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MAY 2023
My Memorial Day typically revolves around grilling and spending time with extended family at my father’s property on the Salmon River in Moodus, CT. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t remember the last time I stopped to reflect for more than a few seconds on why we have the holiday in the first place. Well, I was shaken to my senses about what Memorial Day is all about when I recently came across a famous poem. It was written in 1915 by John McCrae, an Allied Army surgeon, shortly after the second battle of Ypres (a particularly gruesome and deadly battle where the German army first used chlorine gas). While tending to the wounded, he was struck by the sight of bright red poppies across the battlefield, which led him to write “In Flanders Fields.” I want to share it here: Memorial Day Reset A WAKEUP CALL COURTESY OF ‘ON FLANDERS FIELDS’
Thank you for your sacrifice
poppy as the symbol of remembrance for our fallen soldiers and veterans who fought for us worldwide. For me, Memorial Day is about food, family, and fun. But more importantly, it is about the sacrifice that allows us to do that. I don’t want to forget that and I want to ensure my kids understand it, too. I think I will try a new tradition this year and read that poem to my family and talk with them about what other people, whom we didn’t know, have done for us.
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. “We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. “Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.”
Respectfully,
P.S. To our clients who are active-duty military or veterans, thank you. I am awed by your sacrifice. To anyone who lost a loved one in combat, a heartfelt thanks for what your loved one did and the impact on your family. P.P.S. If you are a client of ours and are on active duty or a veteran, please reach out to me at Luke@robertcwhite.com or call me at 860.956.5372. We started a military and veteran program last month, and we want to get you signed up as a way to say thank you.
Wow.
The poem, published later that year, had a significant impact and inspired others to raise funds for veterans after WWI. It also set the
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KEEP IT COOL! Wash Cold to Save the Planet
As we approach the summer months, Americans will spend more time in their outdoor spaces than at any other time of the year. From barbecues to pool parties, your patio will likely host many guests in the coming months — and there’s nothing worse than having an unprepared space that leaves your guests feeling uncomfortable. Have Your Guests Begging to Come Over With These Summer Patio Trends
Every home has a few appliances that are habitual climate-crisis offenders, and washing machines are usually at the top of the list. However, we understand that washing machines aren’t going anywhere anytime soon — they’re too convenient. Luckily, one thing anyone can do to benefit the environment while using their washing machine is to use cold water! If you didn’t know, about 90% of a washing machine’s energy goes toward heating the water, resulting in a more expensive energy bill and increased carbon emissions. Carbon emissions are “the main driver of climate change and associated extreme weather, which will affect climate for thousands of years through polar ice loss, ocean warming, and sea level rise,” according to the World Meteorological Organization.
So, before your guests ever arrive this summer, refresh your patio by using these four trends.
Trend No. 1: An Unexpected Touch of Wicker Wicker is common for outdoor spaces and a great way to make them feel casual yet comfortable. However, a complete wicker ensemble can sometimes feel overwhelming. You can still achieve this relaxed atmosphere by adding wicker in unexpected places, like a bar cart or small side table. This will help maintain a cozy atmosphere without making the entire patio look uniform or bland. Trend No. 2: Conversation-Centric Seating We sometimes assume our guests want to move around when we host in outdoor spaces. But oftentimes, people actually enjoy staying in one place and getting to visit in a single area, like a patio that is both functional and fun. You can create this environment by organizing your outdoor furniture so the seats face each other. This cozy setup allows people to relax while catching up and is perfect for summer living! Trend No. 3: Space-Focused Serveware While you may have a table or two on your patio, this surface area is limited — and serving trays or dishware can take up space fast. So, use clever serveware made to save space. These dishes are either tiered or boast deep basins to hold more food without taking up too much room. Trend No. 4: Bold Leaf Prints Many outdoor spaces feature concrete or brick flooring. While these materials can look appealing for a while, they eventually become damaged, faded, or dull. So, spice up your outside space with rugs, seat cushions, or pillows with leaf prints that can make your space feel natural yet exciting. These large-scale patterns and green prints can make your outdoor space fun and cozy. These outdoor design trends are easy ways to make your patio space come alive and ensure your guests will be talking about more than just the warm weather.
