American Heirlooms - February 2019

American Heirlooms - February 2019

302-653-2411

FEBRUARY 2019

PROTECTING MY YARD FROM PESTS THIS SPRING

As we finish the end of a northeastern winter storm and look forward to spring, I’ve already begun to think about protecting my home from springtime pests. We’re thankful for the bats and snakes that eat the various pests that roam our yards, and even the owls and bald eagles are a welcome sight. But we’ve still had to get creative when it comes to protecting our property from moles and mice. Through trying many different poisons, traps, and fences, I’ve found that a few methods work best for my yard. I know that no two yards are alike. What works for me might not work for my neighbor or someone living thousands of miles away. I once had an Amish friend tell me that what worked for his yard was his wife sneaking up on the moles midday, so as to not create vibrations that would send them digging away. She would then jam two shovels on either end of the tunneling mole and scoop them out. Now, I don’t have time to actively watch my yard like that. Instead, I’ve rigged up a combination of defense mechanisms and traps. My father-in-law suggested the only trap that has worked for me, and it involves a two-prong hinge-and-spring system. Additionally, the former owner of our previous home taught us to use a guardrail- like system for our garden. He hammered a continuous border of corrugated tin roofing a foot or two into the ground. This created a

border the moles are too lazy to dig under in their hunt for the roots of vegetables they enjoy so much. This can be a bit dangerous when the tiller hits it, because it mangles pieces and poses a threat to bare feet — which my gardeners usually have.

In the house, I’ve found that trapping

works best to keep out the mice that certain residents in my home do not peacefully coexist with. I’ve learned that it’s important to have all entrance holes on the outside of our home blocked off, and to use steel wool to fill small openings. Leaving an opening unguarded is a surefire way to make your traps ineffective. To attract mice to these traps, I’ve used bacon grease, peanut butter, cheese, and various other rodent-approved treats. As it turns out, mice can be picky. You will need to experiment to find what passes for local mouse fine dining. So we've tried various options. To say I don’t have a perfect golf-course yard would be the understatement of the year, but I do like to have a smooth surface. Between gardening and fishing, my family is frequently outside, and walking around.

A pest-riddled yard is hazardous for weak ankles. Like every other homeowner, I get a sense of irritation when I feel that first molehill each spring. I equate this sinking feeling to the one other people have, when they find that the cheaper pieces of furniture they purchased don’t stand up to use. They discover their own “moles” in their furniture when it breaks within a few years, days, or months after purchasing it. Just like I’ve discovered solutions that protect my yard from pests, you need experienced solutions and careful craftsmanship when it comes to your furniture. Don’t settle for frustrating “moles.” Let our expert craftsmen provide you with the durable product you desire. –Ethan Zimmerman

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We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health- related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction.

the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.

The 5-Second Rule Keeps Food Safe

Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis

Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.

The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false. The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle-cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health.

Bottled Water Is Safer Than Tap Water

People seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of

The look and feel of your custom furniture is dependent on a variety of factors, including your craftsman’s abilities, the wood you use, where you place the piece, and how you care for it. But choosing the ideal color can drastically change the appearance of your furniture. The truth is that there are many options to color your custom piece’s wood, and there is often more than one right choice. You’ll want to choose stains that bring out the wood’s deep colors and grains. “Sea Glass” stains seem to be a coming wave for hardwoods, as they feature translucent finishes that accent the grains of the wood. If you’re hoping to pull off a classic, warm style with your custom piece of furniture, you might choose a cherry wood. This wood can be one of the most finicky when it comes to applying the finishing touches, but done correctly, its fluid grains will be as smooth as glass. Lighter stains can bring out cherry’s natural red or pink colors, which will deepen over time. Cherry is known for its fine grain patterns and also for its higher cost. However, fans of cherry’s sophisticated look who are on a budget may not know about the manipulation they can do with stain on inexpensive varieties of wood. One of the most popular wood types, maple, can be stained to resemble cherry for bit less cost. Maple is a classic hardwood often used in many custom furniture pieces

because of its versatility in color, grain, and style. Elm has one of the best reactions to stain, as its colors and grains are often highlighted in deep, beautiful ways. Staff members at our shop can help you select the right stain or paint to give your custom piece the boost and protection you’re looking for. Learn more by calling 302-653-2411.

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Every president since John Adams has lived in the White House, but the Oval Office wasn’t part of the package until William Taft took the position more than 100 years later. Taft added the West Wing to the White House in which the Oval Office — then decorated with soft greens and eagles — was created. The Oval Office stayed that way until the United States’ longest tenured president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, ushered in a new tradition of changing the room’s design with each new president. Roosevelt honored past presidents by modernizing Taft's original color scheme, using Herbert Hoover’s desk, and adorning the Oval Office with a portrait of George Washington. With each presidential design preference, one piece of furniture has remained popular. The Resolute Desk — made from the timbers of a British ship as a sign of gratitude from Queen Victoria — has been a staple of the White House since it was gifted to Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880. It has remained a mainstay in the Oval Office since John F. Kennedy became president in the 1960s and his wife and fashion icon, Jacqueline Kennedy, redecorated the space.

