SpringHome_2023

spring 2023 | complimentary

(Re) Designing the Heart of the Home

A kitchen can be a small space, a mammoth and sleek room for a gourmet chef, or a place where people cook a meal and gather to eat and socialize. Over the centuries, kitchens have changed a lot. Hundreds of years ago, a kitchen was a place to prep food and cook it over a hearth. Later, a kitchen was useful for baking bread and stews and even providing warmth during cold days, but rarely was it a place for families to socialize.

Today, kitchens are anything-goes in terms of style and layout. No matter the uses, trends bring the old back into style and there is always something new in cabinets, flooring, and appliances, not to mention colors for this most popular room of the home.

Middleton Building Supply stores have kitchen design experts who can steer customers to the perfect components when designing or re-designing an existing space. The company has 12 locations and about 30 designers in total. (www.lavalleys.com)

Says Brian Monnat, kitchen and bath designer at Middleton Building Supply’s Middleton/Union location, “When it comes to current trends in kitchens, painted is still hot. We are seeing whites and grays and paint is about 70% of cabinet colors. We also see wood tones as well.” A twist is that some of the upper walls and bases and cabinets can be two different colors.

“The Pinterest influence is strong. Sometimes islands are a different color and accent pieces, such as a sink or the stove area, are different colors,” explains Monnat. If homeowners have the room, kitchen islands are a great place for cooking, baking and for families to gather.

Kitchen Transformations and Trends

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Many current homes have an open kitchen/Great Room concept, whether primary or vacation home. This style brings families together for conversation while the chef is cooking and still wants to socialize.

“Styles of homes vary,” says Monnat. “Two-thirds are new construction, and people are not buying fixer-upper homes as much.”

At Middleton Building Supply, the kitchen departments are re-

designing modern style for about 25% of their projects with Shaker and simple styles being very popular. These styles offer homeowners low maintenance, freeing them for other things.

Monnat advises those considering a kitchen redesign, “Have a good grasp of what the budget will be. Factor in a contractor, plumber, and electrician, among others and get price ideas from each. See what products you like that are available. And be patient because kitchen design takes a while.”

The color of appliances offers choices and trending hues come on the market, according to Monnat. He says, “There are now retro colors in higher end appliances. Homeowners can have either gas or electric, but I would say the preferred choice is electric for appliances. We still see many homeowners preferring stainless steel and black.”

Countertops are a big part of any kitchen design, and they have changed over the years. “Over 50% of countertops are quartz,” Monnat adds. “We also are seeing a lot of use of granite.”

Windows are factored into a kitchen redesign and Monnat says vinyl windows are still very popular. For flooring, Monnat has seen LVT flooring become popular. (LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile.) The flooring is planked and about 7 to 9 inches

wide and comes in 4 to 6 ft. strips. Tile and wood remain popular, but the current trend is LVT for flooring.

With over 35 years in sales, Monnat moved to the kitchen/ bath design area in the 1990s. He has seen trends come and go and knows how to help customers who come in with ideas but no plan of action. “We have what it takes to get the ball rolling and help our customers with a kitchen redesign. We have cabinets, hardware, flooring, countertops, paint, ceramic tile, windows and more.”

Although Middleton Building Supply does not carry appliances, they know what will work and is popular for stoves, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances.

Deb McDermott, kitchen designer at Belletetes (www.belletetes. com), with locations in New Hampshire (and a Massachusetts store as well), has about 30 years of experience in kitchen design.)

Trending in kitchens this year are wood tones and mixing and matching textures and varying shades, according to McDermott. People are using quarter-sawn cut oak islands and white cabinets and adding in floating shelves. Hues are blues, greens, blacks mixing in with warm earth tones. Contrasting old with new is the vogue.

“People are still

“The place I like best in this world is the kitchen. No matter where it is, no matter what kind, if it’s a kitchen, if it’s a place where they make food, it’s fine with me.”~ E.A. Bucchianeri

interested in stainless-steel appliances and wall colors are blues, some whites, green hues, such as sage greens. Kitchens are leaning toward woods and rustic,” says McDermott. Kitchen design inspiration is coming from Pinterest and Houzz (online sites).

Belletetes offers site visits to the customer’s home for measurements and to get a feel of the look desired.

For flooring, McDermott is seeing a lot of wood or Pergo type flooring. “We also are seeing that islands remain popular. They are the main gathering place for a family. An island gives a homeowner walkaround space to reach everything in the kitchen and adds seating.”

Many kitchens are in the Shaker style. “That style is easy to clean and simple. It is low maintenance,” she adds. It seems that while homeowners desire beauty and utility for their kitchen, they also want convenience and low maintenance to free them from spending hours of cleaning. Perhaps this reflects the recent Covid years which have left many with a desire to enjoy life and not spend their precious time cleaning when they could instead spend it with family and friends.

“We do traditional and some country and rustic kitchen redesign,” explains McDermott. “People take on such a project now and then and know it will be a big job. When they decide to do a kitchen remodel/redesign, they should consider function. How will they use the kitchen? Do they do a lot of baking and cooking, what will they need for storage, and how many people will be working in the kitchen at any given time?”

As the kitchen design grows in the mind of the homeowner, they also should consider proper spacing and appliances, what they want the overall look to be like, and the finishes and colors. These can tend toward warmer or cooler colors, textures, and adding high-gloss backsplashes. McDermott says backsplash areas are now tile, which can be the same as the countertop material, or the ever-popular subway tiles or something in earth tones.

“When some customers come to us, they bring pictures of what they want their new kitchen to look like and others come in to talk and don’t really know at the outset what they want,” says McDermott. It is important to be realistic. If a homeowner wants a well working, attractive kitchen, it will take about two months from start to finish approximately; this time frame can increase if it is a bigger, more involved job.

Sinks, according to McDermott, are in a variety of styles, with many homeowners continuing a love for farm style, apron sinks. Undermounted sinks also are popular.

Hardware is an important part of a kitchen design, although many people do not really think about it until the end of a job. McDermott explains that in keeping with rustic designs, hardware in aged brass and brushed in texture is popular.

Countertops are one of the things homeowners focus on, probably due to the buzz on home fixer-upper type television shows that showcase the latest surfaces for kitchen islands and other counter areas. Says McDermott, “Quartz countertops are extremely popular now. They are low maintenance and beautiful. The next step from quartz is Deckton, which is a UV and heat resistant product. It is a desirable alternative to quartz.”

Whether redesigning a small kitchen to upgrade the space into a more workable and less cluttered area or transforming a larger outdated kitchen into the most modern and workable kitchen with huge countertops and a luxury island that is a magnet for family while the chef cooks, there are so many things to consider such as solid, durable windows, the correct flooring, wall colors, tiles, lighting, and of course appliances. A kitchen redesign is generally a big job that involves time and skill but well worth it in the long run.

With the right help, a kitchen redesign is a project a homeowner can live with happily for years to come.

You Deserve More!

Fae Moore

Wow! Forty-three years representing so many homeowners just like you in the Lakes Region. Thank you! I have acquired first-hand knowledge of state and local market conditions, zoning regulations, financing, infrastructure issues, schools, taxes, etc. This has proven valuable time and again to my many happy clients. I look forward to being of service to you. These are a sampling of properties I’ve recently sold for families just like yours.

What to Do About Moss in Your Lawn

A lush, green lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners. Eye-catching landscaping anchored by a healthy lawn is one of the key ways to improve the value and curb appeal of a home. In fact, the experts at HGTV say an attractive and well-maintained landscape can add as much as 10 percent to the value of a home.

Maintaining a thriving lawn takes effort, and that means recognizing when the green in the yard may not necessarily be coming from soft blades of grass. Invasive greenery, including moss, can infiltrate a lawn and that can be problematic if left unaddressed.

A mossy lawn is a sign that certain conditions are ripe for the moss, but not necessarily the grass, to grow. According to Lowes, moss thrives in certain conditions, which should be addressed if homeowners hope to corral it.

• Moss does well in acidic soil, more so than traditional grasses. A soil test can confirm if the pH needs to be adjusted to make it more hospitable to grass and less friendly to moss.

• Compacted soil and excess thatch can make it easier for moss to take root. These conditions also can make the soil damp and restrict drainage, something that promotes moss growth.

• Moss can grow in shady conditions. If patches of the lawn have been overrun by moss, there could be too much shade in the area.

Trimming back trees or shrubbery may help; otherwise, homeowners may need to look into hardscape or plants that thrive in such conditions to remedy shady and damp areas on portions of their landscapes.

Moss typically can be removed the same way one would dethatch a lawn. It involves rigorously raking or agitating the lawn to loosen the moss. This can be done by hand with a rake, or in the case of a lot of moss or a large lawn, with a dethatching blade attachment for a lawn mower.

Aerating the soil will help keep moss that was removed from returning. In addition, amending the soil so that it has a more dense nutritional profile by adding compost, as well as improving drainage and adjusting the pH, are keys to keeping moss from returning.

For pesky moss, The Spruce suggests making a solution of one box of baking soda to two gallons of water and spraying this solution on the patches of moss. It is a natural alternative to using chemical products. Certain sources indicate a glyphosate herbicide could work on moss, but the World Health Organization considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen and it is prohibited in certain areas.

Moss may be green, but it’s often not the type of green homeowners desire in their lawns. Learning about moss can help when removing it and preventing it in the future. ~metro

Spring Cleaning Pointers

Spring is a season of renewal. When the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding and the weather is pleasantly warm, people often feel inspired to make changes around their homes. Work may begin with culling belongings and organizing essentials.

There is debate regarding where the practice of “spring cleaning” originated. Some researchers link it to certain religious groups. It has long been an ancient Jewish custom to thoroughly clean a house in preparation for the springtime feast of Passover. The house is scoured to remove any yeast bread, or chametz, from the home. Similarly, members of the Greek Orthodox church celebrate “Clean Week,” which is a week of cleaning before Lent. In Iranian culture, families spend days cleaning prior to the Persian New Year, which begins on the spring equinox.

Spring cleaning also has some secular roots. For instance, in the 1800s, Londoners routinely cleared their homes of grime and soot that accumulated over the winter.

Spring cleaning is still a ritual for many today. As people embark on their plans to tidy up, these tips can help them along.

Tackle one big task a day

Who hasn’t started one project only to be distracted into moving along to another room? This often occurs when people discover something out of place in one space and then move that item where it belongs, only to find a new cleaning task at hand in that space. Inefficiency can make you give up on spring cleaning prematurely. Agree to address one room/task a day. Keep a basket or box handy to store errant items until you move on to the next room.

Stock up on supplies

Prepare all of the cleaning supplies in advance. Put together a tool kit of sorts with the equipment you need, including mops, brooms, rags, cleansers, and the like. Organization can keep you on course.

Harness your strengths and weaknesses

Some people clean because they are stressed or angry, others do so to avoid other tasks. Keep personality in mind when establishing a cleaning schedule. For example, clean at night if you’re a night owl, or wait until you are feeling antsy before embarking on a “calm down cleaning.”

Tackle seasonal chores first

Some tasks need to get done to prepare for the spring and summer season. These may include cleaning the grill and sorting through outdoor furniture and decor. Spring cleaning may involve readying the pool for another year of use or cleaning out rain gutters to prepare for spring storms. Tackle time-dependent tasks first and then move on to others that are less time-sensitive.

Spread out the work

Some people like to devote full weekends to spring cleaning, but that can be overwhelming for others. Breaking down cleaning tasks into 15- to 30-minute intervals each day can make the job more tolerable.

Spring cleaning season has arrived, and certain tips can make the job more efficient and manageable. ~metro

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Squid Flip: Innovation and Incentive Have No Age Boundaries Squid Flip: Innovation and Incentive Have No Age Boundaries

What is there about the American public that directs a collective skeptical eye toward the two ends of the age spectrum? All too often we hear people say, “children should be seen but not heard;” or, “you’re too old to be doing that.” Neither of those age group stereotypes is accurate, but still they persist.

Here in New Hampshire, there is the case of a ten-year-old boy who ignored any naysayers and created an innovative business enterprise. Six years ago, while in grammar school, Owen Simões was watching television’s Flea Market Flip, hosted by Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer. During the show, teams of competitors were

By Mark Okrant

given $500, challenged to scour a large yard sale, find several items, then refurbish the pieces they purchased in hopes of reselling them for a profit. The show soon became a regular viewing occasion for the entire Simões family.

