Confessions of a Digital Packrat

I’m sure you’ve seen the stories on the news about some person that never threw anything away. Invariably, the cameras show mountains of boxes and trash with barely enough room to walk through. Did you feel sorry for the person and hoped they would get help for their illness? I know I do. Well, it occurred to me the other day that I’m the digital version of that packrat. I never want to delete anything because I never know if I’ll need it again. I have documents going back 20 years. I have all of my tax returns digitized since 2001. I upload every picture I take and I have scanned every family picture I’ve been given. 

Yes, digital storage is cheap but I think I have taken it too far. I have a terabyte of storage with Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive Storage, Dropbox storage and a backup drive in addition to my computer. Recently I had to take my computer into the Microsoft Store because I couldn’t get the software to load. They weren’t able to get it to load either so they recommended a complete reset of my computer back to factory specs. Worried that I would lose something, I bought another terabyte drive from Microsoft and had them back up everything to the new drive

The downside with so much storage is that I’m not always sure where I’ve put something. I try to put photos on the Google Drive, personal documents on the Microsoft One Drive and business files on the standalone hard drive. I wish I could tell you this plan works but it doesn’t always.

This week I tried to do a little housekeeping and found that I had 3 copies of everything I keep in the My Document folder in three different places. I never knew which one was the most recent version so I decided I had to do something about it. I went through the tedious process of comparing files and eliminating the duplications. Toward the end of the day, I was feeling pretty good about how much progress I had made and how much easier it was to find documents. But before I could pat myself on the back, my worst digital nightmare occurred!

I clicked on a file to delete it from my Microsoft One Drive and didn’t realize I had clicked on the folder instead until I saw the whole folder disappear and the message that 1195 files had been permanently deleted.

My first reaction was an immediate need to vomit and a rush of questions. Years of documents and pictures gone! Could I live without them? Could I rebuild from some other source? After my initial shock, I went to the cloud storage to confirm they were really gone. Then I checked my Recycle bin. Nope, they weren’t there. By this time, I am really panicking. There was no way I could rebuild that information. What could I do? 

Being a fan of spy and cop shows, I have seen a lot of TV dramas where data was recovered after it was deleted. Was this just TV fiction or could I still get my files back? My understanding was that if I had any hope of recovering my files then I didn’t want to do anything that would generate a file as the system might use the space where my deleted files were stored to put the new file.  I briefly considered taking my laptop to a professional to see if they could restore my files. My concern was that since this was the week before Christmas would I be able to find anyone to do the work? I also knew that I couldn’t use my computer until the issue was fixed or it would use the space so I decided that was the last resort.

What to do? What to do? I decided to turn to the internet to see what I could find. A quick search and I found a software called EaseUS Data Recovery that would restore permanently deleted files. I looked at the site to make sure it was legit and then did a search to see if there were any bad reviews. Having done a little due diligence, I nervously purchased a key and downloaded the software. It immediately found my missing folder so I started the process to restore.

While the process was working, I decided to check my email. Low and behold, I see an email from Microsoft. The email says they noticed I deleted a lot of files on my cloud drive. They stated they wanted to remind me that the Recycle Bin on my Cloud Drive would be emptied in 30 days. WAIT? WHAT? There is a Recycle Bin on my cloud drive, too? I quickly opened the cloud drive through my browser and sure enough, all of my deleted files were in the Recycle Bin!  Oh, well! Too late. I could have saved myself $69.00 but I consider it a lesson learned.  

Why am I telling you about this embarrassing experience?  I am recounting all this so someone else doesn’t make the mistakes I made. If you find you are also a digital packrat, there are many articles on the web about how to digitally declutter. I thought I would share some of the ideas I liked:

First and foremost-Don’t panic!

We live in an amazing age where there are solutions to many technical problems. Check out the web or ask around. Someone else might have experienced the same issue and can help you. It can also seem overwhelming to start the declutter process but just take it one step at a time.

Backup now!

Storage really is cheap and so worth the price of keeping all those family photos. Before you start doing any deleting — backup everything important to you, whether in the cloud, by syncing with another computer or by using an external hard drive.

Identify and Inventory the Problem

The task of physical decluttering often starts by surveying what areas of the house have become overly filled with junk, and deciding on a plan for what should stay and what should go. The job of digital decluttering should begin in the same way.

Design a file structure that works for you

There are many ways to structure the files on your computer. But if you’ve got all of your data files — photos, PDFs, text documents and more — cluttering your desktop, you could benefit from establishing and using a basic file structure — much like you would organize your paper files.

• First, decide what your highest level folders will be. These are the big parts of your life. From your photos, to work files, to finances to half-written sci-fi novels, these are the categories that will serve as the first portal into your digital life. Many people put them in My Documents”. You could also put them in the cloud. Just make sure you set up a regular sync process. Don’t put them on your desktop because if your computer crashes you may lose everything. 

• Put all the free-floating files into the correct top level folders. Put any errant photos in the big photo folder. All taxes, bills and more in the finances folder. (Or whatever folders you’ve made for yourself). 

• Then, organize each big top-level folder into smaller, more specific sub-folders, one at a time. Take it one folder at a time, and start putting files (or other folders) in an order that will make sense when you need to find them again. Consolidate existing folders so they begin to fit into your new, more organized file structure. Don’t be afraid to go deep with sub-folders. You don’t really want to have a folder with say, 1 file in it, but you don’t want to stop at a folder that has like, 50 files in it. 

• Keep working on organizing your file structure — Once everything is in its proper place — here’s the key part — stick to your file structure! Some folks use third-party apps to automatic certain tasks, others reorganize how their desktop works with an app like Fences for PC. And there's the old "file later" folder you can stick on your desktop, regularly emptying it out. Chances are there's an area on your computer or a type of file that gets most out of hand for you — do extra research on how to keep those types of files organized most efficiently and the rest of your computer filing might be a breeze. 

Dump the junk software!

It’s not easy. It’s not fun, either, but it’s absolutely necessary if you have dozens of programs littered across your desktop. Take a good look at the applications you use on a daily basis. You’ll find, in most cases, that it’s only a handful, which raises serious questions about the rest still clogging up your taskbar.

Schedule a monthly task to eliminate old downloaded software and programs.

Downloaded files and old software that is no longer used get forgotten. They also take up space and slow your computer. Set up an automated task reminder to spend an hour cleaning out your download folder or eliminating software you never use. If it’s done on a regular basis it won’t be quite as intimidating.

Let Hazel or Belvedere do the work!

