Are you wired right? - 08/31/11 04:47 AM
 
Sometimes we need to stop and think things though. The quickest solution may not be the best in the long run. Take wiring for example, where does yours run. Too often we see cable, telephone and electrical wires running all over the surface of  homes and apartments that just looks horrible. Not only does it look bad, but what if some repairs needed to be done in the area; things just got complicated!

… (10 comments)

Fogging Dual Pane Windows Can Be A Quick Fix - 08/30/11 09:27 AM
Fogging Dual Pane Windows Can Be A Quick Fix, you may not even need a contractor.
We have all seen dual pane windows that have gotten foggy over time. It starts out as a slight discoloration that doesn't clean up after washing the windows. The problem is not on the outside, but on the inside of the window. That's right, between the two panes of glass.
It is caused by a failure in the seal that protects the gas injected between the two panes. The failure is usually in the rubber around the perimeter of the glass, the extreme weather can … (10 comments)

Apple Hill Ranches to open this Labor Day Weekend. - 08/30/11 01:28 AM
Apple Hill Ranches to open this Labor Day Weekend.

 
 
If you have lived anywhere near the El Dorado County, you have heard of Apple Hill. The Apple Hill area is home to many large apple orchards that will be open to the public beginning this Labor Day Weekend.
 
September 3rd through 5th will be the start of the Apple Hill Season.
 
What does Apple Hill have to offer? Well, apples of course. What I really mean is ALL things apple: fresh apples of every variety, apple wineries, apple pies, apple jams and jellies, apples on a … (12 comments)

I Had To Travel 1,000 Miles To See An Eagle In The Wild - 08/29/11 01:49 AM
I don't know about you, but I have never seen an eagle in the wild until recently. I've seen pictures and videos of the beautiful bird but never in person. On a recent vacation to Alaska, from a cruise ship I was able to get a video using a zoom feature.
The video starts as we aproach a small island and from a great distance an eagle is spotted in a tree with a nest. The eagle shot is a little fuzzy because of the distance, but it still shows the eagle in the tree over the nest.
 
Eagle seen … (15 comments)

Diamond Oaks Golf Course in Roseville, Ca - A Fine Public Course - 08/28/11 03:20 AM
 
I had the opportunity to golf in a tournament yesterday at Diamond Oaks Golf Course. I didn't win the tournament but I certainly had a good time. The tournament participants were friends and trades people in the construction field.
The course was one of the finest public courses that I have played on in a long time. The grass was green throughout the course, no dried out brown areas that typically occurs this time of year. The layout is pretty open for those of us who enjoy playing the whole course.
Diamond Oaks is located in an upper income area, … (4 comments)

Yes, Your Siding Does Look Rotten, But It May Not Be As Bad As You Think! - 08/27/11 10:16 PM
 

Yes, Your Siding Does Look Rotten, But It May Not Be As Bad As You Think!
After a few decades of seasonal rain, sun, frost; you may have some damage to your siding. When you property was first built the new materials were installed and probably painted or stained to protect it from the weather. Keeping the water, sunlight, and freezing weather off of the wood product will add to the life of the siding.
However, over time moisture will start to get into places were the caulking has separated or the paint has started to fail. This is … (7 comments)

Spooky Eyes In The Darkness - 08/27/11 04:45 AM
 
I was trying to get a photo of some faint light rays coming through the dark trees behind my house, but the photo came out too dark. Once I got it on the computer screen, I could see two eyes that had reflected back to the camera. I have had this experience with a flashlight, the eyes were far away and low to the ground so I could not (nor did I want to) figure out what it was. This photo probably capture something in the trees at that moment.
Spooky!
 

… (9 comments)

Is This A Handicap Parking Spot? - 08/27/11 03:18 AM
I was recently at the movie theatre near Placerville, Ca. While driving in the parking structure looking for parking, I saw a spot that was open very near to the entrance. Sandwiched between two handicap parking spaces was a third spot that may be the best kept secret in Placerville.
As you can see in the photo, the space is not decaled with the handicap symbol on the concrete or the wall. Is this a legal parking spot for the unhandicapped driver?
What do you think?
 
