Batteries
By: Wayne Coolidge
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I was having trouble with my remote garage door opener in my truck. After a week of my complaining, Wendy said, “It’s probably just the batteries”. “It’s not the batteries”, I said, “I just have to hit it for it to work”.
To prove her point, she made me go get the opener and she put new batteries in it. She proceeded into the garage to test the opener and it worked. Then, she walked all the way down to the bottom of the driveway to see if it would work long distance. She didn’t see me but I followed her out and stayed in the garage. I could see her down at the end of the driveway and she must have pushed the button because the door went down. I could see her walking back up the driveway through the glass in the door. She got halfway up the driveway, stopped, pushed the button, and the door went up. I could see the smug smile on her face as she proceeded up the driveway.
Hmm...she couldn’t see me around the corner in the garage... right next to the opener button on the wall...so I pushed it.
She stopped dead in her tracks. Her expression began to change to puzzlement as she looked at the door closing, looked at the opener in her hand, and again looked at the door closing. Almost instinctively, she pushed the opener and the door stopped and began to open again. Well, two people can play this game... I pushed the button on the wall and the door started coming down again.
By this time, she had made it back up the driveway and was standing in front of the overhead door. She pushed the opener and the door went up. I pushed the wall button and the door went down. This went on for over a minute and I’m sure she felt like she was losing her mind.
This was about the same time that she used my classic move- she started banging the opener. Poor girl- that didn’t seem to help because the door kept going up and down. That was about the time her frustration got the best of her and she started to mumble some swear words. I lost it, I couldn’t help myself, I started to laugh.
She heard me, looked up, and saw me lurking in the shadows with my own smug grin. She proceeded to let out a string of swears that would make any construction worker blush. I didn’t wait around to find out what was going to happen next as I fled for the safety of the house.
I’m sure I have sealed my fate should I ever need her help with any batteries again. I’ll probably be told to change the damn @#$%^&* batteries myself!
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Decorating Tips
Everyone has their own styles and personalities they want to show when decorating a house. Although, there is somewhat of a baseline when it comes to your home decorating appealing to others. Read on for some tips of what to consider when decorating a new space.
First and foremost, size matters. If you are moving into a larger room with small-scale furniture, it is important to make a change to larger pieces or more of the same. Likewise, on the other end, you do not want to overcrowd a small room. Before decorating, take a walk around the room to get a sense of what type of seating you want and where it could fit.
Lighting is also one of the most important aspects of a room. Natural light can change depending on the seasons and time of day. Think about when you will spend the most time in that room to determine what lighting is most appropriate. Having options is key for changing the mood in a room as well as making sure there is always adequate lighting. Layer lights with dimmers or lamps- just be sure that floor or side table lamps are proportionate to each other, the furniture, and the room.
Some people may think that decorating means everything in a room needs to match. On the contrary, a balance of different colors, patterns, and textures is best. It brings depth and dimension to the room. Too much of the same can make a room feel bland and boring. Mix it up and try to think outside of the box.
The best starting point for decorating a new room is to find a focus point and work from there. Remember to keep a balance and more is not necessarily merrier. When you think you have a design pinned down, take measurements and test it out before committing to see if anything needs to change (especially if it involves painting). Most importantly, stick to your own style because although everyone has their own taste, only you can bring your own personality into the room décor. |
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2018 Calendars
Are you on the list for our complimentary yearly calendar? If interested, send an email to Wendy@coolidgecompany.com to get yours before the new year!
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Countertop Choices
When updating a kitchen, countertop choices can seem overwhelming. If you’re wondering where to start, here is a comprehensive list of your options : Laminate Pros: the cheapest, available in many different colors and patterns that can mimic the look of granite or marble. Cons: not heat or scratch resistant
Tile Pros: cheap, stylish, available in many patterns and colors. Cons: can crack and cleaning grout joints can be difficult
Engineered Stone Pros: natural stone look, durable, often has a warranty, middle price. Cons: visible seams
Solid-surface Pros: endless possibilities in colors and styles, durable, middle price. Cons: not heat or scratch resistant (although certain damage can be sanded out)
Granite Pros: elegant style, durable, most popular option today Cons: high price, maintenance
Marble Pros: luxurious style Cons: highest price, softer and porous, can scratch and stain if not sealed properly
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Keep on Keepin' on
By: Melissa Coolidge Wilson
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Watching my dad renovate my own house over the past 5 years has been both a bonding and eye-opening experience. Sure, I’ve worked with him at jobsites before, but it is different when it’s your own home. Firstly, his motivation to give up a free weekend to drive to my house in Maine and spend the weekend working is beyond me- a labor of love for sure. The great thing about having a passion for what you do, is enjoying the process and feeling fulfilled when it is completed. I see this in my dad as he sings and dances to his favorite country tunes while hammering fancy nails (that I just had to have) over his head until he loses all feeling in his arm. Yet, he still goes on with a smile. Before breakfast, he is surveying the job on hand for the day. From breakfast to lunch, and lunch to dinner, he never stops. The man loves what he does, and the beauty of his work speaks for itself. I am so lucky to have this time with him, and thankful that my children can witness the hard work of a man who truly loves what he does. Thank you, dad, for being you, and thank you for all that you do.
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Prepare Your Mailbox for Winter
For many of us, mailboxes are out of sight, out of mind when it comes to maintenance. However, it is a good idea to tune up your box before the snowy days of winter. Mailbox damage can not only occur from a plow hitting it, but by the force of the snow on a loose mailbox. One state has even declared a "Shake Your Mailbox Day" to help eradicate the high volume of complaints to town offices of mailbox damage. So, get out and shake your mailbox- tighten any loose screws, check the post, and keep getting your mail all winter long!
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Recharge Station
Along with power tools, come batteries that need to be constantly charged. Always make sure you have ready to use batteries by collecting all your chargers and batteries, and putting them on a recharge station. Be sure to use a surge protector, and you can easily turn it off when all are charged!
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