A bit of magic of the summer season integrated into my photographic lens from this past month. I have truly enjoyed the simplicity of the photographic blog posts each month that I began earlier this year. Photos do tell their own story. July, it’s been a warm month… in memories and temperatures. Thanks for tagging along with me!
I have linked a few other blog posts from this month in here as well. Take your time with this one folks and find all the other blog posts within, coming back to them as you can. I so appreciate your continued support! I hope you enjoy these special July memories in photographic form.
A Walk Around Kerr Scott
ReflectionsPeaking ThroughA Walk By the Lake … If you didn’t get a chance to read Rooted in Wilkes yet, I hope you will get a chance to do so soon!
Home
Contradictions in the SkyTime to BlossomBlue Skies and BloomsYoung BloomsJust Like LaceBusy Bee 🐝In Full BloomAngel TrumpetA peak inside a blooming Crepe MyrtleSimplicity of a trailing vinePeaceful, Easy Feeling… Morning SunriseBarely ThereRising to the OccasionNight skySeeking Raindrops
Friday Flower Fun at Wilkes County Hardware
First Flower Friday… success! See you again August 9th!!!
North Wilkesboro Greenway
Growing Field of DreamsWildflower Dreams
Blue Ridge Parkway
Where the Wildflowers GrowBlue Ridge HorizonBlue Ridge Skyline
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.
Let freedom ring!
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
Why do we celebrate with fireworks each Independence Day??? The first organized celebration (headed by John Adams) was held in Philadelphia July 4, 1777 to commemorate the occasion.
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)
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.
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!
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.
Lemonade, a refreshing summer beverage!
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!
My grandparents grew up during the Great Depression. The one thing I learned from them was never to be wasteful with food. Granny always saved the smallest portion of food and they used leftovers at the next meal often as a new side dish. It wasn’t always a “reheat and eat” type of side dish… They also used leftovers as a soup or even made a casserole. Waste wasn’t part of growing up during the Great Depression. Everything was used to the fullest extent.
I must admit, leftovers do get away from me sometimes, and they end up not being eaten before the expiration. I created this recipe out of necessity, using what I had on hand in the refrigerator and using up my leftovers.
Leftovers are a great opportunity to experiment with pantry staples and mixing in your leftovers. Challenge accepted!
As you review my recipe, please feel free to add your leftover veggies, pantry staples, and spice blends into this recipe to make it your own. This would be similar to a Taco Soup flavor profile or Mexican Chicken Soup as far tasting and key ingredients. Enjoy!
-Chili powder, red pepper, black pepper, salt (1/2 tsp each ) I used these to make a blend of spices to sprinkle over pork chops
– Canned salsa or Rotel (I had 1/2 can salsa left so I used it)
– 3/4 c Button Mushrooms diced (sauté in soup pot with dried onion and dash of Italian seasoning)
– Shredded carrots (1/4 c)
– Beef bullion cube- see note below
– Water 2 cups ( Note: 2 cups of beef stock can replace water and beef bullion)
– 1 can dark red kidney beans (drained)
– 1 can White beans (drained)
– Tomato sauce (1 small can)
– Handful of Frozen corn (leftover roasted or grilled corn would definitely add to the dimension of flavor)
Prepand Make: Easy Stove top recipe or even Crockpot
1. Sauté mushrooms in spices (dried onion and Italian seasoning) in your large soup pot.
2. Add shredded carrots and sauté for a few minutes. Add the diced leftover pork chops, add black pepper/chili powder spice blend. This spice blend will give it a nice kick. Reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/4 tsp to reduce spice.
3. Pour in salsa or Rotel. Stir well. Add water and beef bouillon cube or beef stock (see note above)
4. Add tomato sauce, all drained beans and a handful of frozen corn. Stir well. Simmer on low until vegetables are cooked.
5. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and cornbread.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I took a series of photos on the morning of March 1st during this spectacular sunrise. I posted a few of these directly on my Facebook page without edits. My mom and dad noticed the eagle in the background in a few of the pictures from the series of shots. She had texted me about the pictures I had posted and told me to go look for it… A few other Facebook friends commented on the eagle as well… It was a very sweet surprise for me and maybe a message that It’s Time to Soar in the Month of March.
A HUGE thank you to all who continue to support my blog by reading and sharing. An even bigger blessing, my family and friends who are consistently the wind beneath my wings offering endless support, love and encouragement. Thank you.
I hope you enjoy the photos from my day to day activities in the month of March.
