Weddings, funerals, birthdays and special occasions are a big part of the floral business. Fall is an especially popular time of year for weddings.
Hanna Bergene, owner of Mohican Flowers in cooperstown, explained, “it is not too hot and the fall foliage in this area provides a lot of natural beauty for your wedding photos.”
“Mohican Flowers is more than just a florist,” Bergene said, “We also host events in our historic building and collaborate with local artisans.” last year, the florist hosted a private event for a local garden club. it became the inspiration for a new series of workshops. Bergene said, “i had a lot of customers asking if we’d do floral design classes, so we came up with the idea of Flower Hour.”
The theme of the class on nov. 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. is Pumpkin Spice and Everything nice. For $65, Mohican will provide a pumpkin, fresh, seasonal flowers, instruction and all the tools and supplies necessary. More information is available at mohicanflowers.com.
“When we made pumpkin flower arrangements with the garden club, i sourced a unique grower in otego that grows heirloom pumpkins,” Bergene said. “it was a really fun, creative atmosphere. Everyone got to take home a unique arrangement to enjoy inside their home.”
Mohican is also offering a new monthly painting workshop called “Brushes & Blooms” on oct. 21, nov. 11 and Dec. 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. cooperstown artist Susan Jones Kenyon will teach participants how to paint an arrangement of botanical flowers provided by Mohican Flowers. Kenyon is a self-taught, impressionist painter who has exhibited at the Fenimore art Museum.
The concept of “finding your inner artist” was a collaborative idea. Kenyon has taught painting in other locations. Her daughter, Elle Kenyon, is Mohican’s one fulltime employee. Hanna, Susan and Elle brainstormed a way to incorporate fresh botanical flowers into a painting class.
Bergene always knew events were in her future. She was born and raised in cooperstown and graduated from SUny oneonta with a degree in hospitality. She said, “i fell in love with the idea of being an entrepreneur when i worked for the cooperstown chamber of commerce.”
Bergene says she was attracted to the historic Main Street building that houses her business. it operated as a flower shop since 1901. She bought the business in July 2021 and opened it in october 2021.
carol Waller, the previous owner of Mohican Flow-
ers, learned the business from her father. Bergene said, “carol taught me the basics of floral design. She was with me for our first Valentine’s Day, our first Mother’s Day and our first wedding. i am so grateful.”
Bergene said, “We use as many local flowers as possible. The growing season here is super short from May through october, at most, or June to September if we have a frost. Flowers are such delicate items to ship. When we are able to buy local, our customers get the highest-quality, freshest flowers and we help support the local economy.”
Mohican Flowers buys from growers in Mt. Vision, canajoharie, Edmeston, and Johnstown. Bergene said, “We found a lot of local suppliers through social media.” The rest of the year, most cut flowers come from South america, california and canada, and need to be transported a great distance.
Bergene said, “i have always been a ‘buy local’ kind of girl. it is just how i was raised. My dad owned a landscaping company. We had a beautiful garden growing up and we ate fresh vegetables from the garden.”
When we made pumpkin flower arrangements with the garden club, I sourced a unique grower in Otego that grows heirloom pumpkins. It was a really fun, creative atmosphere. Everyone got to take home a unique arrangement to enjoy inside their home.”
— Hanna Bergene
The last few days of mild weather are the ideal time to prepare your property for winter. Here are some tasks you can complete.
Tidy
Empty, clean and store your rain barrels and garden hoses. Put your garden furniture, outdoor games and barbecue in your shed, garage or attic. However, make sure to leave the propane tank outside.
Inspect
Take a walk around your property to make sure everything is in order. For example, ensure your outdoor taps and the flaps on your dryer vent and extractor hood are closed. check the condition of your roof and gutters and dead leaves and branches. inspect your stucco or siding and window frames and look for cracks that could allow insects, water or air to seep inside. Seal any holes if necessary.
