Friday, March 31, 2006
Wood-burning fireplaces
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Home sales taper off
New Home Sales Down 10.5%
Demand tapers off as mortgage rates inch upward. West region hit hardest.
From HGTVPro newsletter. And I read in last week's real estate section also that home sales are tapering off and should reach a normal level eventually. Speculators are buying less.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Katrina related wood issues
From The HouseMaster eNewsletter:
FORMOSAN TERMITE SPREAD - IN THE NEWS
Can Formosan termites be spread through mulch and other products from hurricane damaged areas?
http://enewsletter.housemaster.com/3_2006.html
BLUE-STAINED LUMBER
What affect does this fungus have on the strength of wood lumber used in home construction?
http://enewsletter.housemaster.com/3_2006.html
Monday, March 27, 2006
Too Much Color?
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Toadhouses
Our Toadhouse Collection
We have about ten toadhouses, including broken flower pots. We find them in garden stores and catalogs and have picked up a few while on vacation. Toadhouses come in simple, upside-down bowl shapes, mushrooms, tree stumps, and even little houses with a window and chimney. Our biggest toadhouse is a combination bird bath and toadhouse. I've seen one in a catalog made of wood with a thatched roof; and I just saw a toad trailer in a Gardener's Supply Company catalog. It resembles an Airstream trailer, but I noticed that it has a floor. I've seen one with a floor before, but I'd never get one for toads because they like to dig into the dirt--probably for coolness and safety.
When we got our first toadhouse, we wondered if toads would really be interested, but it wasn’t long before one moved in. Like butterflies, toads are living additions to the garden, but they're nocturnal; and they're painted in earthtones, but they are utilitarian as well, doing what they do best--eating bugs--an added benefit for the garden.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Scaffolding and Safety (link)
Scaffolding on a Steep Slope
I have a very tall house, built into a hill, and the sides are at a steep slope. Here's my problem: the house needs to be stained.... Link: Scaffolding on a steep slope - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
From: HGTVPro e-newsletter
Monday, March 20, 2006
Flora! Fauna! Fun! (Decorating with nature)
Lose the winter doldrums by adding color to your home. From teapots to textiles, get ideas for rooms with a touch of nature. [I liked the pond theme best.]
From Oprah's e-newsletter
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Mood lighting in your bath--tub
Monday, March 13, 2006
Home theatre (excerpt & link)
What is a Home Theater and What Does it Do for Me?
http://house-building1.com/t/1441620/
A Working Definition Of Home Theater
Home theater refers to a setup of audio and video equipment in your home that tries to duplicate the movie theater experience.
Application Of Home Theater
The application of this definition can vary widely, however. Many consumers are intimidated by the term "Home Theater" as they think this means a lot of money, equipment, and cables running all over the place. ...
From: House Building Guide Newsletter - March Issue
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Life Out There?
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Short story online
My short story, Taking Tawny Home, is online at Story Station: Story Station - Children's Stories & Young Adult Stories . This is a sequel to Lost in the Long Dark, which appeared in Alien Skin some time ago.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Medicine cabinets
Monday, March 6, 2006
Kitchen islands
In an international survey sponsored by Ikea, 41% said they would add one.
From Home Remodeling & Makeovers (Woman's Day Specials magazine)
And there's an interesting sidebar in the Spring 2006 issue of Renovation Style (Special Kitchen Issue). "Islands don't work at all in some kitchens. [It's] not a good idea if it will cut aisles to less than 36 inches..." And it considers the furniture look...
Thursday, March 2, 2006
Organizing your home
Sign up for HGTV's free organizing newsletter and get expert tips for a neater home in six weeks. We've got a game plan to get your home neat and orderly in no time! Sign up now for our Get Organized Special Spring Edition newsletter, and we'll send you checklists, weekly assignments, strategies and encouragement from HGTV experts. Plus, share stories with others on message boards, and get printable to-do lists to keep you on track.