Falling for October

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Is September really a memory? I’m still wondering where August is hiding. I’m now a believer of what my parent’s used to say, “The older you get the faster time goes by.”

October is bittersweet for me. While I love the summer months, I realize that I must move on.  Fall brings changes.  My dad would have turned 81 today. It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly four years.

I especially think of him during this time of year because we spent so much time outdoors together.  My mom and sister would be inside the house while the little helper would be so eager to be outside with her hero – as excited as a child is on the first day of summer vacation.  Even though he was my teacher, it never felt like I was back in school.

Many times when we worked in the yard all I could think about was the culmination of the projects and the reward we were going to receive. My sister and mother would meet us outside and the three ladies would jump into the cart attached to my dad’s Cub Cadet tractor. He’d drive us all around the backyard as if we were on a ride at Disney World, always wanting more when it was over.  Sometimes I think back and wish I could get back in line for another go around.

It’s ironic that his tractor is now in my garage.  I plan on plowing my driveway during the upcoming snowy season just like he used to.  I’ll use it with pride and will feel my dad’s presence with every rev of the engine.  I know in my heart he’s pleased that his 40-plus year old tractor has found its new home.

As I fight back the tears, Happy Birthday Dad.

While this isn’t a typical Maid of Stihl post, I wanted to pay tribute to my father on his birthday.  I recently guest blogged on STIHL’s website and wrote about how my dad gave me the guidance and education (and saw my ability) to do “man’s” work.  Please feel free to read My Dad Gave Me the Confidence to STIHL the Show.

Follow Twitter:  @Maid_of_Stihl

Oh Those Lumberjacks!

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Recently I went to a local fair with my family. We had a great time walking the fairgrounds. There is so much to do at a fair besides eating “carni” food and buying unneeded things that are must haves (we did both). The weather was perfect.  We stayed for the outdoor concert that was beginning later in the afternoon.

As we walked towards the concert venue we approached the lumberjack competition area.  Being an avid fan of  STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series (yes, I TiVo it) I was excited to see the fair was having its own competition!

It was a small event and only one discipline was being performed called the Standing Block. This is where a lumberjack chops from both sides of the log and when the block of wood is divided or separated the time ends for that contestant; the best time wins. There is an exact science to participating in this event and preciseness is the key. It’s also physically draining on the body and is one of the most challenging of all the disciplines.

We watched the competition and I was in my glory.

Until this weekend I haven’t had the opportunity to go to a competition.  I get my fix watching recorded episodes of STIHL TIMBERSPORTS at home.  Each competition is physically intense making it exciting to watch.  If you’ve never watched or heard about TIMBERSPORTS, STIHL best describes the Series on its website:

The professionals in the Series compete in five regional professional qualifiers. This means that the professional athletes from the region will be competing against each other for the chance to go to the U.S. championship. Athletes compete in a variety of disciplines based on traditional logging skills to determine the best all-around lumberjack. Disciplines include hot saw, single buck, springboard chop, standing block chop, stock saw and underhand chop.

There’s also a Collegiate Series where 52 colleges compete head-to-head and the winners advance to the Collegiate Championship.

Out of all the disciplines, my favorite to watch is the Underhand Chop.  A competitor stands with feet apart on a log of wood no more than 14 inches long.   The athlete chops through the piece of wood then turning to the other side to complete the cut before it’s separated. It’s one of the most dangerous of disciplines for the reason you can imagine: swinging an ax going 70 mph between your feet!

I love watching this sport.  Next time you’re at a state or local fair consider watching a lumberjack competition. Try it … you’ll like it.

Side note:
I was concerned with the cutting of the trees and the effects on the environment. What was done with the wood afterwards? I did a little digging and was happy to find that STIHL only works with sustainable forestry – the trees are part of a managed forest so they’re only cut when it’s time. Another plus is a national waste disposal company turns the scrapings into mulch when the competition is over.

Once and for All Goodnight Irene Goodnight…

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Those that live on the east coast can certainly relate to my next blog post. Hurricane Irene got many of us up and down the coast and the repercussions are still lingering for some of us. Power didn’t return to my house until Saturday and I just got my phone line, internet, and cable back tonight. While this was a terrible inconvenience I keep telling myself it was just that and be thankful that nothing horrible had happened.

