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Fresh flowers serve many purposes. A bouquet of flowerscan be a gift on a special holiday or birthday. Some peopleapologize with flowers, while others use flowers to conveyfeelings of love or appreciation. Many people like to dis-play fresh-cut flowers in their homes because their beautycan brighten the mood indoors. Others plant rows and rowsof flowers in a garden with the express purpose of cuttingthem and bringing them into the home.

While outdoor flowers can remain beautiful and bounti-ful outside, once they are cut, there is a limited amount oftime before they begin to wilt and wither. But there areways to prolong the life of cut flowers to enjoy their beau-ty as long as possible.

•Cut correctly. Creating a large enough surface area onthe stem for the uptake of water is essential. That is whyflorists recommend cutting the stem on a slant to exposemore area to the water.

•Place flowers in water immediately. Some people advo-cate cutting the stems while they're actually submerged inwater. However, you will probably be fine if you simplyrecut the stems on flowers you brought inside and immedi-ately put them in a vase of water. The key is not to let thetip of the stem dry out or close up with an air bubble, sapor other substances, preventing the uptake of water. Be sureto use lukewarm water so as not to shock the blooms.

•Remove leaves. Take off the leaves of the plant thatwould end up underwater in the vase. Exposure to thewater could cause the leaves to rot and fall off, creatingalgae or sludge in the vase water. It also may breed extrabacteria or attract small insects to the water. However, donot to remove the thorns from roses, as this tends to short-en their shelf life.

•Choose young flowers. Mature flowers may havepeaked and begun to make room for a new round ofblooms, so try to choose young buds or blooms that justopened so that you'll have an opportunity to enjoy themlonger.

•Create a viable water atmosphere. Once a fresh floweris cut and a stem is placed in water, bacteria and fungi canstart to grow almost immediately. These microscopic organ-isms can clog the small tubes inside the stem that suck upwater for nourishment. Many florists send home a packet ofwater additive to alleviate some problems in the indoorenvironment. The packet will contain a biocide that killsbacteria and fungi. There will be an acidifier as well assugar. The acidifier makes the water more acidic to allowbetter absorption of water up the stem. The sugar is a foodsource for the flowers. Homeowners who cut flowers fromtheir gardens can purchase these additives or create theirown variations from items around the house. It has beensaid a penny in the water will kill the microorganismsbecause copper is a fungicide. An aspirin can make thewater more acidic. You can also try small amounts ofbleach, lemon-lime soda or even antiseptic mouthwash.

•Keep flowers away from ... Don't place cut flowers nextto fruit, which gives off gases as it ripens, causing flowersto age faster. Also, keep the flowers away from direct sun-light and try to keep them in a cool place.

•Change the water. Keep on top of water maintenance bychanging it at least every 2 to 3 days to maintain goodwater health. Be sure to replace the additives each time youchange the water.

By following a few strategies you can keep fresh-cutflowers lasting longer for enjoyment.

How to maintain fresh-cut flowers for the home

March 24, 2012 Think Spring The Eagle - 3

3483

3

Many homeowners aspire toward a pristine and lushlawn. For some a nice lawn gives them feelings of pride.Others believe a perfect lawn enables them to have thebest-looking house in the neighborhood. Many homeown-ers spend hours outdoors perfecting their lawns or spend agood deal of money hiring professionals to make their lawnmore appealing. But just because a lawn looks good nowdoesn't mean it will look good later. That's because delicategrass can be damaged by a number of different factors.

GrubsGrubs are not very lawn-friendly. Grubs are actually the

larval stage of different types of large beetles. These worm-like creatures feed on the roots of grass and are able to killlarge sections of the lawn in a relatively short amount oftime. It can sometimes be difficult to discern whethergrubs, drought or another other pest has damaged a lawn.One way to check is to grab a portion of the damaged lawnand attempt to peel it back. If it comes back easily like apiece of carpet, it's likely grubs. Spotting grubs underneathis a sure sign these larvae are killing the lawn.

