From The Front Porch Journal 2016 January|February|March

reflections “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous ppreciating where we’ve grown up doesn’t always happen until we are much older. The adage “familiarity breeds contempt” rings true when it came to my home state of Wisconsin. When I was growing up, I couldn’t wait to leave its cold winters of 90 below with the wind chill. Come April of this year, I will have lived in California as long as I lived in Wisconsin. When I moved here, it was love at first sight for all things San Diego—palm trees, the ocean, walks on the beach, perfect weather, historic sites, and big city living with its plethora of adventures. My husband and I explored every chance we got. We’d even take long drives (because that’s all we could afford to do) just so we could get lost and discover all the treasures this beautiful county and state have to offer.

Fast forward a “few” years to our empty-nest years. I subscribe to a magazine called Midwest Living. One of the things that I love about the magazine is their devotion to exploring Midwest towns. One issue had an article about Stockholm, Wisconsin, an artist village located on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River, home to a goat called Prince William of Stockholm. I had never ventured there in all my years of living in my home state. Once I visited Stockholm, I was hooked on exploring all the places I had never been to. Every Wisconsin visit has now become an adventure to discover all the jewels that state has to offer— places and things I should have noticed while I lived there but never took the time or an interest in. This past summer I had the opportunity to visit my daughter Rebecca’s new city of residence—Wausau, Wisconsin. Of course exploration ensued. Rebecca had filled an entire binder with things to do while she was at work—including restaurants she loved, her favorite antique haunts, and a botanical garden in its infancy of being developed. The greatest discovery though was the connection Wausau has with our very own Mt. Helix. While touring the Yawkey house, the docent, upon learning we were from San Diego County, asked if we were familiar with Mt. Helix. I nearly fell over when he shared that Mr. Yawkey had built the amphitheater for his mother as a tribute to her and her love of Mt. Helix. We also visited Door County, which is located on the finger peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. If I didn’t love living in San Diego, I would live there. I fell in love with the Cape Cod and farm-style cottages with—you guessed it—porches, and the small towns with incredibly wonderful farm-to-table restaurants. We devoured the most divine salted caramel ice cream in Fish Creek at the Cookery.

At the northern most point of the peninsula where the Washington Island Ferry Line crosses from Door County to Washington Island, we found a mounding beach not so much of sand but of shells annihilated by the pounding waves of Lake Michigan.

My husband and I love exploring our home state whenever we are there. I’ve fallen in love with it and all it has to offer. But I’m even more excited to continue exploring California, too. I know we are not even close to being done seeing all this state has to offer.

Yosemite is next on the list.

FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURNAL January-February-March contributors:

Front Cover Photography | Staging

Scott Carmella | Lisa Vasey Copyright © 2016 From The Front Porch Journal

Reflections: Rosemary Joles A Note from Rosemary: Rosemary Joles Mortgage Memo: Carolyn Plummer On Our Porch: Rosemary Joles Feels Like Home: Lisa Vasey The Nibblers Digest: Marco Sawrey & Karin Zonis Sawrey The Cork Connoisseur: Beth Fraitag Travel The World: Beth Taylor Travel San Diego: Rosemary Joles Bravo and Mia Bites: Todd Joles Podsibilities: Rosemary Joles Technaholics: Todd Joles Ingenious: Rosemary Joles Nitty Gritty: Susanne Romo Project DIY: Mr.Fix-It.com Centerfold Photo: Scott Carmella Photo credits if not noted: dreamstime.com & Rosemary Joles

contents

JANUARY·FEBRUARY·MARCH

2016

departments 2 4/5

17

reflections the real estate brief a note from rosemary the mortgage memo 6/7 home on our porch -4840 Lee Ave. feels like home -organized home 8/9 bon vivant the nibbler digest the cork connoisseur 10/11 travel travel the world travel san diego 12 time-out birch aquarium 13 et cetera where’s rosemary delish -pumpkin oatmeal muffins 14/15 san diego views 16

20

17

27 From the Front Porch Journal Published by and compliments of:

Rosemary Joles

REALTOR®, Cal BRE # 01095314

619·405·7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com www.LivinInSD.com 8277 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942

Follow our blog at: LivinInSD.com Like us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/LivinInSD Follow us on Pinterest Pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/

minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden -sea holly upcycle trash to treasure -book page rose wreaths

18/19 nitty gritty insurance 411 -floods project diy -gfci, what? why?

20 bits and pieces ponderings podsibilities technaholics ingenious 21 sd outdoors sd sports park exploration -pantoja park sd word find -winter words 22/23 lifestyle sd theatre sd adventures sd concerts 24/25 domiciles from east county to the coast 26 our advertisers 27 remember when -la mesa train station

the real estate brief a note from rosemary “If you think hiring a professional is expensive wait till you hire an amateur –Red Adair n the last issue of From The Front Porch Journal, I spoke about things to look for in choosing a real estate agent when marketing your home. Here are a few more tips I think are important when choosing an agent.