I’m not a big fan of background applications, as they tend to hog resources and slow down your computer. An exception needs to be made for Hazel (Mac OSX) and Belvedere (Windows).  I haven't check but I hope these programs are still available. These incredible programs act like digital housekeepers for your hard drive. You start by telling Hazel or Belvedere which folders to monitor. The program keeps tabs on the My Downloads folder and runs a set of rules every time you add something new to it such as downloading something from the Internet. The program also automatically moves pictures, documents, and music to their respective folders, and even auto-trashes files that have been sitting in my downloads folder for more than a week. The program’s power just grows from there. If you’re already stuck with a cluttered computer, why not set it to do a sweep through the hard drive itself? Give it a decent set of rules and it can do an incredible amount of work for you, organizing files based on their type and generally making your life that much easier.  Schedule regular purging sessions (at least once every 6 months) on your calendar to clean up old digital items from your system.

Why not go into the New Year clutter-free?  As an admitted digital packrat, I can tell you it's an amazingly liberating feeling!

Countdown to Christmas

When I was a child, each day that brought us closer to Christmas would ratchet up the excitement level. By the time Christmas eve arrived, my parents were driven crazy. One year my mother decided that we would go out to dinner Christmas eve. She hoped it would occupy our minds and take our thoughts off of Chirstimas Day. With full stomachs, she hoped we would be ready for bed when we got home. Unfortunately, she made the mistake of telling us we could have what ever we wanted at the IHOP. I remember ordering chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream! We three kids were so hopped on sugar there was no way we were going to bed when we got home. I don’t recall my mother making that mistake ever again!

Maybe you are facing a similar issue or looking for something new to do this holiday. Check out this list of events. There is something for everyone.

Olde Golden Christmas

When: Month of December
Where: 1010 Washington Ave., Golden, CO 80401
Price: Free
Website: http://goldenchamber.org/olde-golden-christmas/

From December 1st through December 31st, downtown Golden provides a variety of holiday events including Victorian carolers, light displays, Santa encounters and holiday art markets.

Aspire Tour Holiday Lights

When: December 19th-December 31st, 6:00 p.m-.08:30
Where: Various stops
Price: $69 per person, includes entrance fee to Botanical Gardens

Website: https://aspire-tours.com/tour-details/holiday-lights/

Tour starts at the City and County building, makes a stop at the Christkindl market in downtown Denver, makes a trip through Cherry Creek and fnishes up at Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Blossoms of Light

When: Nov. 24, 2017–Jan. 1, 2018 From: 5:00 PM to 9 PM
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206
Price: Up to $13
Website: http://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light

This annual family friendly event has become a tradition for many people It features sound reactive animated LED lights, warm drinks and tasty treats

A Christmas Carol

When: Nov. 24–Dec. 24, 2017
Where: The Stage Theatre 1101 13th St., Denver, CO 80204
Price: Varies
Website: https://www.denvercenter.org/shows/specific-series/Get?Id=a76143c3-c746-4154-9294-3ae2b8f0a34c

Sure you could watch this classic on TV but how much more fun it would be to see it in a theatre!

The Santaland Diaries

When: Nov. 24–Dec. 24, 2017
Where: The Jones, Denver Performing Arts Complex 1400 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80204
Price: call for pricing
Website: https://www.denvercenter.org/shows/specific-series/Get?Id=32e1cd00-c20e-414b-acc1-b3157da39e1b

This acclaimed one man show by David Sedris is an offbeat story about Crumpet the Elf. Because of mature language, "The Santaland Diaries" is best enjoyed by adults.

Colorado Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

When: Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2017
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Price: Varies - $30, $50, $75, $90, $120, $155
Website: http://coloradoballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker-2017

The classic Christmas story performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchcestra. It features fantastic characters, extraordinary dancing and sets, plus dazzling costumes.

Denver Christkindl Market

When: Nov. 17–Dec. 23, 2017 From: 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Where: Skyline Park, Corner of 16th and Arapahoe St.1515 Arapahoe, Denver, CO 80111
Price: Free Entry
Website: http://www.denverchristkindlmarket.com

Featuring vendors from Germany and other countries as well as local artisans, the Christkindl Market offers high-quality, handcrafted gifts such as traditional hand-carved wooden figurines, handmade candles and ornaments. You can also sit and enjoy traditional German food , sip on warm Glühwein (hot spiced wine) as you listen to traditional Christmas carols and live German music.

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park

When: Nov. 21, 2017–Feb. 14, 2018 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Where: Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe, Denver, CO 80202
Price: Free or $6-$8 skate rental.
Website: http://www.downtowndenver.com/

If you’re looking for something more physical try Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park. In addition to skating, the rink also has regularly scheduled entertainment and activities each week including: Friday night DJs; Saturday morning skating lessons; Saturday night concerts; and Sunday afternoon family entertainment.

Denver Pavilions Holiday Carousel

When: Dec. 15, 2017–Jan. 2, 2018 : 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Where: Denver Pavilions 500 16th St., Denver, CO 80202
Price: $3 per ride or Free w/ a voucher from any Denver Pavilions merchant.
Website: http://denverpavilions.com

Throughout December, families can enjoy a magical ride on this beautiful carousel.

A Merry Little Christmas presented by Generations Church

When: Sat, December 23, 2017 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM MST
Where: Generations Church 2246 Irving Street, Denver, CO 80211
Price: Free
Website: http://www.celebratechristmasdenver.com

Sing carols, listen to the Christmas story, enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate and visit the petting zoo.

The Dreaded "R" Word

We are a little more than two weeks away from the start of the New Year and I’ve started to hear the dreaded “R” word on TV, radio and social media. What is the “R” word? Resolutions! Maybe that word isn’t dreaded by you but I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions years ago. The disgust and frustration I’d feel when I invariably failed to keep my resolutions just wasn’t worth it. Now I make goals. The word “Goals” just doesn’t carry with it the same negativity for me. That may seem weird to some. What can I say? It works for me.

So what are my goals for 2018?

My first goal is always to work on my finances and see what can change. It is an ideal time to take a look at all of my bills. In 2017, I reduced my entertainment costs by switching to internet television. I also removed a cell phone from my phone bill. This year I am going to review subscriptions and see if I need everything I have set up.

It is a good habit to look at your bills and inspect them for ways to save money. Call your services and see if you can take advantage of new promotional offers or remove services that you are no longer using. Common bills to find new savings are cell phones, cable TV, internet service, home phone, streaming video services, and any other online subscriptions you may have set up.

I also came across this list of home goals that I am going to try and implement.

1. Start a home repair slush fund: Things in your home are going to break and need to be repaired. It’s just a fact that comes with home ownership. Rather than letting expensive repairs take you by surprise, start planning for them. Set aside some money each month that you can eventually draw from when an appliance breaks or unexpected damage occurs.

2. Inspect your fireplace: Even if you have a gas fireplace, you should still inspect the valves and ceramic logs yearly to ensure that everything is operating safely and correctly. If you have a wood fireplace, hire a certified chimney sweep to do the job.

