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???
Made in McGrady created this sign for us a few years ago, thanks for your friendship and encouragement always!
Eight and half years ago, we just started. Richard and I launched ourselves into hardware store ownership… Beginning our journey into “The Hardware Life”. This new venture into business ownership was exciting, challenging, scary, and ultimately life altering. All of these different emotions could be filled up in a 5 gallon bucket. Dip your toes into the water, “sink or swim” as they say.
Richard was excited about beginning a new career path, 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 paint manufacturer for over 20 years. Richard pushed hard for the first few years without me at Wilkes County Hardware. It soon became apparent, that we needed to grow our business or move on. So, we decided to grow together. I launched into early retirement, leaving my 26 years in education behind. Our skill sets are different…utilizing them to bring the best hardware store experience possible our customers.
📸 by Hannah Crow PhotographyRichard and Angela Searcy- Owners of Wilkes County Hardware 📸 By Hannah Crow Photography
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 new hardware products into our existing lineup. But probably the most distinctive aspect that we are becoming known for is finding and curating locally sourced goods. All of these changes have created an unique shopping experience for all who visit our hardware store in Downtown North Wilkesboro.
Handmade baskets, stained glass, local soap, honey, pottery, and woodworking… just a few of the items you can find inside our hardware store. 📸 Hannah Crow Photography
For those of you who may not know, our building dates back to 1904!! The timbers tell our story, just look up as you enter through our front door. We are doing our best to honor our building history by keeping it as authentic as we possibly can.
As you enter the front doors, the chippy paint may catch your eye, but the beams that built this place will definitely keep your interests . 📸 Hannah Crow PhotographyHonoring our legacy…. Read about some of the changes we made inside & out in 2023 at Wilkes County Hardwarehttps://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/12/27/reflections-and-highlights-of-2023/
What motivates us to keep moving forward… especially during “roller coaster” times????? In other words, WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO at Wilkes County Hardware??? The answer is simply YOU!!! Our customers are our driving force. We have been so blessed to have formed many new friendships and made lasting connections with our customers, helping them meet their needs each and every day.
Those personal connections are also applicable to our staff. Our staff at Wilkes County Hardware has been an amazing part of our story. We have been able to hire staff with hardware expertise, or offer on the job training as in my case…. AND I have been able to reconnect with former students, watching them learn and grow as employees. Leaving us, as they head off to college, or work, taking away with them valuable insights and knowledge that they will take into adulthood. That’s success in my book.
Our business story is simple. We thrive on interaction with our customers and our greater community. Without that, we would not exist. We have heard too many stories about how old, vintage, authentic hardware stores are just not around anymore, and we are thankful that our community still supports our local hardware store.
Lastly, I know we both think and spend differently based on our learned business experiences…. As a result, we have decided that supporting locally owned businesses in our community is important to our community success. We eat at locally owned restaurants, and make purchases from local businesses. After all, the community supports our business and we will reciprocate helping to grow our local economy.
Are you muddling through January??? The holidays are over, the Christmas lights and decorations are tucked away for another year. The chill of winter has set in. The blustery winter winds can take your breath away from the sudden surge of Arctic air. Brrr!!!! Many of us may just want to retreat inside our homes for a few months to hibernate like a bear.
The frost was hanging heavy on the trees January 12th
I feel like that in the winter months of January and February. Simply ready for Hibernation…. Often in the winter season, I’m driving to work in the dark each morning and then driving home as sun goes down. Ugh…. Yes, the sun concludes its day even earlier in the winter! At 6:00pm it feels like 10:00pm, my internal clock is askew … ready to hibernate for the entire evening at 7pm, struggling to stay awake. My inner bear is showing its sleepy little self.
If the seasons were reversed, that would be the opposite during the summer. Summer brings a burst of longer daylight and ongoing activity. So, my bear-like self becomes more like a busy little hummingbird …. A stroll into the garden after dinner, doing yard work, the list could go on and on… Yes, darkness can be a stronger force during the winter season.
Winter… less hours of daylight! Stop by to purchase this unique clock ⏰.
Maybe you are always a hummingbird all year long, but I know as I get older, my “bear instincts” are growing stronger as I feel the need to rest more in the winter months. Winter is a perfect time for a respite… Time to rest, reflect, and prepare yourself for another year.
January sunrises
Did y’all know that several years ago, the third January Monday was actually coined “Blue Monday”? I believe it was a travel gimmick to get people motivated to begin thinking about spring and summer travel. The goal of “Blue Monday” was to get folks motivated to plan and book their summer travel… not sure how all that worked out for the travel marketing industry but honestly, less hours of daylight does impact how we think and feel… science proven! Regardless of the original intent of this, it’s worth a discussion about the winter lull after the excitement of the holiday season.
Finding the beauty in January… January can be stark, like the tree without leaves. But the beauty emerges when you stop to view the beauty of the tree itself. Allowing yourself to rest, reset, and reflect in January can be good for your mind, body, and spirit.
