All posts by hardwarelifewife

Retired Educator& Co-owner of Wilkes County Hardware

customer service, entrepreneurship, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, nuts and bolts, old hardware stores, plumbing, Shop Local, southern living, wood stove, work, Works in Progress

ABC’s of Wilkes County Hardware…

September 13, 2023 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

When people walk into our hardware store, they often say y’all have just a little bit of everything here don’t you!!! As we have entered into year number 8 of business, we have slowly expanded and refined our offerings to our customers. Here’s a sampling of our product offerings via ABC’s of Wilkes County Hardware.

***Top down view overlooking the back corner of Wilkes County Hardware***

Let’s begin by diving into the Amazing finds from All Around the Hardware Store! Sometimes our building might be considered an “Antique” due to its advanced age…1905 is A long time AGO!

A- Almanac, acetone, axe, American Flags, animal repellents

B- bird feeder & seed, BBQ sauce, brooms, bi-fold door hardware, bungee cords, batteries, black iron fittings and pipe cut to size, bolts

C- Customers! We can’t do this without you!!! Thank you for shopping with local with us! It’s soooo easy to forget about local businesses when you’re busy running errands or just headed to that “box store” for something on your to do list. Keep the CASH in our community!

***Thanks for shopping local and keeping the CASH in our community!***

C- Caulk, candy, command strips, canning supplies, cleaning products, compression fittings, chain cut to size

***Clorox wipes and much more can be found in our cleaning area***

D- Drill bits, DampRid, Denatured Alcohol, driveway and asphalt coating/pothole patch, door locks

E- electrical supplies, eye hooks, Ecos soaps, extension cords

F- Freight Elevator .. we have an Oldie Goldie, I bet you might find this as you wander through the hardware store.

***The old freight elevator… We don’t use it much anymore but it’s still works***

F- fastener aisle, flower seeds, fly strips, fly swatters, flashlights, fuses(replacements), flower pots

***Sometimes all you need it just one bolt or fastener… that’s ok with us, no need to buy a whole box. This area of our store is often full of customers all day long.***

G- Gardening tools, garden seeds, grass seed, gloves, glues, grilling accessories, Greased Lightning, gas cans, galvanized fittings and pipe cut to size, window glass cut to size

***Lawn and Garden area has been moved towards the front of the hardware store. We are excited to offer new products in this busy area for our customers.***

H- hammers, hooks, hinges, hand tools, hose barb, Howard wood cleaning products, honey(it’s local y’all!)

***Only local honey sold at Wilkes County Hardware!!***

I-I didn’t know you had this! I should have come here first… we have heard this a few times over the last 8 years when folks find what they need and more as they shop.

I- Iron Out, ice melt

J- Juxtaposition of old school hardware store with excellent customer service found in 2023 versus “the box store experience”in 2023, no self service checkout here.

J-Japanese beetle traps, joint compound

K-keys duplicated with ease, knives, kerosene heaters & replacement wicks

***Wayne has been a fixture inside Wilkes County Hardware for over 20 years. He just celebrated his 85th birthday!!! I bet Wayne has made a key or two for you.***

L- Ladder wall, this wall showcases some of our amazing local artisans work.

***Our local artisans are prominently featured along the back ladder wall.***

L- lag screws, locks, light bulbs, laundry detergent, Lodge Cast Iron, Lava soap, Linseed oil, Lexel caulk, liquid chlorine

M- Mural.. have y’all noticed the new mural on the front side of the building? Why the chicken??? Our building was a poultry processing plant in its early years.

A more detailed account is linked here for you from an earlier blog post. https://hardwarelifewife.com/2022/11/21/mr-ee-eller-chickens-and-turkeys-nothing-but-clucking-gobbling-and-plucking-out-the-truth/

M- Meyers Clean Day, Magnets, mineral spirits, mops, Milwaukee, metric bolts

N-nails … we don’t sell these by the pound anymore but we have small size packs available for purchase as well as larger sizes, National Hardware what an amazing selection of all things related to home hardware and more!

O- Order it for me please! Yes, we special order items for our customers each and every week

O- O-rings of all shapes and sizes!

P- Pool supplies, paper towels, PVC fittings, PB Blaster, Pex fittings, plungers, plumbing supplies galore! PVC pipe, padlocks, potting soils, polyurethane and and plethora of so much more!

