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July 4th

July 4, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

It’s a time to celebrate the birth of our nation. July 4th, 1776… marks the adoption and approval of the Declaration of Independence as the 13 Colonies broke away from England. If you will remember your American history, the conflict between the 13 Colonies and the British Empire had been ongoing since 1775. The Declaration of Independence was officially our “breaking up letter” to the British and another stepping stone to the process of making our nation. Once independence was won in October 1781, with the final victory at Yorktown, The 13 Colonies were truly free!

A peak inside Independence Hall in Philadelphia

What most people do not know is that the holiday of July 4th, Independence Day was not fully celebrated for about 100 years after independence! It was 1870 when Independence Day became a national holiday, and federal holiday in 1941.

Enough of the history lesson! Old habits die hard! The former life of a history teacher… 😂

So how do we celebrate the July 4th holiday in modern times??? Maybe for most of us, Fireworks, Flags, Food, And Family Fun are always at the center of most celebrations whether you celebrate at home or traveling on vacation.

Fireworks

Fireworks in our town are the centerpiece and the culmination of the celebration of the day. Families gather to watch the Fire Truck Parade before the fireworks and at dusk, the finale, the Fireworks. It’s an exciting time for kids and adults to view the colorful show in the darkened skies.

Where’s your favorite spot to view the fireworks on July 4th???

Flags

As flag etiquette and tradition states, an American flag can and should be flown during state and federal holidays. July 4th fits that category.

Upon buying a hardware store in 2015, one of the first things we noticed was the American Flag flying outside the store everyday. We wanted to make sure that our customers could always find a high quality American flag in our store for purchase. So when we arrived in New Orleans (our first hardware show) we made sure to order from Valley Forge Flags to keep that tradition alive.

In 2018, we added another service for our customers- drop off old American flags for proper disposal. Our customers can leave an old American flag and we will make sure the Flag Code of the US in observed in the discarding of the American flag. Our community received this service well and plan to continue to do this well into our future.

Drop off your old American flag 🇺🇸 and purchase a new one in the month of July 20% off!

Food

Summer food is just fun! Let’s face it, the garden is producing wonderful fresh vegetables, fresh fruits are plentiful and quite tasty. What foods scream July 4th to you??? Here’s a few that are traditional favorites at our house each July 4th.

A Lodge Grill is a great option for camping and extremely durable!

1. Hamburgers and Hotdogs with homemade chili (click link to view recipe)

Southern Sides for the BBQ Grilling Season

2. Homemade baked beans (click link to view recipe, see above)

3. Fresh fruit- watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches… ahhh! The list is long and simply fantastic!!!

Wedge or chunks??? Which is your favorite way to eat watermelon???

4. Fresh squeezed lemonade

This dishpan sold at Wilkes County Hardware is a quick, festive and easy holiday drink dispenser. I used the half gallon mason jars and filled them with water, fresh lemonade, sweet tea, and a fruit flavored water.

Southern Sides for the BBQ Grilling Season

5. Homemade ice cream- Nothing is better than a bit of sweet homemade ice cream on the July 4th holiday. I often add fruit into my basic homemade ice cream recipe.

Southern Summer… Making Homemade Ice Cream

Family Fun

Whether you choose to travel this July 4th weekend along with 60 million other travelers, I wish you traveling safety!

Maybe you might be just staying home, planning a cookout, splashing in the pool, or just relaxing the day away… check out the following swim safety tips.

Top 10 Pool Safety Tips:

1. Never swim alone -swim with a buddy always

2. Be mindful of opening and closing times at your community pool or public pool. AND yes, even when you are on vacation as well! Pool chemistry is checked at least once a day (usually before opening each day). Chemicals are often added prior to opening/closing each day and time is a factor! Give the pool chemicals time to work properly and swim safely without the worry of harsh pool chemicals impacting your skin.

3. Obey all pool rules. This one might be obvious but definitely crucial for a safe swimming environment.

4. Be mindful of drains and skimmers. Stay away from these areas as you swim. Educate your children about these areas as well.

5. Protect your skin! Use proper sunscreen and enjoy your pool day.

6. Avoid night swimming… pool areas should be well lit and have lights installed in the pool for SAFE night swimming. This rule applies back to basic pool hours noted at your public swimming pool, community pool or your vacation swimming pool fun.

7. Roughhousing and running around the pool area creates safety concerns. This also includes the safety equipment, like hanging on the safety rope. The safety rope has to be in place at public pools to designate the shift from shallow to deep water in the pool. If it is damaged, the pool may have to close. 😬

8. Stay weather aware. Summer storms are frequent throughout our area. If you hear thunder, it’s time to get out of the pool.