Protect
Bring annual plants and flowers you want to keep over winter inside your home. Provide adequate shelter for small plants, like young conifers
and rose bushes, which could be damaged by heavy snowfall. cut back any branches that could fall on power lines, but only if it’s safe to do so. Don’t forget to clean the heat pump coil and close your pool and hot tub unless you plan to use them in winter. Did you find a dead tree, a major crack, missing shingles or a broken part of some kind? contact the specialists in your area to fix the problem.
Whether you want to create a warm, contemporary, rustic or eccentric atmosphere in your home, there’s a wide range of materials to suit your needs. Do you want to give one or more walls a makeover? These popular coverings will help make your home more beautiful.
Wood
Wood adds a sense of warmth and comfort to any room. Whether you opt for natural wood, reclaimed barn wood or laminated wood panels, this material adds a serene, organic touch to your decor.
Brick
nice flooring draws immediate attention when entering a home. natural wood floors tend to instantly impress, while the right kitchen flooring materials can create the welcoming feeling many homeowners strive to establish in the most popular room in the home.
Stunning floors are hard to miss, and floors that are well past their prime are equally noticeable. aging floors may fall somewhere between fading and failing to live up to homeowners’ standards. Fading floors may not need to be replaced immediately, but the following are some signs that indicate existing floors are nearing their expiration date.
• Soft spots: a floor should not give when stepped on. Soft spots could be indicative of water damage caused by any number of factors. Some water damage is caused by mopping the floor with a soaking wet mop, while burst pipes also contribute to water damage that can cause soft spots. a single soft spot on the floor may necessitate a relatively simple repair, but various soft spots indicate extensive damage that might be affecting the floor, subflooring or both. in the latter instance, homeowners should consider a full floor replacement.
• Creaking floors: creaking floors are among the more annoying issues that can arise in a home. in such homes, residents feel as though every step they or their
housemates take is being announced. in addition, creaking floors can awake light sleepers, including young children. The floor experts at Discount Flooring Depot note that uneven subfloor could be the culprit behind creaking floors. Though that does not necessarily require a floor replacement, it can be hard to lift existing floors and then refit them after the subflooring has been addressed. That’s especially so if low-quality laminate flooring was installed. So while creaking floors may not require a full floor replacement, it’s an outcome homeowners who can no longer live with the noise can prepare themselves for.
• Dated look: of course, some floors simply look like the product of a bygone era. Various factors, including location, affect the resale value of a home, but realtor.com reports that hardwood floors are preferred by both home buyers and renters. in addition, realtor.com estimates that wood floors could provide a return as high as 80 percent of the initial investment when homeowners sell their homes. if existing flooring looks dated, it might be time to bring it up to speed with something more modern.
a home’s flooring is bound to draw the attention of residents and visitors alike. Homeowners who replace their flooring can ensure that attention is drawn for all the right reasons.
Bricks are perfect for creating a rustic or retro look. They can be used on an entire wall or as an accent in a room. you have many choices, such as real brick or faux brick covering.
Stone
Stone wall coverings are synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Stones like marble, granite and schist are highly prized for their natural beauty and durability.
Metal tiles
Metal tiles or panels add a touch of refinement and shine to your space. They can be used to cover an entire wall or create strategically placed accents.
Vinyl
Vinyl coverings are available in a wide range of patterns and colors, often imitating other materials such as wood or stone. They’re resistant to moisture and easy to install.
Wall coverings offer a multitude of possibilities for adding style to your home. Speak to the staff at your local home renovation store for more information.
are you wondering if it’s possible to empty your septic tank during winter? Here’s what you need to know.
Challenges
one of the main challenges of pumping out a septic tank during winter is the risk of the tank’s contents freezing. When temperatures drop significantly, the liquid in the tank can freeze, making it difficult or even impossible to empty the tank completely.
Solutions
While it’s possible to pump out a septic tank during winter, you must take certain precautions. one solution is to hire a septic truck with an onboard heating system. These trucks heat up the liquid before pumping it out, preventing it from freezing. This also ensures the tank is completely emptied.