This story may have reached a meaningless conclusion, were not for two factors. First, Owen was (and is) one of those rare commodities—an innovator. Second, even innovators need a support system, otherwise their ideas fall upon deaf ears, soon to be ignored. In Owen’s case, his parents—Laura and Jayme Simões—enthusiastically embraced their son’s interest in refurbishing items that otherwise would be destined for the scrapheap.

After watching that episode of Flea Market Flip, Owen announced to his parents, “I can do that!” Rather than stifle such enthusiasm, his mother drove him to the Brimfield Antique Show, and loaned him money to purchase some items. He soon rented a basement office near downtown Concord from his father. Through a process of trial-and-error, Owen learned to paint and to “rethink” furniture and decorative items.

As most of us who become involved in any artistic endeavor can attest, this was the easy part. The world is full of people who have fashioned beautiful statues or paintings, created kitchen gadgets, and written books, only to watch them languish in an attic or basement. Determined not to meet a similar fate, Owen learned how to market. First, he created a clever logo based upon his childhood nickname, “Squid.” His next step was to build a Facebook page that told the story of his venture’s inception and elements.

For Owen, visits to flea markets and yard sales became increasingly regular. With the passage of time, he developed a strong skill set. From his great uncle, he learned how to wire objects properly, converting cameras, car jacks, mannequins, and wine bottles into lamps. Additionally, he began to “rethink furniture,” changing dated objects such as suitcases and chicken coops into functional items. His mantra became, “old objects can be reborn and renewed.” Soon, those refurbished objects were being transformed into coffee tables, footstools, storage boxes, and more.

An advocate of sustainability, Owen became concerned that plastic and steel drinking cups were being unkind to the planet and its inhabitants. He soon produced travel mugs made of silicon. These items proved to be unbreakable and were superior at keeping liquids hot or cold. It is in this same spirit that Owen began to produce en-

An example of Owen’s work a hand-screw clamp lamp.

vironmentally friendly Squid Ink Chalked Paints in a range of colors: black, blue, brown, gray, green, red, and tan, among others. This paint has a smooth chalk board finish that coats objects extremely well. Moreover, once it is brushed on, the paint is extremely durable.

We wouldn’t know about Owen’s ability as an innovator had his skill as a marketer not gained him considerable notice. First, a story appeared in his hometown newspaper, the Concord Monitor. This was followed by other print media coverage—in New Hampshire Magazine, the Union Leader, and the Boston Globe. From here, word of Owen’s accomplishments was being reported in the electronic media—on New Hampshire Public Radio and Bloomberg Radio. When the staff at ABC learned of this teen’s achievements, he was invited to appear on Good Morning America and ABC News.

Today, having reached the age of sixteen, Owen has no intention of slowing down. One year ago, he was given permission to design the interiors of small houses in Maine and Portugal. He set about accomplishing these tasks in his own introspective way. He carefully researched the regional style and function of homes in the two areas, even selecting construction materials and color palettes that were geographically consistent.

While Owen remains devoted to Squid Flip, he has many of the same passions as any sixteen-year-old. School subjects come first and, like others his age, he enjoys video games and rock climbing with his friends. To keep Squid Flip progressing, he has converted it entirely to a digital business, using a well-designed website as a showroom and catalog of his products. Visit squidflip.com or contact squidflipnh@gmail.com to learn more. Be advised, his Squid Flip booth is among the most popular at regional antique shows. Look for Owen at Brimfield Antique Show North, in the Deerfield Fairgrounds, on May 27-28, 2023.

Owen has applied social media to respond to a specialized challenge. However, he is not alone. Members of Generation Z harbor

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Signs a Home Exterior Needs Updating

Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.

Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have when selling a home. But curb appeal is equally important for homeowners who aren’t putting their homes on the market. A well-maintained, aesthetically appealing home is a source of pride, while a home with fading curb appeal can make homeowners feel a little sheepish. Homeowners who want their homes to maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that it’s time to update their home exteriors.

• Curling shingles: The roof may not be the first thing people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the home. Multiple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water damage when water gets in through the affected shingles.

• Dated entry door: Many home improvement experts insist they can determine when a home was built or most recently renovated simply by looking at the front door. Steel and glass doors are popular in modern homes, so homeowners with front doors with ornate designs and oval glass inserts can likely benefit from an upgrade to their entryway. A modern front door can make a statement and real estate experts note how popular updated front doors are among buyers.

• Unsightly landscaping: It’s not only the physical components of

the home that may suggest an update is necessary. Homeowners without a green thumb may have exterior landscaping that has seen better days. If a spring or summer day spent tending to your landscaping is not your ideal weekend pastime, then consider replacing unsightly landscaping with low-maintenance plants or hardscaping. These alternatives to more needy plants can create curb appeal without requiring any extra work for homeowners.

• Cracked driveways/walkways: If the driveway looks like a busy road at the end of snow plowing season, chances are that’s adversely affecting the impression people have of your home. In addition, cracked walkways indicate a need for renovations, as these areas are front and center when welcoming guests.

Updating a home’s exterior can restore curb appeal and help homeowners feel better about their properties. ~metro

Ceramic Bowl by Georgia Donnelly

Shedding Some Light on Home Solar

Consumers shopping around for home improvement projects may be leaning toward overhauls that can reduce energy consumption and save them money in the long run. This is a driving factor behind a growing number of homeowners investigating solar energy for their residences.

How does solar power work?

Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes. Many people are familiar with photovoltaics (PV), which are the panels that absorb sunlight and create an electric field across their layers. Another solar technology, known as concentrating solar power, is primarily used in large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use, according to Energy.gov.

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have been put in use across the United States since 2008.

Costs associated with solar

The upfront expense of solar panels is significant, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $14,000 for initial installation. However, comparatively speaking, homeowners can spend $1,500 or more per year on electricity, so solar panels will pay for themselves over time. Keep in mind that costs

may vary depending on energy needs and how many panels will be required to service the system.

How much electricity can I expect?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice says that the amount of power generated from a solar energy system depends on a few factors:

1. The average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets each year;

2. The pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces;

3. The size and strength of your system; and

4. Environmental factors such as snow, dust or shade that may cover the system. Save even more money

Consumers can contact their utility companies to find out if they provide homeowners who produce solar power with “net metering.” This program pays the homeowner money or gives credit for excess power the system produces and returns to the electric grid. Individuals also may be eligible for energy tax credits or other benefits.

Homeowners may find it worthwhile to explore solar energy, particularly if they consume a high amount of electricity. ~metro

“A home is more than blueprints and building materials, It’s the backdrop for your family’s most treasured moments. These beliefs are at the heart of each one of the homes we build or renovate”

A House Without Art

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

“Look at all the pictures on the walls,” my daughter’s friend said as she gazed in awe of the paintings and drawings in my dining room.

It was the best compliment a homeowner– at least one like me – who loves artwork, could get. When she was looking at the paintings on the walls of my home, my daughter’s friend was saying it was interesting and colorful and a chance to move into another world beyond a blank wall.

I recall that day quite well, although it was years ago, and I remember the pride I felt that the pictures I chose to hang on the walls of our home spoke to a young person. Do kids have much awareness of paintings on the walls of a home? I’m not sure, but I like to think if art is impactful enough to be noticed, viewers of all ages will be moved or at least stop to look twice.

Why does this matter to me? After all, my husband and I have lived in a 1970s raised ranch since 1987 and it’s been a funny,

frustrating, and sometimes endearing struggle to embrace the quirks of 1970s structure. It should not be a place where artwork is top-of-mind. The walls of our house are mostly dark paneling in the main living level of the home, and I find it distressing. “For heaven’s sake, just remove it and put in real walls,” friends have told be over the years, baffled why we endure the room darkening paneling.

I have tried – I really have – to get rid of the paneling but after a quote from a few contractors and painters, I nearly fainted at the cost to create smooth, light walls. One carpenter told me, as he stood in our large dining room, pushing his paint splattered baseball cap up on his head the better to gaze in distaste at the paneling, “Well, it’s the high walls and the cathedral ceilings, see? You got those pretty wood ceilings, and the walls are super high. Be expensive for all that sheetrock to cover those walls after we get that paneling down,” he sighed. I did see, and I watched my dreams of “regular” walls go up in smoke. So, I tackled the paneling in the most lived-in areas, which are the kitchen and dining room, by painting them white. It worked – sort of - but as anyone who has tried to paint over

fake wood paneling will tell you, it is a lengthy process. Sand the surface and wash it down and then hope for the best. Oh, and don’t forget to plaster the annoying lines that run down each piece of paneling, or the lines will show once the surface is painted.

It seemed a chore but one I was willing to tackle to achieve nice walls. I had some issues, such as how to reach the very top of my ultra-high walls. No step ladder I found was long enough and besides, I hate heights and could see myself and my gallon of paint tumbling to the floor and a quick trip to the emergency room for me. The issues piled up and I stuck to places I could reach.

In the end, I made the dark and paneled walls passable with my efforts. Today, the walls are white, but even any non-homeowner can easily tell it’s paneling under the white paint.

No matter, it is a good alternative for me and allows the space to indulge in something I cannot live without: a gallery space of sorts to display my collection of artwork.

Over the years my little collection of art has grown, most of it through yard sale finds. Those who yard sales on summer

A landscape by an unknown artist.

Saturday mornings know the thrill of the hunt is rather addictive. The stories of a great yard sale find make a summer Saturday quite memorable. Such was the day for me when I drove through Ossipee, New Hampshire, ready to head home after a morning of yard saling. I stopped at just one more sale when I saw a sign. I didn’t expect much, seeing a few tables littered with tools and a saw and plastic bowls but not much else.

As I turned to leave, the homeowner said, “Got some stuff in the tent too.” I thought “why not look?” expecting more tools. In the back corner of the dome-shaped tent, among boxes of plates and toys, I saw two pieces of canvas rolled up and tossed into the mish mash. Curious, I pulled them out and unrolled them, gasping at what I saw. There was a street scene in a tropical locale with sailors and women walking among street stalls, palm trees and cobblestones. The other painting was a portrait of a woman, eyes downcast and expertly executed in oil paint. There were no artist signatures, but I didn’t care. I knew I had to rescue them before time and the elements destroyed their beauty. I got them for about a dollar each and brought them home, elated over my find. I soon had them repaired and framed and that was the beginning of my now ever-growing collection

of art.

As the years passed, I added more paintings and drawings to the collection, as well as the hooked rugs, large and small, I created. At times it looked cluttered, so I edited the walls of pictures, learning over time that less is sometimes more.

I got a bit bolder as the years rolled by and started attending auctions. I told myself I went just to people-watch and see attendees battle it out over antiques. But the real reason I attended auctions was to get a look at the artwork. My favorite auctions were those by an experienced auctioneer with a great eye for artwork. Week after week he presented all sorts of painting, prints and drawings and I loved to see the many items up close in the preview before the auction began. That is where I watched to see who would end up with a print by my favorite Boston artist. She is not someone many people know of today, although in the early 1900s, she was admired greatly and sold most of her work. She was known especially for her delicate drawings, some made into limited edition prints. One such print was in the auction on a bitterly cold January night, and I sat on the edge of my seat, not really wanting to see how much the gem of a print went for or who was the lucky

A painting found at a yard sale.

OUR GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER

winning bidder.

Turns out, it wasn’t put on the auction block until the end of the evening, and when it was, most of the audience had either gone home early, or were unaware of what was before them. My heart pounding in excitement, I raised by hand, scared someone else would outbid me. No one did and I walked home with a print I treasure to this day.

Most of my artwork wouldn’t mean all that much to a seasoned gallery owner or collector, but to me, it is a big part of my world. I gaze in wonder at the skill the artists had to choose their subjects and style, their composition and colors. It somehow relaxes me and puts me into a place of peace and security, those paintings.

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My son, Dan, has an appreciation for my art collection and has told me he would like it to go to him someday. Does he want it for any possible monetary value? I doubt it, but I think it is rather because he can see the world and all its beauty through the paintings and other pieces I collected over the years. He appreciates that greatly.

The lesson in all this is that hanging a picture on a wall isn’t about prestige or boasting how much you know about the cultured world. It isn’t and has never been about that for me and it is not the reason to display art on your walls.

It is about how wonderful it makes you feel, how it might evoke a memory of a place or experience. And it is simply about the things that make our world beautiful: color and lines seen through the eyes of someone as they share what they saw.

A house without art on its walls not really a house at all, but rather four walls and a roof. But a house with art is a warm, welcoming place of joy and beauty. It doesn’t really matter what you display on your walls or if anyone else likes it. If it brings you joy, I believe it belongs there.