 Do you like them? Do you trust them? You are going to be working with your agent anywhere from 45 days to 6 months, so it’s best if you enjoy being around them. For the majority of people, their home is their largest asset. Trusting the agent you hire is a big deal. I sold a home to a buyer once where the seller referred me to a friend because she loved how I cared about my buyer. Notice she didn’t refer the agent she listed with. So, a good place to start looking for an agent is by asking friends and family who they’ve used, but don’t just take their word for it though. Check references, ask for previous sellers’ phone numbers and/or email addresses. An agent should have no issue giving you access to the people they have worked for, unless they have something to hide. Look at reviews online: Yelp, Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, then you probably shouldn’t move forward.  Interview several agents. It may take several interviews to find the right fit for you and your family. Think about what you want in an agent. Is this the first time you are selling a home? Then choosing an agent who can give you more personal attention is probably your best fit. Of course, you will want to make sure they sell an adequate amount of homes per year, so they have the experience necessary to do a good job for you. Do you want an agent who has a large team working for them? Keep in mind that in this scenario the listing agent just lists the property and then moves on to the next potential listing. Expect to be turned over to a team member once your home is listed. You should know up front that the listing agent won’t be the person you will be dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

If this is okay with you, then go for it.

 Be cautious listing with an agent who says they can give you the

D

id the agent recommend staging? If highest price for your home. Now, don’t tune me out. I realize that they didn’t they are leaving your most sellers want the highest dollar amount for their home, but an dollars on the table. Statistic’s show agent should be able to substantiate value in writing. This is where that staged homes sell for more looking at homes similar to yours (comparables) that are active, money than unstaged homes. pending, and sold really make a difference. Active listing prices are what sellers/agents are hoping they will get for a home—these homes are your competition. Pending listings are buyers raising their hand saying this home is priced and presented in such a way that they are willing to pay for further investigations—these homes are “in escrow.” Sold listings are what buyers and sellers finally agreed upon in terms and price on the date of acceptance. It’s extremely important when looking at these homes that you look at the comparables and your home through a buyer’s eyes. Buyers today are educated about the market. They will be looking in several zip codes, comparing amenities, condition, neighborhood, and price. So why be cautious? When an agent comes in higher than everyone else on a listing price, we in the industry call that “buying the listing.” The agent lists a home high and then once listed, continually asks the seller for price reductions. Talk about opening yourself up for an unpleasant experience. It’s crucial to price your home correctly from the very beginning. No testing the market to “see if you can get your price.” None of the “I’m in no hurry to sell.” To be blunt, if you are in no hurry to sell, then the best time to put it on the market is when you are truly ready to make a move. Doing anything else will only hurt your chances of selling for the best price in the shortest amount of time. The first three weeks a home is on the market are critical. Statistically, this is when sellers get the very best price for their home and have the most buyers’ eyes on it. Price it right from the start.

 Finally, look at the agent’s ability to negotiate. How close did they come to selling you on their list price recommendation? Did they give away the farm?

In the next issue I will cover what buyers should be looking for in an agent when purchasing a home.

If you are considering selling this year or simply want to know the value of your home, please feel free to give me a call. I can be reached at 619.405.7673 or at homes@livininsd.com.

carolyn’s mortgage memo making dreams come true uring my 27 years as a lender, I am often asked why I do what I do. There are many reasons I enjoy being a loan officer such as each transaction is different, I am constantly being challenged as the lending guidelines and market changes, but the main reason I do what I do is because of the people. Specifically the home buyers and their families. From time to time I forget this and am gently reminded by the stories I hear from the home owners when I check up with them after escrow has closed and they have settled into their new home. During the hectic escrow period, I am focused on making sure the transaction closes smoothly and on time and the home buyer gets the best possible customer service. But when the dust has settled, that is when the stories come out.

Stories of how this new house is not a house at all but a home and a life changer. *Curt and Cristen are recent first time buyers for whom I handled the financing for their home purchase. They had two young sons 8 and 5 years old. After falling on hard times due to a difficult pregnancy, birth of their second son and a job loss for Curt, they had filed bankruptcy and moved into Section 8 housing while Cristen recovered and Curt went through job training. They never thought they could own their own home, that was a far off dream. A few years later, Curt had completed his job training and secured a stable job. Cristen had recovered enough to go back to work, but the dream of owning a home still seemed to only be a dream.

A friend and realtor of theirs had referred them to me to see what home financing options may be available.

After getting them pre-approved for a FHA financing, they purchased a quaint 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with a lar ge ba ck y ar d in a quiet neighborhood in Lakeside. For many young families, this size home would be considered a starter home. For Curt and Cristen is wasn't much I never had any other desire so strong, and so like covetousness, as that… I different. It was a starter home, but it might be master at last of a small house and a large garden, with very was theirs...all theirs and this was a life changer. What they hadn't counted on moderate conveniences joined to them, and there dedicate the remainder of my was that this was a life changer for life to the culture of them and the study of nature.” -Abraham Cowley, circa 1655 their young sons as well.

“

Shortly after they had moved in, their 8 year son was to have his 9th birthday. Cristen told her son he could invite 3 friends and she would take them to the Zoo or The Fun Zone, his choice. He chose neither and instead wanted to have his friends over for a back yard party. Cristen asked him why he just wanted to stay home for his birthday instead of going someplace special. He explained Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband, teenage daughter and 2 dogs. She how he wanted to show off his home and yard to his friends. Even has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of at the tender age of 8, he understood the difference between renting community. Carolyn can be contacted at cplummer@amerifirst.us or at 619.813.8934. an apartment and owning a home. The apartment was just a place Equal Housing Lender. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 256447, and am to eat and sleep. Their home, no matter how small, was a place to create memories and live their lives. licensed to originate mortgage loans in the State of California.