… (7 comments)

This Cat Is King In Our Home - 08/26/11 03:44 AM
 

 
A few years ago we heard of a cat that was abandoned in an apartment community. I was never much of a cat lover. But his guy reason has earned my appreciation for cats.
There has been a lot of talk recently about people leaving there pets when they move out of there homes and apartments. Passing this burden of stray pets onto neighbors and management is not humane. Thousands of pets are left behind. These animals are usually brought to the pound and made available for adoption. Because of the large numbers of pets being taken in, … (8 comments)

The Things You Don't See When Your Window Leaks - 08/26/11 03:06 AM

 
You may have experienced this in your own home. The rainy season starts and you notice a few drops of water on the window sill, you probably just wipe it up and forget about it. Perhaps it only happens when the winds are strong, no big deal. Or maybe it is.
 
There are several ways for a window to leak water.
The window was not completely closed. Water is filling up in the track at the bottom The gutter above gets clogged and a large amount of water pours onto the window below. Water getting behind the trim board … (6 comments)

Fear Is One Step Away From Courage - 08/23/11 09:45 AM

Have you ever stood still in fear of not knowing what to do? Afraid of what may happen, not knowing what is ahead if you move forward, and unsure what the future holds. It is a paralyzing experience.
Fear and Courage can not exist at the same time.
Moving from fear and into courage requires action. Taking that first small step into the unknown. Think of crossing a swinging bridge, suspended high in the air. You want to get to the other side but you are afraid. You can begin by taking that first small step onto the bridge, hands … (44 comments)

Shine the Spotlight on Your Team! - 08/23/11 02:44 AM

 
 
I found this post to be very inspirational. Mike has written about how we can benefit from giving credit to others. Much can be learned here by doing what is said by Mike. It's already been featured, I still suggest you read it.
Great stuff!
Thanks Mike.
 
 
 
 
 
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
Most of my life, I've had the "sometimes uncomfortable" role of being the head of something.  Sometimes it has been in business, and sometimes it has been in volunteer events.   I've always told those who … (0 comments)

We Like Our Deck, It’s Just Rotten - 08/22/11 04:08 AM
 
 If your deck is suffering from severe dry rot – it can be dangerous.
Imagine a second story deck with boards that are ready to collapse, kind of scary! Even decks that are just above ground can cause injury. We do a lot of dry rot and water damage repairs, and lately that has been the rebuilding of wooden decks. Decks can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, designs, each with different building materials.
This post is written to discuss the replacement of an existing deck without any design changes. These can be the quickest and least expensive deck … (21 comments)

Jay's School of Inspectology - We Investigate Completely! - 08/21/11 03:10 PM

 
 
Jay has a bunch of useful information for us to think about. I love his investigative skills. Check out this post to get an idea of the great stuff that he comes up with.
 
 
 
 
 
Go Jay!
Via Jay Markanich - Virginia Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
This is a 42 year old house with a clue outside that would lead a home inspector to think things before he goes inside!  And, as with so many things, in Jay's School of Inspectology - we investigate completely!
What's the teensy clue outside?  A … (2 comments)

End “Hidden Hunger” In El Dorado County - 08/21/11 10:26 AM
 
End “Hidden Hunger” In El Dorado County
 
 
There is a local Food Bank in El Dorado County who is providing food to families in many ways.
 
 
The Food Bank provides food assistance on a daily basis in partnership with over 40 local emergency food response agency sites including battered women’s shelters, senior centers, local food pantries, under privileged youth programs, youth shelters, soup kitchens, maternity homes and more.
 


 
Anyone interested in donating to the Food Bank can contact - Support the Food Bank.
If you need help in El Dorado County - … (4 comments)

Did You Really Subscribe to My Blog? A Tutorial.... Sort Of.... - 08/20/11 03:05 AM
Craig Rutman has put together an incredible post describing how improve your posts to attract more subscribers. Who wouldn't want more subscribers? Clear, informative information that can be duplicated by you.
Check it out!
 
