February… the shortest month of the year, and this year in 2024, Leap Year! February acts as a bridge month between the end of the winter season to the coming of Spring and time change.
I hope that your month of February was filled with sunshine, joy, love, and kindness. Onward to March and Spring! Here’s a few of my February favorites from 2024.
A beautiful gift from the heart… 💜
Favorite February Photo Captures
Purple Heart… February 1st SunriseV NeckBlue Skies… dotted our path along the Greenway, the water was remarkably still in several places along our path.Stay Gold– February 5thThat Touch of PinkMorning GlowTrailing Behind… Contrails marked the morning skies February 5thCatching sunset through the treesCotton Candy SunsetBetween Two Trees … Sunrise February 8thGolden Opportunity Touchdown! Clouds reaching down towards the mountains on a rainy February MondayA New Beginning… Fantastic Friday morning sunrise in February!Sunday Reset…The weekend offers a chance to recharge, refresh and reset your energy levels. This Sunday evening sunset didn’t disappoint. I’m definitely enjoying the later sunset times… Spring will be coming soon!Pushing Up… I almost walked right over this blooming beauty! This tiny little flower has found its space inside the concrete sidewalk.Blue Skies… Late February has brought warmer temperatures in the afternoon and bright blue skies.Cat Walk … as we walk on the Greenway we often spot the feral cats 🐈⬛. Here’s one enjoying the morning sunshine after trees have been cut down along the border of the Greenway near Smoot Park. Simply “Purrfect” … this kitty found the perfect place to enjoy a bit of morning sunshine
Creating in February
Making bread… tackling another challenge and it was fun, and tasty!Glazing Success!!! I created/made this acorn last fall. It was one of the first pieces that I made on my own at home. I had lots of help with the finishing touches from Kim Reid. After much discussion it went into the kiln for last firing in February. Thanks Kim!Bunny Building… learning to create something new with one of my besties!Glazed and finished!!! Too cute!!!
The Hardware Store… Favorite Photos from February
All Keyed Up… Key Contest fun inside Wilkes County Hardware this month… 353 keys inside the jar and yes, I counted them 🤪Wood… we go through a lot in day ! Valentine 💝 Gift ideas! Finding flowers inside the hardware store!Wood and roses…End cap switch out… right side was winter setEnd cap switch out… getting ready for springSpring Refresh continues by adding a touch of green to the front. Terrariums! I love this one with the bunny on top! What a great way to welcome Spring into your home!
Meanwhile back at the ranch…
My dishwasher died this month and hand washing the dishes has become a daily task until a replacement is found… here’s a few thoughts on the blog about hand washing dishes in case you missed it this monthhttps://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/02/12/all-washed-uphand-washing-dishes-a-chore-or-a-pleasant-dish-traction/New dishwasher ordered and installed by my boys February 25th.I make up the bed everyday and these two enjoy putting the pillows and blankets where they want them 🙄. It’s a “ruff 🐶 life.” First signs of blooms of my Lenten RoseFirst blooms! So exciting!!!Framing up a few favorite photos this February Bingo! Well, not this time, but we had fun playing with friends!I’ve been reading and researching about the 5 pockets of Centenarians found across the globe… called the Blue Zones. Each of these groups share similar characteristics that have increased their longevity. Netflix also has a documentary on the subject. Fascinating topic!!!
Spending time back on the regular big three networks as some of our favorite shows are back on air!!! Yah!!! Streaming in February… Apple TV Masters of Air, Netflix Sweet Magnolias, The Pacific, Living to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, Super Bowl Sunday and much more!I have spotted the first blooms on one of my overgrown Forsythia… spring beckons as we approach March. Bring it on Spring!!!
Do you know how to read an almanac??? This is one of the those things that was passed down to me. My Granny taught me how to use and read the Blum’s Almanac. I’m very thankful that she taught me how to do this. A part of my Granny’s legacy now can live on with me as I plant each season. I do plant and transplant by the almanac signs and use the Almanac prior to planting. It’s my “Gardening Bible”.
Here’s the signs I look for to plant or transplant Full Month view by each day complete with moon phases The signs to stay away from when you need to plant 🪴 but these are great for weeding or trimming.
