Enjoy Your Outdoor Living Space

Several years ago Jeffrey and Cory built a deck and pergola on the back of our house. We loved that deck. When we built the house, we just had the contractor put some rock in the patio area, waiting for a time when we could afford a nice patio or deck. We didn't get that deck quite as soon as we thought we were going to get it - in fact, we were planning a paver patio that would have been really nice, and it would have been different from what any of the neighbors had. But, the patio would have taken a lot more work, and we may have needed to hire someone, at least for part of the installation. So, eventually we 'settled' for the deck - which just happened to be the nicest deck in the neighborhood! (I may be a bit biased)

A new deck or patio will not only add value to your home, but it will be something your family can enjoy for a good part of the year. Snow may gather on your patio furniture in winter, but the rest of the year your family can make good use of that new patio. Morning coffee, a family dinner, or just a place to sit and read a book or talk to a friend. Your new deck or patio gives you a place to get out of the house and enjoy your backyard. That area of rock we had before the guys built the deck really didn't get much use, but we ate dinner on the deck regularly once we had it. It was just so pleasant.

One of the best parts of the deck was the pergola. It not only gave shade to the deck and made it a pleasant place to hang out, but it also helped to block the afternoon/evening sun and keep the house cooler. We hung some bamboo shades on the two sides by the patio furniture, and those could be lowered to give even more protection from the sun. Besides that, they looked nice.

Whether you need to hire a company that has an established reputation of installing patio covers Salt Lake City, or you can install your own pergola or patio cover, you will definitely want some kind of shade on your deck or patio. Otherwise, there may be times when the sun is so strong and hot that you are forced back into your house and unable to enjoy your deck. (Unless you're like me and really enjoy hanging out in the sun and heat, but I hear I'm not normal in that aspect.) The pergola didn't really protect from rain, but if you live in a rainy area, you may want to think about installing an awning or other patio cover that will keep most of the rain off.

Because, believe me - you will want to spend as much time as you can on your new deck or patio. Who agrees with me?

Ow, Ow, Ow...

It was raining yesterday morning, so I didn't think I was going to be able to walk. When that happens I pick a couple videos from BeFit and do those. I've added several to my Workouts playlist on YouTube so I can find them easily on my smart TV. This is the one I did yesterday, and I'm feeling it today in my abs and in my legs. It's mainly when I try to sit down. Or climb the stairs.


But, of course, it's a good kind of pain.

Most days I walk 2 miles and then come back and do a 10-minute video. I have a few favorite videos I seem to do more often than the others - Ripped Arms and Abs Workout and Ab Power Workout 2 are a couple of them. My legs usually feel that 2nd one for a few days afterward too. Which is a good thing, right? If I'm not feeling it, it must not be doing anything. Thankfully BeFit has lots of videos to choose from so I can mix it up - which I probably should do a bit more so I can continue to embrace the pain get the benefits.

What are your favorite exercise videos? Do they still cause you pain?

Three Signs Your Yard May Have Poor Drainage

Drainage is one of those things that you don't think about until a storm passes through and you wake up to find your yard completely flooded. We certainly didn't think of it when we bought this house right in the middle of a very dry summer. Thankfully our yard seems to be OK, but many of the neighbors have 'lakes' in their yards every time it rains. I guess there's more than one way to have lakefront property! Though I'm sure they're not thrilled with the standing water in their yards.

Anytime it rains, the water needs a place to go. If your yard lacks proper drainage, that water will build up in an area where you may not want it. The excess moisture can kill your lawns and any plants in your yard too. In addition to flooding, there are other signs that you can look for both inside and outside your home that can indicate you have a drainage issue on your hands.

Clogged Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is something that may need to be done a few times a year, especially if you have mature trees near your house.  Gutters consist of not only the individual gutter pieces along the roof but the downspouts too. The water that moves through the gutters goes into the downspouts, which carries the water away from your foundation. If you've cleaned the leaves out of the gutters but they still seem clogged, that can indicate that your yard doesn't have proper drainage and the water in the downspouts has nowhere to go.

Interior Flooding

Another sign of improper drainage is interior flooding. The water can soak into your lawn and move closer to your home instead of away from the foundation as it's supposed to. Excess water buildup can cause cracks to form in your foundation allowing water to get inside your house. That water can seep through at a slow rate, but as the cracks expand, the water flow increases. You may begin to notice warped floorboards and woodwork, and eventually flooding in your basement or on your first floor.

