Michiana House and Home - October 2023

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com

Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2023

editor’s note...

It seemed like fall creeped in sooner than expected. First pumpkin spice made itself known, from coffee to candles, it was suddenly everywhere.

Then gallons of apple cider began appearing in the grocery store, along with pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colors. Not to mention gourds. I have a composter and a compost pile next to it, anything that is bio-degradable, except meat, goes out there. This year, I noticed I had either a pumpkin or gourd vine threatening to take over the yard. Turns out it’s gourds. The vine had a ton of flowers, now we’ll just have to see how many actual gourds I get — as of now I’ve found four or five.

And of course we have another jampacked issue of Michiana House and Home. In honor of October being the spookiest month of the year, Julie Young took on Did You Know? and found all sorts of weird and crazy facts regarding the month.

She also did an article about how to update a room with accessories. The key is to not make the room look too cluttered and to pick items that really pack a punch. A nice thing about accessories is they don’t have to be expensive.

Julie also wrote an article regarding getting the yard prepped for winter. It never fails, I always forget September and October are the months to weed/ feed the yard as well as throw grass seed down on the bare spots that pop up during the year. I’ll let you know if I get that chore done this year.

BethAnne Brink-Cox interviewed Middlebury resident Steve Rathka about how to prep your homes when you’re a snowbird. Steve and his wife were snowbirds for a number of years until Hurricane Ian took out their Florida residence.

BethAnne also wrote about radiant heating. I’d seen where some people had done it for driveways and thought

it was a bit extravagant. BethAnne learned it’s not just for driveways and can be cost efficient. And no more having to worry about bumping up against a hot register. Be sure to check this story out.

And to go along with this season’s apple cider, BethAnne helped me out by providing a recipe for caramel corn. Reading the recipe sounds easy to do and really yummy.

So pull up a warm mug of your favorite beverage, snuggle under a cozy throw and enjoy this month’s issue.

Lumber ~ Shiplap ~ Flooring Hardware ~ Makita Tools Milwaukee Tools ~ Valspar Paint Therma Tru Entry Doors

A long winter’s nap

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

KEEP YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE

prepare your yard for the season ahead

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

One of the easiest things a homeowner can do to prepare their yard for winter is to keep up with a regular mowing, trimming and watering routine. Experts say grass does not stop growing until the first frost so there is no reason to lay off your regular maintenance in the fall. Once you are finished mowing for the year, make sure to winterize your mower and sharpen the blades to get it ready for the following year. You can also schedule it for service with a local professional if you don’t want to do it yourself. Don’t forget to change the oil, check the sparkplugs and clean the air filter as well.

Although they look pretty on the ground and make a satisfying sound, leaves block the sun, prevent plants from creating food, and when they get wet, they trap moisture which leads to lawn fungi. Naturally, you can use a leaf blower or vacuum to keep the yard looking tidy, but it is also important to do some manual raking on occasion. This process will help remove thatch that may have built up in your yard and keep passageways open that will help new grass grow next year.

Fall is a great time to think about aeration. Chances are, your lawn has suffered some degree of soil compaction and heat stress (especially considering the temps this past summer!) These issues lead to brown and thinned grass spots that can be helped by removing grass plugs and freeing up passageways that can help nutrients and fertilizer reach those places that need it the most. This task is best left to the pros who have machinery designed to handle a large area in no time and while it is an investment, it is one that will pay off next spring!

Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer and seed the bare spots of your yard. This should be completed after any aeration and will make a huge difference to next year’s look. Experts say fall is the most important time of the year to fertilize in order to cultivate a healthier lawn and if you want to make sure your seeds germinate, contact a professional to ask about direct sowing.

Above all, keep up with your routine pest control efforts. Even though you do not see them, the bugs do not take a holiday vacation. In fact, they are hard at work trying to undermine your efforts so don’t drop your guard. Apply pesticide or reach out to your lawn care professional so they can recommend a treatment that will keep the pests under control.

Remember, when it comes to winter lawn care, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure! n

When the temperatures begin to drop, it’s only a matter of time before that first snowflake falls so it’s important to winterize your yard for the season ahead! While it may sound counterintuitive, experts know that the secret to a great looking yard in the spring, summer, and fall, begins with how you prepare it for the coldest months of the year! Whether you plan to call in a service or want to DIY, we have the top tips to help you put your yard to bed for a long winter’s nap!

