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JULY 2026
ME LV I N ’ S MON T H LY MOMENT S
205-223-6192 MelvinUpchurchSells.com
A Big Week for Bram at State Bram competed in the Alabama Independent GOLFING GREATNESS
Golf has taught Bram so much about discipline, perseverance, attitude, and composure under pressure. Watching him continue to grow both as a golfer and as a young man has been incredibly rewarding for Jill and me.
School Association (AISA) State Golf Tournament, representing Evangel (his sponsor school for his homeschool program), and we could not be prouder of him. Out of 87 players competing in the tournament, Bram finished 3rd overall and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team , which recognizes the top five players in the state tournament. Even more exciting, his teammate, Wayne Rhoads, finished 5th overall, meaning Evangel had two players represented on the All-Tournament Team . As a team, Evangel finished 4th overall in the state , which was an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of the players and coaches. One of my favorite moments from the tournament came from a photo taken during Bram’s swing. He’s incredibly focused and intense over the golf ball, but somehow, at the finish of nearly every swing, he’s smiling. The picture captures the combination of competitiveness, joy, and love for the game perfectly.
Bram and Melvin smiling in front of his Jeep
Bram’s Jeep Wrangler has now officially entered its next phase. We recently added a brand-new steel bumper, a winch, powerful LED lighting, and two bright red tow hooks, making the Jeep look ready for just about anything. According to Bram, this means he is now fully prepared to “seriously get in some mud.” As a dad, I’m not sure whether I should be encouraged or concerned. Either way, he’s extremely proud of the Jeep. Some of the best conversations in life between a father and son happen when you’re going off-road. And, hopefully, if we get stuck this time, we can pull ourselves out. As always, thank you for your friendship, support, and business. We hope all of you are doing well and enjoying a wonderful summer. –Melvin Upchurch
Bram taking a swing on the course
Bram’s Jeep is officially ‘trail-ready.’ Last year in this newsletter, I told the story about Bram and me getting hopelessly stuck in the mud in the mountains and ultimately being rescued by a group of off-road “outlaws.” It was one of those experiences that becomes funnier every time you tell it, especially after you survive it.
Well, apparently, we learned absolutely nothing.
Wayne, Coach Josh Baker, and Bram
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There’s something magical about watching nature in action. It’s more awe-inspiring than what you see on TV, regardless of whether you’re watching deer graze by the road, rabbits bouncing happily through your yard, or the many different types of birds you can see while hiking. We often believe we have to travel to our local zoo or visit the closest park to see animals, but with a few simple items, you can create a bird sanctuary at home. Turn It Into a Backyard Bird Magnet Don’t Toss That Bottle
The warm weather and sunshine beckon us to come sit outside. With more time outdoors, you may notice your deck is becoming dirtier with use and wear. You may feel compelled to pressure wash the area to freshen and rejuvenate it. However, you can’t just pick up a pressure washer at your local home improvement store and start spraying, as it could damage the wood beyond repair. CLEAN DECK, CLEAR CONSCIENCE Pressure Washing Done Right
Bird feeders are a surefire way to attract feathered friends and other critters to your backyard. You can find countless options at home goods and home improvement stores, but those are often pricey and aren’t necessarily easy for birds to use. Maybe you even considered building your own but figured you lacked the necessary crafting skills to make one work. Thankfully, there is an easy solution that will keep your birds and budget happy.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to refreshing your deck and giving it a clean, polished look.
Gather materials: Before you begin, ensure you have everything you need. This includes a pressure washer, chemical-resistant gloves, a deck scrub brush, drop cloths, eye protection, your garden hose, a plastic bucket, putty knives, deck stripper, and oxalic acid powder.
Prep the area: Remove or cover all plants nearby, spray down your siding with clean water, and repair any cracked or split boards.
Apply and remove stripper: Using a wide-mouth nozzle on the pressure washer wand, apply stripper to the top rails and posts, then move to the deck itself. Apply the stripper one board at a time, using a gentle sweeping motion, and let it sit for the manufacturer’s recommended time. Once it’s ready, attach a 25- or 30-degree tip to the wand and set the psi to 1,200 for pressure-treated wood or 600 for soft woods. Spray the area until all coatings have come off.
Start by emptying and cleaning out a plastic bottle. Regular soda bottles from any store are a great option. Then, follow these directions:
• Remove the cap and poke several small drainage holes at the bottom of the bottle using a pin.
Clean out board gaps: Use a putty knife to remove all trapped debris between your deck boards. You may need to sweep or vacuum after.