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Tips to Pick the Right Plants for Your Landscape

Each year, gardening enthusiasts anxiously await the arrival of spring. Spring is a great season to plant new flowers, plants, grasses, and trees, making it a popular time of year to spend sunny days out in the yard.

Veteran gardeners may know their landscapes well and be able to pick the right plants on their own. Novices may need a little help as they look to give their landscapes a whole new look. The following are some helpful tips to help homeowners pick the right plants for their landscapes.

• Conduct a site evaluation. A colorful landscape featuring an array of plants and flowers can be eye-catching and add curb appeal to a property. However, where plants will be planted is a significant variable that must be considered before homeowners choose what to plant. The Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst notes that site evaluation is the first step when picking plants. A number of factors must be evaluated, including light availability; water availability; exposure to the elements, including wind and extreme temperatures; and competition from existing vegetation, among other things. Document these variables prior to picking plants. For example, take note of the area you plan to plant to see if it is full sun or partial shade, and then pick plants whose growing conditions align with those you observe.

• Look at more than looks. Aesthetic appeal might be what homeowners most desire from their landscapes, but that appeal is only achieved when the right plants are chosen for a space. If the wrong plants are chosen, they’re unlikely to thrive or they could threaten

existing vegetation, thus compromising the overall appeal of the property. Native plants can often handle local weather conditions, so prioritize natives over more exotic plants whose key attribute is aesthetic appeal. If jawdropping aesthetic appeal is your top priority, speak with a local landscaping professional about which natives can provide that without compromising surrounding vegetation.

• Consider maintenance prior to planting. Maintenance is another variable gardeners must consider. Newly planted trees may require substantial watering until they’ve fully established their roots, and some homeowners may not have time for that. In addition, certain plants may require a considerable amount of pruning in order to create and maintain the look homeowners desire. Individuals must be willing to invest the time and effort necessary to maintain new plantings that require such diligence. If not, look for plants that don’t require much maintenance while keeping in mind that even lowmaintenance plants still require some effort and attention.

• Consider local wildlife. If your lawn is routinely visited by local wildlife, then look for plants that won’t look like a meal to these welcome, if uninvited, guests. For example, if you routinely see deer lounging around in your backyard, look for deer-resistant plants. This is a good way to protect your investment, of both time and money, and ensure minimal wildlife traffic through your newly landscaped yard.

Spring gardens are awe-inspiring, especially when homeowners embrace various strategies for successful planting. ~metro

Options to Finance Home Improvements

Renovating a home is a great way to impart personality indoors and out. Improvements can make spaces more livable and address safety issues. Home renovations often take residents’ lifestyles into account, and changes can be customized to accommodate a growing family or an empty nest.

No matter the job, home improvements tend to be costly. According to the financial resource SoFi, on average, the cost to renovate or remodel a whole house runs between $10 and $60 per square foot. Certain rooms demand a higher cost, with a kitchen or bathroom remodel costing around $100 to $250 per square foot due to electrical and plumbing needs. Figuring out how to pay for the improvement project is as essential to the planning process as picking out materials and contractors.

The following are some financial considerations and financing options for homeowners looking to renovate their properties.

• Consider if the investment is worth it. Remodeling magazine routinely assesses common improvements and how much homeowners can expect to recoup on the investment in its annual “Cost v. Value” report. In 2022, a homeowner spending $4,000 on a garage door replacement recouped 93.3 percent of the investment, whereas adding a midrange bathroom at $63,000 would only offer a 51.8 percent return. Homeowners must decide if they want to go forward with the project if they’re likely to get just a $33,000 return when they choose to sell the home later on.

• Refinance the home mortgage. Homeowners can use a cash-out

mortgage refinance as a way to access thousands of dollars for a remodel. This taps into a home’s equity. Keep in mind that the mortgage will then be a new mortgage at the current interest rate and an outstanding balance higher than what was the current one. Typically 20 percent equity in the home is needed to refinance.

• Take out a personal loan. For those who do not want to refinance, a personal loan or home improvement loan can be good for midsized projects, according to American Express. Personal loans for home renovations typically require no collateral and one’s credit score determines the interest rate.

• Utilize a home equity line of credit. A HELOC is a form of revolving credit, like a credit card. Homeowners borrow against the credit line granted with the home being the collateral. As a person pays down what is owed, he or she can borrow more. This is a good idea for recurring or long-term home improvements.

• Try a home equity loan. Home equity loans use the home as collateral like a HELOC. The home equity loan is an installment loan for a fixed amount on a fixed monthly schedule for a set term. These are sometimes called second mortgages.

• No- or low-interest credit card. Smaller projects can be financed using credit cards. Many will offer introductory rates with no interest for a few months. This is generally only preferable if a person can pay off the balance before interest is charged.

These are the primary ways to finance home improvement projects when costs exceed available cash on hand. ~metro

Fashioning Something New at Sweet Fern Pottery

Everyone knows the months of Covid were difficult. It meant isolation from others and worry about a multitude of things.

Sarah Burns, the owner of Sweet Fern Pottery in New Durham, agrees that it was not the easiest of times, but she used the months to expand her pottery creations in a whole new way.

A potter for about 25 years, Sarah is an expert at throwing ceramic creations on a potter’s wheel or hand building pieces. She also is very knowledgeable about glazes for her ceramics and is fascinated about what happens when a vase, plate, mug, or other object is fired in a kiln. The surface of the pieces can be a nice surprise when taken from the kiln at the end of the firing process and this especially interests Sarah.

“When Covid began, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen was amazing and supportive of League member artists. (Sarah is a League member.) The League turned their annual fair at Sunapee into an online event, and we all also learned to create online stores.” This meant League member artists could continue to work, create, and make a living.

It also was at this time, in 2020, that Sarah collaborated with fellow potter, Andy Hampton of Hampton Pottery, to make their own wood fired kiln. “Andy is a potter in Chichester, and we have known each other for a long time,” says Sarah. “The clay community is very tight in New Hampshire, and we were aware there has been a lot of interest in wood firing in the state. Also, one of the major kilns in the western part of New Hampshire had shut down.

“Andy and I were talking, and I mentioned I would love to make a kiln on a smaller scale. We live close to each other, and realized we have the necessary materials for recycling and constructing a wood fired kiln.”

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

In January of 2020 we met, drew out our plans, and calculated materials and costs. In March, when Covid hit, there was the shock of the world shutting down. But our calendars were cleared, and we saw it as a good opportunity to make the kiln,” she says.

It was a big project and Sarah and Andy worked on the wood fired kiln construction from May to October, taking a break in July for the League’s online fair and working on websites.

Starting up kiln construction began again after the fair, and by October, they were ready for their first firing. It was the last part of October and the firing ended in November with unloading the ceramic pieces. “The results were amazing,” Sarah recalls.

Building a wood fired kiln makes sense for someone with as much experience at her craft as Sarah. She grew up in Franklin, New Hampshire, and went to UNH for biology studies. Eventually, she took a drawing class at UNH as an elective. Curious about the arts, she enjoyed the class and her instructor, she says, opened her eyes to the possibilities of thinking and observing as an artist.

“I took more classes out of curiosity,” she explains. Ceramics, once

discovered, was Sarah’s choice, and it allowed for a vast world of creativity. “I like that I can take a lump of earth (clay) and create something with it; it hits all the sensory buttons for me.”

Sarah chose to work in the field of pottery after graduating from UNH. “I had a dual major in woodworking and ceramics,” she says. “I wanted to stay in the field of clay, and I got a job in a production pottery studio. I stayed there for five years and then started teaching at different small arts learning environments.”

Sarah and her husband eventually bought a home in New Durham, and with some extra buildings on the property, she decided to transform a horse barn into her ceramic studio.

“I sell as a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and at their Annual Craftsmen’s Fair each summer. I also have an online store (www.sweetfernpottery.com).”

Like any skilled potter, Sarah pays attention to the glazes on each

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The wood fired kiln. (Courtesy photo)

piece she creates. “I make functional pottery for everyday use,” she says. “I started out firing in an electric kiln but eventually built a soda fired gas kiln. The ceramic pieces are fired up to 2,300 degrees; at that temperature, soda ash is introduced into the kiln and vaporizes. It creates a glaze on the pottery with unique, beautiful effects. It creates a glazed, orangepeel effect on the surface of each piece.”

Once Sarah and Andy made the decision to create a wood fired kiln on Sarah’s property, they developed plans on paper and calculated the materials they would need. Some field work was done on Sarah’s land, and they collected the materials they would need from hardware stores and got bricks from a brick dealer who had special high temperature bricks. ‘We used a lot of scrap metal to weld the kiln together so the walls would be sturdy,” says Sarah.

The top of the kiln is hinged, and it is used instead of a door. “We based the kiln on materials on hand,” Sarah recalls. “We problem solved through the design, and it was interesting to use the materials we had on hand. It was a real asset to work with Andy and he is great at collaborating; he is a smart and creative person.”

The work was intensive and taxing. “We moved all sorts of bricks that weigh about 9 lbs. each, and cinder blocks as well. We also used some recycled bricks to fit in certain parts of the kiln. We were wearing masks and heavy-duty gloves…in the summer!”

Sarah and Andy did the building of the kiln by themselves and used a local welder to work on-site cutting various pieces to be welded to-

gether.

The first firing was exciting and went well. They now use the kiln about twice a year. It takes about 300 pots to fill the kiln. The firing process runs for 48 continuous hours and must be watched at all times. The firing uses about a cord and a half of wood.

“Wood firing is a special firing, and I am sensitive about the materials going into the kiln. The pieces being fired are one-of-a-kind and the process is lengthy. When we are loading the kiln, I am thinking about how the flame will flow around each piece and how the ash will hit the pieces. After using the kiln a few times, I have a plan where certain pieces will be placed in the kiln for firing.”

Andy also fires pieces at the kiln, and other potters join in sometimes. It is a shared process with everyone taking a turn. As the temperature climbs, more wood must be added and those involved in a firing take eight-hour shifts. “There is no better excuse to stay up all night and to see the sunrise. It’s magical,” Sarah adds.

Currently, Sarah is working on ceramic wall pieces, and they are a series of small boxes in the shape of houses called Windows in the Woods. Later, she plans to make ceramic baskets and tableware.

The next firing of the kiln will be in May. It will be an exciting time for Sarah and Andy as they fill the kiln and tend the fire, watching for unique and beautiful results.

Along with her ceramic work, Sarah is collaborating with a northern New Hampshire blacksmith. “I want to make more outdoor sculptures and I started welding again. I also want to be at more farmers markets this summer and work on a barn space on my property for a gallery. Perhaps I will also teach more classes.”

In a world where Covid halted many people, Sarah found a way to fashion something new. It has enriched her work as an artist, proving if you love what you do, you will find a way.

For information about Sweet Fern Pottery, go to www.sweetfernpottery.com. Appointments are necessary.

Wood fired ceramic mug by Sarah Burns. (Courtesy photo)

Hello Lakes Region. This is arguably the best time of year. Winter is behind us, spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. Truly, a great time of year.

Regardless of what you call this time of year and how short it usually is, the bottom line is it means better weather is here and summer is right around the corner, and that truly is all that matters. In no time, boats will be on the lake, motorcycles buzzing down the road, joggers, and bicyclists all over the place, and smiles galore on everyone’s face. As life should be. Oh yeah, the

By Chef Kelly Ross

other great thing about spring/summer is we all bust our grills out of hibernation, unless you’re like me who grills year-round. I obviously grill many more times a week during warm weather than during the snowy months, so regardless how much you grill, this is by far the best time to do it. I have a few tips to start the season off right, and then a bunch of great recipes geared toward the summer season.

The first thing I can’t emphasize enough is getting your grill into proper shape for the new year of BBQing. Find a great spring

day where you have a couple of hours to hang outside and take the grill apart and do some heavy-duty cleaning. Take off the grates, pull off the triangles off the actual burners, take the burners apart and out of the grill, and set aside on a disposable blanket or tarp. You can either go at the inside of the grill with hot soapy water, or, I prefer oven cleaner, especially if the grill went into your garage last fall in pretty sad shape like many. I love to soak the burners in hot water, sometimes I put them in a large pot on the stove and boil out so the burner holes can open up as best they can. When the burner holes are all open and running right, your grilling will go much better, quicker and cook more evenly. Those are huge pluses when all are working together in harmony in the grilling process. Regardless how you clean the parts, keep the animals away, especially if using any chemicals, and if you do, again make sure to have a tarp of sorts underneath to soak that stuff up. One thing I love more than my food is my animals, and always keep their well-being in mind!