Using an insecticide for grub control in July can help killoff grubs that start hatching in August through September.Grub eggs do well in sunny patches of lawn that are wellwatered. More shade may deter them. There's also theoption of letting the lawn go dormant and not watering it,but you will be left with a brown, unappealing lawn.

Burrowing AnimalsMoles and voles are among the more common lawn dam-

age culprits. Voles are small rodents that resemble mice buthave stouter bodies, shorter tails and rounder heads. Theyfeast on everything from bulbs, succulent roots, groundcover, and even dead animals in their paths. Their burrowsenable them to move around relatively undetected, typical-ly until the damage has already been done.

Moles, although they have a similar-sounding name, arenot related to voles and look very different. They have acylindrical body shape with velvety fur, very small orinvisible ears and large paws for digging. Moles often feedon earthworms and other small invertebrates found in thesoil. The burrows they create are essentially traps for theworms, who fall into the burrows, where moles easilyaccess them. Moles often stockpile worms for later con-sumption in underground larders.

Voles can be kept away with natural vole predators, suchas cats, hawks, owls and snakes. Mouse traps can also cap-ture voles when baited. You may also dig sharp materials orchicken wire into your soil around planting beds to make it

uncomfortable for voles and moles to tunnel through.Moles can also be controlled with traps. Finding active

mole tunnels will help you place the traps effectively toeither kill or simply contain the mole. The live animal canbe relocated to a site where they won't cause trouble.

Lawn damage can occur through a number of differentfactors. Finding out the cause can help you find an effectivetreatment.

Pet UrinePets can also damage a lawn. Pet urine can create burnt

patches and significant discoloration on the lawn, particu-larly if the dog or cat uses one area consistently as theirpotty zone.

The best way to prevent urine damage is to walk your

dog so that he or she will not have free reign of the yard.However, sometimes dogs get out or stray cats and dogsvisit your yard and relieve themselves without your knowl-edge. So this method is not foolproof. Therefore, youshould take added action to maintain a lush lawn.

First, make sure that soil and lawn is in good health byfertilizing and taking care of it properly. Second, water candilute urine and neutralize its corrosive properties. Somehave found that diluted urine can often act as a fertilizer tograss. You may have noticed that the outside ring of aurine-burned spot is often greener than the healthy lawn.Try to dilute the urine prior to 8 hours having elapsed forthe best effect.

How to prevent lawn damage in the spring

Gardeners rely on a number of factors when deciding onwhat to plant in their gardens and around their property.One of the most important things to take into considerationis the climate.

Since 1960, the go-to source for climate and relation toagriculture has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture's(USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone map. In 1967, AgricultureCanada developed their own map that took into considera-tion Canadian plant survival data and a wider range of cli-matic variables. The maps remained constant until now.

In January 2012, the USDAreleased an updated zonemap. The map is now more precise and reflects microcli-mates, heat islands, prevailing wind, elevation, and gener-ally better data. It breaks down the country into 13 uniquezones from the previous 11. Individuals who once residedin a particular zone may find that they are now moved intoanother zone. This updated map has taken into considera-tion climate changes that have occurred between 1976 and2005. You now may be able to try plants that you may havebeen skeptical about in the past.

The new map now offers a Geographic InformationSystem, orGIS, -based, interactive format and is specifical-ly designed to be Internet-friendly. The map website alsoincorporates a "find your zone by ZIP code" function. Staticimages of national, regional and state maps have also beenincluded to ensure the map is readily accessible to thosewho lack broadband Internet access.

The new version of the map includes 13 zones, with the

addition for the first time of zones 12 (50-60 degrees F) and13 (60-70 degrees F). Each zone is a 10-degree Fahrenheitband, further divided into A and B 5-degree Fahrenheitzones.