• Create two small level holes about a third of the way up from the bottom of the bottle, directly across from each other.
Brighten the wood: Use a low-pressure setting to soak the deck with clean water. Mix the oxalic acid with warm water, and use the wide- mouth nozzle to spray the rails, posts, and deckboards. Scrub the area in the direction of the wood grain before rinsing off any brightener residue. Let it dry for 3–4 days before applying any paint or stain. You may also need to sand the area before staining the wood.
• Find a stick, about the diameter of a chopstick, and use scissors to widen the holes just enough to push the stick through the bottle, through both holes. There should be about 5 centimeters of stick protruding from each hole for the birds to perch on.
• Create larger feeding holes slightly above each perch using scissors.
Now, you’ve got a beautiful deck primed and ready for entertaining!
• Add two more holes in the neck of the bottle using the pin. Widen with scissors.
• Thread the string through both neck holes for hanging.
• Fill the bottle with birdseed up to the bottom of the larger feeding holes.
• Hang the feeder in a sheltered area by the string.
Just like that, you have an easy-to-replenish bird feeder that will keep all your feathered friends full and happy for years to come. You can always use a bigger bottle and add more holes if your home becomes a hotspot for local birds.
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MAKE YOUR KITCHEN APPLIANCES LAST LONGER Protecting Your Investment
Kitchen appliances are some of the most expensive items we purchase for our homes. Each one can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it makes sense to make sure they last as long as possible. Thankfully, you can do a few things regularly to keep your kitchen appliances in peak condition and ensure their longevity for years to come.
a mess, clean it as soon as the area is cool and safe to touch. Wipe it down with soap, water, and a wet cloth. If you run the self-clean program, remove the oven racks and wipe away any grime or old food first. This will help prevent bad odors from taking
over your home. Oven doors aren’t as sturdy as they look, so don’t put any weight on them. Also, be
extra careful around the heating element. Damaging it will be expensive and may require a total replacement.
The Dishwasher Traditional dishwashers often have a hard- food dispenser with a chopping blade to help large pieces fit down the drain. Many newer models, especially those claiming to be energy-efficient, did away with this blade in favor of a filter system. What they don’t tell you is that the
The Fridge Extending your fridge’s lifespan comes down to cleanliness. Wipe the interior and exterior of the fridge at least once
a month. This will help with airflow, but if your fridge does not maintain its temperature, you may need to clean off the condenser coils with a soft brush. Don’t forget about the door seals, either! Those can always use a good wipe down. Lastly, if you have an ice maker, that also requires regular cleaning. It’s often one of the first things to break in a refrigerator.
filter needs regular cleaning to remove lingering debris that gets trapped. You should also clear out the water jets in the appliance’s spray arm to prevent clogging. The Oven Spills are common in and around the oven, especially if you have a range. Any time you make
TAKE A BREAK
Mango Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
Mango Glaze • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
7. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 8. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. 9. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally. 10. Reduce heat to low. 11. Pour mango glaze over chicken and toss to coat. 12. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes to fully caramelize. • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening) Chicken • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite- size pieces • Salt and pepper • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. In blender, blend mango until smooth. 2. Pour purée into small saucepan and add soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. 3. Stir to combine. 4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook 5–6 minutes. 5. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until glaze thickens, about 1–2 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and set aside.
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205-223-6192 MelvinUpchurchSells.com 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1
A Jeep and Days on the Green
2
The Bird Feeder Anyone Can Make
Your No-Regrets Guide to Deep- Cleaning a Deck
3
Longevity Tips for Expensive Kitchen Gear
Mango Glazed Chicken
4
Refresh Your Space With On-Trend Flooring
TODAY’S MUST-SEE FLOORING TRENDS Style From the Ground Up
Nothing changes a room’s appearance more than swapping out the flooring. Whether you’re adding fresh carpet to a bedroom, new hardwood floors to your kitchen, or replacing the tile in the bathroom, your home will feel renewed and refreshed. Every year, new flooring trends provide fresh ideas for home improvement, and 2026 is no different.
The hottest flooring options on the market right now include warm, earthy tones; flooring made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled glass tiles, or natural linoleum; and unique patterns and designs. For example, herringbone and chevron patterns can add a refined look to your space, while patterned porcelain tile can make any small room bolder and more beautiful. Like most home design trends, you have to find the right flooring for your aesthetic and budget. Thankfully, there’s something for everyone this year, regardless of whether you prefer carpet, vinyl, or hardwood flooring!
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