Who knew what 2023 would bring??? We surely didn’t plan on the unexpected… loss of dear friends… a beloved staff member and friends who shopped with us/visited us weekly. 2023 brought challenges…dealing with continued short-term shortages, a slimmer bottom line, and renewed focus on key product lines that our customers love…our essentials in 2023.
2023 was the year of the Milwaukee marker… if you have used one… then you just know it’s the best thing ever!2023… was all about KEYS!!!! We make keys all day long, here’s a link to a blog from January 2023 which reveals a little bit more about what we do…. https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/01/11/more-than-nuts-and-bolts/
In 2023, we experienced loss and grief multiple times. Losing dear friends like Monty and Tracy is difficult. Tracy was a regular customer, stopping by often for a chat after work or coming by to pick up essentials. Other dear customers losing battles with cancer, or experiencing other serious health issues makes the daily routine a bit different from 2022 without them in our midst. We loved Monty dearly and his loss was hard to bear as 2023 began.
Our staff becomes an integral part of our daily lives. As our younger staff members prepare to leave us and have grown into stronger members of our community, we wish them well, especially as they leave us behind for other opportunities… whether they are heading off to college, or seeking jobs that connect to their future career paths. Richard and I still connect with them as much as we can. They are our family, never forgotten… it’s not bittersweet event as they depart… just sweet souls who are moving forward with their lives, creating beautiful lives and light .
https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/02/01/dark-skies-and-beautiful-light/Wilkes County Hardware launched a kids scavenger hunt in 2023… have you brought your kids or grandkids in yet to check this out ??? In the quiet months of February and March of 2023, we were busy resetting the lawn and garden section and moved it up front and center The locally sourced section also got a major reset this year on the back ladder wallNew products are always a welcome addition to our store: in 2023 Blue Door Houses by Kim Reid These beautiful flowers were painted on our store front windows this spring by Andrea BaldwinAnother yummy treat we added into our snack line in 2023!!! You can’t beat sunglasses at $3.99!!! Welcome back to North Wilkesboro Speedway!!! We got you back! Thanks for stopping by y’all and shopping locally. New shirt in 2023! Short sleeve and long sleeve Plumbing reset complete in 2023
In case you missed this blog post earlier this year… this one is a must read!!! 8 Things Your Plumber Wish You Knew… link below in picture caption….
The back area has been reset with stove pipe, kerosene replacement wicks, chain, and tubing cut to length. Handmade pottery keeps customers coming back to Wilkes County Hardware find the perfect present! Before… Andrea Baldwin made our dream come true in 2023, a mural on the front side of the building! Gorgeous!!! Why the chicken logo??? You can read a bit more of our history in this blog link https://hardwarelifewife.com/2022/11/21/mr-ee-eller-chickens-and-turkeys-nothing-but-clucking-gobbling-and-plucking-out-the-truth/Hannah Crow Photography stopped by to do a quick photo shoot. Thanks for the amazing photos and capturing a bit of what we do everyday! Tool handle repair… Pipe cutting and threading Friday mornings.. a gathering of friends and local business leaders – morning coffee In 2023, we welcomed Tim Billings to our staff. His skills as a glass cutter has been invaluable. Stop by to see Tim soon! He can help you with any hardware question you may have. New local artist in 2023… stained glass by Badger GlassKeegan has had a fantastic year in 2023!!! Did you see his award winning stool at Wilkes County Hardware on Apple Festival Saturday???? Keegan announced his big win in the Made in NC Awards in October. Looking forward to seeing him in the February edition of Our State Magazine! Congratulations Keegan!!! Simply brilliant and beautiful! Charcuterie boards or serving boards New in 2023! Rolling pins selling out quickly each time they arrive!!! Our bolts, screws, and all sorts of fasteners are frequently visited each and every day inside our hardware store. Yes, you can purchase pieces individually and not have to pay that bulk price like you would at the “box” store 🙄Fall arrived and so did Wally!!! He was a huge hit with our customers and made everyone smile a bit wider when they see him on our front door. 2023 Fall t-shirts were a huge hit! Thanks for wearing our logo gear y’all New rubs made their debut inside Wilkes County Hardware… have you tried these yet???Ok, let’s talk about this BBQ sauce! It’s a staff favorite hands down!!! Thanks Keegan for making this one happen!!! A new Pepsi cooler arrived keeping everyone on 10th Street caffeine filled and ready to meet the day! Thanks to our neighbors and customers for purchasing drinks all year long! First wood stove fire of the season on October 