For many people, inclement weather can be frightening — especially when the wind is blowing hard, the rain is pouring and the trees are rustling. To weather a storm safely, it’s important to remember certain safety tips and proper use of tools. Portable generators can serve many purposes after severe weather strikes, including providing power […]
winter
Posted inGarden
Time to Count Birds
Counting birds in the middle of winter may not make sense but this is a tradition that goes back over a hundred years. It is a tradition that replaced another one known as the Christmas “Side Hunt.” Before the turn of the century, hunters on the East Coast took part in a competitive hunt as […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
10 Steps to Winterizing Your Outdoor Power Equipment
If you’re done aerating and getting your lawn ready for the winter, you’re probably ready to put your outdoor power equipment away. Did you know that outdoor power equipment needs to be winterized before it is stored for the fall? That helps avoid problems in the spring. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recommends for […]
Posted inGarden
Scents and Sensibilities of the Fragrant Winter Garden
“If our sense of smell is sluggish … we shall have missed more than half the ecstasy. We shall have missed, for instance, that winter day in January or February when we step out of the door and suddenly smell the spring.” ~ Louise Beebe Wilder Winter is a fickle old friend to gardeners. It’s […]
Posted inGarden
Winter is Birdhouse Time
Winter is the best time to think about birdhouses. The birds are starting to think about where they will nest once spring arrives. Where houses are already in place, it isn’t unusual to see chickadees exploring them in January and February. They may decide to nest in one or they may be checking on what […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Winterize Your Plumbing
With the temperatures dipping this time of year, now would be a good time to winterize your plumbing. Although the Pacific Northwest is known for mild winter temperatures, there are still a few safety precautions you can take to make sure your pipes are protected and to eliminate unnecessary repairs due to freezing. At the […]
Posted inGarden
Cold Frames, Cloches, Hoophouses
As cold weather arrives, gardeners’ thoughts turn to the best approaches of protecting their overwintering crops and tender ornamentals. Simple structures can benefit gardens year round. The Winter Garden What a treat it is to venture out into the garden in the coldest months of the year to discover some treasures for the dinner table. […]
Posted inGarden
Start Your Winter-Blooming Garden
Color in the garden does not have to end when the skies turn gray and rainy. Some gardeners even like the challenge of having something blooming or showing color 12 months a year. Here are three very reliable plants that can get you started on that goal. Daphne Sometimes called winter daphne, this evergreen plant […]
Posted inAuto Talk, Blog
Car Care Tips to Get Ready for Winter
Conducting routine maintenance on your vehicle is necessary to maintain optimal performance and prevent costly repairs. As colder weather approaches, and with it the potential for treacherous road conditions, giving certain areas of your car special attention can also protect your safety. “Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a […]