In the past, a storage shed was made from wood scraps and provided just enough protection to prevent the rusting of a hammer and nails.  Nowadays, the exterior of your backyard shed acts not only as a functional compartment for tools, but is also more of a visual focal point than it would have been on a homestead on the prairie. Whether it’s the siding, doors, or the outdoor work space available, decking out an attractive exterior allows you to maximize its addition to your property.

Proper Siding Joins Your Storage Shed with your Home Design:  Just like the siding on your home, there are plentiful options for siding your garden shed.  Dura-Temp and Vinyl siding are well-known for being maintenance-free.  Dura-Temp combines a solid plywood core with a Douglas Fir wood composite face that is easy to paint, while Vinyl siding requires an occasional cleaning to keep it looking shiny and new.  If a more natural façade is desired, make it a Pine Shed or Cedar Shed to create an entirely different effect with naturally resilient cladding for your potting shed. Besides their obvious matching vernacular to a log cabin home or the surrounding trees, natural oils of pine and cedar preserve the siding, offering better insulation than non-wood options.

Extra Wide Doors and a Porch Space Help Create Space:  If you use a lawnmower, ATV, quads, or other vehicles, install extra wide doors for easy access and see the potential space and organization of your storage shed reach its maximum potential. Another way to work with the space that a backyard shed creates might be to add a small porch outside.  Using a shed with a porch provides an unexpected landing that is great for extending your work outside under the roofed portion of the outdoor shed on a warm (or rainy) afternoon. Use it as creatively as you wish as a space to drape freshly-laundered clothes or as a sheltered place to read if the work bench inside requires extra motivation.

Add lasting durability and a cohesive home and garden shed effect by considering all of the exterior options available.

It’s a most unusual day; in fact, it’s been a most unusual week.  Although November is nearly halfway over, the sun has been shining relentlessly for days, and the temperatures have been hanging around in the 60’s.  It has given me the chance to get some more use out of my patio chairs, before I have to put the outdoor furniture covers on them and store them in the storage shed for the winter.  I’ve also seen many others sitting on their porch swings and porch gliders, and even sunning themselves in chaise lounges, as if it were still July.

Indeed, this is a spectacular day.  The sky is a bright blue, the birds are busy at the birdfeeders, and even a few bees are buzzing by; but, it is becoming a bit breezy.  This is, obviously, making it difficult for the trees to carry on that game they like to play, where they try to see how long they can fool us into thinking that it really is still summer.  Every time there’s a burst of wind, their charade is diminished, as they are forced to relinquish more of their leaves.

While that may thwart their attempts to keep up convincing fronts, it certainly creates some heavenly scenery.  That’s because all of their remaining leaves are a vivid yellow; and, illuminated in the intense sunlight, they appear to actually be glowing.  Thus, with every gust, the resulting cascades of gleaming gold are magnificent to behold.

So, my advice to the trees is to just let go; and there couldn’t be a more perfect time to do that than right now.  After all, there’s no percentage in holding onto something lifeless and lackluster, when they can dazzle the waiting world with a whirlwind of golden brilliance.  Not only will they be a lot happier, but they will be much more appreciated; and by a wider audience, at that.

That often happens in life.  We stay with the familiar, avoiding change, and then, when it comes, we wonder why we ever resisted it; and it generally turns out for the best.  That’s kind of the way that I feel right now.  Like many others, I’ve had a sense of trepidation about the approaching winter.  Oh, sure, I enjoy the cooler weather; but I cannot stand how quickly the year passes.  Furthermore, there are some things, such as higher utility bills, that I could live without; so, yeah, I’ve said that I wouldn’t mind prolonging the season slightly.

On this gorgeous autumn day, however, that’s no longer the case.   I’m truly excited about the shifting weather patterns, no matter what course they may take.  What’s more, I think that everyone is feeling somewhat giddy today.  Awhile ago, a friend called and invited me to a cookout this evening!  Apparently, she, too, has been inspired by the recent sightings of people relaxing on their patio furniture, and has put together an impromptu, outdoor party, in November.

All right – something strange, different, and wonderful!  Tonight, just two weeks before Thanksgiving, I’m going to be sitting at a picnic table with a bunch of friends, eating hamburgers off the grill.  Hey, I can handle that!