***Our plumbing section has been recently updated***

Q- Quite a step back into time.. our building dates back to 1905, they don’t build them like this anymore. You can quickly find what you need and save TIME by not driving to a box store fighting the traffic or the crowd… and if you need our help we are here to answer any questions you may have about your project.

Q- Quick knife/scissors sharpening done in a matter of a few minutes, Quartz piston clock… locally made

R- Repairs made to lamps, kerosene heaters, re-screening windows, and tool handle replacement

***Fall and winter season is a busy time for Kerosene heater repairs***

R- Ready Seal, rodent control products, Rid-X , rope cut to size or just buy it by the package.

Rocking chair… we brought this chair from our house once we bought the hardware store. I rocked my son as a baby in this rocking chair. It was a sweet reminder of home. Harry loved this chair as well.

S-Staff… we are blessed with an amazing team!

Richard & Coby … these two can fix just about anything!

Lisa .. we can’t live without her! She is a gem

Lastly, Carter Call … I don’t seem to have a good photo of him but he has been a star pool guy all summer long! Look for him at the hardware store in the afternoons and Saturdays to come!

S-snow shovels and sleds, locally made soaps, suet, screws ( sheet metal, lag, stainless, self tapping, wood, deck), spray paint, Shark Bite, sandpaper, stove pipe, screwdrivers and much more!

T- Take a few minutes to wander from the front of the store to the back of the store.. you never know what you might find!

T- Traeger Grills & pellets, tape, tape measures, toilet repair, toilet paper, Tarn-x, TSP, tarps

***We keep a variety of pellets in stock for our established Traeger customers.***

U- U-bolts and unique gifts from locally sourced artisans

V- Don’t be vexed by our selection of furnace filters, we have so many different sizes in stock!

V- Vulcan 55 gallon drum liners for your trash can

W- Wood stove… warm by the fire on those cold days

***It won’t be long until this stove will be back in action again!***

W- wheelbarrow, WD-40, window glazing, water hoses, locally made wooden bowls and boards, weed eater trimmer line, wing nuts, wrench

X- Xacto blades, Xtreme contractor trash bags

Y-y’all are always welcome

***Our doors are normally open for most of the warmer months, and conversations are usually flowing most of the day… near the old wood stove.***

Y- Yellow Quell- did you know that we sell pool supplies and test pool water???

***Pool season runs from May to September for most of our pool customers. Thanks for shopping locally with us!***

Z- Zep products, Zip ties(cable ties) , Zero-G lightweight hose

***The best water hose for watering plants***

That’s just a glimpse of some of the familiar hardware products that we have inside Wilkes County Hardware. Richard and I are proud to continue into year 8 with new products to be added into the hardware store lineup as the next year progresses. Thank you for your business and continued support.

blogging, challenges, change, finding inspiration, Hardware Store Life, Resilence, southern living, work, Works in Progress

Under Construction

September 6, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Ever been on a long road trip, cruising down the interstate and suddenly, traffic comes to a screeching halt?

Road construction is a possibility to your delay. When you see the orange traffic cones, we all know what’s ahead. The traffic that road construction creates, can be challenging. It can lengthen your commute time, and forces you to drive at slower speed. A road work zone that is “under construction “ often diverts traffic in a new direction as the crew safely works in another area.

In a structural/ building development scenario, “under construction”, one would expect to see a structural project that is incomplete… with the ultimate goal, closing the project with full completion, a finished building.

Which brings me to ask you today… Do you currently have anything “under construction”? Visually, the bright orange cones might not be around you, but you might be mentally wearing the bright yellow “hard hat” working as the chief foreman in the construction zone, working on your “under construction goals”.

I recently read that keeping a journal of lists can help with mapping out your goals and thoughts…. These little memo books are a great selling item inside our hardware store.

In early 2023, I didn’t have a vision in what I wanted to accomplish in the coming year. Don’t get me wrong, we all have long term and short term goals. Things seemed…muddled, and a clear vision wasn’t coming easily. Sometimes I think we are in a transitional phase before we launch into a new set of goals. That was the case with me earlier this year.

Often with time, a bit of clarity emerges. The results, a few new WIP’s (works in progress) and all things “under construction” are now being realized. Yes, plans divert and change, just like road construction.

I actually have projects that are “under construction”. Slowly, I’m making small, and defined progress on specific goals I’ve set for myself in 2023. Clipboard in hand, hard hat, and construction checklist ✅. Revealed from my mental clipboard …here’s the short list.

