Home decor: The hottest colors of 2017

(BPT) – From furniture to walls, new homes to remodels, cool grays have dominated home design palettes for the last five years. Look to 2017 to gently shake things up with a focus on fresh neutrals that bring warm and cool tones together to create [...]]]>  

Home decor: The hottest colors of 2017

(BPT) – From furniture to walls, new homes to remodels, cool grays have dominated home design palettes for the last five years. Look to 2017 to gently shake things up with a focus on fresh neutrals that bring warm and cool tones together to create versatile color with timeless appeal.

One of the most notable trends of the year is the transition of neutrals from monochrome gray to warmer hues, including complex taupe, beige, khaki and brown colors. These warmer tones create an inviting feeling, and while grays will continue to be popular, look for hybrid hues that blend the best of gray with warmer undertones for colors that are unique, yet familiar.

The perfect example of this trend is Poised Taupe (SW 6039), the Sherwin-Williams 2017 Color of the Year. Earthen brown combines with conservative gray resulting in a weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that fits well in virtually any room.

“Poised Taupe celebrates everything people love about cool gray as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a color to an entirely new level,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Not cool or warm, nor gray or brown, Poised Taupe brings a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking.”

If you’re looking to refresh your space with this new color trend, there are countless opportunities. Here are four stunning home decor themes using this up-and-coming color:

Cornflower hues

With its cool-yet-warm vibe, Poised Taupe is an ideal complement to cornflower hues. For example, when paired with the faded indigo of Stardew (SW 9138), it creates a charming palette ideal for French countryside aesthetics. This fun twist on a classic is sure to produce timeless results in the kitchen or living spaces.

Organic re-imagined

Create an updated nature-inspired palette in your home with citrus green, weathered bronze, mustard yellow and light, cool-toned blue paired with earthy neutrals like Poised Taupe. This contemporary organic look is perfectly re-imagined for the modern world with just the right amount of visual appeal.

Wine and taupe

Saturated color pairings that evoke deep moods are gaining popularity. Taking cues from baroque and romanticism designs, the Sherwin-Williams Noir palette is rich with colors that are reminiscent of vine-ripe fruits, dramatic wine colors and deep blues. Balance this mysterious palette with a neutral like Poised Taupe and you’ll have a look that is unexpected and gorgeous.

Yellow pop

Gray tones always provide a clean, modern base, but contrasting these hues with vivid colors allows you to transform any room into a contemporary paradise. Try using the deep teal of Marea Baja (SW 9185) and sunny hued Bee (SW 6683) alongside Poised Taupe to create a graphic look perfect for the office or kids rooms.

Ready to make this the year you update your house with fresh designs and stunning colors? To learn more about top trends for 2017, visit www.sherwin-williams.com.

(BPT) – After months of winter, warmer weather is finally here. It’s time to head to the lake, spend time on the deck or take your kids to the park. Yes, you’re ready for the season – but is your lawn mower?

One of the season’s most important tools has been hibernating [...]]]>

(BPT) – After months of winter, warmer weather is finally here. It’s time to head to the lake, spend time on the deck or take your kids to the park. Yes, you’re ready for the season – but is your lawn mower?

One of the season’s most important tools has been hibernating through the winter, and it will need a helping hand to get ready. So before you fire it up for the first cuts of the season, make sure you follow these important mower maintenance tips.

1. Replace any existing gas. Did you run your mower out of gas or add fuel stabilizer last fall? If you didn’t, stored fuel is likely to break down over the winter months and can go bad in as little as 30 days – making your mower hard or impossible to start in the spring. To protect your mower, make sure you fill it with fresh fuel from the gas station. And make sure it doesn’t have too much ethanol, as most mowers can only accept up to a 10 percent ethanol blend (E10).

2. Monitor the oil levels. It’s a new season and your mower deserves new oil. Check the engine’s existing oil level, you’ll likely find it’s low. If it is, add oil as appropriate. Operating a mower with too little oil can burn out your engine. At the same time however, you want to avoid overfilling the oil level. Consult your owner’s manual for the right oil type and amount for your engine. And as your changing the oil, this is also a great time to inspect and possibly replace your oil filter.

