Often the Christmas Classics have an unscrupulous or “misfit”character that is central in the story. As the Christmas story unfolds, that unruly character evolves and begins to change over time, reaching a new level of understanding and empathy. The Grinch is no stranger to this scenario. The Grinch has a unique meaning for me this 2025 holiday season.
The Grinch… the neighbor North of Whoville who hated the entire Christmas season.
The Grinch…hated the thought of the people of Whoville experiencing joy on Christmas Day. He stole all of the Christmas presents, stockings, Christmas trees, feasting food and even the firewood logs!!!
The Grinch…hoped the joy of Christmas would be spoiled, every home had been emptied by him as he taken all of their possessions. But, it didn’t happen. The people of Whoville celebrated Christmas anyway.
The Grinch… eventually realized that Christmas had come without all the excitement of Christmas presents, toys, wrapping paper, and all the other components of how we often celebrate Christmas Day. Christmas was about something so much more.
The Grinch… Experiencing Cancer, sickness OR even the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. These life altering events can definitely steal the Joy of the Holiday Season and leave you feeling sad, stressed or “Grinchy”.
The Grinch…personally present for me this holiday season, but NOT stealing the hope for healing, or the joy of celebrating the holiday season with family and friends. Will the holiday look potentially different? Yes. But, so will the next few months. Meeting my care team, Surgery, radiation, and ❤️🩹 begin the process of healing and recovery.
The Grinch… learned that the Whoville community gathered together to celebrate what was wonderfully good about Christmas, ultimately making his heart grow bigger.
The Grinch… has nothing our own hardware community….We are blessed. I always look forward to your smiles, laughter, and conversations as you have continued to shop with us for the last 10 years. You have become a part of our family.
The Grinch… The arrival of Cancer within my own life has made me very thankful and grateful for my community of family and friends who are supporting me daily as I embark upon a journey to find wellness once again. My heart is full of strength, hope, and courage as I continue to live ONE day at a time.
The Grinch… Unable to steal Christmas away, because Christmas is so much more than the day itself. Christmas is more about tiny acts of kindness, compassion, community spirit, and finding Grace in second chance opportunities.
The Grinch… Often when sickness or grief comes, we don’t allow ourselves the opportunity to live in full grace. The daily mantra should be for us all, not just cancer patients to live ONE DAY AT A TIME. When experiencing grief, anxiety, sickness, or cancer, every single day can be challenge with ever changing health conditions, or emotions. Through God’s grace, tomorrow is a uniquely different day. Celebrate the positive days and allow ourselves to rest when we need to.
Foot Note: Earlier this month, I was officially diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer, my Grinch. This cancer was found after my regularly scheduled mammogram. I strongly encourage everyone to keep all medical screening appointments. It’s so easy to get “busy” in the moment and forget about or delay them months down the line.
My initial prognosis is good and surgery will be scheduled soon. I have two appointments this week in Winston Salem. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months. I covet your prayers.
I know many of you that might be reading this today, have faced similar health challenges whether it was long term sickness, loss of a dear loved one, or a personal battle with cancer and can empathize with my personal situation.
Moving forward, we may find it necessary to alter our store hours to accommodate my appointments. Please be patient with us as we try to navigate this new “un-normal” phase of life for us.
Please also consider that if you reach out to our social media pages that a response might be delayed due to this new phase “unwellness” I am experiencing. That being said, If you need an immediate response to a specific product question, please call the hardware store for further assistance. We thank you for your support and understanding.
Wishing y’all a very Merry Christmas season! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
A basket of potatoes, prepped and ready to cook. What’s your favorite potato 🥔 recipe???
The Morning Drive
As I started my car and headed towards work, a conversation on a morning radio show ensued about all the ways in which a potato could be made and eaten… from baked, mashed, to French fries. On that ride into work that morning to the hardware store, I was pleasantly impressed with all of the phone-in callers who were discussing their favorite ways to make their favorite potato dish.
Which, in turn, got me to thinking about the topic itself… yes, the potato is a versatile ingredient.
The humble potato… so much can be done with the potato when it comes to meal prep. Sometimes the “rut” of meal preparation can be daunting and the same old foods are seemingly always on the menu. My hope is that this “spud fest” will be an assist or inspiration to you in future meal planning or thinking about holiday cooking.
What potato dish will complement your holiday feast this year??? 🧐
A Slice of Spud History
Potatoes come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. From the traditional Russet baking potato, fingerlings, red, purple, Yukon gold, white, bite size potatoes, and sweet potatoes, just to name a few!!! Each potato variety also holds a unique starch profile… adding to the complexity and flavor of the spud. The Potato is a global staple in the diets of many cultures across the world. Potatoes are grown in most states in the US!!!
North Carolina hosts a Potato Festival each year in Elizabeth City… did you know that NC ranks FIRST in production of sweet potatoes???
The Spanish Conquistadors brought the humble potato back into Europe after their explorations into the New World. Who would have thought that the potato would ultimately end up becoming the first vegetable planted in space and also the same plant that led to a famine crisis centuries ago in Ireland???