By Loanne Harms Michiana Master Gardener

This column is dedicated to Sally Weirich. Aug. 8, 1929 - Sept. 9, 2023.

Plantspringbulbsnowfor

Bulbs are a dream. After getting them in the ground, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the show. The best to plant in fall for spring bloom include tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinth, crocus and hyacinth.

Because we have cold winters, bulbs can be planted in the ground in fall, where they will chill long enough to develop spring blooms. Fall bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool, when evening temperatures are consistently between 40° - 50°F.In northern Indiana that is toward the end of October and the beginning of November, typically about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. That is the ideal planting window. However, as long as you can dig and your ground is workable, you can still plant.

More than anything, bulbs need their soil to be well-drained, and ideally quite loose as well. The Dutch say, “bulbs don’t like wet feet.” Bulbs need oxygen, and loose, well-drained soil holds little pockets of air between the soil particles, which help the roots to move around easily when they are trying to find the oxygen they need. Secondly, soil that is too wet will rot the bulbs, and suffocate their roots. Welldrained soil helps water drain away from the bulb, keeping it healthy. Thirdly, loose and welldrained soil is a welcoming home for beneficial soil life. Think of pill bugs, earthworms and tiny microbes, all working hard to convert organic matter into the nutrients and minerals your bulbs will absorb and turn into strong plants and stunning flowers. Thankfully light requirements are of little importance because there are few to no leaves on the trees when the bulbs bloom providing most locations with plenty of sun.

Some other tips for planting spring-flowering bulbs:

• Plant bulbs in clusters. For better impact, plant bulbs in clusters.

• Plant low-growing bulbs in the front of taller bulbs. This is a good general rule for bulbs that bloom at the same time.

• Plant a mix of bulbs to extend your bloom time.

aspectacularshowlater

The second thing bulbs need is good food. Bulbs’ favorite nutrients are N-P-K, or Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash. Nitrogen helps to start the leaf growth, while Phosphorus and Potash protect the bulb from disease, help it to grow strong roots, and support it in doing its most important job of all: making great flowers. To produce the maximum number of top-quality spring flowers, tulips and daffodils require care first in fall, at planting time, and then again in spring. At both of these times, gardeners can enrich the soil by adding a couple of inches of organic compost as well as synthetic fertilizer.

For the best results, always prepare your planting bed before planting. Dig your soil so it’s loose and workable. Loosen soil in the planting bed to a depth of at least 8 inches. Dig your holes at the recommended depth for each bulb, as listed on the label, typically 4 to 8 inches. Dig the hole to a width that will fit the bulbs according to the spacing listed on the label (bulbs per square foot). One rule of thumb is to plant bulbs three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Set the bulb in the hole with the pointy side up and the roots down. (It’s easy to spot the pointy end of a tulip, and tougher with a crocus. If you can’t figure out the top from the bottom, plant the bulb on its side. In most cases, even if you don’t get it

Plant mid- and late-season bloomers together, creating a spring display that blooms in succession, for a whole season of color.

• Cover your newly planted area with protective mesh-like chicken wire- to help deter squirrels, chipmunks, and other garden creatures from digging up and eating your bulbs. Or choose bulbs animals tend to leave alone, such as daf-

right, the flower will still find its way topside.)

Once the bulbs are in the ground, gently backfill with soil to fill the hole. Lightly compress the soil but do not pack it - you want to encourage roots to grow. Top-dress the bed with a balanced, 10-10-10 or 10-15-10 slow-release fertilizer.

Lightly cultivate the soil to disperse the fertilizer or water it in well. Apply fertilizer to the top of the soil instead of the planting hole to avoid burning the bulbs.

Water once at planting time to fill any air pockets, and to stimulate root growth. Additional watering is not necessary.

fodils, alliums and snowdrops.