Next, I want to share a few very important grilling tips. I know I may be preaching to the choir to some of you, but not everyone does as much grilling as most of us diehards. Like many of you, we have all witnessed scores of backyard BBQ’s in our day, and I have seen so many huge mistakes made which does affect the quality of grilled food, and most of the time the griller has zero knowledge of said mistakes. I very rarely say anything when I witness it unless I am asked, especially in front of a crowd, but I will bring it up later only because that’s what I would want someone to say to me in that situation. Here are a few of the biggies to always keep in mind, besides having a nice, clean, efficient grill, which we have already addressed.

1) This may sound pretty obvious, but whatever you are grilling, make sure any and all homemade sauces, marinades, compound butters, or salsas are made in advance of the grilling pro-

cess. Most of things can be done a day or two in advance. Do it! Nothing worse to realize halfway through grilling that you forgot something as the grilled entrée will likely be either cold or overcooked if you start scrambling doing that other stuff in the 11th hour.

2) Regardless of whatever you are grilling, especially any thicker cut of meat, let it sit out at room temp at least 15-20 minutes before grilling, longer if necessary. If what you are grilling is cold throughout, not only will it take longer to grill, but it won’t cook as evenly as it should and will usually result in a tougher piece of meat. Also, any meat will take better to any seasoning when at room temp than cold. I understand how some of you may think out at room temp for maybe a half hour may not be sanitary, but trust me, it isn’t going to make any difference. It won’t be out long enough to create any issues, even if your steak is cooked rare. If out at room temp for as long as I described, the inside will still be cool enough and the outsides will be getting grilled hot.

3) I touched upon seasoning briefly, but make sure the seasoning is done before starting the grill or lighting the coals if possible. Seasoning the meat when at room temp, the seasonings can be pushed into the meat, where if done so when cold, most of the seasoning ends up falling off into the bottom of the grill to clean up next spring. Ideally, season the meat at least 10-15 minutes before the meat hits the grill.

4) Whether using propane or charcoal, make sure your grill is as hot as possible. Getting a good hot sear, regardless of the type of protein or cut of meat, especially with the great seasoning, makes a huge difference in the final outcome. Also, for most of us, especially the likes of me who work in the restaurant biz, it’s all about presentation as well as the quality. With a great hot sear, you are able to get the best grill marks possible. Sometimes it’s the little things to impress your crowd. Once the meat is on the grill,

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let it go for a few minutes, turn 45 degrees for another few before turning over and you will have the perfect diamond shaped marks, good enough for a TV commercial.

5) In arguably the most important thing, don’t fiddle with the food while cooking, other than the subtle turns for the appearance. Easily, this is the most common booboo most grillers make. So many when grilling, especially with a crowd, while socializing and maybe having a cocktail, become guilty of playing with the food and moving things around is sort of a nervous tic of sorts. Leave things alone as they won’t get the proper sear if you keep flipping/ moving things around. Be aware of the thickness of what you are grilling and how long the proper time to cook is before the actual grilling process, turn accordingly, and only as needed. Just like a parent will tell their young kid at the dinner table, “Don’t play with your food.”

OK, let’s talk actual food and recipes as many of you just buzzed through that other stuff, right? I joke about it but take the info to heart as it make a difference in your final grilled product. This will be a potpourri of goodies, from wings, shrimp, burgers, chicken tacos, quesadillas, steak, salmon, and I’ll definitely add a couple of great summertime desserts. Let’s start off with a very original wing recipe.

When it comes to wings, not to mention other great foods, a combo of sweet and spicy work very well together. Arguably the two most popular wing recipes in the food service world are honey buffalo, and a sweet zesty BBQ sauce. The two opposite spice/ flavor mentalities make for great taste bud parties. This batch of wings marinates in a spicy mix, then once grilled gets tossed in a delicious homemade butterscotch sauce that I would bet my bottom dollar you will use for many things down the road. Back in the day, a chef mentor of mine had made a sriracha pecan crusted chicken breast dish with a butterscotch sauce and it was amazing,

so this isn’t much different short of the pecans. Once the wings are cooked and grilled, they are tossed in the sauce and then with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mix to give it a nice crunch. The breading is very optional, but I would suggest tossing a couple of them in the crumbs and give them a test drive. I suggest using fresh wings when grilling although frozen will work, just make sure they are thawed and patted dry to get as much liquid out as possible. If buying fresh, I like to tuck the tip of the wing underneath the 2 sections forming a triangle and grilling whole, but you can obviously cut the tip off and cut the wing at the joint to give you 2 pieces, the drumette and the flat wing section. This recipe is for 3 lbs of wings, which can get you about 30 wing sections or 15 whole wings. The total process of prep/grill time is a little less than an hour, although I suggest letting the wings marinate for a couple of hours in between the prep and cooking.

Spicy Butterscotch Wings

3 lbs chicken wings

5 tbsp soy sauce

5 tbsp ketchup

5 tbsp Sriracha chili sauce

2 ½ tsp pepper

2 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 ½ tsp onion powder

1 ½ tsp salt

For The Sauce

1 ¼ cup sugar

1 ¼ cup milk, warmed

5 tbsp butter

The Crumb Topping

2 tbsp butter

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

4 green onions, sliced diagonally, divided

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

3 red chili peppers, finely minced, optional

Cut/prep the wings as you prefer. In a bowl, combine the next 7 ingredients and then pour half of it into a giant ziplock bag or a large plastic bowl, reserving the rest for the grilling process. Add the wings and toss to well coat them. If you feel a little more marinade should be added, go for it. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and up to overnight. Pull from the fridge 30-45 minutes before grilling to get them closer to room temp. While waiting, in a small skillet, spread the sugar and cook, without stirring, over medium heat until it begins to melt. Gently drag melted sugar to center of pan so it melts evenly. Cook, without stirring, until melted sugar turns amber. Carefully stir in warm milk and butter. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, 5-7 minutes. Keep warm. For the crumbs, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add breadcrumbs, ½ the green onions, and the garlic, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Preheat your grill to a medium high heat and make sure the grill is well oiled. Set the wings down with tongs on the grill, discarding that marinade. Close the lid and let them ride for 5-7 minutes, making sure there are no big fire flare ups. Carefully turn them and start brushing the reserved marinade from earlier on the grilled sides of the wings and close it up again for another 5-7 minutes. Turn again, sometimes you may need your spatula to carefully get underneath them as to not leave the skin behind. Repeat the turning and brushing on the marinade until done, usually about a half hour in total time. To serve, once

off the grill, toss wings in the butterscotch sauce, then sprinkle with crumb topping, as well as the remaining green onions and sliced peppers if desired. Serve immediately. Some of you may want some bleu cheese or maybe some ranch dressing to dip them into. These are as yummy as they are fun and quite original.

In what is likely the quickest and easiest of the day off the grill, I offer you a grilled shrimp recipe with a habanero garlic vinaigrette. The dressing is another one you will likely want to use on almost any grilled item, or as a salad dressing. These are so, so good. I suggest using nothing smaller than 16/20 sized shrimp, and 13/15’s are even better. Total time is less than a half hour. This recipe is for 1 pound of shrimp, so double up the sauce if you want extra. This will feed 4 as an appetizer and likely 2-3 as a meal.

Grilled Shrimp with Habanero Garlic Vinaigrette

6 garlic cloves

½ cup olive oil, plus more for brushing

½ habanero chile, seeded and chopped

5 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, separated

¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice

1 tbsp honey

Salt and fresh grind black pepper

1 lb jumbo shrimp, 13/15 or 16/20 in size, peeled and deveined

In a small saucepan, combine the whole garlic cloves and the ½ cup of the olive oil and simmer over low heat until the garlic is golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer the garlic to a blender and pour the oil into a glass measuring cup. Let the oil cool slightly. Add the habanero chile to the blender with ¼ cup of the cilantro, the lime juice and honey and then puree. With the blender on, slowly add the garlic olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high and again, well oil it. Brush the shrimp

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with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until lightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter or plates. Drizzle with the vinaigrette, sprinkle with the remaining cilantro and serve.

Since we’re talking shrimp, let’s go with another one. Most

anyone I’ve ever known loves a good quesadilla, and this one off the grill is one of the best ever as not only does it have grilled shrimp within, it has bacon as well, and the crème dela crème is the homemade smoky guacamole that gets tossed into the mix as well. I’ve always been a fan of doing quesadillas off the grill as the tortilla, as well as any grilled item that goes inside is the great smoky flavor that it comes with as opposed to cooking in a pan or flat top. Pretty much the same mentality that goes with why a grilled burger tastes so much better than in a pan via stovetop. Like all the recipes so far, part of this recipe will get used by yourself time and time again later, that being the guac…. if you like guac that is. Also, make this recipe your own if shrimp isn’t your thing as chicken, beef and pork work well, not to mention a vegetarian version. This will make 4 quesadillas and shouldn’t take

any longer than 30 minutes.

Grilled Shrimp and Bacon Quesadillas with a Smoky Guacamole

2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for grilling tortillas

8 strips thick-sliced bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, again, 16/20’s are perfect

1-2 garlic dove, minced

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 scallions

4 flour tortillas, 12 inch in diameter

8 oz, about 2 cups, shredded Jack cheese or more if preferred Smoky Guacamole

2 large ripe avocados

½ medium onion, finely chopped

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Kosher salt

For the smoky guac, peel and pit the avocados, and place them in a medium bowl. Add the onion, chipotle pepper, lime juice, and cilantro, and mash together with a fork until combined but still chunky. Season to taste with salt. Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on top of the guac as air will change the color to a darker green. Make as soon to service as possible, but you can easily make as much a day before if you use the plastic wrap and keep refrigerated. For the quesadilla, heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the bacon and fry until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Heat your oiled grill to a medium-high setting. Place the

shrimp, garlic, remaining tbsp of oil, and salt and pepper in a medium bowl, and toss to combine. When the grill is hot, use tongs to place the shrimp and scallions across the grates. Cook until the shrimp are pink and firm, 2-3 minutes on each side, and the scallions are charred and softened, turning them as necessary for even cooking. Transfer the shrimp and scallions to a plate to cool briefly, then coarsely chop both ingredients, toss them together in a clean bowl, and cover to keep warm. Turn the grill down to medium-low, although if preferred, you can make the quesadillas on the stove in a pan. Brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil. I suggest grilling 2 at a time. Cook the tortillas for 30 seconds, then flip them. Sprinkle ¼ of the cheese over each, then arrange a quarter of the shrimp-and-garlic mixture and a quarter of the bacon over half of each and fold the tortilla side with no shrimp and other goodies over the other side. Press down gently with a spatula and cook the tortilla for a minute or so on each side, to melt cheese and crisp. If need be and depending on your grill, turn the heat up or down a little if it is warranted, or maybe close the grill lid. Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a baking sheet and hold in a warm oven while you repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, or depending on the crowd, cut and serve while you make more. Cut each quesadilla into 4-5 wedges, and transfer to plates with your spatula. Top the quesadilla wedges with liberal amounts of the

½ tsp dried parsley

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

awesome guacamole. Bust out some sour cream and fresh salsa as well if preferred.

I’m going to continue with a south of the border mentality with a fun a zesty chicken taco recipe. It’s another quickie, although like the wings earlier, I suggest an hour or 2 to let the chicken marinate. Garlic and lime are the 2 dominant flavors, and this will get you a dozen tacos. The choice is yours as to flour or corn tortillas/shells. As for the chicken I love/prefer using thighs but go with breasts if that’s more to your liking.

Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos

1 tsp garlic powder

¾ tsp salt

½ tsp paprika

3 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice

3 tbsp olive oil

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs

½ cup freshly chopped cilantro

2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced

½ medium red onion diced

½ cup crumbled queso fresco

12 corn or flour tortillas, 4-6 inch in diameter

In a small bowl, mix the first 9 ingredients well. Put the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or plastic Ziploc bag, then pour in the marinade. Combine well so the thighs are all well coated. Marinate for 1-2 hours under refrigeration. While marinating, chop the cilantro and dice the onions and tomatoes. Preheat grill to high heat and well oil it. Sear the chicken until golden brown, 3-4 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking chicken until chicken is cooked through. Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes and chop into small pieces. Warm the tortillas on the grill, add the chicken and all your extras and dig in. Serve on warmed tortillas and top with desired toppings. Well, how can we possibly bust out a bunch of recipes to start the grilling season without bringing an incredible burger into the mix, and this one is highly eclectic. It’s one of the newer trends in the burger world with some very common ingredients you eat often, but likely never on a burger. It does contain a very common and mandatory ingredient on just about any burger I eat, that being bacon, but, for this one we bring some peanut butter and jelly into the equation. Some of you have likely already moved onto the next recipe saying, “No Way”, and although I kind of giggled at the thought the first time I tried one, I loved it. Yes, I love trying anything and everything new in the culinary world, and it doesn’t always hit the mark, but I have to say it truly works. This will get you 6 burgers. I agree this isn’t rocket science, but sometimes those “thinking outside the box” type of simple recipes can be a big win. Oh yeah, the bacon recipe for this is soooo good that I sometimes cook my bacon this way when I like a good chicken club sammich.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Burger

For the Bacon

12 slices of bacon

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Burgers

2-2 ¼ lbs ground beef, ideally 85/15

½ tsp salt

½ tsp fresh grind black pepper

6 tbsp smooth peanut butter

6 tbsp grape jelly

6 quality brioche burger buns, both halves buttered

For the bacon, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the bacon on a rack on a lined cookie sheet.  Mix the maple syrup and brown sugar together in a small bowl.  Brush this mixture on top of the bacon on the rack. Bake for 20-30 minutes or more until the bacon is cooked through and crispy, then let the bacon cool for 10 minutes. For the burgers, preheat a grill over medium heat, approximately 350-400 degrees. Form the ground beef into 6 patties approximately ⅓ pound each. Place on the grill over direct heat.  Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the patties reach close to your desired temps.  When you remove the burgers from the grill, top each patty immediately with 1 tbsp of creamy peanut butter while the patties are still warm. Place the hamburger buns on the grill for approximately 1 minute to toast the buns. Remove the buns. When serving, drizzle about 1 tbsp of the grape jelly over each patty and serve with 2 slices of bacon on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Let’s bump things up in the beef category, shall we? Like many today, this steak dinner has an incredible dressing to accompany it which I bet you will use for other things. The steak has a curry flavor, joined by a sweet and sour cucumber dressing. It’s another one of those fun food marriages that chefs dream of. As for the steak, I suggest a couple of options. I use/buy either rib eyes or a NY strip, and as thick as possible, ideally 2 ½ inches thick, but do what you can. I love talking to my local butchers for help. That’s the easier decision. As a rule, when I do an event for friends/family, I buy 2-3 hunks of beef, cook it, let it rest, then slice on the bias, fan over a platter and cover with dressing. The alternative is to buy 4 individual steaks, cook to temps, and serve as is with the dressing, which may be the best option if you can’t find real thick cuts. I think this recipe is at its best when the meat is sliced and topped so the sauce gets right in there as opposed to pouring over the top of a whole steak. As always, the final choices are yours. So yes, this recipe feeds 4.

Curried Steak with Sweet and Sour Cucumber Dressing

For The Dressing, makes 4 cups

½ cup distilled white vinegar

6 tbsp sugar

4 tbsp fish sauce

½ tsp kosher salt

4 small Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise, sliced ½ inch thick

4 small shallots, halved, thinly sliced

8 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3-4 red Thai Chiles or 2 serrano Chile, thinly sliced

Zest of 2 lime

For The Steak

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1¼ tsp kosher salt

2 tsp mild curry powder

1 tsp. sugar

2 ¾ -3 lbs boneless rib-eye or New York strip steaks, ideally 2 ½ + inches thick

Tender lettuce leaves and cilantro and/or mint leaves for serving

For the dressing, stir together the first 4 ingredients in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add the sliced cucumbers, shallots, chopped garlic cloves, the chiles and the lime zest and mix to combine. Let sit at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour. For the steak, stir the oil, salt, curry powder, and sugar in a medium bowl to combine. Add the steaks and turn to coat and let them marinate 30 minutes-overnight but pull from fridge 30 minutes prior to grill time. Heat your grill to high, then cook steaks, turning after 5 minutes or so depending on the thickness, until deeply browned and a thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 120 degrees, 8–10 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and let rest 10 minutes. Transfer steaks to a cutting board and slice against the grain. Line

a platter with tender lettuce leaves and arrange steak on top. Spoon dressing generously over, top with cilantro and/or mint leaves. Serve with remaining dressing alongside. Absolutely Awesome! OK, let’s move on to some fresh fish, and salmon in particular. Easily the most popular and versatile of all fish to be cooked on the grill, not to mention in the oven as well, salmon is by far the biggest selling fish in the restaurant world that doesn’t come out of a fryer, such as haddock and other cuts of white fish used in Fish ’n’ Chips. Salmon reminds me a lot of chicken in how versatile it is and works so well with almost any marinade and sauce. As well, most of the best recipes for either require just a handful of ingredients, and this one fit that bill as you only need 5 ingredients besides the salmon for this Thai inspired recipe that will feed 4. This will take 15 minutes to cook.

Thai Roasted Salmon

1 cup Thai chili sauce

½ cup sweet and sour sauce

2 clove garlic, minced

1 ½- 2 lbs salmon filets, 4 portions, the thicker the better

1 ½ tsp sesame seeds

2 scallions, sliced

Combine the first 3 ingredients well. Lay the salmon fillets in a pan, skin side down, and pour half, or a little more of the

sauce over the fish, reserving the rest for grilling. Lightly wrap in plastic as to not directly land on the salmon and refrigerate for up to 2 hours and pull from the fridge 15 minutes prior to grilling. Get your grill to a high heat and spray well with pan release of oil with a towel. Carefully place the salmon fillets on the grill, flesh side down and close the lid for 4-5 minutes. Very carefully, turn them over with a set of tongs. If the bottom is stuck to the grill, with your offset spatula, carefully wedge it under the fillets before turning over. Ladle or brush some of the reserved marinade over the top of each, sprinkle with sesame seeds and close the lid again. Check after another 4-5 minutes. The thickness of the fillets come into play as far as how long you should be cooking them so be aware of that. Once done, plate them, ladle on a little more sauce and top with chopped scallions and serve.

Well, that’s that for real eating, so let’s move onto the eating of the sweet tooth’s that I know so well. I have 3 here for you, 2 of which I consider the perfect summer treats, and as many desserts go, this first one is maybe more geared toward the year-round dessert crowd, which is where we will start. Peanut butter and chocolate always make a great food marriage, and this one is epic as it’s also combined with a custard mix. This is so ooey and gooey to the point of awesomeness. Prep/cook time is less than an hour, although it does need some time to chill. You’ll get 12-15 portions depending on how you cut it.

For The Crust

Peanut Butter Custard Blast

2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs

2 tbsp sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

For The Filling

1 ½ cups sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

2 tbsp flour

½ tsp salt

6 cups milk

6 large egg yolks, beaten

1 cup creamy peanut butter

For The Topping

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar

6 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

½ cup chopped salted peanuts

2 tbsp chocolate syrup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine cookie crumbs and sugar, stir in butter. Press onto bottom of a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. For the filling, in a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat, cook, and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Whip the egg yolks in a small bowl, then stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks, then return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, cook, and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Pour over crust. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours. In the bowl of a mixer, beat

cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar, beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over peanut butter mixture. Sprinkle with peanut butter cups and peanuts. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. The rich homemade custard filling and real whipped cream are to die for. This is outstanding.

OK, these next 2 really scream summertime. The first one is a spin-off off on a banana split, yum, and the second is a crazy homemade sherbet recipe, both that will have the kids in your family freaking out with happiness. The banana split recipe goes together in under a half hour but does require time to freeze. This will get you a12-16 portions of big-time smiles.

Banana Sundae Dessert

1 package vanilla wafers, 12 oz, crushed

½ cup butter, melted

2 tbsp sugar

6 cups chocolate chip ice cream, softened

4 large firm bananas, sliced

2 jars hot fudge ice cream topping, 11 ¾ oz each, divided

6 cups strawberry ice cream, softened

Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, chopped walnuts, banana slices, all optional

In a bowl, mix wafer crumbs, melted butter and sugar, press onto bottom of a 13x9-in. dish. Freeze 15 minutes. Spread chocolate chip ice cream over crust. Layer with bananas and 1 ½ jars fudge topping, about 1 ½ cups. Freeze, covered, at least 30 minutes. Spread strawberry ice cream over top. Freeze again, covered, 6 hours or overnight. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before cutting. Warm remaining fudge topping; drizzle over top. Serve with toppings as desired. Kids and adults alike will be jumping for joy as this is phenomenal.

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This last one has kids written all over it, although I’ve enjoyed this as well the few times I have made this for kid parties. It takes all of 5 minutes to make, needs to freeze for 6 hours and will get you 6 portions.

Kool Aid Sherbet Ice Cream

1 package of Kool-Aid mix any

1 cup sugar

3 cups milk

flavor/color

In a large bowl, whisk together all three of the ingredients until the sugar and Kool-Aid mix is completely dissolved. Next, pour the mixture into a shallow dish, cover and then place it in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until mostly set. Once the dessert is partially frozen, put the sherbet back in a bowl and mix with a stand mixer until smooth. Refreeze in a covered, shallow container until set, at least 4 hours, but I find it’s best to freeze overnight. When you are ready to eat, set the sherbet out for about 10-15 minutes prior to serving to make it easier to scoop. The kids are gonna love ya!!

I hope these recipes help you enjoy a few summer treats over the next bunch of months, and make sure you get your grill tuned up. Happy Spring & Summer My Lakes Region Friends!!

Some Hidden Costs of DIY

The home renovation industry is booming, and that’s reflected in the cost to upgrade a home. Home Guide says remodeling a kitchen costs $25,000 on average, and a bathroom renovation runs around $10,000. Though rates fluctuate depending on a host of variables, renovations can cost $15 to $60 per square foot depending on the project.

The average homeowner wants to save as much money as possible when renovating their home. Many think doing much of the work themselves is the easiest way to keep costs low. What some homeowners may not realize is that DIY can be costly and prove a big hassle in the long run. The following are some hidden costs of DIY and renovating in general.

Time

DIY projects are a major drain on free time. Homeowners taking the DIY route typically work on weekends or after work. Few people can take off and devote their undivided attention to a remodel like a contractor can. Time is a valuable resource that is not renewable. Therefore, think of a DIY project in terms of what it would equal in lost wages. Because homeowners are not professionals, a DIY project may take double the time it would take a contractor. It may be worth it to simply hire it out.

Mistakes

Many resources are available to help DIY enthusiasts work on a project, but there are still tricks and techniques learned after years on the job. DIYers may damage their homes by taking shortcuts or not understanding how to do a job properly. A plumbing mistake, for example, may lead to flooding that damages another room in the home. And such mistakes may not be covered by

homeowners insurance policies. Fines

Permits are required for many home improvement projects. Forgetting to obtain permits or not realizing one may be necessary could subject you to hefty fines and/or force the job to be redone so it’s up to code. Professionals likely know the rules regarding permits and often include the cost of acquiring permits in an estimate.

Remediation

It’s only after opening up walls or removing floors that you may discover issues you did not anticipate, such as termite damage or mold. These unforeseen factors can drive up the overall costs of a project.

Disposal

Removing old building materials or gutting a room is part of many renovations. Chances are this refuse simply cannot be left at the curb for trash pickup. As a DIYer, you may not factor the costs for a dumpster or the time and money required to haul debris to a recycling or landfill center.

Tools

DIYers may have to purchase tools as they engage in new projects. These expenses can add up and negate the savings of doing some of the work yourself.

DIY projects may initially seem like a way to save money, but weekend warriors should calculate the hidden costs associated with DIY renovations before deciding to do some work on their own. ~metro

How to Prepare Soil for Spring Planting

Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors.

Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil might seem like an extensive job, but a simple approach may be all that’s necessary to create conditions that promote plant growth this spring.

• Clean up the previous months’ mess. Whether homeowners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically features heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to clean up an area prior to spring planting. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clippings, and other debris can contribute to compacted soil that makes it hard for plants to establish strong, healthy root systems. Clear away any debris prior to planting before taking the next step in your soil preparation routine.

• Loosen the soil. Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. Depending on the size of the area where you’ll be planting, you may need to invest in tools like a shovel, spade, spading fork,

and/or a lawn edger. If you’re planting in a small area, such as a deck planter box that still has soil from last year’s planting inside it, you can either clean the box and replace the soil entirely or dig around with a handheld trowel, cultivator and/or weeder. It’s important to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant prior to planting to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once planting is completed.

• Test and, if necessary, amend the soil. A simple pH test can help determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This is an important step as soil that is too acidic or alkaline can decrease the availability of nutrients the plants will need to thrive. In addition to conducting a pH test, which can be purchased at little cost at a local home improvement store, homeowners can contact their local Cooperative Extension Service to test their soil quality. These tests will reveal soil pH, but also can shed light on the texture of the soil and other components. Once the test is conducted, the local Coop Extension Service may recommend amendments to improve the nutritional quality of the soil so new plants can thrive.