Advantages
companies that specialize in maintaining septic tanks are usually less busy in winter. This means you can schedule an appointment more quickly. Emptying your tank in winter can also help prevent complications associated with spring snowmelt, which can overload the wastewater system. regularly emptying your septic tank is essential to keep it working properly and avoid blockages and unpleasant smells. contact the professionals in your area with high-performance trucks to ensure a safe and successful winter pump-out.
What are the signs of a malfunctioning septic system?
The DoH of Washington State notes that properly maintained septic systems should provide reliable service for many years. Part of that maintenance is keeping an eye out for these signs that suggest a system is malfunctioning or failing:
• Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks is backing up into the home
• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly
• Gurgling sounds are coming from the plumbing system
• Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drain field
• Bad odors around the septic tank or drain field
• Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drain field, even during dry weather
• Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes
• High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells
Homeowners with septic systems should make tending to those systems part of their routine home maintenance.
Bill and Phyllis Bell lived in oneonta for 45 years before buying a mobile home near laurens 14 years ago. They have 18 years of experience heading south for the winter months.
Dan and Sue lentz have lived in otego for more than 40 years. Sue is an oneonta native. They became snowbirds four years ago.
These couples shared a wealth of practical information for any homeowners who are considering leaving their homes vacant this winter. lentz has developed a 62-item checklist.
With careful planning, neither couple has experienced
any emergencies. Bill Bell said, “Three years ago, when oneonta received 30 inches of snow, we did not have any problems.”
“i still hunt, so we leave after deer season, the first week of December and we come back the first week of May,” he said.
The lentz family went to South Florida for one month the first year of retirement and have gradually increased their time away to five months. They leave in november and come back in april.
Dan lentz said, “We avoid being in new york in January, February and March. This means we are away during tax season when all our important tax documents arrive in the mail.”
Tell the Post office when to start forwarding your mail and when to stop. you can do this in person or online at usps.com by searching “change of address.” The Bells ask the Post office to hold their mail for a week and then forward it. They also notify the post office in Florida when they plan to arrive so that mail does not get returned.
lentz asks a neighbor to check their mailbox in otego and send them the last batch of accumulated mail. They also ask a neighbor in Florida to batch up any mail they may miss after they leave. He shares keys to the house in otego in case of emergency with trusted neighbors and one relative.
Bill Bell has two ways of protecting his home from burglars. “i ask my neighbor down the hill to keep an eye on our house. He is a former deputy sheriff. He advised me not to have my long driveway plowed so that snow accumulation will deter any unwanted visitors.” Dan lentz installed a security system and cameras that he can monitor remotely, both inside and out.
Schedule doctor appointments
See your doctors and dentist early enough before you leave so that if any follow-up appointments are needed, you have time to complete treatment.
Check with your healthcare provider
Before the Bells settled on Wellcare for their Medicare Supplemental Plan, they made sure they have coverage in both new york and Florida.
Transfer Prescriptions
The Bells have a three-month supply of their prescription medicines auto-shipped to their home. They notify Express Scripts of their change of address twice a year. The lentzes use Walgreens and find it easy to transfer prescriptions.
Protect against rodents
Phyllis Bell uses ziploc storage bags to protect her linens, pillows, and clothing. She said, “i learned the hard way that mice like to make nests in warm places during the winter.” They recommend buying rodent repellant and hiding it around the house inside a sock and investing in electric pest control devices. These simple measures eliminated the problem in year two.
Change your batteries
Make sure you refresh your batteries in devices such as smoke detectors, electronic keypads, door sensors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Stop garbage collection and deliveries
you can save about $35 per month by informing the company that collects your garbage that you will be gone for several months. The Bells do not need to cancel delivery of The Daily Star because they subscribe online. They do cancel their Pennysaver delivery before they go.