• Plant Spring blooming bulbs around established perennials This is a smart strategy for concealing bulb foliage when it starts to die back after blooming. While this is happening, many perennials like ferns and hostas will send up fresh, new growth that will help hide the lessthan-lovely bulb foliage. n

In its “Furniture Damage Survey,” Allstate Protection Plans found that more than 242 million Americans have damaged furniture, and 37% of damaged items were less than a year old. Here are some of the survey’s top findings, along with advice for saving time and money on repairs and replacements:

• The Financial Hit: An estimated $23.5 billion has been spent by 82 million Americans replacing and repairing damaged items. The average cost of furniture repairs runs at $287. Almost half (49%) of damaged furniture originally cost more than $500 and nearly a quarter (21%) cost more than $1,000. The majority of people who have damaged furniture (51%) say they spent additional money repairing or replacing it.

Furniture Spills, Stains & Dents

(StatePoint) Furniture is what makes a house a home, however new research shows daily life leaves fixtures

(17%) and burns (6%). Beverages are the dominant offenders for spills (48%) followed by ink/paint/marker (16%) and food (10%).

of incidents. When it comes to four-legged friends, dogs are 2.4 times more likely to have damaged furniture than cats.

• Hot Seats: Sofas are by far the most damaged item (34%), followed by dining room tables or chairs (11%), kitchen tables or chairs (9%), and recliners or other living room seating (8%). Most furniture (57%) was damaged in the living room, with 15% of incidents happening in the dining room, 9% in the master bedroom and 6% in the kitchen.

• The Cover-Up: Almost half (46%) of people who have damaged furniture reported that they tried to fix or clean the items themselves. However, only 56% of those who took a DIY approach say their efforts were successful. Sixty-one percent of Americans have tried to hide or cover up damage.

• Prevention and Cure: To prevent damage, Americans apply pre-stain treatments (37%), put towels or sheets over furniture (36%), and place slipcovers or plastic sheeting on furniture (28%). When the worst occurs, the majority of people say they are most likely to turn to their homeowners or renters insurance for help. Only 16% of respondents said their furniture was covered by a protection plan and fewer than half (48%) were aware such plans were available for furniture.

“People are used to investing in protection plans for their appliances and electronics, but they don’t give as much thought to protecting their furniture,” said Jason Siciliano, vice president and global creative director at Allstate Protection Plans. “This is surprising given the data behind how frequently people must repair furniture and how costly it is to do so. Investing in a protection plan at the point of purchase is only a fraction of the cost of a new couch.”

Furniture protection plans cover repairs or replacements without claims negatively impacting homeowners or renters insurance premiums. Beyond purchasing protection plans, Siciliano also recommends extending the life of furniture with such measures as pet-proofing and using the right cleaning solution for each type of upholstery or material. For more information on protecting prized possessions, visit: allstateprotectionplans.com.

• No Thrills from Spills. The leading cause of damage is spills, accounting for 54% of furniture damage. Other top causes are breaks (20%), dents and scratches (18%), rips or tears

• Don’t Blame the Kids or Cat: Adults in the household are the most likely to cause damage, with children only accounting for 26%

Rips, spills and stains are part of life, but spending a fortune repairing and replacing furniture doesn’t have to be. With advance planning, those inevitable incidents and accidents won’t break the bank. n

and fittings vulnerable to damage.

Keep Your Home Cozy in

Cool Weather With These Upgrades

(StatePoint) When the temperatures drop and the precipitation turns cold, efficiently keeping your home cozy and warm is likely a top priority.

WINDOWS

Windows are a common point of heat transfer, and as such, they play a huge role in the comfort of your home. It’s not often that you have to purchase windows for your home, but when you do, you’ll want to ensure that they deliver the best in energy efficiency and comfort. ProVia’s vinyl windows, for example, are ENERGY STARcertified, to help keep your home warm in winter (and cool in summer).

INTERIOR DÉCOR

You may not think about your interior decorating choices as something that could potentially improve your home’s energy efficiency, but many such updates will not only make your home look more cozy, they’ll actually help keep it warm. Thick area rugs are a good place to start, as they provide insulation underfoot. Likewise, cellular shades or Roman shades can help stop heat transfer around windows, and wall tapestries or fabric-like wallpaper can provide a touch more insulation on walls.

As you make home upgrades this fall, be sure to use materials designed to withstand extreme weather events and which help manage indoor climate control. Doing so will mean greater comfort and more affordable energy bills, not only when it’s cold, but all year long.

SIDING

Is your home ever drafty or chilly when the temperatures drop and the wind kicks up?

