Apples – ripe and ready

Ripe and Ready

A FEW APPLE-PICKING POINTERS FROM THE EXPERTS

Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition. While many traditions had to be put on the back burner as the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, apple picking seems like one activity that can endure in a world dominated by social distancing.

Apple picking season tends to begin in mid- to late-September and ends sometime in early October. That makes apple picking a perfect social distancing activity, as it’s both outdoors and at a time of year when the weather is generally pleasant no matter where you live.

Individuals interested in apple picking this fall can take heed of these tips to ensure their trip is fun, safe and successful.

Contact the farm in advance

Apple picking is a wildly popular activity, so expect a crowd to be there on a typical autumn weekend. That can be tricky to navigate while social distancing, so call ahead to learn about new protocols and if the operating hours are the same. If the farm is open several days per week, ask which days are the least busy and schedule your trip when foot traffic figures to be minimal. Also, not all orchards allow visitors to pick apples, but they’ll usually offer other activities to go along with the sale of apples.

Choose firm apples without bruises

According to Pickyourown.org, apples should be crisp and firm. Don’t worry about the color of the apple, as color is not an indicator of ripeness. Instead, Pickyourown.org advises people to ask the farmers which apples are ripe, which is determined by how long it’s been since the trees flowered.

Gently place picked apples into your basket

Pickyourown.org recommends gently placing apples into your basket after picking them. Tossing them into the basket may cause bruising, which can lead to the apples spoiling prematurely. While it depends on the variety, many apples that are not bruised tend to last a long time, especially when stored in a cool place. So taking care of them when picking them can mean you get to enjoy apples for several weeks.

Clean apples before eating them

The Food and Drug Administration notes that produce can be contaminated even after it’s been picked and brought home. The FDA advises consumers to wash their hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce. Produce should be rinsed before it’s peeled so any lingering dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. If bruising has occurred, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating it.

Local orchards to visit

Spirit of Geneva Lakes magazine recommends the following three orchards to visit this fall. Visitors are advised to call ahead or check online for hours and visitor protocols. • Apple Barn Orchard and Winery, W6384 Sugar Creek Rd, Elkhorn; 262-7283266 • Brightonwoods Orchard, 1072 288th Ave, Burlington; 262-878-3000 • Hafs Road Orchard, W632 Hafs Rd, Genoa City, 262-279-3638

Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition that can be even more fun when employing a few strategies designed to make it more safe and fruitful.

ADVERTISEMENT A quick pick-me-up

Company offers options to make tile look like new

Replacing an entire bathroom is costly, often in the $20,000 range depending on the quality one wants to put into the room.

“That isn’t a cost many families can handle in today’s economy,” Grout Experts Kevin Ferrara, owner, said.

So calling on Grout Experts might be the answer.

“A shower that would cost $2,300 to replace can usually be re-caulked and grouted for around $500 making it look like new and pleasing the family and their budget.”

For many the need to “spiff up” the grout often occurs when preparing for a big event such as a wedding, family reunion, or putting the home up for sale.

Mold, mildew or chipped tiles are red flags for homebuyers when considering a property. Often the realtor will want the homeowner to replace floors, wall tiles, and even tubs and showers.

Grout Experts can fix whatever is there and make it look brand new by regrouting and caulking.

Quality service is one of the reasons that customers are so pleased with Grout Experts.

Grout Experts take a personal interest in each customer. One of them will meet with the family and complete a written estimate of the cost of the job – no hidden fees. After the customer returns the signed contract the job is scheduled.

“We are usually able to schedule the job within 7 to 10 days. Most jobs can be completed in one day, but occasionally very large jobs will require more time,”

Repairing the tiles

To clean grout, they begin by using a steam machine to remove the dirt, mildew or lime scale that has collected over the years.

Once that is removed the grout can be inspected to see what if any repairs need to be made. If it is in good condition it can just be resealed to protect it against future discoloration, staining and dirt. But if it is not in good condition, it may need to be replaced. Grout Experts use environmentally friendly products that are safe for both family and pets.

Choosing a new color for the grout can result in an entire new look for the bathroom or kitchen.

Color sealing will give the grout a new look and protect it from discoloration. With about 40 different colors ranging from bright white through a variety of shades of off whites, shades of gray, terra cotta, and ending with their darkest color, midnight black, there is sure to be a color to complement the existing tile.

Loose tiles or chipped, broken or cracked tiles can also be repaired, sometimes by repainting or replacing as needed.

Getting rid of mold

Mold is every homeowner’s fear. There is so much written about the danger of mold to the health and safety of the family that many live in fear they will find mold in their home and endure expensive removal costs. That’s not always the case.

“Not all mold is dangerous. While some are, others are just superficial and can be easily removed. In bathrooms, the mold often appears along the caulk line between the tub and the tiles on the wall or on the shower seams. If these areas are re-caulked and then sealed, the area is protected against mold.”

During their work, the Grout Experts often uncover areas that have suffered water damage. Sometimes slow leaks make their way through the walls. By referring the work to a plumber, repairs can be completed before permanent and structural damage occurs.

Leaks inside the walls frequently cause damage long before they are visible to the outside.

“The wet spots are a sign that something isn’t right... The problem needs to be fixed before it turns into a bigger problem with major concerns and costs for the homeowner.”

Picking new colors

Popular colors in bathroom fixtures like tubs, toilets and sinks often change. For many years a variety of colors from beige and almond to colorful greens and blues were the items of choice for the bathroom.

Today more homeowners have returned to white fixtures. While toilets and sinks can be easily and relatively inexpensively changed, the bathtub is the problem.

Grout Experts have the answer to change the ugly tub into a modern beautiful tub. A re-glazing of the tub can turn an out of style colored tub into a tub that fits in with the today’s décor and adds to the beauty of the bathroom. The process is easily completed by Grout Experts.

Grout Experts provide the high-level service their customers expect. They have won awards as the Best of Home Advisor and regularly are rated 5/5 by their customers on Home Advisor and from Angie’s list.

The company has been awarded Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2009. They have been recognized as the best of home advisor from 2014 continuing through today.

While awards are always welcomed, one of their proudest accomplishments is that over the years they have maintained his clientele and Grout Experts is often referred by them to family and friends.

Grout Experts is owned by Kevin Ferrara, who has been in the grout-repair business since 2006.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 847-3566928 or visit www.grout-experts.com.

Grout Experts provides service in Southeastern Wisconsin and in Illinois to customers in Lake County, Cook County North, and Chicago Metro North.