#Kalamazoo deck

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

After our piece on the Ooltewah Concert Choir singing at the Hamilton County Courthouse, I stated (not sang) some of the lyrics to #WaltKelly's #Pogo's #DeckUsAllWithBostonCharlie as an alternate choice for next year's performance choice.

[roofinglystersexteriors]

Trusted Deck Builders in Kalamazoo and Top Windows, Siding, and Roofing Companies

When it comes to enhancing the appearance and functionality of your home, investing in quality outdoor spaces and durable home features is essential. Whether you need expert deck builders in Kalamazoo, or reliable windows, siding, and roofing companies, Lyster’s Roofing & Construction is here to help you transform your home.

Expert Deck Builders in Kalamazoo

A well-built deck adds charm and value to your home, offering a perfect space for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, and enjoyment. As professional deck builders in Kalamazoo, Lyster’s Roofing & Construction specializes in designing and constructing custom decks tailored to your needs. From choosing the right materials to precise installation, their team ensures your deck is both beautiful and durable. Whether you're looking for a traditional wood deck or a low-maintenance composite option, their expert builders can make your vision come to life.

Reliable Windows, Siding, and Roofing Companies in Kalamazoo

In addition to decking services, Lyster’s Roofing & Construction offers comprehensive home improvement solutions. They are trusted windows, siding, and roofing companies in Kalamazoo, providing a range of services to improve your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

Quality Windows and Siding Installation

Upgrading your windows and siding not only boosts your home’s appearance but also increases energy efficiency. Lyster’s team of experts specializes in windows and siding installation, offering top-notch materials and professional services. From vinyl siding to energy-efficient windows, their work ensures long-lasting results.

Trusted Roofing Services

A strong roof is essential for protecting your home from the elements. Lyster’s Roofing & Construction is a leading roofing company in Kalamazoo, providing reliable roof repairs, installations, and maintenance services. Whether it’s a minor repair or a complete roof replacement, their skilled team ensures your home stays protected year-round.

If you’re ready to enhance your home with expert deck building or top-tier windows, siding, and roofing services, visit 855lysters.com today to schedule a consultation.

[fashionsforlovers]

Modern Deck Example of a large minimalist backyard outdoor kitchen deck design with a pergola

[emiliaclarce]

Contemporary Deck - Deck

Example of a large trendy backyard outdoor kitchen deck design with a pergola

[spnbitchnomore]

Modern Deck Example of a large minimalist backyard outdoor kitchen deck design with a pergola

[kaleloverboy]

Deck in New York

large, minimalistic image of a backyard deck

[hairyisgood]

Deck - Pergolas Large minimalist backyard with a pergola and a second-story cable railing deck photo

[witchelbi]

Deck - Pergolas Large minimalist backyard with a pergola and a second-story cable railing deck photo

[hometoursandotherstuff]

How about a geodesic "mansion?" Look at this thing. 7 domes! 1977 home designed by Dr. Luther Bruce in Kalamazoo, MI. 3bds, 4ba, 6,347sqft, $1.9m. (He made such a long path into the house, though.)

The house looks like new, doesn't it? Maybe it was redone- the floor is pristine, there's a nice rock wall and look straight up the stairs.

We like the purple.

I didn't realize that there were so many levels inside. Look at the spotlights.

So, the rooms lead off of this main central dome.

Very large living room has space for a piano. We like the skylight in the middle of the dome, and the demi-lune windows and niches.

Spacious kitchen/dining area.

Who doesn't love a round kitchen? This is very nice.

Matching island. Love the blue lights.

These niches are interesting architectural features.

Very large family room/formal dining room. Cozy fireplace and geometrical window.

Spacious primary bedroom.

Wow, looks like the ensuite has it's own dome. This is huge.

Looks like a guest bedroom on the uppermost level.

Interesting exit to the garage and outdoors.

2-car garage under the house and plenty of parking.

Beautiful covered deck.

Firepit/picnic area.

Here's a patio with a lovely pond and footbridge.

