Category Archives: Hardware Store Life

Hardware Lingo

February 16, 2021 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

Are you familiar with the term Lingo???? Lingo could be defined as special terms or vocabulary of a particular group, or field. Or simply Jargon.

How strong are your lingo language skills???? Are you proficient in many lingo languages???

Do you speak or have the capability to decipher social media lingo??? IG, DM, Messenger, blog, insights, algorithm, stories, FB Marketplace, Tik Tok… shall I go on???

Every profession has lingo or vocabulary that only those who work there become proficient in the lingo, case in point, IEP, PDP, 504, EC, AIG, Canvas, weebly, wiki… shall I continue???

The teacher vocabulary was rich in lingo terms. Richard’s eyes used to roll back in his head when teacher talk began with another teaching professional, preferring a quick exit out of the conversation and he would just leave us to talk.

I’m sure that as you are reading this your mind is reviewing all the lingo terms you use in your profession. 🧐🧐🧐🧐

Hardware store work is no exception, hardware terminology/lingo seems to be as vast as our Midwest Fastener aisles… no kidding!!! 😂😂😂😂

The terminology is immense and no specific area of the hardware store seems to be immune to the lingo… fasteners… grade 8, metric, carriage bolts, wood screws, finish nails,toggle bolts, washers, taps, nuts, & hex bolts. I must say the terminology seems to never end in this section…

Plumbing- pvc, cpvc, pex, faucet stems, flange bolts, flapper… don’t even get me started on pipe threading terms… 🙄

Lawn and Garden: Diatomaceous Earth, pre- emergents, male & female garden hose adapters, spade,D-handle shovels…

Needless to say, each area of our store is strong in hardware lingo language and it has been an amazing journey to learn this new hardware store language.

In order to communicate effectively with our customers, you must be able to fully interpret what their hardware store needs are when they are shopping inside your store.

Sometimes hardware lingo terms are used to fully describe the need. But not always is it clear what they are seeking, it might be an exploration mission to piece together a puzzle in order to find a solution. Regardless, our task is to use the language we are given and find a solution to the current problem at hand.

Interpret the lingo and find solutions… communication is key. If communication is not clear, or confusing then it is much harder to have a relationship with the customer.

Ultimately, that is why we are here doing business… to serve our community with our hardware store knowledge and skills. Our talents do not lie all in the same area, Richard, myself & Wayne’s skill base are all different.

We try to pair our customers each time they enter our doors with the right staff person that “fits” the current hardware store need.

Building relationships is a huge part of what we do each and everyday. Working to build that strong foundation of returning customers who can trust our knowledge (hardware lingo language included) and giving assistance in finding what they need.

A new journey begins, challenges, Hardware Store Life, memories, Transitions in Life

Full Circle Moment

February 1, 2021 hardwarelifewife 10 Comments

I was standing in my kitchen Thursday morning before leaving to go to the hardware store, listening to Hoda and Jenna in the background on the television.

Hoda began to discuss a feature she had recently saw on Warren Buffett. He had revealed a bit of life advice.

The life advice conversation Hoda was retelling focused on the people in your inner circle, those who you could call upon in times of crisis or need. Buffett had spoken about a dear friend who survived Auschwitz. Every time they would meet someone new, they make a mental note, “would they have hid me”?

Wow… those type of friends or family are the people you need in your inner circle of life. Definitely those who you can count on in times of laughter and crisis….Right???

It was always an an “Aha moment”, when my middle students realized that Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr were born in the same year, 1929.

I retired from teaching in 2019 in order to spend more time with my son, grow as a business owner, and to help care for my grandparents

This interview piece brought several things to the forefront of my mind. I recalled that, Holocaust Remembrance Day was earlier this past week.

One of things we discussed in class was how different their experiences were, but the history of the times bonded them together, they were in the “same life boat of history “.

As I heard the interview from my kitchen, it all came to me…my grandparents were born in 1928. This was not a revolutionary insight, but more of a full circle moment for me.

I have lost two people from my inner circle that loved me dearly. The events from the interview and real life combined into my daily existence…

My grandparents would have been there for me if I needed them.

My inner circle may have grown smaller, but those who are inside that circle, are there because they would do anything they could for me or my family.

Grief is hard…

AND Life is short y’all. Find & keep those who are in your inner circle, those who would have “hid” you.

My grandparents witnessed a tremendous amount of history in their lifetime. Just like Anne Frank & MLK, they “arrived in different ships” but they ended up in the same “historical boat”.

Is your “boat” full ??? Who’s in your inner circle of care??? Do you have room for more on board???

February brings me full circle in 2021. This time last year, my grandmother took a huge downturn in health. I spent many hours at my grandparents house and a few hours in between at the hardware store.

With both of my grandparents now gone, I have more time to focus work, another huge part of my life journey, Another chapter…

Perspective. Chapters do come to an end, & things change. Sometimes life is hard. As another chapter begins to unfold, another one concludes.

I realize that these chapters should not dictate my life story, and I know they are an important part of my story.

So I’m ready this February to greet the circle of change, coming full circle.

Hardware Store Life

Handcrafted with Keegan

January 5, 2021 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

Iconic pieces… what else can we say about Keegan’s woodworking????
Join us today in our spotlight story about how Wilkes County Hardware teamed up with Keegan…. if you missed the other blog posts in this series then make sure you check them out as well.
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One of my treasured Keegan bowls at home.

This story begins with a house… a young & newly married couple purchasing a home, just up the street from our hardware store. They often came into our store to make purchases as they were working on the new home DIY project list.

I knew Melanie from work, as a fabulous band teacher. We taught at the same school for a period of time. Conversation & laughter was always easy with these two people. They tackled many home projects. Over time the projects were completed, & they settled into their new home.