So we have already established that it’s hard for me to get energized on those wet, windy, nasty cold days. And this year, so far, without significant snow to bring a glimmer of winter bliss into our midst it has been tough for my inner “bear”.
As adults, we often don’t have the “childlike” mindset of the glorious event of a wonderful snowstorm… watching with wonder and excitement… viewing every snowflake fall by the window, snow days with no school, or gearing up for sledding.
Ahhh, the beautiful snowfall captured from a few years ago. This is a favorite photo of mine from the Greenway.
So how do we beat the winter “blues”? I would venture to guess that most of us can’t pack up and take an extended vacation until April. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!!! Yes, that’s not happening for 99 % of us reading this blog post. I also do realize that some folks do suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and if that’s the case these simple tips may not be enough to keep your spirit strong… seek out medical professionals.
But, if the “ winter blues” are simply getting you down in the dumps, here’s a few tips from your favorite local hardware store blogger to help make the winter of 2023-2024 a bit cozier and warmer.
Winter… bring warmth and cozy comfort to your daily routine
Tips for Fighting the Winter “Blues”
1. Go Green! Yes, that’s right, invest in a few good house plants. We spend the majority of our time inside during the winter, so add some fresh green plants into your home. Stop by Wilkes County Hardware for a fresh bag of potting soil, or a new flower pot. Me, I love plants… so this one is a no brainer for me… But, what if you aren’t great with live plants… substitute in artificial greenery. Hmmm… I’m not an artificial plant or greenery person… buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers to use as a centerpiece for your kitchen table to add a boost of color to your surroundings.
2. Get outside!!! Take a walk… when the weather allows. Take in some much needed sunshine/ vitamin D on a sunny winter day. Plan a fun family event… Build a fire pit and eat s’mores with family.
Outdoor logs are available for purchase at Wilkes County Hardware
3. Eat Cozy … Make your favorite soup and stews. Winter is a time to make the most of the cold weather by enjoying your favorite comfort foods, soups and stews. I know we are enjoying several of our favorites this winter.
Need a new Dutch Oven… this red, Lodge style one is perfect for all of your winter meals!
4. Feed the birds… watch your bird feeders from the warmth of your home and enjoy nature. They need a boost of nutrients too.
The birds need you during the cold winter months to supplement their diet.
5. BeWarm at Home … Yes, home should be a warm place to retreat. So take time to evaluate those cold areas around windows or doors, etc and make minor repairs if needed. Another tip to be warm at home… is to build a fire in your fireplace, or add candles to your non-working fireplace to add a little extra cozy comfort.
This is Great Stuff… yes, I said it 😂
6. Bring in the light… Who say that all the Christmas lights must go up! This year leave out a set of twinkling lights after Christmas OR add accent lamps to a dark room, set a timer for them to come on before you arrive home at night. Add night lights to areas where darkness is common like a hallway. Need any of these items… stop by and pick up a new timer, night light, or light bulbs at Wilkes County Hardware.
7. Drink in the warmth … nothing is better than a hot cup of coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate on a cold winter day.
Need a few new mugs to get through the winter ???? Stop by Wilkes County Hardware for handmade mugs.
8. Add ambient light… Head over to Wilkes County Hardware for an oil lamp. Oil lamps offer a fragrance free ambient light that you often can’t get with a candle. The lamp oil that we stock on our shelves is also smokeless.
These are perfect to add a bit of cozy, and warmth into any room during the winter months. Perfect for power outages too! These strike anywhere matches are perfect for winter fires, candles, oil lamps and more!!!
9. Create Cozy… Rearrange a room to give it a fresh feel after the holidays by moving furniture etc, or do a small DIY to refresh your home.
Paint is an easy way to refresh a room, a well worn piece of furniture, or add a splash of color to cabinets.
10. Get Organized… Are you ready to Clean, and Declutter???? Whether you are doing a deep closet cleaning or just polishing up that old piece of furniture, Wilkes County Hardware can help you find the perfect cleaning products and tools to get it done ✅.
Wilkes County Hardware offers a variety of cleaning supplies! Stop by to view our selection soon.
In closing, fighting the “winter blues” for me, is all about finding the balance of being content and keeping the weather in perspective.
I can make the months of January and February dark, dank, and gloomy in my mindset OR I could immerse myself into the beauty of the season by finding the perfect combination of rest, comfort and coziness to make my winter a peaceful experience. I choose the latter.
I’m choosing to live up my winter this year by making yummy soups, savoring my morning coffee, adding some greenery into my decor, creating a small to do list of DIY projects and yes, cleaning out those closets!!! Ugh, maybe I do need to hibernate 😂. Enjoy the winter season and stop by for some winter warmth when you can!
The perfect spot to be cozy and warm and beat the “ Winter Blues”.
Living the "hardwarelife", join us in our journey of hardware store ownership
