Latest news with #outdoors
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
14 affordable outdoor and patio essentials that'll transform your backyard for summer: Side tables, patio lights and more
Giving your backyard a makeover doesn't have to be a major project — or a major expense, either. Sometimes, it's the small changes (or a good deep clean) that can make the biggest difference. The goal here isn't to completely overhaul the area — it's to create an outdoor space that feels welcoming without spending beyond your budget. With a few affordable upgrades, your backyard can go from "meh" to a fantastic hosting space for summer. Whether that means switching up the lighting, adding some extra shade or finally tidying up those corners you've been ignoring, we've rounded up 14 products to help you do just that. The best part? They're all under $200. A table and a cooler? Yes, please. This dual-function side table is the perfect addition to backyards that see plenty of summer BBQs and hang outs. All you have to do is fill it with ice (and your favourite beverages). Keep your pathways illuminated with this set of eight solar lights. They'll automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, so all you have to do is stake them into the ground. This chainsaw is compact, lightweight and cordless, which will make it a little easier to prune trees, cut firewood or get your next DIY project done. It comes with a pair of work gloves and safety goggles to keep dust and wood chips out of your eyes. Whether you want to hide unsightly trash bins, an AC unit or create an area for privacy, this slatted screen ought to do the trick. If you want to make it look even better, get some climbing plants like clematis or honeysuckle and have them grow up and along it. Keep your backyard in tip-top shape by plucking your weeds with this puller tool. It's extra long, so you won't have to bend over to get all the way to the root. Interlocking deck tiles are a great way to give your deck a mini makeover without busting out the power tools. Just snap the joints together and voilà! You've got yourself a brand new patio floor. They're waterproof and can be cut to cover curved edges or oddly-shaped areas. This set comes with 10 tiles. Keep your garden hose tangle-free with this hideaway pot. More affordable (and a lot cuter) than your typical hose box, you can keep your hose hidden, coiled up and ready for everyday use. Here's a set of four tabletop citronella torches to keep the mosquitos at bay, not to mention add a little romantic ambiance to your backyard in the evening. One reviewer says they're 'easy to fill,' while another appreciates that they 'hold enough fluid to last many hours.' Give your garden beds a refresh with this lawn edging tool. It'll help you create clean, crisp borders, which will make your yard look professionally maintained (even if it isn't). Whether your backyard is south-facing or not, it never hurts to have a designated area for shade in the summer months. It's also waterproof, so it can provide some rain coverage too. It comes with everything you need to set it up, including carabiners, ropes and a carrying bag to store it in. Sometimes, all it takes is a little elbow grease (or a pressure washer) to bring some life back to outdoor spaces. You can use this thing to blast away dirt, grime and mildew from patios, decks, fences and even some furniture sets. Turn your lawn into a lush, grassy oasis with this travelling sprinkler. With adjustable diameter coverage, automatic shut-off and three speeds, you'll never forget to water your garden again. Declutter your back patio with a stylish wood storage box. You can use it to stash pillows, toys, gardening tools — you name it. Throw a few outdoor pillows on top and it can be used as extra seating, too. Here's a pair of semi-sheer curtains that'll provide a little privacy (and romantic vibes) to your porch or deck. It'll change the entire feel of your space, as well as provide a little protection from the sun. Curtain rods are sold separately.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers aim to make The Pumpy into ‘Sweet Arrow North'
EAST UNION TWP. —For decades, families flocked to the northern Schuylkill County site known as The Pumpy, where they fished for trout, picnicked and enjoyed the outdoors on the 100-acre property and its reservoir. The site became legendary, and people traveled there from towns across Schuylkill and southern Luzerne counties, creating memories and stories they still cherish years later. When the state Department of Environmental Protection ordered the reservoir closed in 2010 due to concerns about potential flooding from its dam and spillway, it ended that era. But now a nonprofit volunteer group called The Pumpy Association has support from nearly three dozen communities, local state lawmakers and former Pumpy regulars to bring the East Union Township property back to its old glory and even expand on its recreational offerings. They all share the same goal of wanting to make it a destination similar in popularity to Sweet Arrow Lake Park near Pine Grove, where families can again appreciate the beauty of The Pumpy and create new memories. Many adults from the area still remember the fun they had as kids coming with their parents or grandparents, and can't wait to now bring their own children and grandchildren, association president Lou Truskowsky said. The association wants The Pumpy to be for much more than fishing. It can be a place where families walk the trails, sit by the water and bring picnics, and a place where Scouts can camp. Already people are coming to hang out, walk the dam breast, watch the eagles, ducks, geese and other wildlife, and the association wants those numbers to keep growing, members say. With so many of the county's green spaces being turned into housing developments or commercial properties, it's essential to preserve The Pumpy long-term, they say. Dave Briggs looks out on the water at The Pumpy in East Union Township. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) The Pumpy is so named because it was built in the early 1900s as a reservoir to pump drinking water to Shenandoah, though that purpose was long ago abandoned. The property is still owned by Shenandoah, though it is located in the Brandonville section of East Union. The association has already benefitted from a state grant obtained by Shenandoah to build a pavilion and dig a well for drinking water, two important amenities for the property, said Geri Sarno, association treasurer. Volunteers have been working hard to clear vegetation, dead trees and brush from trails, cleaning up tires, cans and other trash, installing picnic tables and memorial benches for the public to use, cutting grass and planning events. Eventually they'll expand the parking areas. 