3. Maintain your garage door: Garage doors are big and heavy, and that puts a lot of stress on the hinges and tracks that are used to open and close the door several times a day. A regularly scheduled $50 inspection could save you hundreds or thousands in the long run.

4. Tune up your furnace: Regular furnace inspections will help identify minor problems before they turn into major ones. Also, set reminders to replace your furnace filter.

5. Clean your coils: The No. 1 refrigerator maintenance task should be cleaning the condenser coils. They can get clogged with hair and dust, reducing your fridge’s efficiency. Have you cleaned yours lately? You can hire a professional to do it, but it’s also an easy do-it-yourself job.

What about you? Are there some goals you are going to implement in 2018?

Preparing for Tax Season

It’s hard to believe but the end of the year will be here soon. A New Year means tax season is right
around the corner. If you haven’t made a decision on how you’ll prepare your taxes this year, here are a few tips that may push you toward a DIY approach.

Shop around for software
TurboTax (www.turbotax.com) is generally the most popular and trusted tax software option, but you’ll typically have to pay around $60.00 per year. I used TurboTax for many years and was very happy with it. However, it may be worth your time to shop around for some free options. Many tax prep software applications are free up to a certain income threshold, and your costs will also vary depending on the sources of your income. A person with a single W-2 form will usually pay less than a person with multiple W-2s, 1099s, investment income, and other income sources.

Take advantage of homeownership
If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you’re a homeowner. Tax time is one of those events that show the benefits of homeownership because you can get some major tax deductions. So, whether you’re doing your taxes yourself or getting help from a professional, it’s important to take advantage of those breaks! Two of the biggest deductions are:

•  Mortgage Interest Deduction: Before buying a home, a standard deduction may have made the most sense when you prepared your taxes. But homeowners can deduct the interest portion of their mortgage payments, and the earlier you are in your mortgage, the greater the percentage of each payment that goes toward interest, so take advantage right away!

•  Home Office: There are specific criteria that have to be met in order to deduct home office expenses, but it can lead to a very large deduction. In general, your home office has to be used specifically for business purposes. Check with a tax professional to see if your home office qualifies for a deduction—it’s a little extra work, but can make a big difference in your tax responsibility.

Mortgage interest, property taxes, and some home buying costs are among the deductions you may be eligible for. Your tax preparation software should guide you through these deductions.

DIY is great, but so is a tax professional
DIY tax preparation isn’t for everyone. Though tax software companies offer audit assistance for an extra fee, some people enjoy the peace of mind that comes with meeting a tax professional and being able to ask questions about your taxes in person.

A tax professional is particularly helpful if your taxes recently became more complicated. For example- if you started a business or completed several real estate transactions.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Well, we have made it through Thanksgiving so I think we can officially start talking about Christmas. I just want to insert here that those who say retailers start on Christmas too early are probably not the ones doing the shopping, decorating and meal prep.  I, for one, need all the time I can get!.

For those not located in Denver, it has been really hard to get in the Christmas spirit this year when we have 70 degrees several days in November and a record high of 81 degrees on November 27^th. On top of that we have had the driest year on record. What little snow we have gotten has melted the same day.  It has felt more like early Summer than Winter.

Knowing Christmas will be here before I know it, I have been looking for ways to get in the right holiday frame of mind. Usually putting up Christmas decorations helps.  In looking through my Christmas stuff, I came across some pictures from last year at Hudson Gardens. If you’re having trouble getting in the right mood like I am, you might try a trip to see this wonderful place.

Hudson Gardens is conveniently located in Littleton on Santa Fe between Littleton Boulevard and Bowles.  It is a great place for gardening classes, beer fests and wedding events.  During the summer, they also have many great concerts with headliners like Chris Isaak, Gladys Knight, Michael McDonald and Kool and the Gang. 

Christmas Village and Train

Today, I want to talk about their winter event called A Hudson Christmas where they decorate the gardens with many different lights.  The cost is reasonable with $9.00 for Adults and $6.00 for children from 4 to 12 years old.  Parking is well orchestrated by the Hudson staff.

When you go, the first stop after you purchase your ticket should be to pick up some of their specialized cardboard glasses at the gift shop.  These look like 3D glasses and add special effects to the lights like snowmen or candy canes depending on which ones you get.  Let me warn you that it will be a hard choice.  Unfortunately, we didn’t see them until we have finished touring the grounds last year.  They would have made the lights even more special.

After you’ve purchased your glasses, you can begin your casual stroll around the grounds.  There are many different pathways to go.  Each section has different displays of dazzling lights as well as Christmas music.  It must take the Hudson staff many hours to get all of the lights up. 

Hudson Garden's Rainbow Tunnel

 Along the way, you will also find a building with a miniature Christmas village with a train running through it.  It is very detailed. You may have some trouble dragging the kids away from the train display but let them know that a little further on, they can get hot chocolate and cookies from Nixon’s Coffee House. It’s a good place for the Adults to sit while the kids visit with Santa or run through a rainbow tunnel. 

Eventually, all paths lead back to the gate and the gift shop where you will want to spend a little more time before you leave.  Check it out. I think you will find it a very relaxing, fun way to get in the holiday mood. You can check out their website here for more info and where to buy tickets. 

Should I Have My Home Professionally Staged?

It's a short week and many people are focused on Thanksgiving so I am going to make this a short post. Check out this video from Shane about one of the ways to get the most money for your home.

Confessions of a Plant Killer

Ok, I admit it. I kill houseplants. Now don’t look at me like that! It’s not something I want to do. I just have the most difficult time keeping plants alive.

Recently I murdered a Gardenia. Trust me, it was not premeditated murder!  I had always wanted a Gardenia. I just love the way Gardenias look with their glossy dark green leaves and their fragrant creamy blossoms. I fantasized about having a big beautiful Gardenia bush sitting on my deck, the sweet fragrance wafting through the summer night air. When I saw one at Home Depot, this last summer, I decided to ignore my history and pick one up. My summer evening fantasy fell apart immediately as it didn't do well on my deck. Who knew they were so fussy? It turns out Gardenias have to get just the right amount of light, not too much and not too little. They also need humidity but don’t like damp roots. I tried the poor thing in several different locations trying to find a good home for it. Finally, I tried placing it in my basement bathroom near the window. It seemed to be doing well in the bathroom where it could get lots of humidity. Then one day I walked in and all the leaves were turning black. Nothing I did, turned it around and I finally had to let it go. Sadly, if there was a Plant Killers Anonymous, I would be a lifetime member.