16, 2023 So glad to be a small part of this event! We enjoyed y’all! Thanks for coming out in 2023 and making year 2 of Spooktacular bigger and better than year 1!!! Watch out 2024!!! Toys for Tots drop off site for the second year… a HUGE thank you to all who donated toys this holiday season!!! When a big rig pulls up outside our hardware store… you make them keys that work.. Thanks to Richard! Wayne checking out the Big Rig 🚛! Wally got a winter makeover to bring in the winter weather season in 2023. A huge thanks again to Andrea Baldwin for the winter windows!!! Santa dropped in during Light Up Downtown Holiday cookies, granola bars, gift sets, handmade soaps, almanacs and calendars all sold out during the Christmas shopping season!!! Thanks to all who read the blog mini series…A Sprinkling of Christmas Memories… here’s the link to the last one in case you missed it https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/12/18/a-sprinkle-of-christmas-memories-christmas-eve/These beautiful trees sold out during Christmas shopping season!!! Watercolor artist Tom Carnes stopped by to do a few Christmas themed drawings a few days before Christmas!!! Thanks Tom!!! These were amazing! New sweatshirt crew to bring in 2024!!! Wishing you a very happy 2024 and a HUGE thank to all who shopped with and supported us in 2023!
In my closing reflections of 2023 I would like to say that the challenges are ongoing each year… the list might be endless for a local business owner… increased costs of doing business, dealing with shortages, managing and maintaining staff, or even a slight downturn the economy means less money circulating into small businesses in our community. In that case, folks tend to hold back on spending… that is understandable. But the impact of those choices creates a ripple effect for many businesses. I’m encouraging everyone to make a conscious effort to shop locally. ThinkLocal!
With one click, you can shop online and have it delivered to your door. It’s so easy to do!!! Right??? What about the quality??? Will that product last??? What kind of customer service are you going to receive as a result of a product failure??? Worried about price??? Quality products outlives the cheapest product every single time. We need quality businesses in our local community and they will not be there if we don’t make the continued effort to show up and shop there. So that’s my call to action for you in 2024, Shop Local, Eat Local, Play Local. Our community needs you in 2024.
You have a few days left remaining on the holiday punchcard! Thanks for the memories in 2023
When my son was much younger, he loved sprinkles. We literally put sprinkles on everything… cookies, ice cream, cupcakes… anything he deemed sprinkle worthy. I had a specific kitchen cabinet where the bounty of sprinkles were stashed away, ready for a quick, special treat. We had multiple flavors and colors to select from and it was such a joyful experience for him.
One of my favorites… B in front of the tree. Christmas memories in picture form from so many years ago… the sweetest treat of all
Christmas memories are very much the same way, a sprinkle of sweetness in our hearts and minds of a very special Christmas moment. Luckily for us, these moments can be recreated and fondly remembered by establishing traditions that are repeated year after year during the Christmas season… like the sprinkles of sweetness on top of a very special treat. Memories are simply timeless treasures of the heart.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service… some of the best Christmas memories
Sometimes as I am working inside the hardware store, I often remember glimpses of these special Christmas memories from interactions and conversations with our customers, or even stocking the shelves with products. Yes, even the endless search for new product offerings we might bring to you, can create a sense of nostalgia of Christmases past. So here’s a small sprinkling of Christmas memories through my eyes as I wander through the hardware store. I hope you will enjoy this mini series of blog posts centered around one of the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas.
Wishing y’all a wonderful Christmas season in 2023, make some lasting memories with family and friends
The Tree
Let’s get right into this one. Typically, each Christmas season begins with the decision of the Christmas tree. The joy of the holiday season launches once your tree is up, leaving you to find splendor in the glow of the Christmas lights and glistening ornaments.
Picking out the perfect Christmas tree … my boys 💕
I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas tree shopping with my boys, and decorating the tree each year… like the Christmas tree full of ornaments that B made in preschool, ornaments handed down from family members, all of these memories are sprinkled into my heart each year as we begin with the tree and the decorations.
But, one memorable tradition from my childhood was the search for the kid-sized Christmas tree that was put in our bedroom each Christmas when my sister and I were younger.