Mold and Mildew

You may not have noticed flooding yet, but when you spot mold and mildew and can't find a cause for it, it's time to contact a professional irrigation St Louis company for help. Both mold and mildew thrive in areas with excess moisture. Mold needs a dark place to grow, which is why you'll see it inside cabinets, but mildew can grow in your shower and in any other room of your home. Those spores will continue growing and moving around your home until you get rid of the moisture.

Any of these signs can indicate a serious problem with your yard's drainage which you will want to take care of as soon as possible to avoid additional damage.

Olympics, Olympics, Olympics

I don't watch sports. At least, I don't usually watch sports. But every time the Olympics roll around, I just can't stop watching. I love them!

I find myself just as interested in curling as watching Shaun White's gold medal run in snowboard halfpipe. I squealed when he threw that board, and I still do every time I watch the video - which I've done a few times. (I've watched Chloe Kim a few times too - that girl can fly!) But seriously, that run! That man can still fly! His 3rd Olympic gold medal and the 100th gold medal for the U.S. in winter Olympics. How cool is that? Redemption and a milestone.

Go, Mikaela!

I pretty much leave the Olympics on all day. I watch skiers fly in the ski jump competition, watch the craziness of short track speed skating, watch some hockey (how did our U.S. men lose that game to Slovenia, anyway?), and then I check out the downhill skiing. And then I go back to curling. There's just something about that game - I just can't stop watching. Oh, and I think the weirdest sport I've seen so far in these Olympics is the luge doubles - seriously, who decided to stack 2 humans on a little sled and send them down a curving, icy track? And is there a limit to how many people you can stack on that little sled? I do think that ride down the track looks like a lot of fun. If you can keep from bouncing off the walls and crashing, which seems to be a serious risk. Oh, and then there are the guys who go head-first down that same track on another little sled...

The biggest problem with all this Olympics coverage is that it goes so late. How am I supposed to get any sleep?

Related articles

• Winter Olympics: Red Gerard Wins First US Gold - Then Uses Blue Language
• Shaun White fell to his knees and started crying after winning gold at the Winter Olympics
• Snow Queen: Kim dominates to take gold in women's halfpipe
• All the Medals the U.S. Has Won in the 2018 Winter Olympics

Adding Quail to the Family Dinner Menu

In many parts of the world, quail is a common and enjoyable menu item. Quail can be purchased in markets, hunted, or raised at home with the right care. For those who are talented hunters and enjoy rising early, quail is extraordinarily common game. With the many different ways to prepare quail and their eggs, it is a wonderful and affordable staple protein just as chicken is.

Purchasing Quail in Markets
When searching for quail in stores, it is important to keep in mind that most marketed quail is farmed. Therefore, it will not taste quite the same as wild or free ranged quail. I personally have not seen quail in the grocery store, but then again, I have not looked for it. Our store has a wide range of meat options, so it is entirely possible that quail is available, at least part of the time. I will have to look next time I'm in the store.

Hunting Quail for the Table
Hunting for quail is a common sport throughout the world, as quail are a very common species and a day's hunt could feed the family for a few days. For those who prefer the flavor of wild-caught game, hunting is the best method to obtain fresh quail. Quail hunting in Alabama is a popular sport, so there are many hunting spots that offer an incredible amount of game. Hunting will provide the freshest meat, aside from raising the birds at home.

Raising Quail for Food at Home
Raising quail at home is the second best way to obtain fresh quail for meals. For those who have adequate room and are not in an urban setting (unless the laws allow for raising quail), quail can be fairly easy to hatch and raise at home. As long as they are housed properly with the right feed and adequate shelter, it will only be a short time before the family is able to enjoy the very first harvest. This is the most hands-on method and it will require the most work.

Quail is a great protein to add to your family's meal rotation. Variety is key to a healthy diet, so add some leafy greens and another vegetable option for a delicious, wholesome meal!

‘so good, so good, so good’

After hearing the news today that Neil Diamond is retiring because He's been diagnosed with Parkinson's, we're really glad we got to see him when he was here last spring.  He is canceling the rest of his 50th Anniversary tour, so there are quite a few people who won't get the chance.