9. Come prepared. Take the essentials: towels, sunscreen, phone (in case of emergency) water (hydration), first aid supplies (bee stings, cuts etc) and of course the best pool snacks!

10. Lastly, keep watchful eyes on all in the pool, even though your kids maybe good swimmers. Accidents can happen can occur instantly.

Wishing y’all a SAFE and Happy July 4th weekend!!!! Have a Fantastic Fourth!

blogging, Dog Days of Summer, family fun, grilling, Hardware Store Life, holiday cooking, Home, Homemade Ice Cream, July, recipe, southern cooking, Southern food, southern living, Summer

Southern Sides for the BBQ Grilling Season

July 4, 2024 hardwarelifewife 5 Comments

The highest compliment a Southern cook can receive from someone is the request of their recipe after the meal. It means the dish was deliciously prepared and well received by those who ate it.

I must admit, when I have gotten a request for a recipe, I feel very honored. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family favorites from the summer BBQ grilling season. These side dishes are not revolutionary, but simple favorites that my family enjoys each July 4th.

So to celebrate the grilling season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the classic sides that have become proven favorites. We usually select Hamburgers and hotdogs each July 4th. Having great side items to accompany the best grilled burgers… well, that simply goes without saying. Happy grilling y’all!

A great rub can elevate your July 4th burgers to a new level. We sprinkle a bit of this one at home often to add a little extra touch of flavor. Yes, Wilkes County Hardware has this available in store!

Keegan recommends to add a splash of Sauce to your hotdog!

Baked Beans

My Mama spoiled me. I didn’t realize that fact, but these baked beans have been a staple cookout food ever since I was younger. I am not accustomed to baked beans without meat. Baked beans without hamburger, well that’s just a plain old seasoned bean!!! Like I stated before, my Mama spoiled me with this recipe, so all other baked beans haven’t measured up to Mom’s.

My Mama always made the easiest, and the best baked beans that we all loved, and we still do! Leftovers are rare. The recipe, in the mind. Not written down at all, because it’s a simple recipe to make, using pantry staples. I hope you enjoy!

Mom’s Baked Beans

Ingredients List

1/2-3/4 lb hamburger (cooked)

1T Dried onion

2T Worcestershire sauce ( I adjust the amount I use based on hamburger, making sure all the hamburger is coated with the Worcestershire sauce)

2 Cans Pork Beans

2 T Pancake syrup (depending on how much sweetness you prefer)

1c Ketchup

Simple Steps to A Great Side

1. Fry and crumble hamburger meat well in the skillet, as the hamburger cooks, add dried onions (1 T)

2. Drain hamburger grease prior to adding additional ingredients.

3. Add Worcestershire sauce to hamburger meat once the hamburger meat has browned. Stir well.

4. Turn heat down on skillet/ sauce pan and add pork and beans. Combine the hamburger and beans evenly.

5. Add pancake syrup for a bit of sweetness. Stir well.

Stir the syrup into the bean/hamburger mixture prior to adding the ketchup

6. Add ketchup. Simmer until beans are warmed and tender (20-30 minutes)

I adjust ketchup level to change the color ratio from a pork bean color to a more traditional baked bean color… adding more as needed I typically just squeeze in the ketchup and stir until I’m satisfied with the color. Note the difference between the two photos

Larry Patterson’s Hot Dog Chili

This recipe was gifted to Mom years ago by her friend, Larry. It was an instant family favorite after she made it the first time. Mom shared it with me several years ago and it has become a staple of our summer cookouts. It does require a bit of time to simmer on the stove top, but it’s worth the wait!

Honestly, it’s hard to go back to a canned hot dog chili once you have had a good homemade chili. This recipe is even better on day two… the longer it sits, the spices have a chance to simmer and get into the chili. I love this one on BOTH hamburgers or hotdogs! it freezes well and I half this recipe often.

What are your favorite “must have” items that you put on a hotdog? 🌭

Ingredients

2lbs. Ground hamburger

2t chili powder

2t black pepper

1T Texas Pete

1/2c Ketchup

1c water

Simple Steps to Chili

1. Crumble raw hamburger into large saucepan.

2. Add all spices and Texas Pete to raw hamburger

3. Add Ketchup and water.

4. Stir well and simmer 3-4 hours stirring occasionally.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

This recipe is based on my pitcher size I typically use.

3 large lemons

1 cup boiling water

1 cup sugar

2 cups ice

4 cups water

Steps to Making Sweet Lemonade

1. Boil 1 cup water. Add sugar to dissolve into water. Allow to cool.

2. Extract juice from 3- 4 large lemons.

3. Once sugar syrup is dissolved and cooled, add to pitcher with lemon juice.

4. Add 4 cups cold water. Stir in 2 cups of ice. Add a few lemon slices to the top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Whether you are enjoying the July 4th holiday cookout or just grilling out for the weekend, I hope you find these simple recipes a great addition to your BBQ fun!

