outdoor design & living guide - winter 2011
DESCRIPTION
Winter 2011 issue of Outdoor Design & Living GuideTRANSCRIPT
Winter 2011
Do it Yourself Build Your own FairY Garden
Column Bruce asBurY is on the loose
PLUS! Meet the winner oF the decorated Veterans contest
InsIde the ‘Man MuseuM’South Fargo Man Cave Taken to the Extreme
Transitions and MilestonesThe seasons keep a changing… We took the RV out for one last (and first for this year) trip and our home landscaping project has been wrapped up for the year. When we started the landscaping we never dreamt we would need the long dry days of August and September just to finish it up, but it looks great for a homeowner job, and someday we will share it with you, but we need the grass to grow back before we can take pictures.
This is an exciting time for Darcy and I as this will be our 1st anniversary issue. You can learn a lot about an industry just by purchasing the company and writing checks to cover each lesson. We have a great group that is finally running on all cylinders and I couldn’t be happier or more optimistic about the future of Outdoor Design & Living Guide. If the speed at which our last issue left the shelves is any indication, I get the feeling you folks like it too.
In this issue we’ll introduce you to a South Fargo resident who uses the idea of a ‘man cave’ to remember the past. We’ll give you tips on how to cut your own holiday tree and some places around here where you can do that. You’ll meet the deserving veteran who won the ‘Decorated Veterans’ contest from us and Holiday Décor and you’ll have a chance to win some items for your newly built fairy garden (we’ll show you how to build on in this issue’s DIY). All of that plus our food and drink recipes.
We also want to welcome Bruce Asbury aboard as a columnist. Bruce spent many years in the Valley as a local television celebrity. Now we’ll get to hear his special blend of humor inside the pages of each issue, in an exclusive column titled “Bruce on the Loose.”
Here’s to another year! Cheers!
Todd and Darcy FuchsPublishers, Outdoor Design & Living Guide
PuBlisherOutdoor Design & Publishing, LLC
content ManaGerSarah McCurdy
coPY editorNancy Koetz
lead desiGnerDan Nisbet
desiGn & laYoutMike Biewer
Jamie Farmen
contriButorsBruce Asbury
Janelle BrandonBrian Frank
Amanda JunsoRat
PhotoGraPherLaura Caroon
Frozen Music Studios Photography
adVertisinG inForMationTodd Fuchs
Phone: 701.282.0619
Mail corresPondenceOutdoor Design
301 Sheyenne St.West Fargo, ND 58078
outdoordesignandliving.com
Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Outdoor Design & Publishing,
LLC. Total printing is 15,000 copies per issue, and the publication is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Outdoor Design & Publish-
ing, LLC assumes no responsibility for unso-licited manuscripts or photographs. Outdoor
Design & Publishing, LLC does not necessarily agree with or endorse content of articles or
advertising presented.
For advertising information, contact Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC.
Winter 2011 5
Winter2011
Feature
6 ManMuseum Suckow’s Garage is More History than Cave
14 BackyardLife
ASnowForttoRemember
16 AJourneyofaLifetime
18 BeyondtheBackyard
DecktheHalls...
AllSeasonLong
20 InspirationGuide
22 Rat’sRecipes
23 FestiveSpirits
24 BruceontheLoose
NorthDakotaintheSpotlight
26 DoItYourself
BuildYourOwnFairyGarden
32 HolidayHomecoming
36 People&Community
Whatisyourfavoriteholiday
orwintermemory?
18 3226
Suckow’s Garage is More History than Cave
ByJanelleBrandon
GrowingupinAlexandria,Minn.inthe1960sand1970s,BrianSuckowwasafanoftheMinnesotaTwins,A&WRootBeerfloatsandburgers,andgoingtothemovietheater-prettytypical.WhatmakesSuckowdifferentistherolethenostalgicmementosfromhischildhoodandadulthoodmanifestthemselvesinhislifetoday…inhisgarage.
Suckow,aweldinginstructoratNorthlandCommunityandTechnicalCollegeinEastGrandForks,liveswithhiswifeShellyinSouthFargoandhasfourkids:Josh,Ali,LydiaandClaire.Agenerousandthoughtfulman,hehasthememoryofanelephantforeventsofthepast.Suckow’sgarageis
ahomagetodaysgonebyandinhiswords,“goodandsimpletimes.”
TireTable
Adie-hardNASCARfan,SuckowdisplaysatirehepurchasedfromaNASCARrace.BackhomeinFargo,Suckowweldedabaseforthehigh-toptableandplacedaglasstopoverthetirethatholdsNASCARraceticketsandmemorabilia,includingaspecialpassinwhichapoliceescortaccompaniedSuckowandhisfriendstotheBrickyard400.Threefemalemannequinsdressedinsportygearleaningonthetiretablecompletethelook.
