Around the home

“Alexa, what is the temperature?”  Yes, we have one of those and someone in our house likes to know the state of affairs of the outdoors.  At this time of year, that is important, especially if you like fresh vegetables and you want to know their point of origin.  So, gardening enthusiasts and all wannabes--pay close attention, for it is now April.  The time for sowing seed—indoors—is upon us.   Sonja Anderson at Gertens Gr

Welcome to the New Year! It’s 2018—a new year for plans, for projects, and for hope. It’s the time for resolutions. So, in that spirit of anticipation of fun to come, let all homeowners resolve to care for and maintain their home like a first-time homeowner.

“Oh the weather outside is frightful…” Polar and arctic air masses wing their way south bringing sub-zero temperatures and biting winds. Those world travelling air masses drop what moisture they carry at the first sign of mountain peaks.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go….” And that’s what you see this time of year—street lampposts, store windows, and homes everywhere, decorated inside and out. The talk of the town centers on Christmas celebration plans with online selfies and video clips to illustrate. However, not everyone carries the Christmas Spirit in their heart. Thieves see plenty of opportunities to lighten the load of busy distracted shoppers.

Owning a house is a major proposition in today’s world. Once you get passed the maze of buying the house and moving in, you find yourself faced with decisions concerning maintenance, repair, and remodeling, not to mention housecleaning and routine living. What else is there to know?

So, you checked your home cooling system and you have your programmable thermostat set to your liking. Everything inside is in order. Now, what about your yard? The National Arbor Day Foundation website explains that, “Trees can add value to your home, help cool your home and neighborhood, break the cold winds to lower your heating costs, and provide food for wildlife.” (arborday.org) You don’t have to be a conservationist to appreciate them.

When summer temps rise, you don’t have to head to cooler climates to keep cool. The Minnesota Department of Commerce website offers tips and strategies to keep cool and save energy costs at home while you are there or away. They recommend that you use your windows to naturally ventilate your home: open them at night to let in cool air and close them in the morning to keep it in before the day heats up.

Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, published this motto, Be Prepared, in 1908.  His military training taught him to be ready for any difficulty that might come his way.  He thought, what was good for soldiers was good for civilians. And so it has been since the beginning of time.  Learn about life and pass it on.  Learn to read the signs of danger and respond wisely.   

Northfield Curbside Composting - coming to a curb near you. If you garden or subscribe to a local CSA then composting may be old news. But for everyone else, what to do with all that garbage you generate may be a daily chore.

You know you are in serious trouble when you have thrown away, given away, and put away the clothes and things you want to use and keep; you have organized, boxed, bagged, labelled, and skillfully stacked seasonal goods under beds and overhead; and utilized all previously available but unused space and still fall short for your needs.