HOW DOES THAT GO ` SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP?  After your Thanksgiving meal you can head to the mall or shop on line. check below some of the retailers that will be open Thanksgiving Day.

With a slowly recovering economy, retailers are looking for ways to lure wary customers into their stores on Black Friday.  OK that's good, everybody likes a bargain.

 *Some retailers are attracting shoppers by staying open on Thanksgiving Day, in addition to extending their hours on Black Friday. Wal-Mart leads the pack, with most of its stores remaining open for 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day as well as Black Friday. WOW!  I GUESS THIS IS CHANGING TIMES.

 On Thanksgiving, the Gap will open at 9 a.m., Banana Republic at 11 a.m., and Old Navy at noon. Toys "R" Us stores will open their doors at midnight before Black Friday. BE CAREFUL SHOPPING AFTER MIDNIGHT, THE GHOST MAY GET YOU.

Others are employing social media contests to draw in customers, like J.C. Penney Co.'s Facebook sweepstakes, in which winners will receive a Penney's $500 gift card, assistance from personal shoppers, and a limo ride to the store. now this is more my style. HEY ACTIVE RAIN MAYBE YOU SHOULD GIVE US AN INCENTIVE TO MAKE IT AN ALL NIGHTER.

       If you live in New Braunfels TX or Comal County we may see you at one of the discount stores.  I don't plan on any home inspections on Thanksgiving Day. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, Enjoy your day with the family and Stay Safe and Bless Our Troops and their families. May God Bless America.

                                                                                           Carl & Ceil Winters                                   

 

     Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

    Don't miss Lost Maples- The leaves are turning

    11/18/09 Report: The front that went by on Monday took a lot of Maple leaves off the trees. After they turn any wind or rain is hard on the trees. We did get some near freezing temperatures the last two nights that will complete the turn on the twenty percent of the Maples that haven't turned yet.

    This will also get the Red Oaks turning and the lacy Oaks should start looking better as well. The East Trl still has the best color and the one mile drive into the Park still looks good. The West Trail is just starting to show some color as the Red Oaks are starting to turn and a few Lacy Oaks looked to be starting. The west Trail should look very good about the first and/or second week of December.

    The high temperatures are predicted to be in the high sixties and low seventies this week and low forties to high thirties for the low temperatures. Just a bit like fall should be.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If you are new to Texas be sure to plan a trip to Lost Maples. If you have been here for awhile load up the family and plan a fun day over to Lost Maples.

    Localism Blog for Texas by Ceil & Carl Winters - If you should need a home inspection please call us. We live in the Texas Hill Country

    Try to visit on a week day if possible, as weekends have been very crowded,

    37221 FM 187
    Vanderpool TX 78885
    830/966-3413

    History: Lost Maples State Natural Area covers 2174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River

    Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/

    2009 Foliage Color Change Report.

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

                                                                                                   

                                               Free Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors is This Friday November 20th.

    Dear Seniors                                                      New Braunfels, Texas

    Thanksgiving  Dinner for seniors at the Comal County Senior Citizens Center is coming up THIS Friday. This event is sponsored by the Senior Center and the Scooter Store for seniors ages 50 and older.

    This annual tradition  in New Braunfels TX would not  be possible without the donations and volunteer support of the Scooter Store and its employees.

    The dinner is set for this Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Comal County Senior Center on Landa Street. No reservations are needed, but again, the dinner is THIS Friday November 20th. for seniors age 50 and older. For more information call 629-4547.

    Blog Information: New Braunfels TX, Localism News

                                                                It's time to share and give thanks!

                                                              ------------------------------------------------------

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

    Ceil's Sunday Night Rant!

    Do we really know what a dollar bill is really worth?

    Is your dollar bill getting bigger or is it shrinking?

     

       Have you noticed that every time you pick up an item in the grocery store that once cost 50 cents is now $1.00.  Now, I ask who is in control? Who  would have thought the price of bread and a gallon of milk would  cost over $5.00. The only thing you see in the store is hot dogs for under a dollar and the bin is always empty. Does that tell you something?

