Your Home Team's Blog

July home-maintenance checklist

2009-07-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

By Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=20591652

DID YOU KNOW ? Washington is home to four of the five longest floating bridges in the world

2009-05-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW ?

Washington is home to four of the five longest floating bridges in the world: the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge and Homer M. Hadley Bridge over Lake Washington, and the Hood Canal Bridge connecting the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas.

Today's Weather in Sequim

2009-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/home/local/98382?lswe=98382&lwsa=Weather36HourHomeCommand&from=searchbox_localwx

Home Maintenance Tasks: May

2009-05-04T12:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/homemaintenance/tasks_may.html?from=pif_locallinker_undeclared

Sequim was featured in the New York Times

2009-05-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sequim was featured in the New York Times

Great Homes and Destinations

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/greathomesanddestinations/24mark.html?_r=2&ref=escapes

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will go into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S.

2009-04-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Why is Washington State issuing EDL/IDs? (Enhanced Driver License/ID Cards)

For info - go to http://www.dol.wa.gov/

The federal government recently passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires a passport or other federally-approved identification or proof-of-citizenship document for all travel into the United States. To preserve travel, trade, and cultural ties with British Columbia and increase security at the border, the Washington State Department of Licensing is offering EDL/ID Cards to Washington residents who choose to participate. The EDL/ID meets federal requirements, and is an approved alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S at land and sea borders between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will go into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S. WHTI went into effect for air travelers on January 23, 2007.

The Origin of April Fools' Day

2009-03-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

April Fools' Day From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools%27_Day

April Fools Day Fun Facts - Learn The History And Pranks Of All Fools Day
http://www.lifescript.com/Life/Timeout/Chill/April_Fools_Day_Fun_Facts.aspx?trans=1&du=1&gclid=COfjjvXKwZkCFQiPgwodaFDPug&ef_id=1350:3:c_9880951169be2082e9061893804bb22b_2540826275:rqrdy9BkLAoAAEbMHRMAAAAZ:20090326215602

April Fools' Day: Origin and History
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/aprilfools1.html

Bridge closure reroutes Dungeness Line

2009-03-16T16:17:00.001-07:00

Bridge closure reroutes Dungeness Line

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20090316/news/303169996

The Hood Canal Bridge closes for six weeks starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2009.

2009-03-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

The Hood Canal Bridge closes for six weeks starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2009.
Visit the WSDOT website to learn about transportation options.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR104HoodCanalBridgeEast/

you may be eligible for an $8000 tax credit in 2009

2009-03-03T15:26:00.001-08:00

BUYER'S - you may be eligible for an $8000 tax credit in 2009 . If you purchase a home between Jan 1 2009 and Nov 30, 2009 and have not owned a home in the past 3 years the presidents new stimulas bill may be for you. Check out more information at
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/02/26/new-home-buyer-tax-credit-7-things-you-need-to-know.html

Goodwill in Port Angeles will accept electronic equiment

2009-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

http://sequimgazette.com/Article/articleDetail.exm/Index/article/2009-01-07_Goodwill_to_accept_electronics/

Goodwill to accept electronics. (See article from the Sequim Gazette) Free recycling of TVs, computers, laptops and monitors will start Jan. 2 at Goodwill stores statewide. Goodwill will accept all electronic equipment — including keyboards, printers, other peripherals and cell phones. “We offer more than 40 free, convenient drop-off locations across western and southcentral Washington,” said Eric Hulscher, Goodwill operations manager overseeing the program. “Participating in the program is in keeping with Goodwill’s reduce, reuse and recycle efforts.” He added, “This is a permanent, ongoing program, not a one-day event.” A Goodwill store and donation center are located at 603 S. Lincoln St. in Port Angeles. For information about other Goodwill donation locations, go online to www.tacomagoodwill.org. Additional information about the statewide program is available online at www.ecyclewashington.org. E-Cycle Washington, created under a 2006 state law, provides for recycling of unwanted electronics products. Manufacturers are funding the project and the state Department of Ecology is monitoring the effort to ensure material is processed properly. Tacoma Goodwill is a certified collector in the program. In 2008, Goodwill provided job-training and placement services to 5,241 people with proceeds from gently used clothes and household items that are sold in Goodwill’s stores. Donations to the nonprofit agency are tax deductible.

Uses for WD-40 ... got this as an e-mail - are these all true?

2009-02-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40 is?

Who knew?

I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do. Probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck. I'm impressed! WD-40 who knew?

'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find A 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop ... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some other uses:

01. Protects silver from tarnishing.
02. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
03. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
04. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
05. Keeps flies off cows.
06. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
07. Removes lipstick stains.
08. Loosens stubborn zippers.
09. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
44. Removes pricing labels adhesive, and tape adhesives.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

Per Hallmark - here are the number of cards sent for the major holidays

2008-12-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

This chart provides Hallmark's estimates for U.S. greeting card industry statistics for the top card-sending holidays:

Rank / Holiday Number of Cards Sent
1. Christmas --------- 2.1 billion (including boxed and individual cards)
2. Valentine's Day --- 191 million (not including classroom valentines)
3. Mother's Day ------ 158 million
4. Father's Day ------- 102 million
5. Easter -------------- 88 million
6. Halloween --------- 35 million
7. Thanksgiving ----- 25 million
8. St. Patrick's Day -- 11 million

Sequim man tests luck on popular game show

2008-12-16T09:00:00.001-08:00

Episode to air on TV on Dec. 17

http://sequimgazette.com/Article/articleDetail.exm/Index/article/2008-12-10_Sequim_man_tests_luck_on_popular_game_show/

New runways open at 3 of nation's busiest airports

2008-11-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

New runways open at 3 of nation's busiest airports - including Seattle-Tacoma Airport:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/11/20/new.runways/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Happy Halloweeen

2008-10-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.brandextract.com/catbowling/

ok - this is not real estate - but it is fun!

Push the space bar to play!

Heard about a web site and wanted to share ...

2008-09-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

When you call the customer service number at big companies you go on and on and on and cannot talk to a "person".

Well, I heard about a web site where they have the "direct" customer service numbers listed. Have not tried it out - let us know what you think!

http://www.gethuman.com/

The Lighthouse In Sequim

2008-09-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Are those giants painting the lighthouse
in Sequim? Well, actually, they are painting
the lighthouse replica by the Chamber of Commerce!

2008 Best Places to Retire - Sequim is ON THE LIST

2008-09-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/article/105716/2008-Best-Places-to-Retire

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/moneymag/0809/gallery.bestplaces_retire.moneymag/3.html

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/moneymag/0809/gallery.best_places_retire_profiles.moneymag/2.html

CNNMoney.com has 2008 Best Places to Retire - check it out - Sequim is on the list - 6 terrific towns on the water.

This picture appears to have been taken from our awesome waterfront listing on West Sequim Bay Road - check it out too! ML #225322

WSDOT completes final Hood Canal Bridge pontoon float-ou

2008-08-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

8-1-08 WSDOT is pleased to announce the final two pontoons for the east-half of the Hood Canal Bridge were floated out of the graving dock in Tacoma, Wash. Earlier today, pontoons U and W – the last of the bridge’s new 14 east-half pontoons – were towed by tugboats to Pier 6 at Todd Pacific Shipyard in Seattle. There the pontoons will be the pontoons will be connected and the superstructure and roadway will be added. WSDOT is focused on keeping this project on schedule and this major milestone will help us meet the May – June 2009 Hood Canal Bridge closure. Here’s how it happened:• 4:45 p.m.: The graving dock was flooded with water and the gates were removed• 5:15 p.m.: Pontoon U was towed out of the graving dock• 5:50 p.m.: Pontoon W was towed out of the graving dock• 6:30 p.m.: The pontoons were both clear of the graving dock and the gate was put back in place. We will be posting a time-lapse video of the float out in a few days at: www.HoodCanalBridge.com , click on “Cycle Four Pontoon Float Out”
Visit www.HoodCanalbridge.Com for more information about the bridge and the east-half replacement and west-half retrofit project.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 WHEN ...

2008-07-31T16:54:00.000-07:00

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 when ... 1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave. 2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years. 3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three. 4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you. 5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses. 6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries. 7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen 8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it. 10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee. 11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : ) 12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing. 13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message. 14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list. 15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

Waterview Home on 2.5 Acres

2008-07-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

View, view, view + location, location, location + price, price, price = A winning combination.

Water and pastoral views - you will NOT be disappointed. Watch the cruise ships, elk herd, etc. Only minutes to town. Thoughtfully designed custom home built in 2005. 3054 sq ft on 2.5 acres. 3 BR, den/office, gourmet kitchen, home theater room, hot tub, deck, patio. 3 car garage & shop. $699,900ML #231614

Baby Eagles - Live Web Cam

2008-05-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

http://wavelit.com/index.php?view=EaglesNestLive
This is awesome - check it out!

Indoor and Outdoor Water Conservation

2008-05-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Live Online Event

Green Communities: Indoor and Outdoor Water Conservation
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
90 minutes beginning 2:00 PM EDT / 11:00 AM PDT

Description
Numerous cost-effective strategies and technologies exist to improve water efficiency of interior fixtures and fittings, re-use water for plumbing applications and landscaping, and manage stormwater on-site. And in the affordable housing sector, this can also mean significant cost savings for residents in the form of lower water and sewer bills. This presentation will include a high-level overview of water as a critical resource and how green building strategies are one way to address the issue of water conservation. Participants will also learn practical strategies for indoor and outdoor water efficiency, illustrated through case studies of affordable housing projects.

Registration takes place 20 minutes prior to the event. A detailed description of this event and information on how to participate can be found at http://webinars.enterprisecommunity.org/

Upcoming Live Online Events
Best Practices in Supportive Housing and Employment Series:
6/17/08 - The Employer's Perspective
The Green Communities series:
TBD - Achieving Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings
TBD - Beyond New Construction: Retrofitting Existing Buildings
TBD - Beyond Buildings: Green Neighborhood Scale Development
TBD - Beyond Developments: Green Approaches to Asset Management and Resident Services

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to resources@enterprisecommunity.org

Law of the Garbage Truck (author unknown)

2008-05-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

How often do you let other people change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you are probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she/he can get back her/his focus on what's important.

Five years ago I learned this lesson in the back of a taxi cab in Denver. Here's what happened:

I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean that he was genuinely friendly. I asked, "Why did you just do that? That guy almost wrecked your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck".

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometime they dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is much too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... "Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't".

My daughter shared this with me, I thought it was worth posting on our blog. Sheryl