ManMuseuM
Winter 2011 7
8 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
“Sometimesourneighborswavewhentheydriveorwalkbywhenourgaragedoorisopen,”addsSuckow’swifeShelly.“TheythinkthemannequinsareBrianandIorthekids!”
ThereisastorybehindeveryitemanddisplayinSuckow’sgarageandthespaceisdesignedforfriends,familyandneighborstoenjoythemselves
throughoutalltheseasonsoftheyear.
“Fun”ctional
“Themostimportantaspectofmygarageisthatitisfunctional,”sharesSuckow.“Weparkourcarsinhereeverynightandallthechairsandtablesfoldandstacktostoreeasilyandopenupthespace.”
Moviepostermarqueesignsaremountedonthenorthwall,andframedflattenedpopcornboxesfrom1919to1980linetheeastwallheadingdownintothebasement.Movietheatrestanchionswithvelvetropesandareceptacleforticketstubsmakeitfeellikeperpetualmovienight.
TheSuckowshaveafullystockedrefrigeratorandfreezer,apizzaoven,
Winter 2011 9
nachomaker,popcornpopper,severalcandymachines,acappuccinoandcoffeemaker,andtwofunctionalpopmachinesintheirgarageatthereadyforentertaining.Bison,Twins,Vikings,andotherbiggamesareshownontheirretractable,remotecontrolledscreenthatdropsdownfromtheceiling.
“ShellyonceworkedattheFergus
FallsTheatre.Shealsoworkedatadrive-inmovietheatre,”continuesSuckow.“Ihaveoriginalwindowspeakersfromadrive-intheatre.Youdon’tseetoomanyofthoseanymore.They’rerelics.”
“Irememberkidssneakingintothedrive-inmoviesinthetrunksofcars,”Shellysays.“I’dcatchthemwhenthey’dcometotheconcessionstand
andI’daskthemiftheycouldshowtheirmovieticket,”shelaughs.
25Cents/Gallon
AnoldTexacopumpprocuredfromArchieZeithhamer,whoSuckowworkedforasafarmhandwhileinhighschool,sitsadjacenttoa“jump-to-the-pump”boy(amalemannequin)
10 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
dressedinaTexacouniforminthebackofSuckow’sgarage.
“Myfirstmemoryofthepriceofgasolinewas25centsagallon,”reminiscesSuckow.“Whenitwentoveradollaragallonyou’dhavetomultiplythetotalbytwobecausethepumpspricedigitsonlyhadtwoplacesinsteadofthethreeneeded.”
Securingnostalgicitemstodisplay
isanenjoyablehobbyforSuckow.ItisgratifyingforhimtospendtimescouringeBayandtradingweldingservicesforsouvenirsfromyesteryear.He’salsoabletogethishandsontoyshedidn’thaveasachild.
“Myneighborhadamini-bikewhenIwasakid,”Suckowsayspointingtotwosmallmotorbikesinaloftedareainthebackofthegarage.
“Ineverdreamedofaskingforonemyself,butIhavetwonow!”
ReminisceandCelebrate
Suckowwakesearlyandoftenfindssolaceinarrangingtheitemsinhisgarageorpullingacollectionoutofstorageandaddingittothemix.
WeekendsallowSuckowthetimetoenjoythefruitsofhislaborandrelaxinthegaragewithfamily,friends,andneighbors.
“It’snothowmuchspaceyouhave,it’showyouarrangeit,”sharesSuckow.“I’drecommendstartinginasmallpartofthegarageandbuildinganentertainmentareabasedonyourhobbiesandinterests.”
Suckowrecommendsinvestinginaglassdisplaycasetoarrangemementoswithspecialmeaningforalltoenjoy.HisdisplaycaseblendshisandShelly’schildhoodkeepsakes.Shelly’selementaryschoolrice,beans,andglueartprojectrestsnearBrian’sfavoritechildhoodbook,CowboySam,andhisporcelainpiggybank.
Anotherglassdisplaycaseholds
Suckow’sprizedA&WRootBeermemorabiliacollection.AmannequinposesnexttothecaseincompleteA&Wwaitressclothingholdingatray.ThecaseholdsA&Wmugsdatingbackto1919alongwithacashregister,trays,menusandrootbeercontainers.Suckowonceentertainedhisfatherandtheotherresidentsatanursinghomewithrootbeerfloats
presentedbyhischildrenandniecesandnephewsdressedinvintageA&Wclothing.