A hardiness zone describes a geographically defined areain which a specific category of plant life is capable of grow-ing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its abilityto withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone.Summer temperatures are not factored into the mix.Therefore, areas with similar winter patterns and averagelows may be in the same zone despite having drasticallydifferent highs. Hardiness zones may not take into consid-eration snow cover, either. Snow helps insulate the soil and

hibernating plants. Therefore hardiness zones are more likeguidelines instead of foolproof methods of determiningviable plants.

Although a poster-sized version of this map will not beavailable for purchase from USDA, as in the past, anyonemay download the map free of charge from the Internetonto their personal computer and print copies of the mapas needed.

When shopping for plants, most will display a hardinesszone right on the container to help you determine whetherthis particular plant will be acceptable outdoors in yourzone. To learn more about hardiness zones, visitwww.usda.gov or http://planthardiness.gc.ca.

4 - The Eagle Think Spring March 24, 2012

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Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, onethat allows gardeners to escape from the daily grind andsoak up some sun. As rewarding as gardening can be, it'seven more so when gardeners ply their trade in an eco-friendly way.

Gardening with the environment in mind is somethingmany gardeners might do already without even knowing it.The following are a few ways to garden in a way that'smutually beneficial to gardeners and the environment.

•Use mulch to conserve resources and reduce reliance onfertilizers. Conserving resources is one of the best ways tohelp the environment, and applying mulch is a great way toconserve water. Mulch helps the soil retain water, keepingthe water from evaporating into the air, which means lesswatering for gardeners who want to keep their gardenslooking lush and healthy.

In addition to helping conserve water, mulch can alsohelp reduce reliance on fertilizers. That's because mulchprovides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, providingan eco-friendly alternative for gardeners who don't want torely on fertilizers to deliver nutrients to their soil.

•Plant more flowers. Planting flowers is another eco-friendly way to garden. Native flowers, in particular, canhelp maintain an area's natural ecosystem, providing foodand shelter for insects and other wildlife.

More flowers and plants around the property also meansthere will be significantly less grass to mow, which reducesthe amount of gas necessary to mow that grass in thewarmer weather and the amount of greenhouse gases thelawn mower produces. In addition, less grass means lessneed for fertilizers and pesticides to maintain that grass.

•Choose gardening tools and products with the environ-ment in mind. Veteran gardeners have a host of tools thathelp tackle every problem imaginable. But many older toolsor gardening products might not be made of recycled mate-rials. When shopping for gardening tools, whether you're abeginner who needs everything or a veteran gardenerwhose tools have seen better days, choose products madefrom recycled materials. For example, many gardeners usemats to help reduce stress on their knees when kneelingdown to garden. When buying a new mat, choose one madefrom recycled tires.

But emphasizing recycled products shouldn't stop at thetool shed. Mulch, for instance, can be made from recycled

rubber and won't impact the environment in a negativeway. Just be sure to purchase recycled mulch that is nontox-ic and does not consume natural resources.

•Live and let live. Insects might be a nuisance, but theycan also be a gardener's best friend. Spraying insecticidesimply because insects can be pesky is shortsighted andimpractical. Certain spiders prey on other insects that canbe harmful to a garden, while butterflies and bees help pol-lenate flowers. Earthworms are also very beneficial to agarden, helping to aerate and fertilize the soil and enablingplants to grow by removing harmful matter from the soil.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, one that is even more sowhen gardeners institute eco-friendly practices.

March 24, 2012 Think Spring The Eagle - 5

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6 - The Eagle Think Spring March 24, 2012

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In-Home

Design

Consultations

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popularover the last several years. The home improvement boomhas shown many homeowners just how easy it can be totransform a home into a private sanctuary that caters to thepersonalities of the home's residents.

Outdoor living areas have become an extension of thehome's interior, with many homeowners creating outdoorliving rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eatmeals outside just as they do indoors. But homeownersthinking of creating outdoor living spaces should considera few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects.