We've been Neil Diamond fans for years, but it was the first time we'd seen him in concert. It was awesome. That man can certainly put on a good show! Sorry to hear that he has to stop because it was definitely something he (and all his fans) enjoyed.

In a statement on his website, Diamond, 76, says, "It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years."

Thankfully he plans to continue writing, recording, and being involved in other projects for a long time to come.

Are You Really Getting a Good Deal?

Anybody who knows me at all knows that I love a good deal. Paying full price for anything is practically against my religion! I believe in combining sales, coupons, rebates, and whatever else I can in order to get the best price possible on whatever I buy. Clearance is one of my favorite words! I especially love when things are marked 80-90% off regular price. Just 25-30% clearance isn't really good enough.

Just because something is 'on sale' does not necessarily mean that you are getting a good deal. It's important to have at least a general idea of the regular prices of items you normally buy. This is especially true of groceries. Many times I have seen a sale price advertised in the grocery ad for an item that I bought at a cheaper price the week before. But, if you don't know what the regular price is for that item, you might think you're getting a good deal - because it's on sale, right? Knowing the regular price will help you know when you do see a good deal, and that's when you buy. If it's something you use on a regular basis, buy several when you get it at a good price. The idea is to buy enough when something is on sale so that you won't run out and have to buy more before it goes on sale again.

Combine sale prices with coupons and rebates using cash back apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51, and the savings can really add up. Just remember - if you don't need it, all the coupons and cash back rebates in the world don't necessarily make it a good deal. Unless it's free. Free is always a good deal.  (at least in my opinion) If it's something you don't really need, consider donating it to someone who can use it.

A money-saving option that I haven't really explored is renting items that you may only need for a short time. Of course, this doesn't apply to groceries, but renting sports equipment for things you only do occasionally is often the best option - at least until you decide to take up that sport on a regular basis. And f you're planning to welcome a baby into your family, you may want to check out baby gear rental Florida for baby items that will only be used for a short period of time.  Renting tools from the local home improvement store for that one-time project instead of buying a tool you're never going to use again is also a good idea. Invest in items you can use for a significant period of time, and have room to store when you're not using them, and rent other items. Just be sure to do your research first. Find out how much it would cost to purchase the item then compare that to the cost of renting that item for the time you need it.

The bottom line is - arm yourself with knowledge. The more you know about how much something should cost or will cost over the time you will use it, the better equipped you will be to know if you are indeed getting a good deal. Remember your smartphone (most of us have those nowadays) and look up prices on Amazon or other retailers - yes, even when you're in the store - to see if you can get cheaper somewhere else. Some stores will even match those online prices, so don't be afraid to ask.

Welcoming Baby Without Blowing Your Budget

Anyone who has had a baby, or is preparing to welcome one into their family, knows that it can get expensive. How does one little person need so much stuff? Cribs, strollers, car seats, clothes, diapers, toys, bottles, etc. The list goes on and on, and it can quickly take a toll on your household budget.  The expenses add up very quickly if you're buying brand new items at your local store. Even if you just happened to find everything you need on the clearance rack - which is highly unlikely - you're still going to spend a bundle (on your new little bundle).

But don't get discouraged just yet. There are ways to save money while still getting the things your baby needs, and that starts with realizing that your baby does not need all brand new items. Invest in secondhand furniture, see if any of your friends who have already had babies can lend or give you their hand-me-downs, and even check out online baby equipment rental, because sometimes it's cheaper to rent than to buy. I had no idea there was a whole site full of baby goods to rent.  You can find toys, furniture, and even small appliances like miniature fridges. The best part of that is that all merchandise is thoroughly inspected for safety, then sanitized and wrapped in plastic, so it stays clean and ready to use.

One of my favorite options, back when I had babies, was going to garage sales. Babies grow out of everything so quickly - sometimes they only wear a particular outfit once - and you can usually find some barely worn baby clothes for a good price. Of course, this isn't the best time of year for garage sales, but many people offer their used baby clothes, furniture, bottles, diapers, and many other baby needs online through Facebook marketplace sites and/or eBay. (things have changed a bit since I had babies 27 years ago)

Of course, when you shop Goodwill, garage sales, or even eBay, you will want to inspect the items to be sure they are in good shape. Many baby things are very gently used because, as I mentioned earlier, babies grow so fast that they sometimes only wear an outfit once. They're also changing and developing so quickly, especially during the first year, that many items, especially toys, are quickly outgrown and discarded as baby moves on to something new.
You'll also want to be aware of current safety standards when buying cribs, strollers, and car seats. I just learned recently that car seats have an expiration date, so be sure to check on that - even if you're borrowing one from a friend.  If the car seat is expired, you'll need to find a new(er) one. Your baby's safety should be of primary importance.