The culprit may be insufficient insulation. Keep in mind that most wall insulation is placed only between the studs, and wall studs make up to 25% of the wall surface of an average home. You can fill in these insulation gaps with insulated vinyl siding that’s been tested and proven to increase the R-value (a measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow) of an exterior wall. One of the most energy-efficient exterior claddings on the market, CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding is one such choice that can help reduce your energy bills. Plus, its strong, rigid foam backing offers greater impact resistance against rain, hail, sleet and snow, making a siding upgrade a good project to consider before the first winter storm.

ROOFING

As your first defense against all kinds of weather, your roof sustains a lot of wear and tear. Consider prioritizing durability, strength and weather resistance in a new roof by opting for metal. The good news? You can get a classic appearance with this material, thanks to updates in roofing technology. For example, the energy-saving metal roofing offered by ProVia has the textured appearance of natural slate or shake shingles, but is constructed of highly durable 26-gauge steel, for added strength and lifetime protection from wind, rain, hail and corrosion.

To learn more about building and renovating with comfort and energy savings in mind, visit provia.com.

By selecting the right products during a renovation, you can prepare your home for greater comfort and energy savings in cool weather. n

Accessorizing your abode New trends highlight simplicity

SIMPLE SWITCHES

You don’t have to invest in a major remodel to refresh your space. Anna Miller at Hoosier House Furnishings in Goshen says there are a number of simple switches that homeowners can make to bring their homes up to date. Changing out hardware from polished nickel to black and gold can give your cabinetry a small makeover that can make a big impact on the overall look of a room. Investing in a new ceiling light fixture or changing out the shade on your lamps can also give a room an instant face lift and don’t be afraid to include a bold color to break away from the white and grey that have dominated the past few years.

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

LESS IS MORE

Cindy Fruschour, interior designer at C.E. Lee Decorating Center in South Bend said less is more these days. While home accessories are bigger, bolder and incorporate a wide variety of materials, there are fewer of them. Homeowners are keen to curate a space that looks and feels lighter, is more natural and include the features they need to live their best life.

“Throw pillows still trend toward neutral colors but we’re seeing more texture in them, which looks great and don’t be afraid to incorporate some greenery for a pop of color here and there,” she said.

When choosing an accent table or chair, look for something made from sustainable materials and don’t be afraid to embrace an eclectic style. In addition to oversized items being on trend, be sure to look for items that offer a little more geometry, bold patterns (tiger stripes are trending) and fewer angles.

“Curves are huge right now and we are seeing a lot of arches in the Chicago area, which will filter down to Indiana soon,” Miller said. “Peel-and-stick wallpaper is another great way to accent a room without spending a lot of money.”

“There is a simplicity to the way people are living now – less really is more,” she said. “I don’t want to blame the pandemic, but ever since then, people are looking at their homes differently in terms of what they need. Homeowners do not want a ton of items that collect dust or have to be cleaned and that comes across in the materials and products they choose.”

Nowhere is this more apparent than in window treatments. Although they are often an afterthought, these elements help frame a room and pull everything together. Today’s homeowners are looking for coverings that give them the most freedom to let natural light in and afford them some privacy after a long day. Fruschour said her clients tend to choose materials that are lighter and sheerer than the heavy draperies of the past as well as automated blinds that can practically disappear into the woodwork.

“Automation is not cheap, but homeowners are investing in those accessories that are going to make their lives easier and they are prioritizing where that money will be spent,” she said. “They might do something simple and inexpensive in a guest room but go all out on their great room treatments and multifunctional accents where they tend to spend more time with their family and friends.” n

Are you looking to upgrade, upscale or otherwise reinvigorate your home with accessories that showcase your personal style? Experts say there are a number of new trends that can be easily infused into your space or built around a single focal point. From rich colors to bold patterns, lighter materials and fun textures, you can create maximum style with a minimalist look that will bring comfort and balance to any room of the home! photos: shutterstock.com

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Thinking of becoming a

SNOWBIRD?

Police Department and have them do a ‘vacation house check.’ We made sure the water was turned off at the street, get hold of the bank, post office, etc. all the things you do to tie up loose ends.”

If a house is going to be empty for a while, it’s quite common to drain all the plumbing, put antifreeze in the toilets and so on, depending on the temperature/climate.

