Ace Hardware Blog

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.

Ace Can Help More Than You Might Already Know!

It's been a while since I've posted anything new, but I wanted to let you know about an easy (and free) way that ACE Hardware is helping people give back to their communities: “New Faces for Helpful Places.”  More than just the helpful place for do-it-yourselfers, ACE is the helpful place for our communities, helping locations dedicated to assisting others.
 
Each year, as part of its “New Faces for Helpful Places” campaign, ACE Hardware selects ten “Helpful Places” from a pool of nominations to receive a renovation. These “Helpful Places” must be locations that house a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to serving its community — as we all know these helpful locations are often the places that need the most help! Past “Helpful Places” include: a community center in Madison, WI, a Boys and Girls Club in Fullerton, CA; an Animal Protective League in Springfield, IL; a Helping Hands Food Bank in North Bend, WA; and many more.

Once selected, the “Helpful Places” will receive $10,000 and the know-how to put it to work.Local ACE Hardware stores recruit an army of volunteers (even I was a volunteer on a project two years ago) that are led by ACE Hardware’s Helpful Hardware Man Lou Manfredini.  Renovation projects have included new paint, lighting, storage, and bathroom and kitchen repairs. And this year, all the renovations will have a “green” aspect to them.  

In total, Ace has donated $200,000 to local "helpful places" across the country.
 
All anyone has to do is fill out a simple form at http://www.acehelpfulplaces.com/ to nominate a place in their community. Nominations are due by 8/31.  I'd love to see the next winner be from the Rock County, Wisconsin area!

Let Us Help You Save Time

Finally.  It's beginning to feel like spring.  Hopefully the snow and cold are nothing more than bad memories.  It won't be long now before the grass turns green, the leaves start to bud and the MOSQUITOES BEGIN TO HATCH!  Fortunately, you have a Mosquito Magnet (you do, don't you?  If not, we can help.).

Now's the time to make sure it's ready for another year of action.  As the Midwest's Mosquito Magnet leader, we're ready to help.  Whether it's tune-ups, repairs, parts supplies or propane, we offer it all.  This year we're pleased to announce a new service as well.  It's called Mosquito magnet maintenance Express (MMMX) and it's an easy way to simplify your life!

Basically, MMMX leaves all your regular maintenance worries to us.  Our experts will come to your locations eight times throughout the summer and exchange tanks, replace the octenol and empty your nets.  If your trap should become disabled, we'll even leave a loaner while yours is taken back to the store for repair!  The price for MMMX is $79.99 per month or $379.99 for the entire 5 month season.  Imagine spending less time taking care of your Mosquito Magnet and having more time to actually spend in your yard.

We are also offering an enhanced service we call MMMX+ which in addition to the benefits of MMMX, also includes free repairs, a winter tune-up, storage and delivery back to your yard next spring!  Costs range from $449.99 - $589.99 depending on your unit.

For more information, stop into our Milton store or give us a call at 608.868.2843 and ask for Todd or Dave.

Something New

Ace hardware conventions are very, very big.  It frequently takes me a whole day to simply walk (not much time for stopping to talk) through the entire display.  By the time the end of the day comes, my feet are pretty sore and I'm really tired!  Fortunately, during the recent Ace Hardware convention in Dallas, I ran across a vendor that manufactured (among many other things) electric chair massaging pads and foot massagers.

It was the end of the day so I decided to "take a load off" and try our one of the pads and foot massagers.  I wasn't expecting much, but I have to admit, they worked really well!  The chair pad feels like someone is rubbing their fists up and down your spine.  It also provides heat and a bit of vibration and sells for $129.99.  The foot massager works even with your shoes on, vibrates and also provides heat.  It sells for $34.99.

As you can see from the picture, these items have already proved quite popular with our staff so if you'd like to try it out yourself, you may have to stand in line!  It really is the best seat in our house.