Babies need a lot of stuff, but with all the options out there, you can get all that stuff without completely ruining your budget. And, it can be a lot of fun tracking down those deals and collecting all the things your baby is going to need while you wait to welcome her into your family.

Related articles

• How To Create A Nursery To Support Both Baby And New Parents

Book List 2017

I've been reading all my life (well, as long as I can remember, anyway), but it wasn't until 2008 that I started putting together a list of all the books I read each year. I use Goodreads to keep track throughout the year and then list them all here once the year is over. It's always fun to go through them, and see how many pages and how many hours of reading I have.

Also, once again I'll link to any reviews I did. As always, I have good intentions to review more of the books I read, but I don't always follow through. Let's see what 2017 looked like...

Again, all books are listed the month I finished them. Even if I started listening or reading the previous month - or even at the beginning of the year as with the Bible reading plan. I don't always include my Bible reading program, but this year I started in January and finished in December, and it just fit.

January

1. Brotherhood in Death - J.D. Robb (audio) - 13 hrs 37 min
2. Donny's Brain - Rona Munro (audio) - 1 hr 27 min
3. The Red Badge of Courage - Stephen Crane (audio) - 4 hrs 33 min
4. The Woman in Cabin 10 - Ruth Ware - 352 pages

352 pages | 19 hours and 37 minutes

February

5. He's Still Working Miracles: Daring To Ask God for the Impossible - Dana Rongione - 180 pages

180 pages

March

6. 11/22/63 - Stephen King (audio) - 30 hrs 44 min
7. Tricky Twenty-Two (Stephanie Plum #22) - Janet Evanovich (audio) - 6 hrs 27 min
8. Turbo Twenty-Three (Stephanie Plum #23) - Janet Evanovich (audio) - 6 hrs 16 min

43 hours 27 minutes

April

9. Apprentice in Death (In Death #43) - J.D. Robb (audio) - 13 hrs 6 min

13 hours 6 minutes

May

10. Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover's Mystery #1) - Jenn McKinlay (audio) - 7 hrs 23 min
11. Echoes in Death (In Death #44) - J.D. Robb (audio) - 13 hrs 43 min

21 hours 6 minutes

June

12. How Ideas Spread - Jonah Berger (audio) - 5 hrs 53 min
13. The Chamberlain Key: Decoding Startling Messages from God, Hidden for Centuries in an Ancient Biblical Manuscript - Timothy P. Smith - 224 pages
14. Tidewater Inn (Hope Beach #1) - Colleen Coble (audio) - 8 hrs 56 min

224 pages | 14 hours 49 minutes


July

15. Room - Emma Donoghue (audio) - 10 hrs 52 min

10 hours 52 minutes

August

16. Pennies for Hitler - Jackie French (audio) - 9 hrs 18 min
17. The Waste Lands (The Dark Tower #3) - Stephen King - 422 pages

422 pages | 9 hours 18 minutes

September

18. Vivian Apple at the End of the World (Vivian Apple #1) - Katie Coyle (audio) - 8 hrs 6 min
    
19. The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls - 304 pages
20. Words in the Dust - Trent Reedy (audio) - 8 hrs 27 min
21. The Sign - Shawn Boonstra - 127 pages
22. Once (Once #1) - Morris Gleitzman (audio) -  3 hrs 8 min

431 pages | 19 hours 41 minutes

October

23. Room for One: Learning to Love God, Cast Out Idols, and Bring Your Faith to Life - Kelen Caswell 125 pages
24. When Did Everybody Else Get So Old?: Indignities, Compromises, and the Unexpected Grace of Midlife - Jennifer Grant - 192 pages

