Check out our first newsletter of the new year!
JANUARY 2018 www.katconstructionllc.com (612) 326-1122
New Goals
New Year,
2017 was a year of transition. A lot has changed between the last of our sons moving out, my wife being housebound since September 2016, and our family moving into and fixing up our new home. But it’s also been a year of personal and professional growth. I’ve learned to adapt and have driven KAT Construction further than any year before. As we hit the new year, I find a lot to look forward to in the midst of several more changes I’m hoping to implement. around. Though my son Jake works with me, and I see my younger son most weekends, it’s not quite the same now that I have a whole house just to my wife and I. But I’m not about to complain. I’m proud of each of them and their accomplishments. No dad wants their kids crashing in the basement for the rest of their lives. I’ve written about this before, but it’s certainly been an adjustment not having any kids
projects myself whenever I have free time, like building a patio or setting up electricity in the garage. But I know my work will never be done. Every time I finish one thing, my wife thinks of a brand-new task.
That’s one of my primary goals as we move into the new year — to step back slightly from the business and reprioritize my time to focus on my wife and on my health. I’m hoping that as we push through winter, I can help her get more mobile so she’s not cooped up all the time. Of course, like everybody else I’m planning to finally get back into shape. I certainly need to return to running as often as possible. Though I don’t have a set date yet, I’m hoping that I can finish an Ironman sometime this year, preferably sooner than later. All in all, I’m optimistic about 2018’s possibilities. Though there’s certainly a lot of work to be done, there’s plenty to anticipate in the near future.
“That’s one of my primary goals as we move into the new year — to step back slightly from the business and reprioritize my time to focus on my wife and on my health.”
Soon after our sons departed, my wife and I moved to a big old house in the country. It was a solid structure with awesome foundations, but we purchased it with the intent to fix it up. Almost immediately, we gutted the interior, putting in hardwood floors and carpet. We’ve owned houses in the past, but this is the first one that truly feels like it’s ours in every respect of the word. I’ve been doing many of the
I think we’re lucky to have such a great new place, though, especially with everything that’s been going on with my wife. Since September of 2016, she’s been suffering with a neuropathy problem that’s left her unable to move about without help. I’ve spent a ton of time taking care of her, though I have to admit that the constant bustle of the business has stopped me from putting in as much time as I would like to.
–Keith Thompson
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www.katconstructionllc.com
FROM THE WEB TO THE WALL
Tools to Print Your Social Media Photos
According to Gizmodo, Facebook users upload 300 million photos per day. Similarly, 95 million photos and videos are shared on Instagram daily. Social media is a great platform for sharing and storing, but what if you want to literally hold on to those memories? That’s where Free Prints and Social Print Studio come into play. Free Prints The most attractive aspect of the Free Prints app is right in the name. Users can download 85 free 4-by-6-inch photo prints a month (up to 1,000 a year). But you can only print one free copy of each photo. Additional prints will run you 9 cents each. Standard shipping costs $2.99, and your photos arrive within five to 13 days. Or, for an additional dollar, they can arrive in four to six days. If you choose to print photos in sizes other than 4-by-6 inches, you will have to pay more for the service. The app is well-designed and easy to use; you can print photos from your device’s library or link your accounts to print directly from Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, Flickr, and Picasa. The app is free and available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8. Once your photos are
uploaded and saved, you can then browse PhotoAffections.com, where you can order a variety of custom products, including magnets, canvas prints, and phone cases. Social Print Studio Functioning as both a website and a stand-alone app, Social Print Studio is a small company based in San Francisco that has been printing social media photos since 2010. While this company is capable of printing photos of your social media posts, they can do so much more with your digital memories. Social Print Studio’s products are divided into four categories: photobooks, the classics, wall art, and everything else. You can order your photos printed in soft, hard, or layflat book form. Their classic options include postcards, mighty prints, and photostrips. Or, turn your photos into beautiful wall art with metal prints, canvas prints, and wall calendars. You can even get greeting cards, stickers, and buttons. Pricing varies by item, but one thing remains constant: Social Print Studio is dedicated to offering the best products possible. The app is free and available for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
While sharing photos on social media accounts is an easy way to store your memories, these apps will help you keep and display those memories for years to come. The next time you need to spiff up your walls or give an extra- special gift, pay them a visit!
What Our Clients Are Saying... “Living in Blaine, we were recently hit with the worst of a hail storm from a couple weeks ago. We had various contractors who came to our area to inspect our home. But with KAT Construction’s reasonable prices and exceptional knowledge, we couldn’t pass them up! They are definitely going to be the only company I will ever call for our home. It was a great relief to have such an honest and experienced company as one of our suppliers. They made getting a new roof seamless with the insurance company, as well. Thanks again for a job well-done!” “KAT made the whole process of getting a new roof convenient and painless. They were there to support my neighborhood in a time of absolute craziness. Their professionalism was far above any other business that came through. They explained every step of the way and took care of everything with the diligence that I would have given it myself. My roof and siding were back to their normal sparkling selves in no time. Thanks for helping us out!”
