reflections “To know nothing of what happened before you were born, is to forever remain a child.” ~Cicero f you’ve been reading the journal for a while you know that old houses are a passion of mine. Whenever we travel, you will find me searching for the historic jewel of the region. Taking the time to view historic homes not only causes you to have a glimpse into the past of the original owner and the architecture of the home, but you also get a lesson in the history of the region and what was happening during that era. We have had the opportunity to see many magnificent homes over the years. We are still in the process of seeing all of the homes in San Diego County. Some that we have seen are the Marston House, a stunning Craftsman home located on 7th St. at the edge of Balboa Park. Villa Montezuma, a Queen Anne Victorian, located in the historic district of Sherman Heights. It has been closed since 2006 but SOHO is currently trying to gain stewardship and have it reopened as a museum once again. I hope they succeed as it is a stunning piece of San Diego Victorian architecture. While in Wausau, WI in 2015, visiting our daughter, Rebecca, we took the time to view the stately 1901 Classic Revival home of Cyrus and Alice Yawkey. Much to our surprise, while on our docent led tour, we discovered that Mr. Yawkey had a connection to our very own La Mesa. He and his sister Mary Yawkey White are the philanthropic pair, along with Col. Ed Fletcher (of Fletcher Hills fame), who gave us our beloved Mt. Helix Park. Built in loving memory of their mother, Mary Carpenter Yawkey who enjoyed walking to the summit to take in the views of the sea and the surrounding valley below. What a wonderful gift and legacy they left to the residents of San Diego County. On our way back to San Diego on that same trip we chose to check out the Spanish Colonial 16,850 sq. ft. Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, AZ that was completed in 1931 for 1.2 million. While we loved the mansion, what we discovered on the inside of the mansion absolutely delighted us, but first a little background. Geordie (George) Hormel, creator of Hormel Beef Stew and self-taught pianist purchased the Mansion for 2.6 million in 1992, saving it from the wrecking ball. It wasn’t his desire to so much own the mansion, but the Steinway player piano that sat inside it. The Wrigley family commissioned Steinway to make the piano before the market crash. It was William Wrigley, Jrs. most prized possession and he made sure legally that it would stay with the house even after his death. So what’s so special about this piano, let me tell you. The piano can accommodate up to ten player rolls at a time-each of them filled with George Gershwin music. Along with the player piano is a “selector panel” with a very long cord. An old-fashioned very large remote so to speak. Which in itself is pretty cool for 1931, but the thing that put both of us over the top was that George Gershwin himself had recorded all of the music for the rolls. So when the docent had it play Rhapsody in Blue, it was as if Gershwin himself was sitting there playing for us. It was an amazing experience and gives me chills still as I type this. Currently the piano is worth 18 million. I think Geordie got a really good deal on his home purchase, This Steinway piano is one of only two built of it’s kind. The other sits in the Smithsonian. If you would don’t you? like to read more about our visit to the Wrigley or We hope that these little stories show just how special these historic treasures are. other historic homes visit our website at livininsd.com You never know what you will find if you take a few hours to step back in time. FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURNAL october/november/december contributors:
Front Cover Photography
Rosemary Joles 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 Carlsbad State Beach Credit: Dreamstime.com Upcycle: Gail and Jim Hallemeyer Travel The World: Beth Taylor Travel San Diego: Rosemary Joles Useless Knowledge: Todd Joles Bravo and Mia Bites: Rosemary Joles Books or Blogs: Rosemary Joles Podsibilities: Rosemary Joles Ingenious: Rosemary Joles Nitty Gritty: Susanne Romo Project DIY: Rosemary Joles Photo credits if not noted: dreamstime.com & Rosemary Joles Editing for Rosemary’s Articles: Barbara Allen
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From the Front Porch Journal Published by and compliments of:
Rosemary Joles
REALTOR®, Cal BRE # 01095314
619·405·7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com LivinInSD.com 8277 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942
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reflections the real estate brief a note from rosemary the mortgage memo home on our porch –w.c. bunker home feels like home –baths bon vivant the nibbler digest –sd breakfast the cork connoisseur voyage travel the world –costa rica travel san diego –matilda’s mouse time-out –bates nut farm et cetera where’s rosemary delish –impossible pie around our town –carlsbad state beach minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden –cistus upcycle –the endless possibilities nitty gritty insurance 411 –diminished value project diy –showerhead cleaning bits and pieces ponderings podsibilities Ingenious books or blogs sd outdoors sd sports –chargers schedule park exploration –tierrasanta rec center sd word find –san diego beaches lifestyle sd theatre sd adventures sd concerts domiciles from east county to the coast our advertisers remember when –edgemoor polo barn