1. Writing and Blogging – In 2023, my blog has a new format (look) that visitors may have noticed. I’m incorporating more bold text words and information so a reader can grab the overall message from the blog post from a visual pre-read. I’m trying to devote more time to write more each week on upcoming blog posts, and also granting myself time away from writing or blogging when I feel uninspired.

2. Photography– This is a brand new goal for me in 2023! I have NEVER physically printed anything from my camera roll. Yes, me, the one with 15,000 plus pictures on her camera roll and I have NEVER printed anything. Until recently… So I’m beginning to focus on my personal photography projects and enjoying the process of making/creating my own art (photography) for my own enjoyment.

Just a few of my photos. Check out my blog post Everyday Summer which is filled with my favorite summer photos
https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/08/19/everyday-summer-gallery/

3. Weight Loss – ugh! yes, I’m beginning to lose weight . It is hard y’all! 25 pounds lost and now in maintenance mode! I have become much more aware of what I’m eating, practicing portion control, meal planning for lunch, which was problematic for us. Slow, steady progress is what is keeping me motivated .

Veggies are a great way to balance out your hunger!

4. Targeted intentional movement- as Dory said “Just keep swimming “ in Finding Nemo. I have been an active, daily walker for the last several years but I have never intentionally tried to have a daily step goal (7,000 minimum) and to be very cognizant of my movement … not to sit for too long, get up during commercials while watching tv, stand while working instead of sitting and to just keep moving! I don’t meet my goal every single day but I’m much more aware about how many steps I’m making… I’m pumped if I reach over 10,000 plus!

5. Developing my creative side, in a new way… Hand building pottery has been a new challenge… my work is not perfect, but an enjoyable way to spend time learning new things.

My little pumpkin… creating new memories with friends . Thankful for a very patient instructor and friend, Kim Reid!

6. Lastly, Work Goals… We have begun to Re-merchandise key store areas and more! First, Richard and I started with a total change up of our lawn and garden areas, then next to the hardware area.. What could be next???

This year so far, we have refreshed Lawn and Garden area, paints, plumbing, and a few more areas!

I bet we would all agree that living through construction is never easy. Those of us that have lived through a construction project can attest that an ongoing “under construction project” requires planning, perseverance and patience. And we all know that sitting in road construction traffic can test your patience. That being said, projects “under construction” can be taxing …mentally and physically. Change IS and can be hard. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight or make a lifestyle change can attest that it is not easy but it can be accomplished.

Progress can often be slow and sometimes, even difficult to visualize. Let’s look at a construction analogy .. the first few phases of construction are not often seen… ie.. planning, procurement of materials, and even site preparation… but as you get into the last phases of a construction project, progress becomes more visible.

Morning sunrises can set the tone for the day!

Once the foundation emerges, the core structure is built. With a well built structure and foundation, the longevity of the building is magnified… the ultimate goal, a long lasting structure which can stand the test of time. You can actually begin to visualize success.

Now, I’m not assuming that my WIP’s projects are going to go on without a hitch… like as smoothly as spreading peanut butter on a piece of hot bread that just popped out of the toaster… which results in a smooth, creamy, melting, and warm peanut butter toast, but boy it’s a great way to begin your day. Just keep moving forward.

A new journey begins, August, bucket list, flowers, Foggy Morning, Hardware Store Life, southern cooking, southern living, Summer, Summer Photography

Everyday Summer Gallery

August 19, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Summer is yet another season. Many of y’all may not enjoy the hottest months of the year, but don’t forget to savor the memories you make each and every day with those you love. Each photo I have taken has a connection to those I love, even though it may not a visible sign to you as you view each image. I hope you enjoy my favorite collection of summer 2023 photographs and remember to enjoy each day.

Summer is simply incomplete without the best fresh fruit

This little zinnia was too cute not to capture, simply imperfect but stunning at the same time

Our new mural was completed this summer outside the hardware store

Summer in Wilkes County, cut hay, roll it and putting it up

The Blue Ridge Mountains, storm is coming

Heavy August Morning Fog… Foggy mornings in August could indicate the snowfall forecast for our coming winter season

Summertime Vacay… a walk along a pier to find this Oldie Goldie

Kudzu blooming is aromatic and distinctive

almanac gardening, garden, Hardware Store Life, July, southern living, Summer

July Gardening Guide

July 11, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/07/02/fine-tuningthe-dog-days-of-summer-yes-siriusly/

July is a bountiful time in the garden. All of your hard work that has been done thus far, is now rewarded with beautiful blooms and hopefully a bountiful summer veggie and fruit harvest.