 
Via Craig Rutman Raleigh/ Cary/ Apex area Realtor (Home Buyer and Seller Specialist):
Today when I logged on to ActiveRain, I discovered that Deb Brooks has become my 500th blog subscriber! I'm not sure whether she should be congratulated or reprimanded. But she is my 500th blog subscriber!!!
Now, I’m no Alan May or Brad Andersohn when it comes to blogging.
I’m no Lenn Harley … (3 comments)

How much is it going to cost to repair the water damage in my home? - 08/18/11 04:27 AM
 
How much is it going to cost to repair the water damage in my home?
As Dry Rot and Water Damage Repair Contractor I hear this all the time. I wish I had a quick answer but I don’t. The repairs required for one home will be different in the next. Since water damages can vary, some things have to be taken into consideration before a cost estimate can be given. These are the major factors that will determine the cost of the repair of water damage.
The area of damage.
This makes sense; a small leak will be … (42 comments)

Shingle Springs Woman Does All My Custom Stitchery - 08/17/11 02:20 AM
 
 
 
I recently posted about an online company that I use for designing and producing t-shirts. When I need top-notch custom stitchery I go to a local woman, Jean Meyer, who does amazing work. Jean is the owner of Sierra Stitch Factory in Shingle Springs.
 
I was in need of some polo shirts with the Tromler Construction name on front. I wanted it embroidered and was open to the type of materials. She has made several for me in the past using fabrics that I did not know were available.
 
Rather than order a bunch of the … (7 comments)

Painting? - You Can't Just Cover Up Nicotine Stained Walls - 08/15/11 09:58 PM
 
Before painting surfaces that are stained from nicotine smoke, some prep work is highly recommended. To paint over surfaces without the proper preparation, will likely cause the nicotine to bleed through the final paint, AND the smell will remain. If you are going to paint, spend the time now to prepare the surface correctly.
First, clean up the surfaces with TSP or equivalent cleaner. Follow the instructions, usually wipe surfaces then rinse. Were trying to get a lot of the surface stuff off here. Start getting ready for the next step while allowing surfaces to dry. Let’s prime!
Priming the walls … (17 comments)

How To Get Longer Lasting Cell Phone Charges - It's In The Apps! - 08/15/11 03:06 AM
As a contractor in need of having a charged and functioning phone I noticed that my iPhone, though new, wasn't holding it's charge nearly as long as my Blackberry did. People said that the iPhone just uses more power than other phone and I'm sure that's true. But why was my phone getting a shorter life? Turns out that maybe I was overlooking something, you may be too!
One of the benefits of having an iPhone is the number of apps that are readily available. They are fun, useful, and some a waste of time. All of them use additional battery … (9 comments)

Road Art In California - 08/15/11 12:21 AM
I was in Palm Desert and drove past some interesting road art. These were a series of large insects made of metal and painted bright colors for all to see. Not certainly wasn't your everyday landscaping, I had to turn around to get a picture of at least one of the "bugs".
 
 

… (8 comments)

Road Improvements In Rescue, Ca - 08/15/11 12:16 AM

The road project to improve the Green Valley Road and South Shingle Springs Road intersection is underway. For those familiar with this section of road, there will be delays periodically during the day. Heavy equipment, grading, tree removal and drainage have already been a part of this project. Once it is completed the sharp turn, narrow bridge, and awkward stop sign will be changed. Looking forward to that day.

Rescue, Ca near Placerville, Ca
View Larger Map

… (2 comments)

Window Stains: When To Be Concerned - 08/13/11 08:46 AM
Rueben Saltzman has done an excellent job of explaining window stains. Knowing why there is staining in the window area is the first step in correcting it. If you have not seem this yet, take a look.
Via Maple Grove Home Inspections - Reuben Saltzman (Structure Tech Home Inspections):
Water stains on window sills is often a source of anxiety for home buyers, and it's the home inspector's job to help determine if the stains are the sign of a major problem or not. There are three common causes of water stains on windows:
Leaving the windows open.  The windows get left open, … (5 comments)

Doing More Than Expected - General Contractors Today - 08/11/11 02:48 AM
How badly do you want to keep your customers today? Are you willing to do more than you are paid to do? You might want to consider this necessary for your survival.
When things get tight economically, there are fewer jobs available. Contractors no longer have the luxury of picking the cream of the crop, and passing on the less desirable projects. Jobs that we may have snubbed our noses at a few years ago suddenly seem worthwhile today. From a business standpoint, it made sense to do the projects that produced the most profits. It was wise to help out … (9 comments)

El Dorado County School Bus Schedule - 08/10/11 03:28 AM
 
School will be starting soon, do you have a bus schedule yet?
If you haven't already done so, please get your bus schedules by following the link to you school below.