Itisacommonmisconceptionthatamancaveisanexclusivedwellingforamantoescapefromhisfamilyandwork.Suckowhasdevelopedanimpressivespacethatallowsallwhoenteritanopportunitytoreminisce
andrelax.They’vehostedtheTopper’sCarShowGarageTourwith270peopleinattendanceandwelcomedtheValleyVintagegroupaswell.
TheSuckowswillcontinuetocelebrateandmakememoriesintheirgaragethroughouttheyears.Thespacewillchangeastheirinterestsandhobbiesevolveyetremainoriginaland
uniquebecausethedesignisauthentictothemanwhocreatedit.
WriterJanelleBrandonlivesinMoorhead,Minn.withherfamily.Learnmoreaboutheratwww.janellebrandon.com.
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14 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
ASnowForttoRememberUphereonthewindyplainskidsgrowupinglovedhands,workingthroughsnifflestobuildthebestsnowfortstheyknowhowtobuild.Ifyou’renewtotheareaorifyou’retryingtopolishyourskills,youmightfindyourselfnavigatingGoogletofindsometips.Sure,you’llfindvideosandinformation,butwebroughtinsome
expertstoremindushowtobuildthebestsnowfortpossible–andtheyknowfromexperience.
Oneofthemostcriticaltips,itseems,ishavingthecorrectconsistencyofthesnow.Itcan’tbetoowetortoodryoritwon’tpack.Whenyoucanmakeagreatsnowball,youcanbuildagreatsnowfort.
Fromlakescountry,BethPriddayrecommendsasimplelist:water,snowandanemptycoffeecan.Manysaidusingacoffeecantocreatesnowbricksisthebestwaytogo,andwaterfromaspraybottlecanhelpthesnowstayinplace.
BackyardLife
Winter 2011 15
Herearesomeofthesnowfortmemorieswegathered:
“Aftermakingawall,you’llneedabucketofwatertothrowontopforastrong,sturdyfreeze.Wealsolinedallofthetunnelswithwatersothepathwasslipperyandawesome!”–Nicole Ashpole, Cavalier, N.D.
“ThebestfortIeverbuiltwasnearthedryervent.Theventprovidedsomeheattokeepuswarmandicedthewalls.Theforthadaroomandseveral“battle”walls.”–David Klein of Jamestown, N.D.
“AsakidIcanrememberifyouhadastormwhenthesnowwasniceandcompactedbythehighwinds,weusedayardstickandliterallycarvedoutblocks.Wewouldthenstacktheblocksinwhatevershapeoffortwehadandputloosesnowinthecracksinbetween,justlikemortarforbrickbuildings.Wethenwouldgetwaterandsprinkleitoverthefortsowedidn’tletthewaterdissolvethesnowaway.Thenovernight,somepunkwouldknockthewallsdown.Butthat’showwediditintheancientdays.”–Bob Harris, Fargo, N.D.
Postyourphotos!Wewanttoseeyoursnowfortsthisseasonandfindoutwhattechniquesyouused.PostthepicsonourFacebookpage:www.facebook.com/outdoordesign.
BackyardLife
16 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
AJourneyofaLifetimeOutdoor Adventure Foundation Provides Lasting Memories
ByAmandaJunso
Somedaysdon’tgoasplanned,otherscomeandgowithoutbeingmissed.Wemapoutthefuturetoseekthebestandlookforwardtowhatliesahead,whatisyettocome.But…Whatwouldhappenifthatday,thedaythatseemedsoterrible,thedaythatwasoverlooked,wereit?Whatwouldhappenifthetomorrowthatweresoanxiouslyawaitedfor,theonethatwassocarefullyplannedout,wasn’tentirelyrealistic?
ForthevolunteersandsponsorsofTheOutdoorAdventureFoundation,abetteroutlookfortomorrowis
key–it’swhattheydo.Canceristheleadingcauseofdeathworldwideandcontinuestoincreasinglydevastatemoreandmoreindividualseveryyear.Thereishardlyalifethathasnotbeeninfluenced,affectedbycancerandotherlifethreateningillnesses.
“Wegivefamiliesandindividualssomethingtolookforwardto…Opportunitythat’snotalwaysthere,”saysBrianSolum,presidentofTheOutdoorAdventureFoundation.“Wekeepthemconnectedwiththeoutdoors.”
TheOutdoorAdventureFoundationisanallvolunteer-
Gerard Schuchard is from New Rockford, N.D. He is 20 years old and has germ cell cancer. This hunt took place near Kildeer, N.D. with Kildeer Mountain Outfitters this fall.
2733 S. University Dr. • Fargo 701.237.6255 | bakernursery.com
Hours: M-F, 9–8pm Sat 9–5pm Sun 12–5pm
It’s more than beautiful plants…It’s a store full of wonderful!
