Ace Hardware Blog

This Turkey's For You!

Each year, Ace runs the big Day After Thanksgiving sale. Many of the items that are advertised are great sellers, but unfortunately, a few trun out to be real TURKEYS. This year's biggest gobbler was the Mighty Wheels childrens trike. Advertised at $29.99, we sold exactly zero! I'm hoping that by reducing our price to $19.99 we'll be able to get rid of them all.

This price will only be available to readers of this blog. You must let our cashier know that $19.99 is the price you want and you saw it here.

Merry Christmas.

These Telephones Will Help You Hear Better!

Does your spouse or partner mumble when they talk?  Do your children speak so fast you have difficulty understanding them?  Do you need to ask people to repeat things over and over again?  Do callers on the phone need to "start speaking into the receiver"?  If any of these things sound familiar to you (or your family), you may be experiencing the initial stages of hearing loss.  Although your friends at Dave's Ace can't diagnose the problem, you can!

Hearing loss takes many forms.  Oftentimes people may hear things loud enough, but over the years, lose their ability to hear certain tones or pitch levels.  This is why communication sometimes becomes harder to understand.  Fortunately, relief, such as hearing aids and special phones, has been available for many years, typically from hearing professionals.

Wisconsin's's Public Service Commission (PSC) administers a program called TEPP (Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program) which helps individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing purchase special equipment that will allow them to access telecommunication services.  This program draws upon money provided by the Wisconsin telephone service providers who (surprise, surprise) collect the funds in the form of fees we pay on our monthly phone bills.  TEPP provides vouchers to eligible applicants to cover the cost (up to $125) of approved equipment.  As you've probably guessed, Dave's Ace now stocks TEPP approved phones.  We'd be happy to assist you in filling out and submitting the proper application form.

Ranging in price up to $149.99, we stock both cordless and wired models of the ClearSounds® brand telephones.  Some even have answering machines, large numbers and screens  One model even has an emergency pendant that can be used to summon help from up to 30 numbers in the event of a fall or other emergency.  These phones are adjustable for volume AND tone levels.  We also have amplifications/tone adjustment units that can be added to your own telephone for only $34.99.  Of course, the best news, again, is that if you are hard of hearing (ask your family or friends.... they'll be honest) we'll help you fill out and submit the forms so you can receive a ClearSound® amplified phone for free*!  Stop in today for details.

*Equipment eligible for purchase is made available through the Wisconsin Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program and paid for by the Wisconsin Universal Service Fund.  The program serves eligible or qualified individuals with certain telecommunications-related special needs.

I Needed a New Hobby

Ever since I was a kid and especially the past several years, I've tried to become good at golf.  I actually enjoy the companionship, the outdoors and the exercise, but I never got very good at it.  It seemed like most every time I left the course, I'd leave discouraged.

Last year I discovered a new hobby.  Since I'm fast approaching the big five-oh, I decided it had better be something appropriate for a mature gentleman.  I found GO-KARTING!  When I was a kid, I remember hearing about the go kart track by the Milton Junction water tower, but I never actually saw a race.  Since then, I've become interested in auto racing and even attended a few of the Skip Barber classes at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

The Sugar River Raceway in Brodhead has become my track of choice.  It's been around since the 1950s and has remained under the same family ownership ever since.  It's paved road race type course is almost a half a mile.  I try to go out most Thursday evenings at 7 p.m for what they call Turn Key Thursday.  That is a chance for anyone (over 18) to enjoy 30 laps, broken up into 4 separate heats with whomever else shows up.  I've seen anywhere from 2 to 27 participants and it's always different but always fun.

 

Another thing I've taken part in is private races.  Anyone can get a group of people together and reserve the entire track for their own race group.  Last Tuesday, Todd Hesgard and I hosted 26 friends from 16 - 65 years old.  One of the guys who showed up was a temporarily unemployed NASCAR racer named Travis Kvapil!  Travis had never been to the track and as far as I know had never even raced go karts, but being the big show off he is.... BEAT US ALL!  That was the one time I didn't mind finishing in second place.

 

Since we had so much fun with our last private race, we already have another one scheduled on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.  If you're interested in joining us (and I don't think you're faster than me) we just might have a spot for you.  Let me know soon, because our grids are filling up fast!

Mosquito Magnet Repair and Service Keeps us Busy!