 
Bus Schedules are for the following schools
El Dorado High School
Oak Ridge High School
Ponderosa High School
Union Mine High School
Shenandoah High School  Transportation
Alternative Education Transportation
Latrobe USD
 
 
 
Image: Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
 
… (6 comments)

School Schedule for El Dorado High School in Placerville, Ca - 08/10/11 03:06 AM
 

 
 
Looking for the High School Schedule for El Dorado High School in Placerville, California?
You can get this year's schedule right here.
Placerville, Ca School Schedule - El Dorado High School
 
Looking for School Schedules for another Placerville School?
List of all schools in the Placerville area.
 
 
 
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
… (2 comments)

Blue Oak School Supplies List in Cameron Park, Ca - 08/10/11 02:23 AM
Back To School
Well it's that time of year again, back to school in Cameron Park, Ca. Hope you all had a great summer. Now it's time to get ready for school.
Let's start with the school supply list. Below are links to the supply list for each grade your child is in.
Supply List
 
·       Kindergarten
·       1st Grade
·       2nd Grade
·       3rd Grade
·       4th Grade
·       5th Grade
·       6th Grade
·       7th Grade
·       8th Grade
·       9th Grade
·       10th Grade
·       11th Grade
·       12th Grade
 
 
Image source - nuttakit … (2 comments)

Elevator Pitch - Are You Prepared? - 08/09/11 04:25 AM
 
What is an elevator pitch?
Wikipedia defines it as:
An elevator pitch (or elevator statement) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value proposition. The name "elevator pitch" reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.
Okay so you get 30 seconds to describe what you do, are you prepared?
How often are we asked, “What do you do for a living?” It happens to me regularly, I’m sure we … (15 comments)

A Good Contractor Knows The Air Quailty For The Day - Placerville This Week - 08/08/11 03:14 AM
 
Now that summer is here, and temperatures reaching into the 90's, it's probably a good time to watch for air quality. I have found an Air Quality Index for Placerville, Ca. The Image is a forecast of this week.
I have linked the site for future reference and your local index.

 
Not sure what Air Quality is? Well, here is a definition that is available at the Weatherbug site.
What is AQI?
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health concerns you … (8 comments)

Just Waiting For Smart To Get Here - 08/07/11 11:28 PM
 
Okay so the boys and I were walking along and notice the bus stop sign, and couldn't let it get by without a snapshot. There was some confusion as to what the sign really meant. Maybe if we just hung around for a while the smart part would come to us.

… (13 comments)

Officially A Rainmaker - A Kid In The Candy Store - 08/07/11 10:36 AM
 
 
I can remember the day I first stumbled upon ActiveRain, I was just going to "snoop around" to check it out and move on. After "working the site" for a few days, I found that I really liked what was here.
Being new here, I felt a little out of place. I was waiting to be discovered and asked to leave. I wasn't in real estate sales or financing, but there were a few others who were also on the fringe like myself. I think the first to subscribe to my blog was Jeremy  Wrenn, he is a Builder - Contractor also. … (17 comments)

Sunset in Alaska - The Original Vanishing Edge - 08/07/11 03:43 AM
I think God had the original "vanishing edge" pool. This one is grand!
I took this picture of the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean. Calm waters, overcast skies, and a quick view of the sun vanishing over the edge.
Pictures can not duplicate that moment, but I think you can imagine the feeling of that moment.
 

… (4 comments)

Free Popcorn With QR Code - 08/06/11 05:41 PM

 
I was stepping into the movie threatre on Friday and on the door was a poster promoting free popcorn. As a walked past the poster, at the Regal Cinema, I saw a little QR Code. I didn't get a photo of the poster itself, I only had a few minutes until the movie started.
I scanned the QRCode at the front door. Before I got to the snack bar, 30 feet away, I was at the Regal Cinema website with the free popcorn code ordering my free popcorn. It was that easy.
If you are going to the Regal Theatre … (12 comments)

Flowers Found In Alaskan Town - 08/06/11 05:20 AM
When I think of Alaska, flowers do not come to mind. While vacationing there, I saw many flowers blooming in much of Alaska. Sometimes in planters, front yards, and even flourishing in the wild open spaces. The summers aren't very warm, so I would imagine the plant life is short, but they were beautiful to see.
 

… (14 comments)

 

Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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