Chunking It Down: Why the Potato??
Potatoes are nutrient dense and a high quality carbohydrate food source . The humble spud is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium. The potato has a much potassium as a medium size banana!!! Plus, they’re a good source of niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and copper. The potato skin holds a whopping 55% of total iron, 34% of calcium, and 17% of zinc. While the flesh of the potato has most of the Vitamin C (30 % of daily requirement) and potassium. The potato offers a boost of energy, a good source of fiber, and a sense fullness and satisfaction from eating the “spud” may serve you well.
Ready to “Dish It Out”
Beautiful handmade dishes to serve up a scoop of your favorite potato dishes available at WCH
Ready to “slice into the world of potatoes”??? Grab a napkin to savor the flavors of the potato and let’s read about a few favorite potatoes that I came up with after that thought provoking conversation from the radio about the humble spud. Enjoy!!
“Soupy” or Stewed Potatoes
These chunks are the perfect size for soupy potatoes… you can take skin off if you prefer
Growing up I will admit my favorite way to have a potato on my plate with vegetables, was stewed or what I called “soupy” potatoes. Mom always scooped them right out of the pot placed them onto my plate before she used the potato masher and made mashed potatoes. That sweet, simple gesture was always appreciated by me. A special little gift to me each time she made potatoes. 😊Much to my dismay, my husband was unfamiliar with this “style” of potatoes! What!!! How on earth could he have never had “soupy” potatoes???? Now, we traditionally have them on New Year’s Day to accompany our pork, cooked cabbage, and black eyed peas Unfamiliar with this style of potatoes??? The Potatoes are peeled, cubed, cooked down perfectly, softened, buttered well, and seasoned with salt and pepper. “Soupy potatoes” alongside a chunk of cornbread, black-eyed peas, or fresh green beans, made the meal complete and hearty. A must try!!!
Garden Potatoes: New Potatoes
These enamel dishpans are perfect for garden chores, canning prep or many other uses!!! Stop by WCH to pick one up
As a girl growing up at home, I didn’t fully appreciate or understand why I had to help with harvesting vegetables in the garden. As a young kid, working outside never appealed to me. I would rather be inside watching my favorite cartoons or Scooby Doo episodes. But my parents insisted that we all pitch into help with the garden harvest, so my sister and I did. I can remember that Dad and Mom always did the heavy lifting in the garden (like digging out potatoes) as we were too young and maybe a bit unmotivated to do much… because our dear little hearts were still wrapped around those Saturday cartoons. But, I helped to pick fresh green beans off the vines, harvested squash, cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes.
Whether you need tools to dig or harvest in the garden, WCH has what you need
The garden haul of freshly dug “new potatoes” were quickly rinsed off with the water hose and carried inside. The smell of those new potatoes, mingled with dirt and earth is one smell I won’t forget. I do remember the love of the cooking of the garden feast… fresh greens beans prepared with those smallest “new potatoes” dug from the garden a true treat each summer!
The classic green garden hose is always available at WCH
Baked Potatoes: Using Russet Potatoes
In the Crock Pot…Baked potatoes in crockpot??? Try it if you haven’t done that before. Yes, save electricity by using your crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours (increase your time with the size of potato) instead of using your oven. I brush mine with olive oil, silt each side of the potato with a knife, and salt pepper and cover it and walk away for a few hours.. dinner success!
Traditional Oven Method… Preheat oven to 450. Use knife to cut slits into baking potatoes, I place mine onto my Lodge skillet and don’t wrap them in aluminum foil. Add olive oil and salt and pepper to exterior. Bake potatoes for about 1 hour. For larger baked potatoes, a bit longer baking time might be needed.
I often use my large Lodge skillet to bake my potatoes 🥔. It works really well!!Lodge skillets are always available for purchase at Wilkes County Hardware.
Side note Ok… I’ve viewed and tried the new trend of cutting baked potatoes in half and I do realize that it reduces the amount of time to bake… my take… I’m just not a fan of this method using a roasting pan. It changes the texture of your baked potatoes in the end. Want a different texture of a baked potato??? Try doing a Hasselback potato. This is another great variation.
Want to add more protein to your meal??? Serve up a baked potato with a hearty meat chili .
Chili Beans Recipe: For Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 lb. Browned ground hamburger
1 can (15.5 ounce) light red kidney beans
1 can (15.5 ounce) pinto beans
1 can (15.5 ounce) cannellini beans
2 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Dash cayenne pepper
Making it…Chili Beans
1. Brown hamburger, while hamburger is cooking combine spices in a small bowl and mix well.
2. Add chili spice blend into hamburger, stir well.
3. Add beans (drain well) and tomato sauce into the chili/hamburger mixture.
4. Cook on low heat until beans have softened for at least 20-25 minutes.
5. Top baked potato with chili
Mashed Potatoes: Using Yukon Gold Potatoes
Potatoes are not a high calorie food in themselves, what WE ADD into the potato makes them a higher caloric source and less nutritional… sorry, this recipe is decadent and rich with butter, heavy cream, and cheese. This is a definite, delicious special treat when I make this side dish.
