From The Front Porch Journal

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FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURN@L nov_m\_r/^_]_m\_r ]ontri\utors: Front Cover Photography: Nathan Allred www.treasuryphoto.net The Real Estate Brief A Note from Rosemary: Rosemary Joles Mortgage Note: Carolyn Plummer Home: Rita Mailheau & Judy Sullivan San Diego Adventure: Elle Schaeffer Travel San Diego: Barbara Allen Bargain Hunter: Rosemary Joles Books or Blogs: Rosemary Joles Podsibilites: Todd Joles Appaholics: Todd Joles Nitty Gritty: Susanne Romo

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contents

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5

7

13 From the Front Porch Journal Compliments of:

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

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

4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary carolyn’s mortgage memo 5 home the key to a well decorated door 6/7 lifestyle experience sd theatre san diego adventure travel san diego 8 family corner bargain hunter out of the mouths front porch chatter 9 et cetera where’s rosemary delish 10 eye candy 67 St. Malo 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-heritage park village sd word find 16 nitty gritty water and homeowners insurance 17 sd concerts front porch pickin’ 18 domiciles from east county to coast

the real estate brief a note from rosemary

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oday it’s raining and it feels like fall, which is strange for us San Diegans. Whilst other parts of the US are experiencing 40 degree weather and can visually see the change of the seasons, here in San Diego we need to stay cued to the minute subtleness of weather change that can be so easy to miss here. Weather like this tempts me to light the candles in the fireplace, play some soft music, curl up with a good book, grab a latte and enjoy the solitude and quiet of a Sunday morning in the comfy chair. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

The San Diego Market Our market continues to clip along at a healthy pace single family detached homes saw an increase of value by 6% while attached homes saw a significant 15%. Housing inventory is still significantly low. We are now down to 4855 single family homes on the market, making it tough for buyers to get the property that they want. Working with an experienced, aggressive agent who has been in this type of market before is extremely important, if a buyer is going to realize their dreams of homeownership.

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he most expensive home that sold in San Diego County in the month of October is this 2000 built, 7 bedroom 8.5 bath, 10,000 sq. ft. home located on a .73 acre oceanfront lot in La Jolla. The buyer paid $15,000,000 with furnishings.

The month of October saw 3017 closings with 4712 homes currently pending and 4037 short sales in contingent status.

707 homes failed to sell. I find the final number amazing given the low inventory. A home expiring just shouldn’t happen with the current market conditions. While pricing correctly is a key component. Presentation of a property via staging inside and out, professional photos and video is equally important in getting a home maximum exposure both online and off. Doing this vital step before putting a home on the market will get a seller the best possible price.

So there you have it, I’m cautiously saying our market has turned around. I’m looking forward to an even better housing market in 2013.

Until next year….Blessings

carolyn’s mortgage memo - property taxes again?

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he National Taxpayers Union says that up to 60% of homeowners may be paying too much in property tax. From 2005 to 2009, U.S. property taxes increased about 20%, says the National Association of Home Builders, while during the same period, home prices fell about 31%.

Once you receive your property tax bill, the window to appeal may be short (10 to 30 days), so don't delay. If you think you're overpaying:



Visit your tax office's website or local office to obtain a copy of your property's assessment (called a property card) and the instructions and forms you need to appeal. The appeal process can vary depending on where you live, so follow your tax office's instructions carefully.  Scrutinize the assessor's description of your property. Look for errors that inflate the value of your home, such as incorrect square footage, nonexistent amenities or an improper lot size.

Any assessment error will help your appeal.  Compare the assessment of your property with recent sale prices of similar homes in your neighborhood. Try to find five homes that are similar but valued lower than yours. If necessary, have a real estate agent pull comparable sales data (comps) for you. If it's difficult to find comps that help your case, consider hiring an appraiser.  Build your case by collecting photos and documents that back up your claim, fill out your tax office's required forms and submit by the deadline.

Pay your property bill on time. An appeal does not change your due date.

Finally, if you don't want to do the legwork necessary to appeal, find a property-tax expert who will help you for a fee or on a contingency basis.

Always consult your tax advisor for tax information and advice.

Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband, teenage daughter and 2 dogs. She has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of community. 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 State of California. To learn more, visit my Prospect Mortgage website at: myprospectmortgage.com/cplummer

home the key to a well decorated front door

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Rita Mailheau, Simplify Staging and Redesign, Inc.

oliday season is fast approaching. Some families decorate for everything: Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving as well as the yuletide season. For the sake of this article, I’m just going to talk about December 25th, widely known as Christmas. The time to do the actual decorating is after Thanksgiving, but you can start your planning right away.

Clean surface The key to starting the process is making sure the area you are going to decorate is nice and clean. Prune out of control trees and plants. Rake any leaves and dead wood. If it’s warm enough, hosing things down is the best option. If it’s too cold, I suggest using a good broom to whisk away all debris, cobwebs, and dirt. You always want to start with a clean palette.

Next give your windows a shine. Spotty glass can spoil the charm of your decorations.

Photo courtesy of : 4lifehome.com

Garlands and Lights The next step, put up lights and garlands. If you have small, thin nails to help support these items, nail them in less obvious places—such as on the topside of shutters or under eaves. That way you can leave the nails in after cleanup for use next year.

I happen to prefer white lights, but anything can look good. If you have garlands to put over top of the wires that connect the lights, then your finished product is going to look polished. I like natural materials but San Diego is an arid climate. Artificial materials present less fire danger than evergreens, which can dry out over time.

The garlands and lights act like trimming, sort of like the ribbon on a gift. The focal point for the front of your home is the front door.

coastal influence to your Christmas wreath by Add adding natural materials such as burlap ribbon,

white finger starfish, coral picks and an inspirational word to the traditional Christmas wreath.

Size Matters Finally, bows or wreaths or even a reindeer, Santa or elf can look great just make sure the scale is right. If you aren’t sure what size to get, get a big piece of paper like a Trader Joe’s bag and cut it up into a square or rectangle 1.5’ x 2.5’ flat. Have someone hold it in front of your door while you stand at the curb. It should cover most of the door about sixty-five inches from the ground is your center point.

For any item you choose to use like a wreath or a bow, the basic detail should be visible from the curb.

Focal Point I have seen some great design ideas over the years.

Covering your front door with wrapping paper and a bow can look very festive. Make sure you use durable paper or it might become frayed after a while. For an elegant result use large patterns or solid colors. Small pictures of Santa on his sleigh in an often-repeated pattern can look cheap.

Judy Sullivan and Rita Mailheau of Simplify Staging and Redesign, can help you find what makes sense in your home.

Each home and family is unique. Let us help you turn your home into a haven using what you already have. Reach us at 619-315-5771, or check out our website at www.simplifysd.com. We are also on Facebook.

lifestyle experience sd theatre Lamb’s Players Theater

San Diego Repertory Theatre

lambsplayers.org

sdrep.org

Around the World in 80 days October 5-November 18

A Hammer, A Bell and A Song to Sing November 3-December 2

Festival of Christmas November 30-December 30

The Ultimate Christmas Show December 5-December 23

An American Christmas December 17-December 26

The Old Globe theoldglobe.org Measure for Measure November 10-November 18 Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas November 17-December 29

Broadway San Diego Broadwaysd.com

The Coronado Playhouse coronadoplayhouse.com

Peter Pan November 13-November 18

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas October 26-December 2

Experience the Beatles with Rain January 4-January 6

SoNo Park Fest 12/2 11 am -5 pm Del Mar Wonderland 12/2 2-5 pm Holiday Parades La Jolla Holiday Festival 12/2 2 pm Fallbrook Parade 12/1 5 pm SD Holiday Art Fest at Del Mar Chula Vista 12/1 6 pm Fairgrounds 10 am–6 pm Ocean Beach Parade 12/1 TBD Coronado Open House 12/7 3-7 pm Encinitas 12/1 5 pm Balboa Park Dec. Nights 12/7-8 5-9 pm La Jolla Parade 12/2 2 pm Poway x-mas i@ Park 12/8 3:30–8:30 pm San Marcos Parade12/2 TBD Garden of Lights – Escondido 12/8-23 North Park Holiday Parade 12/3 11 & 12/26-30 5-9 pm am Santee Santa at the Lakes 12/9 Alpine Village Parade 12/7 6:30-9 pm 5:30– 8:30 pm Coronado Parade 12/7 3-7 pm La Mesa Christmas in the Village Escondido Jaycees Parade 12/8 9:30 am 12/12-13 5-10pm Mission Bay Boat Parade 12/8 7 pm Old Town Holiday 12/15 Various S.D. Bay Parade of Lights 12/9 & Carlsbad Christmas Bash 12/22-24 7 12/16 5:30 – 9 pm & (Sat 5 pm) Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade 12/9 1-5 pm Big Night S.D. New Years Gala 12/31 Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands – 9 pm-3 am Gaslamp 12/18 6 pm Big Bay Balloon Parade 12/27 10 am