–Shaye K.
–Rubi N.
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Call us today! (612) 326-1122
As we enter 2018, winter is kicking into high gear, and with it, the bitter January cold and a heightened risk of vicious storms. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to prepare your home for every contingency. While snow and icy winds may be unavoidable, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate damage and keep repair bills low. How to Prevent Exterior Damage During a Winter Storm
1. Ensure you have enough coverage. It’s better to know your insurance coverage before you need it, rather than finding out after the fact that repairs are going to cost you an arm and a leg. Prepare for a worst-case scenario. How much will it cost if your pipes freeze and burst? What if snow buildup punches a hole in your roof? Note that even the best policies usually include a deductible, and ensure that every potential type of damage is covered under your plan. 2. Don’t let a storm turn your yard into a hazard. Even without a storm, trees are a risky proposition during winter, prone to collapse under the weight of snow. Make sure to carefully Laughing Corner
inspect your trees for structural problems, trimming when necessary. Cut the trees so that they don’t sit right next to your roof or siding. It’s also a good bet to put anything that’s in your backyard or on your patio and not nailed down into storage for the season. 3. Watch your roof. We wrote about this last month, but you can never be too careful. As it starts to snow more, keep an eye on your roof. Pay special attention if snow seems to be melting off as soon as it lands (a sign of poor insulation) or if icicles hang from your gutters (a sign of potentially dangerous snow dams weighing down your roof). Vigilance can go a long way to save you from hassle and expense down the road.
TURKEY RAMEN Leftover
Ingredients
(Recipe inspired by TheWoksOfLife.com.)
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1 leftover turkey carcass
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4 eggs
6 scallions, divided
4 ounces bacon
8 slices ginger
4 portions fresh, not instant, ramen noodles 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
6 dried shiitake mushrooms
16 cups water
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Instructions 1. Remove most of the meat from the turkey carcass, shred, and set aside. Put carcass in a large stockpot, along with 3 scallions, ginger, mushrooms, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours. 2. Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove pot from heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. 3. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, chop, and set aside. Chop remaining scallions. 4. Once the broth is done simmering, prepare the fresh noodles according to package directions. Divide noodles among 4 bowls and cover with broth. Add shredded turkey, chopped scallions, chopped bacon, and an egg to each bowl. 3
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INSIDE This Issue 1 • 2 • 2 • 3 •
Anticipating 2018 Hold On to Your Memories Client Testimonials Protect Your Roof and Siding From Snowstorms Revive That Leftover Turkey! The Time Is Right for Nicaragua
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ESCAPE TO NICARAGUA The Country That Has Something for Everyone
After the hectic holiday season, many of us feel like we need another vacation just to unwind. Luckily, January and February are two of the best months to travel. Flight prices plummet and crowds thin out after the Christmas rush. If you’re looking to escape the dreary winter weather, there’s no better place to visit this season than Nicaragua, the “Central American country that has it all,” as Condé Nast Traveler puts it. Whether you’re looking to explore the rainforests surrounding the Río San Juan or get lost in the quirky-yet- beautiful architecture of Granada, there’s something for everyone in this tropical wonderland. One must-see destination is the Cerro Negro volcano. Just a baby at 150 years old, it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the region. It only takes about an hour to scale its smoking, black gravel surface, and the verdant forests surrounding the
peak are a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can board down the side, reaching ludicrous speeds as they teeter and try not to fall. In fact, it’s almost impossible to travel anywhere in the country without seeing an “I boarded a volcano” T-shirt. If relaxing on a pearlescent beach is more your speed, take a short boat trip out to the Corn Islands. There, you can amble around the small towns bordering the shockingly blue Pacific, visit a number of laid-back seafood restaurants, get scuba certified for a fraction of the price anywhere else in the world, or just read your book as you swing in a hammock by the waves. You can also visit the gorgeous, alabaster Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in “new” Léon. The biggest church in all of Central America, this unique Baroque and neoclassicist structure was built in 1814. Visitors can climb onto its roof (as long as
they don’t wear shoes) and bask in the view of surrounding volcanoes (including Cerro Negro).
If you’re planning on heading to Nicaragua, it’s best to do it soon. Neighbor Costa Rica often overflows with tourists, and instead of wading through the crowds there, many travelers are catching on to what Nicaragua has to offer.
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Call us today! (612) 326-1122
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