I like having plants in the house, though so I keep trying. I know that plans make your home feel fresher and will improve the home’s air quality. But investing in plants can get expensive if you can't keep them alive. Recently I did a little research to see if I could improve my record and found the following suggestions:

1. Use leftover water from cooking. Plants love the extra nutrients from your leftover cooking water that can’t be found straight from the tap. Instead of dumping the water right after boiling vegetables, let it cool and use it to water your plants.
2. Coffee makes great fertilizer. Rather than throwing your used coffee grounds in the trash, empty out your French press or coffee filter straight into a planter.
3. Dust your plants. This should be part of your regular dusting and cleaning routine. Keeping your plants’ leaves dust-free keeps them healthier.
4. Pay attention to soil types. Different plants require different soils. Do some research to discover each plant‘s preferred soil. For instance, succulents require sandy, dry soil.
5. Beware of root rot. Houseplants are prone to root rot because there’s often nowhere for the excess water to drain from the planter. Prevent root rot by putting pebbles in the bottom of the planter, which elevates the roots. Use a water-hydrogen peroxide mixture for plants that are already showing signs of root rot.

Dusting my plants is never going to happen. I only dust when I absolutely must. I might give the leftover water and coffee grounds a try though. I’ve also read that coffee grounds keep away ants if you sprinkle it around your outdoor plants. Hmmm, I wonder if it would work on my peonies?

Winterizing Your Home

All though I was born in Colorado, I moved away before I was a homeowner. Now that I’m back in Colorado, I’ve had to get up to speed on what I need to do to maintain my home so I’ve been doing some research. I want to share with you some of that research so today’s blog is on how to winterize and perform other maintenance tasks in your home.

The cold weather has arrived, and it’s time to get your home ready for the months of harsh conditions that are on the way. Here are five key tasks for winterizing your home.

Get your HVAC system inspected: Some things are better left to the experts. Schedule a tune-up with an HVAC professional—they’ll check for carbon monoxide, inspect pipes, clean/change filters, and get your system running more efficiently.


Reverse your ceiling fans: Did you know that there are separate settings on your ceiling fan for cool and warm months? You want it to rotate clockwise during the winter. It’ll force the warm air down and keep you comfortable at night.

Disconnect all hoses: This is the most common cause of frozen pipes. One way to reduce this risk is by putting your hoses away in the shed or garage for the winter. That way, if someone connects a hose they will hopefully disconnect it to put it back in its place. Also, if you see a hose out of storage it will be a red flag that someone connected it.

Keep an emergency kit: A blizzard can quickly leave you stuck at home with roads too dangerous to drive to get food and other supplies, and can even cause power outages. Prepare for the worst by stocking water, non-perishable foods, and plenty of blankets.

Clean the gutters: Clogged gutters can fill with ice and cause roof leaks from water damming. Another problem is the gutter can become heavy and rip off, causing other damage.

Now what?

Winter is hard on your home. The weight of snow puts stress on your roof, and the cold expands and contracts the materials your home is made of. So what should you do when that winter weather is behind us? Not surprisingly, some of the areas where you were focused on for winterizing will need post-winter home maintenance.

Roof and shingles: It’s pretty common for shingles to get damaged or detach completely after a long cold winter. Thoroughly inspect your roof to ensure that shingles are in good condition and the roof is structurally sound. It may not be time to replace your roof yet, but consider how many more years it has left and start preparing a budget.

Check your gutters:  Yes, do it again! The weight of heavy melting snow and debris is more than enough to make your gutters sag or loosen. Clear out all the leaves and other debris that’s collected in the gutters, and make sure they’re still securely attached at all points.

Check concrete surfaces: Fluctuating temperatures cause concrete to expand and contract. This can lead to damaged driveways, walkways, and other surfaces, and that can spell bad news for water drainage. Fill the cracks with an appropriate material, and seal your surfaces if possible.

HVAC service: Before you put your central air conditioner through a rigorous summer, clean the coils and change the filter. Better yet, bring in a professional for yearly maintenance.

The "Smart" Home

Ok, in my last post, I confessed that I am a bit of geek. In this post, I am going to confirm that impression as I want to talk about technology that can be used for your home.

First, let’s focus on smartphone apps that help you decorate and furnish your home. Technology has made it easier than ever to bring your home decor ideas to reality. There are countless smartphone apps that help you plan a space or do some valuable comparative shopping. Here are five apps to use on your next decorating project. Most are available should be available on both iOS and Android devices. As I have an Android phone I was able to confirm that all were available for Android except LikeThatDecor and DesignSponge

• Color Capture: Ever see a color that would make for a perfect paint scheme? Benjamin Moore’s Color Capture app allows you to take a photo of anything and instantly get a matching paint color.
• iHandyLevel: Hanging photos and artwork? Rather than searching through your toolbox for a level, you can use something that’s already in your pocket: Your phone. The iHandyLevel app functions just as well as a dedicated level, turning your phone into the ultimate picture-hanging companion.
• LikeThatDecor: Let’s say you see the perfect Chesterfield sofa in a coffee shop, and you want to see where you could get one of your own. Use the LikeThatDecor app to take a photo of furniture and instantly see similar items from dozens of retailers.
• IKEA Catalog: Forget about the nightmare of navigating the parking garage, showroom, and warehouse at your nearest IKEA. The IKEA Catalog app allows you to virtually place furniture in a room. If only there was an app for easy IKEA assembly!
•  DesignSponge: DesignSponge is one of the best DIY and home decor websites out there. Now there’s an app that makes it easy to access all of their awesome content on your smartphone.

Next, let's look at some smart home tools that will not only help you enjoy your home more but will also make the home more appealing when it’s time to sell.

• Nest Thermostat The Nest Thermostat is controlled with your smartphone, and it learns the schedule of the home's occupants. It adjusts the temperature according to your schedule, which saves on energy costs since heating and cooling will be reduced when appropriate. The Nest Thermostat has earned glowing reviews and almost universal praise, so it’s one of the surest bets for your home.
• Automatic Lighting Lighting is an overlooked part of home security—leaving the lights on in the evening can deter burglars, because the lights suggest someone is home. With automatic and smart lighting systems, you can program your lights to come on in the evening, or use your smartphone to turn on the lights before you arrive at home.
• Smart Alarms Gone are the days of controlling your security system from a panel inside the home. Now there are security systems that you can control from anywhere in the world using your phone. You can monitor your home from anywhere, without having to pay a monthly fee to a security company. Although it’s not marketed as an alarm, the Ring doorbell falls in this category because you can see who is at your door through your phone.

To Roomba or Not to Roomba

Have you seen the commercial where a child is running across the floor spilling cereal as he or she goes? You then hear the voice of what is obviously the mother saying “Alexa, buy more cereal.” Then the disembodied voice says “Alexa, tell Roomba to vacuum.” The next picture is of the robot vacuum cleaning up the cereal.