3. Focus on the spark plug. Inspect the area around your mower’s spark plug to make sure no dirt or other debris will enter the cylinder once the plug is removed. Once you’re satisfied the area is clean, use a socket wrench to remove the plug and inspect it for any damage or carbon deposits. These deposits will appear as a black coating. If the plug appears to be worn, or has been used for several mowing seasons, replace it.

4. Clean the air filter. A mower’s air filter collects a significant amount of dirt, dust and other debris over a typical cutting season, so it’s good to start the year with a clean one. Consult your owner’s manual to determine which filter is right for your mower and to learn how to make this simple replacement properly.

5. Adjust the blade. When performing your spring maintenance, this is also a good opportunity to inspect your mower’s blade. Look for cracks, nicks, bends or any other signs of damage. If you find these, replace the blade. Also, if the edge is dull, the blade should be sharpened. If you feel uncomfortable sharpening the blade yourself, take it to your local hardware store or small engine shop. For safety, always unplug the spark plug when inspecting the blade.

Considering a replacement?

If you’ve applied the seasonal maintenance tips above and it’s obvious your old mower just isn’t cutting it anymore, you’ll need to shop for a new one. Start your search by focusing on the mower’s most essential component, the engine. Look for an engine that offers minimal maintenance, like the Kohler XTX Series, which never requires an oil change over its lifetime. Simply check the oil level before each use and you’re good to go. The engine is built to last, with a rugged cast iron cylinder bore for extended life. It also features Smart-Choke and Easy-Pull technology to make starting a breeze. And with its Consistent-Cut power, it will make short work of tall grass. The Kohler XTX Series is the perfect choice to make this mowing season everything you hoped it would be without any of the hassle.

INGREDIENTS 2 lbs of beef tenderloin Pepper

3 lbs of kosher salt 2 Tbsp. of rosemary 1 cup of water PREPARATION Liberally pepper the beef tenderloin on all sides. Brown all sides of the beef tenderloin, set aside so its comes to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, rosemary [...]]]>

INGREDIENTS
2 lbs of beef tenderloin
Pepper

3 lbs of kosher salt
2 Tbsp. of rosemary
1 cup of water
PREPARATION
Liberally pepper the beef tenderloin on all sides. Brown all sides of the beef tenderloin, set aside so its comes to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, rosemary and water. You want the consistency of wet, packed sand.
Spread a thin layer of the salt on your baking sheet. Place the beef tenderloin on top and cover the with remaining salt. Make sure the entire beef tenderloin is covered in the salt mix.
Bake at 250°F/120°C for 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature is about 120°F for medium rare.
Remove and let it rest in the salt crust for 15 minutes.
Using the back of the spoon, crack the salt crust and remove. Brush away any excess salt and remove the beef tenderloin.
Slice and serve with roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

(BPT) – Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to sell or buy a home. Whether you’re putting your home on the market, or shopping for a new house for your family, you have a lot to think about — and termites should be near the top of your list. Just [...]]]>

Termites.

(BPT) – Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to sell or buy a home. Whether you’re putting your home on the market, or shopping for a new house for your family, you have a lot to think about — and termites should be near the top of your list. Just as swarms of homebuyers will start circulating through neighborhoods with the arrival of spring, the warmer weather also brings out termite swarms. A termite infestation can quickly turn your dream home sale or purchase into a living nightmare.

“Termites cause about $5 billion in damage every year, and when you consider that they’ve been around since the days of the dinosaurs, it’s probably safe to say they’ve done more damage to human homes than any other critter on earth,” says Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in detecting and treating termite infestations over the millennia!”

Worldwide, about 2,000 termite species munch on wood, destroying walls, floors and wallpaper in homes, and also damaging forests. They are present in 70 percent of countries around the world, and they outnumber human beings by a ratio of 10 to one. The most common termite species in the U.S. are Formosan termites, dampwood termites, drywood termites and subterranean termites, the last of which are the most destructive because they eat non-stop.

A professional inspection is the best way to detect the presence of termites, but you can watch for warning signs as you are house hunting or getting yours ready to put on the market. Signs include:

* Mud tubes may appear around the outside of a house. Termites use these tubes to reach a food source. Typically, these tubes look like a thick line of dirt on the foundation of a home.