Introducing…
@
basedorganizationwhosememberscreatepersonalizedhunting(bear,deer,elk,mooseandsmallgame)andfishingadventures(freshandsaltwater)forchildrenandyoungadultswithcancerorlifethreateningillness.Thenon-profitorganizationalsocreatesspecializedadventuresforcombatdisableveterans,thosewhomhaveenduredinjuryorlostalimbduringactivecombat.
ThevolunteersatTheOutdoorAdventureFoundationdedicatethemselvestocreatingextraordinarytrips,fantasticopportunitiesfortheirparticipants.
“Wetakeparticipantsoutforallkindsofhuntingandfishingadventures,”Solumsays.“We’repassionateabouttheoutdoors,lifeandmakingdreamscometrue.”
TheOutdoorAdventureFoundationprovideshuntingandfishingadventuresallthroughouttheregionandtheUnitedStates.AdventuresincludetravelingtoKindredandtheKildeerMountainsofNorthDakotatohuntforwhitetaildeerandelk.OtheradventuresincludeDevilsLakefishingtrips,pheasanthuntinginNapoleonandexclusivehuntstoMontanaforantelopeandmuledeer.Nextyear,TheOutdoorAdventureFoundationwillhavetheexcitingopportunityoftakingaparticipantonanAfricansafari.
Althougheachadventureisdifferent,allofTheOutdoor
AdventureFoundationquestsdohaveonethingincommon…Deservingparticipants.Aslongascancerandlifethreateningillnessescontinuetotraumatizefamilies,friendsandindividuals,TheOutdoorAdventureFoundationwillcontinuetocreateamazingopportunitiestolookforwardto.
TheOutdoorAdventureFoundationisheadquarteredinFargo,ND(41538StreetSouth,SuiteB)andhasNorthDakotacommitteememberslocatedinWahpeton,BismarckandCrosby.TheorganizationalsohaschaptersthroughouttheUnitedStatesinFlorida,Iowa,Minnesota,Missouri,Texas,WashingtonandWisconsin.
FormoreinformationonhowtohelpTheOutdoorAdventureFoundationcontinuetograntadventuresortosetupanadventure,calltollfree1-877-477-5911orvisitonlineatwww.ndoaf.org.TheOutdoorAdventureFoundationalsowelcomesthepublictoitsannualfundraisingbanquetMarch17,2012attheHiltonGardenInn,Fargo,N.D.
AmandaJunsocurrentlylivesinFargo,ND.Inhersparetimesheenjoysspendingtimewithfamilyandfriends,traveling,theoutdoorsandshopping.
18 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
BeyondtheBackyard
DecktheHalls…AllSeasonLongAdd warmth to a cold winter wonderland by spicing up your entryway using indoor and outdoor pieces, and create a unique display you can leave up all winter long.
StyledbyLeanneSucrow
PhotographybyLauraCaroon
WarmWelcome
Typicallywhenwethinkofwinter,wethinkofdecoratingwithred,greenandwhite.Thebeautyofdesignistherearenorulesandyoucanexpressyourselfinanywayyouwant.Explorecolorslikeiceblue,brightyellowandsubduedcranberry,thenmixandmatchandfindwhatcombinationyoulikebest.Apaperwreathmadeoutofoldbookpagesissafeundertheoverhangofthisentryway,andtheframebehinditaddsinterestandanicepopofcolor.
BeyondtheBackyard
CozyCorner
Thiscribspringistheperfectfitforacornerdisplayandhelpsadddepthandtexture.Combinedwiththevintagedeskinastunningbluethatplaysoffthedoordecor,andthebicyclewheel,we’vecreatingafundisplaythatdoublesasaconversationpiece.Avintageoarhappenstobetheperfectcolorgreenandanoldtapemeasurehasbeenshapedintoastar.
VintageVibe
Theblingofthemodernornamentslooksgreatagainsttherustedmetalofvintagemilkcrates.Thisvintagechairneedssomeupdating,butworksgreatasauniquewaytodisplayawreath.Andanoldchildren’stoyisgivennewlifeaswinterdécorwithsomeartificialgarlandandflowers.
Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide?
Send your photos to [email protected]
Photo Submitted by Signature Landscapes
Photo Submitted by Signature Landscapes
Photo Submitted by Signature Landscapes
Photo Submitted by Signature Landscapes
Photo Submitted by Kroshus Landscaping
RatisapersonalityontheY94
MorningPlayhouse,93.7FM.You
canlistentohimweekdaymornings
from5:45a.m.-9a.m.Inhisfew
momentsofsparetime,Ratenjoys
makinghomeimprovements,along
withcookingandadaptingrecipes.
