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)
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!!!
January can be a long month… maybe verging on what seems like the month of never ending Mondays. So why not make the best of January???
January 2024… a new year
I have decided to take this year and document and capture memories… from our everyday life activities. Everything isn’t glamorous, we work long hours, 6 days a week, but Richard and I find time to share and unwind. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite collected moments from January 2024 via photography.
It’s been a very cold and wet month to begin 2024. The wood stove has been going strong all month long inside the hardware store.January Saturday visits at the hardware store are the best! Bandit, and Tella stop by for a visit with Eric and Chelsea.
Early morning frost… crunching underfoot as we take our pups out in the early morning hours.
The frost has been heavy several mornings in the month of January 2024. The frost was hanging heavy on the trees during this sunrise capture on January 12th. The bare trees showing their beauty on this cold, foggy morning of January 16th. A rainbow of colors during this January sunrise This little frosty friend made his way home in January after weeks of work in pottery class. He’s a cutie pie! And yes, we are still wishing for some snow!Adding the green… after all the Christmas lights and decorations are gone, the house feels bare. This year I decided to add to my mantle with green garlands and a small lamp to bring some additional light. The sun sets earlier in winter months and lamp lights help keep the homey warmth feeling alive during the coldest months. Learn more about adding greenery, and more in the latest blog post https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/01/13/fighting-the-winter-blues/This old wooden bowl is usually filled with my cloth napkins that we use each day. I do not think I have bought paper napkins in years! I wash and reuse my cloth napkins all the time… (many have been thrift finds). I decided to use this old bowl as a centerpiece for my mantle this January… bringing warmth and a different feel into our main living space. A nice change after the holiday season. Need a nice new wooden bowl??? Stop by to pick up a locally made one by Keegan Watson! Things I find in my washer… January edition Morning Cloud Study: A favorite January capture 💕 January Sunrise in progressCourage… I took a chance and enter 5 photos this year in the Blue Ridge Photography Overview … 2 were accepted. This one, which I titled, Walking On Water, won first place in the category of Everyday Life Photography. I am Honored and grateful to be included! If y’all remember, I had NEVER printed anything until last year… this was a huge step for me. A special deep thanks to everyone who continues to support and encourage me.Here’s my other photo that made the cut into the Juried Show… stop by Wilkes Art Gallery to view all the amazing work of local photographers between now and February 15th .
Our son now travels a lot for his work. Little did we know, that the “empty nesters” syndrome would find us quickly. It was unexpected and sudden when he began this job last spring. These two cute pups keep us entertained and the house busy with their playful activities.
Hello Mom… please pet me… love you, Cookie Nap times are the best times… JoyWhite Amaryllis – January blooms!!! Always a great blessing to see these bloom during the month of January, and thankful for sweet friends who send these!
Here’s my photo favorite for January y’all
The Promise…. January has been a wet, rainy month. Friday January 26th sunrise offered a glimpse of the beautiful day that was on the horizon.Friday January 26th… the only day in January that the front doors were open and at the hardware store… the weather was absolutely perfect. What a beautiful day!Staying warm in January and indoors, under a blanket… lots of tv 📺 watching this month due to the cold, rainy weather. Netflix: Fool Me Once, Sweet Magnolias, Apple TV: Masters of the Air, Criminal Record Hulu: How I Met Your Father just a few shows we streamed this month.Baking… I have been on a long extended break but with the arrival of my new cookbook over Christmas, I decided to try a small batch recipe. Marble cake with peanut butter buttercream was a definite hit.This January… Working a bit on my own doing some studio time… glazing and trying to learn how to make things myself.. I like the rustic look this piece has using red iron oxide. Can’t wait to see it all finished after the kiln.January 31st… Evidence that Spring will arrive soon! 🌷Who’s ready for February???
Photography has enabled me to capture a moment in time via the camera lens. I don’t have a sophisticated camera. I use my camera from my phone. I have it wherever I go, and it’s easy to use. If you’re an avid reader of my blog, you may recall, that Photography is a goal for my personal growth this year.