Writer
Three years ago, when Oneonta received 30 inches of snow, we did not have any problems.”
— Bill BellSue and Dan Lentz of Otego are shown tailgating in Raleigh, North Carolina, on their way to Florida. | Co NTRI bu TED )
Snow removal and grass cutting neither family hires a service to remove snow or cut grass. They leave after the grass stops growing and come back in time to cut it themselves. Depending where you live, there may be a city ordinance that requires that snow be removed from your sidewalks.
The Bells cancel their cable and internet for six months out of the year to save money. Dan lentz maintains internet coverage year-round to operate the remote devices.
To prevent pipes from freezing or bursting, Bill Bell turns off his water every year. He drains all 30 gallons of water out of his hot water heater with a hose and shuts it off. He also drains all the faucets and appliances, including the refrigerator, ice maker, washing machine and dishwasher and then clears the water out of the pipes with a pressure sprayer and fills the water lines with rV antifreeze. He said, “The first two years, i hired companies and paid $150 to $250 to have this done, until i learned how to do it myself. it takes me about three hours.”
Dan lentz said, “We clean out the refrigerator in the garage and turn it off, but we leave the electricity on. i turn our hot water heater off, but i don’t drain it.”
Bill Bell said, “i turn off my electricity in certain areas of the house using breakers. We unplug the television, dryer and stove.” Phyllis Bell has stored cans of food in her refrigerator to prevent them from freezing and kept it running.
“We have oil heat and turn the thermostat down to 50 degrees to save energy. I can monitor the temperature remotely and even have an electric heater in the basement that I can activate electronically.
— Dan Lentz
Some years, Bill Bell has turned his electric heat off completely and other years, he has left it on at 45 degrees. Dan lentz said, “We have oil heat and turn the thermostat down to 50 degrees to save energy. i can monitor the temperature remotely and even have an electric heater in the basement that i can activate electronically.”
if you have a second car you are leaving behind, you may be able to suspend your insurance by contacting your insurance company.
For the elderly or people with limited mobility, bathrooms are one of the more likely places for a slip-and-fall injury. These falls can result in broken bones and can even be fatal. consider making your bathroom safer by incorporating some of these features.
• Accessible toilet. an elevated toilet seat can make sitting down much more manageable. Elevated toilet seats are easy to install and sit right on top of your existing one. a comfort-level or right-height toilet that sits slightly higher than a standard toilet is another alternative.
• Shower seat. This specially designed chair makes showering much safer. it has a back
support, and the holes in the material allow water to drain. look for a model with suction cups on the legs for stability.
• Grab bars. installing grab bars in the shower and beside the bathtub and toilet improve accessibility and safety, especially for people who use wheelchairs.
• No-slip bathmats. These mats provide grip on the shower and tub floors and can help prevent falls. you can also use safety treads, which stick onto the floor for added traction.
Most slip-and-fall accidents occur in the home, so visit your local home improvement store to ensure your loved ones are as safe as possible.
Many structural issues can occur in your bathroom, and some can be serious. Unfortunately, many of these problems remain invisible until sudden damage occurs, requiring costly repairs. Watch for the warning signs of various bathroom problems to save yourself time and money.
1. Bad caulking
inadequate sealing can lead to water seepage and eventually mold growth. That’s why it’s important to periodically inspect your caulking. Examine your showerhead flange, toilet base, shower, bathtub and vanity.
2. Old plumbing
Modern plumbing is made of copper, a long-lasting material. if you have older pipes, it may be best to have them upgraded. cast iron and steel are more prone to corrosion. if you have lead pipes, replace them as soon as possible because they’re harmful to your health.
3. Inadequate drainage
Drains can easily get blocked with hair and other particles. Blockages in your drainage system can cause backups and standing water. Excessive humidity, faulty wiring, unsafe flooring and unsuitable materials are other common issues that can occur in the bathroom. For reliable repairs and renovations, entrust the job to a local contractor.
lighting is a crucial element of home decor, and it can be challenging to know what type of bulb is best. Here are three types of light bulbs and their uses.