1lbcubedchickenbreast1teaspoonsalt1teaspoonpepper1teaspooncumin2teaspoonschilipowder½cuponion1clovegarlic
1cannavybeans(withliquid)1canchilibeans(withliquid)1cancrushedtomatoes(withliquid)2cupstomatojuice2dicedSerranopeppers(removeseedstoreducespicelevel)
Festive Spirits
Cutupthechicken.Combinechicken,spices,onion,garlic,beans,tomatoes,tomatojuiceandSerranopeppersina3-to6-quartslowcooker.(Useaslowcookerlinerforeasycleanup).
CookonLOWfor7-8hours,oronHIGHfor3½to4hours.
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
It’seasytospendhoursoutdoorsduringourinterestingwinterseason.Maybeyouenjoycross-countryskiingorsleddingwiththefamilyonamildsnowyday,ormaybeyou’reoutshovelingsnoworsnowblowingafteramajorblizzard.
Nomatterwhat,it’snicetocomebackhometoahearty,warmmealthat’sreadytoeat.Ienjoyagoodslowcookermealbecausetheworkisdoneaheadoftime,andoftenjustinvolvescombinetheingredients,choosingthecorrectsettingandwalkingawayuntilmealtime.It’stheeasethat’sappealing,andofcourse,theflavorofagoodslowcookermeal.
ThisisonethatI’veadaptedfromafewdifferentrecipes.Giveitatryononeofourchillywinterdays.
Festive Spirits
Triple Chocolate Truffle
2 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka½ oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur½ oz. Dekuyper White Crème de Cacao½ oz. Half & Half
Combineallingredientsintoacocktailshaker.Shakeandstrainintoamartiniglassrimmedwithcocoapowder.Torimthemartiniglass
-moistentheedgeoftheglasswithsomewhitecrèmedecacaobeforedippingintothecocoapowder.
Candy Cane
¾ oz. Absolut Vanilla Vodka¾ oz. Dekuyper
Peppermint Schnapps¾ oz. Dekuyper
White Crème de Cacao ¼ oz. Grenadine¼ oz. Half & Half
Crushonefullpeppermintcandycanetogarnishtherimofthemartiniglass.Pouralloftheingredientsintoacocktailshaker.Shakeandstrain
intothemartiniglassrimmedwithpeppermintcandy.Topoffwithasplashofsodawaterandgarnishwithasmall
peppermintcandycane.Torimthemartiniglass-moistentheedgeoftheglasswithsomewhitecrème
decacaobeforedippingintothecrushedcandycane.
Cup of Good Cheer
1 ½ oz. SKYY Infusions Cherry Vodka½ oz. Dekuyper White Crème de Cacao½ oz. Half & Half4 oz. Hot Chocolate
Combinealloftheingredientsintoyourfavoriteholidaymug.Topwithwhippedcream,redsprinkles,andamaraschinocherry.
RecipessubmittedbyBrianFrankofHappyHarry’sBottleShops.HappyHarry’shaslocationsinFargoandGrandForks,N.D.Formoreideas,visitwww.Happy-Harrys.com.
Winter 2011 23
Bruce Asbury was born in Paris, Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and became a television news and weather reporter, adopting many hometowns, like Peoria, Dayton, Cincinnati, San Francisco and in 1994, Fargo. Bruce spent more than 40 years on television before retiring and moving to Sarasota, Florida with his wife Katherine. He created the popular “Trip on a Tankful” series, which ran on KXJB in Fargo.
Bruce on the LOOSE
North Dakota in the SpotlightByBruceAsbury
ThereIwas,curleduponthecouch,readytowatchanotherepisodeofoneofmyfavoriteshows,“HowtheStatesGotTheirShapes.”Ihadbeenlooking
forwardtothisparticularepisodeforacoupleofweeks,eversinceIhearditwouldfeatureNorthDakota.IcouldonlyimaginesomeofthequirkydetailsofNorthDakotageographythatwouldbebroughttotheforefrontofthisepisode.IwascertainthehostwouldtakeusuptheRedRiver,wheretheeasternboundaryofthestatemeanderslikeadrunkensnakenorthwardtowardWinnipeg.ThereareplacesontheriverwhereonecanstandinNorthDakotaandlookWESTintoMinnesota.Suchageographicalodditycouldmakeforfascinatingtelevision.
Therearethenorthern,southern,andwesternborders,whichmusthavebeendrawnwithastraight-edge.ThewesternborderisjustbeyondtheBadlands,whichmeansoneofthenation’smostbeautifulnaturalodditiesisinNorthDakota,ratherthanMontana.JustnorthoftheBadlandsontheMontanaborder,istheFortUnionTradingpostontheMissouriRiver,whereearlytrappersandtradersfromMontana,NorthDakota,andCanadaconductedbusiness,shippingtheirfursdowntherivertosouthernandeasternmarkets.