Recipe for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
Ingredients:
Peeled Yukon Gold potatoes -cubed (small chunks of potatoes will cook faster)
Heavy cream/or whole milk
1 stick softened unsalted butter
Salt and pepper
Cheeses: Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyère, whatever you prefer or have on hand
Making it: Mashed Potatoes
1. Begin with peeled and cubed potatoes in cold AND salted water in pot. Beginning with salted water will lock in the flavor of the salt. Cook on stovetop until potatoes are fork tender.
2. Drain potatoes after potatoes have soften in texture.
3. Cube up softened butter and add to potatoes, add black pepper potatoes to season to your liking.
4. Add a very small amount of milk or cream to begin with. You can always add more cream/milk … it is harder to take away the liquid without losing flavor!
5. Using hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the butter/milk mixture until smooth and creamy adding small amounts of milk/cream as you go.
Sometimes I’ll do a quick chop to make mixing potatoes a bit easier, especially if I’m making a bigger batch… these are a staple at WCH year round!
6. Once potatoes are creamy, add cheese (1/4 cup each) stir into potato mixture.
7. Serve immediately OR Keep potatoes warm by placing into a well buttered casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Mashed potatoes can also be a “topping complement” to a Shepherd’s pie!!!!
Using your Potato Leftovers
My Granny never wasted a bit of food. Growing up in the Depression, she always would save the smallest amount of food from any meal. These leftovers were always used in creative ways…add ins for soups, stews, or served up at the next meal of the day. Potatoes that are leftover can be used in creative ways from making Twice Baked Potatoes, Fried Potato Cakes, to Creamy Potato Soup!
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Potato Soup
Ingredients:
Leftover Mashed potatoes.. no leftovers… 1 container of Bob Evans mashed potatoes works well
1 stick of unsalted Butter
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
Cubed and diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)- potato skin off
Salt/pepper
See note below for extra ingredients to add as a toppings for finished soup
Making it: Potato Soup
1. Cook the cubed potatoes in well salted cold water in a large stock pot. Drain 3/4 of water once potatoes are softened.
2. Add black pepper, butter to pot. Slicing butter into small chunks will allow butter to distribute evenly into soup and melt faster. Do not stir to keep your potatoes intact.
3. Add milk or cream to pot. Filling above the potatoes. I like to do a combination of these ingredients (half/half)
4. Stir in the leftover mashed potatoes the more you have, the creaminess level will add to your soup!
5. Let soup simmer on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes.
6. Add ins… chopped crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or serve along side with hot cornbread!
Cornbread is ready to go into the oven!!!
The Humble Potato… The Casserole Side Dish:
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the sweet potato for most. I know my dad always loves sweet potatoes for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sweet potatoes can be baked, served up with a bit of even more sweetness with melted marshmallows on top of them, or served up as a casserole.
Not a sweet potato fan??? Well, truth being told, I’m not a fan of the sweet potato. But serve up a potato augratin in a casserole dish! I’m all in!!!
Au Gratin Potatoes are different from the scalloped potato… the main difference is that a scalloped potato is absent of cheese while Au Gratin potatoes have cream base and cheese. Need a potato dish in a hurry??? Try the option of using shredded hash browns instead with the cream, herbs and cheese layered into your Lodge skillet or casserole dish.
Recently made the layered hash browns with cheese and cream, it was delicious! Will continue to develop this recipe… so stay posted!
The Hot Dish: A Nod to Minnesota
Ever heard of this???? A Hot Dish??? Southerners may not necessarily recognize this staple but after reading about this potato dish you may want to incorporate this spud into your fall recipe lineup. According to my very good friend Barbara, who grew up Minnesota, the hot dish appears at every church potluck just like the typical potato casserole dish or infamous potato salad would be served at any Southern gathering. The traditional hot dish is topped with tater tots. Those of you who love tots, you will love this dish!!! The base of the hot dish is usually hamburger, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and cheesy. I made a few last Fall and winter. I’m a fan!
My first Hot Dish Attempt… needed more tots on top!!! The base was hamburger and mushrooms with taco seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. It was great comfort meal food!!! A must try!!!
Easy Potato Sides
These dishes would be perfect for picnic lunch!!! Found at your local hardware store… Wilkes County Hardware
A picnic, covered dish luncheon, or cookout isn’t complete without at least one bowl of potato salad. Weeknight meals are sometimes served with the frozen varieties of the humble spud… fries, or tater tots. I love a good crisp tater tot to add to a grilled cheeseburger for a quick evening meal. My favorite way to add a bit of variety to the weekly menu selection is to do Oven Roasted potatoes, fried potatoes, or Steamed Potatoes. Fingerling, small baby red potatoes, or small new potatoes work well with this recipe below.