Soil conditions go a long way toward determining if new plants will thrive. Preparing the soil prior to spring planting can ensure a successful season. ~ metro

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What to Know About Landscape Lighting

Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.

Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.

Are there different types of landscape lighting?

When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights project a concentrated and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of the landscaping. Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.

Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.

Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.

Is landscape lighting a job a DIYer can handle?

Many homeowners consider a do-it-yourself approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no, or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.

How much lighting is necessary?

The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultation with a professional can help to determine how much lighting to install and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.

Landscape lighting is a popular home renovation trend. Homeowners considering adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled professional to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night. ~metro

Stacey Morin

Ron Morin

Pretty Pavers Enhance Outdoor Areas Pretty Pavers Enhance Outdoor Areas

It may be a sweeping statement, but just about any outdoor area can benefit from pavers or beautiful stonework. The Lakes Region has all kinds of landscapes, from flat lawns to hilly slopes leading to a driveway or beach. Whatever the outdoor area, a new stone pathway or paved space for friends to gather on a warm summer’s day are great reasons to transform the exterior of a home.

Just ask Bill and Gina Lessard, who own a home in the Lakes Region. They are avid DIYers and take pride in the many home projects they tackle to make their home a comfortable and very attractive place to be. (Pride in their home seems to be Gina’s motto.)

Not long ago, the Lessards decided to do a new project: install a patio to make a great outdoor area for sitting and enjoying the outdoors.

The family uses their backyard a lot and wanted more room with a bigger patio area. Admittedly, they did not know how involved or physically challenging the project would turn out to be, but Gina says they are extremely happy with the result and would do it again.

“We chose concrete pavers and used retaining wall blocks and

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

caps for the perimeter and ended up needing a lot of sand for fill,” Gina recalls.

But just what are pavers? According to Mark Smith, head of all project design and permitting at Belknap Landscape Company in Gilford, “Pavers are anything from natural to manmade. They can be used on any surface that is flexible.”

Pavers come in a variety of stones, such as concrete, granite, or blue stone. With so many choices and textures, there are, of course, trends in the outdoor stone. Says Smith, “In the last few years, we have seen trending toward old school or vintage type products such as reclaimed granite with an old world class to it.”

Smith adds there has been a lot of outdoor stone work in residential homes adding a classic Winnipesaukee flair. “We harvest a lot of local products,” he says. Belknap Landscape has contacts that have what they may need and New England quarries that have reclaimed materials, such as old bridges and granite curving. They save the stone material and resell it to such places as Belknap Landscape.

The choice of paver material comes down to functionality vs. aes-

thetic. “If it is a high pedestrian area, it is advisable to stick with a thicker surface for ease of maintenance and safety and cleaning,” Smith explains. “When we get into secondary walkways, that is when the clients often loosen up and go for things like vintage, with a pleasing aesthetic. We also cater to trends good for modern lake houses with a more modular look in all its facets.”

When choosing pavers, think safety and winter maintenance. Will the pavers go around an outdoor kitchen where there will be food and possible grease spills, or on a patio, near a flowerbed or a parking area? What about maintenance in areas with winter ice and snow?

“Consider,” advises Smith, “if you are creating an outdoor living space, if you plan to include couches, table, chairs, and other items that might need to be on a stable surface. If there is an outdoor kitchen with pavers, it is helpful to get pavers that are easy to clean and/or resist staining.”

The work Gina and Bill Lessard did to create their outdoor area was as much about leveling the spot as it was choosing and installing the pavers. “The ground wasn’t level,” explains Gina. The

Lessard’s moved a lot of sand and backfilled the area by hand, also building an outside wall and finally adding the pavers.

“Bill cut many pavers to fit the space,” Gina says. The stone pavers were not lightweight; they were each about 30 lbs. Given that it was summertime and hot, the task of moving pavers and sand was not easy, but the couple worked tirelessly to achieve a dream outdoor area.

Because the sand to fill the area was delivered to the front of their home, Gina and Bill also had their work increased by moving wheelbarrows of sand to the paver area. Gina laughs as she recalls, “Yes, it was hot! It was a lot of moving sand, cutting the pavers, and setting them in and then leveling them. It wasn’t easy, but we love the finished area.”

The Lakes Region has a diverse number of outdoor settings, from level lawns to steep paths leading to a dock or the lake. Says Smith, “Installing stone or pavers comes down to the right plan and equipment to deal with slopes. The materials are important for correct stability and installation. For lake areas, stone comes into play for overall water management. The stone can help absorb run-off and contaminants. With proper installation, it can help control water.”

Given this is the Granite State, it is assumed getting granite for

This photo showcases the many areas brought together by pavers for a cohesive outdoor entertaining area. (Courtesy Belknap Landscape)

pavers and walkways is easier than in other areas. According to Smith, the Covid years made it a bigger challenge to get products. “But New Hampshire has a lot of opportunities for granite, and many people prefer granite because it goes with native landscapes in this area.”

Some of the most impressive stone work utilizes native granite in boulders, large organic slabs, and pavers. They are built to create ponds and waterfalls. Large-scale stonework can create a natural environment. Says Smith, “We also incorporate outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens, and firepits that aren’t standard. Granite certainly gives a sense of being in New Hampshire.”

Maintenance for pavers and other stonework can be somewhat hard to define. “Some homeowners prefer lichen or moss covered rock, and where safety on the surfaces is important, such as in primary areas, homeowners can pressure wash the stones with clean water. There also are products to safety clean pavers. With perme-

able surfaces, it is important to keep things clean for the correct water infiltration.”

For the beautiful projects by Belknap Landscape, Smith explains they work with craftsmen on staff. Often used are diamond-bladed saws to cut the stones.

After a few weeks – and a lot of labor – to complete their stone/ paver area, Bill and Gina Lessard love the outdoor area. “I sit out here every day after work, and I think it is the best home project we have done in years.

The Lessard’s advice to others thinking of tackling a paver project is to first know what you are getting into. “There is time involved, logistics and moving the sand and pavers if they are delivered a distance from the job site. Ours were delivered on palettes and we had to move them ourselves, which was work intensive. But it was worth it,” says Gina.

(L)The start of the pattern to create the final outdoor seating area. (R) The completed paver project is a thing of beauty and greatly adds to the enjoyment of sitting outside at the Lessard home. (Courtesy Gina Lessard)

5 Patio Projects to Enhance Outdoor Living

Warm weather paves the way to more opportunities to enjoy fresh air. For homeowners who have the luxury of outdoor spaces, including private patios, now is the time to start thinking about projects to enhance these gathering spots.

A patio can be considered a transitional area that links the outdoors to the inside of a home. According to the home and lifestyle resource The Spruce, a patio is often an oasis for lounging and entertaining. And depending on homeowners’ budgets and preferences, a patio can be just as comfortable and stylish as interior spaces. The following are five patio projects that can transform these valuable spaces.

1. Pretty pergola

A pergola is an open-air (traditionally wood) structure that adds a measure of shade and privacy without completely blocking views of Mother Nature. Installing a pergola over the patio helps define the seating area. Hanging plants can add to the ambiance and string lights can make this a great spot to gather when the sun sets.

2. Patio fire pit

Build a fire pit right into the design with the same materials used to create the patio. For example, if the patio is brick or flagstone, build up to create an eye-catching fire pit. Fire pits not only look good, they also expand the time frame that the patio can be enjoyed, offering cozy spots to sit even when the weather chills.

3. Frame it in

Make the patio a true extension of the inside by putting up walls

around three sides of the patio if it connects to the home. Leave the last open to the yard, or consider installing screens to mimic the look of popular lanais. The walls will offer more weather protection, meaning you can invest in high-quality patio furniture to make this a fully functioning outdoor living room. Hang a television that is rated for outdoor use for moviewatching under the sun or stars.

4. Ooh la la

Vintage bistro tables and chairs can turn a drab patio into one that calls to mind a Parisian courtyard. Whimsical lighting and accents that you would normally think to see indoors, like a gilded mirror, can add extra appeal. Soften wrought iron and other metals on the furniture by including plenty of flowers and greenery. Don’t forget the candles and a place to stash a bottle of chilling wine.

5. Farmhouse chic

Transform a patio into an entertaining space that caters to guests A large farmhouse style table flanked by benches and some upholstered chairs sets the scene for a dinner amid the fresh air. Watering cans filled with wildflowers and mismatched flatware establish a casual feel for gatherings in the space. For those who plan to cook and serve outside with frequency, invest in outdoor appliances so you’ll never have to miss a beat with guests.

The options for transforming patios into stylish gathering spots is only limited by the imagination. ~metro

Thinking of a Place on the Islands?

By Thomas P. Caldwell

There is no doubt about it: Having a home on an island is a fantasy for many, especially if they already have a boat. Cool breezes on a hot day, a warm afternoon sun, waves crashing against the shore, quiet evenings around a fire pit, and the potential of wondrous views of distant mountains can make owning an island property very attractive.

Lake Winnipesaukee boasts 258 islands within its 72-squaremile boundaries. Six islands are connected to the mainland by bridges but, for the remaining islands, a boat is a necessity for access. Going out to a place on the lake provides a break from routine that beats many other options — but only if you’re prepared for a little inconvenience.

“You gotta be adventurous,” says Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group.

He should know: Frank and Nancy have owned a small camp on Welch Island for 23 or 24 years, experiencing everything that island living brings.

“I live in Gilford so I couldn’t have had a more convenient place to have a second home — a getaway, so to speak, where you could get away and decompress from the day’s work,” Frank said. Going for a kayak ride after dinner, swimming, and enjoying the property with the children and grandchildren provides a perfect get-away.

“It’s really a favorite place of ours for family gatherings and campfires at night and sitting out there during the day,” Frank said.

Betty Ann Bickford of Island Real Estate said people who own properties on the lake tend to be more independent. “It’s not like you’re going to call the plumber, for instance, and he’s going to drive out.”

When she started selling real estate nearly 40 years ago, islanders were “very very modest-income people” who could not afford a lakefront home on the mainland.

“They would buy a piece of island property and put up a shed and

they literally did everything themselves, from the building to the plumbing to the electric,” she said. “And those people are certainly there.”

Today, though, the range of properties runs from small cabins to “mega-homes” on sizable estates. Whether large or small, they provide a more subdued pace than life on the mainland.

“You may have get-togethers or little parties,” Betty Ann said, “but you’re not going to have parties that go on until one in the morning.”

Frank said, “It’s like going back in time, the way the lake used to be along the main shoreline. … The water clarity generally is very, very clear out on island properties because you’re out in the middle of the lake.”

It does not take a huge home to enjoy an island property, and Frank said that, for him, having a little cabin or cottage on an island with nice exposure to sunrises or sunsets and views of the mountains is more appealing, and more in keeping with what the Lakes Region was before it was developed.

Betty Ann agreed, saying, “For most of the people looking for island property, they’re looking to sort of get away from the hubbub of the mainland. … It’s not like your neighborhood would be on the mainland, so there’s some solitude along with it, which these days, people like.”

After docking a boat in crystal-clear water, residents are able to let their children wander, knowing that they are not going to run out in the road, Betty Ann said. If they forget how to get back, they can find a neighbor who will call and say, “Your kids are here.”

“It’s like a community when you’re on the island,” Betty Ann said. “People will be as friendly as you want to be. If you want to just wave when you come in, if you want to be best friends, whatever. But if someone is in trouble, you’re going to have help immediately, whether it’s a medical situation or your boat won’t start.”

Frank backed that up with a personal story about when his boat

refused to start. A neighbor came over and got it running in short order.

Many islanders extend their friendships to those on other islands and make trips back and forth.

Islands also offer plenty of wildlife, from deer to loons, along with walking paths and scenery that promotes relaxation.

Bear Island has walking trails throughout the island and even a little church. “It’s a pretty walk,” Frank said. “You’re out there and there’s deer out there, and it’s just peaceful. It’s something you look forward to every season.”

“Islanders are out there for the love of the lake,” Betty Ann said. “You’re going to see the islanders just enjoying that time at their cottage.”

That may include cookouts, sitting on a deck and watching the sunset, or spending time in a hammock.

Mail boats on Lake Winnipesaukee deliver to postal stops on the islands, allowing residents to keep in touch with their friends during extended stays, and many islands have electrical and cellular service.