This is why I do what I do. To help families make their dreams come true.

AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 (NMLS # 145368).

1-877-276-1974. Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. CA: Licensed

by The Department of Business Oversight under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act

* Client’s names have been changed for privacy.

arely does an opportunity present itself to acquire a piece of La Mesa history, such as the John Mann House, also known historically as the Boyington House. Dr. Mann purchased the land from Dr. J. A. Parks, affectionately known by the locals as Dr. Joe, in February 1913. In 1927 Dr. Mann sold the home to Albert and Annie Boyington. Albert was associated with the International Harvester Company for approximately 20 years and later with the Canadian Home Lands Company. Albert only lived in the home for three years before passing away. The current owners have had this home as a part of their family’s history since 1949. Their grandfather, Carey M. Smith, purchased the home from widowed Annie Boyington after serving his country both in World War I as a 17-year-old and in World War II as a physician. Smith survived the Bataan Death March in the Philippines in 1942. The march was a grueling 65-mile march to prison camps made by 75,000 American and Filipino troops. When Smith returned to the states after a prison camp interment, he was a mere 80 lbs. He worked at Balboa Naval Hospital until retiring as an admiral. After his distinguished military career, Smith, along with 13 other physicians, created Doctors Hospital where he was the Chief of Staff. Doctors Hospital is now part of the Sharp Health Care System in the Midway District of Point Loma. In addition, Smith received recognition for his 50-year dedication of doing insurance exams for Cal Farm.

on our porch Details The John Mann House Also known as Boyington House Year Built: 1913-1914 Architectural Style: Semi-Bungalow Square Feet: 2515 Sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4+ Bonus Baths: 2 Acres: .4867 Address: 4840 Lee Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 Price: $735,000 More photos & video at: livininlamesa.info

home

Carey M. Smith as a 17 year old (on the right) and a fellow soldier taken during World War I.

Dr. Carey M. Smith circa 1961

This home is one of the early La Mesa semi-bungalows– a larger version of the one story bungalow built for larger or wealthier families.

Dr. Smith and his son Richard circa 1983

The back porch is perfect for viewing incredible sunsets.

feels like home et’s get organized! You have to admit – most of us have too much “stuff”. As a home stager, I often need to advise my clients to rid their houses of a plethora of items before putting it on the market - but even if you’re not selling your home, getting organized will, ultimately, add to the quality of life in your home. If one of your 2016 resolutions is to bring a little more order into your life, now is the perfect time to do it. And I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming – really!

The first step is to NOT buy all of those cute matching baskets/bins/ crates, etc. that you think will inspire you to use them – that’s putting the cart way before the horse, and can be a big waste of money. Instead, I recommend first making a list of all of the areas that you want to tackle (closet, kitchen, office, etc.) and then prioritizing them by how much each of them bugs you.

Next, look at each area and assess how it can be broken down into subparts – i.e. your closet contains shoes, handbags, sweaters, clothes on hangers, etc.

Once you’ve got your detailed list, pick ONE thing that you can easily accomplish in an hour or less (I usually start with the junk drawer in the kitchen because, I swear, it breeds extra stuff overnight.)

Now – remove EVERYTHING from the space/area that is assigned to hold said stuff. (Empty the drawer/closet/cabinet completely and clean it.) Go through the items, grouping like items together, and decide which ones you are going to keep, discard, or donate. (Trust me, you do not Photo Credit: pantry2.us.cricut.com need to keep 12 pairs of black sandals when you really wear just 3 of them regularly.) Experts say if you haven’t worn or used an item in the last 2 years, you don’t need it and won’t miss it – so free up space to keep only the things you love and use.

Only after you’ve accomplished this step can you truly assess what cute baskets/bins/crates you need that will fit the stuff and space they will be used in. If necessary, purchase items that will help keep things in line, then place items in their new homes. We’ve all heard “a place for everything and everything in its place” – now is the time to put things where you want them to live happily ever after.

Congratulations! You’ve just checked one thing off your to-do list! So, here’s the thing that is crucial to remember – do One.Thing.At.A.Time. Please don’t expect to reorganize your life in a weekend – take it Photo Credit: organizedhome.sibcylinenews.com in small, doable chunks. Strategize. Assess. Purge.

Reorganize. Find organizers that work for your stuff, don’t try to make your stuff fit something that doesn’t work for your space.

Don’t expect everything to look like Pinterest, but if it works for you, it’s perfect. And remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s taken years to amass your belongings, and you can’t Lisa Vasey, lives in La Mesa with her husband and two pugs. When expect to be organized in a flash. not staging or redesigning, Lisa likes to try new restaurants and recipes, travel, read, and enjoy live music. You can find Lisa on the web at stagedtodaysoldtomorrow.com. Reach out to Lisa at 619.335.8550 or email her at lisa@stagedtodaysoldtomorrow.com for help with your redesign or staging project.

So take your time. Stop. Breathe. And once you’ve finished each task, reward yourself for a job well done!

bon vivant Marco Sawrey & Karin Zonis-Sawrey

JSix 616 J Street, San Diego, 92101 619.531.8744 jsixrestaurant.com

Six boasts a selection of fresh and seasonal fare, with a changing menu. For a fun twist on dinner, we ordered the Chef’s Mercy—five courses for $65.

Being at the chef’s mercy means you eat what is served. There are no hints or details until the plate of food is placed before you, although they do respect dietary restrictions.