AND Don’t forget the ice cream!!!

Southern Summer… Making Homemade Ice Cream

blogging, Dog Days of Summer, finding inspiration, flowers, garden, gardening, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, Home, June, memories, Natural World, old hardware stores, photography favorites, pools, seashells, Shop Local, southern living, Summer, summer garden, Summer Photography, Summer Watering Tips, sunrise photography

June Memories Photographed

June 27, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

The month of June is the gateway to Summer. Here’s a glimpse of summer so far in the hardware life.

A bit of sunshine and color… totem pole is complete! A huge Thank You going out to Kim Reid for her patience and expertise, this came together beautifully! And yes, your local hardware store can help you with this project! More to come on this later!!

The Mountains are calling and I must go….

**Good morning Blue Ridge Mountains Sunrise in progress**

Other June Favorites

An Overview of Hardware Store Happenings in June

**New summer t-shirts are selling fast!**

**Anyone ready for some homemade ice cream???** Southern Summer… Making Homemade Ice Cream

**Restock of Goat Milk Soap! This product is an amazing seller!!!**

**Blue Door Houses and more, by Kim Reid… these are selling quickly!**

**Mid June brought drought like conditions…** Summer Watering Tips

**Ready for canning season??? We got y’all covered!**

**Reset complete! Wow!!! What a job that was… moving cleaning, canning, outdoor grilling… but well worth it!!!**

**Pools are big part of summer season inside Wilkes County Hardware** Family Splashing Fun-Pool Days of Summer

Saturday morning bunny visitor. He had escaped from his cage from his home nearby the pool that we do daily maintenance for. After a few uncertain hours, we found his home! Thanks to all who reached out to help him get back home safely!

**This month has been a busy month in the garden/yard! Thanks for stopping by to pick up weed control, pest control options… and much more! Thanks for shopping local!**

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May Days are Gardening Days… Garden Reflections

May 31, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

May is a prime gardening month. May flowers are in bloom, the vibrant colors are abundant. For me, the month of May means spending time in the garden preparing for the beautiful blooms of summer and waiting for the growth of each young tender plant.

I must confess and fully admit that my garden is always a work in progress… flowers coupled with growing weeds amongst them. This time of the year, the challenge is to keep up with the pace of weed growth, I usually fail miserably. But, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. The memories and the sweat equity of what has been accomplished so far in the garden.

**Dill is springing up everywhere in one of my favorite flower beds and I’m absolutely loving it!**

My style of gardening is a rustic cottage charm. The cottage garden style is less structured and not as formalized. The plantings flow seamlessly together. This style allows for a diverse mix of plants that I love. Viewing from a distance, the pattern of my gardening style is probably not evident to anyone but me.

The ultimate story behind the gardener and garden itself is revealed walking amongst each flower variety, enjoying the blooms, connecting each flower with its own unique story and legacy.

**This pot came from my Mother in law’s home. It is a cherished planter that I look forward to growing beautiful plants inside each year**

The garden story is each flower itself. I have a garden of true memories passed down from generation to generation. My personal connections to my garden flowers and what I have planted is deeply rooted and linked to my personal life experiences and memories of those who I love. So each May I work to bring the garden story back to life, creating a garden full of beautiful memories and vibrant blooms. Nothing could be better!

All this being said, I do have a few plant friends that I love to plant each year. The striking colors, the scents, the aesthetics, and durability(long lasting nature) of the plant definitely impacts my decisions to continue to place these into my garden. But, many of the reasons why I pick the same type of flowers each year is due to my associated memories with these flowers… past celebrations, or memories of strolling through family gardens so many years ago.

**Red Geraniums are a must have in my garden every year, they bring wonderful memories of my two Great Aunts who always had them in their front flower boxes each year.**

So here’s to celebrating this month with a few beautiful blooms. Enjoy the bounty of the blooms that are amongst you at the close of May 2024.

**These perennials were transplanted many years ago from my granny’s flower garden. She often shared her beautiful garden flowers with everyone who loved flowers as much as she did.**

**Thyme is growing and beginning to flower**

**This planter is an oldie Goldie… passed down to me from my mom several years ago. My strawberries are happily growing**

**New handbuilding project completed, a bright red poppy flower added into one of my flower pots**

**Yarrow, gifted seed packet from a dear friend**

Gardening Challenges this month:

1. Critters crawlers… snakes and lizards 😳 stories and more!!! Read more about them in the latest blog post, find the link below.

**Pest control issues are tough on plants, be proactive and stop by Wilkes County Hardware for best options for your garden**

2. Rapid weed growth- May showers have brought an abundance of weeds! Yikes! Time to get out there and get some weeds pulled and sprayed!

