On paper,  rules often seem obvious. Like we all know our kids shouldn't play in the middle of the street or with matches (if anyone has matches around any more).  But putting them into practice is something we forget, get casual or lazy about, or even dismiss as something that couldn't possibly happen to us or me.

Here are a few rules of the yard to consider:

• Don't restart a fire with lighting fuel
• Place hot food in the center of the table, away from kid-sized hands
• Tell your children to stay away from the bbq
• After it rains, drain buckets and containers

We've researched and compiled dozens of tips, rules and reminders for playing it safe outdoors. Consider it a refresher course, and send the information to friends, family, co-workers or anyone you know who spends time in a yard or outdoor space.

Remember the 4th of July -- the swim party, backyard barbecue, patriotic decorations and fireworks all igniting the first real days of summer?

Well, that was one week ago. And according to retailers, it's time to get rid of those dated reminders of everything hot and summer and move on to other things, like school clothes and supplies -- and before you know it -- Halloween.

Having experienced the post-July 4th markdowns in previous years, I contained my excitement for two days before venturing out on July 6th to two favorite haunts, Target and Pier 1 Imports, to see what and how extreme were their markdowns. My first and closest Target was where I scored the best deals of the day -- patio furnishings were marked down 75 percent off.

I knew just what I wanted: a 10' x 10' gazebo cover to replace the hail-damaged one that came with the gazebo I bought at another Target about four years ago around this time for either 50 or 75 percent off -- I'll have to check my Target diary to be certain. I grabbed the only one off a top shelf, thanking my ancestors for giving me the height with which to reach such items quickly and with agility.  I also picked up a box of gazebo lights for under $5.

Pier 1 had its summer merchandise marked "up to" 50 percent off -- not enough to entice me to buy another outdoor lantern or wind chime.

Don't forget: we have another 2-1/2 months of summer. That's plenty of time to enjoy the patio furniture, cushions, pillows or accessories you may buy for more than half off the regular retail price. Keep in mind that the stores reducing prices on outdoor furnishings will be those that carry seasonal merchandise and want to clear it out to bring in stuff for the next season.

That would be Target, Pier 1, Cost Plus, Crate and Barrel, CB2, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, WalMart, Sears, J.C. Penney, K-Mart, etc. Pretty much everywhere around you, with the exception of specialty patio and outdoor furniture stores, which tend to carry the more high-end lines available year 'round. Happy shopping!

Chair courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

Sure, the 4th of July was two days ago. But there's no great urgency to fold up the flag, take down the patriotic bunting, and pull-up the red, white and blue flowers in your garden just because the holiday is in the past. Be patriotic all summer, right on up through Labor Day. It's acceptable; even admired. Just don't leave your Halloween decor up through Christmas -- it's not the same.

Photo: Lisa Hallett Taylor

Two flag-print scarves glued and Velcroed together make the simplest pillow covers for the 4th of July porches and patios.

Photo by Lisa Hallett Taylor

How to make a no-sew pillow cover in less than an hour