Steamed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 bag of Fingerling potatoes, red, or new potatoes
4T unsalted butter
Spices: Italian seasoning, dried onion, salt, pepper to taste . Add your favorite ingredients to make this dish work for you!
Non stick Covered pot: Need lid for steaming (I use a Le Crueset casserole dish or a covered Lodge would work)
Making It: Steamed Potatoes
1. Allow butter to melt slowly in bottom of pot.
2. Add small potatoes, I do cut my potatoes in half if they are on larger size to allow for even cooking of the smaller ones.
3. Add spices. Add extra butter if potatoes are not fully saturated with butter. You do not want them to stick to bottom of pot! Add lid. Turn burner heat to a medium low.
4. Potatoes will sizzle as they steam. I shake/slide back and forth the steaming potato pot every 8-10 minutes to prevent them from sticking.
5. Allow potatoes to steam on low heat for at least 45 minutes. Smaller sizes potatoes will steam faster… open pot, use a fork to test for doneness. Fork should slide easily into done potatoes.
The Addictive Potato Chip
Ahhh the potato chip… You can’t eat just one
A little trivia tidbit… North Carolina potato growers also grow more than just the good ole sweet potato. About 70 percent of the potatoes grown in North Carolina are used in the production of potato chips!!! No wonder I love me a bag of potato chips so much!!! Leave me with a bag of potato chips and I can eat the whole bag😬. “Betcha you can’t eat just one… “ the old slogan from many years ago from Lays potato chips. Yes, I think I could eat the whole dang bag!!! Crushed Potato chips do make a wonderful topping for casseroles, and can be added as a topping for proteins like chicken or even fish! Oh, for unique twist, try Potato Chip Cookies!!! Yum!!! A Huge Thanks to Uncle David and Kimberly for sharing the recipe!!! This is always a favorite cookie shared during the Christmas holiday season but would be a nice treat anytime of the year.
Potato Chip Cookies:A Delicious Twist on the Potato
Ingredients:
1 C Butter
1/2 C Sugar
1 t Vanilla
2 C white Flour
1/2 C potato chips (Utz brand works great) crushed
1/2 C chopped pecans
Making it: Potato Chip Cookies
Preheat oven to 350. Mix and cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add flour, crushed potato chips and pecans. Drop by teaspoon onto a cookie sheet placing each cookie about 2 inches apart from each other. Flatten each cookie by using a glass cup, coated with sugar to enhance flavors. Bake 10-12 minutes on 350 degree oven. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Last, but not the least “Holly Taters”
The Holly Farms poultry industry has been rooted in Wilkes since the 1950’s. In the late 1960’s, Holly Farms branched out into the restaurant industry. I can remember the good ol’ days of The Holly Farms Restaurants. We had one right in Wilkesboro which was always busy! Holly Farms Restaurant became known for two key foods… fried chicken and Holly Farms Tater Wedges. Many people have tried to replicate the potato wedges recipe, some finding success with a similar flavor profile. Below is a revised recipe for Tater Wedges that have been a staple for me. Thanks to my friend Susie for sharing her delicious recipe several years ago.
Holly Farms Tater Wedges
Ingredients:
1 c self rising flour
1 c Parmesan cheese (grated is best)
1 stick butter (unsalted)
Chicken Seasoning
Black Pepper
Freshly cut Russet potato wedges (uncooked)
Making it:
Preheat oven to 400. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut potatoes into wedges, wash well. I usually place wedges into a bowl of salted cold water while I’m prepping. Roll/toss potatoes into flour/cheese mixture. Line the tossed potato wedges onto baking sheet. Don’t crowd wedges. Use extra baking sheet if needed for even cooking. Sprinkle seasonings- chicken and black pepper. Cut butter into small chunks, dispersing along the baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes or until fork tender. Turn once during baking cycle.
So that’s it. Time to get off the “couch potato” and go make your favorite potato recipes! Hope y’all enjoyed this “mash up” about the potato.
Are you a Sky Watcher? Do you find inspiration or joy each day by the watching the bright blue skies? Ever find yourself looking up for the storm clouds that are forming around the edges of the skyline? The Sky is a magnificent canvas that “paints” our daily world. The Sky “canvas” changes from day to day, as well as our weather.
Storm clouds rolling in Summer of 2025 near WCH
It was another ordinary teaching workday. By October in the “teacher world” we are fully engaged into our curriculum and integrating every single factual nugget into any conversation. I’ll admit that Seventh grade science and Social Studies provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about our weather. We routinely followed storms in the Atlantic, all the while, honing our Social Studies skills of mapping, and plotting latitude and longitude coordinates. This wasn’t a unit that we completed and left behind in the Fall, we continued to discuss it as the year progressed as the seasons changed. But let me get back to the subject here…
Graphic notes were a standard form of learning in my classroom to help students piece information together in a new unique meaningful way.