Still, there’s no doubt that the winds of change are beginning to blow; and I can handle them, too.  In fact, I’m gonna saddle ‘em up, and ride – and the sky’s the limit!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Actually, from now, until the end of next month, all kinds of boxes will be opening.  In fact, I guess that it’s pretty accurate to say that we’re entering the official box-opening season.  Just for starters, there are all of the silverware boxes, cedar chests, and oak chests, from which people will be retrieving their table services and holiday napery.  Beyond those wooden storage boxes, however, millions of people will be digging into gift boxes, before the end of the year.

Naturally, most will be giving, as well as receiving, at least, one of those boxes, which, you can bet, will be as carefully chosen as the presents that they will hold.  On the other hand, in many instances, boxes will be given as gifts; and they will be deeply appreciated and cherished, perhaps, for decades to come.  Some of the timeless favorites include cedar chests, cherry chests, jewelry boxes, jewelry chests, steamer trunks, and armoires.

There’s no denying the significance of boxes; after all, they play very special roles in our lives.  Not only can they be among our most prized possessions, but they are often charged with storing, and protecting, some of our best-loved belongings.  Usually, the things that we entrust to them are irreplaceable keepsakes, such as family photographs, quilts, precious holiday ornaments, special linens, laces, and tablecloths, silverware, and jewelry, which become heirlooms, and, along with the storage boxes, are passed down through the generations.

Indeed, it has been this way for thousands of years, as, throughout the centuries, every known society has placed great importance, and high values, on all sorts of boxes.  These have been made in all sizes, from prayer boxes, which were small enough to be worn as necklaces, to cedar chests and trunks that were large enough to be used for storing household goods.

Boxes have also been constructed from an endless variety of materials, including stone, wood, marble, gold, silver, copper, steel, porcelain, and crystal.  They have been carved, etched, engraved, inscribed, and decorated with beads, jewels, shells, pearls, precious metals, ivory, and symbols of every description.  Some of these special boxes have been – and continue to be – the focal points of holiday, family, religious, and secular traditions.

As far back as ancient Egypt, wooden chests were used for storing jewels, gold, documents, and other important assets.  In Europe, it was common for craftsmen, using whole trees, to carve one-piece chests that were used to safeguard valuables.

In early America, when cellars were dank, and closets were non-existent, the colonists used chests made of cedar for storing blankets, linens, clothes, and whatever scarce items of finery that they owned.  Since it was also rare to find a chair, the chests served as benches, too.  Truly, these chests were so essential to the households that, according to the logs of several ships that brought settlers to America, they were, frequently, the only possessions that families brought with them.  In later years, that was also the case with many pioneers who were traveling west.

Of course, there was a period in which the cedar chest was commonly referred to as the “hope chest.”  According to the customs of the time, it would be given to a young woman, as a place to keep linens, blankets, tablecloths, towels, quilts, and other things that would be necessary for starting a household when she got married.  Fortunately, however, that tradition has long since faded.

So today, women, and men, are free to use their cedar chests and steamer trunks for storage, or as attractive home accents, without any crazy expectations.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Well, Thanksgiving is only two weeks away; and those who are hosting large get-togethers already have their hands full with preparations for the big day.  Certainly, there are tons of details to be taken care of, from grocery shopping, to house cleaning, to figuring out where to seat everyone.  In order to accommodate all of their guests, people everywhere will be dragging folding tables, folding chairs, picnic table benches, patio chairs, and even outdoor dining tables and kids’ picnic tables, out of their storage sheds.

Of course, these won’t be the only things that will be pulled out of storage in the coming weeks, as decorations will be brought down from attics, and holiday tablecloths will be taken out of cedar chests.

Then, there’s the good silverware, which is essential to elegant holiday table settings, and must be at its brilliant, beaming best.  However, because the services often emerge from their silverware boxes looking less than radiant, many people will have to add “polish the silver” to their to-do lists.  What’s worse is that, sometimes, in trying to make their silverware sparkle, they can, inadvertently, cause damage to it.

That’s why it’s best to know something about silver before you attempt to polish it.  For example, sterling silver is an alloy, comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.  Over time, with use and exposure to air, it can develop a patina, which, in some people’s opinions, makes it more attractive.  Obviously, oxidation also causes the silver to tarnish; and, under very humid conditions, this can happen quickly.