Nice square piece of property is 5 acres.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2755-N-9th-St-Kalamazoo-MI-49009/74135883_zpid/

[ellies-cycling-notes]

Day 22: Kalamazoo to Warren Dunes

Distance Covered: 88.10 miles

Total Time (including rests): 9:09 (8:21am-5:30pm)

Time spent riding: 6:51

Average Speed: 12.9 mph

Apples Eaten: 4 (honeycrisp - 7/10, honeycrisp - 6.5/10, honeycrisp - 7/10, honeycrisp - 7/10)

An alright ride today. I took a route that was rather out of the way, cause it spent a lot of time on bike trails. It was hot again today, for the first time in a while, but I had good shade for a decent amount of it. I took the ride a little slow, taking 3 evenly spaced, rather long breaks about every 20-25 miles.

The time on bike trails was rather pleasant, except for that the Kal-Haven trail (from Kalamazoo to South Haven) was closed for the last 15 miles, which my mapping app didn't know, so I had to reroute onto state roads. The wind wasn't too bad most of the time, even when it was a headwind.

Of my 3 stops, the only one of note was the second, where I stopped at a Culver's for lunch and spent about an hour there. I got a cheeseburger and a chocolate concrete, which were both rather good (Culver's is probably one of the only fast food places I actually like). I might actually stop by another one for lunch tomorrow, cause I'm running low on food, don't want to do a shopping run, they have food I enjoy and am slightly craving, and usually have an outdoor place to eat, so I can put my bike there and won't have to worry about watching it. I'll probably make the actual decision on the ride tomorrow.

Wow, I can't really believe that tomorrow is the last day. It's been a good trip, especially the second half, and I'm kinda relieved it's coming to an end. Part of me will miss these posts, but as I mentioned awhile back, sometimes the stress of thinking about what to write gets to me.

I spent a lot of today's ride just focusing on the riding. Normally what I do is compartmentalize it as I ride, thinking about how far I have to go, and how that can be expressed in smaller or larger terms, and then by the time I've finished thinking that way, I check how far I've traveled, and repeat the process. It's not something I'm good at describing, cause it's something that just happens, without me thinking consciously about it.

I'm staying at the Warren Dunes Campground today, and it's the first of my campgrounds which I've stayed at before. It's just how I remember it, down to being laden with mosquitoes. I've had to slap quite a few, and I'll have to make sure none get in my tent, but other than that, atmospherically, this is one of my favorite campgrounds. Despite that, it's probably one of the ones I'll spend the least time at, cause I got here somewhat late, and I expect I'll leave somewhat early tomorrow, given it will be my last day.

Design Notes

I did quite a bit of design-thinking today, mostly about Cardcasting. I think I've mentioned it before, but I'll be going into a slightly deeper dive here.

Cardcasting

Cardcasting is a card-based magic system, intended (probably) for a tabletop roleplaying game. The way magic works in this system is that spellcaster have a deck of element/mana cards, which they draw from to determine what spells they can cast. Each card has an element on it, and counts as a quantity of "1" of that type/element of mana.

There are seven elements divided up according to 2 supercategories:

Action - describes how the type of mana interacts with a substance, the categories are Creation & Destruction

Substance - describes what type of substance is being interacted with, categories are Matter, Energy, and Soul

Thus, we have the elements of "Create Matter (CM)", "Create Energy (CE)", "Create Soul (CS)", "Destroy Matter (DM)", "Destroy Energy (DE)", and "Destroy Soul (DS)". The seventh element, which does not fit into any of the categories, is "Dimensional", or "Spatial/Temporal (ST)", which deals with manipulations of space and time.

Spellcasters (the term used for anyone who uses an Element deck) cast spells by drawing a certain number of element cards from their deck, and using some number of those to cast a spell which uses the drawn type/quantity of elements. Each spell has a level, determined by how many element cards are needed to cast it.

I don't yet have a good idea of the scale of spells with regards to spell level, which largely stems from the multielemental nature of most spells. For example, take a spell that sculpts stone. It could require just CM mana, as one creates stone in a certain shape, or it could require just DM mana, to remove bits from a block of stone, which would probably be the more efficient option. However, it's probably even more efficient to cast that type of spell using both CM & DM mana, allowing for refining of the shape of the stone in more ways than just chiseling away. However, that means that the spell requires at least 1 CM card and at least 1 DM card, so it automatically must be at least a level 2 spell. As such, it is difficult to find a spell that makes sense as a level 1 spell, for it truly has to be most efficient as a single-element spell.

I do have level 0 spells, or cantrips. These are spells which are cast using a card from your deck, but the card is then returned to the deck, so all they really require is that you know how to use that type of mana. Some examples include:

Timer - A dimensional cantrip that sets a timer in your mind to notify you when a certain amount of time has passed.

