Bonfire of the NH Vanities

Never ever step down into a basement akin to a Stephen King novel with a lit candle for lighting.  Always make sure to have several flashlights on hand for the occasion.  And, if you cannot do that, at least bring a lighter in case the flame goes out. Remember your father’s sage advice, assuming anything makes an ass out of U and Me.  Therefore, second item up in reading a house for spring; the handed down lawn and garden and automotive and seasonal equipment should be tested well before the day they are recruited for action.  Believing the ATV that is designed to do some light plowing or moving of brush is ready for combat takes time off the already clicking clock.  The clock that is telling you the owners will be arriving soon and the ATV seems to have been meant for something similar to a lawn ornament or Christmas decoration. Burning brush is a wonderful winter activity for the whole family to enjoy.  The caretaker can rest for a moment with partner at his or her side, dogs running free amongst the acres of woodland.  The caretaker should bear in mind, however, that spring is around the corner and the bonfire moment has now passed.  Procrastination is not a virtue. View the list »
Is Winter over yet?

Home Improvement newsletter

In New Hampshire approximately, 65,000 homes are seasonal. Seasonal, you ask, don’t you mean, vacation homes? I suppose that depends on which side of the fence you’re standing on. Tourism is the name of the game in New Hampshire particularly the Lakes Region, the North Country and the Seashore. And, though there is yet another winter’s storm bearing down upon us Po’ folk that actually live in the state year round; caretaking is serious business and requires attention.

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How does one prepare a home for spring, a home that has been left in their charge and in the owner’s family for centuries?

An unedited list of what not to do goes as such:

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  • Burning brush is a wonderful winter activity for the whole family to enjoy.  The caretaker can rest for a moment with partner at his or her side, dogs running free amongst the acres of woodland.  The caretaker should bear in mind, however, that spring is around the corner and the bonfire moment has now passed.  Procrastination is not a virtue. 
  • Remember your father’s sage advice, assuming anything makes an ass out of U and Me.  Therefore, second item up in reading a house for spring; the handed down lawn and garden and automotive and seasonal equipment should be tested well before the day they are recruited for action.  Believing the ATV that is designed to do some light plowing or moving of brush is ready for combat takes time off the already clicking clock.  The clock that is telling you the owners will be arriving soon and the ATV seems to have been meant for something similar to a lawn ornament or Christmas decoration. 
  • Never ever step down into a basement akin to a Stephen King novel with a lit candle for lighting.  Always make sure to have several flashlights on hand for the occasion.  And, if you cannot do that, at least bring a lighter in case the flame goes out. 
  • Caretakers in New Hampshire have always seemed a little bit of a combination between Burl Ives and Anthony Hopkins.  Somewhat quiet fellows with age, wisdom and crotchety attitudes and all over the age of 65!  Not so.  With the wood that needs to be split, the excess left over snow from our 3rd snowiest February on record; caretaking for a house with more than one room requires a lifetime supply of Redbull and Testosterone injections. 
  • Finally, caretaking for a home takes just that, care in taking someone else’s home and making it run right.  Remember back in the fall when asked, can you do this, can you do that?  Or, do you know how to change a thermostat, run a generator and clean a hardwood floor circa 1804?  Think back this spring and say to yourself, I wish I knew then what I know now!
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, Manchester Prepper Examiner

We are all experienced if we truly embrace ourselves in living.

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