The wine pairing option might seem for some to be over the top, but for only 20 bucks you’ll spend less than you would on a couple of drinks. Plus you have the advantage of tasting five different wines. Although a typical wine pairing includes whites and reds, our server was happy to accommodate our request for all reds that evening. In fact, he was quite knowledgeable about the wines and delivered a thoughtful and delightful progression.

None of the dishes in the Chef’s Mercy are menu items. That means neither you nor the servers know what you’re going to get. The kitchen’s creativity is unleashed with this exciting chef’s tasting. While it might be intimidating to some diners to not know what they’ll be eating, it means no matter how many times you go, you’ll probably never eat the same thing twice. The drawback is that new dishes are potentially “tried out” for the first time and if you got a truly phenomenal dish once, it may be that unicorn you dream of for the rest of your days.

The first dish we had on our most recent visit was spinach salad with pickled mushrooms in a mushroom vinaigrette with goat cheese. The mushrooms were tangy and full of umami richness.

Potato-less Gnocchi with Leeks

We continued with a scallop crudo accompanied by pesto oil and brightly colored beet salad. Next, there was potato-less gnocchi with leek, peas and crispy

Roast Chicken With Leek Risotto pork belly in white wine reduction. These pillows of dough created a memorable “ménage a yum” in our mouths. After the last course of chicken with risotto, a light vanilla pound cake with macerated blueberries and house-made whipped cream, paired nicely with a California port, rounded out the evening.

Parking tip: Jsix is adjacent to Hotel Solamar, so take advantage of the valet service which is validated at the restaurant and will only cost you $10. Much better than other downtown parking lots.

All photos courtesy of : Marco & Karin

Vanilla Pound Cake

ew Year's Resolutions are a double-edged sword for me: reflections on what to leave behind and contemplative of what & how to fill the void. Some things are easy, but most things involve improving the quality of our lives whether it be making time for important things that have been kicked off to the wayside or including new things into our lives to give our short time here on earth more depth and meaning. Health and wellness always seem to be at the top of the list: Eating better, exercising more, getting our financial lives in order, volunteer work, etc. One constant I've seen in my own annual resolutions revolve around clutter. Too many clothes in the closet, too many hair care products under the sink, nail polishes in the drawer, emails, supplements & vitamins, unfinished projects, GL! I haven't even moved out of the master bedroom!

This may be a far stretch for some but in my world, it works. I want to remove clutter from what I consume as well. When I look at ingredients on a box of crackers or a loaf of bread, I want to see only the ingredients I recognize. A former employer once said to me, “I only eat something if it comes from a mother or the ground.� I love that! I have taken this food philosophy on in my own eating habits. If I can't pronounce it or have never heard of it before, I typically choose to stay away.

My wine approach is consistent with this philosophy too. The problem for most consumers is that the wine industry doesn't require wine companies to list all the ingredients used to make wine. Until you dig deep into this world, you probably think it's just crushed fruit, right? Unfortunately no. Mass produced wines are subjected to similar practices just as our food is. And what's worse, they are not required to list it on the label. You have no idea what you're drinking. Sure, there is grape juice in there, but what else? Sugar, food coloring, preservatives, crustacean shells for clarification. I can go on, but the point is, if you wake up in the morning feeling crappy from the wine the night before, it may not be the wine. It could be all the other garbage you were unaware of.

Farm to Table and Vineyard to Table philosophies are springing up all around the world for a very good reason. We care about what we eat and know that the cleaner the food, the better we feel, the better we feel the better we act, and so on.

If you already care about what you put into your body, spend a little time looking into the world of wine; find out what's in your glass. If you are not pleasantly surprised, I can help you with that.

Photo credit: jwine.com

Beth Fraitag is a lead wine consultant with Quigley Fine Wines. Wine is her passion and she works one on one with individuals who also enjoy popping the cork from time to time. Her specialty is small production wines from around the globe where sustainable farming practices have been the norm for generations. Her belief in biodynamic methods to bring mother nature's bounty into our lives is the basis for the wines she represents. She can be reached at 619.742.0245 or beth@quigleyfinewines.com. Check out the QFW website at quigleyfinewines.com for additional information.

finding the right all-inclusive resort ne of the hottest trends in travel today is the All-Inclusive resort. Much like a cruise, most of your expenses are taken care of in the price and there is very little out-of-pocket expense while you’re there.

The number one decision to make is where to go. Paradise can be found in many locations, and each will have an all-inclusive resort nearby! If a picture-perfect beach lapped by turquoise waters is the one ingredient you can’t live without, set your sights on the idyllic islands in the Caribbean. If you want to explore your locale a bit more in depth, then chose a resort near grand attractions, such as Jamaica where you can go hiking up Dunn’s

Photo Credit: huffingtonpost.com

Each all-inclusive resort comes with its own special mix of specialties. Some are focused on romance, catering to couples who came to connect. Others are family oriented, providing a well-balanced diet of adventure for all ages. The key is finding the right mix of fun and relaxation, and whether that mix includes multiple pools, a private beach, water sports, kid and teen centers, family rooms, nearby attractions, indulgent spas, championship golf or fine dining options.

Photo Credit: petergreenberg.com

hurricane season in the Caribbean, so lower-priced packages come with a slight risk. Don’t worry; many resorts offer weather guarantees, giving you credit for a future stay if a hurricane is on path to disrupt your dream vacation.