* Strategically place the space. Property often dictateswhere the outdoor living space will go, but it helps to keepin mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used ifit's easily accessible from the inside of the home. Forinstance, if residents need to walk out the front door toaccess an outdoor living space in the backyard, then resi-dents might find the area is too inconveniently located andthey won't make the most of the space. Whenever possible,plan the outdoor living space so it's easily accessible fromthe home's interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will beeasier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside.

* Emphasize comfort. Many homeowners look at theiroutdoor living areas as places to kick their feet up andrelax, so comfort should take precedence when planningthe space. Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear forfurniture that's more sturdy and roomy so you won't feelcramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and after-noons. In addition, don't forget to shade the area. Somehomeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes anumbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. Ifthe outdoor living area is near trees, they might providesufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun. Butkeep a few umbrellas in the garage just in case.

* Illuminate the area. Summer nights spent relaxing inthe outdoor living area make for great memories. But suchnights are nearly impossible if the area doesn't have somelighting. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, whileothers who want to avoid giving their outdoor area a luaufeel might prefer solar-powered accent lights, which won'trequire any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair shareof insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps.Whatever your preference, don't forget to have some light-ing so those summer evenings spent under the sky don'thave to end when the sun goes down.

* Keep the design consistent with your home. In additionto providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, anoutdoor living space can also increase a home's resale

value. However, homeowners who have one eye on R&Rand the other on resale value should keep the design oftheir outdoor living space consistent with their home. Oneof the goals when designing an outdoor living space shouldbe to create a seamless transition from the home's interiorto its exterior. The best way to do that is to keep the designsof both living spaces consistent.

* Don't forget the fire pit. A fire pit provides a great focalpoint for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the

dinner table, families and friends can gather around the firepit and relax with some s'mores and share stories. But evenwhen guests aren't coming over, a fire pit makes for a greatplace to relax and let the time go by.

With more and more homeowners transforming theirhomes into their own private sanctuaries, outdoor livingspaces continue to grow in popularity. By employing a fewsimple tricks of the trade, homeowners can create the out-door areas of their dreams.

Tips when creating an outdoor living space

March 24, 2012 Think Spring The Eagle - 7

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Statistics from the U.S. Census BureauHousing Survey indicate that homeown-ers annually spend billions of dollarsimproving outdoor living areas.

One of the most popular ways to dojust that is to add a deck to a home.Decks are beneficial in many ways.Grillmasters love decks because theymake the perfect place to set up a grilland a table and cook for family andfriends. Those who simply love beingoutdoors find decks the perfect place torelax and soak up some sun or idle awaythe evening hours.

But homeowners who want to build adeck should know a few things beforethat process begins.

* Permits are necessary. Unless thedeck is going to be especially small, youwill likely need a permit to build it.Before buying any materials or consult-ing any contractors, make certain youknow which permits you need and howto get them. If the proper permits arenot secured before the project begins,you might have to tear down the wholeproject and start all over again.

* Decks don't have to go on the backof the house. If the back of your housesits in the blazing sun all day, then it'sprobably best to build the deck else-where, and that's perfectly alright. Solong as the property and permits allow,decks can be built on the side of a homeas well, and putting a deck on the sidemight be more comfortable.

* Decks don't have to be made ofwood. It's easy to assume all decks aremade of plain wood. However, deckscan be made out of a wide variety ofmaterials, natural or synthetic. Pressuretreated wood is perhaps the most popu-lar material for decking because it's notvery expensive. But manmade materialsthat are a mixture of recycled plastic andwood bits or sawdust are also popularbecause they require no maintenance.But homeowners should know that man-

made materials can get hot in the sun,which will require those enjoying thedeck to wear shoes.

* Expect to do some digging. If you'regoing to build your own deck, expect todo some serious digging. Local buildingcodes will dictate how deep you willneed to dig for the pier footings, whichsupport the deck's weight. Just howdeep you'll dig depends on your cli-mate's specific frost line, but it's safe toassume you'll get a workout in whendigging.

