The U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent recreational boating report (pdf) counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Sadly, only 14 percent of the boat operators in fatal accidents had formal safety training, and 81 percent had no training […]
diy tips
Posted inGardeners Corner
Seven Steps for Keeping Your String Trimmer Running Strong With a Tune-Up
The gas-powered string trimmer, also known as a weed whacker, is a common yard and garden tool. Because they are less complicated than a lawnmower, many people do not know that string trimmers can benefit from a tune-up. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute shares seven tips to help you tune up your string trimmer for […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
The Thrill of the Grill — Why Do You Do It?
Americans have a long-standing love affair with grilling. This relationship started many years ago. Our ancestors first learned to cook over an open flame, and today grilling has become a year-round lifestyle choice, with many preferring to cook outdoors on the grill. Why do Americans love grilling so much? The reasons are wide ranging. Some […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Protect Your Soil while Preventing Pollution
Editor’s note: These tips were adapted with permission from the brochure “Tips for Water and Rural Management for Puget Sound Rural Living” by the Puget Sound Conservation Districts, adapted from “Tips on Land and Water Management for Small Farms and Ranches in Montana,” Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Living in the West Sound, […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Know Your Soil Before You Garden
Editor’s note: These tips were adapted with permission from the brochure “Tips for Water and Rural Management for Puget Sound Rural Living” by the Puget Sound Conservation Districts, adapted from “Tips on Land and Water Management for Small Farms and Ranches in Montana,” Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. If you want to have […]
Posted inGarden
Gardening Books to Read This Spring
Now that spring is officially here and all the bulbs, annuals and shrubs are planted, perhaps there is time to breathe a little between pulling weeds and watering to do some garden reading. With the Pacific Northwest being a gardener’s paradise, expertise abounds, along with regionally specific gardening and nature books. Here are three in […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Get Your Lawn Ready for Your Easter Egg Hunt
Easter morning will be here before we know it. Families will be in their yards and seeking perfect Easter photo opportunities. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has some tips on how to make sure you have an enjoyable and safe hunt. “You want to spruce up your lawn before the kids are out there […]
Posted inHome
Downsizing in the Digital Age
Downsizing. Does the mere mention instill fear in your heart? It seems that the pace of life has become so frenetic that there simply isn’t time to consider, let alone implement, the process of eliminating your treasured possessions. The days of preparing for and organizing a traditional yard or garage sale are not only a […]
Posted inAt Home
4 Ideas for Entertaining by Design
Entertaining friends for dinner, ballgames, game nights and more is such a popular and fun trend. So popular, that people often incorporate special spaces for their own entertaining needs into their building and remodeling plans in both minor and major ways. There are easy ways to add convenience to you existing spaces — or you […]