While this is natural, and inevitable, fortunately, the tarnish can be removed, and your silverware can be restored to its original beauty.  That is, as long as you don’t wear rubber gloves while you’re polishing it, as that could cause serious damage.  In fact, rubber can corrode silver badly enough to leave deep etchings, and even wear away intricate, raised designs.  Surely, sometimes, it can scar silver so severely that a skilled silversmith will be its sole salvation.  Never use rubber bands on silver, either, or store it in cabinets or chests that have rubber seals or coverings.

Because acidic foods can also mar silver, be careful about using it to hold, handle, or serve salad dressings, vinegar, olives, eggs, salt, fruit, and fruit juices.  The longer it is exposed to these substances, the more damaged it will become; therefore, if you want to put fruit in a silver bowl, either line it with plastic, or set a glass bowl inside of it.  When you’re not using it, the best place to store your service is in a solid wood silverware box that’s lined with cloth.

So, while the bad news may be that you’ll have to polish the silver in advance of your Thanksgiving dinner, the good news is that it won’t have time to tarnish again before the next special occasion.  Remember, there’s another big celebration just around the corner.  Yep.  This is just a dress rehearsal; or, for those who are going to be cooking another holiday dinner next month, perhaps I should say, dressing rehearsal.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

If you put up some nice, just-plain-fall adornments in September, and added a Halloween theme later, at least, you won’t have to spend a lot of time on decorations in the next few weeks.  Because Thanksgiving is, of course, an autumn celebration, all you have to do is to de-spookify your landscape.

So, just take the fake spiders and webs off the trellises, pergolas, and arbors, and leave the sparkling, orange miniature lights.  After that, simply clear porch gliders, patio chairs, and chaise lounges, of all werewolves, mummies, and pumpkin-headed creatures, and put on the outdoor furniture covers.  Then, it’s only a matter of chasing a few ghosts and rubber snakes out of the yard, and you’re back to your beautiful fall outdoor décor, which is appropriate to the holiday at hand.

Leave the Christmas stuff for after Thanksgiving; and don’t let anyone pressure you into putting it up too soon.  Heck, you’ll need all of the extra time that you can get, in order to finish preparing your house and garden for the winter.  After all, some of those outdoor chores can be demanding, and, in many cases, very unpleasant.

Dealing with all of the fallen leaves, for example, can be a disagreeable job.  While, not long ago, they were still on the trees, in all of their brilliant, breath-taking splendor, they are now piling up on lawns, walkways, and roofs, causing all kinds of mischief.

One of their favorite pranks is to clog up gutters, and, thus, prevent the adequate drainage of water from the roofs of houses and other outdoor structures.  Although cleaning them out is a detestable duty, it’s something that must be done before winter arrives.  Otherwise, ice jams can form, and cause water to back up and, perhaps, seep into the house.

So, get the ladder out of the garden shed, and rise to the task; and don’t forget your heavy-duty work gloves and your scraper.  You can also make another helpful tool out of a plastic, gallon jug; just cut off the top half, hold it by the handle, and use it to scoop the leaves from the gutter.  Take out as much debris as possible by hand, before using the scraper to remove any built-up dirt and gunk; then rinse the gutter thoroughly with a hose.

While you’re up there, inspect for leaks, dents, and crooked pipes, and see that the gutters and downspouts are fastened securely to the house.  Furthermore, make certain that the downspouts are directing the water at least five feet away from the foundation of the house, and that they are not blocked.  To ensure that a downspout is operating properly, put a hose into the top, run the water, and check to see if it is running out at the bottom.

If there is a blockage, you may be able to break it loose, by packing rags around the hose at the top of the spout, to seal it off, and then running the water at full power; and if that fails, try using a snake.

Uh, a plumber’s snake, that is.  Not one of the rubber specimens that you drove out of your yard.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Whether you’re putting your porch furniture in the storage shed, or under some outdoor furniture covers, if you’re hosting a large party for Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to keep some of it handy.  After all, you may need a few picnic table benches, patio chairs, or outdoor folding chairs, for extra seating.  Moreover, if you have a kids’ picnic table, the problem of where to seat the children is already solved.