Rathka said they didn’t do that. “We kept the heat set at 55 or 60, so nothing would freeze. Really, the only time we ever had trouble anywhere was during a time of exceedingly heavy rains, and we ended up with water in the lower level, just that once, a couple of inches, because of those heavy rains.

Most of us know the term ‘snowbird,’ although it may have different meanings for some, depending on where you live. There is a candy shop in a town where I used to live that is famous for their ‘Snowbirds,’ which are clusters of white chocolate and pecans and absolutely delicious.

But Steven Rathka is no piece of candy, and neither is his wife, Janet. Thanks to Hurricane Ian in 2022, they aren’t snowbirds in the strictest sense any longer, either.

Rathka said they won’t be buying another place down South, “I don’t like saying I’m too old,” so we agreed on the term ‘seasoned citizen’ instead.

“We had about 22 years in the Fort Myers area, starting about 50 years ago when our first child was gone. First we had a condo, then a house. My wife wanted to be back on the water and I wanted to be in 55-and-older park. We got a man ufactured home and owned our own lot for years.

“Insurance is heavy, and they’re having trouble writing them now; since we had an older unit we didn’t insure it. The value was in the land, so after Ian we just had a vacant lot and we listed and sold it. My insurance agent here had told me to increase liability from $500,000 to a million to cover any and everything there, and luckily we didn’t damage anyone else’s home.

You know, flying debris and such.”

One of the things that can be a worry for homeowners who split their time between two places is what might happen to the empty house.

“Wife’s brother would come by once every week or two to check things here, and neighbors did the same thing in Florida. The last couple of years we weren’t as happy with the security company that was watching us, so it was easier to have the neighbors and her brother.

“When it was time to leave here, we’d call Middlebury

“Took a couple of days to get the carpet dried out, you know. And the AC had to be replaced once. Knock on wood: very few problems over the years,” he explained.

As you’d hope, “we had friends who helped, and we would do the same for them. We would get people to pick us up and take us to the airport. We all just looked out for each other and returned favors. I’m sure there are services available who would winterize your home for you, but we liked doing it ourselves.

“I was in finance so I use graph paper, and I’m very detailed, and my wife is not. I think it was pretty easy, and I would tell her I’ll handle it,” Rathka said.

“One thing we did, both here and there: we left things that had some value which could be replaced if something happened. We never went back after Ian. There wasn’t anything left that we just had

Rathka was silent for a minute and then explained that he and his wife are grateful for mild winter weather. The snow bird days are behind them, but they won’t be brooding on any nest! n

One man’s account of migrating yearly to warmer weather

photos: shutterstock.com

michiana

OCT. 1-31 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND

FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd. (574) 282-1259

southbendfarmersmarket.com

MULTI-EVENT VENUES

GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN

• Oct 13-Dec. 15 Latin Dance Class at Goshen Theater

3 - 7 p.m. $10 per class.

• Oct. 14 Goshen Theater & The Elkhart County Symphony Present:

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS | SOUTH BEND

• Oct. 8 public hay rides 1:30-3 p.m. $3 per person. Bendix Woods

56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle

• Oct. 12 All Abilities Hike 5-6 p.m. $5 per person. LaSalle Trail, Cleveland Road and South Bend

• Oct. 13 Fall Fling for Little One,10 a.m. to noon, free admission Bendix Woods, 56960 Timothly Road, New Carlisle

• Oct. 18 Cupcakes and Hayrides, 6-8 p.m. $5 per person Van Paris Shelter/ Bendix Woods, 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle

• Oct. 20 Spicer Lake Lantern Walk, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5 per person, Spicer Lake Nature Preserve, 50840 County Line Road, New Carlisle

• Oct. 28 Overhead and Underfoot: Autumn’s Subtleties and Splendor, 8:3010:30 a.m. $7 per session or $15 for the series, Spicer Lake Nature Preserve,

POTAWATOMI ZOO | SOUTH BEND

• Oct. 16 Tiny Bookworms Story Series, 9:30-10 a.m. for kids 0-2. Listen to a couple of stories and meet an ambassador animal. 500 S. Greenlawn Ave.

(574) 235-9800

potawatomizoo.org

LERNER THEATER | ELKHART

• Oct. 13-15, 19 The Wizard of Oz

Performance times 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13-14; matinee performances 3 p.m. Oct. 14-15; and 6:30 Oct. 19.