December

Holiday Happenings: Little Italy Tree 12/1 4:00-7:30 pm Carlsbad Holiday @ Rancho 12/1 5-8 pm South Park Holiday 12/1 6-10 pm

January 2013

Polar Bear Plunge Info @ (619) 235-5929 1/1 10:00am-10:00 am

Del Mar Gem Faire www.gemfaire.com 1/18-1/20 12- 6:pm (10-5 Sat & Sun)

PGA TOUR Golf Tournament www.farmersinsuranceopen.com 1/21 thru 1/27 8:30 am–5:00 pm

San Diego Resolution Run www.sandiegoresolutionrun.com 1/6 7:00 am–10:00 am

San Diego Sunroad Boatshow www.sandiegosunroadboatshow.com 1/24 thru 1/27 Thur & Fri: noon - 6 pm Sat & Sun: 10 am-6 pm

Kettner Nights in Little Italy www.littleitalysd.com 1/11 6:00 pm–9:00 pm.

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade www.alpha_zsl.org TBD San Diego Restaurant Week Info:www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com TBD Del Mar Antique Show www.calendarshows.com TBD San Diego Bridal Bazaar www.bridalbazaar.com 1/20 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Del Mar Home Improvement Show www.showsusa.net 1/25 – 1/27 Fri. & Sat. 10:00 am7:00 pm, Sun. 10:00 am-5:00 pm National Baseball Expo www.nbsexpo.com info: 1/26–1/27 10-7 & 11-6 Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon www.carlsbadmarathon.com 1/27 Marathon 6:00 am - Halfmarathon 7:30 am

Need more information?

Email Elle: info@ensmd.com

Events Directions. is is a freelance Graphic designer andand Marketing Consultant, specializing in small businesses.

When not Events provided provided by

by Elle ElleSchaeffer Schaeffer- -ENS ENSMarketing Marketing Directions.Elle Elle a freelance Graphic designer Marketing Consultant, specializing in small businesses. sitting computer, can findyou Ellecan outfind Mt. Elle Biking husband K.C.husband You canK.C. see more samples and get more information about these or any other events at When at nother sitting at her you computer, outwith Mt. her Biking with her You can see more samples and get more information about these or any www.ensmd.com.

Contact her at info@ensmd.com or (619) 278-8635.

Ask about havingAsk a monthly calendar of eventscalendar created for your business! other events at www.ensmd.com.

Contact her at info@ensmd.com or (619) 278-8635. about having a monthly of events created for your business!

travel san diego

old poway park

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By Barbara Allen

ave you ever wanted to step back in time to a place where the pace was slower and life was less complicated? Then visit Old Poway Park on Midland Road in Poway. Set on the 4.75-acre estate of the late Colonel John S. Porter, the park exudes the ambiance of a turn-of-the-twentieth-century western village. Historic buildings from around Poway were moved to the site to fulfill Colonel Porter’s dream of a fully operating historic village.

When you leave your parked car, you’ll enter another world. At the train station, hop aboard a 1907 steam locomotive or an 1894 Los Angeles yellow trolley car for a ride around the grounds.

Across from the train depot is the Nelson House, which dates back to the early twentieth century. Originally located on Garden Road, the homestead was moved by the City of Poway to the park in the fall of 1991 and restored by the Poway Historical Society.

While touring the Nelson House, you’ll see a wood-burning stove, a butter churn, and period furnishings. At Christmas time, the A few steps away the Train Barn houses the locomotives. Explore the history of Poway at the Heritage Museum, where you’ll find artifacts, old photos, memorabilia, and even a classroom from a one-room schoolhouse. Absorb the feeling of the Old West while dining at the Hamburger Factory. Stroll along the boardwalk surrounding the museum and shop for arts and crafts at the outdoor Boardwalk Craft Market. On Saturday mornings buy fresh produce from local farmers at the Poway Farmers Market.