Geek that I am I get a kick out of that commercial. It’s like watching “The Jetsons” come to life. (That link is for you, Millenials) It also always triggers my desire to buy a Roomba. Yes, it’s an Alexa commercial but it’s the Roomba I find interesting. I’ve been wanting one for a few years but just haven’t been able to justify it. I find vacuuming very boring so having some automated way to do it is intriguing. However, my fear is that I’d spend the money and then find the darn thing caught in a corner where it's run it's battery down because it couldn't  get out. Whether that is a legitimate fear or not I don't know.  Seeing the commercial recently wetted my desire for one again so I’ve done a little research. Here’s what I found out to look for when you’re shopping for a robot vacuum cleaner.

Cost
Robot vacuum cleaners typically retail from $100 to about $700. Of course, units with higher quality features cost a lot more. If you want a unit that can withstand heavy use, you will have to pay a premium price.

Battery life
The best robot vacuums can run for two hours or longer. That’s particularly important if you have a big place—you don’t want to have to keep recharging your vacuum between cleanings. It’s especially convenient if you have a vacuum that can automatically dock and recharge between uses.

Cleaning patterns
Simpler, more inexpensive vacuums may only clean in a random or back-and-forth pattern, while more advanced vacuums can virtually map a room for more precise cleaning. It’s also better if the vacuum is capable of making multiple passes in its pattern, as it’ll lead to a more thorough cleaning job.

Size and design
Most robot vacuum cleaners are no more than four inches tall so they can move under furniture. Still, pay attention to the height of your vacuum and the clearance of your furniture, so that you don’t end up with a vacuum that can’t get to important spots. Also, consider your floor type—some vacuums are better-suited for hardwood floors and tile, while others are better for carpeted floors.

Benefits
The most obvious benefit of the robot vacuum is the ability to set it to clean while you are away. This offers you an opportunity to do something else with the extra time you save. However, there are actually quite a few benefits other than time-saving convenience such as:

• They are perfect for anyone with mobility issues because all they have to do is set the vacuum to do the cleaning on a regular schedule. Hmm, sounds like a good gift for an elderly parent I know.
• Some units come with advanced features that allow them to detect the amount of dirt in an area. This feature allows the unit to linger for longer on a dirty area until it is completely clean.
• Units with advanced sensors let them differentiate between different surfaces. This means the vacuum cleaner can sense and adjust settings when it is cleaning over a carpet or operating over wood or tiles.
• A self-recharging unit senses that the power charge is low so it heads back to base for a recharge when needed. How cool is that?
• If you buy the right robot vacuum cleaner, you will enjoy lengthy service from it. These units require minimal maintenance as long as it does not encounter any external damage.
• Some of the small robot cleaners have the ability to go round corners and also beneath seats to clean those hard to reach areas you are unable to access with the ordinary vacuum cleaner.

So what do you think? Is it time to break down and get a robot vacuum? If anyone has one, I’d love to hear your experience, both bad and good.

The Answer to the 'Where Shall We Eat' Question

Are you looking for a new place to eat? Maybe you are looking for a somewhere to eat that isn’t too expensive but has good fresh food?  Or are you looking for a place where you don’t have to dress up but you also don’t have to yell to make yourself heard?  Well, I have just such a place to tell you about today as I’d like to talk about one of my very favorite local restaurants. 

My husband and I don’t eat out much.  Between his schedule and mine, it’s difficult to find time to go out. When we do decide to eat out, we usually have trouble agreeing where to eat.  He’ll want to eat Italian and I’ll want steak. You know how it goes. There is one restaurant, however, that we both agree on and that is usually where we go. 

The restaurant is Sushi King located at 5953 S. Zang Street.  Situated in a little strip mall at Zang and Bowles, it isn’t a fancy place.  Seating is a combination of tables and booths and, of course, the sushi bar. Music plays softly in the background and I’ve never been in there when the noise level was too loud.  The décor is casually accented with some Japanese artwork.

Sushi Bar at Sushi King

Two things make this place stand out from the average Japanese restaurant.
-First is the staff.  The owners, Ring and Doug, are always pleasant even though it seems like they are always working.  The wait staff is young, friendly and polite which seems to be a rarity these days.
-Second is the food. Prices are average and the menu has quite a bit of variety such as sweet and sour chicken and cashew shrimp.  My husband and I usually get a Bento Box with sashimi and a rainbow roll from the Sushi Bar. The tempura vegetables are consistently good and not oily and the sushi always tastes fresh.  Beer and wine are available, if you're so inclined, as well as regular soft drinks.  Desserts are also available.  One of our favorites is the Green Tea Ice Cream.

If it’s been one of those days when you're too tired to cook or go out, Sushi King does have take-out available.  You can either order it for pick up or have it delivered.  Delivery is restricted to certain areas though so you might want to call the restaurant to see if you are within their delivery area.  

Check it out and let me know what you think.  Sushi King is open:

Monday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m

Tuesday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m

Wednesday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m

Thursday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m

Friday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m

Saturday 12:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m

Sunday 12:00 a.m- 10:00 p.m. 

Cutting the (television) Cord

Like many folks, my family is always looking for ways to save money. Today's post is on one of the ways we've found to save on entertainment.

 My husband and I recently decided that we weren’t getting enough value out of our satellite service. We find the news too depressing so we only watch weather and traffic. We also don’t watch any of the nightly comedies or dramas. I don't want to offend anyone but we find most of the shows are the same storyline just told with different characters. We realized we had 800+ channels and we watched about 3 channels. Three channels for the monthly fee of approximately $80 just didn't make sense to us.  Other than sports and the occasional movie, our television wasn’t being used much.

We decided we didn’t want to be completely cut off though. After doing some research we found the cable company that supplied our internet could provide internet streaming television also for about $10.00 more than we were currently paying. So we said goodbye to the satellite and set up a computer that would allow us to watch television on our big screen via the internet.  The cable company provides live TV so if we want to watch the occasional local and national news we can. When my husband wants to watch motorcycle races he found the races were usually on YouTube. With our Netflix and Amazon Prime accounts, we find we have plenty to watch when we do decide to watch TV. A recent Hulu ad indicated that Hulu now has live TV so that may be another option for some people.

Don’t get me wrong, it was an adjustment to get used to using a keyboard and a mouse to watch TV. The “channel” numbers are different too and we’ve had to get better at searches. However, I think we are both happy with the change and the savings is definitely worth it.

I don’t think my husband and I are the only ones making this change. I’ve read that more and more people are cutting the cord and going without television service. If you watch a lot of live programing— then cable is still a necessity. I also think if we had children at home we would have made a different decision. You may find that this option is not for you. But if you find you want to make a change, here are some things to keep in mind to get and keep the best deals in television service.