It truly was a typical day, a Monday. Normally, I would stay and work and prep for the next school day, until around 5pm. There was always plenty to do, papers to grade, grades to put into computer after grading, run copies, set up graphics for the next day, the list was long. But at 4:00 pm on Monday October 23, 2017, I decided to go home. Actually, something told me internally to go home, so I did. I’m very thankful that I chose to go home.
My drive home from work averaged about 20 minutes, by the time I arrived there, the weather was changing rapidly. I’m not really sure that I was noticing the dramatic weather changes from the skyward view.
My son was already home from school, snacking, doing homework. We both quickly realized that a significant thunderstorm storm was approaching. The sky was painting up a stormy forecast. Gathering up the pups and ourselves, we sheltered in place in the bathroom, this was a first for us.
We had 3 sweet pups at that time…Bella, Elvis,and Gigi
I had gotten a text message from my brother in law who said a tornado warning had been issued for our area. This was significant news for me because he works for the National Weather Service in another nearby state. Shelter in place was necessary. Meanwhile…. Richard was trying to get closed up at the hardware store, but the storm came up way too quickly and he had to wait it out. The storm rolled through our area and caused significant damage in our local communities.
Trees were uprooted along Greenway
In the aftermath of the storm, Richard had a difficult time finding a way around the storm chaos, broken tree limbs, downed trees were scattered across most major avenues.
These items are always in demand after a big storm
If you are local, you probably remember this storm, because it did cause significant damage to our community and the National Weather Service surveyed our area and found that an EF-1 tornado touchdown had occurred.
Sadly, another tornado touchdown was confirmed in April 2024 in Wilkes. Hurricane Helene hit our surrounding communities in September 2024. Severe Weather can leave a defined impact upon our communities.
That’s thing about Severe Weather… it can occur anywhere and seemingly anytime under the right conditions. What is classified as Severe Weather??? Thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), and winter storms (ice/snow).
Ice Storms can create power outages
A heavy downpour can quickly wreak havoc. A large, powerful thunderstorm cell can unload a large amount of rainfall in an area in a short period of time. We have personally experienced the power of water. A very short, severe thunderstorm brought flash flooding into our hardware store in August of 2020.
Several inches of water infiltrated our hardware store 5 years ago, in an unexpected and very heavy rain storm
Water is a powerful force, you can’t physically stop the flow of that water. Think about the power of water flowing in a river and going against that flow to stop it. Yes, not happening.
Severe weather happens. Is it happening more frequently??? Last September, our mountain neighbors, witnessed devastation with Hurricane Helene. For our mountain neighbors, it will be a long recovery timeline.
I know my storm experiences aren’t unique by any stretch. Living life today, we all probably have personal stories of how storms have impacted our daily lives. Trees land in precarious places, power outages occur, bursting water pipes from extreme temperatures, technology failures happen, shortages of needed supplies, the list is long!!
WCH has ready stock of storm suppliesFolding pruning blade would come in handy to quickly trim up any smaller branches from a downed tree after severe weather
But, how can we be always ready for impactful weather, whenever it happens? Now, is a perfect time to gather together any needed essentials as 2025 Hurricane season is churning up OR even before the cooler “BER” days begin.
Keeping a few essential items on hand for such emergencies will help eliminate the stress of locating needed supplies after a impactful storm.Severe weather can occur in any season: winter snow/ice storms, thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, or temperature extremes.
Begin by building OR refreshing your Emergency Kit:
When the lights go out… you will need batteries, flashlight, oil lanterns, lamp oil, matches, battery powered lightbulbs, and think about how will you power up your devices during an extended outage… like a power bank.
WCH Recommends: Portable, multi purpose power bank to charge your devices, can be used as an air compressor, and jump start.WCH Recommends: Keep your batteries well stocked! WCH Recommends: These absolutely work beautifully during a power outage!!!Flashlights are readily availableWear this headlamp after the power goes out… you can clearly map out an area in your view Pop up lanterns are great for a power outage, place them around the house WCH “Old School” Essentials
Brrr… it’s cold!!!
Power is out, and it’s freezing outside, do you have an alternate heating source? Make sure that your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly as well!
Kerosene heaters offer an excellent alternative for heating during an extended power outage. WCH services these heaters each season for our customers.Plasma lighter would be perfect inside your emergency kit or for camping trips Need a quick warm up??? These logs will work great, burn for 3 hours. WCH Recommends: Protect outdoor faucets before frigid temperatures are forecasted.
Helpful tools- quick repairs might be needed during a severe weather event like having to turn off the water, taking care of fallen branches, securing items down, etc. Here’s a quick list of some basic tools that might be helpful: multi-tool, tarp, rope/ paracord, gloves, folding pruning saw, chain saw, duct tape, hammer, wrench, pliers, shovel, whistle, dust masks… just to name a few!
