Social distancing seems just a bit easier when the sun is shining and you’re able to be outside. Whether you’re exercising with your yoga class in the park (six feet between everyone, of course!), or enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend on the patio, being outdoors and together again is sweeter than ever.

If you are anything like me, sunny, warm weather is the perfect motivation to get those lingering spring projects done…straightening up the garage, finishing yard cleanup, or planting beautiful flowers in pots to bookend your entryway. The busywork and sense of accomplishment can do wonders for your mood, too.

This issue, we’re honored to have furniture makers Roger Hazard and Chris Stout-Hazard’s residence grace our magazine. Their Country Club home and garden is truly eye candy. These two certainly have a flair for design and color, and have mastered the art of personalizing a space to truly make it your own. 

We also have features on the Ostlund family’s West Shores home in Waterloo, and on Marci
Sesker’s Sandy Pointe Lake home in Ashland. Breeze through the simply stunning photos of these homes and you’ll understand why so many (including me!) think lake living is simply the best. There are other great reads inside, including a Maker profile of woodworker Jason Jones and his kitchen tool creations, a helpful Harvest piece on keeping pests at bay the natural way, and more. 

After several months of dealing with COVID-19, I want to share that I’m so grateful for the community that we have, supporting one another. Although we’re ranked 59th in largest U.S. cities, Omaha truly does seem like small town. 

And I am filled with hope and anticipation for continued growth of this wonderful publication. It’s times like these that show us that we’re all in this together.  

This article was printed in the June 2020 edition of OmahaHome. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.