In Times of Stress Stop for a Gallon of Red Zinger - 08/31/12 04:49 AM

One of my little Open House treats was foil packs of Red Zinger tea.  Okay, so obvious that it just screamed at me to do it.   Have a Red Zinger on Zinger.  In any case, the benefit of the Celestial Seasonings tea is that it if full of hibiscus plants which as the benefit of reducing blood pressure.  There were days when a whole box of this tea would not have been enough but still.....  If you do a search for hibiscus tea, you will see that there are some natural recipes and there is the Red Zinger already … (46 comments)

Out of 150 Photos, This is my Favourite - 08/30/12 08:24 AM
I went for a long long walk yesterday and took my camera.  I was so happy to see the hibiscus plants and flowers.  They were stunning but the surprise was that the hollyhocks were still blooming.  After 150 photos, I came home and today did some editing to get the 150 down to a couple of dozen.  Okay, I couldn't quite get to 24 but I did send about 50 to the recycling bin - and then I emptied it so I would not be tempted to retrieve any.  Of all the photos, this one with the hollyhock in the foreground … (36 comments)

When Good Decluttering Habits Go Bad - A Warning - 08/29/12 06:48 AM
We have a wonderful system in our home for decluttering.  If you try something on or find something that you will not long wear or use (but still in perfectly good shape), the items get stacked up on the bed in the guest bedroom.  As the pile increases, my husband will collect and bag the items and make a trip to the local charity drop off site.  Last week, a couple of hats, some shoes and a few t-shirts made their way out the door.  Yippee.  
Yesterday, I was in the mood to make some travel wardrobe decisions.  We are … (21 comments)

Don't ditch the doily, just save it for the next house. - 08/28/12 05:21 AM

I have a friend who recently asked me to be brutally honest about the staging that she and her stager had done.  Her house is on the market and she is trying to do everything to make the sale.   Well, as I said to her, without intending to be brutal, sometimes I am too honest.  On the other hand, ask me to be brutal and I just clam up.  This person is my friend and there is no way that I am going to risk a friendship. 
So, it was a huge relief to see her home (which is now … (58 comments)

Give Peace (Lily) a Chance - 08/27/12 01:03 PM
I took a photo last August of an interesting flower.  At that time, I had no idea what it was but with a little research and the help of a horticultural friend, I found out that it is a Peace Lily.  It looks like a single petal flower.  So interesting.  
Thanks to Ribbet, I managed to frame and sign the photo.  

… (22 comments)

October Book Club - Incontinent on the Continent, Jane Christmas - 08/26/12 07:31 AM
I hope I am giving everyone enough time to beg, borrow or buy a copy of the book I have chosen for October.  While this book is non-fiction, the author has, I am sure, taken exteme liberties or literary licence to the facts of her relationship with her mother.  If you have one, you can relate to Jane's relationship with her mother, Valeria (PLEASE, NO COMMENTS ON THE SIMILARITY TO MY NAME!).  If you have mobility challenged seniors in your life, then you will be able to relate.  If you have been to or want to go to Italy, this book … (13 comments)

Between a Carry-On and Two Seafaring Trunks - Luggage Clutter - 08/25/12 04:28 AM

Be honest.  What kind of traveler are you?  
Can you pack one extra t-shirt, a bathing suit and two pairs of panties/gitch and go for a two week trip?  Your little carry-on bag still has room for a couple of souvenirs for you mom (because you hate clutter and she does).  You are willing to use hotel shampoo and products and if, all else fails, a bar of soaop on your hair. Seriously, I have a friend who went on a two week trip (albeit to a resort) with only a carry-on bag.  
Maybe you are someone who … (38 comments)

Friday Funny - Moped - 08/24/12 04:15 AM

 
An elderly man on a Moped, looking about 100 years old, pulls up next to a doctor at a street light.  The old man looks over at the sleek shiny car and asks, 'What kind of car ya got there, sonny?' The doctor replies, 'A Ferrari GTO.  It cost half a million dollars! ' 'That's a lot of money,' says the old man.  'Why does it cost so much?' 'Because this car can do up to 320 miles an hour!' states the doctor proudly. Sitting back on his Moped, the old man says, 'That's a pretty nice car, all right... … (29 comments)

Give Me A Head with Hair - Well Tended, Well Cut, Well Cluttered - 08/22/12 04:01 PM

