What To Look For In A Lawn Care Contractor

Whether you decide to hire a neighborhood teenager, a local company or a national firm, there are certain  requirements that you should look for when hiring a lawn contractor.

First you should decide what your lawn care needs are.  If you only want the grass mowed and nothing more, than a teenager would be perfect.  If you're hoping to have the most beautiful lawn on the block, than chances are a professional company would suit your needs better.  Most professional lawn care companies offer services such as mowing, edging, fertilizing, pesticide spraying, tree trimming, weed control, and shrub maintenance.

Before hiring a contractor set some goals for your lawn, and communicate them in writing.  Also, ask for written bids from the companies you are considering, and check out their reputation with the Better Business Bureau in your city or province.

Ask the company to provide you with proof that they are properly insured.  If one of their workers falls out of your tree during a trimming, you'll want to know the company is insured.

On a final note, make sure the company will be easy to reach and quick to respond to problems.  Lawn care is a competitive business so you can expect, and should get, a high level of service.

Tips For Great Looking Carpets

Carpets should be vacuumed twice weekly and cleaned a minimum of once per year.  The best method of cleaning is steam cleaning.  You can either hire a carpet cleaning company or rent a steam cleaner yourself.

The best advice for keeping carpets in good shape, is to handle stains quickly and effectively.  For emergency spills remove any excess spilled material that was not absorbed with a spatula or scraping device.  Next, blot with folded paper towels.  Finally pour water over the spill, and blot again with paper towels.  For more in depth information on removing stains visit the Carpet and Rug Institute's website at: www.carpet-rug.com.

Easter Ham

1 7 to 8 pound fully cooked smoked ham shank ·
1 cup maple syrup ·
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar ·
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard ·whole cloves
How to Make Your Easter Ham

Combine syrup, vinegar and mustard. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Pour about 1/2 cup mixture over ham and bake, uncovered, in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1-1/2 hours. Baste every 30 minutes with additional sauce. Remove ham from oven and score fat into diamond shapes. Insert a clove into each diamond. Bake ham an additional 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of meat registers 140 degrees. Let ham rest 15 minutes before carving. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Asparagus, Tomato and Pine Nut Salad

1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2" pieces
4 plum tomatoes, cored and quartered
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper

In a large bowl combine the asparagus, tomatoes and pine nuts. In a small bowl blend together the garlic, vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil with a fork or whisk. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

If you want me, and the most professional real estate services, please pick up the phone and call.  I'll be right there.

- Thomas