River Falls, or Cozumel, where nearby Mayan ruins are waiting to be explored. Other resorts are on or near championship-quality golf courses, offering packages that include a few rounds.

Equally important is decision when to go. Like all popular holiday spots, summer, spring break and Christmas are peak times for all-inclusive resorts. Going at those times may be the most convenient for your schedule, but be prepared to deal with more fellow guests. Also, June through November is technically

The cost of an all-inclusive package can seem high at first glance, until you take into consideration all that the package provides. Included in the cost of your stay is typically all meals, premium drinks, numerous sports and activities, social functions and often tips. Some resorts pride themselves in telling guests to bring little or no cash, for it’s not needed as long as you stay inside the resort.

To select the best all-inclusive resort for your next vacation, rely on the advice of an expert travel consultant who can help you pick the perfect resort to fit your needs!

Beth Taylor is a local travel consultant who has been in the travel industry for over 30 years. She specializes in group and family travel. Her experience has taken her to places around the world. She’d love to help you plan your own unique vacation or simply “talk travel” with you! She can be reached at TMTravel@cox.net or 619-303-8771. Visit her website at BethTaylorMadeTravel.com for more tips about travel and some of the latest travel specials

destination-kellogg beach-bessemer path rosemary joles egotiate the traffic west on Rosecrans Street, and just before the Naval Submarine Base in Point Loma hang a left on Kellogg Street. There you will find my favorite “thotful spot,” Kellogg Beach. If you don’t know what a thotful spot is, then in my humble opinion you’ve lived a deprived childhood and need to revisit said childhood and read Winnie the Pooh. I’ve chosen this tranquil little beach to “think, think, think,” as Pooh would say. It’s been my spot for the tough and sometimes not-sotough decisions I’ve had to make in my life, or when I just wanted to have some quiet “me” time. Usually with a latte in hand, sometimes a journal, my place to sit is not as comfy as Pooh’s log. My seat is a cement pad at either the end of Kellogg or McCall Street. I have to say though I have quite the view. To the southwest is the expansive sapphire Pacific Ocean. In front of me, sailboats silently skim by with Shelter Island as their backdrop. To the east sailboats and yachts bob in cobalt blue waters at the various yacht clubs in the neighborhood. Sometimes I spy seals basking in the sun on the San Diego Harbor Police dock. At night you can hear the seals barking from buoys that dot the waterway, while a lowly foghorn guides vessels safely to their desired destination. During the day green parrots squawk madly as they swoop by above. When we lived in the area in the late 90s, a family of macaws often flew overhead. I’m sure they were claiming their airspace from the pilots that periodically did maneuvers from North Island Naval Air Base.

Kellogg, also known as La Playa, is not a beach where you can spend the entire day, as there are no bathrooms, unless, of course, you live nearby or want to drive to a local coffeehouse restroom. The problem with the latter option is that you will lose your parking spot, which is the other drawback of this little oasis. Parking and bathrooms aside, it is a great place to take wee ones to build sandcastles, collect tiny seashells, pop a kayak in the water, take a beach chair and a good novel to read, or make it a thoughtful spot as I have.

If you want to take a walk, traverse the sand to the east, past the private dock that leads to the end of this tiny beach. Climb a sometimes treacherous, but thankfully, small incline to paved San Antonio Avenue. After you’ve reached the top, take note of the huge, exquisite tree that I believe is a Moreton Bay Fig at the corner of Owen Street and San Antonio. Follow the paved road two blocks and pick up Bessemer Path just outside the La Playa Yacht Club dock entrance. My much-loved time to walk this trail is in the early morning. The water beams like liquid glass, and the morning sun sparkles on it like diamonds. The bonus is you won’t see many other humans hiking this little dirt route at this time of day. What you will see is beautiful scenery from both sides of the path. On the south side, boats are lined up like dutiful soldiers glistening in the sun; on the other are impressive homes—some grand, some Cape Cod in style, and others Mid-Century. Egrets and sandpipers scamper and strut about along this lovely jaunt. The path leads all the way down to the village of Point Loma. If you want to saunter a little farther, continue on Anchorage Lane to Shelter Island Drive and stroll down to the Friendship Bell and San Diego artist James T. Hubbell’s Pearl of the Pacific, a mosaic public artwork featured in Pacific Rim Park at the very tip of Shelter Island. If you get hungry from your picturesque walk, on your way back take Shelter Island Drive to Scott Street and head east two and a half blocks to Emerson and stop by Point Loma Seafoods, aka “Smelly Kelly’s.” I highly recommend the crab cake sandwich served on scrumptious sourdough.

Sometime you just need time alone in a beautiful place to figure things out….

time-out family-friendly places to go with kids in and around san diego

Why Kid Friendly?

Children’s Play Zone Picnic Areas Interactive Fountain Themed Gardens Location 1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101 Contact Sandiegocounty.gov/parks/ waterfrontpark.html 619.232.7275

Waterfront Park

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. Be specific and submit your guess as fast as you can (You have competition!!!) The first correct answer will win movie tickets for two! You can email or call us at: 619-405-7673, Homes@LivinInSD.com.

Healthy Grab and Go Breakfast Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

where was rosemary?