* The deck can have multiple levels.Though many people associate deckswith one level, it's possible to have amulti-level deck if you simply don'thave enough room to build a deck thatwill be big enough to meet all of yourneeds. A multi-level deck can break upthose long flights of stairs while ensur-ing you will always have somewhere togo to escape the sun on a hot day.

* You will want to protect the deck.Decks are a costly investment, and youwill want to protect that investment. Ifyou're building a wood deck, keep inmind the sun will beat down on the deckfor most of the year. You can protect thedeck by painting it. Paint provides sun-screen for the deck, stopping the sunfrom breaking down the material. Onceyou've finished painting, apply sealant,whether it's oil- or water-based.

* Don't forget fasteners. Fasteners willhide the screws for aesthetic appeal. Butnot all woods and fasteners are the rightfit, as certain woods are only compatiblewith certain fasteners. Find out whichfasteners make the right fit ahead oftime. Because fasteners conceal thescrews, they also make it possible to gobarefoot on the deck.

A deck makes a great addition tomany homes, but homeowners shouldlearn as much as possible about decksand what goes into building them beforemaking any decking decisions.

Things to know before building a deck

8 - The Eagle Think Spring March 24, 2012

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From construction to completion, depend on the experts at Blue Flame Gas to manage the installation of your above or underground tank, along with safe and reliable propane service. Our trained professionals are available to install your propane system and appliances along with providing 24-hour emergency service. As a long-standing business in the community,

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All of our customers receive a complete “GAS check” safety inspection of their

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Streets provide means of transportation for motorists,bicyclists, and pedestrians. When so many different peoplecome together on the roadways, particularly of variedshapes and sizes, there's the potential for safety problems ifeveryone isn't working together.

Although most drivers must pass a test and driver edu-cation classes, including practice on roadways, the sametesting measures are not in place for cyclists. Even thoughbicycles are not powered vehicles, they are governed by thesame rules of the road as trucks, cars and motorcycles.

While there may be the potential for injury, the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention state that it is relative-ly low when safety procedures are met. At the forefront ofbicycle safety is wearing a helmet. Males of the age 9 to 15cycling in the summer without a helmet make up the high-est number of bicycle incidents in the United States,according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Even with low incidences of bicycle-related injuries, itmay still be prudent for avid cyclists to take a class orrefresh their knowledge of bicycle rules of the road. In mostareas of North America, bicycles and tricycles can be oper-ated on all roads unless otherwise prohibited. Areas wherebicycles are often prohibited include bridges and tunnels. Adrivers' license is not needed to operate a bicycle, but rulesmay vary if the bicycle is powered or has been modifiedwith a small engine. It is best to check with the Departmentof Motor Vehicles to determine the rules where you live.

Cyclists must ride on the same side of the road as vehic-ular traffic and in the same direction. Just like motorists,cyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals. Bothcyclists and motorists should yield the right-of-way to eachother -- one does not have preference in right of way.

Many cyclists fail to signal their turns and ride in a pre-dictable manner. This can be dangerous and lead to acci-dents. Hand signals can be used to indicate turning inten-tions if electronic signals are not installed. If riding at nightor during dusk, a headlight and reflectors can help promotevisibility, as can a rear, red flashing light.

Riding on roads is not as safe as riding on sidewalks, butmost cities and towns prohibit the riding of bicycles onsidewalks, particularly in urban centers. When any ridingis done, a helmet should be worn for personal safety -- italso may be the law.

Because bicycles may be harder to see and hear than carsand motorcycles, there are some other safety precautionscyclists can take to avoid accidents.

•Do not ride in the blind spots of other vehicles.

•Do not assume you can overtake or pass a vehicle thathas the power to go much more quickly than you.

•Do not follow cars too closely to allow for adequatereaction time.

•Wear light colored or reflective clothing so thatmotorists can see you on the road.

•Use a bell or horn for further indication that you are inthe area.

•Do not assume that because you are on a bicycle youcan dart in and out of traffic.