    Who's in control?
    You and I can debate that till the cows come home, but it's true our government is out of control. I don't see any indications that we are better off then we were two years ago. Everywhere we go folks are discussing, the economy, jobs,healthcare and our out of control government.

    Who's out of touch?                                                                                                                                                             Hard  working folks (if you are fortunate and have a job) or folks up in Washington collecting a big fat paycheck, deciding who gets what? I say the folks in Washington are out of touch. Most of them have all the money they would ever need or want so it makes no difference to them what a dollar is worth, its all about power.

    This is my rant for Sunday evening.

     Ceil Winters wife of the best home inspector in our area. Keep selling houses so Carl can keep inspecting houses so we can continue to pay our elected officials a salary and keep the economy going (even if the value of the dollar is shrinking). This is just my opinion and Sunday night rant.

                                                                   _________________________

     

     

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

        

                                                       How do you know ~~~ without a Home Inspection?

    When a property is sold in "AS IS" condition , how do you know without a Home Inspection what you are really getting.

         It is up to you the Buyer to take action to satisfy yourself that the property is worth the money. it may be well worth your while to consider a Home Inspection. You could possibly end up spending more then you had anticipated.

    The Question: What is the true condition of the home? It may be worth  to spend a couple hundred dollars (depending on the size of the home) to "know what your getting and if there may be some costly defects or repairs.

     

      One     Example:

                                                                                        The Attic

    The attic will tell a history. The attic is an area not to be overlooked. 

    You could find broken trusses or rafters or that they had not been installed properly. You can find stress cracks that would hinder the integrity. (very important)

     *Proper insulation is an important factor. Without going up into the attic you would never know if it were propertly insulated.

    *Rodent damage would be found if squirrels, mice or rats had been in the attic.

                                                                                                   

    Did you know? Rodents can cause severe damage and may even cause a fire. Rodents have been known to

    eat the plastic from wiring.

    We specifically look for leaks around the chimney.

    Looking for evidence of water, stains on the wood is a good indication of leaks

    and water damage.

                                                                                            

    Yes, the roof may look just fine from the outside, but if there are leaks it will be evident when you climp up into the attic and look for signs of damage.

    This is just ONE EMAMPLE of a specific part of the home. If there are defects would YOU NOT WANT TO KNOW before you purchase?

    With homes  that have been in foreclosure, sitting for months unoccupied, it may be well worth your while to consider a Home Insnpection. You could end up spending more in repairs or replacement then you had anticipated.

    Localism Blog for New Braunfels and Canyon Lake Texas November 15, 2009. Need a home inspection, call Carl Winters at 830-660-0131. Member of Activerain Real Estate Network, Certified by TREC, License #3630 (since 1994) Complete Inspection Service.

                                                                        Thank You Carl and Ceil Winters

                                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

    Missy and Lissy sure have grown since spring. Thank goodness we finally got some rain; now they have plenty acorns to eat.

                                                                            

    We love to watch the Hill Country deer in our area. Be careful this time of the year when you are driving, seems deer don't look both ways when they cross the road.

     I suspect Missy and Lissy will soon be leaving us. We will be waiting for our next fawns when they arrive in the spring.

    Blog: November 13, 2009 by Ceil Winters....Loving and Living in Comal County Texas

                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

    Veterans Day - November 11, 2009

          It's Veterans Day!  Today is a day to honor our vets. They have made so many sacrifices for our country.

                                                      Please take a moment to Remember or say Thank You!

                                                                                             

                                                                                             God Bless America!

    Blog November 11, 2009 - Localism for Canyon Lake, Texas  Carl's Complete Home Inspection Service for Comal County Texas. Your Hill Country Inspector

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

                                                                        IMPORTANT  RECALL

                                                           SAMSUNG OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

    Go here for additional information: To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
    http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10031.html


                                                                      NEWS from CPSC
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Office of Information and Public Affairs
    Washington, DC 20207

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 5, 2009
    Release # 10-031 

    Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 402-6974
    CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
    CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

                                          SamsungT Over-the-Range Microwaves Recalled Due to Shock Hazard

    Please feel free to pass this on if you know someolne that may have this product

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

    Name of Product: Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens

                                                                 Units: About 43,000

    Importer: Samsung Electronics America Inc., of Ridgefield Park, N.J.