 

This time of the year is really busy for us at Dave's Ace Hardware!  Not only are our local customers beginning to plant gardens, clean up their yards and spend some quality time outside again, but we are also actively supporting thousands of satisfied Mosquito Magnet owners from around the country.  Since becoming a nationally recognized Mosquito  Magnet repair center, we have actively worked to keep our customers' yards (and many others too) virtually mosquito free.  Like any gas powered engine, Mosquito Magnets do, however, require some periodic service.

Occasionally a customer who has already enjoyed the real benefits of a Mosquito Magnet for a season or more will share disappointment that his (or her) machine did not last as long as it should before needing service.  Usually after explaining that like a lawn mower, automobile or motorcycle, any device that runs for 24 hours a day, seven days a week will eventually need some TLC (if you don't believe me, just try running your gas grill non stop all summer!) they understand.  The good news is that we (or any of several dozen other service centers) can get your machine running smoothly again long before your yard is over run with those pesky biting mosquitoes!

Woodstream, the owners of Mosquito magnet have done an outstanding job of supporting the customers who have made an investment in one of their machines.  Through their new 360º Customer Support site, customers can access fast and competent telephone support, on-line support or even find the closest service center (like us).  Personally, I am not aware of any better after the purchase service available anywhere! 

Of course, if you would like to purchase a new Mosquito Magnet, accessories or just need a little service or repair, we at Dave's Ace Hardware are always ready to help.

Fresh Dilly Green Beans

This is a recipe from Linda Meyer.  Hope you enjoy it.  I will post more over the next week.

 

 

Fresh Dilly Green Beans

• 1/2 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Butter
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 1 1/2 cups Green Beans, cut, fresh (or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons Cider Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh Dill Weed, chopped

 

 

In a small skillet, sauté the onion in butter and oil until tender.  Add green beans; cook for 5-10 minutes or until slightly tender.  Stir in the cider vinegar, sugar and dill; toss to coat.  Serve with a slotted spoon.

 

Approximately 2 servings.

 

This recipe can be doubled or tripled in proportions for more servings.

Be Careful When Offering Information!

Earlier this week, my friend, Linda Meyer, presented two workshops on container gardening.  Today she sent me a synopsis explaining how she ended up with that responsibility, a review of topics she discussed, some additional information AND four of her favorite recipes.  What follows is her original letter.  I will post her recipes over the course of the following week (don't you just love the suspense?!).

From Linda:

 

I clicked the contacts tab from Dave’s Ace Hardware web site to request my snail mail newsletter to come to me via email.  I wrote that I really do like getting the newsletter and I read the entire thing each month.  I even mentioned that I liked the current subject of gardening and suggested some information that Dave could pass onto his customers.  (Well, guess what, he reads and writes his own email.  No delegation.)  He thanked me for the info and I sent a reply mentioning the roto-tiller rentals and other gardening stuff that he should mention to his customers.

Then he asked me, since I seem to know a little about growing veggies, if I would give a gardening workshop.  How could I say no to being the center of attention and talking for over an hour?  (Ha, ha, ha.)  After the Milton and Evansville Container Gardening Workshops, I must admit, I had a lot of fun sharing plant knowledge with some very enthusiastic gardeners.

There were a few common concerns that were had by both

Milton

and

Evansville

.

Foremost was the soil issue.  What kind of soils?  When and what to fertilize?  Can the same soil be used year after year?  Well, I like the Ace brand of potting soil because of its’ great consistency and it contains a slow-release fertilizer.  I use the same soil every year in the following way: I dump out the soil from all the pots into a mixing tub, work the soil with a small cultivator or hoe to break up the old roots, perform a soil test (Dave has test kits, too), and add nutrients as needed.  Ready to go!

            Next in line was the critter issue.  Lots of home remedies can be tried like planting onions around the perimeter.  For reliable results, Liquid Fence works.

            Then it was the upside-down tomato planter as seen on TV.  Sure, it will grow tomatoes.  It will save patio space because it is hanging up out of the way.  You can make one out of a clean, used 5 gallon bucket, too.  Ask Dave at the store how to do it.  But you can grow tomatoes in a regular hanging pot, too.  By the way, cucumbers do very well in hanging pots and you can mix in some nasturtiums with them.