the real estate brief a note from rosemary “Home is the nicest word there is.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder n the last issue I wrote about the home search and what to look for in a home. In this issue, as promised, I will share what to expect when writing an offer to purchase. Ready? Here we go. 1. Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? You’ve found the home that you love and you are ready to take the leap and write the offer. So what’s next? The first thing you want to look at are market conditions. Depending on whether it is a seller’s or a buyer’s market will determine how an agent and buyer will structure the offer on the home. Currently in San Diego, we are in a seller’s market. What determines a seller’s market? The amount of housing that is currently for sale. As I write this, there are only 6,741 detached and attached single-family homes available in all of San Diego County. For a balanced market, there needs to be six months of inventory. If the amount of homes for sale is higher, then it’s a buyer’s market; if it’s lower, it is a seller’s market. As of August 2016, there are only 2.5 months of home inventory available for purchase. Limited inventory, coupled with low interest rates and not enough new homes Never rely on websites that offer price evaluations such as Zillow. They can be off being built, creates high buyer demand. Thus, it’s a in their price evaluations by large percentages. For example, La Mesa, zestimates seller’s market. are off by 20%. On a $400,000 home that’s $80,000 in either direction, a 2. What does this means to a buyer? More than likely on a desirable home (clean, remodeled, $160,000 spread. A truly losing position for a buyer. historic/vintage, desirable neighborhood or school district), there will be other buyers writing offers. A buyer needs to structure their offer in such a way that a seller wants to choose their offer over all others. The offer needs to be “clean.” This means making sure all of the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. It is basic in its requests and isn’t asking for a bunch of things that may cause the seller to run away or reject the offer. The offer may need be aggressive in regards of offer price, depending on what the market value is and whether or not closing costs are needed by the buyer. This is where a buyer really needs to listen to their agent. Most buyers want a “good” deal; however, sometimes the good deal is just getting the house! I believe in making my buyers look their best when submitting their offers. That includes having the buyer write a personal letter to the seller of why they love the home and tell a little about themselves. I also include a photograph of the buyer, the family, and their pets. Not only is this an emotional experience for a buyer but for a seller also. A seller will remember the emotion they felt when they purchased their home, and what their circumstances were. They may have lived in the home for a long time, raised their children there, become friends with their neighbors, and created wonderful memories. A buyer’s letter can speak to that seller’s emotion. I cannot tell you how many times my buyers “won” the purchase of a home because of the letter they wrote to the seller. What is amazing to me is how many agents skip this crucial step. Since I list many homes, I see a good deal of buyers’ offers. Many times the offers are very similar in terms. However, the thing that sets them apart is the letter to the seller. Speaking of terms, you will want to determine if the price the seller is asking for the home is near the actual market value. This is where you should sit down with your agent and look at similar homes that have sold in the neighborhood to make sure you are not overpaying for the property. The big thing to remember is that even if you are offering higher than the asking price, which is the norm for a seller’s market, the market value is what is most important. Your agent should be in communication with the listing agent to find out what the seller’s needs are. Do they need time in their home after close of escrow? Or perhaps they need a longer or shorter escrow period. These are all important questions for your agent to ask. In our next issue we will discuss the negotiation process (Note: It’s nothing like what you see on HGTV), and what happens once the offer has been accepted. Space permitting, I will take you through the escrow process as well. If you are considering buying this year or next, it’s never too early to seek the advice of a real estate professional and lender. We are here to help you achieve your homeownership dreams and to help you determine if now is a good time for you to purchase a home. I can be reached at 619.405.7673 or at homes@livininsd.com.