So, if helping the environment is on your laundry list, an easy way to start is by switching your washer settings to cold water. The best part is that you can still run warm wash cycles occasionally if you need the sanitation benefits. According to the American Cleaning Institute, washing 4 out of 5 loads on cold-water
settings can reduce carbon emissions by 864 pounds a year. To put those numbers into perspective, that’s the equivalent of planting 0.37 acres of forest! Aside from the carbon emissions, washing your clothes in cold water has also been proven to reduce the number of microfibers released into the water system. Microfibers are tiny fibers that fall off every time we wash our clothes. These little threads are dangerous to small aquatic organisms that may eat them, and they also release toxic chemicals into our oceans over time. For those who need a more practical push toward sustainability, cold water washes are often better for your clothes, too. Washing your clothes in cold water can help them last longer and avoid shrinkage or colors from fading. So, the next time you toss your dirty clothes into the washing machine, set the dial to cold. The environment, your energy bill, and your clothing will thank you!
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They say April showers bring May flowers, but sometimes, even with Mother Nature’s help, some sprouts have trouble growing. When this happens, the natural next step for many people is to give their precious plants a little fertilizer. But traditional chemically formulated fertilizers “[run] off into waterways or [get] broken down by microbes in the soil [and release] the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide into the atmosphere,” according to a report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. So, if you’re looking for a more natural way to help your plants grow, you can make your own fertilizer at home — with coffee grounds! This eco-friendly alternative uses cinnamon as a natural pesticide and club soda for extra macronutrients. What You’ll Need How to Make Coffee Fertilizer PUT YOUR GROUNDS IN THE GROUND!
Your coffee grounds must have gone through a brew cycle to make them less acidic so they don’t harm your plants. You can save the needed amount of coffee grounds throughout the week (depending on whether you use single-cup machines or drip pots) or brew a pot using 4–6 tablespoons specifically to use for fertilizing. Then, once your grounds have been brewed, mix them in a bowl with cinnamon and club soda. When these ingredients are combined, it creates a solution full of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other minerals that plants love! Apply this coffee mixture directly to the soil of your plants every two weeks, ensuring you spread the fertilizer over the entire surrounding area to distribute the nutrients evenly. This mixture is excellent for indoor potted plants, outdoor plants, and even different bushes or shrubs. With this easy DIY fertilizer, you can reduce waste, help the environment, save money, and help your plants grow happier and healthier!
• 4-6 tbsp used coffee grounds • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 cup club soda
Hairball Control Cat Treats
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by VitaCost.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/4 cups brown rice flour • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin • 1 egg • 3 tbsp flaxseed, ground
• 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp water • 1 tbsp catnip (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. 3. Once evenly mixed, place the dough in plastic wrap for 5 minutes. 4. On parchment paper, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into narrow strips, and place strips onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. 5. Remove from oven, then use a spatula to break treats into bite-size pieces. Bake for 10–15 more minutes. 6. Once treats are cool, place them in an airtight container or serve to your feline friends.
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INSIDE
1
A Memorial Day Wakeup Call
2
Give Your Patio a Summer Refresh!
Save Energy, Your Clothes, and the Planet
3
Give Your Plants a Coffee Boost!
Hairball Control Cat Treats
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Attractive Alternatives to Grass
LAWN SUBSTITUTES THAT BOOST CURB APPEAL No Grass? No Problem!
Keeping your grass healthy can be tricky. In some states, it’s downright impossible due to strict regulations on water usage.
So, if you’re looking to transform your yard without the hassle of grass, here are three options that will keep your home looking sharp
with no sprinkler system involved.
Low-Maintenance Groundcovers A groundcover is any plant that grows low to the ground and is tolerant of being stepped on. Plants like mat grass, carpetweed, and fogfruit are excellent groundcover options.
Flowerbeds A flowerbed filled with your area’s native plants will grow steadily and add the green you’re looking for without grass. Gravel If you don’t have the time, money, or patience for plant care, try gravel! It’s a fantastic, low-cost option that comes in many colors, washes, and sizes to suit any homeowner’s tastes.
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