* Tap on wood near the floor, such as baseboards or even wood floors themselves. If the wood sounds hollow when tapped it could mean termites have softened the wood.

* Termites also leave a bit of themselves behind as evidence. You may see small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest. Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills can indicate a swarm has occurred and the swarmers have entered the home.

Termites swarm to create new nests. Winged “swarmers” leave the original nest and go in search of new digs where they can establish a colony. You may see swarmers on windowsills or near doors and think they’re flying ants. You can tell the difference by their wings. While both flying ants and termite swarmers have front and back pairs of wings, on termites both pairs are the same length. On ants, the back wings will be much shorter than the front ones.

A professional termite inspection remains the best way to detect the presence of termites, yet 52 percent of American homeowners have never had their homes inspected, according to an NPMA survey. Termite detection, remediation and control isn’t something you can do yourself.

“A termite inspection should be a part of any home buying or selling process, although not all states require one for the sale or purchase of a home,” Mannes says. “However, when you consider the cost-benefit of having an inspection done, it’s well worth the investment. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a home and more importantly can compromise the structure’s stability and safety. So, it’s best to act quickly if a problem is suspected.” To learn more about termite prevention or to find a licensed pest professional in your area, visit www.pestworld.org, the education website of the NPMA.

If you’ve never bitten into a fragrant, vine-ripened, sun-warmed tomato harvested fresh from your own garden, you haven’t tasted a real tomato. And once you do, you’ll never again be satisfied with supermarket impostors.

Fortunately, tomato plants are easy to grow, and they’re one of the easiest plants to start indoors from [...]]]>

If you’ve never bitten into a fragrant, vine-ripened, sun-warmed tomato harvested fresh from your own garden, you haven’t tasted a real tomato. And once you do, you’ll never again be satisfied with supermarket impostors.

Fortunately, tomato plants are easy to grow, and they’re one of the easiest plants to start indoors from seed. Here’s how to grow your own tomatoes, from seed to harvest. Learn more: gardeners.com/Step-by-Step-Growing-Tomat­oes-from-Seed/7902,default,pg.html

Birth Date: 08/25/97Booking Number: A1600645Agency: KILInmate Name: KELLY, ZACKARY TTime/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class00:15:00 02/14/16 POSSESSION OFMARIJUANA 2ND13A-12-214 3599 MUN AM

Birth Date: 08/21/70Booking [...]]]> Photos provided by Lauderdale County Detention Center. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. Mugshots are provided by the Shoals Insider as a public service.

Birth Date:  08/25/97
Booking Number:  A1600645
Agency:  KIL
Inmate Name:  KELLY, ZACKARY T
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
00:15:00 02/14/16 POSSESSION OF
MARIJUANA 2ND
13A-12-214 3599 MUN AM

Birth Date:  08/21/70
Booking Number:  A1600621
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  KRYSTON, WILLIAM J III
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
15:10:00 02/12/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST Bm

One Stop Rentals

Birth Date:  11/16/93
Booking Number:  A1600646
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  HOOIE, HUNTER A
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
03:48:00 02/14/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM

Birth Date:  01/01/66
Booking Number:  A1504889
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  HOOKS, JAMES E
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
12:45:00 02/18/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  06/16/62
Booking Number:  A1600691
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  HUGHES, HAROLD D
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
15:45:00 02/17/16 Other 0004 CIR VI
15:45:00 02/17/16 Other 0004 DIST VI

Birth Date:  09/17/93
Booking Number:  A1600668
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  JACKSON, MICHAEL T
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
13:50:00 02/16/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM
13:50:00 02/16/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  06/04/84
Booking Number:  A1504859
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  FREEMAN, SHALAZAR V
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
18:00:00 12/18/15 Other 0004 CIR VI

Birth Date:  05/08/81
Booking Number:  A1600679
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  GRUBBS, WAYNE L
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
20:31:45 02/18/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  11/16/86
Booking Number:  A1600657
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  HOLDEN, FELICIA N
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
16:30:55 02/15/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  04/24/92
Booking Number:  A1600653
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  HOLLOWAY, WESLEY A
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
09:31:34 02/15/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM
09:30:16 02/15/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM
18:47:00 02/18/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM
16:05:32 02/16/16 Unlaw Poss. Dangerous Drugs 13A-12-212 3599 DIST 3F
16:05:32 02/16/16 DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
2ND OFFENSE
13A-12-260 3550 DIST 3F