Searching for Signs of Spring… Piper and I always use this Willow tree as a reference for the arrival of spring along the Greenway. The first tiny leaves are forming as we walked on March 2nd.March 5th! What a difference a few days make!March 13th All Damned Up… a huge pile of brush and tree limbs are pushed up against this tree, beaver 🦫 busy at work or excessive rain????“Leafing Up” By March 30th some trees have a good base of leavesGreen Acres… well probably not like the tv show 😂. Planting in progress on the fields along the Greenway Trails Hiding In the Mist… a foggy Sunday morning March 3rdFire Sky Sunrise Enough said, just do it!Peeking Through Breaking Through the Fog Drop In… Rain has been fairly abundant in the month of March.Awakening… March mornings often bring a crisp, cool feeling that brings you awake immediately after walking outdoors.Cotton Ball Clouds Morning Glitter RebirthLavender Skies Good Friday… Sunday is Coming Easter Saturday Sunrise Easter Morning Sunrise
On the Home Front…
Hello Buttercup… My mother-in-law always called these yellow daffodils buttercups. These mini daffodils are in full bloom in early March in my front flower garden. Daffodilin Bloom Bringing the outdoors in… Forcing branches of Forsythia bloomed almost immediately! Will definitely do this again next year!In case you missed this earlier blog post…https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/03/06/forsythia-spring-is-here/Tomato, lentil and vegetable soup (keeper recipe)First attempt at making a Burnt Cheesecake, no crust on bottom! Delicious and easy. Will definitely make again!Reinventing the BLT… Bacon, spinach, avocado, tomatoes and ranch(out of mayo 🤪) I asked Benjamin if he wanted me to make him a sandwich, he said no… it had too many vegetables on it😂Pineapple Casserole for Easter… Thank you Ashley Frazier for sharing your recipe for Pineapple Casserole! It was simply delicious! Hey Bud! It’s a beautiful sight to see the our trees beginning to bud outTime to plant… getting my hands dirty again and putting these in my planters in MarchFinding Clover https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/03/17/finding-clover/Spring has replaced the winter gloom, with abundant blooms… Bradford Pears in full bloom everywhere! Vibrant Blooms of Spring The Pick of the Crop… Annual Tulip picking trip 🌷Colors of the Rainbow Full Bloom Openingand closing act… once tulips fully bloom and open, the flower petals don’t last much longer Cookie and Joy: These two always enjoy #Nationalpuppyday March 23rdBunny building…, it has been fun creating new Easter pieces for this Easter season Easter Sunday Sunshine Happy Easter!
What’s have we been streaming in March???
1. Apple TV: Finished Masters of Air, began Manhunt, and Palm Royale.
2. Max- The Great Pottery Throw Down, you don’t have to be a lover of all things pottery to enjoy this show, it’s a fantastic competition based show with amazing art in progress
3. Hulu Live: March Madness… basketball games! 🏀, The Food That Built America, Lady Bird Diaries, and also streaming our favorite weekly shows.
4. Netflix: The Gentlemen
At the Hardware Store…
Unique Hardwood Chopping Wood still a necessity on the cooler days of March Change in Store HoursAssembly… we do that too!Beautiful afternoons in March… front door open to let the fresh air and sunshine insideNothing but Blue Skies Adding a bit of color to the ladder wallMoving forward into Spring!Saturday Sidewalk Sale!Stacking out new merchandise for Spring and Summer New end cap for Spring Spring Lawn and Garden Ready Count Me In! The jellybeans are counted and ready for your guess! Congrats to Jane Will for winning the hummingbird feeder! Making my own Easter GrassAll finished and ready for Easter 🐣Did you know that you can shop our shelves at Carolina Treasures on Main??? You can find me there checking on the shelves regularly Did you know that you can shop our shelves at Carolina Treasures on Main??? You can find me there checking on the shelves regularlyWho’s ready to dig into the dirt????
Wayne announced his retirement on March 25, 2024.
Wayne Matherly has been an amazing asset to our business as well as a mentor to both of us for the last 8 1/2 years. It’s simply hard to imagine life without him at Wilkes County Hardware.
Richard and I have been blessed with Wayne’s leadership and presence, as he shared and we received a small part of his knowledge. He taught us both so much about various areas of the hardware store. His vast experience with locks and keys, plumbing,and Wayne’s knowledge of lawn and garden has not been wasted… we have soaked up all the time and experience we could with Wayne.
They say that “Age is a just number”but, I know when the numbers begin to grow in size, our bodies often tell us to slow down a bit. Wayne, we definitely honor your wishes to slow down.
So what do you do when a piece of your heart goes home??? I’m not sure… but we plan to celebrate this new milestone of retirement with Wayne soon, honoring his wishes on how he chooses to do so.
Congratulations to Wayne, on a long career in the hardware industry. You will surely be missed dearly by all of us and hoping that you know that you have left a legacy of hardware excellence behind. We love you always! 💕
Wayne at work through the years… 2015-2024
As our month of March concludes, Wayne is soaring into retirement and I’m drawn back to the scripture that I began the month with for strength and courage as we begin a new chapter in our business.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
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The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 