Thenorthernborderfollowsthe49thparallelandcutsthroughthemiddleofThePeaceGarden,dedicatedtothefriendshipbetweentheUnitedStatesandCanada.Itisoneofafewsuchattractionsdevotedtopeaceandgoodwillbetweentwocountriesintheentireworld.Thefloraandfaunawouldhavemadeforsomebeautifulphotography.
ThesouthernborderrunssmackdabthroughtheSiouxIndianreservation,whereSittingBulloncelived,andtheplacewherehedied.Itisalocationwheredinosaursonceroamedfree,andwhereyoucanstillseeevidenceofthem,ifyouknowwhattolookfor.
24 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
WithmypopcornandPepsionthecoffeetableinfrontofme,IswitchedontheTVandawaitedavideo-journeybacktotheNorthDakotathatIgrewsofondofduringmytenyearsthereasatelevisionweatherforecasterinFargo.
IsupposeIwashopingfortoomuch.InsteadofgivingviewersatouraroundtheedgesofNorthDakota,thehostdecidedinsteadtoconcentrateonhowcolditcanbeinthewinter.Dressedinahoodedheavycoat,andwithasnowscapeforabackground,welearnedthatNorthDakotahasalowunemploymentrateandthattemperaturesareequallylow!AndalmostalwaysbelowfreezingduringAutumn,Winter,andSpring.Whatasurprise!
TomakemattersevenworseforthevastmajorityofNorthDakotans,theprogramconcentratedonFargo.ThejealousyandresentmenttherestofthestatehasforFargomusthavebeenratcheted-upafewnotches.Afterall,justoutsideofFargoliestheentirestateofNorthDakota!Youreallycan’tmissit!Buttheproducersof“HowtheStatesGotTheirShapes”didmissit,somehow.
IfIhavelearnedonethinginmynearly65yearsonEarthitisthatNorthDakotaisthemostmisunderstoodofallthe50states.MentionthatyouoncelivedinNorthDakota,andthereactionisalways,“Ohmy!It’ssocoldthere.Youmustbegladyouleft!”SoIguessitisnotsurprisingthatwhenanationaltelevisionshowvisitsthestate,itisalwaysintheWinter,anditalwayslookscoldanddark.Ican’thelpbutthinkthatiftheTVcrewhadcometotheFrozenNorthinJune,JulyorAugust,whenwarmdaysandcool,pleasantnightsmakeNorthDakotaandNorthernMinnesotasuchadelightfulplacetoliveandwork,thefocusoftheshowmightactuallyhavebeenhowthestategotitsshape.
Butno!WearetoldinsteadthatNorthDakotaisacoldandbarrenplace,wherepeoplewearfur,andplug-intheircarsatnight.
Ohwell.Atleastitkeepstheriff-raffout.
26 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
Create Your Own
Fairy Garden
Haveyoueverjustwantedtoescapetoaworldfilledwithlushforests,secretpathsandaprivatelake?Atrendthat
allowsgardenerstobuildtheirdreamoasisallowsyoutodojustthat.FairyGardeningisahobbythatinvolvescreatingminiaturelandscapescompletewithcottages,secretpatiosandromanticboroughs–it’slikeregularoutdoorgardening,butonasmallerscale.
FairyGardening,sometimescalled“miniaturegardening,”iscreativeandpersonal,andallowsthegardenertokeeptheirhandsdirtyallwinterlong.
BakerGarden&GiftinFargosellsallthesuppliesandaccessoriesneededforfairygardening.StaffmemberslovehowFairyGardeningallowspeopletoexpressthemselvescreativelyandsimplybyproducingthesetypesofcreativelushlandscapes.
“Moreismoreandmoreisbetterwhenitcomestothefairygardens,”saysGinaGould,owner.“Thelandscapeswelovearetheoneswewanttobelivingin.”
FairyGardeningissomethinganyonecando.Theyarenorulesora“rightorwrong”waytoconstructone.
Baker’shasFairyDesignClasseswithchildrenasyoungas8-years-oldmakingtheirown.Theowner’sdaughter,Eloise,whoisnine,hasherownFairyGardensondisplayinthestore.Oncesomeonecreatesafairygarden,theycanaddandsubtractdetailsandgreenerywheneverthey’dlike.Thegardencanalsochangewiththeseasonsbyaddingdifferentaccessorieslikepumpkinsorsnowmen.Thinkofitasagreatwaytogardeninthewinter,butknowthatyoucankeepitupyearround,evendisplayingyourfairygardenoutdoorsduringourtypicalgrowingseason.