'This is being done through countless hours of volunteers donating their time, machinery and skills,' Sarno said. 'We are the caretakers to bring this gem back to life.' Pumpy Association members stand for a group photo at The Pumpy in East Union Township. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) The association is now up to almost 170 paid members, and before restoring the site as a prime fishing spot, they are awaiting the results of a study to see exactly what spillway work or dam work is needed to keep the reservoir filled. At best it will likely be three years to do that work, association members say. Then they could restock the waterway and allow fishing to make a comeback. In the meantime, the association is preparing by raising fish in its hatchery, where visitors can buy food to feed to them. Ricky Grabosky tosses fish food into a holding pond at The Pumpy in East Union Township. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Decades ago, summer weekends at The Pumpy were like block parties with the crowds that gathered, association members said. There was lots of fishing, camaraderie, and food, with people sharing good times with neighbors from other towns, and families passing traditions from one generation to the next, they said. The first day of trout season each spring, many would set their rods up along the shoreline a day or even two days in advance and camp there to reserve their favorite fishing spot, and anglers stood elbow to elbow as they filled their buckets with fish to fry. Many adults from the area still remember the fun they had as kids coming with their parents or grandparents, and can't wait to now bring their own children and grandchildren, Truskowsky said. 'People tell me 'I had a ball there when I was young,'' said association vice-president Dave Sarno. 'That's what we want to bring back.' Ducks swim at The Pumpy in East Union Township. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Among those with vivid recollections of his younger days at The Pumpy is association trustee Rick Grabosky. Each year on his birthday, his mom would allow him to skip school and fish at The Pumpy. He needed a ride there and back, though, so he'd board the school bus with his fishing rod, tackle box and his lunch, and the driver would drop him off at the reservoir. After school, the driver picked him back up and he again boarded with his rod and fishing supplies, making the other kids jealous of how he'd spent his day. 'It was great,' he said. Although DEP ordered the reservoir emptied and its drainage pipe fully opened 15 years ago, it is still fed by springs, a small stream and rain water, so it is now full due to the recent precipitation. Shenandoah and East Union are among the numerous municipalities whose leaders are happy about the effort to have The Pumpy being restored as a regional recreation attraction. 'It's really exciting,' said Kyle Mummey, who chairs the East Union board of supervisors. 'We fully support their work to bring The Pumpy back to its previous glory. 'This will be an asset for the entire county. And every time you drive by there, there is something that looks better. They're doing a great job.' The more work that the association does, the easier it will be to get grants and donations directed to the project, he said. 'More and more people will realize how nice it can be there,' he said. Shenandoah Councilman Joe Boris discusses The Pumpy in East Union Township during a meeting of the volunteer Pumpy Association. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Shenandoah Council President Joe Boris said the project also has the complete support of officials in Shenandoah, which have no alternate plans for the site other than allowing the upgrades to continue and for it to remain a public space. Among the supporters of The Pumpy restoration is the Mountain Council of Governments, which has members from Schuylkill and Luzerne including Beaver Meadows, Conyngham, Freeland, Weatherly, West Hazleton, McAdoo, White Haven, Hazleton, Butler, Banks, East Union, Foster, Hazle and Sugarloaf townships, Hazleton Area School District, MMI Prep, Freeland Municipal Authority, Hazleton City Authority, Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership and the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. 'The Pumpy Association's volunteer grassroots efforts to rehabilitate a once vibrant recreation area and restore it as a place where families can once again go to fish, hike, picnic and enjoy the outdoors is commendable,' the council said in a 2023 letter of support. Shenandoah's engineering firm Alfred Benesch and Co. is now doing a feasibility study on the dam that it expects to finish this summer, said engineer M. Christopher McCoach. The dam had been in compliance with state laws for many years, but those regulations changed, and DEP deemed it out of compliance. The most likely options of bringing it back into regulation so they can close the drainage pipe and keep the reservoir filled are expanding the spillway, raising the dam, or combining those two upgrades, McCoach said. Once Benesch completes the study, it will present the results to DEP to see which options it would approve, and then Shenandoah can decide whether it can afford that work, McCoach said. Receiving grant money for the project is also a possibility, he said. The grant already secured by Shenandoah for the pavilion and pump was for $78,000 from the Statewide Local Share Account program, which distributes gaming revenue to community and economic development projects. The Pumpy in East Union Township. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)Helping to secure the grant were state Sen. David Argall and representatives Tim Twardzik and Dane Watro, all of whom represent Schuylkill. Argall said it was speaking with the association volunteers that sold the three on the importance of 'bringing their dreams for the site to life.' 'When Rep. Twardzik, Rep. Watro and I met with members of the Pumpy Association last year, they were full of stories about the good times they had there and passion for bringing these same opportunities to a new generation,' Argall said. As nice as it is to see The Pumpy being restored, it's also good to see how the project has rallied many in the region, Mummey said. 'I think it's wonderful,' he said. 'It's a situation where community members are getting together and doing the right thing.'