The properties available range from rustic camps to large homes with exotic woods and beautiful cabinetry with granite countertops.

Frank offered figures showing that, between July 13, 2021, and July 13, 2022, there were 22 sales of island homes, ranging in price from $255,000 for a 1,900-square-foot cottage with 100 feet of shorefront on 0.39 acre on Cow Island to $1,275,000 for a 2,880-squarefoot home with 211 feet of shorefront on 4.17 acres on Mark Island. The median sale price during that period was $686,000.

Betty Ann said, “We sold a little cabin last year, it was cute as a button. It had a really old septic, which you would be looking at replacing at some point, but it had outstanding views. It was 100 and something feet of frontage. So, you can have that type of cabin, then you can have a cabin that’s more tucked in the woods, and you have an electric toilet or a gas toilet and then a drywell for your gray wa-

ter. And then you can go to a two-bedroom, a three-bedroom, a fourbedroom — It’s really what you’re looking for.”

As people fled from urban centers to the countryside during the pandemic, home prices rose exponentially, including those on the islands.

“One of the really big advantages of being out there is island property sells for anywhere from a third to a half less than mainland waterfront,” Betty Ann said.

Even then, island property is a good investment, with values continuing to rise over the years.

Things To Consider

Those considering the purchase of an island property need to keep practical considerations in mind.

“Accessibility is the number one thing,” Frank says. “You’ve got to have a boat; a boat becomes your car. That’s your vehicle for passage. And then, of course, to have a boat, you’ve got to have a slip on the mainland, unless you want to be putting it in and out with boatyard storage, which a lot of island owners do. That would be one of the disadvantages. If you’re coming up from Massachusetts,

then you’ve got to go to the marina or you’ve got to get your boat and launch the boat. You’ve got to drive the boat out to the island, bringing all the groceries.”

If entertaining guests, islanders may have to shuttle them back and forth, unless they have their own boats.

Those with island properties soon learn to make sure they pack everything they will need or keep a stock of supplies at their island home. No one wants to return to shore to get something that was forgotten.

“Lists are your best friend,” Betty Ann said.

Frank describes island living as, “You’ve got to become the chef, bottle-washer, and you’re taking out the garbage.” He also noted that some islands are very steep, with a lot of stairs.

Other considerations when thinking about buying island property include the limited seasons. They generally are three-season dwellings. During the winter, homes may be accessible by snowmobile once the lake freezes, but many places are not winterized.

Unless the property has an artesian well, the homes will draw lake water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, but bottled water will

be necessary for drinking.

Then there are the septic systems. No one wants to have 25 people gathered for an Independence Day celebration and have the septic system fail. There are companies able to install and pump out the systems, but it is much more expensive to do on an island.

“Ideally, what you want to do is get together with two or three of your neighbors and pump at the same time,” Betty Ann said. “That cuts down on the barge cost.”

The higher cost of septic pumping for islanders is mitigated by the fact that systems are able to recover during the winter months when there is little to no use, allowing them to go years before needing to be pumped.

Frequent inspections also help to avoid such incidents.

Consider also that, when buildings require maintenance or repairs, it is not as simple as making a trip to a home supply store. The material has to be taken to the island in a boat or, for larger projects, on a barge. Barges, heavy equipment, and work crews that can do island work are more expensive than their land counterparts.

“There’s several companies that specialize in doing island work around the lake,” Frank said, “and there’s a lot of barge services and a lot of island support groups to go out and help the islanders do odd jobs, carpentry, electrical, plumbing; they deliver propane, they build breakwaters, they rebuild docks, they put in portable docks, they build permanent docks, as well as do additions, but it takes more time and there’s sometimes a waiting list to get things done.”

Another concern for islanders is what the weather may bring. Those on the windy side of an island may need a breakwater, and boats will have to be tied with more than the two lines normally used.

A severe storm may cause a tree to fall on a cottage and require outside help to repair the damage. A bad winter with a lot of ice on the lake may damage docks that have not been pulled up or re-

moved, or are protected by a breakwater. If the wind comes from the wrong direction, even breakwaters can be damaged.

Even the transportation can be a problem if the boat hits a rock and sustains serious damage.

In case of a medical emergency, the New Hampshire Marine Patrol is able to transport people to a waiting ambulance on the mainland; or, if the person cannot be transported, Marine Patrol can bring in emergency responders.

It doesn’t take particularly bad weather to make the journey to or from the island uncomfortable.

“If you want to go out there and it’s a really rough day or it’s raining, you’re going to get wet. You’re going to hit the swells,” Frank said. “So you’ve got to be adventurous, but that’s kind of the fun.”

This is all to say that owning island property can be a lot of work, but as Frank says, “It’s worth it.”

How to Choose Pets Based on Your Lifestyle

Getting a pet can seem like a fabulous idea in the heat of the moment when puppy dog eyes are blinking back from behind the bars of a cage or when a cuddly hamster peeks out from his hiding spot and makes kids swoon. Even though pets can make wonderful companions, approximately 6.3 million pets enter United States shelters nationwide every year, according to the ASPCA. In addition, around 80,000 cats and dogs entered shelters in Canada in 2021, according to Humane Canada. Such figures suggest companion animals are not suitable to every animal lover’s lifestyle.

Though many shelter pets find new homes, one of the ways to reduce the number of surrendered pets is to avoid impulse decisions. A careful consideration of lifestyle can ensure potential pet owners find an animal they’re fully capable of caring for.

• Consider time constraints. People can be honest about their schedules and how pets can fit in. A busy executive who works 12hour days and travels often may not be able to have a high-maintenance pet. Animals that do not require much interaction, such as aquarium fish or reptiles, may be better fits.

• Consider your interests. It can be beneficial to find a pet who

aligns with one’s interests and hobbies, as this can make the connection even stronger. A person who likes to hike may benefit from a pet that can handle long periods traversing the great outdoors.

• Factor in budget. Pets can be expensive. The American Kennel Club says the lifetime costs of dog ownership can range from $14,480 to $15,051 depending on the size of the dog (which relates to life expectancy). Exotic pets, such as macaws, may have large expenses for specialty vet care and cages. If money is tight, a pet that has minimal expenses might be a smarter move.

• Assess your personal health. Someone with allergies may have to avoid furry pets because dander and fur may trigger allergic reactions. Mobility issues can make it challenging for someone to walk a dog every day, making a cat who is relatively independent a more practical choice.

Lifestyle should be a major consideration when deciding if the time is right to introduce a pet into a home. A pet who aligns with the household dynamic can increase the likelihood of a successful pet-owner relationship. ~ metro

Living in a Tuna Can

Whether it’s Run Silent Run Deep, The Hunt for Red October, or Crimson Tide, there’s something about submarine movies that stirs the emotions. Perhaps it’s the fear most people have of drowning or the built-up tension from the dramatic music, but I

by Dan Smiley

could only imagine what it might be like to live aboard a submarine. That was until I recently toured the USS Albacore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A short drive from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the Albacore, or the Tuna Can as some af-

fectionately refer to it as, has a most interesting history.

Smaller than most submarines, the Albacore had sleeping quarters for roughly 50 sailors but often had 57 or more people aboard. Enlisted men bunked in small narrow rooms which might be more befitting of sardines than a tuna can. “As a research vessel, it wasn’t uncommon for us to have 8 or 10 non-navy contractors on board at any time who were helping us test various things,” says Frank Reinhold who spent three years aboard the Albacore in the mid to late 1960s. “It wasn’t uncommon to have to hot bunk it when we were out to sea.” Hot Bunking is a term where three sailors share two different bunks on rotating schedules. Thus, when you go to bed, it’s already warm. Reinhold, who spent 28 years in the navy and served on eight different subs during that time says the Albacore was completely different than any other submarine duty he had. “In most tours at sea on a submarine, you get into a routine. Every day is very similar. On the Albacore, the routine was constantly changing, and we got to spend lots of time in port as the boat was constantly being retrofitted or improved for various forms of tests.”

Sleeping wasn’t the only thing done in rotation. The mess hall could really only accommodate about 18 people at one time, so meals were served in cyclical fashion as well. “The government used to invest $1 more per day per sailor on food for the silent service than other ships in the navy, so I recall we ate a lot of lobster and lobster Newburgh,” said Reinhold, who served aboard the Albacore as a Lieutenant between the mid to late 1960s. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Hampshire and fondly remember visiting Lake Winnipesaukee and the Kancamagus Highway with my family when in port and enjoying the foliage. The best thing about serving on the Albacore was that it was more like shore duty, but you got sea pay,” says Hunter. It was in my opinion the best tour of my twenty-year career in the navy.”

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“One of the most interesting things about being on the Albacore was how fast and agile it was,” says Bill Birtles who served on the boat for six years as a machinist. You could feel the acceleration of the ship. Sort of like riding on the subway around a corner.” Other sailors have likened the effect to that of a roller coaster or an amusement ride. “The people I met during my time aboard the Albacore were likely the best part of my tour,” continues Birtles. “You were constantly meeting new engineers working on state-ofthe-art concepts for the boat.”

The USS Albacore was the first submarine to feature the modern cylindrical shape that we associate with most submarines today. This along with a variety of other modern advances such as twin propellors allowed the USS Albacore to set the under-water speed record twice in the 1950s. It’s amazing to think this ship was cruising around at 40 miles per hour underwater. The hull of the Albacore was so sleek and aerodynamic in fact, that during the

tow back from Norfolk, Virginia to Portsmouth, New Hampshire by tugboat in the 1980s, the Albacore would overtake the tow boat if it slowed down from 5 knots to 4 knots because so much momentum would be built up in the 300 ton ship.

When asked about questions regarding claustrophobia, Jack Hunter explains that the navy did a good job of weeding people out who might suffer from this type of condition. “Submarine school was an allvolunteer force. You had to reach a certain level of competence within the navy before you were allowed to apply to become a submariner. They would put 20 or 30 of us in a tube at the bottom of a hundred-foot tank and raise the water to our chins before simulating a water escape to the top of the tank wearing life preservers. Anybody who was claustrophobic wasn’t going to make it through the training which was intense.” “The air inside the submarine would get pumped into the ballast tanks to help raise the ship out of the water and when the hatch was opened, you’d feel the fresh air rush into the boat when. That was always a good feeling,” says Reinhold.

“When I visit the Albacore these days, I wonder how I did it, but at the time, being 19 or 20 years old, you adapt to living like that pretty easily,” says Birtles when asked about living aboard the ship. “I remember the nights on watch being so cold in Portsmouth,” says Reinhold, “submarines are notoriously cold anyways, but my time on the Albacore was perhaps the coldest,” he said

when asked about the worst part of serving on this ship.

Built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the story behind how the USS Albacore became a museum is interesting. Prominent businessman Joe Sawtelle donated land for the USS Albacore Museum and over $1,000,000 was either donated or borrowed to make the museum a reality. It literally took an act of Congress to release the ship from the navy which was then signed by Ronald Reagan to make the museum a reality. From there, dredging in the Piscataqua River and a coffer dam were required to raise the boat to 27 feet above sea level in such a way that viewers were able to observe the unique design of the Albacore’s hull. This was after volunteers who worked at the shipyard spent countless hours removing sensitive equipment or items that might cause injury.

Whether living or visiting the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, you’ll find the USS Albacore Museum a source of affordable family fun as for the most part, children and visitors alike have free reign to touch and play with things including a working pericope that gives you a great view down Route 1 toward the Maine border. You can find the Albacore on Market Street in Portsmouth and they’re open daily at 9 with the last tickets being sold at 4pm. The cost for a family of four is $25. You can learn more at www.ussalbacore.org. The ship is not heated or air conditioned so dress appropriately for the weather and temperature.

By Thomas P. Caldwell

Many people already have spent months poring over seed catalogues while watching for the winter to end and the accumulated ice and snow to melt; at the first real sign of spring, they are out in their yards to begin planning how their gardens will shape up.

Still, it is New England, and planting before Memorial Day can be a mistake for most crops. Even disturbing the soil this time of year can cause problems because it is so saturated with water that it can become compacted and, as it dries out, become brick-like and very difficult to break up later.

In order for plant roots to grow, they need air space, and that is one of the reasons a gardener must aerate the soil at the beginning of the season. Soil that is too compact will have little air for the plants, and it may be too dense for the young shoots to navigate. Working the soil too early also may trap air in pockets, and trapped air can be as bad for the young roots as no air at all. There is a simple test that gardeners have used for years to determine

if the soil is ready to be worked. Take a handful of dirt and squeeze it. If the compacted ball of soil breaks apart easily, it is ready. Soil that stays together or breaks into solid sections of dirt is still carrying too much water, and it is best to leave it alone for a while. If it is really wet, so it feels pliable like clay, working it now will give it a hard texture that is a plant-killer.