Create Your Own
Fairy Garden
Winter 2011 27
Fairy GardenStep by Step
Fairy GardenStep 1: Pick a container.(BakerGarden&Gifthasavarietyavailableforfairygardens).Youcanalsorepurposecoolandinterestingitemsyouhavearoundyourhome.Dependingonwhatsizeyou’dlikeyourfairygardentobe,youcanusefunkyoldcanisters,rustypots,oranysizeormaterialofbox.OneofthefairygardenscurrentlyondisplayatBakerisathomeinaRetroturquoiserefrigeratordrawer.
Step 2: Add a plastic linertoyourcontainersowhenyouwateryourplantsthewaterdoesn’tdecayyourcontainer.Italsohelpssowhenwateringthewaterdoesn’trunout.Thenaddpottingsoilforyourliveplants.Ifyoudon’twantliveplantsaddsand,orStyrofoam.
Step 3: Add greenerytocreatetheeffectoftreesandforests.ManytypesofliveplantssoldatBaker’swillwork.Tallerplantsgivetheeffectofatreenexttoahouse,orapalmtreeonyourprivatebeachbythesea;justremembertokeepgreenplantsinscale.Lookatthesizeofthebuildings,furniture,arborsandgazingballs,pickaccordinglyfordesiredeffect.Thisstepmaytakesomeguessingandtestingtocreatethedesiredeffect.Addlivingmosstocreatemoretextureonthefloor,orglassbluerockstocreateawaterfeature.Youcanusepebbles,coloredsandorsparechange;thinkcopperpennies,tocreateawalkingpath.
Step 4: Accessorize.Addwhateverminiaturedetailsyou’dlike:ahouse,bridge,tableandchairs,orapatio–thecreativepossibilitiesareendless.Baker’shaseverythingyouneedforagardenfitforaFairy!ThenchangeitwhentheFairiesblowthewindsofchangeinyourear!
28 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
Classes AvailableWantalittlemoredirection?ContactBakerGarden&Gift
forinformationabouttheirTuesdayeveningclassesforconstructingfairygardens.701.237.6255
Winter 2011 29
30 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
Fairy Garden Competition:
Createalushandimaginativefairygardenandgetrewardedforit!Thetopthreemostcreative
fairygardenswillwinBakerGarden&Giftcertificatesfor$100,$50and$25forfirst,secondandthirdplaces,respectively.
Winter 2011 31
EntrieswillbeacceptedforthecontestatBakerGarden&Gift,2733UniversityDr.S.,Fargo,N.D.fromDec.5-9.Dropyourfairygardenoffanditwillbewelltakencareof–thensendinyourfriendstocheckitout.ThepublicandstaffwillvotetochoosethetopthreespotsfromDec.10-15.ThewinnerwillbeannouncedDec.16.
Rules:Createaplaceyouseeasagreatescapeandbeascreativeaspossible.Entriesmayhaverealorartificialgreenery.
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32 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
HOLIDAYHomecoming
Christmas Décor Adorns Lommen Home for Son’s Military Leave
byJanelleBrandon
N
Winter 2011 33
Let's get together for an Insurance and Financial Review to talk about:RetiRement Planning | College Funding 401(k) RolloveRs | annuities vaRiable univeRsal liFe | mutual Funds
More than an insurance agent
securities products are offered through CountRY Capital management Company.
1705 n. towanda avenue, P .o. box 2222, bloomington, il. 61702-2222, tel (866) 551-0060. member FinRa and siPC. 1210-548Ho
Steve Aune4820 30th ave s ste 100Fargo, nd
701-356-0505www.steveaune.com
TheStephanieandTobyLommenfamilyhasarichmilitaryhistory.Stephanie’sdadwasintheAirForceandshehasfiveauntsandunclesthatserved
invariousdivisionsoftheArmy.Toby’suncleswereintheArmyaswellandoneunclewasevenaMarine.
StephanieandTobyresideinNorthMoorheadandhavefourchildren:Lindseyis25andlivesinGrandForks,Laceyis23andlivesathomewithherthree-year-oldRylanalongwiththeLommen’syoungestsonAaron,15.
Brooks: Kind-spirited and Patriotic
TheLommen’soldestsonBrooksis21andiscurrentlyservingwiththe119thWingoftheNorthDakotaAirNationalGuard(NDANG).HeleftFargoonFebruary1ofthisyearduringamajorsnowstormtoattendbasictraininginSanAntonio,Texas.HeisnowstationedinFloridaandiscurrentlybeingtrainedtobeaweatherforecaster,a14-monthtrainingprogram.Brookshasasix-yearminimumcommitmenttotheNDANGonActiveOrderstatus.
“BrookstoldushewantedtobeaMarinebackwhenhewasinhighschool,”recallsStephanie.“Itoldhim,‘No!’”