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 Best Cars To Rent in 2025
Renting a car is sometimes a necessity. Other times, it's for convenience or fun. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip, flying in for business or just need a dependable ride for the weekend that won't break the budget, the right rental makes all the difference. Read Next: Find Out: These car rental picks for 2025 offer comfort, value and performance. Weekend price: $200-$300 before taxes Whether it's a weekend road trip or an overnight camping trip with a pet, the Subaru Crosstrek is a great choice. The higher 9.3-inch ground clearance for the Crosstrek makes it perfect for driving in wooded areas. The Crosstrek also has a hatchback that allows for easy access to luggage, including a large pet carrier. Find Out: Weekend price: $400-$600 before taxes Splurge a little for that weekend class reunion by renting a BMW 5-Series, and impress classmates with the deluxe interior of the Luxury Seating package with heated and ventilated front seats that also have a massage feature. This BMW offers fuel economy of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Weekend price: $175-$250 before taxes Plan a romantic weekend getaway and rent a Toyota Corolla that has plenty of legroom and storage space for a couple. The Corolla is one of the most popular cars in the country, with excellent fuel economy up to 41 mpg on the highway. Weekend price: $250-$400 before taxes Rent a Jeep Compass and have an enjoyable time driving cross-country to visit family. The advanced, fuel-efficient powertrain options and 4×4 capability will make this a ride to remember. The Compass is rated at 32 mpg on the highway. Editor's note: Rental pricing was sourced from Turo and reflects estimated ranges for a Friday pick-up through Monday drop-off rental. Pricing and availability may vary depending on location. More From GOBankingRates Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement This article originally appeared on 4 Best Cars To Rent in 2025
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Golden Retriever Lands Job As 'Fishing Guide' and Totally Nails the Role
Is there anything that Golden Retrievers can't do? These gorgeous, remarkably intelligent dogs almost never fail to impress. And the Golden Retriever in this video, who shows that he is a grade A "fishing guide," is no exception. From catching fish, to steering the boat, jumping off a cliff, and even taking on a scorpion - there's nothing this "fishing guide" can't do. Not to mention that when this good boy's cheeks flap in the wind as the boat cruises along, it's pretty much as adorable as can be!Obviously, this particular Golden Retriever is an exceptionally talented dog. He can drive and park a boat for crying out loud. Is there anything this guy can't do? As this other video shows, not only is this amazing golden retriever highly competent out on the water, but he is also easily the "coolest guy out in the parking lot." Before they even hit the water, it's obvious that this canine is the real deal. Just look at the way he comes face-to-face with that duck or how he catches so many fish with ease. And once the ride gets rough and bumpy out on the water, this handsome dog is not fazed at all, taking each and every bump in stride as he lays back and relaxes on the backseat, just chilling and enjoying the boat ride. There are good boys, good dogs, and then there are dogs that are professional good boys, just like this guy. He should really be the star of his own commercial or movie. He doesn't always catch fish, but when he does, he prefers to catch them in the open water, because he's the most interesting dog in the world! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Golden Retriever Lands Job As 'Fishing Guide' and Totally Nails the Role first appeared on PetHelpful on May 21, 2025
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
JANA HOCKING: The humiliating text message that made me realize we women must stop a dangerous new sex habit
I was recently taking a lovely walk in the park with my dog - basking in the sun, sipping a coffee - when my bliss was suddenly shattered by the ping of a direct message. 'Hi Jana, my name is [redacted]… Do you happen to know this man on a personal level?'