July is also a time of the dreaded heat… the Dog Days of Summer has begun! The days can often be sweltering. (Find the link above on my blog about the Dog Days of Summer) It is easy to retreat inside and enjoy the air conditioning grandiose glory, and as a result, your garden may begin to suffer under the abuse of the intense sun and heat. Don’t get discouraged though! Check out the following tips and best days to garden for July.

July Best Days To Plant or Transplant:

July 6-7

July 10-12

July 15-17

July 23-26

July Best Days to Weed

July 13-14

July 18-22

July 27-28

July 31

July Garden Tips:

1. Water well- especially your containers. These will dry out very quickly! Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger ones! You may need to water these every day if rainfall is insufficient. Water them throughly from the base not from the top down.

WCH Recommends: Zero G water hose for a lightweight water hose for summer watering.

2. Walk your garden frequently to monitor… weeds, and pests. I try to walk in my yard several times a week after dinner to evaluate any new potential problems.

This has been a very popular item for summer gardens, sadly!!!

3. It’s hot, but don’t forget that weeds grow in those humid summer days too! July Weed control is important to keep up and add layer of mulch to prevent future weeds from growing.

4. Deal with pests and insects in your garden quickly to prevent further damage, stop by Wilkes County Hardware to see what options you have available to keep your garden growing all summer long!

From fungal diseases to pest control problems in your summer garden, we can help you find what you need! We keep a great selection of lawn and garden care products. If you don’t see what you need, ask us to order it for you!

5. Deadhead flowers and apply fertilizer when necessary.

An amazing liquid fertilizer! Now on sale for 9.99!!!

6. Remove spent spring or early summer plants and replace or replant.

7. Plan your fall garden: begin seeds indoors or in shady areas of your garden.

Now is a fantastic time to purchase your seeds for your fall favorites!

8. Divide irises in late July.

9. Enjoy the harvest! It’s time to gather some fresh veggies or flowers this month!

Nothing better than an amazing peach from your local farmers market or orchard in July. Please don’t forget to shop local… all the ways that you can!

Dog Days of Summer, flowers, garden, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, Homemade Ice Cream, July, Natural World, old hardware stores, pools, recipe, seaonal change, Sonker, southern cooking, southern living, Summer, Summer Fruits

Fine Tuning…The Dog Days of Summer… Yes, “Siriusly”

July 2, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Did you know that Sirius XM radio name originated from the star Sirius, also known as “ The Dog Star”???

Y’all know when The Dog Days of Summer time of year has come, the weather can be intense. Once these days arrive, they can be long and sweltering. Dog Days can be an unbelievably unpleasant portion of the humid Southern summer season… akin to a dog’s wet tongue wagging endlessly to cool down or the literal feeling of being slapped in the face with a wet washcloth when walking outside.

During the **Dog Days of Summer**, the temperature can climb well into the 90’s with high levels of humidity too! Ugh!

**WCH Recommends:** A good working thermometer will help you know what to expect during the hottest days of summer.

“Sirius” Facts: Things You Should Know About Dog Days of Summer

1. The Dog Days of Summer begins each year on July 3rd and extends until August 11th.

2. The Dog Days of Summer lasts for 40 days, and it can be some of the hottest days of the summer season.

3. The name, The Dog Days of Summer, refers to the time shortly after the summer solstice and the appearance of the “Dog Star”, Sirius, rising in the summer sky.

No, the name “**Dog Days”** truly has nothing to do with your cute little dog. It’s all about what’s happening in the morning sky. Times have changed from the perspective of the Greeks and Romans, thoughts about ***Dog Days*** but the name has lingered.

“Sirius Superstitions”: Dog Days of Summer

1. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Dog Days were a time of bad luck, and drought. The long, hot days of summer could drive men and dogs “mad”… Here are a few superstitions that I found interesting while researching The Dog Days of Summer.

2. Snakes will strike at anything during Dog Days for they are blinded. Be wary as you trek outdoors during these 40 days!

3. If it rains on July 3rd, on the first Dog Day, then more rain will follow.

4. Dogs are likely to go mad during Dog Days.

5. Wounds will not heal properly during Dog Days, the old wives tale suggests that one should put off surgeries until after Dog Days have passed.