Birth Date:  10/23/93
Booking Number:  A1600671
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  DAVIS, TYLOR W
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
16:20:00 02/16/16 FINANCIAL
EXPLOITATION OF THE
ELDERLY
13A-6-196 DIST 2F

Birth Date:  05/17/97
Booking Number:  A1600639
Agency:  ST
Inmate Name:  DURHAM, AUSTIN D
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
09:00:00 02/13/16 ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE A
L/E
13A-10-50 DIST AM

Birth Date:  01/27/90
Booking Number:  A1600599
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  FLOYD, JUSTIN T
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
11:04:26 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM

Birth Date:  01/29/96
Booking Number:  A1600685
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  FREDERICK, BRITTANY L
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
10:00:00 02/17/16 Other 0004 DIST VI

Birth Date:  08/04/87
Booking Number:  A1600618
Agency:  ST
Inmate Name:  CHANDLER, JONATHAN L
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
09:47:00 02/12/16 Speeding 13-65 DIST VI
09:47:00 02/12/16 UNLAWFUL POSSESION
MARIJUANA 1ST
13A-12-213 3562 DIST 3F
09:47:00 02/12/16 Fleeing or attp to elude 13a-10-52 (mis) DIST AM
09:47:00 02/12/16 Driving w/Suspended/Revoked 32-6-19 DIST VI
09:47:00 02/12/16 Other 0004 DIST VI

Birth Date:  05/29/91
Booking Number:  A1600637
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  CROSSLIN, BRADLEY W
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
04:00:00 02/14/16 Other 0004 MUN VI

Birth Date:  01/05/80
Booking Number:  A1600689
Agency:  
Inmate Name:  DAVIS, MARECO N
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
14:45:00 02/17/16 Other 0004 DIST VI

Birth Date:  10/31/87
Booking Number:  A1600693
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  BEHEL, ANDREW K
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
17:40:00 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  09/20/94
Booking Number:  A1600680
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  BASKINS, DAVID A
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
03:25:00 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM

Birth Date:  08/07/91
Booking Number:  A1504858
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  DAVIS, SEASON J
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
18:00:00 12/18/15 Other 0004 CIR VI

Birth Date:  08/13/97
Booking Number:  A1600622
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  BEVIS, WILLIAM L
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
15:00:00 02/12/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 MUN BM
15:00:00 02/12/16 Bail Jumping 2nd Degree 13A-10-40 5002 MUN AM

Birth Date:  02/20/97
Booking Number:  A1600437
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  BUTLER, CHRISTOPHER T
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
16:45:00 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM
16:45:00 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM
16:45:00 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM

Birth Date:  08/10/79
Booking Number:  A1504432
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  APPIARIUS, RAYMOND A JR
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
16:10:34 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 DIST BM

Birth Date:  03/09/89
Booking Number:  A1600659
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  ATWELL, SHANNON C
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
00:00:00 02/15/16 Buy/Receive Stolen Property 1 13A-8-17 2803 2F
23:00:00 02/15/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  08/27/74
Booking Number:  A1600640
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  BANKHEAD, MANJARA N
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
18:45:00 02/16/16 NWNI/Insufficient Funds
Check
13A-9-13.1 2606 DIST AM
18:45:00 02/16/16 NWNI/Insufficient Funds
13A-9-13.1 2606 DIST AM

El Guapo Fantastico, Manufacture of catnip.

Birth Date:  08/29/85
Booking Number:  A1600630
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  WILSON, JONI M
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
18:47:00 02/18/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM
00:15:00 02/13/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  08/25/64
Booking Number:  A1600652
Agency:  LCDC
Inmate Name:  YOUNG, STEVEN R
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
03:25:00 02/15/16 Theft 2nd-Grand Jury Arr Warr 13A-8-4 2319 CIR 3F
03:25:00 02/15/16 Criminal Trespass 2nd. 13A-7-3 5707 CIR CM
03:25:00 02/15/16 Criminal Misch 3rd-Generic 13A-7-23 2999 CIR BM
03:25:00 02/15/16 Buy/Receive Stolen Property 1 13A-8-17 2803 CIR 2F

