EP160: Generation Helpless, Garage Organization, Murder Hornets, and Fiascos

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Segment 1: Generation H(elpless)

We found an article that we really struggled to believe. And yet, it brought up a great topic that is worth digging into: kids who have no idea how to do anything around the home. Here's the article for your reading (dis)pleasure, but suffice to say, as parents and grandparents, let's do what we can to teach our kids the skills they'll need when they have their own places! We don't want to read articles about how they left burnt out lightbulbs in because they were too afraid to  change them....

Segments 2 & 3: Garage Organization

Getting the garage organized is one of those tasks that provides a great deal of satisfaction! It's normally a monumental undertaking . . . but when it's done and done well, it's worth the work!  Here are a few of the resources we mentioned in the show today,  starting with the article from  the Family Handyman website!

Segment 4: Murder Hornets

Yep. Something else bad is apparently on the horizon in 2020. At least according to the news! In fact, everywhere you look (where they're not covering COVID19), they're showing pictures of INSANELY large hornets known as Murder Hornets. And nothing with the word "murder" in front of it is a good thing. Murder House, Murder Weapons, Murder Rooms, Murder Tigers, Murder Puppies. Nope. Nothing with "murder"  in front  is good.

Well, we sit down with David Popp from Rose Pest  solutions and talk about these insects. And fortunately, right now,  David says, we have  a  long  time to go before we'll see these in West Michigan . . . if they even can survive in the U.S.

Bonus Segment: Fiascos

Betsy stumbled onto a  great podcast from This American Life. It was a collection of stories about fiascos--true fiascos. And we talk about a couple of our own....

 

 

Floral Sea

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This is not a normal sea. It is a sea full of sturdy stalks, topped by blooms of every imaginable color, trumpeting the arrival of spring. They stretch as far as the eye can see, fading from one color into the next. The blooms beckon to onlookers as they sway in the gentle breeze.

The heritage of these simple, elegant blooms is centuries old. For over 500 years they’ve slowly poked through the cold, damp earth, announcing to all the world that the season has changed and new life is beginning.

Forgotten

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There is a place, long since forgotten by time. A place where the blowing grass grows tall around an open doorway. What secrets does it hold? Why is it empty and deserted? It’s a place where your imagination can run wild.

And the place HAS run wild. It’s wild with animals and plants and bugs. They’ve taken it over. Reclaimed it. Made it their home. It’s shelter from the wind that howls across the wide open spaces in winter. In some ways this place has been forgotten, but in others, it has just been discovered.

Peaceful Serenity

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This is home. There is something so calming about the big lake. The waves carry your troubles away as they roll back out. The air smells different here. The breeze feels different. And it’s nothing but water as far as the eye can see. Footprints are made in the smooth sand, then quickly washed away with crashing waves.

Children and adults alike scour the beach, searching for that infamous stone. A little bit of luck and an eagle eye is all it takes.  There is nothing quite like the feeling of this calm hunt. It’s just you and the lake and your thoughts, together in this peaceful serenity.

EP159: Lawn Mower Tune-Up, Spring/Summer Design Trends, Deck Materials, and Hardwood Deck Coatings

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Segments 1: Lawn Mower Tune-Up

The snow has been gone for a while and with all the rain we've had, it might be time to mow your grass. And, because we're all stuck at home, it's the perfect time to tune up you mower before you need it. We cover the tune-up portion in the show but here are some other things you might want to consider doing as long as you're at it.

CLEAN IT

  • Scrape off grass caked on underside of mower deck
  • Brush off grass clippings, etc.
  • Be careful about using too much even with the clean out ports
  • And let it run a few minutes after you’ve done that.
  • Also, you could apply an automotive wax to the deck to potentially stop grass from sticking there — 
    • But you’re better off to just not mow when it’s  wet if you can help it.

 

OLDER MOWER, RUSTING DECK?

  • Slow the deterioration down
  • Wire brush the rust, clean it up
  • RepcoLite’s 449 Metal Primer and Met’l Clad can be used

 

LUBRICATE MOVING PARTS

  • Use a spray lubricant on the front wheel adjusters
  • Grease the wheel bearings as necessary

 

  • Do the maintenance — it’s a huge investment
  • JUST DO IT ALL WITH THE SPARK PLUG DISCONNECTED
  • Consult the owners manual for the recommended steps and procedures specific to your equipment
  • Look online if you don’t have one
  • Check YouTube for How-Tos

Segment 2: Spring/Summer Design Trends from High Point

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, High Point, NC didn't hold their annual spring market this year. But don't worry, we've got you covered! And just a heads up, don't throw everything in your basement away because you think it's out of style. That old wicker peacock chair from the 60's and 70's....yup! Back. In. Style!

Segment 3: Deck Materials

We sat down with Jason Slenk, one of the owners of Overisel Lumber in Holland, before the pandemic to talk about the different decking materials that are available.

Segment 4: Hardwood Deck Coating

Following our conversation with Jason, we decided it might be beneficial to discuss what type of stain to put on a hardwood deck and what to do if you have an old Trex deck that has seen better days after years of fade.