6. People are more prone to drowning during Dog Days.

Pool swimming safety is always important all summer long. Swim safely by keeping your pool water clean and sanitized, and never swim alone.

Now that the calendar has hit July 3rd, and The Dog Days of Summer have arrived, how can we all stay in “cool” state of mind all summer long??? Check out the next few sections of the blog for some helpful tips.

AC Cooling Tips: Dog Days of Summer

1. Keep your furnace filters clean! Remember to change your furnace filters once a month!

Wilkes County Hardware has a vast selection of many sizes of filters! Ask us to find your size for you.

2. Try not to place your furniture on your vents, reduced air flow will make your unit work harder. Close blinds or curtains during the day to keep the excess summer heat out.

3. Remember to keep your vents open to allow good airflow throughout your 🏡 home. This helps your AC unit to work properly.

4. Stop by into Wilkes County Hardware and buy a whole box 📦 of filters at once! Plan ahead, saving time and another trip to town🚗. If you don’t see your exact size?? Ask us to order your size!

5. Changing out your furnace filters regularly may save you a bundle in the long run… Spend the money on a filter each month to keep your unit working effectively and stay cool all summer long.

Hydrate!!! Watering tips for your flower garden: Dog Days of Summer

1. Water in early morning or evening. Rain water is ideal, but not always going to happen everyday.

2. For your beautiful container plants, watering daily might be necessary!

**WCH Recommends:** Zero G! This is a lightweight water hose that makes watering an easy chore in the summer.

3. New additions to your garden will need extra TLC. Be ready to monitor them closely and anticipate watering these new plants more frequently than established plants in your garden.

**WCH Recommends:** A good watering can goes a long way during ***The Dog Days of Summer***

4. Water any plant thoroughly if signs of wilt begins. The plant will be under great stress and needs an immediate boost.

5. Water plants and flowers from the base not from the top. Use a watering wand, watering can, or a sprayer that can help you achieve success.

**WCH Recommends:** Watering wands extend the length of your hose and allows for less bending in the garden.

6. If you are using a heavier water hose to water your summer blooms, move your hose in place before turning on the water flow to make it easier to maneuver.

**WCH Recommends:** These hoses are heavy duty and ready to go the distance you need.

Pool Splashing Fun: Dog Days of Summer

Pools are a great way to cool off in the hot, sultry, humid Dog Days of Summer.

1. Pool maintenance is an ongoing process all summer long, even on the hottest days of summer. Chemical reagents that you use to check chlorine & PH need to be replaced each year! If your pool water seems a little bit off and you can’t seem to get a good balance of chlorine & PH, check your reagents!

**WCH Recommends:** Replace your test kit each year to allow for accurate testing results.

**WCH Recommends:** Pool owners should be well stocked on various chemicals needed in order to swim safely all summer long. Stop by WCH to stock back up.

2. Your pool will take some abuse during the Dog Days of Summer with the intense summer heat and pop-up afternoon thunderstorms. PH and chlorine levels can dive down into dangerous levels if left unchecked. Stop in with a water sample for a FREE water analysis and pick up the chemicals you might need in order to keep swimming safely all summer long!

Tips on Beating the Heat During Dog Days of Summer… Just for Fun 😎

1. Make homemade ice cream during Dog Days. Find the link below for Homemade Ice Cream.

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2022/06/27/southern-summer-making-homemade-ice-cream/

2. Create a Summer Playlist full of your summer favorite songs.

3. Watch your Summer Favorite Movies 🍿 or head to our local Liberty movie theater to enjoy one of the Free Movies each week. I’m definitely going to check out this movie by Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon that a friend just told me about.

4. Get outside and put your shades on!!! Enjoy some summer sunshine!

**WCH Recommends:** You can’t beat $3.99 for a pair of shades! Make sure you have bug spray and sunscreen too!

5. Take the kids or grandkids and go pick some summer fruit… blueberries, blackberries, or peaches!

6. Make a Sonker with your fruit picking finds. Find the link below for recipe for Summer Sonker.

https://hardwarelifewife.com/2022/07/26/sonker-summers/

7. Stop by and visit us at Wilkes County Hardware of course! Our doors are always open in the summer, take a seat in a rocking chair, and enjoy the breeze. We keep our drink coolers well stocked with Gatorade and bottled water as well as other drinks. Hydrate and simply relax!

Celebrating the End Of Dog Days of Summer

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business