Birth Date:  07/31/76
Booking Number:  A1600625
Agency:  LCDA
Inmate Name:  KELLEY, DEMARCUS E
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
16:53:00 02/12/16 Other 0004 DIST VI

Birth Date:  04/22/86
Booking Number:  A1600513
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  KEETON, JERRY L JR
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
12:21:28 02/12/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  07/08/86
Booking Number:  A1600687
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  REDDING, ROBERT W JR
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
14:10:00 02/17/16 Other 0004 CIR VI

Birth Date:  09/03/94
Booking Number:  A1600629
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  MCDILL, RICHARD L
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
00:14:00 02/13/16 Domestic Violence 3rd 13A-6-132 DIST CM

Birth Date:  02/05/97
Booking Number:  A1600638
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  ROYCE, ZACHARY T
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
08:54:00 02/13/16 Other 0004 MUN VI

Birth Date:  01/18/73
Booking Number:  A1600566
Agency:  JUD
Inmate Name:  SHANEYFELT, JASON K
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
17:22:50 02/16/16 Other 0004 DIST VI

Birth Date:  12/28/67
Booking Number:  A1600686
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  THOMPSON, GARY T
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
14:00:00 02/17/16 Other 0004 CIR VI

Birth Date:  06/15/89
Booking Number:  A1600596
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  TINGLE, JAMES W
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
11:22:52 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM
11:22:13 02/17/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 CIR BM

Birth Date:  10/09/91
Booking Number:  A1600678
Agency:  UNA
Inmate Name:  LONG, JAMES K
Time/Date Offense Area Statute Court Crime Class
19:46:00 02/16/16 Alias Arrest/Bench Warrant 15-11-5 5015 MUN BM

Birth Date:  03/18/96
Booking Number:  A1600676
Agency:  LAUD
Inmate Name:  ROBERTSON, RICKEY III

(BPT) – As soon as the first morning frost appears and the first snowflakes start to pile up, many begin looking forward to spring. Images of green leaves, red and orange blossoms, fresh vegetables and herbs help keep the cold winter days manageable as you wait for the ground to thaw so you can [...]]]>

(BPT) – As soon as the first morning frost appears and the first snowflakes start to pile up, many begin looking forward to spring. Images of green leaves, red and orange blossoms, fresh vegetables and herbs help keep the cold winter days manageable as you wait for the ground to thaw so you can start planting. A good green thumb knows early starts in the garden or yard ensure lush, healthy plants, especially if you’re planting trees.

Many people do not realize that they shouldn’t wait for summer. Young trees do best when they are put into the ground in spring and have ample time to establish themselves in the soil before either extremes of heat of cold hit.

Therefore, if part of your winter landscaping daydreams include planting trees, it’s important to know you’ll need to be ready to plant early. Winter is an opportunity to begin planning.

Five simple ways trees are practical and beautiful

Few things can be so practical and as beautiful as a tree. It’s no wonder that with the rising popularity of the do-it-yourself lifestyle, more people are deciding to plant trees in their yard. Here are five simple reasons why:

1. A mature tree can add up to $10,000 to your property value.

2. Trees can reduce energy costs by providing shade to a house in the summer.

3. Trees naturally offset carbon emissions.

4. Because many change from season to season, trees add a variety of different colors to your yard and allow for a range of creative choices and combinations.

5. Trees help make memories. Watching a tree grow in your yard from year to year builds a connection between you, your family, your home and the memories you make there.

An easy way to get started

The nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation is encouraging people to get an early start on their tree planting this year by offering 10 free flowering trees with a $10 membership. Which 10 flowering trees a new member will receive is based on what the state forester recommends or other trees selected for your area to ensure they thrive when planted.

The 6 to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow and are currently scheduled to be shipped in March or April, a perfect time for optimal, early season planting. So if you’re already getting excited about spring projects, visit www.arborday.org/earlyplanting to make sure your trees arrive at the right time for planting where you live.

Stay informed and know the weather approaching so you are prepared for whatever may be coming your way.

Also it’s way too late to try for bread and milk. Probably be over tomorrow, anyway.