Dad would grab his hand saw, and axe… no chain saw was needed for this small task… He would tell my sister and I to find our coats and off to our woods we would go seeking the perfect small-sized Christmas tree.
Stop by Wilkes County Hardware for your hand tool needs and repairs.
I think we probably skipped all the way into the woods. Dad handled all that endless child energy bubbling over… always smiling and redirecting our silliness towards our purpose, finding the best Christmas tree.
Often times, my sister and I would select a small 3 foot cedar tree that was abundant in our woods.
I must admit, as I reflect back, my sister and I were always so excited about our own special Christmas tree that we selected ourselves and decorated with our own ornaments. These ornaments never went on the family tree. Mom made these especially for our kid-sized tree. The love and care modeled by both of our parents in creating a bit of extra special Christmas magic with this wonderful gift of the tree each year probably wasn’t fully appreciated until reaching adulthood.
Our trek in the woods often brought us to a patch of tiny sized cedar trees. The aromatic scent of the cedars was pleasant and the size was appealing to our “smallish” eyes. As a result, the cedar tree was our typical “go to” little Christmas tree that we selected each year. The cedar tree was cut down, giddy girls in tow, and we carried the tree back to the house from our journey into the woods.
A walk in the woods always brings back memories of the treks I took with my parents into our woods behind our house… looking for the best sticks, or even wading in the creek.
That cedar tree might not have been great for hanging our ornaments, as cedar branches are not as sturdy as a Fraser Fir, but we didn’t care. Mom, of course always helped us in decorating the “pint sized tree” so that our ornaments had the sturdier branches.
Battery operated trees are available in “pint size” versions at Wilkes County Hardware
The delight of spending time with our dad, and hanging the ornaments that our mom made especially for us are memory sprinkles of joy from past Christmases. My sister and I enjoyed the beauty of the Cedar Christmas tree lights every night…providing us the opportunity to experience the Christmas season in our little corner of the house.
True confession time, I love plants. Now that the truth is out, and I’ve officially said it, “I’m a plant lady”, my green little plant heart is “rooting” for you to get on board with me! I must admit the presence of green plants in my home makes me smile on the dreary, dank, bitterly cold days of winter. Simply put, my Plants bring me joy.
Here’s to Going Green!
October has arrived!
It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the reality for a “Plant Lady” living in western North Carolina, means a significant dip in nighttime outdoor temperatures. Nighttime temperatures can begin to dip into the 50’s some nights. The daytime temperatures are still quite gorgeous with ample, warm sunshine all day. Dare I say, the word FROST! But alas, Frost will be expected by the end of October, if not before. All that being said, my green, tender, warm-natured plants must find residence back inside, as they have enjoyed basking in the summer warmth on the back porch steps for the last few months.
Frosty Fall mornings will be coming soon!
For me, as a “plant mama” who enjoys her houseplants flourishing outdoors during the late spring and summer months, knows the time of change is arriving. I must prepare for the transition from the shaded back porch steps to life indoors for the late Fall and Winter months.
These beauties will be headed inside by the end of this week. Low temperatures are expected to be in the 40’s by Saturday night.
So how do I prep these “green little goddesses” for the adjustment indoors??? AND keep them “growing”all year long. Here’s my step by step guide that I have been using the last few years for moving my cherished plants back inside.
1. Evaluate each plant. Repot if necessary. I tend to repot plants before moving indoors and allow a few days of adjustment before moving inside.
This year, I’m in the process of repotting a few plants prior to moving them indoors.
2. Consult your almanac planting calendarand be a weather watcher!!!! Weather can change quickly and cooler nights are a given in October. Be proactive and begin working towards moving your plant babies back inside in late September or early October before the cold weather hits. I never transplant until it’s a good time to do so! I’m a firm believer in this step! Unsure how to use an almanac??? Click the link below to learn more!
3. Remove any damaged leaves, or dead areas of the plant. Take additional rootings if possible to begin new plants! “Get growing”! What type of plant lady would I be if I didn’t root my own plants 😂.
My kitchen window is my rooting station for my newest plants. The sunlight is perfect for them to root beautifully and flourish into a newly established plant. For plant roots that take a little bit of extra work… stocked inside Wilkes County Hardware
4. Spray each plant you plan to move indoors with insecticidal soap. This will help prevent bugs from making their way inside with your plants. I also spray the soil as well. Reapply as needed if pests appear during the fall or winter.