Calm Self - a destroy soul cantrip that calms rampant emotions in oneself. Has no effect on magically-induced emotions.

Match - a create energy cantrip that creates a small spark for a flame where you touch. If not used on something extremely flammable (like paper), the touched object will not catch fire. Does not really have combat utility.

Another example of spell I've thought of that becomes more effective/efficient as more elements are added to cast it is a simple healing spell, used to heal a cut with a knife (just as an example). At the lowest level, it would either be a CM spell, in which case you recreate the flesh covering the wound, essentially forcibly forming a scab, or a CS spell, which would help close the wound internally and deal with the pain, but would do nothing to the appearance from outside/possible future wounds in the same spot. Combine the two, and now you have a spell that fully heals the wound and make it look good as new. Then, if you add in ST magic, you are able to simulate a speeding-up of the healing process by manipulating time, allowing for a heal that has a lower chance of becoming a vulnerable spot or getting infected, because it's as if the wound has healed naturally in a sterilized environment. And this isn't even getting into the craziness of adding DM to kill any infections that might already be there, CE to help the bloodflow through the wound, etc. I'm starting to feel like this system may be too open-ended.

I also want to talk a little bit about spellcasters getting stronger in Cardcasting. I'll note that I don't actually know the mechanics of how Spellcasters become stronger, just that if they were to become stronger, these are things that would chnage. Spellcasters have either 3 or 4 axes upon which they can get stronger, depending on how you look at it, and each of those has its own downsides.

Learn more spells - the simplest way for a spellcaster to become stronger is to learn more spells. This one doesn't actually have much of a downside, but it doesn't really increase the strength of a spellcaster, just their versatility. Learning higher level spells is a different point.

Cast spells faster - when a spellcaster casts a spell, they spend a certain amount of time drawing a certain number of cards. If they are able to draw more cards faster, they will be able to cast higher level spells at a rate closer to how they used to be able to cast lower level spells, making them stronger. This has the downside of causing a spellcaster to run through their deck more quickly, so they can't cast as many spells in succession before needing to rest.

Have a larger pool of mana - a spellcaster's pool of mana determines how many spells they can cast before needing to rest, and is essentially the same as the size of their deck. If a spellcaster is able to add more cards to their deck, they will be able to cast more spells between breaks. However, this will decrease the consistency of their deck, as with a larger deck you are less likely to draw the exact element you need.

Versatility of mana - this is the axis that might not actually be considered its own upside. Spellcaster can learn how to harness more elements, which might allow them more versatility in the spells they can cast, but similarly to the last point, it would also greatly diminish the consistency of their deck.

Hope you enjoyed my rambling thoughts today! One more day, then I'm home free!

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[treeserviceskalamazoo]

Professional Stump Grinding Services in Kalamazoo, MI – Kalamazoo Tree Removal

What Is Stump Grinding?

After tree felling stump grinding serves as a tree removal approach that grinds remaining stumps to completion. Stump grinding operates differently from stump removal because it utilizes specific equipment to turn stumps into small wood chips while grinding below soil levels. Stump grinding produces a flat clean area which enables simple conversion of the space for various projects including landscaping.

Why Choose Kalamazoo Tree Removal for Stump Grinding in Kalamazoo, MI?

1.Experienced Professionals

Stump grinding is one of the tree care services offered by Kalamazoo Tree Removal and they have highly skilled tree care professionals who are experts in it. They have years of experience and know exactly how to perform the task without any errors and with utmost precision using the best of the equipment. They will come out and assess the property to see what’s the best way to grind the stump and actually pull it without damaging your landscape.

2.State-of-the-Art Equipment

Having the right equipment when it comes to stump grinding makes all the difference. Kalamazoo Tree Removal is equipped with state of the art stump grinders that can tackle stumps of all sizes and types. They have the machinery to be able to quickly and efficiently grind stump to small wood chips that can easily be disposed of or reused as mulch.

3.Comprehensive Stump Grinding Solutions

Kalamazoo Tree Removal does not simply grind stumps. They provide complete solutions that include:

Different Depths: Whether you, just for leveling the ground, or you want to get the stump out, they will be able to handle it.

Post-Grind Clean Up: They will finish up by cleaning up whatever wood chips they didn’t all grind down to nothing during their process.