    Hazard: If an installation bolt comes in contact with an electrical component inside the unit and the microwave is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could create a shock hazard.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

    Description: The recall involves Samsung 1000 watt over-the-range microwave ovens. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:

    Affected production lots / Affected Serial Number Range (From serial number To serial number)

    All SMH9151x produced from January through May 2009: / xxxxxxxS1xxxxxx to xxxxxxxS5xxxxxx
     
    Some products produced in June were also affected:
    SMH9151B / xxxxxxOS600001 to xxxxxxOS600100 and xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS601100
    SMH9151S / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS601386
    SMH9151ST / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS600330
    SMH9151STE / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS600330
    SMH9151W / xxxxxxOS600001 to xxxxxxOS600200 and xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS602055

    Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from January 2009 through July 2009 for between $180 and $200.

    Manufactured in: Malaysia

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled product, and contact Samsung to schedule a free repair.

    Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Samsung toll-free at (888) 402-6974 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET 7 days a week, or visit the firm's Web site at www.samsung.com/otrrecall

    To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
    http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10031.html

    Blog Information for Localism New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Bexar Counties November 6, 2009

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

    In case you forgot a few weeks back you helped me decide what granite to use on my new countertops.  In case you missed it I choose CANELLE. So far I have started to remove the drawers, take everything out from underneath the cabinets (just a couple so far). I went to Home Depot and purchased some packing boxes, already have four sitting in my dining room. All myl cabinets are finished and if I do say so for being 50 years old look pretty good. I removed all the hardware, cleaned it and will reuse it.

     Today I started to remove the countertrops. OMG  I am already beginning to think maybe I made the wrong decision. I banged, no movement. So I thought well I don't see any screws, it must be really good 50 year old glue. Maybe I'll take the formica off and see  where I need to cut.

     Back to the computer to make sure I understood all the directions. Here are some pictures of what I have done so far.

    Sample: Canelle    Oak Cabinets

                                                                    

                Removed some of the 50 year old formica so I could figure out how to get the countertops off

                                                             

    They say on DYI you can do it. Yes I can! Can you see my new rubber mallet and heavy duty hammer.

    Tomorrow I will get the courage to remove the stove top and work on the next section. Anything has to be better then that "old yellow" formica.

    They said I have about 21 days before delivery; hope I have all the countertops removed by that time. Looks like Carl is going to have to eat allot of cold cuts for awhile.

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     

    It's time to mix the Wassail       Great for cold nights

                                                                                            Time to Wassail

                                                                                          CIDER  WASSAIL

                                                                                        (Non Alchol Recipe)

      2 quarts apple cider

     1 1/2 cups orange juice

     3/4 cup pineapple juice

     1 tablespoon brown sugar

    1/4 cup granulated sugar

    1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

     2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

    1 dash ground cinnamon

     1 dash ground cloves

    Mix all ingredients in a pot  and bring to a slow boil; turn off heat and let set a few minutes before you servie warm.

    If you have a recipe feel free to share with us.

    Blog: November 1, 2009 Localism for Home Inspections in New Braunfels & Canyon Lake Texas

                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

    If you need a septic pumped call 830-935-2477 All Pro Pumping, David Winters

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

     
     
    100_0285 Rainmaker_large

    Carl & Ceil Winters Texas Hill Country Home Inspector

    New Braunfels, TX

    More about me…

    Complete Inspection Service, New Braunfels, Texas 78133

    Address: 245 Oblate Drive, Canyon Lake, TX, 78133

    Office Phone: (830) 899-2441

    Cell Phone: (830) 660-0131

    Email Me

    www:home-inspection4u.com The inspection is the examination of a home or business. The standard inspection includes a review of the heating and air-conditioning systems; plumbing and wiring; roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation (structural & mechanical). Buyers, Sellers, New Home Phase Inspections are encouraged to have the inspection. Service Area: San Antonio, Texas and Surrounding Counties (San Antonio, New Braunfels, Boerne, Wimberly, Bulverde, Schertz-Cibolo, Spring Branch, Blanco). Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, License 3630...830-660-0131 (Since 1994)


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