1. Light-emitting diode (LED). lED bulbs are energy efficient. in fact, they consume 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They give off a bright light, emit no heat and contain no mercury. They can last up to 50,000 hours, making them an excellent choice for hard-to-reach sockets.
2. Compact Fluorescent (CFL). cFl bulbs are almost as energy efficient as lEDs but require time to get bright. They’re excellent for illuminating large spaces like garages. They last between 8,000 and 10,000 hours and come in various colors. cFl bulbs contain
mercury, so handle them carefully and dispose of them properly.
3. Halogen. These lights emit an intense directional light and are perfect for illuminating under kitchen cabinets and pendant or recessed lighting. you can use halogen bulbs with a dimmer. However, halogen bulbs burn hot, so keep them away from flammable objects. Plus, handle them with gloves because the oil from your fingers can make them explode if they get too hot. Visit
Winter is fast approaching. Here are five things you can do to keep you warm and cozy over the coming months.
1. Check the doors and windows for leaks
Windows and doors can account for up to a quarter of your home’s heat loss. if your windows are drafty, try installing weatherstripping to reduce your heating bill before you consider replacing them.
2. Remove the window screens leaving the bug screens on your windows encourages and traps condensation. now is the time to clean and remove them for winter. This’ll also allow more light and solar heat to enter your home.
3. Maintain your heating and ventilation systems clean your electric baseboard heaters to avoid an unpleasant burning when you turn them on. Wash or replace the filters on your air exchanger, keep furniture and curtains away from heat sources and inspect your appliances. Wipe down the grille of your bathroom exhaust fan with a damp cloth.
4. Check the condition of all detectors
Dust your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if necessary. Moreover, verify that they haven’t expired and test them to ensure they’re working properly.
5. Clean your wood stove and chimney
Wash and inspect your wood stove or fireplace before using it for the first time. contact a professional to sweep your chimney to ensure it’s clear. avoid using sweeping logs, as they’re not as effective. is your heating system old or not working properly? Don’t wait until the temperature plummets to make an appointment with a specialist for a full inspection or repair.
An assortment of variables will dictate just how long a home’s siding will last, including the amount of sun a home receives and the location of the home. The life expectancy of siding also will depend on the siding material. According to Sunshine Contracting, vinyl siding lasts between 20 and 40 years. It’s a popular choice because of how long it lasts and the minimal upkeep it requires. Wood siding, another traditional favorite, is more expensive, but it also boasts impressive longevity, according to BobVila.com. With proper maintenance, which includes cleaning and refinishing, wood siding may last for decades. The coating on aluminum siding typically begins to fade after about 15 years. Fiber cement siding is affordable, durable and low maintenance, and it may actually last as long as the home itself. It needs to be repainted occasionally. Sunshine Contracting says stone veneer siding will last between 20 and 75 years, depending on the stone that is used.
are you planning to shovel your own driveway this winter? if so, you may want to reconsider. Here’s why hiring a snow removal service is the superior choice. To avoid injuring yourself
if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow, you may not be able to keep up, and trying to could spell disaster. after heavy snowfalls, emergency rooms are packed with people suffering from heart issues, fractures, hematomas, back pain and muscle strains.
Shoveling snow is an intense physical activity and thousands of people injure themselves doing it every year, sometimes fatally. if you’re not in peak physical shape, it may be safer to let professionals remove the snow from your driveway. To prevent accidents
ice and snow that isn’t promptly or properly removed could cause an injury. if you live with children, pets or elderly family members, keeping all pathways and driveways clear is important for preventing slip-
Many companies will also remove snow from the pathways and stairs on your property, which is very useful for anyone dealing with mobility issues.
and-fall accidents. Plus, removing snow in a timely manner prevents it from hardening into ice, which is more difficult to remove and can be very dangerous. To save yourself the time and effort
Hiring a contractor to remove your snow means you won’t have to worry on those mornings when you wake up to a thick blanket of snow covering your driveway. in fact, your driveway is likely to be cleared well before you need to leave the house, as snow removal companies typically let you work out a schedule for when they should come.
once you’ve found a reputable contractor to remove your snow, be sure to sign a contract with them. Some companies have a limited number of clients they can take on.
