She-shed. He-shed. They-shed. Whatever you want to call it, we seem to have an incredible need for sheds. Americans spent about $1.3 billion on sheds and other outdoor storage products in 2023, according to a study by the Freedonia Group. That’s a lot of money to spend to store a lot of stuff.

Why do we need all these sheds? Apparently, our multi-stall garages and multi-level homes are simply not big enough to put all our stuff in. So we build sheds. Lots of them.

About two decades ago, I was one of those people who decided to build a shed. I had a two-car garage that was filled with two cars, and I struggled to find room for my lawn mower, kids’ bicycles, garbage and recycling cans, and a bunch of other stuff.

The neighborhood we lived in had a covenant that did not allow sheds. It did, however, allow the construction of a “children’s playhouse” that had to be constructed out of the same materials as the house and no larger than 8 foot by 8 foot. In other words, I could not have a metal shed, but I could have a small structure made of wood and shingles. Fortunately, a nearby big box hardware store had kits for 8-foot by 8-foot children’s playhouses made out of wood and shingles. What a coincidence! It had a not-so-manly gingerbread house look to it from the front, but the back side had a large door that a lawn mower or snowblower could fit through. How convenient.

Our daughters thought they were going to have a playhouse. I thought I could get my garage back. I won more than they did, as the shed filled up quickly with grass trimmers, shovels, tools, softball bats and other stuff, as well as my lawn mower and snowblower. I had my little shed decked out, even with some outdoor carpet on the floor. Unfortunately, the neighborhood rodents also liked the shed, burrowing in and nesting beneath — and eventually through — the wooden floor, which I didn’t see right away due to that carpet I liked so much. I took care of that problem and patched up the floor.

Each spring, I would have a ritual of cleaning out the shed, removing everything and blowing out all the debris. In the process, I would toss out, or give away, some items I felt I no longer needed, too, like that tangled mess of tomato cages my wife kept adding to. For some odd reason, I enjoyed this shed cleansing.

Meanwhile, I can’t help but think how my parents and grandparents once had homes without any garages or just a single stall for quite some time. They likely had less stuff to store, but they seemed to get along just fine. There is a lesson in this somewhere — or a reason to build another shed.

Have a magnificent Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

BUSINESS FEATURE
The cost businesses pay for convenience

By Colson Thayer

VizyPay is a payment processor that charges small businesses monthly subscriptions to run their card transactions. They have implemented a technology-forward cash discount program.

In 2024, accepting credit cards as a small business is a no-brainer. According to a Capital One Shopping Research study from June, 81% of shoppers prefer to pay with cards over cash. Credit cards make up 41% of in-store transactions, and cash stands at 12%. Not to mention, shoppers spend up to three times more with credit cards. Merchants who accept cards see a more efficient cash flow, increased sales and an improved customer experience. However, accepting credit cards opens the door to the complex and costly world of credit card processing fees.

Serving up corn — and fun
Celebrate Adel Sweet Corn Festival Aug. 10.

By Jackie Wilson

The Adel Sweet Corn Festival — the Adel Chamber of Commerce’s signature event — returns Aug. 10.

In its 45th year, the celebration is about more than just tons of free cobs of tender corn. It’s a jam-packed day of entertainment and family fun. The event has been attended by more than 10,000 people. Each year, the free event seems to run as smooth as butter dripping from hot corn. But, did you know, it takes about 500 volunteers to put on the event?
In this issue of Adel Living magazine, volunteers share how their piece of the puzzle helps complete a successful festival.

[...]

These celebrities were born on this date: Jesse Williams, James Gunn, Olivia Holt, Maureen McCormick, Patrick Ewing, Loni Anderson, Mark Strong, Carl Crawford, Janet McTeer, Jonathan Silverman

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Why did the horse's shoes keep sticking to the grass? IT WAS STANDING IN A MAGNETIC FIELD! Other answers from Gail Tomlinson

Today's riddle

What do you call a fashion designer that rejects everything?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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KERRY JACOBSEN
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kerry@iowalivingmagazines.com

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