J Street Marina Park 550 Marina Pkwy Chula Vista, CA 91910 619.691.1860 portofsandiego.org Winner Tom and Janice Edwards La Mesa

Ingredients

        

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 ripe banana 1 15 oz. can pumpkin 1 egg 1/2 cup almond milk (or other milk) 1/4 cup honey * Optional: dark chocolate chips for sprinkling on top Preparation Instructions

    

pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/home-cookin-wee-humble-cottage-approved/

Photo and recipe credit: taylormadebytaylorbee.com

et cetera

delish

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a large bowl, combine oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix. In another medium bowl, mash banana completely with a fork until smooth. Whisk in the egg.

Add the pumpkin, milk and honey. Wisk until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.

Spray a nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray. Spoon the mixture evenly into the cups, filling about 3/4 way. Top with chocolate chips if you wish. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

It is fitting that this wonderful memorial on this mountain top, baptized this Easter morning with worship and praise, should be dedicated in the name of a women, a mother and friend. It is a testimonial of love. -Dr. Roy Campbell, 1925

Dr. Campbell at the dedication of the Mt. Helix Amphitheater for Mary Carpenter Yawkey by son Cyrus Yawkey and daughter Mary White on April 12, 1925. The amphitheater was designed

by San Diego’s top architect of the time Richard Requa.

minutia

The 3 Musketeers Bar in 1932

The 3 Musketeers bar was originally split into three pieces with three different flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. When the other flavors became harder to come by during World War II, Mars decided to go all chocolate.

Todd Joles is now known as Mr. Useless Knowledge, is a business associate of his wife Rosemary, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, chief cook and bottle washer because he loves his wife and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. You can find more useless knowledge at: Facebook.com/LivinInECSD

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”

—Gilda Radner (comedienne) Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson Bravo and Mia are the fur-children of Rebecca Johnson. They are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.

botanical name: Eryngium planum common name: Sea Holly Likes: Full sun Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Violet/Lavender Note: Attractive to butterflies

“A gardener learns more in the mistakes than in the successes.”

-Barbara Dodge Borland To see more SD plants go to: LivinInSD.com

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

Photo Credit: kc2designsbykerry.com

Photo Credit: luvleescrappin

R

olled book paper rose wreath

For more upcycle ideas go to pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/livininsd-upcycle/

What You’ll Need Paper Wreath Form Hot Glue Gun Scissors Tweezers Ribbon to hang your wreath.

Patience and time!

Directions: See the video on how to make the roses on livininsd.com. You will also find a link to the instructions on how to create the wreath.

nitty gritty insurance 411 hat is a flood? Floods are a temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land are covered by water or mudflow. Floods can occur anywhere it rains. Too rapid an accumulation of rainfall, clogged/outdated drainage systems as well as hurricanes can cause a flood. Wildfires create charred ground that cannot easily absorb rainwater. Flooding after wildfires is a common occurrence in California.

Flood insurance isn’t included on homeowner insurance policies. It is purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program, a program inside FEMA. Flood insurance is priced by zones, called flood-hazard maps. The lower risk area your home is in, the lower your premium will be. If you live in a “Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) your mortgage lender will require you to have flood insurance.

Thousands of dollars of damage can be cause with just a few inches of water.

Even if you don’t live near water, your chances of experiencing a flood are rising. Parking lots, business centers and housing developments are taking the place of open spaces. As a result the land is losing its natural ability to absorb water. This leads to more floods.

How can you minimize flood damage to your home?

1. Landscape with native plants. These plants are adapted to the climate and help resist soil erosion.

2. Raise your washer and dryer, water heater above the base flood elevation (BFE).

3. Move valuables to higher locations. Irreplaceable items such as yearbooks, video tapes, tax records and photo albums need to be off the ground floor.

4. Move hazardous materials to higher locations. This includes cleaning supplies and paint.

5. Make sure your rain gutters are clear of debris. Install them so water is carried away from your house.

Flooding is the most frequently declared type of disaster. Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares the site as a disaster area. Over 90% of all disasters are not declared by the President. Also, the federal money you receive is not a gift; it is a loan you must pay back with interest. Flood insurance will cover damages whether or not a disaster is declared, and it Susanne Romo, LUTCF has been working in insurance since 1986. Her passion is showing her is not a loan.

There is usually a 30-day waiting period before your flood policy becomes effective.

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 at sromo@farmersagent.com

project diy

gfci? what? why? ou may not know what a GFCI is, but chances are it’s making your home safer. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) measures current flowing through a circuit. It looks simple, but it’s really a complex electronic device.

Electricity flows like water through a circuit. The GFCI measures this flow; if the device is operating properly, the flow into and out of the device should be the same. If the GFCI detects a slight leak of current (perhaps through your body), it immediately disconnects the circuit. That’s where the term “ground fault” comes from – the GFCI detects that the current is “grounding” when it’s not supposed to.

What about a circuit breaker or fuse? Wouldn’t one of these detect an imbalance? Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to prevent wires and devices from overheating. A 15-amp breaker will allow 15 amps of power to flow before it trips the circuit. That 15 amps is enough to light more than 15 100-watt bulbs; it’s enough current to kill a person. In fact, just a fraction of an amp flowing through your heart could be fatal. A GFCI will trip before that happens.

Remember to use the test button to check the GFCI periodically. Plug a lamp into the circuit; the lamp should turn off when you push the test button, tripping the GFCI.