Summer and fall are charlene Stewart’s favorite times of the year. Why? “i just love picking. Everything is so good and fresh and it makes people happy,” she said.
if you are looking for fresh corn on the cob, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, heirloom tomatoes, mums, pumpkins, peaches or apples, you are in luck. The Mt. Vision Farm Stand is open seven days a week from mid-June to the end of october from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. it is on route 205 in Mt. Vision.
Stewart, roger Wilms, Ed Wilms and Joe Wilms run the business. charlene and her brothers grew up in the business their parents started 47 years ago in 1976. Each brings special talents to the
business. The family plants pumpkins starting every Memorial Day and 5,000 mums every June, to be ready in time for harvest season every fall.
new york is home to nearly 32,000 family farms, according to agriculture. ny.gov. The Mt. Vision Garden Center started as a flower farm. roger Wilms Sr. and his wife, Joanne, started with one greenhouse. Today the business operates 28 greenhouses on otsego county route 46.
Ed Wilms said, “Mother’s Day kicks off the season. We open the greenhouses the last week in april and close them around the fourth of July. We produce 200,000 4 ½-inch potted plants annually and between 10,000 and 15,000 hanging baskets.”
Mt. Vision Garden Center grows 400 different varieties of annuals and perennials, including 30 colors of geraniums,
50 varieties of coleus plus marigolds, spikes and vincas. The hanging baskets designed and planted in January are popular gifts for Mother’s Day.
Ed believes, “We are the largest grower in the region.” it is a wholesale and retail business that operates year-round. Ed said, “Mt. Vision Garden Center has been voted ‘the Best of the Best’ Garden Center by The Daily Star (readers) approximately 16 or 17 years in a row.”
charlene said, “Farming is a labor of love. We love what we do. We work seven days a week.”
Ed and his team cultivates fresh produce on 40 acres of the 140 acres of land the family owns. They sell what they grow at the Farm Stand. Ed said, “The secret to our growth is good quality growing, quality produce, and the loyalty of our long-time customers.” charlene said, “People love the farm stand. our
customers love our acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash. We also carry clark’s Milk from Delhi, bread from The lofty loaf, and we buy apples and other fruit from other farms to give our customers a wide variety of fresh items and support other local vendors.”
roger Wilms Jr. is the oldest of six children. He enjoys stonework and has been known to build beautiful stone patios for customers, landscaped with flowers, shrubs and trees grown in the Mt. Vision greenhouses.
“Spring flowers will last all summer if they are well maintained,” charlene said. Watering your plants is extremely important. That’s why Joe Wilms spends much of his day watering plants.
May to July is the busiest time of the year for the business. That is when the garden center employs about 20 people.
“Farming is a labor of love. We love what we do. We work seven days a week.
— Charlene Stewart
People love the farm stand. Our customers love our acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash. We also carry Clark’s Milk from Delhi, bread from The Lofty Loaf, and we buy apples and other fruit from other farms to give our customers a wide variety of fresh items and support other local vendors.”
— Charlene Stewart
When winter approaches and the days get colder, it’s time to swap your summer tires for winter ones. if you’re wondering why you should bother, here’s what you need to know.
Improved traction
The main reason to install winter tires is to ensure your vehicle has sufficient traction in cold weather. When temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the rubber on both summer and all-season tires harden and lose their ability to adequately grip the road. Winter tires, however, have a rubber compound that remains flexible even at -40 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby ensuring adequate traction in frosty weather.
in addition, winter tires have deeper tread than summer tires. This design feature shortens braking distance in cold weather by up to 25 percent.