Hand tools are always readily available at WCH Tarps and rope… severe weather essentials
Food: Planning for this can be tricky during a power outage : Refrigerator and freezers need to stay closed in a short temporary power outage. Food will spoil quickly in a matter of a few days without adequate cooling. It is Always good to keep bottled water, a manual can opener, and non perishable food on hand. It is also good to have extra paper products on hand (plates, cups, paper towels, trash bags)
An old fashioned hand held can opener always a kitchen staple… two styles available at WCHGood for cleaning up around the house or after severe weather events
Thinking about food preparation– do you have a way to warm food safely without power? Camping size grill??? Gas grill??? Camping stoves???
Lodge makes a Cast Iron Grill… a great camping essential or great for power outages New item alert!!! WCH “Old School” Essentials These always sell out during power outages, storm season
Pets: don’t forget to include your pets into the food equation!
Jethro says to keep all medications ready to go as well as food
First Aid kit and Personal Care: in addition to the basic first aid kit, make sure needed prescriptions are included, alongside the daily essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, etc
Documents: In case of an emergency evacuation, have your important documents AND an extra set of keys ready to go!
WCH Recommends: Having an extra set of keys… house and cars… or other important keys you might need access to kept with your most valuable documents.
WCH can order a fire safe box for all of your documents… ask us about that soon if that’s something you need!
Coming soon to WCH… Fire Safe Chest 14x11x6 Coming soon to WCH!!! This document bag will stand up to basic fire and water resistance standardsWCH Recommends: Milwaukee Marker… writes on sawdust, wet or almost any surface!!!
Stay Connected: Emergency information is available for many types of situations at Ready.Gov or stay tuned to the ever changing weather conditions locally OR use the National Weather Service as a resource. Free apps to download: American Red Cross, FEMA just to name a few. A weather radio is always a great way to learn more about fast approaching storm fronts when the traditional outlets (internet, radio, tv, etc) are not available.
Lastly, don’t forget the fun… board games, puzzles , legos, card games… things your kids don’t always have the opportunity to enjoy everyday when the power is out.
The world of flight and aviation offers a unique experience, viewing our world in a very different and special way. Air flight offers one the opportunity to be “in the clouds”flying through and above the clouds. Being in and above the clouds presents the possibility to witness a place where our humanity is not truly visible everyday, a new and unique experience.
When I have the opportunity to fly, I always reserve a window seat so I can watch the clouds, and the sky. Graciously, my husband always grants me the courtesy of the window seat. My mind always soars with excitement once the plane begins to reach elevations above the clouds. From the safety of my window seat, I’m able to enjoy the beautiful sight of mountains, river valleys, oceans, and the cloud line below.
Air Flight is a beautiful experience
I grew up in Wilkes County, where our daily view includes the Blue Ridge Mountains. Simply, as one steps out the back door step, those mountains are sending a glorious daily greeting. I must admit, these mountains “ground” me as I continue to age. Even in the mundane activities of the day, like running errands, or maybe even if you’re headed off to work …those mountains are not far from our view. The mountains “grounded” in nature without the need to explore air travel in order to experience our surrounding beauty.
Watching a Sunset in our Mountains is simply the best view in the world
Our home county of Wilkes is rich in local history. Here in Wilkes, Brushy Mountain orchards are bursting with many different varieties of apples and peaches that are harvested each season, bringing the only the best fruits to market and our local festivals. Trees that are typically successfully grafted are fruit trees. Grafting a tree in its absolute simplest form, occurs when two different parts of the tree are joined together as ONE over a period of time.
Beautiful Parker Orchard local peaches in a handcrafted wooden bowl by Keegan Watson
Several months ago I wrote a blog post about being “Rooted in Wilkes” and how “Grafting” has taken place over time in my own life. I’ve been taking time to reflect, and as we head into year TEN in our hardware store ownership, that journey exemplifies grafting. I still can’t believe we are beginning year number TEN in August of 2025.
Our old historic building was home originally to a local poultry processing plant, our logo is nod back to those times . Check out the link The Chicken Hat
Who would have thought that the girl who spent her summers running in the grass, barefoot, with a view of the Blue Ridge in the distance, and loved chasing lightning bugs, would “graft” and be firmly “grounded” into the hardware life?
Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains
“The Hardware Life”, started TEN years ago, as Richard and I began our new journey into hardware store ownership inside the 1904 era vintage, historic building that still exists on 10th Street in Downtown North Wilkesboro.
Early Spring 2025
It was an exciting, challenging, scary, and ultimately life altering, a full-fledged “grafting” experience. We were going to have to find our “footing” in this new adventure. The thick fog and clouds were looming. We were flying into those unknown/unfamiliar clouds of business ownership. Initially, it was a total cloud fog. Would the skies eventually become clearer???
Morning fog always clears away
For us, navigating the thick cloud bank, of hardware store ownership for the first time caused a bit of anxiety. But, I’ll reference a flight analogy, with the sure and steady handiwork of an “experienced flight crew”, the heavy cloud bank was easily navigable. As the aircraft began cruising at higher altitudes, our “clouds” disappearing from view. Yes, we have experience turbulence over the last TEN years. It has been a bit of bumpy ride navigating this new Hardware Life.