•Be aware of parked cars on the side of the road.SmartMotorist.com says that approximately 5 percent ofbicycle accidents occur when someone opens a parked car

door in front of an oncoming bike.Along the same vein, motorists can be more aware of

cyclists on the road.•Give cyclists a safe distance when passing.•Slow down when passing a cyclist.•Do not assume you have dominance over the cyclist.•Do not try to goad the cyclist or scare him or her by

veering in the direction. This cat-and-mouse game can bedangerous.

Cyclists and motorists can share the streets safely whenthey use some common sense and follow the same rules ofthe road.

Share the road safely with cyclists this spring

March 24, 2012 Think Spring The Eagle - 9

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Deer can be found all over the country,and healthy deer populations are increas-ingly creeping into residential and urbanareas seeking food and mates thanks todevelopments encroaching on deer habi-tats. This increases the chances of motoristshaving run-ins with deer on the roadwaysaround their homes and places of business.

State Farm(R) estimates that 2.3 millioncollisions between deer and vehiclesoccurred in the United States during thetwo-year period between July 1, 2008 andJune 30, 2010. That number marks a 21.1percent increase in the number of incidentsfrom statistics gathered just five years earli-er. West Virgina and Iowa rank first andsecond, respectively, as the states where adriver is most likely to collide with a deer.

Vehicular crashes can cause serious dam-age to a car and even be fatal. According toNational Geographic, the average white-tailed deer can stand at 6-feet-tall andweigh between 100 and 200 pounds. Thatanimal stands as a formidable foe should acollision with a car occur. It may seem likeone is hitting into a barrier or an impenetra-ble object.

Although fall, when deer are migratoryand seeking mates, is the prime season forcollisions with deer, collisions can occurthroughout the year.

The spring is when females give birth totheir young, so speckled fawns may inad-vertently dart across the road with motherschasing after them. The displacement ofdeer habitats due to urban sprawl also mag-nifies the problem of risking an accidentwith deer.

There are certain tips that can reduce thechances of a deer and vehicle collision.

•Keep in mind that deer are most activebetween 6 and 9 p.m. At dusk, they may beharder to see.

•Take note of posted deer crossing signs.These are erected in places where deer aremost actively crossing.

•Deer generally travel in herds. So driv-ers who see one deer should expect to seeothers nearby.

•Use high beams when driving at nightto better illuminate rural areas.

•Drive slowly in areas where deer arelikely to be, such as by open fields.

•Car-mounted deer whistles are not a

reliable deterrent.•Do not swerve erratically to avoid a

deer collision. This can result in a collisionwith another car and increase risk of injuryand damage.

In areas where deer collisions are preva-lent, extra insurance coverage may be need-ed on vehicles. Therefore, drivers shouldspeak with their insurance providers.

Oh, 'deer': Get the facts about this road hazard

Call it a sign of the times or just plain good luck for thoseof us yearning to swap fast food fare for some tasty homecooking. Potluck gatherings are back and one of this year'shottest trends in entertaining.

Although these communal "luck of the pot" meals (whereeveryone brings their favorite dish) hearken back to thelate 19th century, they found their footing in the mid-1950'swhen it seemed like every mom in the neighborhood wasfilling casserole dishes for church socials and family get-togethers.

"There are three primary reasons driving the return ofpotluck -- our schedules, the economy and childhood mem-ories," says Chef Jeff Gillis, www.CelebratingHome.com."We live such fast-paced lives that divvying up the cookingmakes home entertaining more realistic than putting all ofthe burden on the hostess. Making one dish instead of sev-eral also helps stretch the budget -- something we're alllooking to do these days. And, let's face it -- after years ofdashing through the drive-thru, wouldn't you like to sit

down to some home-cooked food, even if it's only once aweek?"

Got potluck fever but not a clue what to do? Here arefour tips that'll make your next gathering both tasty andstylish, plus, a family-fave recipe that'll put your home onthe map as potluck heaven.

Organize ParticipantsDivide the meal by categories so guests will have a bal-

ance of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts from whichto choose. Cooks needn't commit to a specific recipe but it'shelpful to know up-front that a well-rounded meal is in themaking.