            One of the aspects of container gardening that is a personal favorite mine is the companion plantings.  Yes, some plants like each other more than others.  All can be read about in a couple of the book recommendations that I listed for the groups.  If you would like to know about the book list, ask Dave for a copy.  I suggest that you check them out at your local library to see which one(s) you may want to buy.  I have a copy of the book Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte that I use all the time.

            Have fun with gardening!  Put together an Italian garden with tomatoes, basil, garlic, oregano, and marigolds.  I like salad gardens with a mix of lettuce types and edible flowers like nasturtiums and violas (sow every two weeks for a continued supply).

            And now I close with a final bit of information: four of my favorite recipes using the bounty of an herb container garden.

 

            Pesto Sauce

            Dill & Cheese Biscuits

            Fresh Dilly Green Beans

            Garlic & Dill New Potatoes

Container Gardening Workshop a Success

On Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21, local gardening expert, Linda Meyer presented workshops at our Milton and Evansville stores, respectively.  Attendees learned about selecting appropriate plants, companion plants and anti-social plants (I'm not kidding!).  many questions, suggestions and stories were also shared between the groups.  At the conclusion all were treated to a complimentary small container planting of their own.

During the evening, Linda discussed some of her special recipes and has promised to share them with readers of this blog.  As soon as they I arrive, I will post them for you. 

Even if it Costs $69.99, It's Cheap Insurance!

Today I took a call from a young person who wanted to know if we could make a key for his fathers 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  I checked the application charts and learned it required one of the new style "chip keys" and the cost to duplicate it was $69.99.  That did not seem to phase the caller until I told him we would have to have a working key in order to for me to make the duplicate.  Unfortunately he had lost his father's one and only key and had nothing to duplicate it with!  The dealer told him a new one could be made for over $200 but only if the vehicle was brought to the dealership.  That ought to be fun.... with no keys!

I think the moral of this story is, no matter how much an extra key costs to have duplicated, it's always far cheaper than getting a key made with nothing to duplicate.  Trying to save a buck today may very well cost you far more tomorrow!

I just returned from the Spring Ace Convention in Las Vegas.  Ace has two conventions a year where retailers from thousands of stores come together to see the latest and greatest items from hundreds of manufacturers.  This is the place I find items that really make Dave's Ace stand out from the competition.  Between you and me.... I think I've really outdone myself this time! 

I like to think I'm a fairly good looking guy who really doesn't need to worry about something as unimportant as a full head of hair.  I've never asked her, but I suppose my wife might like to "run her fingers through my hair" or something romantic like that, but to tell you the truth.... I've never cared that much.  Maybe the underlying reason I have not cared is the expense typically involved with any traditional hair restoration procedure.  I just never though I could afford it.... until now!

Imagine my excitement when I learned that for less than $20, I could have a full head of hair again.  Not just any hair, but that really cool spiky hair like the young guys wear. 

Just for fun, I tried it out on my wife yesterday.  I called her from the airport (after I had landed) and told her I thought I had made a mistake.  I explained that a salesman talked me into trying a new hair growing formula and rubbed it into my scalp.  I also told her my head was really tingling and felt like it was on fire!  By the time I made it home, I walked in with my new hair.  First she looked stunned and then she began laughing so hard she started to cry (for the life of me.... I can't figure out what was so funny!).

Anyway, the good news is I did order some of these great hair replacement caps.  We will have them in several colors including camouflage with brown, blond and gray colored hair!  Just think how much fun you could have with your family and friends!

Where's Dave Been?

What's it been.... about 10 years since I've made a new post?  I know it hasn't been THAT long but it may have well been.  Of course, I have a really good excuse. 

As I'm sure you know, I am getting older.  With that age progression, besides gaining wisdom and becoming more distinguished (I am... aren't I?), I seem to be getting more forgetful. 

Several months ago, I attempted to make a new post, only to find I was locked out of my program.  I didn't know if I had forgotten to pay for an update or something even more sinister was at work.  Finally, with the help of my friend Brian Brown, who originally helped me set up my blog, and a girl named Kymberlie (that's not a misspelling!) who works for the software provider, I found the problem.  I HAD BEEN USING THE WRONG USER NAME! 

I guess I could blame forgetting the name on my having about 100 unique user names and passwords for various accounts, but that would only prove how irresponsible and disorganized I am (just ask my wife).  Anyway, I've decided that from now on, I will document every user name and password for every account I have.  In fact, I've already begun the process of placing them on my computer (where I will always have them available).

Now who's the disorganized one!?   It's good to be back.