Many of us are in the midst of cleanup. If you’ve been following other posts I’ve written you know that I love yardwork as much as I love chocolate chip cookies (I know, scary, right?).  So I relished in the idea of the yardwork that was in store for of me. I had my equipment ready to go and got started last Monday after work and I had my action plan (in this order):

1) Blow all the leaves and other debris from my lawn

2) Pick up any sticks and branches that were still lingering

3) Cut small tree that fell, keep some of the wood for the chimena and throw the rest in the woods

4) Blow leftover saw dust and leaves off that part of the lawn

5) Mow the lawn

6) Finish up with trimming around edges, lamp-post, etc.

7) Clean lawn mower

8 ) Pour a nice glass of red

Seems like a lot to tackle in one day? Well it was – I only got through number one that day (and number eight); yardwork was in my future for the next several days. I quickly realized that I’m no landscaper and that I would go hungry if this was my profession because I spent way too much time on the task at hand. “Well, I thought, since I love yardwork so much I get to have so much fun all week-long!” That sentiment didn’t last long…

Ok, so I had more work cutout than I had anticipated. One thing I know is that I needed to put safety first. According to Consumer Reports the leading causes of injury during DIY home improvement projects in 2009 were: falling off ladders, getting struck by mower debris, lacerations from a power tools or chain saws, and burns or breathing difficulties caused by household chemicals. We all know that many of these injuries are avoidable. I can’t help but wonder why people don’t take it seriously. Is it because we get lazy or that dreaded “it’ll never happen to me” syndrome? Whatever it is, please take a moment to read the following information that appears on STIHL’s website about safety. It pays dividends just to take a little extra time.

http://www.stihlusa.com/pressrelease/Jun09_StormSafetyResources.aspx

I did complete my “to do” list later in the week and the yard once again looks great – I had a lot of sore muscles and I was physically exhausted, but it was well worth it.

Don’t Get All Sappy…It’s Just A Little Trim

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Picture this:  A Monday after work….6pm…85 degrees and humid in the month of August. So I said to myself, “Gee, nothing to do?  I don’t know, maybe I should try another vlog, but this time use one of my other STIHL products (I’ve given the BR 600 a lot of limelight) like the pole pruner.”  The angel nested on my right shoulder said in no uncertain terms, “No, this isn’t a good idea”.  However, the devil on the left shoulder said, “Let’s do it!”

So I called my friend Lynn and asked if I could come over to prune the trees in the front of her house and if she wouldn’t mind videotaping me for my blog; she graciously said yes to both.

Ok, this was NOT the right day to take on this task; this is definitely an early spring or late fall project.  I mean what reasonable person would start cutting limbs off of trees in the middle of August; especially when this isn’t ones livelihood?  Yep, that would be me!

Even though this wasn’t one of my all time smartest moves, the pole pruner worked fantastic and was very effective.  This attachment goes along with the STIHL KombiSystem which has various attachments that take on other tasks like hedge trimming, edging, cleaning, and cultivating.  Great product!

Of course at this point you know how I am about safety and protecting myself so I once again was outfitted properly (you’ll have to watch the video to get the actual visual).

We had our share of laughs and the neighbors were quite impressed; I even got a job offer from someone that lived down the street.  She had some tree pruning of her own and wanted to hire me for the job!  I politely declined.

In any case enjoy the video. Looking forward to your comments!

View video here! 

Snow Me How It’s Done

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Ok so I’ve talked about some fall cleanup activities in previous posts and now I’m going to write about a winter one.  I don’t even like using the “S” word because, for me, it’s usually followed by the “F” word.  The S word I’m referring to is snow and the F word is the one you’re thinking of right now.  I hate the stuff and agree with how Carl Reiner put it, “A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” 

 [Reader:  Begin singing “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” – sorry for the earbug]

Many of us like to look at the snow when it’s falling, all pretty and untarnished.  I must admit, there’s something so serene about it that makes me feel calm and at peace.  Everything is so quiet that one could actually hear the snow fall.  The calming nature makes me feel like I could watch it descend forever with the hopes of not having to move, as if I was frozen in time (pun intended). 