This December 8 experience an old-fashioned Christmas by attending Christmas in the Park from 3:30–8:30 p.m. The park will be decked out with lights for this free event. Be entertained by holiday music and caroling, sing carols with a piano player in the museum, or play old-fashioned games at the Nelson House.

Help make holiday ornaments to decorate the community Christmas tree, which will be lighted at 5:20 p.m. before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by train at 5:30 p.m.

To learn more about this historical village, check out the Old farmhouse is decked out with decorations from 1890–1910. Poway Park website at www.poway.org/oldpowaypark/.

Standing on the front porch of the Nelson House, look across the railroad tracks to a three-tiered fountain. Beyond it sits a large white gazebo where musicians play during special events. Cross a wooden footbridge over a small creek and enter Green Park, shaded by large oak, sycamore, and California pepper trees. Picnic at one of their wooden picnic tables and barbecue on a stone-surrounded grill.

At the Blacksmithing Shop watch demonstrations of blacksmithing and metal work as it was done more than 100 years ago.

Barbara Allen is a freelance writer. She has written educational materials for the past 15 years and currently writes reading assessment items for an e-learning company in Virginia. Barbara loves to travel, explore new places, and write about them. Check out her blog: bicoastalbarb.wordpress.com/about her crosscountry travels.

All photos courtesy of Barbara Allen

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

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ow can you entertain on a budget without coming across as Ebenezer Scrooge and more like Martha Stewart?

It’s easy, really, be resourceful and creative. Here are some ideas on how to make your next dinner party elegant and not scroogey...

The Guest List I like to keep my dinner parties intimate, spending time with the people that I really care about. I invite no more than the amount of plates and seating that I have in the Wee Humble Cottage. That means 3-4 couples including hubby and myself. If you need extra place settings, I suggest borrowing rather than purchasing. If you want to purchase then utilize places like Ikea, Ross or the 99 cents store. I just purchased dishes for a place setting of 6 from Ikea for only $15.00. Or be eclectic and find coordinating pieces at your local thrift store. You will be surprised at the treasures you will find.

at my local grocery store. If you really want to save, make the dinner party a potluck. You do the main dish and your invitees bring the accompanying dishes. This way, if you so desire, you can be a little more extravagant with the main dish.

The Table I like making my guests feel special by going above and beyond with my table décor. Setting a stunning table takes you from simply eating to a dining experience. I never use paper or plastic anything when I’m doing this kind of party. I leave that for the summer barbecue. I’ve chosen to have neutral colored dishes, antique silver (that I purchase from a client years ago) and white napkins/tablecloths that can be used for any occasion. They make the perfect backdrop for bringing in the color of the season. I love using nature from my yard or a friends for stylish centerpieces. For Christmas utilizing branches of cotoneaster with its lovely red berries that grows all over San Diego is a nice choice. Take a couple of branch cuttings paired with cedar or pine branches or other greens from the garden, lie them down the center of the table add a multitude of tea lights and voila a centerpiece that costs less than $5.00 with big impact.

Magnolia leaves or pomegranates with your guests name in gold or silver lettering make chic place cards. If you really want to take the dining experience to the next level, create menu’s for each place setting. It’s easy to do with quality paper and software like publisher. Need more ideas check out and follow my Pinterest board: pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/entertaining-san-diego-style/ Finally, don’t stress, if things aren’t perfect who cares. The most important thing about having a meal is the time spent with those you love and care about.

out of the mouths...

A W

ho says you have to serve the traditional turkey for a Thanksgiving dinner party? A hearty dish like a Chicken Curry Stew with a side of jasmine rice is both filling and yummy.

The Menu When planning my dinners, I keep it simple. Presentation is what takes food to the next level, not the type of food served. In other words, if you are serving a pasta dish do it beautifully with your best serving dish and be sure to garnish. Follow the cues of nice restaurants you’ve dined at.

I determine my menu by what the weekly specials are at my local grocery store and what I have on hand in the pantry.

I’ve entertained for 6 and only spent $30.00. If you think I skimped, I didn’t, that dinner party included appetizers and dessert!

I always utilize the 99 cents store first when shopping for food and then pick up the missing ingredients

little girl was diligently pounding away on her father's computer.

