Look For Decorating Ideas In Garden Centres

CONNIE OLIVER Around the House I’m always on the lookout for unusual décor ideas and garden centres are just one place where a decorating solution may be found. URNS AND BIRD BATHS Decorative urns that are meant to hold an outdoor plant can be used to create unique occasional tables. The concrete or plaster finish

Here’s Some Concrete Ideas

RENA NERBAS To repair cracks in the driveway, begin by cleaning the area. Patch with crack filler (a caulk-like compound) available at home improvement stores. After applying the compound, smooth the area using a putty knife. Tip: For extra traction on the driveway, spread sand onto the wet sealer before it dries. For larger areas


Plug Drains To Keep Sewage Backup Out

NDSU AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATION If you live in an area prone to flooding or heavy rain, you should be prepared to plug your drains to prevent sewer backup. “Raw sewage not only can damage building components and carpeting, it also has high concentrations of bacteria, protozoans and other pathogens that can pose serious health risks,” says

Farm Buildings Require Proper Lighting

Planning the construction of a farm building means considering a lot of variables. But a big part in determining how useful it will be is how well it’s lighted, and windows don’t count. That means coming up with a detailed lighting plan ahead of time, taking all possible uses into account. And to help come

Move Snow Away From Buildings Before It Melts

Each cubic foot of drifted, piled or compacted snow contains two to three gallons of water, so actions homeowners take now can minimize future water problems in or around their house, says Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer and flood expert. For example, about 2,500 gallons of water will come from


Assessing Snow Load On Rooftops

After the many recent roof collapses of agricultural buildings caused by excessive snow loads, we have been monitoring conditions in a research effort to relieve or reduce the amount of snow that builds up on a roof. Although people are rightfully concerned about their other buildings once they’ve had one collapse, buildings handle snow loads

A Farmer’s Wife

My husband can fix most anything. Over the years, we have saved a lot of money by not having to hire a repair person and doing repairs instead of buying new. My only complaint is his lack of time to accomplish my “to do” list – he is a farmer after all. One of our

Quick Christmas Ideas

CENTREPIECES Here are some lastminute ideas for dressing up the Christmas table. They are inexpensive and easy, to help keep you stress free and allow you to enjoy the day. A large, clear vase with a wide mouth can be filled with many different items to create a stunning centrepiece for the dining table. I


NDSU AGRICULTURE COMMUNICATION

People have a few simple things they can do to reduce their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable, according to Carl Pedersen, North Dakota State University Extension Service energy educator. Building materials can expand and contract with summer/winter temperature swings. This movement easily can break seals that are meant to keep the conditioned

Grandma’s Kitchen

Warm and inviting With the sun streaming through lace curtains Tiny rose-pink flowers on garlands of green vines and leaves adorn the walls Aromas enticing those who cross the threshold A pot of chicken stew bubbling on the stove Loaves of freshly baked bread on the table Waiting for the evening meal With family members