Special Partner Offers From The Joles Group –Call Now!

save

20%

*

ON INSTALLATION

To Take Advantage of this Special Partner Offer, Call Now! 800.699.9238 You must call and mention Promo Code: A187231

any adt security system

*36-month contract required. Contact Lori Lyon or Clayton

ADT Always There®

Thibodeau for terms and conditions. 800.699.9238

Wine Cruise W/

5 Night Cruise Departing from Los Angeles April 30-May 5, 2016 aboard the Norwegian Pearl®

BETH FRAITAG

THE CORK CONNOISSEUR TO BEAUTIFUL VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Contact Beth Taylor Taylor Made Travel for details 619.303.8771 or 619.992.7251 TMTravel@cox.net

Inside Cabin from $419 per person Ocean view Cabin from $489 per person Port Tax of $164.06 additional Deposit due upon booking—$250/person Final payment due February 8, 2016

Balconies and Suites available upon request. Call for price on single, triple or quad cabins.

podsibilities

technaholics photos credit: flir.com/flirone

Svoboda has gained recognition not only as a George performer, but as an entertainer, composer and teacher. Born in Czechoslovakia, he now lives in San Diego where he teaches at San Diego Mesa College. He plays in a variety of venues around the area and is half of the Bennedetti/ Svoboda Duo and plays with the Second Avenue Klezmer Ensemble. He has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Ballet, the Young Artists Symphony and the Old Globe’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. You can find his music on his website georgesvboda.com. Want to take a listen of his incredible talent? Check this extraordinary piece of classical guitar being played by George.

J.S. Bach Lute Suite No 4 in E Major: youtu.be/xVtMkm3NDa0

Have

you ever wanted to see what the construction looks like in your walls? Where the plumbing lies? Where your electrical wires are? Well here is your tool!

FLIR ONE allows you to see through walls with a thermal perspective. It even allows you to capture video and still images for later use. Available for android and iphone find out more at: flir.com/flirone/

When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?

bits and pieces ingenious

from marcandangel.com

Photo credit: karasvineyardweddingshop.com

Are

you creating a fine dining experience for a loved one this Valentines day?

What could be more sweet than these blinged out wine corks?

Put your loves name on it or a very special message just for them.

Find the the how to on: livinininsd.com

ponderings

wine cork place cards

WHO VS WHO Date: Stadium: Halftime Show: Network: Announcers: Cost of a 30-second commercial:

February 7, 2106 Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California Coldplay CBS Jim Nantz (play-by-play) Phil Simms (analyst) $5 Million!

Party Food and Décor Ideas: pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/super-bowl-party-ideas/ ARI 1:10

sd outdoors

word search –things that say winter elsewhere

park exploration

Below Zero Bitter Cold Black Ice Blizzard Frosty Frozen

Ice Fishing Snowball Snowplow Snow Shoe Snow Shovel Thaw

Whiteout Wind Chill Factor Ice Storm Cold Snap Icicle Ice Scraper

Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws

lifestyle Lamb’s Players Theater lambsplayers.org

San Diego Rep sdrep.org

The Nerd January 8-February 14

Outside Mullingar January 21-February 14

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf January 30-February 28

The History of the Universe March 10-April 3

The Miracle Worker March 4-April 10

The Old Globe theoldglobe.org

Broadway San Diego broadwaysd.org

The Metromaniacs January 30-March 6

If/Then January 5-10

The Last March February 13-March 13

River Dance January 19-21

Rain March 24-May 1d

A Prairie Home Companion January 23, 2015

North Coast Repertory northcoastrep.org

The Realish Housewives of San Diego February 2-7

Sherlock Holmes January13-February 7

The Book of Mormon February 23-March 6

Now you See It February 24

San Diego Adventures Borrego Springs Film Festival January 14-18 borregospringsfilmfestival.org

A Curator’s Perspective: Ed Ruscha February 1 mcasd.org/events

Kids Marathon Mile January 16 carlsbadmarathon.com/ The History and the Hair Story January 16-March 6 artcenter.org

Photo Credit: theguardian.com

january/february/march

Museum Month: Half-Off Admission February 1-28 sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

San Diego Caffeine Crawl January 22-24 caffeinecrawl.com

“The Love Train” Valentines Wine Tour February 1-29 sdbeerwine.com

Farmers Insurance Open 2016 January 28-31 farmersinsuranceopen.com

Family ArtLAB: Art Texting February 27 sdbw.org

Alvaro Blancarte: Making the Present January 30-April 24 mcasd.org/events

Photo Credit: scmp.com

San Diego Restaurant Week January 17-24 sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Shamrock Gaslamp Block Party March 17 sandiegoshamrock.com

sd concerts

Jesse Cook

The Chieftains

Rosanne Cash

AMSD Concerts Sweetwater Union High School 2900 Highland Avenue National City, CA 91950 619.303.8176 amsdconcerts.com

Poway OnStage Poway Center for the Performing Arts 15498 Espola Road Poway, CA 92064 858.668.4798 powayonstage.org

San Diego Symphony Copley Symphony Hall 750 B St., San Diego, CA 92101 619.235.0804 sandiegosymphony.org

1/16 The Ruth Moody Band 1/22 Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin‘ 1/23 Dave Stamey 1/30 John Hammond 2/5 Miss Tess and The Talkbacks 2/6 Ellis Paul 2/13 The T Sisters 2/26 David Wilcox 3/4 The Show Ponies 3/20 Willy Porter & Carmen Nickerson

1/15 Upright and Grand Piano Festival 1/23 Smithereens Dinner 1/23 Smithereens play Tommy 2/19 Hot Sardines Dinner 2/19 Hot Sardines 2/27 Dancing Movies Dinner 2/27 Dancing with the Movies 3/11 Rosanne Cash Dinner 3/11 Rosanne Cash 3/12 Four by Four-Beach Boys to Motown

California Center for The Arts 340 North Escondido Blvd.