FAST FORWARD

[Reader:  Begin singing Guns N' Roses “Welcome to the Jungle”]

That’s until the loud and unsettling snow plow comes to clear the roads leaving us with with snow piles at the end of our driveway.  Then we have to spend hours shoveling or snow blowing our way out just to get our vehicles through so we can brave the roads and make a disparate attempt to the supermarket because we need that loaf of bread for breakfast.

I know, I can believe that it’s mid-summer and I’m talking about tips for winter (I’ll call it being proactive).  But when I think of the various uses for my Stihl BR 600 this one comes to mind as another great task this back pack blower can handle (it’s really hard for me to call it a leaf blower when it can be used for so many other things).  Now keep in mind, you can’t use this to clear the snow left behind by the snow plows at the end of your driveway.  It’s typically too heavy and nothing but some elbow grease, a snow blower , or some other plow will remove it.  The BR 600 works fantastic at blowing the snow off the rest of your driveway or patio that’s a couple of inches high.  If you typically use a shovel, the BR 600 is much better on your back because the weight is evenly proportioned and there’s no lifting involved.  Oh and most importantly, it’s so much more fun!  I mean who typically has fun shoveling (funny, I said pretty much the same thing in my I’m Blowing It blog and Jess proved to me that car washer fanatics do exist so I suppose shovel lovers are around too)?

While I would have loved posting my own video, for the obvious reason I wasn’t able to.  So I found two videos that give you an idea of how using your back pack blower gets the snow removal job done. 

Once we get to winter I will post a video of me blowing the snow, but for now just call me being ahead of the game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKETVonz8Mc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36vn1bQHvcY&feature=related

I’m Blowing It – Use Your Stihl BR 600 and Gutter Kit to Dry Your Car!

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Even though I enjoy spending time working outside in my yard, there are some other outdoor tasks that I’m not particularly fond of.   I was never a big fan of washing my car by hand (this is one of the reasons that I continue to buy only gray vehicles – hides the dirt).  It always seems like a lot of wasted time spent that I can never get back in my day.  Even when I do wash my car at home it never seems to get as clean as going to the car wash in town.  I inevitably miss spots or my rinse cycle isn’t sufficient enough.   It’s also a pain in the ….neck because being only 5’3’’ (and a half) I have to use a step ladder to clean the top of the car.  I know there are people out there that get excited about washing their car especially on the weekends; it’s like a Saturday ritual or something.  I’ve seen people spend hours washing and detailing their beloved hunk of metal on wheels; maybe it’s therapy like yard work is for me, but doesn’t the place in town do the same job?  Oh and I love seeing people that get their cars washed and then towel it dry by hand!  Isn’t the blow dryer at the end of the rinse cycle sufficient enough? 

Ok, so on the occasion when I do wash my SUV, I never towel dry it.  I wash it and then drive around the block a couple of times to get the water off.  It doesn’t work very well since the speed limit is only 25 miles an hour (ideally you need to be on the Autobahn to get it bone dry – I’ve never driven the Autobahn, but I imagine it would work effectively). 

Maybe at this point you know where I’m going with this.  My friend Russ (who usually gives me my Stihl tips) told me to use my (say it with me) BR 600 to dry my car off!  What a concept!  What an idea!  Bravo I say!  It works fantastic!  Yes, another use for the BR 600.  Now you may be wondering how I get the water off the top of the car since I’m a bit vertically challenged.  No, I don’t put on my highest stilettos; I take one of the sections from my gutter kit, attach it to the blower and waa-laa, instant extension (sorry Russ, I’m taking credit for that one). 

So for this blog, I decided to create a video of me drying off my SUV.  I mean how could I show you someone else’s YouTube video?  Hope you enjoy and that you’ll think about using this tip next time you’re drying off your car!  Thanks Russell (aka Mr. BR 600)!