To those who helped us navigate through the first stages of hardware store operations and ownership, we are extremely grateful. Thank you for helping us navigate to higher altitudes and enabling us able to gain some “grounded” confidence in our new normal in The Hardware Life.
Soaring
With this new lesson in being “grounded” in hardware store ownership underway, Richard and I have somehow managed to survive this ever changing economic climate by continuing to adapt to our customers needs and wants.
Just because our building is old, doesn’t mean that we are the keepers of everything of times past. Don’t get me wrong, we treasure those legendary stories of our old 1904 era building and the rustic hardware store. But, holding onto and keeping the “dusty old items” on the shelf that no one is purchasing or needs anymore, will not help us make our bottom line. We have worked hard to build an updated inventory of hardware store essentials. All the while, building a unique hardware community. Richard and I have formed many new friendships with so many great people. We are truly thankful, grateful, and blessed.
When we began this new business venture, Richard was excited about beginning a new career path, and exploring the opportunities to learn more about the inner workings of the hardware industry. He had always been around it, as he worked for a major paint manufacturer for over 20 years. Richard pushed hard for the first few years without me at Wilkes County Hardware.
In those first few years of business ownership, I continued to work full time as an educator. My main initial contribution was setting up the social media platforms for our hardware store. Those platforms were maintained and updated regularly by me and I also helped out on weekends and summers as I could. We reset the hardware store to be more accessible to shoppers so merchandise was easier to find. Slowly over time, we have steadily grown a loyal audience on Facebook and Instagram, our hardware community has expanded.
Serenity
In 2018, I began a blog, The Hardware Life Wife, to share stories about our business and our products. As a novice writer, my blog pieces were fairly short and mostly without pictures.Initially, in early days of blogging, I honestly couldn’t devote much time to focusing on the blog. It was mostly a “summertime project” and I worked on blog posts between planning school lessons while teaching full time.
Reaching Towards The Sunlight
But, after a few years of consistent blogging, it became a goal of mine to add as many authentic pictures as I could to help break up my longer content pieces that I was now beginning to write.
My blog was changing and grafting into a new direction. I had found that my photography was providing a visual experience for the reader, adding an extra dimension, or as I could say “branch” to the story that was needed. This visual graft, a realistic view, and a liaison to my personal experience, an offering from me to others as a shared experience.
The Blue Ridge Mountains… where the clouds meet the horizon
Surprisingly, my personal photos were well received. I was stunned. This new finding was giving me the confidence and the opportunity to share more of my personal photography for which, I’m thankful and extremely grateful. I enjoy sharing snapshots of my daily life. In the last few years, my photography has been featured in the annual Blue Ridge Photography Overview at Wilkes Art Gallery. Local amateur photographers from all over our surrounding area bring their best work to our local gallery to display in this juried exhibition.
Now, in 2025, my blog is a creative outlet for me as well as a way to share with others about our hardware store ownership journey. I am continuing to grow my audience and readership slowly and steadily “grafting” our daily lives into our hardware store business.
As life would have it, after those first few years of business ownership, it was becoming apparent, to both of us, that we needed to grow our business or simply move on. Richard and I decided to be firmly committed and “grounded” in our hardware store business and “graft” together. I launched into early retirement, leaving my 26 years in educational world behind.
Branching Out
How would two very different people manage to work together and still be harmonious? We now had the basics of hardware store ownership “grounded” into our reality. It took a bit of time to adjust to our new daily normal. “Grafting” together our skill sets, combining our strengths and weaknesses, utilizing them to bring the best hardware store experience possible our customers. Grafting at its core definition.
Almost Ready
Fruit farmers often graft their fruit trees to create a new variety. The act of grafting… taking one plant cutting and merging with another, creating a unique union and the growth of a new species. Together, we grafted a new hardware reality working together to meet our customers needs, while continuing expanding our hardware store knowledge base.
Our shelves are fully stocked with customer favorites and needed items
Working together, Richard and I have slowly made changes inside our historic hardware store walls, such as resetting our shelves and changing the flow of customer traffic. Other avenues we have explored included adding a vast new variety of hardware products into our existing lineup, “Grounding and Grafting” our way through the hardware life.
But probably the most distinctive aspect that we are becoming known for, is finding and curating locally sourced handmade goods. All of these changes, within our small town hardware store “grafted” or combined together, we have tried to create a unique shopping experience for all who visit our old-fashioned hardware store in Downtown North Wilkesboro, locals and visitors alike.
As “grafted and now more grounded” business owners, we know the positive impact of being active within our community. In the last few years, Richard and I have worked alongside other Downtown Merchants, to form The Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchants Association. We both actively participate in this group and we are excited to see this group grow. You may recognize this organization, as we have collectively worked to create, The Spooktacular Festival for our community when the Greenway Trail of Treats was cancelled several years ago and TheSpooktacular would serve as an alternative event.
