That certainly is the trend. Here is something new that buyers want: their own zoom room for videoconferencing. Something to consider if you are planning to do any renovations around your home.

There’s no place like home, and for many of us in 2020, there’s no place like working from home. Now you just have to get the kids to go back to school.

-Danny Lyons  June 29, 2020

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Summer is here and it’s time to take the family vacation. Fewer of us will be taking off to far away destinations this year and opting to travel by car. Gas is cheaper than it was last year, but it won’t look the same.

You will more than likely be packing hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant wipes and paper towels. You may consider taking your own food and be careful of what you touch in rest areas. That was probably good advice even before this.

When we were kids, it was fun to travel to Cape Cod where we rented cottages right next to our aunts and uncles and cousins. When we got older, we continued that tradition with my brother and sister and our kids. It was the time of our lives!

If you are headed to the Cape this summer, all beaches and bike trails are open as well as the ferries to the Islands. Half of Main St in downtown Hyannis is closed to traffic to allow for more outdoor dining. Try the food at Columbo’s. Then of course there’s mini golf at Pirates Cove and ice cream at Sundae School. You may want to catch a summer flick at the Wellfleet Drive In. There is still lots to do.

We’re almost there kids, you can see the Bourne Bridge. Let the memories begin.

– Danny Lyons  June 26, 2020

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