carolyn’s mortgage memo homeownership: building both financial and emotional equity few months ago, I was back in Hollidaysburg, PA visiting my parents. Both my husband and I are from that area and we make at least one trip a year as most of our family still lives back there. We always stay with my parents in the same house I grew up in. It is a three story, 5 bedroom, brick home with a full basement and many stairs. They have owned that home for 55 years and raised a family in it. My parents are now in the 80's and the talk this summer was about them finally being ready to sell the home and move to a smaller place. Now, I have not lived in that home for over 32 years, but the discussions with my parents did get me to thinking about both the financial and emotional benefits of owning a home. As a mortgage lender, I can go on and on about building equity for your future, the tax benefits of owning a home, etc. However, the emotional benefits can be just as important when considering purchasing a home. My childhood home is located just down the street from the high school. As a child, on warm summer days and with the windows open, I could hear from my bedroom the high school marching band practicing their routines for the upcoming football game. When I do happen to be there in the late summer, staying in the same room, I can hear the current marching band practicing and I am immediately transported back to my happy childhood. Many years ago, my husband and I wanted to move from our small condo to a single family home as we now had a daughter and we needed more room. As we searched for the right home, on the right street, in the right neighborhood for us, we had some basic criteria in mind. This was mostly based on our own childhood experiences growing up in a home in a small town. We wanted to create as much as possible that experience for our daughter. We wanted a neighborhood where she could walk to her high school when the time came. We wanted her to be able to ride her bike to her friend's house. We wanted a neighborhood where the dry cleaner and the local pizza place knew your name. Sure we also were thinking about the tax write offs, value appreciation, etc. but the other criteria was just as important to us. We were very excited to find our "family" home. It is on a quiet street in a neighborhood with lots of children riding bikes and is in walking distance to the high school. A home my daughter has her own childhood memories. Shortly after we moved in, I was in my daughter's bedroom putting away laundry. It was a warm day and the windows were open. As I went about my task, I had to pause for a minute and listen. The high school marching band was practicing their routine for the upcoming football game. I could hear it perfectly and was filled with a sense of home. Sales price: $550,000 Closing costs: $ 4,000 Lifetime of memories for my daughter: PRICELESS
Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband and 2 dogs. Her daughter is in her first year of college in Northern CA. She has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of community. Carolyn can be contacted at cplummer@amerifirst.us or at 619.813.8934. Equal Housing Lender. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 256447, and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the State of California.
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
on our porch ake a diversion off the North Coast Highway in Oceanside onto Civic Center Drive until you reach N. Cleveland Street. Here, you will find yourself at Apotheque Lifestyle Spa and the Succulent Café. Shaded by a Torrey Pine, the building they occupy is commonly known to locals as “Travelers Hotel.” It was built by Theodore C. Bunker in 1886 as a residence for his family to live in and as a boarding house. After only a year, Mr. Bunker passed away and his family moved to L.A. It then became the home of the First Baptist Church for a year until they were able to complete construction of their church home. (That historic building is located at 4th and Hill). The “hotel” has had a long colorful history. Once home to a brothel, the building was also the site of murder! For a time, a booming jukebox business provided music to local bars and restaurants. Even the city of Oceanside utilized office space there for a short period. Now restored, we suggest a visit is in order. You won’t be disappointed.