She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

front porch chatter One day, by the shores of a lake (or river), I will build the house of my dreams. There, I will wake up with song birds singing and end the day watching the sunset from my porch...

Come Sit for a Spell

where’s rosemary?

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 or call at: 619-405-7673 or Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com. Thanks for playing!

et cetera Potato Chip Scoops with Smoked Salmon & Dilled Cream Cheese

Ingredients

where was rosemary?

Oceanside Harbor Oceanside, CA Sean Hillier of La Mesa, CA won a gift card to Tamarind Thai Restaurant

    

1 bag kettle-cooked potato chips 1/4 lb. smoked salmon 4 ounces whipped cream cheese 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill 1 tablespoon capers

Preparation Instructions Set potato chips on serving platter. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and chopped fresh dill. Use a knife to spread a small amount of cream cheese on top of the potato chips. Place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Sprinkle with capers. Serve immediately

Photo & Recipe: www.blogs.babble.com

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raditional French Normandy Architecture 67 St. Malo· Oceanside· CA· 92054 $2,195,000.00



4 Bedrooms 3 Baths



Two Bedroom Suites Have Private Entries off the Courtyard

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2445 Square Foot

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Located on Buena Vista Lagoon

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Open Beamed Ceilings

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Steps to Private Beach on the Pacific Ocean

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Wood Flooring



Beautiful Window Views



Guard Gated Community

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Dutch Door to Large Brick Courtyard



Private Beach with Cabana



Master Suite with Dressing Area

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Seasonal Private Lifeguard



Guest Suite



Sandy Volleyball Court



Country Kitchen



Three Tennis Courts

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

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

St. Malo

minutia Photo courtesy of afkra.blogspot.com

In medieval castles, spiral staircases were designed counter clockwise. While knights did practice with both hands in case of an injury, if you were left-handed, you were considered to be children of the devil. That being the case knights were always right handed. When an invading army would climb the stairs it would put their sword arm against the wall where it was almost useless.

Defenders from above, however would have an unencumbered swing at the invaders.

Todd Joles known as Todd the “Toolman,” is a handyman by day, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. If you are in need of handyman services you can contact Todd at 619-985-5017. He may even share some useless knowledge with you.

bravo and mia bites

useless knowledge

Alfred North Whitehead was right...

“If a dog jumps into your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.”

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson

Bravo and Mia are the fur-children of Rebecca and Shayne Johnson. They are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.

botanical name: hippeastrum common name: amaryllis Likes: Sun Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Red, Orange, Green, White, Pink Negatives: None Known Bonus: Perfect for forcing indoors.

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero Photo compliments of: southernliving.com To see more about this plant go to: www.LivinInSD.com

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 halkboard Serving Tray!

From Trash to Treasure How to at: www.lowescreativeideas.com Update a vintage tray with chalkboard paint.

Coat the surface and start writing. Use this upcycle tray to identify food, organize home office supplies, or share events with family members.

podsibilities

books or blogs

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here is no way this real estate agent couldn’t be excited about a blog called Hooked on Houses. I eat, sleep and breathe real estate. Just ask my friends and my husband.

It was a pleasure to run across someone that was a kindred spirit in Julia blogger of Hooked On Houses. On her blog you will find tons of photos of celebrity homes, historic homes, TV/Movie houses, bad MLS photos of houses (a real hoot) and my favorite category cottages.

The cottage to the left is Croatan Cottage located in, Monteo, North Carolina. Built in the early 1900’s from a Sear’s Roebuck Kit House it cost a mere $1,979. So check it out. I promise you won’t be disappointed. HookedOnHouses.com

n the past year it seems that I have been continually drawn to artists and music from another era.

This issue is no exception; my feature is Wanda Jackson, Queen of Rock-a-Billy. While many artists are remembered, Wanda has all but been forgotten. In her day she out sold Elvis Presley! Her 60 year career making music has just been topped off with a new album “Unfinished Business,” which was produced by Justin Townes Earl. In Wanda’s vintage “Hardhead Woman” you can see why she was called the Queen of Rock-ABilly. www.youtu.be/pzJ3hiqsi0U And here is, “ What do you do when you’re Lonesome” from her new album www.youtu.be/MTtvykO8NR8

appaholics

In

this modern age where everyone struggles to balance schedules and household duties, COZI Family Life, Simplified, is the answer. Cozi allows a family to easily manage everyone’s schedules, priorities, and household chores. Grocery, shopping and to do lists, menu planning and it can even track all the kids via their cell phones.