Insecticidal soap sold at Wilkes County Hardware For the DIYer… I’m sure you can find a homemade version of Insect soap on the internet. Spray bottles are a essential item stocked inside Wilkes County Hardware.
5. Clean pot to remove surface dirt prior to moving indoors.
6. Call in the “troops for assistance” if needed… to help move your plants inside. Make it a family project! Get everyone involved!
7. Find the sweet spots… where are these plants going to thrive and have the correct light requirements. Take note to keep plants away from heat registers, drafts to maximize the plants potential.
8. Find your joy in planting! I do have plants that I haven’t been able to get “growing”. But, I haven’t given up on all plants. Take the time to grow what you love and find your joy! Final plant motivation thoughts… “I beleaf” in you! Take a “leaf of faith”! You can do this! I’m “rooting” for you!
When people walk into our hardware store, they often say y’all have just a little bit of everything here don’t you!!! As we have entered into year number 8 of business, we have slowly expanded and refined our offerings to our customers. Here’s a sampling of our product offerings via ABC’s of Wilkes County Hardware.
Top down view overlooking the back corner of Wilkes County Hardware
Let’s begin by diving into the Amazing finds from All Around the Hardware Store! Sometimes our building might be considered an “Antique” due to its advanced age…1905 is A long time AGO!
A- Almanac, acetone, axe, American Flags, animal repellents
Deer repellent, snake and more!
B- bird feeder & seed, BBQ sauce, brooms, bi-fold door hardware, bungee cords, batteries, black iron fittings and pipe cut to size, bolts
C- Customers! We can’t do this without you!!!Thank you for shopping with local with us! It’s soooo easy to forget about local businesses when you’re busy running errands or just headed to that “box store” for something on your to do list. Keep the CASH in our community!
Thanks for shopping local and keeping the CASH in our community!
Sometimes all you need it just one bolt or fastener… that’s ok with us, no need to buy a whole box. This area of our store is often full of customers all day long.
G- Gardening tools, garden seeds, grass seed, gloves, glues, grilling accessories, Greased Lightning, gas cans, galvanized fittings and pipe cut to size, window glass cut to size
Lawn and Garden area has been moved towards the front of the hardware store. We are excited to offer new products in this busy area for our customers.
H- hammers, hooks, hinges, hand tools, hose barb, Howard wood cleaning products, honey(it’s local y’all!)
Only local honey sold at Wilkes County Hardware!!
I-I didn’t know you had this! I should have come here first… we have heard this a few times over the last 8 years when folks find what they need and more as they shop.
I- Iron Out, ice melt
J- Juxtaposition of old school hardware store with excellent customer service found in 2023 versus “the box store experience”in 2023, no self service checkout here.
J-Japanese beetle traps, joint compound
K-keys duplicated with ease, knives, kerosene heaters & replacement wicks
Wayne has been a fixture inside Wilkes County Hardware for over 20 years. He just celebrated his 85th birthday!!! I bet Wayne has made a key or two for you.
L- Ladder wall, this wall showcases some of our amazing local artisans work.
Our local artisans are prominently featured along the back ladder wall.
M- Mural.. have y’all noticed the new mural on the front side of the building? Why the chicken??? Our building was a poultry processing plant in its early years.
N-nails … we don’t sell these by the pound anymore but we have small size packs available for purchase as well as larger sizes, National Hardware what an amazing selection of all things related to home hardware and more!
O- Order it for me please! Yes, we special order items for our customers each and every week
O- O-rings of all shapes and sizes!
P- Pool supplies, paper towels, PVC fittings, PB Blaster, Pex fittings, plungers, plumbing supplies galore! PVC pipe, padlocks, potting soils, polyurethane and and plethora of so much more!
Our plumbing section has been recently updated
Q- Quite a step back into time.. our building dates back to 1905, they don’t build them like this anymore. You can quickly find what you need and save TIME by not driving to a box store fighting the traffic or the crowd… and if you need our help we are here to answer any questions you may have about your project.
Q- Quick knife/scissors sharpening done in a matter of a few minutes, Quartz piston clock… locally made
R- Repairs made to lamps, kerosene heaters, re-screening windows, and tool handle replacement
Fall and winter season is a busy time for Kerosene heater repairs
R- Ready Seal, rodent control products, Rid-X , rope cut to size or just buy it by the package.