Details Details The Ridley House Year Built: 1886 1923 Architectural Style: Oldest brickBungalow Craftsman commercial/residential structure in Square Feet: 1812 Sq. ft. Oceanside Bedrooms: 2+ Square Baths: 2Feet: 4352 Sq. ft. Lot Size: 5007 6302 Address: 322 Cleveland St., Oceanside 619 N. S. Juniper, Escondido Historic Owners: Dr. Theodore CharlesC.&Bunker Roxsie Current Ridley Occupant: Apotheque Lifestyle Spa and Owners: the Succulent Cafe Current Linda & Kerry Weber
home
Along with a myriad of treatments to relax a tired body, spa products, and unique jewelry, you will find a nice selection of teas and herbs available for purchase from the friendly staff at Apotheque.
You never know what will become the next vessel for succulents at the Succulent Café. Here they have repurposed this pair of work boots from its unsuspecting owner. succulentcafeoceanside.com
Different varieties of Aeonium rosettes above and String-of-pearls (senecio rowleyanus) spill down the front of the Succulent Café sign. A coffee cup replaces one of the “U’s,” in the sign, giving you an indication of what you will find inside this relaxing patio shop filled with gently cascading splashes of water. Succulents, various baked goods, gourmet teas, and coffee drinks are available for purchase.
This old-fashioned rocker bids you to stop and relax for a moment, while gorgeous double doors entice one to step into Apotheque and examine their wares. apothequespa.com
Bungalowsoak-railed are defined stairs by theirascend low-pitched, Stunning to thegabled upper or hipped and covered are floor of theroofs building, takingfront youporches. past a They timeworn usuallywall. one or stories, brick If one-and-a-half those walls could talk,with whatdormers. stories Built-ins the ofonethis above are common. would theylike share 130-year-old lady?
feels like home
When I was a starving college student, I learned some super easy tricks to make the bathroom more than a boring, serviceable place. I often use the shower curtain as my inspiration – but your options aren’t limited to whatever you can find in a store. I’ve used cotton blankets, regular drapes, or some interesting fabric as a shower curtain (but be sure to also use a plastic liner.) If you see something you love that will cover the space, trust me, it can be a shower curtain – all you have to do is get a little grommet kit from a sewing shop. And if you have sliders on your tub/shower, you can install a tension rod to hide them with an awesome shower curtain – bye-bye ugly sliders! Once you’ve decided on your theme, choose a color from your curtain to paint the walls…paint is one of the least expensive ways to make an impact and since most bathrooms are pretty small, you don’t need a lot of paint, or time. Here’s where you can get really creative. Like bold colors? Just because the room is small, it doesn’t mean you have to play it safe. If you need a jolt in the morning, bold might be for you. Or you might want to create a zen-like spa experience and use some softer colors – the sky’s the limit! Don’t forget, though, that paint isn’t just for walls – if you have cabinetry
Photo Credit: fashionschoolguide.net
ant to add some quality of life to your home without breaking the bank? Why not give yourself a little lift every day as you get ready to face the world, and change up your bathroom!! Whether you own your home or rent, there are easy and inexpensive ways to totally transform your space.
that has seen better days, with the right preparation and application you might paint that too. (If you rent, always ask for permission to paint first, but it will be easy to repaint before you move out if necessary.)
Photo Credit: masonjarcraftslove.com
Next is lighting – there are some great options that are stylish but reasonably priced that will make a huge difference. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Lamps Plus, and countless online resources, all have bathroom lighting for under $200. And no need to call an electrician – a handyman should be able to switch out the fixture easily.
Lisa Vasey, lives in La Mesa with her husband and two pugs. When 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.