I’m Blowing It – Use Your Stihl BR 600 and Gutter Kit to Dry Your Car! 

Keeping My Head Outta the Gutter

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Your gutters are an important component to the exterior of your home and their maintenance is an essential part of keeping them in tip top shape.  I’ve created the following video blog (see YouTube link below) to show you how using the BR 600, along with Stihl’s gutter accessory, makes for an easy way to keep your gutters clean to allow for proper water flow and drainage.

A few of side notes – This is my first attempt at creating a “vlog” so I might need a little forgiveness here… :)

I apologize in advance for:  1) the mediocre sound quality, 2) the constant use of talking with my hands in the first section and 3) using the word “dust” at one point, when I should have said “debris”.  I mean really….who has dusty gutters?

Please let me know your thoughts of the video and if you think I should continue with another vlog demonstrating other equipment at some point.  Happy watching and clean those gutters!

 Keeping My Head Outta the Gutter

 

 

Always Dance As If No One’s Watching….

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Ok, so by now you know I love to be outside working in the yard and more importantly how I love to use  my Stihl “BR 600” (yes, I ALWAYS refer to my leaf blower by its model number).   I know you’re probably wondering what the title of this blog has to do with yard work.  In fact, you might be thinking that I’ve finally lost my mind (here’s where I start poking fun at myself).  Yes, I do love to work in the yard, but let’s face it, it can be time consuming and periodically a little mundane so I try to find ways to keep myself interested.  Yes, I find that my BR-600 (and other outdoor equipment) is fun to use, but sometimes I’m not in the mood to be outside working.  So here goes:  I have a playlist on my iPod that’s called “Yardwork”.  This is the music that I listen to while outside which keeps me going when I’m mowing the lawn, blowing leaves, or other outdoor projects.  As you can imagine these are songs that energize me!

My mix for getting me going!

Ok, so yes, this is a major part of my routine and usually gets me motivated to get outside in the first place.  As you’ll see from my choices (click on image to see full view) I have a very diverse group of songs that I listen to.  I change this playlist every few weeks so I don’t get bored with any repetition.  You might be saying to yourself, “Dah, what do you think I do when I’m outside?”   Ok, ok, I get it.  So here’s where I may differ and you might raise an eyebrow:  When I’m in the backyard I’ll admit it, while I’m on my tractor mowing the lawn,  I have (et um..clearing throat) on occasion used the steering wheel as a drum and start jamming to the music while bopping my head to it.  There I said.   Not only that, but when I’m blowing leaves the best part is moving to the songs (how can you resist movin’ or shakin’ it to Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself – I know, how appropriate – or Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You”?).

So the moral of the story is:  Make your own fun while you’re working outside.  It’s ok to do things outside the norm; ultimately the only person you have to answer to (or embarrass) is yourself!   As always, safety comes first.  Please be careful out there and use your head while jamming!

Stay tuned for my upcoming Vlog (video blog) called “Keeping My Head Outta the Gutter”. Leave me a comment with your guess as to what it will be about.  I know it may seem obvious, but what accessories and products do you think I’ll use?  Look for it later in the week; I’m hoping you’ll enjoy it.

As Kid Rock says, “You Can’t Buy Cool”.

Have You Heard? Orange is the New Green

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I’ve gotten some flack from a particular friend (you know who you are) about the use of some outdoor power equipment and it not being Eco-friendly.  While I should have been insulted that this friend (let’s call her “Ellen”) would suggest that I wasn’t concerned with the environment, I’ll let her ignorance (of what she thinks my beliefs and ideals are) go by the wayside and use this blogpost to satisfy her concerns. Incidentally, this is the same person who is angry with Starbucks for becoming “too” commercialized yet owns stock in it.  Wonder if she feels the same way when she looks at the share price from time to time…..hmmmm….

All of my Stihl outdoor power equipment is energy efficient which means Stihl is taking every effort to reduce the amount of energy required to run its products. As quoted by Fred Whyte, President of Stihl Incorporated, “As a leader in the outdoor power equipment industry, it is our duty to set the example. We will continue to invest in innovative technologies, programs and partnerships as part of our ongoing commitment to socially responsible environmental stewardship.”