I hope this is a helpful tutorial especially if you have never done or used this before via picture format. Wilkes County Hardware keeps the Blum’s Almanac in stock each year. Last year was the first year that we debuted the garden calendar. Look for the 2024 editions to arrive in November.
This is definitely the quick version of a plant guide!!! Love it 😍
FYI: Some folks will not get a haircut, have a dental procedures, or even have major surgery IF the sign isn’t correct. I have answered many questions for people when it was a good time to can, or what the correct body sign was because they had a medical procedure upcoming.
Dental procedures… wait for a sign that is below the waist for faster wound healing.
I am a firm believer in using this as my planting guide. I haven’t ever used the Almanac to plan a surgery or a haircut, so I can not speak to the effectiveness of this expertise… the Almanac does say it does not give medical advice, but provides advice on the best days to do such activities such as gardening, and cooking. The “Zodiac man signs” are included as the 12 signs dividing the human body into parts. Ancient astrologers believed that each sign influenced a certain portion of the body, so folks have used this for years seeking the “best days” medical advice.
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 Squash Cheddar & Rosemary Bread Summer temperatures often climb high! Light fog hanging in the trees This little zinnia was too cute not to capture, simply imperfect but stunning at the same time Love the red! Our new mural was completed this summer outside the hardware store Sunlight filtering in through the trees In bloom Lovely, large petals! Summer in Wilkes County, cut hay, roll it and putting it up Growing Grapes The Blue Ridge Mountains, storm is coming Blue Ridge Overlook Unique Heavy August Morning Fog… Foggy mornings in August could indicate the snowfall forecast for our coming winter season Good morning sunshine! Purple Crape Myrtle Canning season Growing corn fields Summertime Vacay… a walk along a pier to find this Oldie Goldie Calabash On my perch Clouds stirring in the water Pier walk Serenity Heavy clouds above the pier A quiet place Kudzu blooms Kudzu blooming is aromatic and distinctive
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. Here’s my cute little dog, JoyAnd cutie pie, Cookie
“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 DogDays 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 DogDays, 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!
WCH tests pool water 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.
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.
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
August 11th marks the official end of the Dog Days of Summer. Celebrate the end of the hottest days of summer! This year, I’ll play the song, The Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine on August 11th, will you join me?
These daisies started blooming last week. Just in time for the beginning of June.
The warmer temperatures are definitely here to stay. After reviewing the almanac for the entire month of June, it appears that it is a wonderful time to share with y’all all of the information for you to get growing this Month in June. No, it’s not too late to plant! We still have plenty of warm days ahead to begin seeds, and enjoy flowers all summer long.
Stop by and pick up a few more seeds! We have a small bundle of these gardening guides left. Stop by to pick one up soon!
June Gardening Guide
June 1-2 Planting DaysJune 3-4 : Harvest Days These lettuce seeds were planted in May and almost ready to harvest! June 5-6 : Plant root crops, prune to encourage growth June 7-8: Destroy weeds, and harvest crops . Wilkes County Hardware has a wide selection of weed control products… sprays and concentrate. June 9-10: plant, transplant, prune to encourage growth, apply organic fertilizer. Black Wonder composting soil now back in stock!
June 11-12: Harvest crops
June 13-14 : plant, transplant, prune to encourage growth
WCH Recommends: Baccto potting soil
June 15-17: destroy weeds, harvest crops
WCH Recommends: A 2-4D concentrate will not harm your grass but targets the existing weeds.
June 18-19: plant, transplant, seed beds, prune to encourage growth, apply chemical fertilizer
By mid June your garden should be in full bloom!
June 20-24: Barren signs means a great time to do weed control. Never plant during a barren sign… slow to no growth. Never trim bushes or trees during a barren sign.
June 21st Marks the first day of Summer!
June 25-29: planting days resume. June 28-29 are good days to seed beds, apply chemical fertilizer.
June is a good time to address any emerging issues that you might have with your roses. Be proactive, and shop early to prevent any damage.
June 30th: Prune to discourage growth
No matter what you grow this year… flowers, vegetables or maybe both… just enjoy your surroundings. Happy Planting!
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