Have you ever wondered how much space in your home is occupied by your hair care products?  How much money do you spend on products?  How much of what you have is not strictly clutter?
I have easy care hair.  It is one of my favourite things about myself - that I can basically wash it and then leave it or give it a quick dry.  I am not challenged.  Still, today, I decided to take inventory of what kind of space I am dedicating to my 'crowning glory'.
In the shower - just for me - Four different shampoos … (38 comments)

If Something is a Real Lemon, Is That a Bad Thing? - 08/22/12 04:06 AM
We all know one or two expressions related to lemons.  
If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.   This house is a real lemon (meaning defective in someway). The real problem with these expressions is that lemons are good.  Not only to they add taste to food but they are useful in so many ways.   Drop some lemons into the food garburator to clean it and improve the smell. Diluted lemon will help fade stains We all know to add lemon to honey when we have a sore throat. According to Real Simple, you can shine the interior … (19 comments)

Real Estate Freebies - Forget-Me-Nots May Never Be Forgotten - 08/21/12 05:45 AM

A number of local real estate agents send out packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds.  Such a great name for those flowers that other organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Society, does the same.  When you, the homeowner, get the seeds, there is almost no way that you can throw away the seeds.  Sure, you didn't ask for them, you didn't want them and you sure as shooting are not going to plant them but.....
This is called clutter - to the homeowner.  With all clutter you can keep it, toss it or give it away.
This is called a great marketing ploy … (22 comments)

Architectural Myths - Coffin Coves - True or False - 08/20/12 05:11 AM

Last evening we were with friends.  At some point the hostess started talking about Victorian architecture.  She said that the reason that there were niches in the staircases of those homes is because the staircases were circular or winding.  People died in their homes and there had to be room somewhere in the stairwell for the coffin to be able to turn.  I was surprised but it seemed to make sense.  
To write this post, I did a little research and there is a myth debunk site that said that that those niches (often referred to as coffin coves) … (30 comments)

Some Clutter is Worth Saving - For the Next Person - 08/19/12 05:35 AM

If you are selling your home or thinking of selling, now is the time to start a box for the next owner.  Take one of those boxes you have been saving in the basement (check that it is clean and dry) and start putting in your items.  
All the appliance instructions and warranties The bills (cut off personal credit card info) and warranties for the major repairs (roof, driveway, etc) The extra keys to the house and the shed, etc (stick them in a zip lock bag with tags on each saying what they will open) Those restaurant fliers … (27 comments)

Friday Funny. - 08/17/12 03:50 AM
 
Very quietly, on the eve of our 50th wedding anniversary, I confided to my husband that I was having an affair.
He turned to me and asked "Are you having it catered?"
And THAT my friend is the real definition of growing old.  
 
Author Unknown.
Roger Mucci wrote today about what happens on the 40th wedding anniversary.  If I were a husband I would be a little concerned.  
… (25 comments)

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of - 08/16/12 06:47 AM

Hummingbirds, red fox, red squirrels, loons, wild turkeys, sea gulls, raccoons, chipmunks, ground hogs, fish jumping, mergansers, chickadees and the constant buzz of mosquitoes, black flies and deer flies.  Who said going to the lake and into the hills is all about peace and quiet?  They were WRONG!
Best to go into the cottage, close the doors and windows and turn on the ipod.  Okay, best to commune with nature and enjoy all the beauty that has been bestowed upon us.  
Don't forget to take the "after bite' medications for those itchy spots that just ruin your sleep.  
… (22 comments)

I Declare this Post Redundant - 08/11/12 05:52 AM
Several years ago, I received a list that was circulated around, with some frequently used redundancies.  Inside of a few minutes I was able to find many in number of my favourites.   It was an unexpected surprise how often I make these unintentional mistakes.  I would like to protest against close scrutiny and state categorically that my writing might possibly be flawed.  No one has an entire monopoly on the English language.  Complaints may amount up to a hill of beans and at some time to come I won’t care whether or not there are flaws. My errors date back to … (27 comments)

Buying a Cottage - Fractional Ownership Can Cause Friction - 08/10/12 03:45 AM

There are so many benefits to spreading the cost, maintenance and use of a cottage between or among family or friends.  In fact, you may just decide to buy a fractional ownership with a stranger in a managed property.  The idea that you are not wholly responsible for something that you will not be using daily is appealing.  To be happy on a long term basis, have a long and detailed discussion with the person or people who you are considering partnering with on the cottage - snowbird condo - ski chalet etc.  I advise you to have a few … (44 comments)

