A Better Bird Feeder

Hi All,

It is summertime and the birds are out singing and chirping all around us.  Which got me thinking...'how do these birds eat?'  What do they eat and, 'could I help them to eat?'.  And that got me thinking about bird feeders and building them...and that was how I came to write todays' blog entry about building bird feeders.

So...clicking on this link will take you to a link from Lowe's about building a bird feeder.  The link includes a list of tools and materials needed for this project, as well as a 1 minute video.  Also included are step-by-step instructions how to complete the birdhouse.

This next link is from This Old House - and also explains how to build a bird house.  Again, a video is supplied for the readers interest.  The instructions from this link are a bit more comprehensive than the first one - but are still very, very helpful.

Readers can click on this link from Allcrafts.net in order to get 50+ free bird house and bird feeder woodcraft plans. Included in this plans are beginner bird houses, pole bird houses, nesting boxes, bluebird houses, plate and feeder bird bowls, box houses for sparrows, Oriole feeders and traditional birdhouses.

Click on this link - which will help you identify birds that you might come across in your backyard - or wherever you put the birdfeeder! (Link goes to a website which - appropriately enough - is called 'What Bird?'.)

Finally, on Tuesday, July 8th at 3pm the library is hosting a program entitled, 'Building a Better Bird Feeder'.  Program is for students entering grades 3-5 and online registration began on June 24th.  If you have kids or grandkids, this might be a great introduction to the joys of building birdhouses - and feeding birds!  Click here to learn more about the program we are offering at the library.

Enjoy the links! And enjoy seeing the birds.
Regards,
Stu

Do It Yourself - DIY

Hi All,

Lots of folks own homes and condos or co-ops.  Other folks rent the apartment they live in.

And there is quite a bit of difference from renting an apartment or owning a condo/co-op vs. owning your own home.

One of the major differences is that with a condo/co-op/apartment, a representative of the organization will do the maintenance of the property (fix leaks, paint, install new carpet, etc.)

But with a house the homeowner is the one who makes the repairs or does the fixes...either that or the homeowner pays a contractor to perform the work instead.

So...with that all said, today's blog entry is all about DIY - aka, 'Do-It-Yourself' projects for the home.  Simply put there are many, many DIY websites on the internet.  Today, I'm going to discuss one of the better ones - DIY Network - which can be found by clicking on this link: DIYNetwork.

DIYNetwork is from the makers of HGTV and Food Network.  DIY Network is available nationwide via DirecTV, DISH network and various local cable tv providers.  The site is authoritative, advertisement-free and easily navigable.  With all that out of the way, we can talk about the specifics of the site. 

At the top of the page is a ribbon that  has many of the DIY Networks' best features.  The ribbon has links to topics related to Painting, Windows and Doors, Floors. Decorating, Remodeling, Electrical, Plumbing, Bath, Kitchen, Outdoors and Rooms. Above this ribbon are further links to TV Shows, Experts & Hosts, Blog Cabin, Watch DIY Network and the Video Library.

One of the best aspects of the site are the drop down boxes that appear when users click on one of the topics in the ribbon.  The drop down menu for "Windows and Doors" (for example) is extensive - with sections on "Inside Windows, Walls, and Doors", "Shows", and "Best of Windows and Doors".  Even better is that the first section "Inside Windows, Walls, and Doors" has further categories like 'Floor Tile', 'Windows', 'Concrete Doors' and more.

Along with these links to repairs are sections that explain - for example - how to 'Repair Your Drywall', 'Wall-Covering Trends'.  Each category has different DIY projects that is related to that particular category. 

Users can also use the search box at the top of the page to enter some key words related to the project that they are working on - or need to find assistance with.

Examples of Electrical issues addressed by DIY Network include: Lighting, Appliances, Heating & Cooling, Ceiling Fans, Home Theater and Wiring. Click on any of these links to find out more.

Some of the specific projects that DIY Network discusses include 'Accent Lighting', 'How to Add Outlets', 'Tips For Air Conditioner Maintenance', '10 Things You Must Know About Home Security Maintenance Systems' and 'Family Friendly Home Theaters'.

Finally, users can look at videos or view photo galleries of various projects that they are interested in completing.  There is also a very complete list of topics on the site which is very, very helpful for finding projects!!!!

Just remember...this is just one of the many categories that DIY Network covers so there is a LOT of information on the site!  And, as you can see, DIY Network is comprehensive, well organized and easy-to-use...homeowners or amateur diy'ers would serve themselves well by visiting the site and utilizing its many DIY features.

Enjoy the site - hope all your home repair projects turn out to be easier and less expensive than you expect!

Regards,
Stu