 

Courtesy of Arborage.com

 

The company is very environmentally conscious not only with its zero to low exhaust emission products but also with its award winning “living roof” on its plant in Virginia, the largest privately funded green roof in Virginia.  The roof is approximately 60,000 square feet and has more than 56,000 sedum plants on it which helps keep the building cool in the warmer months and retain heat in the cooler months –  lowering energy usage!

So when I’m using my own Stihl equipment I can safety say that each is energy efficient. This goes for my BR-600 leaf blower (which is 69% cleaner than current EPA requirements) and my KombiSystem which includes the trimmer and pole pruner attachments.  So I ask you Ellen, are you satisfied?  Are you socially aware of how Stihl is concerned about our environment now?  If you or anyone else is interested, check out its brochure called “A Greener Shade of Orange”.  You’ll find that this company is taking many steps and doing its part to help our world be a better place.

Ellen, I think you just got schooled.

There’s More Than One Way to Kick a Tick

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In keeping with the theme of my last blog, I decided to again write about yard work safety and protection, this time as it pertains to those annoying (and some dangerous) critters out in the yard.  Ok, so today’s post isn’t about Stihl (I know, I can’t believe it either), but I thought it was important enough to write on how we all need to be very careful when outdoors.  Earlier this week I wrote on safety and protection while doing yard work.  This post is about protecting yourself from ticks…deer ticks.  It only takes one undetected tick to wreak havoc to your immune and neurological systems as well as your physical condition and can have lasting consequences for the rest of your life.  While all deer ticks aren’t carriers of Lyme disease, you can’t take a chance.

I have a friend that was bitten by a deer tick years ago and never knew it.  After several years of being sick and doctors not being able to properly diagnosis her (and in some cases misdiagnosing her), she was found to have Lyme disease.  The unfortunate part is that the tests she underwent did not always give accurate results so she was misdiagnosed many times.

 

CT Lyme Riders raising awareness of Lyme Disease

In an effort to raise awareness of this disease, another friend Tony Gargano started a non-profit organization called “CT Lyme Riders, Inc.” which hosts an annual motorcycle ride (“Take a Bite Out of Lyme”) in the Lyme, Connecticut area each August.  He writes on his website, “Lyme disease is a silent but very real and debilitating disease and when not caught early enough leads to serious illness. Almost half of all people bitten will never develop the “bulls eye rash” and never even know they have been bitten. Several months to years later they will feel ongoing sickness but not know why.”

For step by step instructions on how to remove a tick go to wikiHow.

Here’s my list of tips that I’m hoping your find helpful! Many of us know that if you find a tick it has to be killed immediately.

Wrap That Rascal!

The method most of us are familiar with is to burn the tick, but this isn’t always practical.   Some others are:

  • Wrap it in tape so that it suffocates and dies (Thanks to Colchester, CT 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Johnson for this one!)
  • Put it in a bottle of rubbing alcohol and shake*
  • Microwave method (now I’m NOT recommending this for obvious reasons – just trying to inform that there are other options) – put tick in a zipper bag and zap for 15 seconds (you’ll hear a pop), then dispose*

*source: wikiHow.com

Protect Thy Self!

  • I know you’re sick of me saying it, but for god’s sake wear long clothing!
  • Tuck pants in socks or for extra protection (no I haven’t tried this yet) wrap your pants at each ankle and shirt at each wrist with duct tape (Thanks Tony Gargano for this one!)
  • Spray insect repellent with 20% DEET or more on your skin and clothes**
  • Check your clothes and your body immediately after you finish working outside
  • When you’re done with your yard work take your clothes off before you get in the house
  • If you don’t have a garage to strip down privately, bring them inside and put immediately in the dryer at high heat**

**source: eHow.com

 

5th Annual Lyme disease Poker Run

Annual Poker Run, August 14, 2011 through scenic Lyme, CT area

Tony and his team raise money each year to foster awareness and education  on this devastating disease.   This year’s run is August 14th.  For more information please visit CT Lyme Riders, Inc. or email Tony directly at t.gargano@snet.net.