Know what’s in store: Cable and satellite companies seemingly make it impossible to go online to downgrade your services, cancel service, or choose a new bundle. Cable and satellite companies love to sign customers to a two-year contract, but will dramatically raise your bill when a promotional period ends after one year. Suddenly, you’re paying $50 or more per month for the same services. Even online chat support gives the cable company the upper hand. Picking up the phone and negotiating remains the best way to get the lowest price for your television service. If you decide to cancel your service, be aware that some cable and satellite representatives make a bonus if they talk you out of canceling the service. I had the satellite company calling me two weeks after we canceled to trying and bring us back. You will need to remain strong!

Knowledge is power: Before you call, do some research. Understand the terms of your current contract, see which bundles your cable provider is currently offering to new customers, and price out similar service offerings from other companies. You’ll be in a better bargaining position if you have the freedom to cancel on your current provider.

Make the call: If monthly fees are the issue, make it clear to the support representative that you are calling because your rates have increased and you’re considering canceling if they cannot lower your bill. The support representative will initially try to offer higher-priced bundles or short-term freebies, but don’t give up on the negotiation—remember, you already know you can switch to another provider. If the sales representative won’t budge, you can even end the call, and try again with a different representative. In most cases, they would rather find a package that works than lose a customer.

An interview with Mortgage Broker, Charles “Chuck” Swigart

Charles Swigart

As a Realtor, I often work with first time home buyers. They enjoy the searching for and viewing potential homes. The not-so-fun part? The mortgage.

But if you don't pay attention to the details, your mortgage can end up dragging down the enjoyment of your new home and cause some major regrets. I’ve asked Chuck Swigart, an independent mortgage broker to help answer some of the common questions that buyers ask:

· Is a mortgage broker the same as a mortgage lender? No. Mortgage lenders offer only a few select loans marketed to the most common borrower characteristics. Charles Swigart Home Loans is an independent mortgage broker. We offer well-known conventional, FHA, and VA home loans. We also offer the not-so-well-known home loans such as our rare 1% down conventional purchase loan. We also offer non-conventional loans for special circumstances such as self-employed, investment income, and foreign national. We offer the same loans as all mortgage lenders but we can provide it with a more competitive rate.

When you shop for a car, you typically go to a dealer that sells one type of car. You can buy any of their vehicles in that brand. Now, imagine going to a dealer where you can buy any brand of car and any model offered by that brand. Having all brands and all models in one place is how convenient it is to shop for your home loan with a mortgage broker.

· What is a common misconception about mortgage lending? All lenders are the same. Not true. While many lenders and brokers may offer similar loan products, the service you receive may be vastly different. Differences in service from a lender or broker may be due to differing experience levels or differences in the company’s behaviors. Charles Swigart Home Loans’ primary behaviors focus on speed and service to our clients.

· What does a lender look for when qualifying applicants? Primarily, we look for demonstrated credit responsibility and consistency. This doesn’t always mean high credit scores and salaried borrowers. The lack of risky credit behavior is more important than a high credit score. Having two (2) years of employment and residence history is important. Two (2) years of employment in the same industry with more than one employer or two (2) years in the same position with multiple employers is acceptable.

· What is available to help buyers with a limited amount of money for the down payment? We offer our unique 1% down payment option for borrowers with 700+ credit scores. We also provide down payment grants and purchase money loans for borrowers that want a little more help. If you have your earnest money deposit and $1000 for appraisal and home inspections, you may be ready to buy your next home.

· What do you recommend for someone with credit issues? We provide a free, 10-minute loan qualification for our clients. We can answer your questions about your challenges and put your mind at ease. Most of the issues you worry may keep you from homeownership can be resolved with a simple phone call and an action plan. Let us put our experience and skill to work for you.

· People that are self-employed may not qualify if they claim many deductions on their taxes so they don’t show enough income. What can they do? If you have 20% down payment or 20% equity in the property you own, you can qualify using your bank statements to prove income. If you don’t have 20% for a down payment or equity, you should consult your accountant. We can also finance borrowers that can show their income from the cash flow of investment properties – even if they deduct all of their income.

Thank you, Chuck. Where can people reach you if they have more questions? You can reach me any day of the week at 303-868-6071. Don’t be afraid to call and get advice. It’s free and can lead to positive opportunities for your future!

Finally, from a Realtor’s point of view, here are a couple of mistakes to avoid to ensure that you love your mortgage terms as much as your new home.

Don't find your home first: Shopping around for the best mortgage rate should be the first step in the home buying process. You may even want to talk to a mortgage broker a full year before you plan to buy. It'll give you time to get your affairs in order to qualify for the best rate, could save you thousands of dollars in the long run, and you won't feel rushed to accept an unattractive loan because you're worried you'll miss out on your dream home.

Don't forget your real budget: There's often a big difference between what a lender says you can afford and what you can actually afford. Your debt-to-income ratio doesn't include the money you spend on hobbies, or the cost of commuting to work, or maintenance and utility costs. Really sit down and examine your spending before committing to the loan amount the lender is offering. You won't enjoy your home nearly as much if it's eating into your favorite hobbies.

House Hacks

I have a confession. I’m addicted to Pinterest! For those of you not familiar with this website/tool, members indicate what interests they have when they sign up and then Pinterest feeds article to you on those items for free. The articles are “pinned” by other members. If you want to hang on to an article you can save it in a category.

It’s a timesaver if you’re searching for something. Admittedly, it can also be a time waster too as you may find you’ve spent an hour looking at articles just because there is so much out there. You also have to use some discernment with some of these articles because there aren’t many restrictions and people being people will post some pretty absurd information. However, there are many other articles that fill me with amazement at how talented some people are.

Some of my favorite types of articles are about household tips for cleaning because I hate to clean but I like a clean house. Most of these articles are how to do something quickly or with common household items. Today, I want to share with you some of the tips or house hacks (To Hack something is to change something.) I’ve found for keeping a clean house-

The microwave
The solution for a clean microwave is in your refrigerator (or maybe in the produce section of the grocery store). Microwave a cup of water and a few lemon slices, and then use a sponge to clean the microwave with the warm water.

Grease Stains
This one works on clothes as well as surfaces. Rub white chalk on the grease stain, let it sit for five minutes, and then wipe it away with a wet rag.

The Television
Screens on HDTVs are delicate, and you want to avoid liquid cleaners, especially on LCD screens. Instead, take a dryer sheet and use it to clean the screen. The sheet will pick up dust and reduce static, and won’t damage the TV.

Air Vents
It is always tough to thoroughly clean air vents because the spaces are so small, but they attract a ton of dust. Wrap a small towel around a butter knife, and then use the knife to clean the openings in the vent.

