Gary Gansar Loves His DeckTec Deck
When your adult children start hosting their parties on your newly-built backyard deck, you know you’ve done something right. “I’ve got four grown kids, and they have their parties over here now,” Gary Gansar said, referring to his 817 square-foot mahogany DeckTec deck that was completed in May. Maybe it’s the great music, with separate upper and lower deck controls for the Sonos sound system, the television designed specifically for the outdoors, or the cozy indoor comforts brought outside. “DeckTec installed a fairly large pergola that we’ve suspended a swing from, people get a lot of use and enjoyment out of that swing,” Gansar said. But it’s not just Gansar’s adult children who dig the new deck. The deck, which Gansar described as, “A tremendous upgrade from what we had before,” has something for everybody. “It’s great, it’s very comfortable. We get tremendous compliments on it, people tell us it’s just first rate. A friend of mine from New Orleans told me that I’d ‘hit a home run’ on this deck. People just love to sit[...]
Where Did Summer Go?
Wow, isn’t that what we always say at this time of year? As I get older, time seems to go by faster here in Colorado, where the weather and the seasons don’t often appear to be in sync. Labor Day is generally considered the milestone that defines the end of summer, even though the “official” end of summer is September 22, according to the calendar. I’ve lived in Colorado since grade school in the late 60’s, and I’ve noticed that the seasonal climate dial seems to have moved with winter pushing into spring, spring into summer, and summer into fall, and fall into winter. Long term Colorado residents know our climate can be unpredictable. Nevertheless, my calendar has winter ending around Easter, summer beginning around the 4th of July, fall begins around Halloween, and winter around the New Year. So, with milder days and nights ahead, let’s get ready to enjoy what I believe is the best time of the year for outdoor living! There is an incredible amount of events and activities to take in[...]
Take a Peek At the Peak to Peak!
September brings relief from summer heat and a return of colorful autumn, with fall foliage along the Front Range typically turning between mid-September and early October. There’s no better time for a high-country drive or hike than on a comfortably cool September day as clear blue skies set off those golden aspens. We’re fortunate in the Denver area to have these beautiful but fleeting landscapes so accessible to us. So get out there soon, and catch a “peak” while you can! Keep in mind that trees generally “bloom” in a given location for about a week and can peak early from a cold snap or high winds, so keep an eye on the weather as you plan your trip. Check the U.S. Forest Service fall foliage hot-line, which starts operating in late September, call for updates at 1-800-354-4595. An excellent choice for viewing foliage is the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, which runs 55 miles from Black Hawk to Estes Park, offering superb autumn scenery, access to great hiking, and the mountain towns of[...]
Picture This! Second Annual Photo Contest
Here at DeckTec, we love nothing more than seeing you loving your deck! That’s why we do what we do – so you can create lasting memories of outdoor living fun. Last year we launched our Picture This! photo contest as a way of expressing our appreciation for our valued customers, and to see our fine designs being used and enjoyed. Back at our office, we have literally thousands of photos of our projects, but these pics are incomplete. What’s missing is YOU - our wonderful customers out there making their DeckTec decks come alive, and the personal touches – the outdoor plants, landscaping, furnishings, and deck decorations that you’ve carefully selected. Nothing would make us happier than seeing pictures of your barbecues, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduation parties, fine dining, beautiful sunsets, children at play, and of course, lots and lots of smiles. The good news is that there’s still time to share your favorite DeckTec outdoor living images. You have until Saturday, September 30th to submit your entries to our second annual Picture This! contest.[...]
Beat the Heat: Time to Get Shady!
There’s no contest – Mother Nature holds the trademark on the best backyard cooling system ever invented –a mature shade tree. But many of us on the Front Range, especially in new developments and out on the plains, may not have a backyard so well-endowed. So, what are some ways to keep friends and family cool during the dog days of summer? The good news is that you’ve got options, from the simplest to the most elaborate, for enjoying your DeckTec deck on even the sunniest, hottest days. Umbrellas These ubiquitous summer fixtures are either over-the-table or cantilevered –typically 8 to 11 feet in diameter with weighted bases. They can be positioned where you need them, and with bases weighing hundreds of pounds, moving them can be cumbersome but they can be easily retracted, rotated, and tilted. Trellises or Pergolas These freestanding, latticed arches covered in climbing or trailing plants are typically seen in gardens and work best there. They can certainly add charm and privacy to a section of the backyard, but they offer limited[...]