Even if the soil is right, early planting should be avoided. There is still a chance of a killing frost, even in May. Earlier in the spring gardeners can remove leaves and other debris that have accumulated on the surface of the garden, along with dead vegetation and the weeds that start to grow with the warmer weather.

Before going directly to planting the garden, the soil condition has to be addressed. Figure out how much compost and mulch you will need. Any boards or large stones in or around the garden can become a harbor for pests, so remove them ahead of planting, as well.

If garden pests are a problem, early spring is the time to purchase fencing to protect the garden. If there is fencing already in place, check for breaks and rot so any bad sections can be replaced before they let in the pests that can decimate your garden.

Another way to deter some pests is to plant marigolds or nasturtiums around the garden.

It also is a good idea to check your tools to see what might need to be replaced if some are not in good working condition. You also may want to add labor-saving tools that make the gardening process easier on the back or joints.

Those who are gardening on a budget (and who doesn’t want to save money when possible?) may want to consider a barrel system for watering the garden. Using captured rainwater can cut down considerably on the water bill by helping to reduce water usage.

When planning your watering system, keep in mind the growth of the plants and make sure hoses will reach where they are needed.

Of course, one need not wait for the garden to be ready before growing vegetables. Most gardeners will start some seeds indoors well

before the danger of frost is past. Most vegetable and herb seeds can be started six to eight weeks before planting them outside.

Choosing and purchasing seeds can get very expensive. Smart and thrifty gardeners will save seeds one year so they already have seeds to plant the following year. To do so, they need to dry the seeds so they don’t become mildewed over the winter. Once dry, the seeds can safely be placed into plastic bags for storage until spring.

Plant the seeds in seedling trays and water and tend to them regularly. Once the seeds have germinated, by placing them in a south-facing window, the gardener will see that they get the necessary sunlight to keep them growing and healthy.

Another way to avoid spending too much on seeds is to ask friends and neighbors if they have any spare seeds. Many local gardens centers will offer some seeds at discount prices.

Some friends will allow you to take cuttings from their gardens when doing their early-spring pruning, and public gardens may allow members of the public to take cuttings.

Once the likelihood of frost is past, take the seedlings outdoors and continue watering them in their trays for a couple of weeks to ease their transition from indoors to outdoors. This also is the time to purchase seedlings from garden centers to round out your selection of plants. There are sometimes good bargains when there is an overabundance of certain vegetables or plants.

There also may be bargains for plants that have not been adequately cared for but can be brought back to health by repotting them in better soil and giving them nutritious plant food. They will need to be watered regularly until they begin to thrive again.

When it comes time to plant, there will be a nice selection ready to go. That is the time to work or rework the soil, making sure the clumps of dirt are broken up and the soil is fully aerated, and that the compost has been worked in evenly.

Your tools and water supply are ready, the garden is protected from pests, and the growing can begin.

It Might Be Time to Test Your Water Well,

Do you know what’s in your drinking water? If your water comes from a public water system – typically city or town water – then you can rest assured that someone does, and that they are keeping an eye on it for you. Public water systems are required to monitor and regularly test their water for harmful contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act. If your drinking water comes from a private well, however, finding out what’s in your water is up to you – and it’s important for the health of you and your family that you do.

Nearly half of the Granite State population – about 46% or 520,000 people – rely on private drinking water wells, which have no uniform testing or treatment requirements. Yes, you likely had the water tested when you bought your home, but that would have been a requirement of the mortgage lender (and a handful of cities and towns), not the state. And because well conditions or groundwater conditions can shift over time, it is recommended that you test on a regular basis. Making it a scheduled part of your home maintenance, much like getting your septic tank pumped regularly, is a great way to ensure you aren’t missing any potential health hazards in your home.

Why test? Because some contaminants in drinking water have

been linked to cancer and toxicity, posing a risk to human health, and many often have no taste, odor or color. Their presence can only be determined by laboratory testing. NHDES recommends that you test every three to five years for a number of contaminants. Some are naturally occurring in soil and rock, such as bacteria, arsenic, radon and uranium; others find their way onto the land from human activities, such as improper waste disposal, road salting and fuel spills.

THE TESTS

It is recommended that you have the following tests done every three to five years:

Standard analysis: Covers the most common contaminants: arsenic, bacteria, chloride, copper, fluoride, hardness, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate/nitrite, pH, sodium, uranium. (NHDES recommends bacteria and nitrate be tested annually.)

Radiological analysis: New Hampshire’s geology contains naturally occurring radioactive elements that dissolve easily in well water. A basic radiological analysis will test for uranium, analytical gross alpha and radon gas.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS have been found in a significant percentage of private wells in New Hampshire. NHDES revised its private well testing recommendations in 2019 to include PFAS.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): The most common VOCs come from gasoline compounds (such as MtBE and benzene) and industrial solvents. MtBE can be found in well water even in remote areas.

It is not necessary to do all of the tests at one time; you may want to stagger them, so they come due during different years. Other times to test your water is if your well flooded; if you notice a change in the color, taste or smell of your water; or after well construction activities or repairs.

THE RESULTS

Knowing your results is a good first step to reducing exposures in your daily environment. Your lab results will tell you the levels of the various contaminants found in your water. The mere presence of these contaminants in well water does not necessarily imply that there is a problem, but if they exceed state or federal health standards, you should look into treatment. There is a web tool that can help: Be Well Informed. This site provides an interpretation of lab results in terms of water quality standards, provides treatment guidance concerning treatment technologies, and provides information on health and home appliance impacts. You can even print out a pdf report and use it when talking to a treatment company.  Still have questions about drinking water and your health?  The NHDES Environmental Health Program can also provide support for understanding the health risks from exposure to contaminated drinking water and recommend treatment options based on your needs. NHDES is also a partner in the New Hampshire APPLETREE Program, which works with communities to reduce exposure to environmental hazards, such as contaminated drinking water, and the team is available to support communities when petitioned.

If you’ve been relying on a water test result from when you moved into your home last decade, it’s time to check it again! You can be an informed consumer of your own drinking water resource to protect yourself and your family.

When it comes to built-in shelving and alcoves, create a fun color balance with an off-white paint color on the walls and a bold accent on cabinets, like the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2023, Raspberry Blush 2008-30.

Have a plan in mind? Stop by one of our stores today to discuss your project and color options!

Living Green: key to a healthy future for our region and the Earth

By Mark Okrant

Throughout the last hundred years, the world’s population has been increasing at an alarming rate, accompanied by drastic growth in production, consumption, and wealth. During the 1960s and early 1970s, books such as Carson’s The Silent Spring, Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb, and Meadows’ publication The Limits to Growth warned that the very survival of this planet and the human race were being threatened. It wasn’t long before scientists and politicians were tossing around the term, “sustainable development,” an effort to marry objectives expressed by pro-development and pro-conservation factions.

No matter which side of the Global Warming debate you find yourself, each of us recognizes that the future of our planet, nation, region, and community depends upon taking measures to protect the best elements of our surroundings. “Sustainability,” a term that had its origins in the ecology literature more than one-half century ago, is defined as a condition of cultural, environmental, and economic stability that satisfies the basic needs of a current population, while maintaining that con-

dition for future generations.

Some people downplay the threat. They argue that the U.S. is a large country (2.26 billion acres), wherein there is an abundance of natural resources. While naysayers point to the fact that a mere 4.7 percent of U.S. space is presently developed, scientists warn that taking steps to protect the future of our environmental health is an urgent need.

One of the criticisms leveled at the sustainability movement during early days was that it was too top-down in approach. Indeed, initial efforts to legislate environmental quality at the federal level fell on deaf ears. The campaign needed a grassroots approach, wherein audiences could appreciate the relevance of applying sustainable actions in their own backyards.

One of New Hampshire’s strongest proponents of action at the grassroots level is Dr. Steve Whitman, professional planner and educator, and the founder and principal at Resilience Planning and Design LLC in Plymouth, NH. Whitman uses ecologically-minded design principles to advise his audiences how to create systems that are durable and renewable. He contends that,

in the face of global environmental problems, we can take actions in the community to reduce our carbon footprint. Whitman advocates applying two methods at property-scale: green building and permaculture.

Green building—also known as green construction and sustainable building—is the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s lifecycle. In other words, green building holds to ecological and sustainability principles, from the initial plan through the design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition stages. Such an ambitious endeavor necessitates cooperation among a number of key players: local administrators, contractors, architects, engineers, and the clients themselves.

In an effort to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment, the U.S. Green Building Council has developed its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system for design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Promoted as the gold standard of sustainability measures, the system provides managers and clients with a measurement and certification process pertaining to: 1) efficient location, energy, water, transportation, and other resource uses, 2) presence of procedures to protect occupants’ health and improve employee productivity, and 3) reduction of waste, pollution, and environmental degradation.

The following checklist is applied to a house or other type of construction. Satisfactory candidates receive LEED certification and are designated as green:

reduced construction waste during the building process increased usage of recycled material

reduced energy and water usage reduced maintenance and operation costs increased indoor air quality increased employee performance, satisfaction, and retention (where applicable)

reduced liability

attraction of occupants who value sustainability

Green building practices are applicable whether the project is a new-build or an existing structure that has been retrofit.

Permaculture is gardening and landscaping that works in concert with the surrounding environment. It necessitates using design principles that consider an entire ecosystem, “rather than finding ways to circumvent its limitations, by application of protracted and thoughtless labor” (Holmgren; Mollison). Whether setting down a lawn, designing an ornamental garden, or planting a vegetable garden, the layout eliminates gasoline powered yard tools, harmful fertilizers, and abuse of water resources.

Several of David Holmgren’s 12 principles of permaculture (Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability, 2002) may be applied to local spaces. There is a strict emphasis upon observation and interaction, energy capture and storage, studying and utilizing feedback from a project, using renewable resources and services, avoiding waste production, and responding to changes.

By utilizing the principles expressed by proponents of sustainability, green building, and permaculture, a number of the Lakes Region’s designers, developers, and clients are working to improve the ecosystem by dramatically reducing the area’s carbon footprint—the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted from consumption of fossil fuels.

How to Compare Contractors’ Bids

Home renovation projects are significant undertakings. It is common for homeowners who may not have the time nor the expertise to do the work themselves to call in professionals to tackle these jobs.

A bathroom remodel, which is one of the more popular improvement projects, installation and labor accounts for 10 to 25 percent of the total project cost. In general, many contractors pay themselves $300 to $500 for an hourly rate, while helpers may make $150 per hour.

Materials used account for the other components of an overall project cost. Homeowners negotiate the best rates possible by obtaining a number of bids from contractors, spelling out both labor and material costs and determining their best option. Here’s how to compare bids.

Check as many reviews as possible

Go online, ask friends for recommendations, or rely on the Better Business Bureau to find reliable contractors. A contractor who seems too good to be true will not necessarily be so, but it’s still best to vet each professional thoroughly prior to signing a contract.

Cost basis vs bid basis

Certain contractors will produce an estimate based on the best guess of the cost of supplies then add on a flat fee or percentage for their services. This is called a cost basis bid. Others will create a bid that includes all their anticipated supply and labor costs, known as a bid basis bid. Know what you’re getting to make the most accurate comparison.

Create a master itemized checklist

It’s easy to explain the project differently from one contractor to

another when doing so verbally. That may result in a different plan and price. Rather, make a checklist of what you want done and have several copies to give to the contractors with whom you meet. This makes it easier to compare costs line by line.

Have specific materials in mind

Make sure bids are based on the same materials and tasks. For example, if you’re comparing window replacement quotes, be sure that each quote is based on the same window material and coating. Vinyl replacement windows may not cost the same as fiberglass or wood.

It is much easier to compare pricing when contractors provide estimates reflecting the same materials.

Small versus big contracting companies

Some bids may differ based on the manpower of the company. One contractor may view a project as an easy one that can be slipped right into the schedule. Another may have to devote more time and effort if it is being undertaken by one or two people. This can affect cost in the quote. Furthermore, a contractor who does a lot of advertising in print, television or online, or has an office or warehouse space, may have extra overhead costs that are passed on to the customer.

Doing your own demo

Figure out if the contractor will allow you to perform a portion of the tear-out, clean-up or other tasks to save on labor costs. Make sure this is included in the bid.

Comparing contractor work bids can be tricky, but it helps homeowners know they’re getting the best value for their money. ~metro