Most of my photos that I share on my blog or in other social media sites are purely everyday places that I have been blessed to see and share with you as my readers. I hope you enjoy the season of Fall through my everyday life “camera lens” in “thehardware life”.
The Fall Leaves
Fall Leaves are dropping everywhere! Here’s a few favorites featuring leaves as the centerpiece of the autumn season.
Vibrant Fall Colors
Vibrant Fall Colors are simply abundant this Autumn. We are so blessed to live in an area with such amazing color everywhere we look.
A Day at the Lake
This year I decided to look for Fall colors in unusual places. The Blue Ridge Mountains are an amazing place to find beautiful views and fall colors. Instead of trekking up the mountain, I wanted to check out some local areas to see how the Fall colors were coming and I wasn’t disappointed! These photos were captured a week or so before peak in our area at W Kerr Scott Lake.
Unusual Finds in the Fall
Sometimes a walk around the neighborhood or just being outside brings us face to face to with the unusual and unexpected. When I find those things, I often take a snapshot of my findings.
Tree trunk covered in leaves Acorns.. finding an abundance of acorns according to old weather folklore, forecasts a colder winter. Animals will need the acorns to survive the long, cold winter🥶. Cotton field “leftovers” Moving bales of cotton, that’s just ONE! Feather 🪶 in the grass… Persimmon Tree… old winter folklore tells us that the shape of the persimmon seed can predict the type of winter that is coming. A fork shaped seed inside the persimmon means a milder winter, a spoon shaped persimmon foretells a snowy winter, and a knife shaped seed means a cold, wind biting winter 🥶!
The Pines
This pine is dropping its needles beneath the tree, Pines drop their needles heavily during the Fall months . Long leaf pine needles Pine cones nestled in the fallen pine needles
Sunrises
As you may already know, I love a good sunrise or a beautiful sunset. I’m often up to see the sunrise. Sun chasers, here you go… my 2023 Fall sunrise captures.
The Fall Moon
There is simply nothing more intriguing than a full moon. As an educator, teaching during a full moon cycle brought unique challenges. Medical professionals and others have also attested to the Full moon impact upon human behavior. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture the moon behind all those clouds after Spooktacular.
“The night walked down the sky and brought the moon to the forefront “.
Foggy Morning Breakdown
The fog was so thick you could cut it with a knife!
Seeking Warmth…
First fire in the wood stove the morning of October 16th inside Wilkes County Hardware.
I hope you enjoyed a small sample of my Fall favorites. Look for your everyday moments and capture them through your life lens, whether you use your camera or not. Happy Fall Y’all! 🍂🍂🍂🍂
The sunlight was just in the right spot, to capture all those beautiful fall colors… one I couldn’t resist.
Earth Day is here today on Friday April 22. The first Earth Day was celebrated back in 1970. Over 1 billion people, globally will recognize Earth Day!!!
A few days ago, I read about a photo sharing challenge related to Earth Day. As I read about it, I quickly realized that I had several photos on my camera roll that would fit each category for each day to post. My camera roll has lots of nature inspired pictures. My daily postings are available on my IG page and I would love some love on my photos if you are there on IG. I hope y’all enjoy the nature inspired photos and remember to be good to our Earth. 🌳
By the way, if y’all are interested in Earth Friendly products, please ask us what we have available. We are slowly expanding our earth friendly product line in lawn & garden & elsewhere inside the store. Well that could be a separate blog post y’all, so I’ll leave that there for now. Look for that in the future!!!
Here are the Earth Day photos that I submitted as my favorites in each category for the Earth Day photo contest… enjoy and head outside to snap a few pics of your own!!!
Sky Water Green Garden Animal Flower Trees
“The Earth has music for those who listen”
Living the "hardwarelife", join us in our journey of hardware store ownership
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 