Of course, before the big day, you’ll still have to get your home and yard ready for winter.  As for the vegetation, if you’re going to take any of it indoors for the season, make sure that no unwanted houseguests come along for the ride.  Check the leaves, stems, and the topsoil, for stowaways; and wipe off the bottoms of the planters.

As the decreasing sunlight eliminates the need for extra nutrients at this time of the year, your houseplants won’t have to be fertilized.  Most of them won’t require as much water, either; but, because the air inside of your home is likely to be very dry, make sure the soil stays moist, and give plants an occasional misting.

Before putting planters, window boxes, and flower boxes into storage for the winter, remove all debris, and clean them with a solution of mild soap and bleach. To keep garden hoses from freezing and cracking, drain them and store them in the shed, too.  Put insulation on all outdoor water connections, to prevent the pipes from bursting, which is one of the most common – and most disastrous – cold-weather troubles.

Naturally, leaves are in abundance now; and if they’re still on the trees, sporting their autumn colors, they’re adding to the scenery.  However, if they’ve already fallen, as most have by now, they may be contributing to some ugly scenes, depending upon where they have landed.  For example, if they’re piling up on sidewalks, they can be dangerously slick, especially when wet.

If they’re left lying on the lawn, in thick mats, they may kill the grass underneath them; but, you can always run over them with a lawnmower and turn them into mulch.  You also have the option of raking them up, putting them into a compost pile, and letting them rot for the winter, so that they’ll be ready for your garden in the spring.

Another place where leaves may be gathering, and conspiring to cause havoc, is on your roof.  One of their favorite tricks is to use rain as a waterslide, which will take them into your gutters.  There, they will form clogs, and prevent the gutters from doing their jobs, which is to drain the water from rain, and melting snow and ice, away from your home’s foundation.

Therefore, cleaning gutters is another one of those chores that should be done before the weather gets nasty.  While you’re at it, prune the branches of overhanging trees, and you may be able to keep some of the leaves from falling onto the roof in the first place.  However, because they can blow in from all directions, this may not eliminate the problem completely.

You know, when you think about it, it’s ironic that they’re called leaves.  I mean, they never go away!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Now that November is here, things are really getting serious.  The Christmas commercials have already started to air (unfortunately), and, from here on out, everything is going to be about the holidays.  In just a few weeks, it will be Thanksgiving, and, in all probability, you’ll be getting ready for that; but, before you can relax and enjoy your turkey dinner, you’ll have to make sure that your home is prepared to deal with the cold weather ahead.

Of course, this includes its interior, exterior, and landscape.  Indeed, even though there’s not much heavy gardening to do, there are a few outdoor chores, including some yard work, left to be accomplished.  So, dig your thick, warm sweater out of the closet or cedar chest, get back into the crisp, invigorating air, and finish those tasks before it’s too late.

Actually, even if you live in an area that’s facing a harsh winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re completely finished with planting.  As long as the ground is not frozen, you can still plant the spring-flowering bulbs of crocuses, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.  You can also put in some trees and shrubs now, so that their roots will have a chance to establish themselves before spring.  Just remember to cover the trunks of saplings, and other tender trees, with paper tree wrap, before the end of the month.

If you’re going to transplant any shrubs, plants, or trees, such as azaleas or rhododendrons, excavate their new holes before you take them out of the ground.  Make them roomy enough to give the plants plenty of space to grow; and when you dig them up, extract large root balls that include as much of their root systems as possible.  Replant them right away, using a blend of the existing soil, along with healthy doses of compost, peat moss, and transplanting fertilizer.  Stake taller plants and trees, until their roots become steadfast; otherwise, they may be toppled by strong winds.

You can prune the vines on your grape arbors, after they’ve gone dormant; and any climbing vines, roses, or berries, should be secured firmly to their trellises, so that they won’t be whipped around by gusty winds.  If you’re planning to move things around next year, this is also a good time to sketch out a fresh garden design, and to put in new garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas.

Another way to ensure that you’ll be prepared for next year is to clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools.  Besides having your lawnmower’s blades sharpened, have its oil changed, bolts tightened, and other parts inspected and/or cleaned.  Use a file on trowels, hoes, clippers, and shovels, and a whetstone on pruning shears, then coat the metal parts with penetrating oil; and apply heavier oil to any moving components.  Sand rough spots on wood handles, and then rub them lightly with some linseed oil.