217 pages

November

25. You Can't Do it Naked: From Exposed to Fully Clothed in the Armor of God - Kim M. Snyder 116 pages
26. The Advocate - Randy Singer (audio) - 15 hrs 4 min
27. Secrets in Death (In Death #45) - J.D. Robb (audio) - 13 hrs 2 min
28. Between Me and You - Allison Winn Scotch - 358 pages

474 pages | 28 hours 6 minutes

December

29. The Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer (audio) - 3 hrs 17 min
30. Tips for Living -Renee Shafransky - 328 pages
31. Wizard and Glass (The Dark Tower #4) - Stephen King - 672 pages
32. Touching His Robe: Reaching Past the Shame and Anger of Abuse - Leslie G. Nelson - 172 pages
33. The Queen's Poisoner (Kingfountain #1) - Jeff Wheeler (audio) 10 hrs 25 min
34. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version - 1326 pages
35. Collapsible: A Novel of Friendship, Broken Bones, Coffee, Shenanigans, and the Occasional Murder (Collapsible, #1) - Ruth Buchanan - 231 pages
36. Love Story (The Baxter Family #1) - Karen Kingsbury - 368 pages

3097 pages | 13 hours 42 minutes

• Total books - 36 (compare to 38 in 2016)
• Total pages - 5180 (compare to 6574 pages in 2016)
• Total time - 178 hours 55 minutes  (compare to 182 hours 16 minutes in 2016)

Page counts courtesy of Goodreads; audio lengths courtesy of Audible.

My reading goal for the year was 40 books, so I didn't quite make that - unless I count each individual book of the Bible and all the books I read to my grandson, but that seems a bit like cheating. I haven't yet decided what my goal for 2018 should be. Maybe I should just keep reading and see how it's going before I commit.

I didn't do too well posting reviews, either - only 15 this year. I really ought to get better at that - even if just a few words... Once again, scrolling through the list, I see several books that I really meant to write a review for, but somehow I just didn't do it.

How many books did you read in 2017?  I'd love to hear some suggestions for my 2018 reading list.

*if you happen to click any of the book covers and buy from Amazon, they say they'll pay me a small percentage.  Every little bit helps, and I thank you for your support!

New Year New You

A new calendar year rolls around, and we begin to see it all over again. The health clubs are offering special sign up deals and affordable monthly rates, the stores are advertising exercise clothing and exercise equipment, and people are starting new diets and new exercise programs, hoping that this year will be the year. This is the year they will finally lose that weight, get in shape, and take back the life they know they should have.

Are you ready? Will this be your year? Utilize some or all of the techniques outlined below to begin pursuing optimal well-being now:

• Join A Health-Based Community.
  One of the best ways to take your mental and physical health to a new level is by joining a health-based community. Joining a community ensures that you will have support and encouragement as you implement lifestyle changes that promote healthy eating, regular exercise, etc. Use Internet-based resources such as www.meetup.com to determine which local communities you might join to take your health to a new level. You'll find information about different communities that may be active and alive in your local area. Sign up. Get involved. Make some friends and have some fun!
   
• Start Meditating.
  Meditation is one of the most important activities to engage in if you're serious about making wellness an integral component of your life. This technique can work in numerous ways, and the outcomes are not the same for everyone. For example, many people find that meditation engenders sustained introspection and self-awareness, thereby empowering them to cultivate a life that is more conducive to their personal values or professional purposes. Some of the other positive outcomes that can result from regular meditation include better sleep and boosted immunity.
   
• Take Care Of The People Around You.  
  
  
  While many health experts acknowledge that self-care plays an integral role in promoting optimal wellness, it's also important to know that taking care of the people around you can engender a profound sense of well-being. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that practicing empathy can create happiness by making life feel more meaningful. This process can transpire as an individual experiences the emotions of another person and then takes strides towards alleviating their suffering. Your acts of empathy do not have to be confined to the human world. Taking care of pets is also a wonderful way to demonstrate empathy. Note that finding a cat care clinic Washington residents can rely on to offer exemplary pet services is a wonderful way to keep your feline happy and healthy. 

Will those New Years resolutions and goals quickly fall by the wayside? Like every other year? Not if you start now by intentionally implementing new strategies in your pursuit of good health and optimum living. Take one step at a time; make one small change at a time, and then make another one. And remember, if and when you fail - pick yourself up and keep moving forward. Today. Tomorrow. Don't wait for another new calendar year. Every day is a new day, one day closer to your goals.