Playing It Safe in the Summer Heat
Summer in Colorado offers unparalleled outdoor fun in the sun. Who can resist walking, running or cycling on open space trails, or heading up to the gorgeous high country for a day or a week? But staying safe during the upcoming ‘dog days’ means taking extra care to stay cool – and knowing when to call it quits. Always keep your fitness level and health in mind – a 98-degree day is probably not the time to attempt your first fourteener. Set realistic goals, and be prepared to adjust them as needed. Your body needs time to adjust to the heat. Work up gradually to greater challenges. Staying hydrated is essential! Hydration packs with sip tubes are a convenient way to drink frequently without having to stop and reach for a bottle. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. Check hydration guidelines for your activity, for instance, strenuous hiking in high temps can require one liter of water (or more) per hour. When assessing water needs, consider weather, intensity and duration of activity, age[...]
Golden, Parker, & Lafayette Farmers Markets
Mid-July through September is prime time for homegrown Colorado produce, so head down to your local farmers market for juicy Western Slope fruit and a nearly-endless list of veggies – from beets and broccoli to carrots, corn, zucchini, beans and salad greens. A crop calendar guide to what you might find at the markets from month to month is available at http://coloradofreshmarkets.com/crop-calendar/. Presented by the Golden Chamber of Commerce, the award-winning Golden Farmers Market is in its 17th season, and its second year of management by the Boulder-based Colorado Fresh Markets, which also manages the Cherry Creek, City Park, and Stapleton farmers markets. The Golden market meets downtown at the Golden Public Library, 1019 10th Street, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October 7 (except July 29, when its closed for the spectacular Buffalo Bill Days). In addition to fresh produce, the market offers prepared foods, home and garden items, educational experiences , and community gathering space. If Saturdays aren’t enough, head south to the Parker Farmers Market on Sundays from 8 a.m. to[...]
Cool Summer Fruit Soup
Serves 4 Ingredients 2 c. Ripe cantaloupe cut into chunks 1 Ripe large peach, peeled and cut into chunks 1 c. Freshly blended peach nectar (or canned) ½ c. White Zinfandel (or ½ c. peach nectar) 2 tbsp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 c. Fresh or frozen raspberries Sugar or other sweetener Fresh mint sprigs Directions Fresh Peach Nectar Start with soft, ripe, fragrant peaches. Submerge peaches in boiling water until skin loosens. Remove peaches from hot water and submerge in ice water. Once peaches cool, peel and remove pits and cut into chunks. Liquefy peaches with water (2:1 ratio) in blender. Fruit Soup In blender or food processor, combine fruit, nectar and wine until smooth. Add sweetener to taste. Chill soup until cold in covered container, at least 1 hour. Pour soup into bowls and top with raspberries. Garnish with mint sprigs. Adapted from Jane Shapton, myrecipes.com
As Good As It Gets
I have something to admit – I’m going to be a Grandfather soon and I have never been outside the United States. Yes, I have a passport, but I’ve never been to Mexico, Canada, or any other foreign country. I’ve been very lucky, though, to have traveled to many parts of this country and to have stayed at some very luxurious hotels and resorts. In addition, in over thirty years within my profession, I’ve been in many incredibly beautiful homes throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado. As spectacular as these places are, what strikes me most are the professionally designed environments that bring the indoors and outdoors together. I know I’m not alone, because everywhere I go I see restaurants expanding their open air seating and lounging areas with beautiful decks and patios. For example, during a recent trip to Austin, Texas, I saw many restaurant and hotel rooftop decks. In Minneapolis, the Union restaurant has a rooftop deck with, of all things, a retractable greenhouse! And the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, they have acres[...]
Gazpacho Soup with Beer and Jalapeno (Vegan)
A tangy, chilled summer tomato soup with extra punch from your favorite light craft beer. (Serves 4) Ingredients 4 c. diced red tomatoes 1/2 c. chunk baguette or sourdough bread 1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. salt 1/2 green pepper, seeded and diced (about 1/2 c.) 1/2 English cucumber, diced (about 1 c.) 1/4 c. red onion 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped 2 tbsp. lime juice (or juice of 1 lime) 1/2- 1 jalapeno, diced, depending on desired heat level 1/2 c. beer freshly ground pepper to taste cilantro leaves, to garnish Directions Place all ingredients, except pepper, cilantro, and beer, in blender. Puree to desired consistency Stir in beer, add pepper to taste Pour into bowls and garnish with cilantro Adapted from: cookingforluv.com
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