Kalamazoo Tree Removal offers root removal options if you have stubborn roots or if you want to make sure the area is completely clear for your next landscaping project.

4.Affordable Pricing

Kalamazoo Tree Removal knows that stump grinding can come as a surprise expense and they attempt to provide the most competitive and transparent pricing you can afford. Stump grinding services are offered free of charge and you know what to expect before the work starts.

5.Eco-Friendly Practices

Kalamazoo Tree Removal is an environmentally friendly company. The company makes sure that all the wood chips and debris from the stump grinding are either recycled or used for mulch that can be reused in your yard. Kalamazoo Tree Removal promotes sustainable landscaping which helps to preserve the local environment and beautify your property.

The Benefits of Stump Grinding

Stump Grinding in Kalamazoo MI is the preferred option over leaving the stump behind or trying to remove it yourself for several reasons:

Aesthetics: Stumps can be unattractive, diminishing the look of the remainder of your yard. Eliminating this eyesore, stump grinding allows for new landscaping ideas like an area to plant grass, flowers, build a deck or patio, to name a few.

Decaying tree stump prevents Pests: A decaying tree stump can attract pests such as termites, ants, and beetles. Grinding the stump down to ground level removes a potential breeding ground for these harmful creatures and reduces the chances of infestations.

It increases Safety: As a stump of a tree is left in your yard, it is a tripping hazard, especially for children and the elderly. Stump grinding is safer and makes your yard more available for everyone.

Preparing the Ground for New Growth: Once a stump is removed, you can then plant grass, shrubs or another tree in the same location. Roots and the stump are now cleared out of the soil so new plants have better root growth.

Time Saver and Effort Saver: Trying to remove a stump yourself can be a difficult and time consuming task. Hiring Kalamazoo Tree Removal for stump grinding saves you time and prevents you from damaging your property.

Conclusion

If you are a homeowner or business owner in Kalamazoo, MI, stump grinding is an essential service for you. Kalamazoo Tree Removal is the best in stump grinding and tree care. Affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly services that help improve the look of your property without compromising its safety and functionality, their team of professionals. We want Tree Removal Kalamazoo MI to help you maintain the beauty of the outside of your home and increase it with our stump grinding in Kalamazoo, MI that doesn't look as unsightly as you might think. Contact us if you have any questions.

[didsomeonesaygo]

Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee

Today we drove up to Roswell, where P lived from about age 10 to 17 - formative years that included garage jams with Black Ace, driving lessons with Big Blue, and debates over the price of lawn care with the lady down the street. We started with breakfast at Fellows, a super cute old house with a big tree growing up through the front deck. (It looks like the little old downtown may have been re-zoned - many craftsman homes now house restaurants, shops, and other businesses.) Fellows has lots of different toasts, and that seemed like the perfect thing to keep us going without putting us to sleep. P had avocado with sunflower sprouts, and I had heirloom tomato. (Yes, I broke my rule about not bothering with tomatoes in restaurants, and it was worth it.)

The town has grown a lot - the population has nearly doubled since he left in 1993, so there are obviously new areas, but the old areas seem to be just the same. Once P got his bearings, he knew his way around, and easily found his old elementary school, his middle school, and both of the high schools he attended. While the middle school has since moved, the old location is still there, complete with sign that says Welco e back, huskies! P felt very welcoe.

The neighborhood where they lived was mostly unchanged, just with bigger trees, and to P's memory, smaller hills. (Everything seems so much bigger when you're so much smaller.) Their house has been painted and a new fence put in, but the monkey grass he remembers planting with his dad still lines the driveway, and we could see a swing still in the big tree in the backyard.

In the afternoon, we finally made it down to the river - the actual Chattahoochee! (Full disclosure: I did not know that was a real place you could go to until I saw the signs; I only knew the song. Since marrying a southerner/midwesterner, I have learned that many places that seem made up are not - see also: Kalamazoo.) We'd had a false start earlier in the day due to a full parking lot - who'd have thought there would be a ton of people at the river on a beautiful Sunday just before the kids go back to school? - but managed to park not too far away and walk down. P remembers rickety stairs past the mill and down to the waterfall, but there's now a nice park and paved paths down to the water. It used to be much harder to access, so it was a favorite hangout for teens; the pipe that P once painted a rainbow on with Laura is still there, though the rainbow is no longer. He never knew how much that muddy water meant to him.