Here is the link for more info: www.cozi.com/family-life.htm

What’s one reason you love your life today?

bits and pieces From Marcandangel.com

ingenious dictionary as art

Source: Real Simple Photo: Rick Lew

ponderings

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end a message that speaks volumes. Make a blow-up copy of an entry that relates to the occa s io n a nd use a highlighter to mark your most heartfelt sentiments.

SD Sports A

Now You Know

resident of Hollywood named our beloved Chargers. Yep, our Chargers started in Los Angeles. Before the season began the team held a contest asking the public to come up with a team name. The Hollywood resident won the contest by suggesting ‘Chargers’ as the team’s nickname.

sd outdoors San Diego Christmas Word Search

park exploration Heritage Park Village 220 Peyri Rd..

Oceanside, CA 92057 760-801-0645

ci.oceanside.ca.us

Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws

nitty gritty water and homeowner insurance

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hen most people think of home insurance and claims, fire or burglary is usually the first thing that concerns people. But what might surprise you is that neither of those claims is the most common. Water is. And your homeowner’s policy may or may not cover the damage. The bottom line your claims adjuster will need to know is ---- where did the water come from? Did it come from a sudden and unexpected burst of a pipe? Old corroded pipes finally gave up?

The sewer backed up? Rain leaked in from the roof? A flood?

Many times water is simply not covered because it is a maintenance issue, not a catastrophic one. Homeowners insurance is meant to protect you from events outside of your control. All types of insurance are based on risk. The dictionary defines risk as “Uncertainty arising

from the possible occurrence of given events” The key word here is uncertainty and lack of control. So, if it

comes down to a maintenance issue, there is not the key factor necessary to create coverage---- uncertainty and a lack of control.

Every winter when the storms come, I see claims submitted for ceiling damage. Too many times this is not covered because it is a maintenance issue. The roof is older, there’s a leak, and it causes damage to

your ceilings. Is this covered? Generally this is not covered, as it is a maintenance issue.

People generally don’t think of the pipes in their house until they break and water is everywhere. If you have older pipes that have corroded and finally worn out and water is everywhere, is there coverage?

Again, this is a maintenance issue, and probably will not be covered.

Another source of water damage is from household appliances, heating or air conditioning systems, or plumbing/ heating systems. Did the pipe burst or the water heater leak? Did the ice maker line break? Once the claims representative determines that there is policy coverage, it usually covers the damages caused by the water but does not pay to repair the damaged or broken water line or appliance.

Another and truly the most devastating water claim is from flooding. Flooding is also probably the most misunderstood of the types of water claims. The reason for the misunderstanding is that “flood” is not normally covered by most insurance policies. In California, flood insurance is a separate policy, just like earthquake. Flood coverage rates depend on what is called a ‘flood zone’. If you are not in a high-risk zone, flood insurance can be very affordable. And you would know if you are in a high-risk flood zone, as your

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lender would have required you to purchase flood insurance.

Unfortunately when it comes to water claims, this is an issue that causes consumers to get angry and say “I have

paid years of premiums, why isn’t this covered?” Don’t get angry. Learn about your policy. Read one of the most important parts of the entire policy--- the exclusions page. Not all

policies are alike. Even in my own agency we have several different types of homeowner’s insurance policies; from the most basic to more coverage-loaded policies. You need to sit down with your agent and talk about what you are trying to cover. A landlord needs different coverage than a homeowner. A condo policy is very different from a renter’s policy.

When you are “shopping rate” be careful you are not inadvertently shopping ‘coverage’. All policies are not created equal. If you are saving a considerable amount of money, hesitate, and take a side -by-side comparison with the two policies.

What you are ‘saving’ in premium may cost you in ‘coverage’ over the long haul.

Susanne Romo, LUTCF has been working in insurance since 1986. Her passion is showing her clients that there can be a vast difference between just ‘having’ insurance…and being properly insured. She can be reached at 858 751 0956 or sromo@farmersagent.com

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If you are thinking of making a move give us a call. We have buyers for your home.

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

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