AfterayearatUNDinGrandForks,Brooksagainstatedhisintenttoenterthemilitary.Thistime,hisparentsgavehimtheirblessingtopursueamilitarycareer.
“Itwasatoughphonecalltoreceivefromhimwhenhearrivedatbasictraining,”remembersStephaniewhenhercellphonerangat4a.m.onthatcoldFebruaryday.“Hewasreadingoffascripttellingmehe’darrivedsafelyandhetoldmehisaddress.Iwouldaskhimquestionsbuthecouldn’trespondtome...hetoldmelaterhowtoughthatwasforhim.”
An Unexpected Gift
BrooksandTobyhavelongbeenChristmasdecoratingbuddies.TheLommenshavelivedintheirhomeinNorthMoorheadsince2003andBookshasplayedanintegralpartintheholidaydecoratingprocess.
“I’mnottoofondofgoinguphighonaladderorgettingontheroof,”admitsToby.“BrooksusuallydoesalltheChristmaslightsoutside...Ihandthemuptohim!”
“WhenItalkedtoBrookslastweek,heaskedmewhowouldhelpwiththelightsoutsidethisyear,”addsStephanie.
“Boy,didhegetasurprise!”TheLommenfamilywasnominatedbyafriendfor
ChristmasDécor’sFourthAnnualDecoratedVeteransContest.TheLommenfamilywonthecontestandtheirhomewasfullydecoratedwithChristmaslightsinlateOctoberforfree.RodGlover,ownerofChristmasDécorinFargo,wasamemberofthemilitaryhimself.
“I’vehadalotofoffriendswhohavebeendeployed,”saysGlover.“Iknowhowthepeopleleftbehindareshorthanded.”
StephanieandTobywerethrilledandhonoredtolearnthey’dbeennominatedandwonthecontest.TheirsonBrookswilltakea10-dayleavefromhismilitarytraininginDecember.
Submitted Photo: Front Row: Stephanie (Brooks’ Mom), Lacey
(Brooks’ Big Sister) with her son Rylan (Brooks’ Nephew)
Back Row: Aaron (Brooks’ Little Brother), Brooks, Toby (Brooks’ Dad)
(Not pictured: Lindsey (Brooks’ Big Sister)
The Lommen Family
The Lommen Family home decorated by Christmas Décor
Winter 2011 35
“ChristmasisBrooks’favoriteholiday,”saysStephanie.“He’slookingforwardtotakinghisnephewRylaniceskatingandsledding.HelovesmyhomemadeChristmascookiesandIknowwe’llhosthisfriendshereatthehousewhilehe’sonleave.”
“We’rejustsogratefulnotonlytobenominated,buttohavewon,andhavealltheoutdoorChristmasdecoratingdonealready,”addsToby.“ThehouselookssoamazingandBrooksisgoingtolovethatthecommunityissupportinghimanduswhilehe’saway.”
WriterJanelleBrandonlivesinMoorhead,Minn.withherfamily.Learnmoreaboutheratwww.janellebrandon.com.
36 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
Whatisyourfavoriteholidayorwintermemory?
People&Community
Cutting down our own Christmas tree, sleigh
rides, hot chocolate and listening to Hard Candy
Christmas. Very idyllic! - @chelseyln
Decorating the tree, baking cookies with Mom. - @KimMGreene
Driving around with my family on Christmas Eve to look at Christmas lights. - @krittabug
My favorite memory comes from
when I was in 9th grade. My
then 3rd grade sister, finding
a custom-made dollhouse under
the tree. She was so enchante
d by that thing. Her complete
wonder at that one gift made
me stop in my tracks. Sudden
ly,
the new George Michael album
, the new jeans and earrings
I
was unwrapping for myself mea
nt nothing next to the look o
n
her face. It makes me teary-i
n the best way possible-
to this day. - Laura Egland
SeeyournameinprintandshareastoryinourHomeShowissue!LikeourFacebookpageatwww.Facebook.com/OutdoorDesignandwatchforthequestiontobeposted.ThenpostyouranswerandwatchfortheissuetoprintinFebruary!
Winter 2011 37
People&Community
One of the best winter memories:
playing outside in the snow with my
sister. We would spend hours outside
in our matching snowsuits building snow
forts, sledding, and throwing snowballs.
Oddly, have fond memories of going
inside and realizing all of my winter
clothes were soaking wet with melted
snow. It felt good to take them off
and be warm in the house with my
family. I don’t even really like snow
that much but I have fond memories
because of it, for sure.
- Jill Moes
Helping decorate the tree with my mom. We always had a lot of ornaments and lights to put on the tree!-@DanNisbet
38 Outdoor Design LiviNG GuiDe
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