Criteria to consider
if you’re in the market for new winter tires, look for the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall. This certifies that the tires are approved for wintry conditions.
alternatively, you may want to buy used winter tires. if you do, ensure the tread depth is at least 3/16 of an inch and the manufacture date is less than six years from the current date. an automotive specialist can recommend the right type and size for your vehicle.
Possible consequences
if you fail to use winter tires when driving in snowy and icy conditions, you can lose control of your vehicle. This will jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road, including you. Moreover, if you get in a crash and winter tires could have helped prevent the mishap, your insurance claim may be denied.
Do you need new winter tires to get through the upcoming season? if so, consult a specialist to purchase a set and leave the installation to the experts.
Winter tires aren’t required by law in most states. However, in winter, they’re highly recommended when driving in northern parts of the country, and installing them can help ensure you aren’t liable if you’re in a collision. Each state has its own requirements for tires pertaining to tread, wear and overall condition.
insulation can go a long way toward making a home more comfortable. insulation reduces the transfer of heat from indoors and outdoors so homes stay more comfortable in both the winter and summer. lation also can block exterior noise. a properly insulated home is a must, particularly in the wake of rising energy costs. nsulation will help a home be more energy efficient.
insulation is easily taken for granted. The following are some facts about insulation and home efficien cy that illustrate how much home owners can benefit from upgrading their insulation.
• Insulation is made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and spray foam.
• Unless damaged, insulation lasts for the life of the building. Some set tling of insulation may occur, partic ularly with loose-fill type insulation, and gaps can be filled in.
• During the Middle Ages, walls of homes were stuffed with straw and mud to help keep out the cold. one of the first documented types of insulation.
• According to the U.S. Environmen tal Protection saves more than 600 times more en ergy each year than compact fluores-
cent lights, Energy Star appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.
• For every Btu consumed in the production of insulation each year, 12 Btus are saved by the use of insulation, says a+ insulation of Kansas city.
• An insulating material’s resistance to heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or r-value. The higher the r-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. an inhome comfort and efficiency.
As nutritious as they are delicious, these muffins smell incredible as they’re baking. Serve them as a dessert or a quick snack.
Servings: 12
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 1 can pumpkin purée (398 ml)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• 12 walnuts, whole
• A few fresh mint leaves
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a muffin tin with paper cups.
2. Whisk together the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and spices in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin purée, melted butter and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until the batter is smooth.
4. Add the chopped pecans and gently stir to combine.
5. Place about 2 tablespoons of the batter into each cup. Top each with a whole walnut.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Place the cooled muffins on a serving platter and garnish with mint.
This bright, fragrant soup is easy to make. Adding rice will give it a pleasingly smooth texture.
Servings: 6
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 cups diced carrots
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup uncooked rice
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A few basil leaves for garnish
• 2 cups homemade or store-bought croutons for garnish
1. In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic without letting them brown.
2. Add the carrots, broth, rice and ginger. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Mix in a blender or food processor until smooth.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve with garnishes.
The interior of a wood-burning fireplace is likely lined with fire bricks. check for cracks and loose joints. Hire a professional mason to make any repairs, as special materials are needed to withstand the heat of fires.
Install a chimney cap and screen according to Family Handyman, a chimney cap is a protective covering that goes over the top of the chimney. it is made of steel or copper mesh with a cap on top. This protects the chimney from rain and downdrafts and keeps animals and debris from getting into the chimney.
Prune overhanging branches
if there are trees close to the home and the chimney, cut them back, as they can be a fire hazard. Branches and leaves also can restrict the proper draft of the chimney.
Assess the outdoor vent
as hours of daylight shorten and fall gives way to winter, thoughts shift from fall foliage to spending time cuddling under warm blankets and being cozy indoors. a fireplace can improve the ambiance of any room and help to create a warm and welcoming gathering spot.
