In a society of continuous change, those things that remain constant give us the courage to boldly face the uncertainty of each new day. No matter what should befall us, we rest in the assurance that some things never change. The rising of the sun, the coming of spring, the levy of taxes — and…
Replace a Deck Railing
The railing around a deck can be a distinctive design detail or a practical addition that creates a secure enclosure and safe footing on the stairs. Before planning to replace a deck railing, check the local codes about its height and construction so that it meets local building code requirements. To replace 40 feet of…
Install a USB Charger Device
Charging mobile devices is a daily habit for many of us, whether it’s a mobile phone, tablet or any digital device. The endless maze of cords and chargers can be annoying to keep straight and organized. We like the convenience of swapping out a standard wall outlet for a wall charger to take care of…
Take a Tour of Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate
By Carl Larsen You might call Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate the scene of the crime — well, many crimes, that is. Acclaimed as the world’s best-selling author, Christie spent a large part of her career writing those spellbinding mysteries at her Greenway retreat overlooking the River Dart, a few miles from Torquay, where she was…
Questions to Ask Before Installing Solar Panels
A subscriber to my newsletter approached me recently with a dilemma. He’s 81 years old, and he wanted to know if it was a good idea to invest in a rooftop solar system. He knows that he may not live long enough to experience a return on his investment. Should he do it anyway? Now,…
Going Off the Grid: A Family Shares the Joys, Challenges, and Lessons Learned From the Journey to Self-Sufficiency
When the Great Ice Storm of 1998 hit, it left millions without power for days, weeks, or even months. The crisis affected northern New York and Maine in the United States, and Eastern Ontario, Southern Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick in Canada. Canadian cities Ottawa and Montreal completely shut down, and the storm caused…
Thinking Mini: How to Make the Most of a Small Garden Space
“Small is beautiful,” as the saying goes. Everything tiny is cute. Images of tiny kittens and puppies bring about squeals of delight. We stand and look in awe at creatures such as insects, hummingbirds, and bats which are perfectly formed and yet diminutive in stature. Works of art that are produced in miniature are seen…
How to Find the Best Fish for Your Beginner Aquarium
Have you decided to set up an aquarium at home, but you’re not quite sure what to do? If you’ve never kept fish before, you’re going to have to do some research before getting started. Even if you have past experience with keeping fish, it’s always a good idea to brush up your knowledge. There…
Add Indoor Louvered Window Shutters for Privacy
Dear James: My neighbor’s security lights shine in and are annoying. Would louvered shutters or miniblinds be most effective? What size and on which windows would be best? — Alan R. Dear Alan: Nighttime light pollution is definitely a problem and not just for neighbors. It has a negative effect on wildlife and their natural…
Each of These Handmade Greeting Cards Is a Work of Art—With a Mission to Take Care of People
Strips of millimeter-thin colored paper coiled, shaped, and glued into precise and gorgeous designs by hand: This is quilling, a simple, yet ancient, art that “anyone can learn,” according to Huong Wolf, co-founder of Quilling Card in Massachusetts. In April 2022, Quilling Card earned two Guinness World Record titles: one for the most people quilling simultaneously,…
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