The fireplace looks like a handy place to dispose of unwanted combustibles, but it’s safest to burn only dry, seasoned firewood. Many items you might innocently pop into the fireplace create serious safety hazards. Don’t burn colored paper. The inks used in wrapping paper, newspaper inserts, and magazines contain metals that can give off toxic [...]
Since the beginning of time, families and friends have gathered around fires for companionship, dining, and entertaining. As the patio and garden evolve into outdoor entertainment rooms, many people are looking for ways to add outdoor fireplaces or fire pits to their outdoor spaces. But not all will serve you equally well. Below are five [...]
Spring has arrived. Warm weather is rolling in to most the country, birds are singing, bugs are flying, and flowers are blooming. The warm weather means birds, bugs, and other animals are searching out places to nest and raise their young. To them, your chimney is an attractive home. Birds, especially swifts, swallows, and even [...]
Who doesn’t love the antics of the Easter Bunny. That loveable little guy running around hiding eggs for delighted children to find, the magic he leaves behind rivaled only by his winter counterpart, Santa. But how did it come to pass that Santa gets to come down the chimney while our little Easter friend has the task of [...]