Then, Keegan decided to explore woodworking as a hobby in 2018. Keegan brought us a few samples of his workmanship. They were impressive.

Some of Keegan’s first pieces at Wilkes County Hardware

As Richard and Keegan talked one evening, he asked us if we would be interested in possibly adding a few of his pieces inside our store. Our answer was a quick YES!!! Handcrafted with Keegan has not slowed down since.

Keegan has been steadily adding new handmade items to his business. Keegan is always experimenting with new designs, new handmade product offerings. He is an amazing craftsman & a true friend. I’m always amazed at the talent & hard work that he continues to bring to his business.

Keegan has a diverse skill set, and talented in many different areas. Not only is Keegan a DIYer, accomplished musician, cook, woodworker, well… the list is long😌. I believe the term, “Renaissance Man” would apply.

Thank you Keegan for always making us smile. We truly appreciate your support and come support Keegan by purchasing his products at Wilkes County Hardware.
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FYI: Make sure you check out the photos today. The first pic is from a Keegan bowl that he made last year from a piece of wood we found upstairs in our building. It is a special treasure for sure💕, they all are!!!

Hardware Store Life

Home in 2020… a look back

January 1, 2021 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Many of us have spent a great deal of time at HOME in 2020. Just a couple of closing thoughts on HOME for you today as we look back at life in 2020.

2020.. simple joys return into our family Christmas traditions, the return of the Advent Calendar

Home is where you belong, & are loved
Home should tell your story of who you are, and be a showcase of your collection of treasures- albeit the things you love , in whatever form those treasures might be in- human, animal, plants, objects, etc
Home can be a feeling, do you have multiple places where you truly feel at “home” when you are there???
Some folks travel around the globe searching for home
– When we leave home, we leave something of ourselves behind.

How we HOME has not really changed in 2020. We still have those essentials in place. Y’all may have DIYed in your home this year to reflect new needs within your home, but those beautiful memories are still strong.

Still having that first cup of coffee the day… time to relax and plan for the day

One of our most popular posts in 2020, our DIY painted floor

Y’all have made our small business HOME . We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for your continued support during 2020. We truly appreciate it. We are looking forward to another great year in 2021 as your #hometownhardware store.

A favorite gathering spot.. around the wood stove at Wilkes County Hardware

challenges, Covid Life, Hardware Store Life, Historical Events, Life in 2020, memories, Transitions in Life

2020… “a year that will live in infamy”

December 17, 2020 hardwarelifewife 5 Comments

As a retired history teacher, this day many years ago, was a watershed event in American history. Famously stated now by our former President, Franklin Roosevelt, “December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy-the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

How Americans lived and worked simply turned on a dime after this tragic day. America quickly entered into World War II and wartime life began.

My grandfather in his Navy uniform. He enlisted during WWII as a young man.

The significance of history sometimes makes me consider the present day… in 2020, our world has experienced one of those unique watershed events, fighting a pandemic.

No, we may not have sent troops into full combat across the globe to fight against tyranny. But for many folks, 2020 will be a year that will go down in “infamy “.

Those like my grandparents who were part of the Great Depression/WWII Era, were called the Greatest Generation, rightfully so, in my opinion.

The “Greatest Generation” was given the name by news anchor, Tom Brokaw. These folks contributed to war effort, fought in war, & helped however they could because it was the right thing to do. They also worked in war production plants, & rationed… yes, they sacrificed… they didn’t have the basic necessities so the troops could have them during the war. Meatless days, Wheatless days, no sugar, coffee, & gas rationing. What an amazing group of people who made our nation stronger! If you still have these folks in your life, hold them dearly in your heart & prayers each day.

What will history reveal about life in 2020 Pandemic Life??? Will it be a “Greatest Generation Scenario” where folks did everything they could??? Or will it be a more muddled view???

My mind goes back to the old Thomas Paine passage from the American Crisis, “ These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer solider and sunshine patriot will in times of crisis shrink, from the service of their country…”

2020 has brought trying times. No need to elaborate. People are struggling everywhere, sickness, quarantine, economic struggles, business closings… the list is long.

Thomas Paine wrote these words during the American Revolution. By the way, the word revolution, it is a synonym for change…. we talked a lot about this in history. It doesn’t have to be a “change” in governmental structure. Case in point, The Industrial Revolution- so much change occurred in our world during this time.

Think about how our lives have changed in 2020… new ways to teach students, working from home, zoom, curbside business, to go orders only at restaurants, the list is long and still changing daily. Life in 2020 has been revolutionary whether we realize it or not.

I must admit, at times, I wanted to shrink away and just go hide. The difficulties of 2020 have been relentless in my world. I would bet that we all have had those days… but 2020 experiences have made me a stronger person. I’m still here, working through different situations as they arise, one at a time, using friends & family and prayer as my anchors.

The revolutionary quote by Thomas Paine continues, “ but he who stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman”. In other words, we need to have strength to continue on.

Stay strong. Be safe. Practice social distancing, wear your mask, wash your hands. Follow the science. Do all the right things, like our grandparents did during WWII.

We are now experiencing some of the darkest times of the pandemic, our numbers seem to continue to rise more and more each day. Let’s end 2020 with Hope…. Such a small word, HOPE. The power it holds is mind boggling.

Quite mornings… beautiful sunrise always a beautiful way to begin a day… Hope springs anew

I leave you today with more words from the World War II Era, just like I began this blog post… Winston Churchill’s famous line from WWII, “we shall never surrender”. In the speech he gave, he told the people of his nation, “we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields…” in other words, he told them, we are not giving up. We will press on… The “Greatest Generation”.

So I guess that could be a significant lesson for us today in 2020. Not giving up, always seeking answers, finding solutions to difficult problems. “Never surrender”. Go find your hope today.

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