Then there are the special days recognized by Presidential proclamation. Most everyone would agree was a justifiable designated day was September 11, 2001 "National Day of Mourning" in honor of those that died in the September 11 terrorist attacks, this "National" day was designated by Executive Order by President George W. Bush.

It's the time of the year to forget about dust bunnies and all things indoors. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and the warm weather while it lasts. And what better place to do that than in your new outdoor living area! Whether you design it or let NORTHERN STONE design it, it will be an area you will treasure for years to come!

If you are dreaming of a hardscape living area or simply a hardscape pathway to your favorite place in your yard NORTHERN STONE can make your dream a reality. They have the largest outdoor display in Western New York and their display is always open so take the first step and stop by 7516 Pittsford Palmyra Road in Fairport.

The Open Door Mission located at 156 Plymouth Avenue North in Rochester is hoping to fill 400 backpacks by August 31st for many families in need. Last year more than 350 boys and girls received backpacks filled with school supplies! For a family in need, a family that would find purchasing the school supplies needed to be a hardship, what better gift is there than to equip a child with what he or she needs to start the school year off prepared?

If you don't have time to buy a backpack but would like to donate toward one just visit The Open Door Mission and click to donate.
Open Door Mission Backpack to School Giveaway just imagine how many children could be provided a backpack of supplies if everyone that reads this donates one backpack...and if everyone gets a friend to do it with them the number of backpacks would double! Won't you help?

In all likelihood you've never heard of NFA, correct? That's probably a good thing but in the event of an insured loss due to fire, water damage, windstorm, explosion or other perils, NFA is there to serve you, to assist you in claims you may have, to represent you. NFA, National Fire Adjustment Co. is a name you should be familiar with, hope never to need, but be familiar with.

In the event that you do need their services it will be a huge burden taken off your shoulders to know NFA is working for you. NFA handles every detail of the claim, working closely with the insured to provide the most equitable and prompt settlement possible. They inspect the loss site immediately, analyze damages, assemble claim support data, review the insured's coverage, determine current replacement costs and exclusively serve you, the client.

To clean the grill mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water, apply the paste to the grill and let sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe down with a dry cloth and then heat the grill for about 15 minutes prior to cooking on it.
Add a pinch of baking soda to baked beans as they're cooking to reduce the...the...ruff time later.
Rub a tough piece of meat with baking soda and let it sit in the fridge for about three hours and rinse before cooking.
Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water and soak cotton balls then apply to sunburns or skin irritations.
For poison ivy itch relief Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water and apply paste to affected areas.

I know I know, don't talk about fall while it's still summer right?
Okay, no mention of , won't even use the 's' word, promise!

Generally a person thinks of a Home Inspection when buying or selling a home. That's great. That's important. It's also important to maintain your home while you live there. This is YOUR home after all and it's quite likely to be your largest investment. We get our vehicles inspected every year because we have to but shouldn't we take care of and maintain our homes, our largest investment, with the same diligence?

You're probably thinking that of course you maintain your home, why would you consider paying a home inspector? Well, a Home Inspector can catch small problems early which could prevent a large and costly home repair later on. For example, do you walk your roof in the fall to check for loose or missing shingles?
Loose or missing shingles could lead to a major leak which could cause major roof damage. Replacing a few shingles is MUCH cheaper than the cost of a repair later.

What about your furnace? Do you have that checked annually? Do you really want to have heating problems once the flies?

What about a visual look down the chimney? Do you do that? Do you make sure no birds or animals have taken up residency?
What about the windows? Caulking? Do you check the interior and exterior? Do you check for chipped or rotting wood, chipped or broken trim, cracks?
What about the gutters? Do you check them? Do you clean them?
Doors?
Pipes?
Drainage and Grading around your home?

The list can go on and on, who has time? Who knows which problems to take care of and what can wait?
Who knows what will cause the most and the least amount of possible havoc in your life when the begins to pile around your home and all you want to do is stay inside and stay warm?

THESE are reasons why it's a good idea, a great idea, to have a Home Inspection in the fall to make sure your home is ready for the harsh conditions of winter. With every Home Inspection we do we give the homeowner a complete report which includes maintenance tips and cost estimates for necessary repairs and upgrades. Our report will also list the quality, condition, and life expectancy of all systems. Safety issues will also be addressed in the report. You will receive this report the SAME DAY as the inspection and you can use this report as a guideline to prepare for the winter or to maintain your most valuable investment.

Be ready when the inevitablearrives!!

And in the meantime enjoy the