Tickets are $14-$27 for performances

Oct. 13-15 and $5-$10 for Oct. 19

• Oct. 19 Lunchtime Live with Celia Weiss- Kimball Organ Concert. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free

• Oct 20, Rob Schneider — The Narcissist Confessions 7 p.m.

Tickets $35-$100

• Oct. 26, Lerner on the Lawn — Hooked Like Helen, 6 p.m. Free

• Oct . 26 Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza, 6 p.m.

Tickets are $25-$68

• Oct. 28 EagleMania — The World’s Greatest Tribute to the Eagles, 8 p.m. Tickets are $39-$49 410 S. Main St. (574) 293-4469

www.thelerner.com

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND

• Oct. 7-8 Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert.

Performance times: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

• Oct. 13 Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals 8 p.m.

• Oct. 20 The Prices is Right, Live! 7:30 p.m.

• Oct. 21 Jerry Seinfeld Live 7 p.m.

• Oct. 27 The Rocky Horror Picture Show Featuring Barry Bostwick 8 p.m. 211 N. Michigan St. (574) 235-9190

morriscenter.org n

photos: shutterstock.com

Radiant heating is an investment that pays off in the long run

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

What do you think of when you hear the term radiant heating? Jason DeLaurelle, general manager at Sun Services, Inc. would like to share his thoughts about this with you. “Radiant in floor heating is an amazing product. You can install it in an old house – it’s harder to do – but if you build a new house, it’s very easily done. Good Investment? You bet. It adds to the overall value!”

If you’re thinking radiant heat means radiators, while still in use those are, by and large, bygone days. DeLaurelle said they have removed them from old houses when installing the new systems, and invariably they’re asked to sell them. It’s true they have a certain style, even beauty, that old house lovers value. Who doesn’t remember drying wet mittens on one? “But radiant heating now is installed under the floor–no more cold floors! It can also be installed in the ceiling, or in grilles on the walls. There’s lots of options.”

Indeed there are. Energy.gov defines it as three distinctly different styles: air heated, electric heated and hydronic, which they say is the most popular and the most cost-effective. That’s important, because you’ll also be factoring in the cost of whatever floor covering you choose. The website recommends ceramic tile for radiant floor heating. Common coverings like vinyl and linoleum, carpeting or wood can be used but would decrease the efficiency of the heating system.

Pros?

DeLaurelle said, “Well, there’s less maintenance, less wear and tear, and the heat is so even.”

(Think about it; you set a thermostat for your house, just imagine doing more

or less the same for your floors!) Cons? “Only the upfront costs. There are customers who’d like to install this but can’t always, but when they can, they are always satisfied.”

Does this differ from heated driveways? It almost seems unimaginable, but it’s definitely a thing, and DeLaurelle said, “This is exactly the same kind of thing. You’d never shovel snow again in your life! We don’t install those as often, because of the cost. I mean, we’ll quote it and often hear, ‘Oh, that’s just too much,’ and I get that. But the ones who can afford it are always pleased.”

When you think of all the trends that have come and gone (and sometimes come around again) in dealing with home heat – coal, wood, gas, electric, oil burners, pellet stoves, this might seem like just the latest thing that’s here now and gone soon. DeLaurelle doesn’t think so. “For sure it’s going to keep getting bigger!” Generally speaking, with most things that means the cost will drop as it becomes more common (remember, the first VCRs cost about a thousand dollars!) And when asked if repairs are needed for this kind of system, DeLaurelle was succinct: “Nope!”

In the case of natural disasters such as flooding, etc. are these floors covered by insurance? DeLaurelle thought for a moment, then said most any home insurance policy would cover repair or replacement of HVAC systems when they are damaged that way. It stands to reason, then, if you can afford the cost, there’s no downside to radiant heating. Talk to the experts and see if it’s workable to install it in your old house, and if you’re building a new house, it’s certainly worth considering as part of your architectural designs! n

photos: shutterstock.com

Caramel Corn

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

popcorn? You make this. We are picky about our popcorn, only yellow popcorn, popped in peanut oil and served with melted butter and superfine salt, but you can do whatever feels right to you, including microwave popcorn or even store-bought popcorn, if that’s more to your liking or your convenience.