Dishwasher
Place a dishwasher-safe container with white vinegar in the dishwasher and run the dishwasher on the hottest water cycle available to get rid of grease and the musty odor. Then sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher tub and run on the short cycle. It will remove stains.

Furniture Dents in Carpet

Have you ever moved a piece of furniture to another place and then had furniture dents in the carpet where the furniture used to be?  Place ice cubes on the dents and the dents will disappear as the carpet dries.  You may have to do this more than once to completely remove the dent.

Do you have some house hacks you’d like to share? I'd love to hear them.

What Affects Property Values

Updating your home is part of the home ownership process for most people. For some, it's making the home specific to their likes and taste. For others, they may be thinking of remodeling because they are thinking of selling. If you are thinking of selling, it's a good idea to make updates to your home so it doesn't look dated. When I am out showing homes, a dated looking home is often the reason a buyer will tell me they are not interested.

Whether you're remodeling for your own use or because you're putting your home on the market, it is a smart move to make sure that change will improve your property value. Some of the features that increase property values are obvious-like a remodeled bathroom, a modern kitchen, or a sought-after neighborhood. You also don't want to make an over improvement to the property because it may discourage buyers and make your property difficult to appraise.

Here are a few features and circumstances you may not have realized can affect property values.

• The neighbors: Not every neighborhood or community has an HOA that can keep the neighbors from going overboard with decorations or neglecting to care for their home. Homes adjacent to crazy neighbors can potentially be undervalued.
• Trendy groceries and coffee: Recent statistics suggest that if your home is a short walk from popular grocery stores like Whole Foods or coffee chains like Starbucks, it can actually appreciate faster than the national average.
• Mature trees: A big beautiful tree in the front yard is enviable, and it's not something that can be easily added to any home. Homes with mature trees tend to get a little boost in value.
• Parking: This isn't too much of an issue if you live in the suburbs or in a rural area, but residents in dense cities can have real problems with parking, and homeowners might need to rent a spot just to guarantee a place to park each night. That's why having guaranteed parking in urban areas will raise property values.
• The front entrance: First impressions matter to buyers-many will cross a home off their list within 10 seconds of stepping through the front door. An appealing front door, a friendly entryway, and a functioning doorbell are all necessities for getting top dollar.

So you may be asking yourself "What improvements can I do to add value to my  home?"  So glad you asked!

• Kitchens/Baths: Nearly everyone knows that updated kitchens and baths are on the top of the list for home improvements. If they are done right they will almost pay for themselves in bringing back top dollar for your home. Try to use granite for countertops and stainless steel appliances if you can afford it as these items are still very popular.
• Paint: Try to use neutral paint colors throughout the house. I love deep red in dining rooms but if I'm trying to sell my house, I would paint the walls. My current favorite neutral color is Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray. Also, make sure you test the color in different lights. I also like Realist Beige but it turns pinkish in some lights.
• Trims: White on baseboards and doors are still very popular. It looks clean and contrasts well with neutral colors. Also updating the doors to paneled doors and baseboards to a wider size will make a world of difference in making your home look updated for a small cost.
• Fixtures: Update lighting fixtures, door knobs, and faucets. Although I'm starting to see some gold fixtures in magazines again, most people still prefer oiled bronze and brushed nickel finishes. 
• Curb appeal: Don't forget to add a little color in the form of plants to the front yard. Curb appeal and first impressions really do make the difference.

Farmer's Market

During the summer months, I like to go to the local Farmer’s Market on weekends.  It’s a great place to find local produce straight from the farm but you can find other items such as cheeses, clothing, jewelry, and wine.  

There are several Farmer’s Markets around town.  The one I usually go to is at Southwest Plaza. The Southwest Plaza Farmer’s Market is only open on Saturdays this year but others may be open Saturday and Sunday. There is also one in Lakewood at Mile Hi Church at the intersection of Alameda and Garrison. To find the Farmers Market closest to you, check out the Farmers Market website.

Many of the craft items are originals that you won’t see in the local department store.  They also have plants that are not available at the home improvement stores.

I like to go when they open at 8:00 a.m. as that is when you can find the best produce before it is picked over.  You also avoid the heat when you go early.

I think the best way to start is to go to the local coffee vendor.  Then you can take your time wandering amount the stalls.  I always save picking up produce until the last so I don’t have to carry it around but parking is close so it’s no problem to put it in the car and come back to the Market.  Just be sure to bring lots of reusable bags as the plastic ones the vendors use tend to break.

 If you haven’t been, check it out.  I think you’ll find it a fun way to start the weekend.

Enjoy!
Cheryl

How to Gel Stain

 I am somewhat of a DIY-er.  I’d probably be more of a one if I had more time as I find it very satisfying to find a home project that will make my space more unique and take that project to completion.  Sometimes these are small projects such as painting a room and sometimes they are larger projects such as a built in bookcase/fireplace project I have planned.

Which brings me to today’s project. Ever since I moved into my house three years ago I have wanted to change the color of the stair banisters.  The reason is that all of my furniture is dark wood such as mahogany or cherry and the banisters were a light oak or maple. One day while scanning Pinterest I came across several posts talking about a gel stain from General Finishes.  I tend to be cynic about most products doing what they say and I’ve tried other gel stains so I initially was skeptical.  However, the more I read the more intrigued I became. Especially when I read I wouldn’t have to do much sanding.  I really dislike sanding!

Normally I would have headed to Amazon to look for the General Finishes Gel Stains, but in this case I looked around for a local source.  The reason was I wanted to get a small quantity of the gel stains for testing. I finally found it at Rockler on Colorado Boulevard. I wasn’t sure what colors I wanted and the samples at Rockler were not on light woods so I picked up several half pint containers of Java, Antique Walnut, Georgian Cherry, Mahogany and Satin overcoat.  They aren’t cheap but the stain goes a long ways so you don’t need much.

Next, I went to my local Home Depot to the flooring section and picked up 6 or 8 honey oak sample pieces. The honey oak color was the closest to the color of my banister.  I want to put a plug in here for Home Depot as they provide flooring samples free.  Lowes charges. I also tend to favor Home Depot over Lowes as I can usually find help there when I need it.  I felt a little guilty about taking so many samples but I spend hundreds of dollars at Home Depot so whether it was right or not I used that as my justification.

When I got home, I lightly sanded each sample just enough to remove the glossy look and wiped them down with a clean cloth to remove the dust and lint.  Then I put on rubber gloves and over the gloves an old sock. Why an old sock?  I read somewhere that the sock would not add lint to the stain and it didn’t. However, I ran out of socks before this project was finished and had to switch to old cotton pajamas cut into strips. I would also buy large quantities of rubber gloves too if you are going to try this product.   You don’t want to get this stain on your skin as it is hard to get off.

With my hands adequately cover, I dipped a sock covered hand into the gel stain and then wiped the sock across the wood sample to apply a coat of color to the sample.  I repeated this with a new sock for each color so that I had one sample with each of my gel stain colors.  I was pleasantly surprised to find the gel went on the wood evenly and had almost no odor, unlike other products I have used. 

When I was done, I left the samples to dry for 12 hours. It is very important to wait the 12 hours.   Don’t rush this step!  I’ve tried adding a coat sooner than 12 hours and it always ruins my previous coat.  The next day I covered up 1/3 of each sample and stained the remaining 2/3 and you guessed it- I left it alone for 12 hours. The third day I covered up 2/3 of each sample and then with another sock I applied another coat of gel stain to the remaining 1/3 for each sample. Again I left it for 12 hours. 

The reason I did this was to see what one coat, two coats, and three coats would look like on each sample. The stains were all very nice but I realized from this experiment that none of the stains were exactly what I wanted so I did one more experiment on a sample.  I put on two coats of Java and one coat of Georgian Cherry. This is the bottom right sample in the picture.  This gave me exactly the color I wanted and I was ready to start work on the banisters.

To prep the banisters. I had to take an Allen wrench and loosen each of the wrought-iron caps so I could slide them away from the wood.  I had thought I could then remove the wrought-iron rods.  Unfortunately, the person that installed them had glued them in place so I had to stain up to the rods.  After that, I used painters tape around all the banister posts where they were attached to a painted surface.  Next, I lightly sanded all of the wood posts and banisters.  For the crevices I tried Sanders Deglosser as I had read a de-glosser would help in the crevices. I really don’t think it worked that well but it didn’t seem to make a difference when I got to gel stain stage. I’ve heard Paso Deglosser works well but I haven’t been able to find it locally.  Finally, I wiped everything down with a damp cloth before starting my stain routine.

When I was done with the three coats, I did two coats of clear satin.  I know these banisters are going to get handled a lot so I wanted to give them a lot of protection.  

I loved the results I got and I’m now a big fan of General Finishes Gel Stains.  They are easy to use as the surface doesn’t need to be sanded down to raw wood and they don’t smell. The only drawback I saw was the drying time but it was worth it in the end.  This little project gave me the confidence to take on an even bigger project – building and staining built in bookcases!   If they go well you just might see a post on them in the future.

Lakehurst Concert in the Park

One of the highlights of summer for me is the local Concerts in the Park. I can’t think of anything more relaxing than setting up a camp chair or a blanket on the grass, then settling in for good music while munching on picnic fare.  When I saw the Lakehurst HOA was sponsoring their first ever concert in Lakehurst Park on July 22nd,  there was no question that I would go. This HOA is a voluntary organization so they run on a shoestring.  I try to support them whenever I can. If you’ve never been to Lakehurst Park, it borders Harriman Lake in Lakewood.

Around 6:30 that evening I wandered over to the Park.  I was delighted to see it was going to be a perfect evening weather-wise as there had been threats of rain the previous evenings.  We were blessed this evening with temperatures in the 80s, some clouds, and a soft breeze.

Once I got to the park, I saw the HOA was selling hot dogs, brats, chips, ice cream, and cookies.  Knowing this was a fundraiser and wanting to support the HOA, I bought a hot dog, chips and a drink.  Then I found a place to set up my camp chair so I’d have a good view of the stage.  While I waited for the concert to start, I watched young children running through the grass barefoot as they chased after puppies. Not far from me,  someone had set up a ring toss and a contest was in progress.  Neighbors were chatting. It felt good to just sit back and take it all in.

The concert’s featured performers were the Margarita Brothers, a group that sings a mix of music such as  Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Reggae, and South of the Border Hits.  The concert started promptly at  7 p.m. and ran until 9 p.m. With the exception of a short break,  the Margarita Brothers kept the good music coming the whole time. The music was all my favorites so I don’t think the band had a bad number the whole evening. My very favorite was definitely the Starship hit “Sara”  performed by Mike Dane who also did saxophone. 

At one point during the concert, hula hoops were passed out to the kids.  It was so much fun to watch them hula hooping to the music and thinking back to when I could handle a hula hoop.  Keeping with the beach theme, the HOA also passed out leis to anyone that wanted one.

Toward the end of the concert, we were treated to an amazing kaleidoscope of colors as the sun set behind the mountains and reflected off the lake.  It was a perfect end to the evening.  As I walked home, I wondered if the HOA met their fundraising goals for this event.  I hope so as I would love to go next year and would recommend it to everyone. 

Another Mini Get-Away

One of the things I love about our area is the little lakes that dot the area. Most of them have walking trails around them where you can watch the ducks or sit and relax. They are like a little oasis in all the hustle and bustle of life.


One of my favorite lakes is Harriman Lake at the corner of Kipling and Quincy. Admittedly part of the reason this is one of my favorite lakes is that my father has told me stories of swimming in this lake back when he was in high school in 1946. He lived in Englewood at the time so I guess that is what they called getting away back then. I love the idea that this lake has survived for more than 70 years.

Harriman was closed to the public for a while after a couple of people drowned. Harriman Lake Park is maintained through a combined effort between Foothills and Denver Water. The lake and most of the land surrounding it is owned by Denver Water. Foothills leases the recreation rights from Denver Water. On October 21, 1995, the Harriman Park area was dedicated and reopened to the public. The 1.4 -mile lake sits on an 11-acre parcel which is leased to Foothills Recreational from Jefferson County. Starting in December 201l, Denver Water began replacing the old dam with a new earthen one. The project was completed in February 2013. This project was done to satisfy regulatory requirements and bring the dam to its full capacity for storage.

The park includes not only Harriman Lake but the prairie habitat that surrounding the lake. The loop trail surrounding the lake features stops that describe historical and natural features of the area. On the south side of the lake are two covered picnic tables. To reach the trailhead, there is a parking area on Kipling just south of Quincy. Other than that, improvements are minimal so as to preserve the park integrity of the park.

It is an easy walk around the lake passing through wetlands and bird habitats. You can start the trail from the parking area and head west along Quincy Avenue or from the south side of the lake head west alongside the Lakehurst Village Subdivision before entering the Donkey Hill Greenbelt. From Donkey Hill the trail swings around the north side of Donkey Hill and crosses under S. Simms Street through a dedicated box culvert. The trail then parallels the Weaver Creek drainage and continues west to Weaver Hollow Park and Pool. From Weaver Hollow Park and Pool it continues west to Weaver Creek Park where the trail dead ends at Cole St. Trail head.

You will see joggers and dog walkers most days but it is not a crowded trail. Swimming, boating, wading, belly boats, and ice fishing are prohibited. Come check it out if you need a quick getaway place to recalibrate.

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