Lists – Shoals Insider

5 steps to get your mower ready for the season

H. Wayne Nix — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 23:14:45 +0000

(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.

7 steps to patio perfection

H. Wayne Nix — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:16:15 +0000

(BPT) – Daffodils bloom brightly by the back door, temperatures are balmy, cookout season is on the horizon and you’re ready to give your outdoor living space a breath of fresh air. Great patios and decks enhance your enjoyment of spring and summer, and boost home value, so it’s well worth the investment to update and upgrade your home’s exterior living space.

Patio (or deck) perfection can be within your reach this season. Simply follow these seven steps to create an outdoor environment where you’ll be proud to entertain all summer long.

1. Update your patio furniture.

Whether your current patio set is worn out, you need more seating or are just in the mood for a whole new look, new patio furniture can change the way you feel about your outdoor environment — and how much time you spend there! Whether you want traditional wicker, durable metals or exotic woods like Eucalyptus, you can find the right dining set, settee, chaise lounge, glider, ottoman, coffee table, rocker or swing among the 50,000 individual home decor items carried by every At Home store.

2. Replace cushions on your current set.

If your current patio furniture is in good shape but just in need of some freshening, it’s easy enough to give it new life with small tweaks like updated patio cushions. Cushions are the crowning touch to catch the eye on patio furniture, and you can find hundreds of patterns, shapes and styles of patio pillows and cushions at At Home.

3. Add a water feature

One of the best ways to create your own oasis can be with a water feature. Easy to find and simple to set up accessories like a fountain can bring the harmony of water to your outdoor environment. For example, those with a waterfall feature immediately create a feeling of Zen and help drown out the noise of everyday life.

4. Make some shade.

When you need a break from the sun, but aren’t ready to head indoors, shade can help you stay outside so you can enjoy the fresh air longer. You can add shade in many ways, from installing a retractable awning over the deck or patio to strategically planting trees or climbing vines on a trellis. And of course, the simplest way to add shade is to use patio umbrellas, which are available in a wide range of hues, patterns and styles.

5. Heat up your grilling station.

What outdoor environment would be complete without a great grill? Accessories make grilling fun and easy, and ensure you’ll look and operate like a pro when whipping up summer fare. From grilling mitts to barbecue tool sets, burger and kabob grilling baskets, grill toppers and even taco shell baskets, you can outfit your grill station with everything you need for a great grilling experience.

6. Lighten up.

When you’re having a great time outdoors, who wants to go inside just because it’s dark? Add some lighting to your outdoor living space to create ambiance and allow you to enjoy your patio long after the sun goes down. You can invest in hard-wired patio or deck lights, go eco-friendly and easy with solar lights, or choose from an array of battery-powered or candle-fired lanterns.

7. Use decor to create a theme.

Just as your home’s interior has a design theme, choosing a theme for your patio or deck can pull the look together. Whether your taste is Boho Chic, Tribal or Weekend Getaway, you can find decor items that underscore the theme. Wall decorations, outdoor rugs, decorative planters and flower pots, wind chimes and statuary all work together to create a look you’ll love throughout the spring and summer.

The perfect patio — and hours of outdoor enjoyment — is within reach this spring and summer. To find an At Home store near you, visit www.athome.com.

5 Weird Things About Easter

H. Wayne Nix — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:07:28 +0000

Sunrise Easter Service in Maine

1.Easter falls on a different day every year. It is on the first Sunday after the full moon on or just after March 21st.

2. It is similar to the Jewish Holiday of Passover and in some languages they even use the same word for the holiday.

3. It was originally a pagan holiday dedicated to the worship of Ishtar, which is pronounced the same as Easter in ancient languages.

4.One interpretation from the Gospel of John is that Jesus represents the passover lamb that was sacrificed at the same time in the temple.

5. The Puritans did not celebrate Easter because they considered it a pagan or “Popish” holiday and tainted by the Catholic church. Other Christian groups that don’t celebrate Easter are the Anabaptists, the Quakers and Jehovah’s Witnesses.