It’s also time to put your patio furniture into the garage or storage shed for the winter.  However, if you don’t have a large enough storage area, protect your porch swings, patio chairs, and picnic tables, with outdoor furniture covers.  Just make sure that they have heavy-duty ties that can endure even the fiercest winds.  Remember, you’re tucking them in for a long, winter’s nap.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Weathervanes are truly fascinating.  Once, vital tools for tracking weather conditions, they are now, for the most part, rooftop accessories.  Still, that doesn’t mean that they don’t serve important purposes.  No-o!  Just as fashion accessories can turn a nice outfit into a smashing ensemble, the smallest home accents, such as weathervanes, can make the biggest impact on outdoor décor.  Of course, besides their roles as eye-catching ornaments on the roofs and cupolas of houses, barns, garages, garden  sheds, gazebos, cabanas, and many other buildings, weathervanes still do their jobs to perfection.

Sure, they may not be the first sources that most people check when they want to know the, uh, current conditions, but some do, indeed, consult them from time to time.  Another great trait of theirs is that they can be used as expressions of people’s personalities, hobbies, lifestyles, and even their geographical locations.  Furthermore, it seems that this has always been the case.

For example, as I mentioned, the first known specimen, a bronze weathervane, is thought to have been crafted in 48 b.c., by the Greek astronomer, Andronicus.  It was forged in the shape of the Greek god, Triton, who was a merman, and was between four, and eight, feet long.  It was erected on top of the Tower of Winds, an octagonal structure, in Athens, which featured the likeness of a different wind deity on each side.  So, with every change in wind direction, Triton’s trident would point to the god who was, supposedly, in control of the weather that day.

References to weathervanes have also been found in writings of Mesopotamia that are over 3,500 years old, and China, where strings or flags were used to read wind directions, as far back as the 2^nd century, b.c.  After evolving for several hundred years, weathervanes changed significantly in Europe, during the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  They were being made from many different materials; and, in the Victorian era, new and fanciful designs were being introduced, which included mythical creatures, and various animals.

Naturally, the European settlers eventually brought them to America, and relied heavily upon them to predict the weather, and to help them to improve their farming methods.  In the early colonies, the best weathervanes were imported from Europe: and some, dating back to the 17^th century, still exist today.

Over the years, they continued to increase in popularity, and people began to create original and unusual designs.  Those living on the coasts would have nautical-themed weathervanes, made into forms that included ships, sea creatures, lighthouses, sea gulls, and anchors, while those in rural areas had horses, roosters, cows, eagles, and pigs.  It was, and still is, the same way with decorative mailboxes, which also reflect people’s interests.

Today, it’s not surprising that weathervanes are still as cherished as ever.  After all, they make head-turning embellishments for homes, garages, and garden structures; and, as birthday, holiday, anniversary, and housewarming gifts, they can’t be topped.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

This is one of those robust, autumn days, which separates the true players from the amateurs, as the trees compete to see which one can hold onto its leaves the longest.  In fact, with today’s 50+ mph winds, it’s all that they can do to keep from losing their branches.  Heck, even the birds are having difficulty hanging onto their limbs – er, the trees’ limbs, that is; not their own.

Yes, the whipping winds are sending showers of foliage and rain flying in every direction; and, every once in awhile, a bird that has been swept off a branch comes swirling by in a cascade of leaves.  Now, the only reason that I find this amusing is that the birds quickly regain control of their own navigation systems.

Most of them retreat to the security of my arbor, or one of my trellises, and plot new courses for their chosen destinations.  Interestingly enough, even amid the blustery torrent, they are not deterred, but are even more determined, to reach their objectives, which, more often than not, are my birdfeeders.

You know, I really admire the way that they can pull themselves out of tailspins.  I mean, even I had a rough time fighting the currents when I went out to keep my patio furniture from becoming airborne.  Luckily, my oak picnic table remained steadfast; but, as a precaution, I put the picnic table benches, and the aluminum patio chairs, into the garden shed.  A few outdoor accent tables and ottomans had gotten blown around a little; but, because they’re made from everlasting polywood, they were unscathed.