**Several types of weed control options are available at WCH**

3. Excessive Rainfall- My peonies and roses took a beating this month with all the rainfall. It was time to deadhead rose bushes after the rainfall, and I have cut back my peonies after they finished flowering.

4. Deer and rabbits oh my! – I have been extremely lucky this spring and little activity has been noted around my garden, but the nibbles have begun by the end of May😬! Time to grab the granular and the spray!

**Options for deer control are available at WCH**

Gardening Successes:

1. New garden plants finds!

2. Garden totem pole in progress

**These are loosely stacked for now waiting on other pieces to be finished and finalized before the pole is placed into the garden. I hope to finish my first project soon.**

3. Planting on the “good garden days”

Yes, I have read up on my almanac for the BEST days in May… find the link below for May Planting BEST Days. June best days are coming out soon on the blog!

4. Beautiful Blooms!

**Updates to my window to the world (view outside my kitchen window) are constantly changing during the flowering season.**

Hanging baskets on the back porch are beginning to fill in with color

Petunias have been constantly showing off in May

5. Tomatoes are coming soon!

I hope your month of May gardening has brought you joy, and great memories. No matter what state your garden finds itself in, Just get growing!

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Critter Riddle

May 14, 2024 hardwarelifewife 1 Comment

The morning car ride to work is a short drive for me. I’m typically running errands on the way into work, or making phone calls to family…catching up on the latest comings and goings.

This particular morning, I had just left home and the car radio was on and that’s pretty standard. The radio is soothing background noise. What grabbed my attention that morning was the intense discussion between the two DJ’s about the word CRITTER. The opinions were definitely opposed.

“All Creatures, ‘CRITTERS’, great and small…”

One of the DJ’s was intent upon using the word as a negative term in regard to describe an animal/pest situation, such as a mouse or rat. The other DJ debated the word CRITTER as a way to describe any animal. I was inclined towards the later view.

What I gathered from that brief discussion was I never had really thought about that word origin before… was this word, CRITTER a true Southern thing? What is a CRITTER???

According to the dictionary, the definition of CRITTER actually refers to any type animal or creature… all creatures, great and small. The word derives from the term, Creature, as a variation… in regional dialect format. The word first appeared in the early 1800’s in literature as a derivative of creature.

I’m not really sure what I think about this word after my last encounter with the critters of the belly crawling type… lizards and snakes this past weekend😳. My first encounter with a lizard was short, and shocking to both of us. As I dug into an old flower pot, digging out the old roots with ungloved hands, as I began to pull up and out with the old root system, a lizard emerged!!

He was stunned as was I. The “critter” lizard was simply lying on the driveway unmoved. As the shock waves wore off that I had unearthed a lizard, my lesson in grabbing my gloves was brought back to view.

Lesson learned: Grab your gloves before heading into the garden especially when pulling weeds, or digging into areas that are unknown 😳. Wilkes County Hardware has gardening gloves available at great prices!

My other “belly crawling critter” of the snake type, has been spotted in my front flower bed. Ugh!!! Action has been taken to hopefully keep the snake from returning. My eyes are constantly peeled to keep any crawling critters in full view as I walk up the front sidewalk. I think I would actually call him, Mr. Snake, a “varmint” or pest instead of a critter.

Wilkes County Hardware has these available if you need them!

I must confess, my brain went to work quickly on this radio banter probably because we tend to deal a lot with pest control issues/ repellents inside the hardware store.

Folks tend to fall into two camps, as they are dealing with CRITTER issues… repel or embrace/make peace or coexistence with the Critters, making it a bit of Riddle. Which path to take???

Don’t get me wrong… Critters and PESTS are two different things in my mind. Pests can be destructive if action isn’t taken. The question, one must answer is the Critter becoming “Pest Like”??? In order to solve the CRITTER RIDDLE, and make the decisions that are necessary for all critters involved, both should be taken into consideration.

Case in point, Deer. What I have found is that some people welcome the deer into their yards by feeding these critters with offerings of deer corn, or other foods, providing a food source instead of hopefully letting the “critter deer” feast upon the tender garden plants themselves.

Others, repel the “critter deer” away from the delicate gardens in hopes that they will go elsewhere for a yummy treat. The Riddle… requires a bit of ingenuity of what will work well for that critter in order to achieve the desired outcome for each homeowner. Critter v. pest???

Which leads me to ask the question… How do you view that word, CRITTER??? It might not be mind boggling stuff, but maybe an exercise in how we view the outer natural world. A riddle of nature itself.

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

Category Archives: Home

July 4th

Southern Sides for the BBQ Grilling Season

June Memories Photographed

May Days are Gardening Days… Garden Reflections

Critter Riddle

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