A man from Mingehampton is about to start building a brand new building in his back garden – which is called a backyard in the U.S. – but in the UK if you have a backyard you are a poor person, which is not bad just a comment.The man who wants to stay unknown, so I will respect that, says his cousin Pete will be helping him because most parts of it are a job for two men. If the special bit between the eaves is too heavy for two people like him and his cousin to lift it then big David says he will help to hoist the heavy middle section into place.This project will take a while because a lot of other stuff has to be removed first and then the footings need putting in and not those rubbish bases that can be assembled in two days. Here in Mingehampton we do things right or not at all – except writing that is because I'm learning as best I can. I think that about eight, ten ton skips should be well enough to get rid of the brickwork and stuff I don't want anymore. That is a lot to move but I will enjoy it.I uphold my unconstitutional right to be able to write however I want because I am not as intelligible as those what know what they are doing which is a shame. Who knows, one day I may be at the top of the magazine section even though I can not read or write properly. It is a dream I know but stranger things happened once at Mingehampton Post Office. (MPO)I will be putting the electric wiring and sockets and lights in myself but my mate big David who is fully qualified in electrics will do the last bit and throw the switch so he will die if it is wrong. He is brave he says.Once the new outside office is built I will have time to do an online course in literacy and hope to suddenly become really good at writing. I will get another friend called Paul to wire up all the computer stuff because I don't know anything about that either.I went to a showroom to look at woodburning stoves and have picked a nice one for my new outdoor office but it will also have a radiator added on to the houses central heating. The pipework will be layed in the ground and fully lagged so no unfunny problems should happen.First though I'm building a new conservatory, well the base first. Then I will build the base for the outside office. Then Pete and I will build the office. After that we will build the conservatory. It is going to cost quite a bit but I am not bothered. I will use savings because savings are not getting much interest at the moment so it is better to have a nice place to live instead.I went to another showroom to look at furniture and like Wenge and Sheesham. I will probably get some of that or something else. I got talking to a girl in another big shop who was quite fit who must have been 17 or 18 maximum and she collared me when I was looking at TV's.She saw I was looking at a sixty inch one that costs £4000 but knew I could get it because she saw me arrive in my expensive car and designer clothing. She said it was the best TV she had ever seen for High Definition and three dimensional televisual entertainment.I told her that the new ones where coming out very soon and they were only seven millimetres thick so I would not buy one of last years models. She seemed impressed and she may decide even now to keep up on new technology but I doubt it.Then I left after getting the young minx mobby number for next weekend because I only go to those big electric shops to see what stuff I want looks like in reality then buy it online instead. No wonder Comet has gone bust. It wasn't Comet I went to though. That was the one that rhymes with curry's.So everything is going to be exciting at my house in Mingehampton with lots to do to get ready for writing some good things when I learn how to and hope I will get a vivid imagination so it will not be as hard.I am sure that my new bespoke office will be a great place from which to showcase my talents once I have done all the courses of course. I think I can get them for free because I am on benefits. I needed to be on those to save up for my new conservatory and office. It took me ages.I am also getting some orange alloys for my slick sportscar which will cost the tax payers over £1500 with tyres and new ventilated disc brakes all round because my old ones have worn out with all the last minute braking I do even though it is supposed to all be computerised and help lower wear and tear. I will have to consult my fair use policy before I threaten the local Mingehampton garage owner again. It would not be fair to hospitalise him if the policy says it is my fault.So there you are. That is were I am up to. I managed to write this and the last two articles all by myself as my editor and friend left me a while back so I find it hard to do it right. That is my story and I am sticking with it which is a shame I know. We can not all be brilliant like those at the top are. Some of us are learning all the time.My thousand words are up, not that I am actually counting of course.

Article Sources: Man building outdoor writing room for writing in

open houses in waukesha, wi – the dale marciniak team | re/max realty 100 | |(414) 604-1427 2013 harris highland dr, waukesha, wi nicely maintained and updated 1 1/2 storyhome on tree lined lot with a beautiful 3-season room plus finished rec room! 3br/1+1ba singlefamily house offered at $219,000 year built 1981 sq footage 1,407 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 1 full, 1partial floors 2 parking unspecified lot size .234 acres hoa/maint $0 per month description 24/7open house just by viewing the attached video! this well cared for home is nicely updated! the greatrm has a nfp and 3/4” oak floors! there is also a 3-season sunroom! newer pella windows, roof,kitchen counters and water softener show pride in ownership. the kitchen has cambria hard surfacecounters, snack bar and a tile backsplash! tear off roof in ’08. a stamped patio allows you to enjoythe tree-lined lot! home warranty offers peace of mind! see it today! see additional photos belowproperty features – central a/c – central heat – fireplace …

Article Sources: Real Estate Opportunities in Milwaukee

Tenor Cornelius Johnson is among the performers booked for Feb. 19′s Lift Ev’ry Voice, the next installment in the Opera Up Close series at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University. | File photo

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Updated: February 17, 2012 8:02PM

Here is a look at some music events on the way to the Southland.

The Opera Up Close series will continue at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, off University Parkway east of Governors Highway, University Park.

Lift Ev’ry Voice will take place at 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Attendees can celebrate Black History Month with a review of music drawn from the rich heritage of the black experience.

Two of the Chicago area’s greatest operatic stars, soprano Kimberly Jones and tenor Cornelius Johnson, will perform music from several shows including “Porgy and Bess,” “Ragtime” and “Show Boat.” Viennese pastries and coffee will be offered during this intimate performance on the Center’ for Performing Arts stage.

The internationally acclaimed opera stars will unleash their soaring interpretations of great American music in Lift Ev’ry Voice – An Operatic Celebration of Black History Month. Featured music will include selections form George Gershwin’s “Tremonisha” as well as spirituals and other songs drawn from the rich heritage of the Africa- American experience.

The Opera Up Close series features Sunday matinees with world-class singers performing opera classics in an intimate, on-stage setting complete with cabaret-style audience seating and a European cafe menu of coffee and desserts.

Jones is an alumna of the Ryan Opera Center with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her performances with the prestigious Lyric Opera include Margru in the world premiere of Anthony Davis’ “Amistad,” Olga in “Fedora,” Princess Xenia in “Boris Godunov,” Pedro in “Don Quichotte,” and Despina in student matinee performances of “Cosi Fan Tutte.”

With the Ryan Opera Center, Jones portrayed Laetitia in “The Old Maid and the Thief.” Additionally, she impressed audiences at Grant Park in “Don Giovanni” and “Die Fledermaus.” Jones is on the voice faculty at Merit School of Music and Sherwood Conservatory of Music with Columbia College Chicago, as well as DePaul University.

Johnson recently performed an evening of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arias and ensembles with the New Millennium Chamber Ensemble, Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Christ on the Mount of Olives” at Abyssinian Church in New York, Giacomo Puccini arias at Northern Illinois University, and Mozart’s “Requiem” with the Elmhurst Choral Union.

Johnson also has performed as Rodolfo in “La Boheme” at the Elgin Opera, in “Man of La Mancha” at Chamber Opera Chicago, in Georges Bizet’s “Djamileh” at the Chicago Cultural Center and as Don Jose in “Carmen” at the Ravinia Festival. A native of Chicago, Johnson received his master of music degree from Northwestern University and his bachelor of arts degree from Morehouse College.

Both Jones and Johnson appeared in Houston Grand Opera’s international production of “Porgy and Bess,” which graced the stages of the Opera Bastille in Paris, La Scala in Milan, and the Bunkamura Theater with the Tokyo Philharmonic.

Tickets are $37. Information: (708) 235-2222, centertickets.net.

This New Orleans-style band will play an array of local venues during the Mardi Gras season.

The Mudcats have been providing Midwesterners with New Orleans sounds for the past 25 years.

The style the band plays in is reminiscent of the same sound one is apt to hear at Preservation Hall in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter.

The repertoire is chosen from many of the same songs that are played by the Preservation Hall musicians.

People who have heard the Mudcats frequently comment that the style of music is much like that from many of the New Orleans bands.

Recently the band has been appearing with a special guest at performances. That guest is Rick Murray, a former vocalist with the Sun Ra Arkestra, a historically famous Chicago jazz band.

Murray is also featured on one of the tracks of the Mudcats new CD, which will be coming out in time for Mardi Gras on Feb. 21.

Music fans can enjoy Mardi Gras festivities in the Southland by listening to the sounds of the Mudcats and enjoying some great food at most of these area venues:

SALVATION ARMY: 2900 W. 127 th St., Blue Island, (708) 332-0100: The band will perform at 1 p.m. Feb. 17 for the Senior Mardi Gras Luncheon.

HACKNEY’S IN PALOS PARK: 9600 W. 123rd St., (708) 448-8300: The Mudcats will perform from 8-11 p.m. Feb. 18.

TINLEY PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY: 7851 Timber Drive, (708) 532-0160: The group will perform at 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

THE MAPLE TREE INN: 13301 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, (708) 388-3461: The Mudcats will perform for Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

BAILEY’S: 17731 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 429-7955: Feb. 18, Classic Girls Band.

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER: 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Feb. 18, Rod Stewart Concert Experience: Young Turks featuring Steve Bobbitt. This show will bring to life the look, sound, energy and star appeal of the music of Stewart. “The Rod Stewart Concert Experience features a playlist of Stewart’s popular music performed by Steve Bobbitt and the Young Turks, recognized for their authentic performance,” officials said. “The concert will include hits like ‘Maggie May,’ ‘Stay With Me,’ ‘Tonight’s the Night’ and many more.”

BLUE CHIP CASINO: 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, Ind., (219) 879-7711: Feb. 17 in Rocks Lounge, R-Gang and Canary Blue; Feb. 17-18 in It’s Vegas Baby!, Killer Flamingos; Feb. 18 in Rocks Lounge, Chris and Lou, Kim Thomas & Wildcard and Soda; Feb. 19 in Rocks Lounge, City Lights and Smokin’ Gunz; Feb. 22 in It’s Vegas Baby!, Karaoke Wednesdays; Feb. 23 in It’s Vegas Baby!, live video disc jockey.

BOTTOMS UP BAR & GRILL: 1696 Thornton-Lansing Road, Lansing, (708) 418-3877: Fridays, Jamming with Rolling Jones Jeremy (acoustic music, open mike and a disc jockey); Feb. 18-19, the Hype; Thursdays, Musicians Workshop jam with Jeremy and the band.

THE BRAZEN HEAD: 13602 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood, (708) 388-8862: Feb. 18, Sean Skyler; Thursdays, Safe Haven.

BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS: 700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, (312) 427-1190: Feb. 17, Sugar Blue, Dave Herrero and Eddie Taylor Jr.; Feb. 18, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Joe Moss and Sam Lay; Feb. 19, jazz set with Guy King and His Organ Trio (early) and Matthew Skoller (late); Feb. 20, jam with host Brother John; Feb. 21, the Chicago Blues Angels; Feb. 22, College Night with Linsey Alexander; Feb. 23, Lurrie Bell.

CARRAIG PUB AT CHICAGO GAELIC PARK: 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, (708) 687-9323: Feb. 17, Pat Daly; Feb. 18, Joe McShane; Feb. 18 in the main room, the Wolfe Tones (reservations are required); Mondays, set dancing; Tuesdays, ceili dancing; Thursdays, Irish music session with Pat Finnegan & Friends. “Gaelic Park is once again featuring Ireland’s premier rebel band, the Wolfe Tones,” officials said. “The Wolfe Tones have been bringing crowds to their feet with songs like ‘Celtic Symphony’ and ‘A Nation Once Again.’ They’ve been bringing a lump to patrons’ throats and a tear to their eyes with their powerful rendition of ‘James Connolly.’ “

CD&ME: 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, (815) 469-7315: Fridays through April, Laugh the Night Away! series including comedians Larry Reeb and Mike Preston and music by Rick & Kevin on Feb. 17.

CHICAGO STREET PUB: 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet, (815) 727-7171: Feb. 17, OD; Feb. 22, Mickey Harte’s CD release party with John Condron; Feb. 23, Ragan Frietag fundraiser.

CIVIC OPERA HOUSE: 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, (312) 332-2244: Through March 17, Lyric Opera of Chicago presents “Show Boat”; through March 25, Lyric Opera of Chicago presents “Aida.” * Click on Betty Mohr’s columnist link in SouthtownStar.com’s Entertainment section to read a review of “Show Boat,” and keep an eye on the Weekend magazine and that link for a review of “Aida.”

CROATIAN CULTURAL CLUB: 1503 Clement St., Joliet, (815) 723-3154: Feb. 17, Krilich Tambura Trio.

ED & JOE’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA: 17332 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 532-3051: Feb. 17, open mike showcase with Tim Fredericksen and the Microphone Incident featuring the best of Thursday nights’ open mike; Feb. 18, Cadillac Casanovas (three-piece rockabilly); Feb. 23, open mike with Mike O’Meara.

THE EDGE COMMUNITY COFFEE HOUSE & ROASTING COMPANY: 1366 Main St., Crete, (708) 279-7211: Feb. 18, open mike.

5TH QUARTER AND PRESS ROOM EATERY: 18105 Dixie Highway, Homewood, (708) 798-2719: Feb. 19, Fat Tuesday with Little Johnny. “The 5th Quarter is known for its great food and atmosphere. This will be my sixth Fat Tuesday here,” he said.

FOUR WINDS CASINO RESORT’S STAGE BAR: 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich., (866) 494-6371: Feb. 17-18, Neon (party dance music).

FOX’S PIZZA ON WOLF IN MOKENA: 11247 W. 187th St., (708) 478-8888: Feb. 17-18 and 23, Todd & Connie’s Acoustic Thing.

GLENDORA HOUSE: 10225 Harlem Avenue, Chicago Ridge, (708) 425-3686: Feb. 19, Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz concert featuring Mark Biegel’s Swing Dogs.

GRECO’S: 8850 Archer Ave., Willow Springs, (708) 839-0333: Feb. 18, Afterglow.

HARRAH’S JOLIET’S STAGE 151: 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, (815) 740-7800: Feb. 17, Spoken Four; Feb. 18, Libido Funk Circus.

HEROES WEST SPORTS GRILL: 1530 Commerce Drive, Joliet, (815) 725-1234: Feb. 18, the Neverly Brothers. “The Neverly Brothers are not an oldies cover band nor are they a tribute act. They are a unique and exciting national touring concert theater headline retro-rock revue in a league of their own and, above all, they are true entertainers,” officials said. “During their high-energy live shows, their song sequence and selection, accompanied by narrative historical footnotes, will illustrate how the music and energy of the 1950s American rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer set the stage for the adventurous young bands of the 1960s British Invasion movement. Their repertoire consists of show-stopping renditions of early hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Dave Clark Five and more, and many other artists who shaped rock ‘n’ roll from 1955 through 1965.”

HOLLYWOOD STADIUM: Hollywood Casino Joliet, 2300 Empress Drive, (888) 436-7737: Feb. 17, 3 in Counting; Feb. 18, Hello Nuvo; Feb. 22, “Pop-arazzi” Karaoke.

HOLLYWOOD HAMMOND’S THE VENUE: 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, Ind., (800) 745-3000: Feb. 19, Gospel Buffet with Blind Boys of Alabama. “Celebrate Black History Month with the Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama,” officials said.

J.W. HOLLSTEIN’S SALOON: 17358 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 429-7000: Feb. 17, Timing Is Everything; Feb. 18, Slippery When Wet.

LIMESTONE CITY GRILL & LOUNGE: 13415 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, (708) 371-9000: Feb. 17, Bobby Dunne; Feb. 18, Charles and Company; Feb. 22, Groove Dynasty.

THE LINGER MARTINI BAR: 4142 W. 167th St., Oak Forest, (708) 960-0481: Feb. 18, NightWind (fusion); Fridays, “In the Rotation” Friday featuring a different disc jockey each time; Sundays, the Experience Sunday featuring DJ Hi-Speed; Feb. 23, Prodigy Musical Group (funk).

LITTLE JOE’S: 1300 N. Cedar Road, New Lenox, (815) 463-1099: Tuesdays, Piano Styles by Joe.

MARRS-MEYER AMERICAN LEGION POST 991: 11011 S. Depot Ave., Worth, (708) 478-7006 or (708) 448-6699: Fridays, Bobby Dunne; Saturdays, John Devlin & Friends. The bar will be open to the public.

MOJOE’S: 22 W. Cass St., Joliet, mojoesofjoliet.com: Feb. 17, Big Wig Mechanic with Uncle Bucket; Feb. 18, Prison System (System of a Down tribute).

115 BOURBON STREET: 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, (708) 388-8881: Feb. 17, Libido Funk Circus (front stage); Feb. 18, 16 Candles (big room) and History’s End (front stage); Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday with Blue Moon Swamp (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute) and Sean and Charlie (front stage), Infinity (big room) and Shawn Edwards vs. Drummer Ricky Rocks (nightclub); Feb. 23, Too White Crew (big room).

191 SOUTH: 10160 191st St., Mokena, (708) 479-6873: Feb. 17, iPop; Feb. 18, April’s Reign; Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday bash.

PAPA JOE’S: 14459 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, (708) 403-9099: Tuesdays (two-for-one pasta specials) and Thursdays (half-priced martinis), Afterglow.

RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE: 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, (815) 726-6600: Feb. 18, Ragin’ Cajun Mardi Gras Celebration with Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies. This event includes the concert, a preshow party, appetizers and drinks for one price.

RIVERS CASINO’S CUBE: 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, (888) 307-0777: Feb. 17, Hi Infidelity; Feb. 18, Vito Zatto; Feb. 21, Spazmatics; Feb. 22, Your Villain My Hero; Feb. 23, 7th Heaven; Tuesdays-Saturdays, disc jockeys.

SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE’S KINDIG PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: 15800 S. State St., South Holland, (708) 596-2000, Ext. 2316: Feb. 22, “Tribute to the Legendary Lady Singers of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues.” “In honor of Black History Month, SSC Student Life and the Music Department is sponsoring ‘Tribute to the Legendary Lady Singers of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues’ featuring SSC alumnus Rhonda Browne (vocalist) along with some of Chicago’s best-known jazz musicians,” officials said. “There will also be a special guest performance from the SSC Voices under the direction of Al Jackson and pianist Douglas C. Ulreich.”

STAR PLAZA THEATRE: 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville, Ind., (800) 745-3000: Feb. 18, Jerry Butler, the Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson and special guest Garland Green.

THE TRIBES ALEHOUSE & GRILL: 11220 W. Lincoln Highway, Mokena, (815) 464-0248: Sundays, “An (Un)Traditional Irish Music Session”; Mondays, open bluegrass jam; Wednesdays, open mike with John Condron.

VITO & NICK’S II: 7020 183rd St., Tinley Park, (708) 532-8486: Feb. 19, Frank Rossi with his keyboard, accordion and singing. The performance will feature requests and sing-alongs. “Frank invites you to sit in on stage as he hosts an open mike,” officials said. “Combine this with $6 unlimited spaghetti and the famous Vito & Nick’s pizza for a great family dining experience.”

ZANTE LOUNGE & EATERY OF PALOS: 10307 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, (708) 233-6400: Fridays, DJ Gus Moros; Saturdays, DJ Xavier Joshua.

ZANTE LOUNGE & EATERY OF ORLAND: 8888 W. 159th St., Orland Park, (708) 364-0100: Nov. 25, Final Say; Saturdays, DJ Billy and a guest disc jockey.

Send Playing Live items to , with “Music Listings” in the subject line.

Items must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired Friday print date in order to be considered for possible publication.

Article Sources: Playing Live for Feb. 17, 2012

Here is a recent testimonial from a customer from the Midlands where we installed a 4.2m x 3m Veranda with a light bar.

Thank you for your letter confirming receipt of our payment upon completion of the installation of our porch/veranda.

As requested we are pleased to be able to provide feedback on the service and finish of the product.

I am pleased to confirm that the installation went very smoothly. The fitters arrived on time, kept us informed at all stages of the process and were careful with our property, removed shoes when inside etc. The fitting was very professionally done and went without a hitch.

We are, two weeks on, very pleased with the porch/veranda (albeit that it has been covered in ice and snow for most of that time). It is clear though to see that it is well made, sturdy & will be of a big benefit to us when the weather improves.

Thank you again for your attention throughout the process.

Nationwide install their products across the UK and are able to provide a complete service from start to finish. If you would like a free brochure or a free consultation then please get in touch.

Article Sources: Verandas Midlands

Cornwall Park truly becomes part of your life when it’s just over your back fence, says Alison Crum, whose character-rich Epsom home enjoys absolute parkside living.

Alison and her husband David bought this graceful 1930s home more than 18 years ago. They’d lived in the area, asked an agent to find them a home bounding the park and bought this one without it having been marketed.

Alison explains: “We wanted to be by the park for our children but it’s enhanced all our lives. We’ve walked, run and cycled in the park and had some great parties which have included activities in the park, such as treasure hunts or orienteering.”

Among the home’s character features are glorious leadlight windows which pepper the two upper weatherboard storeys, which project above a concrete-block basement level.

The property stands at the park end of no-exit Golf Rd, near where Fern Ave quietly forks away. The main driveway (with turning bay) runs up the front of the property to a double garage the Crums added. The original driveway from near the tip of Golf Rd also remains, currently as a grassy corridor supplementing the front lawn.

The grounds are lush with mature trees. Alison loves how quickly the ambience changes from suburban street to leafy retreat as she comes up the drive. Stairs with art nouveau-style balustrading lead up to a little deck prefacing the front door. It’s a good spot to admire a couple of charming curved leadlight windows on this face of the home. The foyer displays a kauri floor which David was delighted to find under carpet.

A picturesque window seat beckons under more leadlight windows in the main lounge, which has three pairs of extraordinarily pretty leadlight sliding doors opening it up to adjoining rooms. The sunny north-facing room has dark, chunky timber ceiling beams and French doors to a side deck.

Behind it, the original panelled hall is a golden heart kauri showcase. A brass statuette lamp on the newel post introduces a grand kauri staircase. Its under-stair storage cupboard could make way for internal basement access if desired. (There’s a long-unused extra bathroom and bunkroom there awaiting renovation, plus plentiful basement storage).

There’s also a toilet and a separate laundry off the hall. The front study, with marble-surround fireplace and leadlight bay window, is a good-size room which could be a fifth bedroom.

The Crums’ myriad renovations included creating sunny living in an open-plan kitchen-dining-family room that opens to a side deck and rear outdoor living. This spread looks over the pool to the park’s western hills and trees around its olive grove. “People come through and say: ‘Wow, there’s the park!’.”

The front of the gas-heated swimming pool is fenced in glass and at the rear there’s a higher rock wall adorned with a lion’s head fountain. This offers a degree of privacy from the park. Alison enjoys friends passing in the park waving “hello” through a couple of notches in the wall. Standing in the kitchen she says: “When the children were young they could be just over our back fence in the park with me still keeping an eye on them from here”.

Alison understands this end of the house originally would have been its front. A covered area off its French doors suits al fresco meals, with herbs growing in raised beds on the patio outside the kitchen. Side outdoor steps down to the garage are gated, making the property’s rear completely secure for young ones such as family spoodle puppy, Ruby.

The kauri staircase’s large curved window is one of the finest of the many leadlight windows. Upstairs are four bedrooms including the expansive master. It boasts a wide window-seat with deftly crafted timberwork and opens to a sunroom overlooking the front grounds.

Splendid vintage terrazzo adorns the walls and floor of the family bathroom. Its polished aggregate finish incorporates reddish-grey geometric shapes, adding vintage charm to the curvaceous deco bath, shower and neighbouring toilet.

The Crums have spent nearly two decades watching the park’s spring lambs, seasonal trees and yearly spike of runners motivated by New Year’s resolutions. But their three daughters have grown and they no longer need a large family home.

By Sandra Goodwin

Article Sources: Through leadlights’ glow in Epsom

We might love our homes, however there are times when virtually everybody feels a bit boxed in. Maybe we’ve outgrown our home, or perhaps it simply feels a bit dark and claustrophobic. For no matter reason, there are occasions when it could just feel good to bring extra mild and airiness to our homes. While the recognition of sunrooms has waxed and waned over the years, most individuals consider a solar room as an aluminum construction that lets all of the heat out within the winter and turns into an oven within the summer.

New Supplies for Better Sunrooms

Well, occasions have modified, and so have the materials used to construct sunrooms. As of late, homehomeowners are more and more choosing sunrooms that use vinyl-wood composite for the framing and high-quality home windows from the floor to the ceiling. The result? Properly, there are no unsightly screws or fasteners on the walls or around the windows; as an alternative, pretty trim and moldings present the finishing touches. Plus, the vitality effectivity is unbeatable. A typical aluminum-framed sun room is between ten and fifty % beneath EPA requirements for habitable structures. In distinction, a particular wood-composite sunroom common twenty-five to forty percent higher than EPA codes. Which means that, for instance, in the event you live in a state like Texas, your sunroom is usable yr-round and won’t trigger your energy payments to soar. Plus, the cost of constructing a sunroom out of those new materials is about that of an aluminum sunroom – and decidedly lower than an all-out remodel.

Conservatories: A Step Beyond

If you happen to suppose you’d enjoy the comfort and rest of a sunroom, conservatories put your home into a class all by itself. Generally known as a solarium, a conservatory typically becomes essentially the most used room in a home. Mahogany conservatories are attractive, and sometimes can be found in a variety of roof styles, including Windsor, Georgian, and Victorian.

Dressing Up Your Patio

Many homehouse owners have good patios, however merely do not use them. Often, especially in locations like TX, it’s just too darned scorching to have the solar beating down on you. If that is the case, then it is simple to decorate up your patio with a patio enclosure, a patio cover, or an arbor. Enclosing or overlaying your patio gives you that rather more dwelling house and enables you to really get pleasure from your backyard.

Discovering the Proper Firm

Whether or not you need a sunroom, a solarium, or a patio enclosure, it’s vital to find a company you may rely on. Make sure that all supplies and labor are backed by a 100% lifetime transferable guarantee, which will be engaging to patrons in case you ever sell your home. Furthermore, the company you select should provide you with a buyer’s guide, a contractor’s analysis sheet, and design choices before you buy. The best companies even provide a 3D architectural rendering in order that you will know what your room will look like.

A sunroom or conservatory is a wonderful technique to breathe new life into your home. So let the solar shine in!

If you want further info with regard to sunrooms East St. Louis, pay a visit to Normand C Blanc’s internet site without delay.

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 31st, 2011 at 10:20 pm and is filed under Recipes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Article Sources: Bring the Outside In with Home Sunroom Additions

Deciding whether to have curtains or blinds in your house is difficult. Many people have always had curtains in their house and always will have. However window blinds have grown to be increasing popular recently. Blinds are seen as being a little more modern than big, heavy curtains and they’re particularly suitable for modern homes and apartments. The trend for open plan living which we have seen recently suits window blinds much better than it does curtains. Blinds are also a good deal easier to look after, easier to install and cheaper to purchase.

Here are some of the reasons for picking blinds and a few of the styles you can decide on.

Maintenance and Installation

Here window blinds are the winner each and every time. Caring for window blinds and keeping them looking great is nowhere near the same task as it is for curtains. All they need is a wipe down with a moist cloth or an occasional dusting to keep them clean. Curtains however require regular laundering or dry cleaning to keep them clean . This needless to say means going to the trouble of taking them down and also the cost of cleaning them. Curtains can also attract and hold unpleasant odours. The simplicity of installing blinds is another big advantage. You can use them in rooms and spaces where curtains are simply not an option and have them up in minutes. Hanging curtains however is a complicated and time consuming affair that is hard to get right.

The purpose of blinds and curtains is obviously to prevent the light from coming in. However blinds do it a little better than curtains. With curtains your choice is limited to open or drawn. Lots of light or none whatsoever. With window blinds you can manage just how much light you want to let into a room at any time.

Appearance is naturally a large element in choosing between curtains and blinds. Blinds in my opinion are the best They are a lot more contemporary and look more fashionable. With a number of styles from which to choose which come in an almost unlimited variety of colours there is a set of window blinds that will go perfectly with your decor.

When you are looking at window blinds for the home you have a choice of different styles to pick from. Vertical blinds are one of the most elegant types of blinds as well as the most economical. They look great with all types of decoration and provide fantastic light control. Wooden, roller, Roman and Venetian are also popular choices. You’ll find all of them in a range of colors and they give a little class to any room they are used in.

Conservatory blinds are a specialized kind of blind for use in conservatories. A conservatory is a great investment for the home as they add a lot more space and value and they’re a brilliant place to relax. However in warm weather they can grow to be too hot to the point where they can’t be enjoyed. Putting In blinds particularly ones with UV backing enables you to maintain an even temperature, protect your furniture from damage and keep out prying eyes.

With regards to the decision between curtains and blinds I’ll pick blinds every time. They cost much less, need less maintenance and they just look much better. Find a great selection of conservatory roof blinds online.

Article Sources: Choose Conservatory Roof Blinds Online

ST. CATHARINES – Gilbert Wong sat down once and did the math.

There was a time when his restaurant, the Cosy Grill on Hartzell Rd., was so busy it seemed all he did was work. When it opened in 1967 it was one of only two restaurants on the now booming main artery in Merritton. He would welcome a crowd for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and not close until late-night revelers were satiated around 2 a.m. on weekends.

“I worked seven days a week, about 117 hours a week for 20 years,” he said, laughing. “I never took a vacation. I had five kids too.”

So when Wong and his wife Lilly close the doors of the restaurant for the final time on Feb. 29 neither really knows what they’re going to do. The little one-room diner-style Chinese restaurant has been their life for 45 years.

“Maybe we’ll travel,” Wong said. “I have a sister in San Francisco.”

“Shopping in Toronto,” Lilly said, smiling.

“She likes to shop,” Gilbert laughs. “She’ll like that.”

But the Wongs will retire, even if it is somewhat grudgingly.

An old aluminum hood, fan and filter above their kitchen grill helped them make the decision. A city fire inspector came through in November and noticed the items. They are not up to fire codes he told them and ordered the couple to upgrade the equipment to stainless steel because the current set-up is a hazard.

“It will cost $20,000,” Wong said. “I will be 77 next week. I could fix it, but what then? Am I going to work until I’m 90? I’m getting old.”

Wong’s voice jumps an octave as he describes the the suddenness of this development. The couple had already ordered calendars to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the restaurant this summer. They’re explaining to customers why they made the decision. It’s hard, he said, looking out at the traffic zipping by on the street.

“I’m going to miss my friends,” Wong said. “I’m going to miss our customers.”

Wong came to Canada in 1952 from Hong Kong. He was 16-years-old and spoke little English. His father was already here and had a family member that operated a laundry and another that ran a restaurant. He gave his son a choice. He could go to either and try to make a living.

“It was easy, I had to go to the restaurant. At least I could eat,” he said, laughing.

He started out mopping floors in the restaurant in Waterdown, Ontario and began to pick up English. He’d ask customers to point at the item they wanted on the menu and then hurry back to the kitchen with it so the cook could translate. But before long he was picking things up. Life was good compared to the hard work and poor wages he earned in the garment factory he’d work at in Hong Kong.

“I worked one week here and (the pay) was the same as three months in Hong Kong” he said.

Soon the rest of his family joined him and they bounced from Trenton to Cayuga, Ontario where the family opened up its own restaurant, the first Cosy Grill. But his father died a year later, leaving Wong, his mother and brother to run the restaurant in the small farming town.

“There was pressure,” he said. “Sometimes there were fights. I don’t fight, I’m too little. Sometimes people wouldn’t pay. Too much pressure.”

A few years later, Lilly, Wong’s high school sweetheart, moved to Canada to be with him and they married. In 1967, the Wongs left Cayuga and started their own Cosy Grill restaurant on Hartzell Road.

“We love the community,” he said. “Everyone has been so nice. We’ve had three generations of families eat in our restaurant.”

At first, the restaurant was a Fish and Chips joint, with the odd bit of Canadian fare. But a year later the Wongs started serving Chinese food. Lilly has made it her mission to get to know as many customers as she could. Often, she can remember exactly what their customers like on the menu, Wong said.

“We had people line up in the morning to wait for a table,” Wong said of the early days. “It would fill up. There was no place to go but me.”

The family has lived above the restaurant since 1967. In the early days, next to nothing was brought in from food suppliers like most restaurant do today. That meant the whole family had to pitch in to help make the Cosy Grill a success, Wong said.

“The kids are still mad at me for making them peel potatoes,” he said, smiling. “They don’t want the restaurant. They were around it all their lives.”

Wong’s son-in-law, John Gill, said the restaurants has been an institution in Merritton for over four decades. He’s not sure what the couple will do with themselves once it closes.

“When you think of everything they’ve done it’s quite amazing,” Gill said. “(Gilbert) is a staple in Merritton.”

Gill said Wong was also a member of the local Chinese Cultural Society. He’s a big believer in the local community, he said.

“He’s done a lot for his friends and family,” Gill said. “He’s a very, very bright man.”

The Wongs will continue to welcome friends, family and customers from the past 45 years as they round in on their final days. They see the impact the business has had on the community every time they head out for groceries or to the mall, Wong said.

“Wherever my wife and I go people say ‘Hi Gilbert, Hi Lilly.’ My son-in-law says we must know everyone in town. People are so friendly here. I like it.”

Article Sources: Money

BEST BET: Top-selling country-pop group Rascal Flatts arrives in town tonight for a show at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township promising plenty of power ballads, inspirational lyrics and southern rock. In tow are country singers Sara Evans and Hunter Hayes. The show starts at 7:30 with tickets at $59.75, $39.75, $25. Call 800-745-3000 or check on line at ticketmaster.com for seats.

Third Friday, a benefit for the Blind Association and Luzerne Council of the Blind with blind performers from Pennsylvania including Carol Kozak of Wilkes-Barre and Joe Bogwist of Hazleton. Also: Paintings by Bronwen Tagoe. Arts YOUniverse, 47 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Tonight at 6. $5. 970-2787.

Cross I Bear, the Christian-music group. Ekklesia Christian Coffeehouse, River of Life Fellowship Church, 22 Outlet Road, Lehman. Tonight with food served at 6, concert at 7 and open mic at 9. Free. 717-503-7363.

St. Valentine’s Massacre Concert, with New York City band Midnight Mob, A Social State, the Agarwals, Silhouette Lies, Eye on Attraction, Those Clever Foxes and Crock Pot Abduction. New Visions Studio & Gallery, 201 Vine St., Scranton. Saturday with doors at 6:30 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m. $8. 878-3970.

Gene Yevich Memorial Concert, the New York Trumpet Ensemble with trumpeters Mark Gould, Joseph Boga, Caleb Hudson and Mat Jodrell; pianist Adam Birnbaum and bassist Phil Keuhn. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. 941-7624.

Lisa Lampanelli, the comedian, roaster and equal-opportunity offender in a standup concert. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Saturday. $37.75. 826-1100.

Beatlemania Now, a re-creation of the Beatles’ explosion onto the American music scene in 1964. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. Saturday. $38, $28. 420-2808.

Tesla, the Twisted Wire Acoustic Tour. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday. 25 advance; $30 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Ed Kowalczyk, former lead singer of the rock band Live. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. Saturday. $40, $25. 866-468-7619.

Savoy Brown, the 1960s blues band with guitarist Kim Simmonds. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday. $25. 325-0249.

Don’t Frack with the GDAC, a benefit concert for the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition with Mike Miz, progressive rockers ASIZ and classic rock with Mother Nature’s Sons. River Street Jazz Caf�, 667 N. River St., Plains. 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday. $10 includes a pasta-and-salad bar. Also: cash bar and basket raffles. 266-5116.

Allentown Band, a Presidents Weekend salute by the oldest civilian concert band in the U.S. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 5 p.m. Sunday. $15. 325-0249.

John Pinette, the food-obsessed storytelling comedian. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Sunday. $34.75. 826-1100.

Pink Floyd Experience, the tribute band with an all-new show including the entire “Animals” album. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. 826-1100.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the renowned group performs its “Folk Traditions” with works by Dvorak, Smetana and Martinu. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. 955-1455.

Step by Step, the Christian-music group. Ekklesia Christian Coffeehouse, River of Life Fellowship Church, 22 Outlet Road, Lehman. Feb. 24 with food served at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. and open mic at 9 p.m. 717-503-7363.

ZoSo, a Led Zeppelin tribute band in a benefit concert for the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts. J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 8 p.m. Feb. 24. $15 advance, $18 at the door. 454-5451.

Phil Vassar, the good-time, piano-playing Nashville singer-songwriter. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. Feb. 24. $26. 420-2808.

Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Feb. 25. $17 advance; $22 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Splintered Sunlight, the Philadelphia band performing covers and originals. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Feb. 25. $17. 325-0249.

Folk Music Benefit, with regional singer-songwriters Lorne Clarke, Tom Flannery, KJ Wagner and Michael Jerling. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 3 p.m. Feb. 26. Donations benefit the Dietrich Theater. 996-1500.

Gaelic Storm, the Celtic rock band from “The Titanic” along with Canadian Celtic quintet Enter the Haggis. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. March 1. 826-1100.

In Concert, with Tim Brumfield, the organist at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. March 2. Free. 941-7624.

The Saw Doctors, the Irish rock band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 2. $34 advance; $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Conspirator, the side project formed by Disco Biscuit musicians Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 9 p.m. March 2. $17 advance, $20 day of show. 420-2808.

Eilen Jewell Band, the singer-songwriter and her jazz-inspired band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. March 2. $20. 325-0249.

Leadership Offers Laughter (LOL) Comedy Night, with three standup comedians. Organized by the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2012 Impact Group in honor of World Laughter Day. Brews Brothers West, 75 Main St., Luzerne. 7 p.m. March 3. $15. 446-8992.

Satisfaction, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 3. $15 advance, $20 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Gilbert Gottfried, the former “Saturday Night Live” regular. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. March 3. $30, $20. 866-468-7619.

Lenten Concert, with the Catholic Choral Society. 3 p.m. March 4 at St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre; and 2:30 p.m. March 11 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 35 William St., Pittston. Free. 587-2753.

Simply Grand Concert, with cellist Alberto Parrini and pianist Fabio Parrini performing works by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak. Sordoni High Definition Theater, WVIA-TV, off Old Boston Road, Jenkins Township. 3 p.m. March 4. Free but reservations required. 655-2808.

moe. The jam masters return to the Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. March 4. $27. 420-2808.

Beethoven Festival, an intimate chamber-music performance by pianist Jon Nakamatsu of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The Mellow Theater, 501 Vine St., Lackawanna College, Scranton. 6:30 p.m. March 8. $26.50. 341-1568.

Bistro Comedy Night, with headliner Mark DeMayo, Corey Alexander, Father Paul and emcee Liz Russo. Corner Bistro Dinner Theater, 76-78 S. Main St., Carbondale. March 9 with an appetizer buffet at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8:30 p.m. $15. Reservations: 282-7499.

The Barley Boys, the Celtic quartet. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 9. $20. 325-0249.

Foghat, the classic rock band (“Slow Ride”). Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 9. 24 advance, $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Full Armor, the five-piece Christian band. Annunciation Parish, 122 S. Wyoming Ave., Hazleton. 8 p.m. March 9. Free. 403-3094.

A Beethoven Festival, with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and special guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu performing Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, Second Symphony and “Creatures of Prometheus Overture.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 10. 341-1568.

An Evening at the Opera and More, with performers from the Bratislava State Conservatory of Music in Slovakia. Great Hall of Wyoming Seminary, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 7 p.m. March 15. Free. 270-2192.

Concert of Sacred and Folk Music, with four opera singers and a violinist from the Bratislava State Conservatory of Music. Sponsored by the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania. First Presbyterian Church, 97 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. March 16. Donation. 287-2476.

Montana Skies, classical, jazz and rock on guitar and electric cello. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 16. $18. 325-0249.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Bach Festival, a two-day salute to the composer and his contemporaries presented by the Robert Dale Chorale. Begins at 4 p.m. March 17 with an Organ Concert by Stephen Williams at Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton. Continues with a Chamber Music Concert with Tom Heinze and the Bach Festival Orchestra at 8 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, and culminates with a Choral Concert of two Bach masterpieces. 3 p.m. March 18 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. $15, $12 seniors, $7 students. 586-3921.

Unforgettable Fire, the U-2 tribute band. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. March 17. $10. 866-468-7619.

In Recital, with the University of Scranton Performance Music Students. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. March 21. Free. 941-4163.

Yesterday & Today, an interactive Beatles tribute. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. March 23. 955-1455.

Best of Second City, improvisational sketch comedy. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 23. $28. 826-1100.

Steve Forbert, the veteran singer-songwriter (“Romeo’s Song”). Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 23. $23. 325-0249.

Aztec 2-Step, the band that bridged the Beat Generation to the music of the 1960s. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 24. $21. 325-0249.

Mid-Winter Concert, by the Children’s and Youth Ensembles of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. March 25. $10. 343-6707.

Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, punk rock from the last surviving member of the Ramones. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. March 29. $15. 420-2808.

Joe Nardone’s Malt Shop Memories, a doo-wop concert with a nostalgic lineup of Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, the Tymes, Lenny Welch, Linda Jensen & the Angels, the Duprees, and Kenny Vance & the Planotones. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. March 30. 826-1100.

Denny Siewell Jazz Trio, the drummer for Paul McCartney & Wings with John Ciodini (Frank Sinatra’s guitarist) and keyboardist Joe Bagg. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 30. $25. 325-0249.

Warrant, Firehouse and L.A. Guns, a tripleheader rock concert. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 30. 866-605-7325.

American Harmony, classic folk hymns and spirituals performed by the Symphonic Chorus of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. 8 p.m. March 31 at Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 3 p.m. April 1 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. $15. New members welcome. 343-6707.

Shostakovich Chamber Music Festival, music of the Russian composer by both professional and student musicians. Great Hall of Wyoming Seminary, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 8 p.m. March 31. Free. 270-2192.

