When it comes to Cedar, a heck of a lot. Most people have strong associations with the word, conjuring up images of roof shingles, house siding, fence posts, and other traditional applications of this naturally rot-resistant species.  Or they imagine the wonderful scent from a cedar closet, chest, or sachet. Either way, Cedar is a really good thing.

So, if you were to learn that a swing set was made from 100% Cedar, you’d have a good feeling about it, right? But how would you feel about a swing set made from 100% China Fir? Or 100% Chinese Cedar? Not the same is my guess. And, clearly, that is the assumption made by many swing set marketers these days, because almost every swing set made of “Cedar” sold in big box stores is not actually made of Cedar. (more…)

If you saw my post of a few weeks back, you know that I love snow. We have just had our second 12”+ storm in about 4 days and everywhere you look it is a wild winter wonderland. Mother Nature may be testing my limits, to which my back and arms will attest, but I am still deeply infatuated with the fluffy white stuff!

Combined with the snow already on the ground, it’s now so deep that my son Quinn told me I need to shovel a path for the swings to swing. Hmmmm. Maybe I’ll just shorten the ropes

Check out these pictures taken over the past few days. (more…)