Do the cabinets have hardware leftover from the 80’s? That’s another easy way to update without buying new cabinets. More and more, there are a lot of places to find unique cabinet knobs, but the big box stores also have a wide variety of hardware that will make a swap out easy. Same goes for faucets – you’ll be surprised at how big a difference a new faucet will make. Don’t forget to add some art to the walls – it’s another place you can get creative! Try to corral your personal items on counters into organizers or baskets – less clutter will help you to clear your mind and calm your senses. And I can’t stress enough how important it is to buy the best towels you can afford – this will add to your quality of life more than you can imagine. Here’s a tip to keep towels soft – don’t ever use a dryer sheet or fabric softener. Just tumble-dry them, and vóila! Each day, as you step out of the shower and wrap yourself in softness, you’ll feel pampered!
bon vivant Marco Sawrey & Karin Zonis-Sawrey s you welcome family for the holidays and go through the ritual stresses of planning and entertaining, we thought we could make your life easier with a few options for Breakfasts and Sweets.
Bear Buns Bakery and Café 3251Greyling Dr. San Diego, CA 92123 858.573.2327
San Diego Home Cooking San Diego Home Cooking is our go-to when looking for a delicious, filling, and reasonably-priced meal. While we typically go to the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner options are just as good. The menu is so varied that you can order almost anything you like at any time of day. Our favorite happens to be breakfast. In addition to some of the best hash browns in the city (nice and thick -cut), they have a cinnamon roll that serves at least four, big fluffy omelets, benedicts, pancakes, bottomless coffee and a whole lot more. The wait staff at the Mission valley location is fantastic. If you go as much as we do, you’re treated like family. With its casual and friendly atmosphere, it’s great for large and small groups!
Bear Buns Bakery and Café Bear Buns Bakery and Café has San Diego County’s best cinnamon rolls! No discussion. Not too heavy, not too buttery, and not too sweet, this light and flaky delicate roll is brought to you warm. One person could probably eat the whole thing, but it’s better to share. There are other homemade pastries on the menu, but their warm egg sandwiches are wonderful. Eggs, spinach, ham, and cheese, or a variation of these ingredients, can be ordered on their signature onion rolls that seem to be the heavenly offspring of a brioche and biscuit love affair. These sandwiches are Bear Buns Cinnamon Roll made to order, so if there’s a San Diego Home Cooking long line, plan on waiting or 3 Locations opt for some of the baked goods ranging from croissants to quiches. The coffee selection is right on and staff is very friendly. With both indoor and outdoor sandiegohomecooking.com seating you can find a great spot to tuck in or wait for your to-go order that will feed the hungry horde at home!
San Diego Home Cooking Biscuit Polish Sausage Breakfast
tools to enhance your tasting experience sing the right tools for any project or experience really does optimize the outcome. Imagine going on a hike up a mountain wearing flip flops or heels. Most likely your experience will end up with sore feet and/or an injury. Just as a dull knife for the culinary wizard will only frustrate and mangle, or again, injure. Every craftsman, professional and artist will hem and haw with disfavor when asked to perform without the right tools. It’s to be expected. So why then do we tolerate inadequate glassware for wine? I am always surprised when drinking wine at a reputable establishment only to find the most inappropriate glassware used for my wine. Glassware pairing is a practice that has been around for centuries and scientists have validated this practiced for us. There’s a very good reason for pairing the right glass with the right beverage. Think about other common glassware we use: beer steins, margaritas glasses, martini glasses, champagne flutes, coffee mugs, and brandy snifters. Wine unfortunately gets stuck in a perpetual conundrum: served in a one-size-fits-all vessel that has a bowl, stem and base. Not that this formula isn’t correct. It’s just the shape and size of the bowl are incongruous to what is going inside! Without getting too technical, wine (and many of our favorite libations) are aromatic beverages that need to breathe once liberated from their bottles. The shape and size of the glassware encourages the aromas to open and blossom, just as a flower that opens expresses its’ unique perfumes. Much of what we taste comes from the aromas so it’s just as important to smell the medley of aromas as it is to taste them. As a matter of fact, you will ultimately taste more, the more you smell.