I was also impressed by the tenacity of my outdoor furniture covers.  No matter how fiercely the wind tried to rip them from the porch glider and Adirondack chairs, their heavy-duty ties and Velcro® closures held fast.

After I was satisfied that everything was secure, I noticed something that was actually quite at home in the tempest.  There, atop the cupola on my shed, was my trusty eagle weathervane, looking as dignified, graceful, and majestic as ever, with nary a ruffled feather.  That’s not surprising, though, as there’s a certain nobility about all weathervanes, which, most likely, comes from their long, proud, and colorful history.

After all, they once served an important purpose.  Long before people were able to turn on their radios or televisions, and get forecasts from meteorologists, armed with the latest in sophisticated technology, weathervanes were the foremost tools of weather prediction.

As a matter of fact, it is believed that the very first weathervane was created in 48 b.c., by the Greek astronomer, Andronicus.  Back then, wind gods were big; and there is archaeological evidence that they were often featured on the weathervanes that adorned the homes of wealthy Greek and Roman landowners.

Although we no longer need them to keep us apprised of impending climatological changes, we still love weathervanes.  Attractive, charming, and whimsical elements of our outdoor decor, they now come in dozens of shapes, including horses, pigs, cows, arrows, mythical creatures, angels, and eagles.  Of course, one of the most popular of all time is the rooster; and that’s another bird that can really hold its own against high winds and heavy weather.

Indeed, like the ones in my backyard, it has a lot of pluck.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

These days, when you’re shopping, you’ll notice that there are tons more choices, for pretty much everything, than there used to be.  Sometimes, this is good; but other times, it’s just overkill.

For instance, the spectacular improvements in outdoor furniture that have occurred over the past several years, are wonderful, and long overdue.  No matter what you’re looking for – porch swings, patio chairs, or picnic tables – in addition to the classic wood types, you’ll also find polywood, vinyl, and aluminum pieces that are nearly indestructible, and available in dozens of colors.  So, it’s great to have a huge selection of patio furniture.

On the other hand, the constant expansions of some product lines can reach ridiculous proportions.  One example, which is truly monstrous, is in the world of Halloween decorations.  It wasn’t that long ago that most people would simply have a few cardboard witches, skeletons, cats, and jack-o-lanterns in their front windows.  Moreover, among the store-bought items were many things that were made by the kids who lived in the homes, including those tissue-and-pipe cleaner ghosts (of course, that was when it was strictly a kids’ day); and nothing went up until deep into October.

Well, things are different now – and how!  First of all, many people treat Halloween like a major holiday, and begin decorating for it two months early, as elaborately as they do for Christmas.  There are also enormous Halloween “superstores,” filled with costumes, outdoor lights, full-sized mummies, zombies, skeletons, and vampires that actually rise from their coffins.  Then, there are those ghastly, gigantic inflatable decorations, which feature ghosts popping out of pumpkins, skeletons riding motorcycles, and witches on broomsticks.  Sheesh!

Okay, sure, it’s fine to have more Halloween decorations to pick from; but the true, uh, spirit, of the day calls for more of the homemade touch.  After all, kids still love to make Halloween decorations; and, in fact, because they have help from their computers, they can produce things that look as good as any that you can buy.  Of course, it’s even more fun when you go to a craft store and get them some supplies, or even dig up things around the house, that they can use to create their decorations by hand.

Don’t worry, though; there are many larger things that adults can tackle, like, say, making corpses, monsters, scarecrows, and giant spiders.  Heck, with all of the phony blood, stick-on scars, and severed body parts that are available at those Halloween stores, it’ll be a cinch.  You can sit them in your porch glider, pose them in a lounge chair, stretch them out in a hammock, or even hang them from the roof of a gazebo or garden shed.  You can also make fake spider webs for your handmade arachnids, and wrap them around arbors, pergolas, and trellises.

Naturally, the kids can help with these projects, too.  It’ll be a great way to spend more quality time together as a family, teach them the lost art of Old World craftspersonship, and let them feel the pride of creating things, such as authentic-looking monsters and spiders.  At the same time, they’ll be learning how to use porch furniture to its fullest potential, as well as the proper techniques for applying fake blood.  You know – all of those good, old-fashioned family values.

That is, if you’re the Addams family.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy