2012 May/June From The Front Porch

S@N DIEGO COUNTY’S FROM THE

FRONT PORCH JOURN@L

FREE

YES YOU C@N REFIN@NC REFIN@NCE E

EVEN IF YOU @RE UNDE UNDERW@TER RW@TER

MONEY S@VING V@C@TIO V@C@TIONS NS

THE GOOD NEWS IS, WE LIVE IN S@N DIEGO

FRONT PORCH PICKIN

SUMMER POPS SCHEDULE INSIDE

La Mesa Christian Book Store 4695 Date Ave., La Mesa, CA 91941 619-792-4747

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www.lamesachristianbookstore.com 8356 Allison Ave. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-741-6230 Miguel@LaTorta.com www.LaTorta.com

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FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURN@L m[y/Jun_ ]ontri\utors:: Front Cover Photography: Andreas Von Einsiedel Interiors Front Cover Porch Design: Katerina Tana Design The Real Estate Brief: Rosemary Joles Mortgage Info: Carolyn Plummer Home: Rita Mailheau & Judy Sullivan San Diego Adventure: Elle Schaeffer Travel San Diego: Barbara Allen Bargain Hunter: Josh and Liane Wilson Books or Blogs: Todd Joles Podsibilites: Todd Joles Appaholics: Rosemary Joles Ingenious: Rosemary Joles The Comforts of Home: Rita Mailheau

4695 Palm Avenue · La Mesa · CA · 91942

DO YOU ENJOY READING FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURNAL? Would you like to receive it in your inbox or mailbox for free?

Email Rosemary Joles at: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com to subscribe or send a note with your full name and address to: 8295 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942

contents

m[y/jun_

4

8 14 Front Cover Photography:

Andreas Von Einsiedel Interiors 72-80 Leather Lane London EC1N 7TR Tel.+44(0)207 242 7674 einsiedel.com

Exterior Façade/Front PorchFinishes, Furnishings and Accessories by : Katerina Tana Design 1733 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Ste. C Venice, CA 92091 Tel. (310)305-8253

katerinatanadesign.com From the Front Porch Journal Compliments of:

Follow our blogs at: LivinInLaMesa.com or LivinInSD.com Like us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/LivinInECSD

Rosemary Joles Realtor, CA DRE # 01095314 619·405·7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com www.InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 8295 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942

^_p[rtm_nts 4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary refinance today 5 home the rule of code - the series - part 2 6/7 lifestyle experience sd theatre san diego adventure travel san diego 8 family corner bargain hunter - saving on vacations out of the mouths front porch wisdom 9 et cetera where’s rosemary delish 10 eye candy tuscan inspired 12 minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden 13 upcycle trash to treasure 14 bits and pieces books or blogs podsibilities ponderings appaholics ingenious 15 sd outdoors sd sports park exploration 16 nitty gritty the comforts of home 17 sd concerts front porch pickin - summer pops 18 domiciles from east county to coast

the real estate brief

refinance today-even if you are under water

a note from rosemary Welcome to the 13th issue of From The Front Porch Journal. What started as an idea for a newsletter that had resided in my thought processes for over 5 years came into fruition in April of 2010 and has transpired into a publication beyond anything I could have ever imagined two years later. A labor of love, what started as my little project to stay in touch with those I know, has turned into something that has taken on a life of it’s own. It wouldn’t be possible to achieve this with out the help of all those who contribute to it’s creation. A heartfelt thanks to those who have helped it be a success.

Most of all thank you to you who take the time out of your busy lives to read From The Front Porch Journal.

Do you owe more on your loan balance than your home is worth?

Are you ready to refinance, but were told previously that you did not qualify due to the declining value of your home? You may be able to refinance to a lower rate under the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). This program provides refinance opportunities to borrowers who have demonstrated an acceptable payment history on their mortgage, but due to declining home prices are unable to refinance to obtain a lower payment or move to a more stable loan program. This program offers fully amortized fixed rate mortgages with terms up to 30 years. Refinancing now, while rates are at historic lows, may save you money each month on your mortgage payment. HARP has been retooled to allow homeowners who are underwater on their mortgage to refinance under new guidelines.

To qualify for a HARP refinance, borrowers must meet the following criteria: 

On March 24 of this year we were blessed beyond our imagination by the arrival of our second grandchild Amylia Lynn. I never realized how precious grandchildren would be until I had my own. Above are our sweet little blondie's, Claraissa Jean and Amylia Lynn. Thank you for the brief indulgence of a very proud nana.





San Diego Market Conditions

The mortgage must have been owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009. I can check on this for the borrower if not sure whether Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your loan.

The mortgage could not have been refinanced under HARP previously, unless it was a Fannie Mae loan that was refinanced under HARP from March 2009 to May 2009.

The current loan-to-value (LTV) can be greater than the previous limit of 125% LTV for primary single family residences. For second homes and investment properties, the max LTV is 105%. LTV cap requires minimum credit scores and additional requirements also apply.

Borrowers must be current on their mortgage payments with no late payments in the previous 12 to 24 months depending on the LTV. All existing subordinate financing must re-subordinate.

It is feeling like we are in the early 2000’s again with buyers competing for the same home. Some homes are still languishing on the market due to property condition or location, but for the most part if a buyer isn’t looking at a home when it first comes on the market, they are missing out.



A recent study put out by the online real estate site, Trulia, shows that in the majority of large cities in the US, it is now cheaper to own than to rent. San Diego is one of those major cities.

This program expires at the end of 2013 so it is important to take advantage of this opportunity now. Please contact me to discuss your eligibility.

So sellers if you’ve been thinking about selling, now may be a good time for you to put your home on the market.

Buyer’s if your still sitting on the fence waiting for the bottom to hit, you have now officially missed it.

Until next month, many blessings...



Carolyn Plummer is a mortgage professional with Prospect Mortgage.

She has been in the mortgage industry for 25 years. Carolyn can be contacted at 858-550-2541 or Carolyn.plummer@prospectmtg.com Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #3296. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 300310, and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the following state(s): California. To learn more, visit my Prospect Mortgage website at: myprospectmortgage.com/cplummer.

home the rule of code...the series part two Rita Mailheau, Simplify Staging and Redesign, Inc.

a place for everything We have now arrived at the second of the four aspects of The Rule of Code. CODE is an organizing acronym. “C” stands for Categorize; “O” stands for Order; “D” stands for Distance; and “E” for Ease of Use. Mis en Place…if you are a culinarian or have attended cooking school, you probably know that term. It means things in place. It is something that they drive into you as you learn the fine art of cooking – clean as you go. When you ignore this rule accidents can happen, and the finished product can be in danger of being less than haute [high] cuisine, because your timing gets thrown off trying to find things when the heat is on.

To Order means to arrange things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern or method. It is not entirely different from or-der [awr-der] noun The disposition of things following one after another, as in space or time; succession or Photo Courtesy of Houzz.com sequence. The names were listed in

alphabetical order A condition in which each thing is properly disposed with reference to other things and to its purpose; methodical or harmonious arrangement: You must try to give order to

Photo courtesy of Houzz.com

your life.

Categorize; it is just the next step. I figure out a system and then I put it into practice.

One could say, “I decide on a place for everything and then I keep everything in its place.” Ordering things may be a challenge initially, especially if I have been busy living life and put organization on the back burner. But once I make the decision what is worth keeping in my home or space, I can arrange things in stages or layers.

Maybe you want to start with the kitchen. The pleasure of walking into a clean, peaceful kitchen can be just as reviving as the food you cook there. An orderly kitchen can also help you build momentum for tackling other parts of your home.

Pick a drawer and take everything out. Sort items grouping like things together, and putting back only what belongs in that drawer.

If you have items that belong somewhere else, put them in their proper place. Lastly, throw or give away what you don’t need or has expired. If you faithfully do a little bit everyday, it won’t take long until that room is in order.

Judy Sullivan and Rita Mailheau of Simplify Staging and Redesign, can help you turn your home into a haven using what you already have. Give us a call at 619-315-5771, or check out our website at Simplifysd.com/. We are also on Facebook

lifestyle experience sd theatre Lamb’s Players Theater

The Old Globe

San Diego Repertory Theatre

lambsplayers.org

theoldglobe.org

sdrep.org

Mixtape In it’s 3rd year! Extended to July 8

The Scottsboro Boys April 29-June 10

Annual Jewish Arts Festival Various events from May 7-June 5

Brownie Points April 13-May 27

Nobody Loves You May 9-June 27

Joe vs. The Volcano June 8-July 29

Richard III June 3-September 29 As You Like It June 10-September 30 Inherit the Wind June 17-September 25

Broadway San Diego

The Coronado Playhouse

Broadwaysd.com

coronadoplayhouse.com

Chicago May 8-13

In Sanity May 25-May 26

The Adams Family May 29-June 3

Love Me June 1, 2, 8, 9

Wicked June 20-July 15

The Man Who Came To Dinner June 29-August 5

June

Rock n' Roll San Diego Marathon & Half Marathon www.san-diego.competitor.com.

6/3 6 am-4 pm 23rd Annual Rancho Bernardo Alive! Expo Debra Rosen @ (858) 487-1767 6/5 10 am-4 pm St. Spyridon Church Greek Festival www.sdgreekfestival.com.

6/8-6/10 FRI: 5-10 pm, SAT:11 am10 pm SUN: 11 am-10 pm

Taste of La Mesa www.lamesachamber.com 6/11 5 pm-8 pm 14th Annual Old House Fair www.theoldhousefair.com.

6/16 10 am-4 pm Taste of Little Italy www.tasteoflittleitalysd.com 6/20 5 pm-9 pm Ocean Beach Street Fair www.oceanbeachsandiego.com 6/23 10 am-8 pm

Taste of Vista on Main Street San Diego County (Del Mar) Fair www.vvba.org www.sdfair.com 6/8-7/4 (closed Mondays, except 7/2) Date TBD 11 am-11 pm Taste of the Gaslamp www.gaslamp.org 6/9-6/10 1 pm-4 pm

July

San Diego Bay - Big Bay Boom 9 p.m. Fireworks will be discharged

simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero and Chula Vista.

Fireworks also will be discharged at the Imperial Beach Pier.

Coronado: Glorietta Bay 9 p.m.

La Jolla Cove 9 p.m.

Mira Mesa Community Park/Miramar Lake 9 p.m. Ocean Beach Pier 9 p.m.

Mission Bay: Sea World 9:30 p.m.

Santee: Town Center Community Park Ballfields 9 p.m.

La Mesa: Lake Murray 9:15 p.m. El Cajon: Kennedy Park 9 p.m.

Rancho Bernardo Heights Middle School 9 p.m.

San Marcos: Bradley Park 9 p.m.

Poway: Poway High School 9 p.m.

Escondido: Grape Day Park 9 p.m.

Carlsbad: Legoland 8:30 p.m.

Del Mar Fairgrounds 9 p.m.

National City: Kimball Community Park 9 p.m.

Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest www.lakemurraymusicfest.com.

7/4 9 am- 9;30 pm Scripps Ranch Parade & Festival www.scrippsranch.org 7/4 10 am-1 am Mira Mesa Parade & Fun Day www.miramesatowncouncil.org.

7/4 11 am-10 pm Point Loma Summer Concert Series www.plconcerts.org.

7/13 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Atomic Groove 7/20 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Surf All Stars 7/27 5:30 pm-8:30 pm The Mar Dels

Need more information?

Email Elle: info@ensmd.com

Events provided by Elle Schaeffer - ENS Marketing Directions. Elle is a freelance Graphic designer and Marketing Consultant, specializing in small businesses. When not sitting at her computer, you can find Elle out Mt. Biking with her husband K.C. You can see more samples and get more information about these or any other events at www.ensmd.com. Contact her at info@ensmd.com or (619) 278-8635. Ask about having a monthly calendar of events created for your business!

travel san diego

spruce street footbridge

T

By Barbara Allen

ucked away at the end of Spruce Street in Bankers Hill, a community between Hillcrest and downtown, is a rare gem—a suspension footbridge. Suspended from two steel cables that are anchored into concrete counterweights at either end, this floating footpath is the only suspension footbridge in San Diego.

Built in 1912 and designed by Edwin Capps, a civil engineer, the footbridge allowed residents of isolated neighborhoods to access the newly built streetcar lines on Fourth and Fifth Avenues. The 375-foot steel bridge was engineered to be sturdy enough to hold 2,186 people, with an average weight of 150 pounds. Capps was mayor of San Diego for two terms (1899-1901 and 1915-1917). This passageway spans scenic Kate The Footbridge c. 1915 Photo courtesy of sandiegohistory.org

their dogs stop mid-span and gaze out among the treetops to the canyon below.

Shutterbugs aim and shoot their cameras to record this timeless connector that links us to the early days of this city.

So if you’re in the neighborhood, take a leisurely stroll down Spruce Street, cross the footbridge, and marvel at this ingenious construction and feel the gentle sway of the bridge as a delightful breeze drifts through the canyon.

The Footbridge c. 2012

Sessions Canyon, which was named after the well-known San Diego horticulturist. Sessions was responsible for planting trees in “City Park,” which was renamed Balboa Park in 1910.

To access the bridge from Hillcrest, head south on First Avenue, turn west on Spruce Street, and cross Front Street.

Two cement pillars grace either side of the easternmost entrance to the bridge. A few feet from the pillars, a concrete post displays a plaque designating the bridge as Historical Site No. 116 in the City of San Diego.

Step across its wooden foot planks, placed on a diagonal, and feel the bridge sway from the wind and the weight of pedestrians. Horizontal steel cables provide a protective railing for those who traverse it. Below in the canyon, paths meander 2012 Photos courtesy of Barbara Allen off in either direction through a verdant landscape. At the western terminus of the footbridge, one emerges onto W. Barbara Allen is a freelance writer. She has written Spruce Street at Brant Street, into a quiet residential area of educational materials for the past 15 years and currently Spanish-style homes. writes reading assessment items for an e-learning company in Virginia. Barbara loves to travel, explore new places, People of all ages cross the footbridge to access Bankers Hill or and write about them. Check out her blog: Hillcrest, or to explore this distinctive historical site. On a sunbicoastalbarb.wordpress.com/about her cross-country ny afternoon, couples, families with children, or those walking travels.

family corner bargain hunter bar·gain [bagr-guhn] -noun 1. an advantageous purchase, esp. one acquired at less than the usual cost: The sale offered bargains galore.

money saving…vacations the good news...we live in san diego

L

ake Arrowhead is just a 2 hour drive from San Diego and a relaxing destination.

It is

that time of the year when we start thinking about summer vacations. Sounds like fun!

Vacations should be a time to play, relax and enjoy yourself and your family. Too many times we stress over money instead. There seems to be an unwritten rule that it is OK to splurge and throw vacations on a credit card. And then a month AFTER you get home, you get to pay for it. That dinner with Mickey and nine of his friends does not seem so priceless anymore. Here are some tips on how to make wise vacation decisions…

Let’s start with the obvious: do not put a vacation on your credit card. Instead, plan for it, save up and pay cash. Just because you work hard and are worn out does not mean you deserve a ridiculous vacation. Plan for a great vacation that will not follow you home!

“Stay-cation” might be a cheesy term, but they are a great idea. There are probably fun things to do in your town that you have never done before. People might even travel hundreds of miles just to visit your backyard. Finding local things to do means less money for gas, no plane tickets, no hotels, and you get to sleep in your own comfy bed!

We took our kids to our local science museum for a day and they thought we were on another planet; they had so much fun. Day trips are a great idea. Driving a couple of hours could open up all sorts of fun areas to explore.

Don’t forget to take a picnic lunch (uh, can we say, free?)!

Prices on airplane tickets, and other like items for that matter, can vary drastically. It’s worth your time to do some research. Check multiple websites, including individual airline websites, frequently because prices often fluctuate day to day. Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Watch out for local events that will raise hotel room prices.

Booking last minute flights and hotels can cost an arm and a leg.

Cruises, however, are one of those vacations that you do not have to book well in advance. You can get better deals last minute because they want those boats full. Plus, how great is it to have all food and amenities included in one price. Don’t forget your sea legs and a kite!

Lastly, we would dare to say that you do not need a souvenir from every location. A great philosopher once said, “Take a picture; it will last longer!”

Josh and Liane Wilson live in Escondido, CA with their three kids and one rabbit. They are looking forward to buying a house with cash some day, so every dollar saved counts. Good thing they know a great realtor.

S

out of the mouths

he was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she had done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!”

front porch wisdom Go out on the front porch of the house, turn the Washington Post over with your big toe, and if your name is above the fold, you know you’re not going to have a good day.

- Bert Lance Of the Bert Lance toe test which he devised for his 9 months in the Carter Administration

Come Sit for a Spell

where’s rosemary?

I love exploring this beautiful county that we live in. In every issue of From the Front Porch you’ll find a photo of different places that I’ve been in San Diego County. Your goal is to figure out where I took the photo. Submit your guess as fast as you can (You have competition!!!) and the first correct answer will win a $25 gift card to the restaurant of their choice! You can email them to: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com or call them into 619-405-7673. Thanks for playing!

et cetera

Hash Brown Bake

delish

Ingredients • 1/4 cup butter • 2 10.75 oz. cans of cream of chicken soup • 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese • 1 small onion chopped • 2 32 oz. bags of country style hash browns • 1 can of water

where was rosemary?

Preparation Instructions Carlsbad Train Station Carlsbad, CA No winner, better luck next time!

Photo Credit:: cafemom.com Recipe Credit: Violet Anklam

Sauté butter and onion. With mixer whip cream cheese, slowly add cream of chicken and water to cream cheese blending until smooth. Add sautéed onions to cheese mixture. Spread hash browns into 13 x 9 inch pan. Pour cheese mixture over top. Bake covered at 375º for 60 minutes.

gâávtÇ \ÇáÑ|Üxw

g

orrey Woods Estates

4118 Philbrook Square· San Diego· CA· 92130 $1,499,000.00 

5 Bedrooms 5.5 Baths



Beautiful Architectural Details



4752 Square Foot



Oversized Master Suite



Bonus Room and Office



Luxurious Master Bath



Wine Cellar



View Balcony off Master Suite



Stainless Steel Appliances



2 Elegant Fireplaces



Custom Tile Inlays



Home Alarm with Multi-Video Camera System



Granite Kitchen Countertops



10,369 Square Foot Premium Canyon View Lot



Full Bed and Bath on the First Level



2 Car Garage

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com

minutia In Ring Around the Rosie, the nursery rhyme, “ring around the rosie” refers to the red circular sores caused by the black plague. The sores smelled of rotting flesh so the infected party carried a pocketful of fragrant flowers/herbs to help cover the smell giving us the line ”a pocketful of posies.” Those who died from the plague along with all their possessions, would be burned hence the lines, “ashes, ashes.”

The last line “we all fall down” refers to the fact that in almost all cases, the infected person ended up dead.

Todd Joles, known as Todd the “Toolman” and Todd the “Walking Encyclopedia”, is a handyman by day, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. His wife Rosemary threatens it’s going to get him into Jeopardy training one day. In the meantime, should you need the assistance of his handyman services you can contact Todd at 619-985-5017.

bravo and mia bites

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson

useless knowledge

Bravo and Mia Say: “If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise.”

The newest addition to the Rebecca and Shayne Johnson household is a puggle named Mia. Diva Mia is the one with the pink collar to the left. We finally got Bravo and Mia to sit still long enough to take a photo. Of course the only way we could do that is by catching them sleeping! Bravo still spends most days working at getting peanut butter out of his Kong and is definitely terrorized daily by Mia. He is truly the innocent one of the two, as Mia has taken over the role of the family terrorist! Mia and Bravo are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.

botanical name: Salvia leucantha common name: Mexican Bush Sage Likes: Full Sun Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Purple, White/Near White Negatives: None Bonus: Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt.

Photos: Rosemary Joles

rosebud’s garden Rosemary Joles is passionate about low-water gardening in San Diego. She loves creating gardens that look like lush water thirsty gardens, yet need very little moisture to maintain them. Her other passions include real estate, lattes spending time with family and friends, reading, music and laughter!

upcycle hat child wouldn’t love this imaginative Paris Food Market.

From Trash to Treasure Take a discarded hutch top and with paint, some creative ingenuity and a few select props create a Paris Food Market that will inspire the youngest of entrepreneur’s.

Photos Courtesy of: KatesCreativeSpace.com

books or blogs

appaholics

T

he Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, The Lords Of The North, Sword Song, The Burning Land, and most recently Death Of Kings—this series of historical fiction starts around 866A.D., and spans the reign of the Christian King, Alfred of Wessex. The story is told from the perspective of Lord Uhtred of Northumbria. It starts with Uhtred as a young man and his capture and enslavement by the pagan Danes and adoption by Jarl (Earl) Ragnar, and continues through the capture of most of Wessex by the Danes. At one point the Christian kingdom was reduced to an 8 square mile of swamp where Alfred went into hiding biding his time and rallying his scattered troops to regain his kingdom. The stories also cover the driving of the Danes from Lundene (London) and bringing Christianity to the kingdoms of Wessex and East Anglia. It’s a violent portrayal of a forgotten period of British history.

podsibilities

T

his issues Podsibilities spotlights the trio of Laurie MacAllister (guitar, banjo, bass), Abbie Gardner (dobro, guitar) and Carolann Solebello (guitar, bass) and their group, RED MOLLY! These New York based girls will make your ears perk up and listen. Their crystalline, tight old time harmonies call you back to the day of The Andrews Sisters but the contemporary lyrics and acoustic styling make their music fresh and appealing. In 2008 their album Love and Other Tragedies, spent ten weeks on the Top 15 on the Americana Chart. This last year founding member Carolann stepped down and was replaced with Molly Venter. Give them a listen. http://youtu.be/4E_tho7E0WQ

H

ow would you like no more waiting on hold to get in touch with customer service? Yes, you did read that correctly. No more kinks in your neck, no more listening to what could be deemed bad elevator music and yes no more waiting for a real live human. Fast Customer does it all for you.

With it’s over 3000 plus customer service phone numbers, the days of waiting on hold are gone forever. How does it work? Download the Free app to your mobile phone. Select from the list the customer service department you wish to speak with. Push one button to request a call back. And then close the app and get on with life. Fast Customer does the waiting. Once they have a live human on the line they call you back and you can take care of business in an efficient manner. Plus you will be in a better mood because you haven’t waited for 30 minutes! Time saved, plus money saved because this service is FREE. Check it out at fastcustomer.com

in what way are you better off today than you were five years ago?

bits and pieces From Marcandangel.com

ingenious

T

uck a few needles, pins, and thread into a matchbox for an instant sewing kit.

Source: Real Simple Photo: Mark Lund

ponderings

Matchbox Sewing Kit

SD Sports sd outdoors

park exploration Heritage Park.

2460 Heritage Park Row San Diego, CA 92110 619-819-6009 heritageparksd.com

nitty gritty the comforts of home

By Rita Mailheau

This

month we celebrate Mother’s Day, and next Father’s Day. If you still have your parents, you may have thought about how you will care for them when a little extra help becomes necessary.

situation. Her residence offered an option at a $4500 per month, discounted rate. The Board and Care facility that her daughter was able to find ran $3000. Saving an extra $1500 per month can add up fast. The Board and Care felt more like

In a perfect world, having elderly parents stay in your own home could solve the problem, but if you work outside of the home difficulties arise. Furthermore, some people require medical expertise. With a variety of alternatives available, some quite costly, how do you choose?

Recently I heard about a different option. Board and Care operates on a small-scale like a group home. The grandmother of a longtime friend lived in one. Karen always felt comfortable visiting her granny, who enjoyed living there.

The Registered Nurse, who owned the home, engaged an LPN, to help with the medical responsibilities and a cook, to oversee the cleaning and laundry.

Another woman who resided in an assisted-living establishment in San Diego needed to move into a supervised living home, with a small group of residents who had their own rooms, each with a dresser, a chair and a TV. The intimate setting was a real plus, but neither was covered under medical insurance.

If you are considering Board and Care, there are some things you should check. See what’s in the freezer. Are they serving TV dinners or is the food like something you would serve in your home with fresh fruit and veggies. How are the other residents? People with dementia and can be challenging for those who share the same house. How are the staff, do you like them. Keep in mind that not every state licenses Board and Care facilities. But if you do have that option, it may be a pleasant alternative to larger institutions.

For information and assistance with finding a board and care facility, contact: A Place For Mom, at 877-MOM-DAD9.

When she is not helping Judy Sullivan of Simplify Staging & Redesign, Inc., downsize and organize for their clients, Rita Mailheau works as a freelance writer.

You can contact Rita at : rita.mailheau@gmail.com.

domiciles

Picturesque Country Home · Alpine · $270,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1760 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Rarely Available · South Mission Hills · $299,000 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1032 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Artistic Vintage Home · La Mesa · $375,000-$420,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1208 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Villa Portofino · Tierrasanta · $389,900-$419,000 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath · 1185 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Grand Living · Santee · $599,000-$610,000 4+ Bedroom 4 Bath · 3308 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Private End Unit · Solana Beach · $629,000 2+ Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1737 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

.97 Acre Lot · Alpine · $299,000-$349,900 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1904 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Shadowridge Home · Vista · $360,000 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1664 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Canyon Views · San Carlos · $439,000-$460,000 4 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1836 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Panoramic Ocean Views · La Mesa · $575,000-$650,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 2175 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Ventana · La Jolla · $825,000 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2593 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Stunning La Costa Greens · La Costa · $995,000 4+ Bedroom 4.5 Bath · 4164 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

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Low real estate inventory, multiple offers, many buyers...means higher prices for sellers.

If you are thinking about a move, give us a call.

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

Residential Sales 路 Short Sales 路 Leasing 619路 405路 7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com