I think it’s funny that one of my favorite cookbook authors was Peg Bracken, famous for the “I Hate to Cook Book,” because I love to cook. Once I tried this simple recipe — simple being part of her charm, so that those who truly did hate to cook could make it as painless as possible – it became part of my permanent repertoire. During the many years I worked at a Christian summer camp, this recipe for caramel corn (Peg called it Balderdash) was a lifesaver time and again, because we served popcorn one night each week for a snack.

When it’s cool, break it apart into smaller clusters and store in airtight containers (jars, tins, whatever.)

However you get there, you need to begin with 10 cups of popped corn. Spray a large baking pan (or two) with Pam, and toss the popcorn into it. Set into a 250 degree oven while you make the caramel.

In a heavy pan, combine 1⁄2 cup butter (one stick, and do not use margarine!) with 1 cup packed brown sugar (light, dark, or a blend of both, according to your taste); 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 cup honey (the easiest way to

measure that is to spray the measuring cup with Pam first. The honey will slide right out!) Stir until the sugar dissolves over low heat, then simmer until a candy thermometer registers 248 degrees, also known as the firm ball stage. This takes about five minutes. Take it off the heat and stir in 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda. The syrup will foam right up (stir it fast and hard so it won’t run over!) and it should, so don’t worry, you didn’t ruin it. Pour the caramel over the hot popcorn and stir until well blended. Put the pan(s) back in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

I have made this into popcorn balls (remember popcorn balls? Hey, Halloween is coming!) but you have to work fast before it cools. You can add nuts if you like before you pour on the caramel. You can tweak to your taste and according to your pantry: I’ve made this with corn syrup, pancake syrup (but not lite or diet) and pure maple syrup, which is heaven. Try it!

Did You Know? Creepy (and cool) facts for October

Everyone knows that October has a lot going for it. From football games to the fall color palette, cooler temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, October is one of our favorite months of the year. It’s also a month that is rich in historical significance, is synonymous with the spooky, and is the best month to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Want to learn more about this unique time of the year? Try these creepy (and cool) facts about this most unique month of the year!

HISTORICAL:

· In the ancient Roman calendar, October was originally the eighth month of the year. However, when the Romans converted to a 12-month calendar, it became the 10th. Unlike the other months, which were renamed for the Roman gods, October’s name remained forever linking it to the number eight.

· For 126 years it was believed that a cow started the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1871. Mrs. O’Leary and her bovine were officially exonerated by the Chicago City Council in 1997 to the delight of her descendants.

· The Russian revolution led by the Bolsheviks began on October 24, 1917. The Russian calendar sets the date as November 6 of the same year.

DEARLY DEPARTED:

Although Halloween is intrinsically linked to All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) here in the United States, other countries celebrate the end of the October and the beginning of November with other holidays and festivals including:

· Dia de la Mascarada (October 31) – Costa Rica’s masquerade festival features large, colorful masks and folk dances that can be traced back to pre-Colombian customs.

· Ognissanti (November 1) – Italy’s All Saints Day Festival is celebrated with regional customs such as Siciliy’s tradition that the dead bring gifts to well-behaved children or Sardina’s custom of children going door-to-door to collect offerings for the deceased.

· Barriletes Gigantes (Early November) – Guatemalans honor the deceased with a giant kite festival. They are often hand-painted and flown over the graves of loved ones.

· Guy Fawkes Day (November 5) – England commemorates the failed assassination of King James I led by Fawkes.

CREEPY:

· The Orton and Spooner Ghost House, believed to be the first manufactured “haunted house” opened in 1915 in Liphook, England. Roughly the size of a train car, it was powered by steam and resembled a carnival fun house.

· According to a 2021 poll, roughly 41 percent of all Americans believe in ghosts.

· The word “witch” comes from the old English term “wicca” meaning wise woman.

· Fear of Halloween is real. It is called Samhainophobia and is characterized by the fear of being startled or surprised by traditional Halloween characters such as witches, ghosts and zombies.

COOL:

· Like tomatoes, pumpkins are classified as a fruit.

· 6.5 percent of people say that orange is their favorite color.

It is associated with joy, happiness, and creativity.

· October always ends on the same day as February.

· Deposits of October’s birthstone, the opal, have been found on Mars.

· Experts say October is the best time to buy end-of-season outdoor supplies, jeans (left over from back-to-school sales, and pizza (because October is National Pizza Month!) n