Escondido, CA 92025 800.988.4253 Tickets 760.839.4183 All Others artcenter.org

San Diego Theatres Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619.570.1100 sandiegotheatres.org

1/10 Vida Guitar Quartet 1/10 Michelle Cann 1/20 World Pathways Ensemble 2/2 Wellington International Ukulele 2/3 Euphoria Brass Band 2/5 Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono 2/5 Ben Fold and The San Diego Symphony 2/6 Richard Elliot 2/8 Jesse Cook 2/11 International Guitar Night 2/18 1st Marine Division Band 2/19 Las Cafeteras 2/23 African Drummers and Dance 2/25 The Chieftains 2/28 Ladino Soul 2/28 Mozart ‘N Haydn 3/2 Highland way 3/15 Jose Gonzalez with YMusic 3/20 Coastal Cities Jazz Band 3/26 Hawaiian Slack Key Concert

1/16 Monterey Jazz Festival 1/17 Tommy Emmanuel 1/30 R5 1/31 Donny Osmond 2/11 Aaron Neville 2/14 Beauty and The Beast The Sing Along 2/29 Vance Joy 3/4 KEB’ MO’ Blues Americana 3/23 An Evening with David Crosby 3/29-3/31 Rain A Tribute to the Beatles

1/16–1/17 Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto 1/19 Jeremy Denk, Piano 1/20 Itzhak Perlman & Emanuel Ax 1/22 Zukerman Conducts the Royal Philharmonic 1/23 Jazz Piano Masters 1/24 Cyrano De Bergerac 1/29 Brahms and Beethoven’s Pastorale 1/30 Mozart’s Triple Concerto 1/31 Brahms and Beethoven’s Pastorale 2/6 Ben Folds 2/19 Dianne Reeves 2/21 Band of the Royal Marines & Scots Guards 2/26–28 Symphonie Fantastique 3/4 A Tribute To Marvin Hamlisch 3/12 Taiko Drummers of Japan 3/18–3/20 Music in Motion: Dance and the Firebird 3/20 Igudesman & Joo 3/23 Montreal Symphony Orchestra 3/24 Vince Gill 3/26 globalFEST: Creole Carnival

San Diego Theatres Civic Theatre 1100 Third Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619.570.1100 sandiegotheatres.org 2/13-2/22 Tosca by Giacomo Puccini 3/30 Il Volo 3/31 Star Trek The Ultimate Voyage

front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass

domiciles

Oceanside · $375,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

El Cajon · $399,000-$410,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

HIllcrest · $545,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Oceanside · $575,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

San Raphael-Torrey Hills · $949,500 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Meadows Del Mar · $2,695,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

El Cajon · $450,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Historic Old Escondido · $445,000-$475,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

North Park · $824,000-850,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Poway · $865,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Del Mar Mesa · $3,995,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Rancho Pacifica · $9,975,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673

Millicent

and Company Salons

MEGAN MCGHEN Hair Stylist

619·464·3166

4695 Palm Avenue · La Mesa · CA · 91942

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

Out of the Mouths….

My cousin's daughter's response to "I love you," was "I love me too" for the longest time.

Visit us at LaTorta.com and click on coupon for the latest value meals and coupons.

Front Porch Wisdom See your business advertised here.

Interested in advertising in From The Front Porch Journal?

Contact Rosemary Joles at homes @livininsd.com or at 619-303-9500 x335 for a current price sheet.

Our current reach is over 10,000 San Diego County families and we are growing.

Be selective in your battles, sometimes peace is better than being right.

1910

Remember When

Photos: lamesahistoricalsociety.com & rosemary joles

2015

La Mesa Station

Architectural Style: American Bungalow Style |Built: 1894 4695 Nebo Dr. |La Mesa, CA 91941|ph. 619.465.7776|web: psrm.org/visitor-information/la-mesa-depot/

E

very home is a masterpiece

SOLD · $217,000 · 2/2 livininsd.com ∙ College

SOLD · $285,000 · 3/2 livininsd.com · Emerald Heights

SOLD · $312,000 · 2/2 livininpointloma.info · Midway District

SOLD · $439,000 · 3/2.5 livininsd.com · San Carlos

SOLD · $581K · 3/2.5 livininsd.com · Mission Valley Civita

SOLD · $640,000 · 4+/3 livininvista.info · Vista

For Sale · $735,000 · 4+/2 livininlamesa.info ∙ La Mesa

SOLD · $1,159,000 · 4/2 livininsandalwood.info · La Costa

SOLD · $1,250,000 · 4/4.5 livininlacosta.info · La Costa

Whether you are looking to sell, buy, or lease a home we have the skills to get the job done right.

Find out what our clients have said about us at: livininsd.com/san-diego-county-realtor-rosemary-joles/rosemary/

Rosemary Joles 2014 | 2015 | 2016 Five Star Real Estate Agent REALTOR® | Cal BRE #01095314 Residential Sales· Leasing· Luxe Director 619· 405· 7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com LivinInSD.com