Agree on Advance PrepAll dishes should be cooked prior to arrival so only a

quick re-heating is required. Everything should also hit

your doorstep ready for presentation to avoid last minutesearches for serving bowls and platters.

Choose Easy-Fix, Crowd-Pleasing RecipesTo appeal to guests varying tastes, save the exotic for

later and dust off mom's (or grandma's) cookbook.Traditional potluck dishes like casseroles, chili, soup,bread, and cakes are always popular and easy to make.

Dress Up the TableRemember the special tablecloth mom used for Sunday

dinner? Create some memories for your own family with apretty fabric tablecloth, cloth napkins (pretty and eco-friendly!) and some candles. A few minutes is all it takes tocreate a festive look that'll make guests feel honored tohave gathered around your table.

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With warmer weather, potluck’s back — Let’s Eat!

Bean Pot Beef StewThis twist on an American favorite yields a hearty, fla-

vorful entree that takes less prep time because it slowcooks in the oven in a bean pot.

Ingredients:1 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped2 tablespoons olive oil4 cloves garlic, chopped fine1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes6 cups beef broth (or stock)1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme3 bay leaves2 cups potatoes, cubed1 cup celery, diced1 cup carrots, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:Rub steak with olive oil and coat with salt and pepper.Let steak sit at room temperature in bean pot while

preparing all other vegetables. Chop and dice every-thing, then add to bean pot. Add beef broth (or stock),thyme, bay leaves, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper.Cover and bake in 375 F oven for 3 to 4 hours until meatis tender.

*Recipe courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com.

Homeowners know no home is perfect.While the notion of a dream house is nice,every home eventually experiences a prob-lem or two. Many problems are bound tooccur sooner or later, but there are a fewthat diligent homeowners can prevent.

One of those preventable problems isflooding. Any home with floor drains orplumbing fixtures below street level canflood, and this can be due to inclementweather, such as heavy rainstorms, localsewer system backup, or groundwaterswelling. Flooding can even occur in thespring when melting occurs as the air tem-perature increases. While homeownerswon't be able to control the weather, they

can take steps to floodproof their home.•Do some preventive landscaping. If the

ground around the home's foundationslopes toward the house, make some grad-ing changes so that the ground slopes awayfrom the home.

•Insulate the heating ducts. Some homeheating ducts are under the basement floor.In such homes, homeowners should makesure these ducts are properly insulated andwatertight.

•Make sure the vents all lead outside thehome. The weather can cause moistureissues, but some moisture problems cancome from inside the home as well. Clothesdryers and bathrooms are both internal

moisture sources, and these sources shouldalways be vented outside the home.

•Clean gutters and downspouts. Guttersand downspouts should be cleaned toensure water is effectively being divertedaway from the home. Clean gutters anddownspouts in the spring after a long win-ter, and do so again in the fall to keep fall-en leaves from blocking the flow of water.Downspouts should extend four feet fromthe outside wall of the house.

•Inspect the home at least once a year.Before buying a home, buyers often hire aprofessional inspector to ensure the home issafe and sound. But the inspections shouldnot stop once buyers sign on the dottedline. To prevent flooding, homeownersshould inspect their home's foundation forcracks once a year. If the home has a chim-

ney and fireplace, check for cracks there aswell. If any cracks are discovered, consult aprofessional immediately.

•Clean out basement drains. Basementdrains should be cleaned annually from thehouse to the street. If the drains are stillslow after cleaning, then clean them morethan once a year.

•When leaving the home for an extendedperiod of time, turn the water valve off.Homeowners worried about flooding cancalm those fears when going on vacation oranother long trip by turn the water valveoff at the source. This ensures that, should aline break while no one is home, water willnot pump into the house.

Floodproofing a home can save home-owners from potentially costly repairs andunsightly damage to a home's interior.

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12 - The Eagle Think Spring March 24, 2012