Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Winter 2011

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

[email protected]

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)


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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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


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.


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 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.


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.


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!


Classes AvailableWantalittlemoredirection?ContactBakerGarden&Gift

forinformationabouttheirTuesdayeveningclassesforconstructingfairygardens.701.237.6255

Winter 2011 29


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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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.


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


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Documents

Outdoor Design & Living Guide - Winter 2011