Rocking chair… we brought this chair from our house once we bought the hardware store. I rocked my son as a baby in this rocking chair. It was a sweet reminder of home. Harry loved this chair as well.
S-Staff… we are blessed with an amazing team!
Richard & Coby … these two can fix just about anything! Wayne … the key master! Tim … expert in glass Lisa .. we can’t live without her! She is a gemAngie… I’m not sure what to say 😂😂😂Lastly, Carter Call … I don’t seem to have a good photo of him but he has been a star pool guy all summer long! Look for him at the hardware store in the afternoons and Saturdays to come!
S-snow shovels and sleds, locally made soaps, suet, screws ( sheet metal, lag, stainless, self tapping, wood, deck), spray paint, Shark Bite, sandpaper, stove pipe, screwdrivers and much more!
T- Take a few minutes to wander from the front of the store to the back of the store.. you never know what you might find!
We keep a variety of pellets in stock for our established Traeger customers.
U- U-bolts and unique gifts from locally sourced artisans
V- Don’t be vexed by our selection of furnace filters, we have so many different sizes in stock!
Furnace filters of all sizes!
V- Vulcan 55 gallon drum liners for your trash can
W- Wood stove… warm by the fire on those cold days
It won’t be long until this stove will be back in action again!
W- wheelbarrow, WD-40, window glazing, water hoses, locally made wooden bowls and boards, weed eater trimmer line, wing nuts, wrench
X- Xacto blades, Xtreme contractor trash bags
Y-y’all are always welcome
Our doors are normally open for most of the warmer months, and conversations are usually flowing most of the day… near the old wood stove.
Y- Yellow Quell- did you know that we sell pool supplies and test pool water???
Pool season runs from May to September for most of our pool customers. Thanks for shopping locally with us!
Z- Zep products, Zip ties(cable ties) , Zero-G lightweight hose
The best water hose for watering plants
That’s just a glimpse of some of the familiar hardware products that we have inside Wilkes County Hardware. Richard and I are proud to continue into year 8 with new products to be added into the hardware store lineup as the next year progresses. Thank you for your business and continued support.
July is a bountiful time in the garden. All of your hard work that has been done thus far, is now rewarded with beautiful blooms and hopefully a bountiful summer veggie and fruit harvest.
July is also a time of the dreaded heat… the Dog Days of Summer has begun! The days can often be sweltering. (Find the link above on my blog about the Dog Days of Summer) It is easy to retreat inside and enjoy the air conditioning grandiose glory, and as a result, your garden may begin to suffer under the abuse of the intense sun and heat. Don’t get discouraged though! Check out the following tips and best days to garden for July.
July Best Days To Plant or Transplant:
July 6-7
July 10-12
July 15-17
July 23-26
July Best Days to Weed
July 13-14
July 18-22
July 27-28
July 31
July Garden Tips:
1. Water well- especially your containers. These will dry out very quickly! Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger ones! You may need to water these every day if rainfall is insufficient. Water them throughly from the base not from the top down.
WCH Recommends: Zero G water hose for a lightweight water hose for summer watering.
2. Walk your garden frequently to monitor… weeds, and pests. I try to walk in my yard several times a week after dinner to evaluate any new potential problems.
This has been a very popular item for summer gardens, sadly!!!
3. It’s hot, but don’t forget that weeds grow in those humid summer days too! July Weed control is important to keep up and add layer of mulch to prevent future weeds from growing.
WCH Recommends: Preen
4. Deal with pests and insects in your garden quickly to prevent further damage, stop by Wilkes County Hardware to see what options you have available to keep your garden growing all summer long!
From fungal diseases to pest control problems in your summer garden, we can help you find what you need! We keep a great selection of lawn and garden care products. If you don’t see what you need, ask us to order it for you!
5. Deadhead flowers and apply fertilizer when necessary.
An amazing liquid fertilizer! Now on sale for 9.99!!!
6. Remove spent spring or early summer plants and replace or replant.
7. Plan your fall garden: begin seeds indoors or in shady areas of your garden.
Now is a fantastic time to purchase your seeds for your fall favorites!
8. Divide irises in late July.
9. Enjoy the harvest! It’s time to gather some fresh veggies or flowers this month!
Nothing better than an amazing peach from your local farmers market or orchard in July. Please don’t forget to shop local… all the ways that you can!
Living the "hardwarelife", join us in our journey of hardware store ownership
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 