Three Dog Night, the pop-rock band with original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 31. 866-605-7325.

Hammer of the Gods, the Led Zeppelin tribute band. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. March 31. $28. 430-3808.

Willy Porter, the singer-guitarist performing a cross-pollination of styles. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 31. $22 advance, $25 day of show. 325-0249.

In Concert, with the University of Scranton Singers and a chamber ensemble from the Manhattan School of Music. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 1. Free. 941-7624.

Music of the Romantic Era, a chamber-music concert with violinist Gabriel Schaff and pianist Amy Duran. Presented by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 p.m. April 12. $26.50. 341-1568.

The Mickey Hart Band, with the former Grateful Dead percussionist. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 12. 866-605-7325.

S’Wonderful! Music of Gershwin and More, jazz with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and special guests In Full Swing. Included: tunes by Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and George and Ira Gershwin. 8 p.m. April 13 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, and 8 p.m. April 14 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

Cabinet, bluegrass, country and folk by the six-member band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 13. $18 advance, $20 day of show. 325-0249.

Gloriana, the country trio (“Wild at Heart”), voted Top New Vocal Group at the 2010 Academy of Country Music awards. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. April 14. $40, $25. 866-468-7619.

Love Songs, with the University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble and guest artist Wycliffe Gordon. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 15. Free. 941-7624.

Red Green, the lovable humorist, wacky handyman and author who believes “anything is possible if you use enough duct tape.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 17. 826-1100.

Glen Campbell, the Grammy-winning country-pop singer on his “Goodbye Tour.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 19. 866-605-7325.

The Kingston Trio, the folk-singing Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 20. 955-1455.

The Great American Songbook, a pops concert with the Doug Smith Jazz Trio and the Robert Dale Chorale. Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 20. $15, $12 seniors, $7 students. 586-3921.

Big Shot, the Billy Joel tribute band with Mike DelGuidice. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 20. 866-605-7325.

Peter Rowan and the Travelin’ McCourys, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and bluegrass group perform “The Music of Bill Monroe.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 22. 866-605-7325.

Brahms: A German Requiem, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s season finale performing Brahms’ inspirational masterpiece along with Haydn’s 96th Symphony (“The Miracle”). With the Symphonic Chorus of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 27. 341-1568.

Bob Weir, the former Grateful Dead musician in an intimate solo acoustic show. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 27. $49.50, $34.50. 826-1100.

World Premiere Composition Series, with the University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir and guest composers/conductors Joseph Pilafian and Joseph Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 28. Free. 941-7624.

Four Octaves, a concert by the a cappella group. Dionne Green Amphitheater, University of Scranton. 6 p.m. May 4. Free. 941-5441.

Get the Led Out, the Philadelphia-based Led Zeppelin tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 5. 866-605-7325.

Spring Concert, a concert by the five children’s and youth ensembles of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. May 6. $10. 343-6707.

In Concert, with the University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 3 p.m. May 6. Free. 941-4318.

Pre-Commencement Concert, with the University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. May 11. Free. 941-7624.

On the Road Again: Willie Nelson, the iconic singer-songwriter whose catalogue boasts more than 200 albums. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. May 11. $80, $67, $57, $43. 826-1100.

Renaissance and Baroque Masterworks, performed by the Choral Artists of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. Included: Handel’s “Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline” and J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, Meine Freude.” St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. May 12. $15. 343-6707.

Bill Kirchen, the Grammy-nominated “Titan of the Telecaster” whose trademark licks drove his seminal classic “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 26. $23. 325-0249.

Dark Star Orchestra, the Grateful Dead tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 31. 866-605-7325.

Tony Bennett, the 15-time Grammy Award-winner performing in support of his latest album “Duets II,” in which he pairs up with Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, the late Amy Winehouse and many more. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. June 2. $126, $90, $70. 826-1100.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the country-rock band with original members John McEuen, Jeff Hanna and Jimmie Fadden. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 2. 866-605-7325.

America, the folk-rock hitmakers. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 8. 866-605-7325.

7 Bridges, the Eagles tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 15. 866-605-7325.

Briggs Farm Bluesfest, the 15th annual outdoor concert with Bernard Allison and Moreland and Arbuckle. Also: Mississippi Delta-style foods, sweet-corn roast, free hayrides, vendors and camping. Briggs Farm, 88 Old Berwick Highway, Nescopeck. 4:30 to 11 p.m. July 6; 4 to 11 p.m. July 7. 379-2003 or briggsfarm.com.

Pennsylvania Blues Festival, the 2nd annual event with 15 national and international blues, soul and gospel artists, both acoustic and electric. Included Michael “Ironman” Burks and the Joe Louis Walker band. Blue Mountain Ski Area, Palmerton. 8 p.m. to midnight July 27; 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. July 28; noon to 9 p.m. July 29. $30 one-day; $50 two-day. 474-5049 or skibluemt.com.

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Article Sources: Concerts

Many people are interested in adding  three season rooms or sun rooms to their home.  An additional room can serve many functions, including entertainment, dining space, children’s play space, office space,or just a fun outdoor space for the entire family.   I field many questions about the design and construction of outdoor  sun rooms/sun porches.  Today the market is filled with companies advertising  rooms made with prefabricated aluminum covered panels.   This type of construction may have its place, but almost always results in an “added on” type of look.   One of the most common questions I field about sun rooms  is “how can you make the room look like it was built as part of our house?”   There are many design and material issues that need to be addressed in order to make a new room look like part of the house, and each one should be planned in detail to support the overall goal.  In a custom designed sun room the room can be tailored to the homes aesthetics and materials. In addition the room can be tailored to match the sun exposure of the site.  Exterior  sun porches have completely different  characteristics when placed on the southwest side of a house than if  the room is facing north or east.  The solar heating and cooling factors are drastically different and will change the comfort and performance of the room, especially if not accounted for in the design.   When these issues are not properly addressed the room can literally bake at 120 degrees or more in the summer and freeze on the mildest of days in the winter.  In future blogs I will address some of the issues that impact design and usability of sun rooms and three or four season porches.

Article Sources: Sunrooms and Sun Porches