On the way home, we realized that we were "just a few miles from the big chicken!", so I insisted we go. The big chicken is BIG. And it MOVES. It's pretty glorious, and easy to understand how it attained the landmark status it still enjoys today. We are, however, puzzled that Atlanta native Chick-fil-A has not scooped up that building.

Dinner was at Planta Queen, which is the Asian-based sister restaurant of the Planta we went to with the cousins in Chicago. Dinner was great, and we wrapped it up with their dessert special, a big cookie. (Are we actually in Texas?) The cookie was in fact big, but also largely underdone, and we left kind of wishing we'd gone back to Paolo's for dessert instead. Lesson learned: gelato > vegan cookie, probably in all cases.

[roofinglystersexteriors]

https://microsoftablog.com/roofing-repair-in-kalamazoo-and-battle-creek-finding-the-right-roofing-contractor/

Elevate your outdoor living with 855 Lysters, your trusted deck building contractor in Kalamazoo, MI. Transform your space with expert craftsmanship and personalized solutions. Discover the art of deck construction today. For getting more information about Deck Building Contractors in Kalamazoo MI you visit:-https://www.855lysters.com/deck-building-contractor-kalamazoo-mi/

[deadgodjess]

Got a very pretty (and good quality) Bicycle deck from Fanfare in Kalamazoo, MI.

[macwantspeace]

And Kalamazoo. Walt Kelly:

Deck us all with Boston Charlie, Walla Walla, Wash., an’ Kalamazoo! Nora’s freezin’ on the trolley, Swaller dollar cauliflower alley-garoo!

I was born in Kalamazoo.

Happy holiday season from the jolly Dot and Hugh. Doesn’t it make you want to sing along? Fa la la la la la la la la…

(Posted 23-Dec-2024)

[855lysters01-blog]

Tips to Remember when Planning and Designing your Deck in Kalamazoo

Home designing trends come and go. But one of the trends that tend to cling on is outdoor living spaces. From screened sunrooms to decks and patios, it is the part of the house that homeowners tend to indulge more of their time by relaxing and resting with family and friends. Either you are thinking of building up a deck or just additional house extensions for your outdoor living spaces, you still need tips to plan and design your dream house deck.          

Tip No. 1: Use Software Tools for Deck Designs

Most construction companies especially specializing on deck construction offers free deck pre-planning software or apps for the convenience of their clients. You may have an ideal concept of your dream deck, however, with the pre-deck software tools, it will help you more-or-less make your dream deck a reality.

Tip No. 2: Pre-determine the Deck Capacity

During the planning stage, first to consider is the size of the deck. Considering the size compatibility of the main house to the deck extension that should be in balance for the overall structure of your home.

Upon determining the structural design, cost implications come next. From materials to manpower costs, everything should be accounted for. If the budget needs adjustment, try to sacrifice a few unnecessary designs to save on cost and still satisfy your ideal deck.    

Tip No. 3: Reconsider What Deck Materials to Use

Re-evaluate the kind of materials to use in making of the deck. Consider the deck materials to be durable against weather changes, low-maintenance cost, and long-lasting.  To name a few like natural deck materials which include cedars, thermal-insulated woods, and tropical hardwoods.  

Tip No. 4: Safety Measures In-check

Safety is a top priority for any types of construction. According to the construction code of decks, any deck above grade level has to have a railing and space between horizontal and vertical components must be less than four inches. In addition, the height railing should be in between 36 and 42 inches in height as per code requirements.    

Tip No. 5: Privacy Issues

One of the reasons why you build a deck is to have a ‘Me’ alone time, besides for social gathering occasions purposes. Most people prioritize their private moments where they felt at peace in their own homes. Some ideas to include adding privacy are structured such as trellises and pergolas, and foliage.   

If still undecided about the deck you wish to have, let Lyster Exteriors help you make your dream deck a reality. Lyster Exteriors is an expert, professional and highly experienced when it comes to deck build-ups. Our Kalamazoo deck construction office offers FREE QUOTE for your Kalamazoo deck construction services and other deck concerns.

We also offer other construction services like replacements, new roof installation, roof repairs, roof maintenance, windows, siding, gutters, doors, and all your other exterior home improvement needs. Please feel free to call us at 1-855-597-8377 or you may check our website at https://www.855lysters.com/ for other details.