Home fireplaces typically are wood-burning or gas. Though maintenance for these fireplaces differs, certain preparatory steps must be taken to prepare a fireplace for winter.
Clear the clutter items can accumulate in areas that are not in use, and a fireplace is no exception.
Take a few hours to remove any belongings from in front of the fireplace and clean the mantle thoroughly.
Have the chimney cleaned
Hire a professional chimney cleaning company to inspect the chimney and clean it thoroughly before winter. according to BobVila.com, a chimney should be cleaned once a year, or after about every 80 fires. The national Fire Protection association says failure to properly clean chimneys is one of the leading contributors to home fires. That’s due to creosote, a highly flammable residue that builds up in the flue that lines the chimney.
Gas fireplaces typically emit exhaust through a vent in the home. remove any
blockages from the vent, including leaves, cobwebs and debris.
Check glass or other coverings
The glass or face of the fireplace helps regulate carbon monoxide exposure and protects people from the flames. Be sure the glass covering is intact.
Clean ceramic logs
Gas fireplaces use ceramic logs, rocks or beads that can become dusty. clean them prior to use. Dirty ceramic logs can be a fire hazard and produce an unpleasant burning smell.
Check the blower and pilot
if the fireplace has an electric blower, clean and dust it so it doesn’t become clogged. inspect the pilot light for any wear and tear that includes wiring or structural issues.
it takes several steps to prepare fireplaces for cold weather seasons when they’re most likely to be used with frequency.
Home maintenance requires significant time and money. Keeping your roof in top condition, refreshing your paint and making occasional repairs — staying on top of all these tasks can feel like a full-time job. Here are some ways to keep track of various renovation tasks.
Why do it?
Keeping track of your renovation projects helps you stay organized. your roof, to name one component, has a limited lifespan. Knowing when it's due for replacement can help you plan your budget and arrange to hire a roofer in a timely manner.
The renovation information you record in your planner can help you when the time comes to sell your property. if a potential buyer asks when your water heater was last replaced, you’ll have a detailed record and know exactly where to look for the answer to their questions.
How to do it?
you can record the details of your renovation projects on paper and keep the documents in a filing cabinet or briefcase. if you’re digitally inclined, save it in a computer file or an app on your smartphone. collect your invoices and keep a list of essential home maintenance tasks. include the dates for upcoming jobs, including routine chores like cleaning the vents and changing the furnace filters.
Trust the certified contractors in your area for all your renovation projects.
are you planning a significant home improvement project, like a home addition, exterior siding replacement or French drain installation? Do you know the best time of year to complete the work? Here are some helpful tips to help you start planning.
Time frame
Most renovation projects require a long lead-up time before a hammer hits a nail. Planning could include securing permits and arranging design plans. Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation or masonry re-
pairs, you should reach out to a contractor several months ahead of your desired start date as these professionals tend to be in high demand.
Ideal season
all renovation projects can take place from spring to fall, including doors, windows and foundations. That said, some tasks are ideal for winter, when construction professionals have more availability. Take advantage of the winter season to tackle jobs like kitchen remodels, basement finishing, flooring or
interior renovations.
Typical duration
Work timelines vary. However, most jobs have average timelines that can help you make a reasonable estimate of when your project will be completed. roof repairs typically take one to three days, while siding installation often requires one to three weeks. if you want to build an addition, be prepared for two to three months of work.
Be sure to take all these elements into account as you decide when to contact a contractor.
If you’re planning a renovation project, here are three tips to help keep costs to a minimum.
1. Pick the right time of year. Fall and winter are typically less busy for most contractors. During these times, you may be able to negotiate a lower price.
2. Get several quotes. Contacting several contractors will give you a good idea of the average price to complete the project. Shopping around may also help you get a better rate.
3. Be specific. Clearly explain what you want upfront to avoid unnecessarily driving up the bill. Always ensure the contractor you choose has the required experience and certifications.