Spooktacular Festival Fun
In closing, as we begin year TEN, our Hardware Life story is simple. We thrive on interaction with our customers and our greater community. Without that, we would not exist. That’s how we stay connected and grounded. We have heard too many stories over the last ten years about how old, vintage, authentic hardware stores are just not around anymore. Richard and I are very thankful that our community still supports our local hardware store. Thanks for the opportunity to keep us firmly “grounded” in our community!
As a kid of the 1980’s, the era of music was diverse. In that decade, I found myself driving on my own for the first time during the summer days of the late 80’s. The car radio was usually blasting favorite tunes from Hysteria, and several other popular songs from that time. As a kid of the 80’s, and as Joann Jett would say, “ILove Rock and Roll”!
I Can’t Drive 55!…
Using the music as my guide into this new blog entitled, Heavy Metal Project, I hope you will find it as an engaging and entertaining way to explore a recent gardening project that I completed earlier this Spring using repurposed materials and other supplies available from your local hardware store.
This blog post may not be what you are envisioning. So I’m going to “Jump” right into it. Sorry, Van Halen, simply couldn’t resist this one so here we go!
Photograph …
Welcome to the Jungle: Cleaning out the Garage
Our “Heavy Metal” story began a few months ago. We were cleaning up the garage a bit, and I came across a galvanized tub that I had totally forgotten about. Have you ever found something you bought and think to yourself … Why do I have this?? But in this case, the memory came back to me quickly, we had used it a few years back during a summer party as a “cooler” to hold canned drinks. The heavy metal tub had worked out well for the party but ultimately the tub had gotten placed on a shelf in the garage, totally forgotten. Ugh, decision time, how to repurpose this tub??? The “wheels” began to turn in my mind and I was “Back in Black” with an idea forged into my current to do list.
Living on A Prayer: From Idea to Action
As the garage clean out concluded, I found that I had two different size galvanized containers. I only needed one more to complete my collection. Three different tiered metal tubs would work. So, off I went with my goal in mind, and I found the third one to fit my working vision with ease inside the hardware store.
Walk This Way…
Sharp Dressed Man: Heavy Metal Lifters
Materials in hand, and two semi-willing fellas (B and Richard) to assist me with a bit of heavy lifting… I would need a large amount of potting soil hauled home. Once that was done, I would need a willing man to volunteer to drill several holes in the bottom of each metal container while I plotted out my plan for assembling the plants into the each section.
Here I Go Again…
Kickstart My Heart: Working Up A Sweat
Plant shopping was finished, and I was also ready to transplant a few perennials from other areas of my garden that needed a new home. The collection of newly found plants and my perennial transplants would find a new, Home Sweet Home in my tiered planter soon! Meanwhile, my guys worked through drilling holes into my new tiered galvanized metal planters, and the heavy metal lifting was almost complete.
Round and Round: Galvanized Tiered Planter Comes Together
Caught Up In You…
Knowing the potting soil in the middle would eventually make the top two tiers sag, I needed to install this “Sweet Child O’ Mine” correctly. Richard had a small stack of bricks left from an earlier project, so that was the best way to prevent the tiers from falling apart. The bricks were placed around the center of tub, added in potting soil, then finally the plants were added. My ultimate goal was to use mostly perennials, so the maintenance would be minimal going forward.
Hold on Loosely… well a good grip on brick required!
Rock You Like A Hurricane: Tiered Planter Completed
Bricks, soil, plants. Each of the following tiers were planted and watered in. Is it hurricane proof? Probably not, but it is a welcomed enhancement to my landscape. The overall look is a bit rustic, but I’m fine with that. It is a nice addition between our two garage doors. Morning is shaded, and my Heavy Metal tiered planter gets a bit more sunlight in the afternoon.
Sweet Emotion…
Is This Love… Galvanized Tiered Planter Review
The picture above was taken shortly after I finished this metal planter back in May. I was a little unsure how the plants would ultimately fair in the summer heat. But, I had intentionally installed perennials that were heat tolerant.
Paradise City…
The hot days have definitely increased, and would I have enough drainage holes to keep the plants healthy and growing??? Time would tell and it has. The heat of the last couple weeks has been very telling and my results are conclusive. Success!!! My plants are thriving and growing nicely. The deer have stayed away from this mix of flowers and plantsin “ The Still of the Night”.
Dream On…
Bang Your Head: Heavy Metal Dreams
My Heavy Metal Project dream is now realized and I’m ready to keep the newly planted flowers growing and well watered during the summer season. My desire is to enjoy them year after year. I hope y’all have enjoyed this lighthearted look at a fairly simple garden project that can easily be completed in a short period of time. Most of your needed materials can be found right inside your favorite hardware store! No headaches or head banging required.
Right Now…
If this blog post leaves you feeling like you need to go listen to your favorite 80’s tunes, “Turn Up the Radio”, and do it! Having a bit of musical fun while you work on your next DIY project is half the battle. Linked below are my favorite watering tips to help keep your plants happy and healthy this summer. Thank you again for reading and sharing my blog, I truly appreciate it!!!
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 