Each president since Roosevelt has added their own personal touch to the office, both dramatic and subtle. The current president, Donald Trump, opted for a total remodel while presidents Jimmy Carter and Dwight D. Eisenhower focused on smaller changes than their successors. Former president Richard Nixon went for a dramatic change with his large, domineering desk. Meanwhile, others have chosen softer, comforting touches, like Lyndon B. Johnson’s televisions and rocking chair. However, White House visitors during any presidency might notice a common theme: an adherence to federal furniture style. This design style was established around the same time the United States won its independence in 1776 and remained a constant in mainstream styles until 1820. This furniture style pulls from the ornate carvings and flourishes of Greek and Roman designs while portraying an air of elegance and style. You don’t have to be elected to the United States’ highest office to get a presidential look. Get started on your custom piece by calling 302-653-2411.

The year 2019 could be your best yet, and it doesn’t depend on circumstance or good luck. It does depend, however, on your own resolve.

Inspired by foodnetwork.com

According to an article by Bible.org, the following factors contribute greatly to inner peace.

INGREDIENTS • 6 egg yolks • 3 tablespoons sugar • 1 pound mascarpone cheese • 1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled

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2 teaspoons dark rum 24 packaged ladyfingers

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The absence of suspicion and resentment

1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish

• Refusal to live in the past or be preoccupied with mistakes and failures • Refusal to waste time and energy fighting circumstances over which you have no control • Determination to stay involved with the world around you and to resist the temptation to withdraw from life • Refusal to engage in self-pity when life seems to hand you a raw deal • Cultivation of old-fashioned virtues — love, honor, compassion, and loyalty • Establishment of reasonable goals accompanied by realistic standards of self-expectation • Belief in something bigger than yourself

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. 2. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. 3. Fold in 1 tablespoon of espresso. 4. In a small, shallow dish, combine remaining espresso with rum. Dip each ladyfinger into mixture for 5 seconds. Place soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a walled baking dish. 5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the first layer of ladyfingers. Top with another layer of ladyfingers and another layer of mascarpone. 6. Cover and refrigerate 2–8 hours. 7. Remove from fridge, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and serve.

The foundation for inner peace is a faith that inspires you to do greater things, and that will bring meaning to your life.

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Brought to you by Kenton Chair Shop Builders of American Heirlooms and Penns Creek Furniture The Swiss Craftsman

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P.O. Box 280 • Kenton, DE 19955 • Phone: (302) 653-2411

Inside this Issue

Mitigating Bad Furniture and Yard Moles Page 1 Let’s Retire These Health Myths How to Choose the Right Stain Page 2 The Oval Office Throughout History Tiramisu Page 3

Why Do We Need A Leap Year? Page 4

Every four years, February gains an extra day at the end of the month. But what does this contribute to the year as a whole? You might be surprised by what this one day does for us! The 365 days in each year represent the time it takes for the Earth to circle the sun. However, the orbit actually takes nearly a quarter of a day longer than that. The additional 0.2421 of a day might not seem like it would make a significant impact, but after a few decades, it adds up. To ensure the calendar and seasons stay on the right timeline, the leap day was created. The Egyptians were the first to officially calculate how many days it takes to orbit the sun, revealing the need for a leap year. Europeans at the time used a calendar that followed a lunar model, which needed an entire month added to retain consistency. The leap year wasn’t introduced into Europe until the reign of Julius Caesar. With the help of astronomer Sosigenes, Caesar created the Julian Calendar, which included 12 months and 365 days, with a single day added every fourth year. The Start of the Leap Year

However, the Julian Calendar wasn’t perfect, because 0.2421 of a day can’t be rounded to a multiple of five, so it caused the calendar to have an extra 11 minutes every four years. Pope Gregory XIII fixed the problem in 1582 by creating the Gregorian Calendar. Now, a leap year occurs every four years except for the years that are evenly divisible by 100 and not 400. For instance, 1800 and 1900 were not leap years because they were divisible by 100. The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,500, which leaves approximately 187,000 people in the U.S. and 4 million people around the world celebrating their birthdays on Feb. 28 or March 1. People born on a Leap Day are faced with dilemmas such as which date they should receive their driver’s license. Although it varies from state to state, most consider March 1 the appropriate day for leap-year 16-year-olds — who are celebrating their fourth “official” birthday — to receive their license. With all the changes the calendar has undergone, it still isn’t quite perfect. Experts say that in about 10,000 years, it will need to be changed yet again. A Leap Day Birthday

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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