Buying a Cottage - No Cell Phone Coverage - 08/09/12 03:13 AM
Here is a simple little test to do when you are out shopping for a cottage, ski chalet or summer home.  Take out your cell phone and try to call a friend. 
We all think that there are communication towers everywhere and that cell phone reception (and the accompanying data transmission) will work throughout North America.  Not so.  Telephone companies need to know that there are sufficient users to warrant having a communications tower installed.  In addition, the range for some towers may not go too far with geographic interference such as hills and mountains.  Of course cities and towns will … (81 comments)

Embarrassment at the Check Out - Joke - 08/08/12 05:28 PM
After I received this joke from a friend I had a good laugh.  Unlike most jokes, this one stuck with me and I heard myself telling it to cashiers a few times.  Maybe it reads better than it sounds when I deliver it.  I wonder if you are going to be telling this joke the next time you buy something.
There was a bit of confusion at the store this morning. 
When I was ready to pay for my groceries, the cashier said, "Strip down, facing me."
Making a mental note to complain to my congressman about Homeland Security running amok, … (31 comments)

Almost Wordless Wednesday. Say it with a Haiku - 08/08/12 03:53 AM

Haiku poetry has three lines of 5 -7 - 5 syllables.  This is one of my first attempts since high school.  Now, if I had to choose a career between writing poetry or taking photos (of even the lowly petunia), I guess we all know which one I should choose. Well, what else are you going to do with a photo of a petunia?  
… (30 comments)

Buying a Cottage - No CNN in the AM! - 08/07/12 06:15 AM
Can you guess what this contraption is?

This is a television aerial.  It may be the only way to get some television and only locally broadcast television.  What is missing is the cable.  You know, the three hundred plus stations (of which 290 are useless) that you get at home. Are you like me and need a news fix every morning.  Well, with this aerial, you might get the local news and then again, it might not be working because of the wind and clouds and gawd knows what else.  
So, if you are buying a cottage, ask about … (19 comments)

Monday Funny - How Hot Is It? - 08/06/12 04:11 AM
IT'S SO HOT in Ontario
.....the birds have to use potholders to pull the worms out of the ground.
.....the trees are whistling for the dogs.
.....the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance
.....hot water comes from both taps.
.....you can make sun tea instantly.
.....you learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
.....the temperature drops below 90 F and you feel a little chilly.
.....you discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
.....you actually burn your hand opening the car door.
.....you break into a sweat the instant … (22 comments)

Buying a Cottage - Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink. - 08/05/12 05:23 AM

If you are out shopping for a cottage make sure you understand the drinking water sources.  
1.  Is there a well? How deep and has the water been recently tested?  You will want to take a sample and have the water tested yourself.  
2.  Is the cottage on municipal waterlines?   Wow and good for you.  Of course you will be paying for that in water bills but the convenience may be worth it.  
3.  What happens if the only water is from the lake?  Of course you will want to run a line into the lake … (29 comments)

Can we get top dollar? Is your home used up or kept up? - 08/05/12 04:48 AM
I have never thought of the term "used up" as being applied to houses.  Curt does an excellent job explaining the difference and making the case for Sellers to keep up their homes.   
Via Curt Hess, CRS, GRI - Luxury Home Consultant (Keller Williams Select Realtors - Annapolis MD):
Every home seller wants us to get Top Dollar for their home. We understand.
I was showing homes in the $400-$500k range yesterday, and two of the homes back-to-back made the point exactly. Both were 12-years old.
The first was clearly "used up." It appeared that the owner bought it new, lived in … (4 comments)

Hummingbird - Better The Second Time Around - 08/04/12 12:37 PM

 
I have been trying to get a good shot of the hummingbirds at the cottage.  
Last week I wrote a post - If you fill it, they will come.  It was about filling the hummingbird feeders and then standing there waiting for them to arrive.  I learned from this first try.  
This time, I took my telephoto lens, found a post to lean on (I was too lazy to drag my tripod to the lake) and then waited.  The nice thing about the telephoto lens is that you don't have to spook the birds with the sounds … (23 comments)

The Best Time of the Day - Almost Wordless Wednesday - 08/01/12 03:04 AM

If you get up early enough, you can see what happens when the cool air of the morning meets the warmer water.  It makes an eerie, calm.  As soon as the sun gets to the mist, it burns off and you are left with another day in paradise.  
 
… (20 comments)

 

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