Here are 2 important elements when choosing a wine glass. Size – Make sure the bowl of your glass has ample room for the wine to breathe. Wine should be poured less than half full in the glass. This will give you enough room to swirl the wine around to enhance the aromatics without spilling. Shape – The shape of the bowl allows different varietals to express themselves at their best. Each style of wine will sing beautifully for you if given the right amount of space and air. The shape & dimension of the rim will enhance & elevate the texture, the flavor and ultimately the finish of the wine. Always take into consideration your lifestyle. If you have the means, invest in good glassware of varying styles so that the right glass is available. If you’re not there yet, and can really only have one style, go for the most versatile or the style that best fits the wine you typically drink.
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.
voyage
costa rica – a nature lovers paradise! Beth Taylor
Because of where it sits on the equator, throughout the year there is a fairly constant twelve hours of light between sunrise and sunset, from 6:00am each day to 6:00pm. The country’s location also maintains a fairly constant temperature, never varying more than a few degrees on a seasonal basis. In Costa Rica the seasons revolve around a dry season, December through April and a wet season, May through November. Also known as the “Green Season” the wet season is an excellent time
Photo Credit: huffingtonpost.com
osta Rica is a land teeming with the paradoxes of its geographical location, bridging North and South America and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The resulting climate makes it ideal for year-round travel. The forces of nature are at their spectacular best here, churning out rainforest and volcanoes, great beaches and vistas. The animals and plants of the region are of two great continents. The diversity of flora and fauna, of geography and terrain, all come together here in this small country.
Photo Credit: detourdestinations.com
because the green season in general means fewer tourists, the animals are more relaxed in their habitat. The mountains tend to be more clearly visible and the rains carry the fog and haze away, making volcano viewing particularly enjoyable.
to travel to Costa Rica. This is when the plant life is in full bloom, and the country’s beautiful flora explodes with vibrant color. It’s also when the rates are easiest on your pocketbook! Travel during this time can be as much as 30% less than in peak season In addition to this, perhaps the best reason to travel at this time is the abundance of wildlife. The greener foliage and plant life offer a wider range of feeding ground for the animals. Likewise,
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise and ecotourism is a way of life here. Mountain biking, river rafting and scuba diving are some of the favorite activities, along with zip lining through the rain forest canopy. You can watch live lava flows on Arenal Volcano, stand on a mountaintop where you can see both the Atlantic and the Pacific, or explore any one of a hundred other terrific outdoor opportunities. Consider adding Costa Rica to your list of “places to visit”… you will be glad you did!
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-valley center’s matilda’s mouse Susanne Romo here is a hidden gem in the eastern part of San Diego County down a charming country road. For the past 16 years, once a month the Victorian barn at the Betty Crocker estate has come alive with a unique flea market. The market is named after the owners’ beloved dog Matilda, who would greet you at every sale dressed in the sale’s theme. Sadly Matilda is no longer with us, but her spirit lives on in the welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the barn. The market is only open on specific weekends. Every month has a different theme. Matilda’s Mouse is a great place to find unique architectural elements, vintage clothes, interesting ephemera, garden statuary, memorabilia, and if you look up, many different kinds of chandeliers! The staff is helpful and knowledgeable.
I had wanted to go to this flea market for over a year, but the timing didn’t work out until September. A couple girlfriends piled into my car and the adventure began! We started out with coffee, Soy Pumpkin and Apricot Goat Cheese gelato at the funky independent café Esco Gelato (escogelato.com) in historic Escondido, then browsed through Matilda’s Mouse, and finished with authentic Mexican food at the YELP-discovered El Taco Caliente (331 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025, between 4th Ave and Valley Parkway). We had their specialty, fish tacos and carne asada street tacos! You can also tour the Victorian “Betty Crocker House” either before or after your Matilda’s Mouse visit. The home was originally built in 1893 and has been preserved by the Valley Center Historical Museum, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1972. Museum entrance and parking are free. You can tour the museum Tuesday – Saturday 12PM – 4PM. VCHistory.org 760-749-2993) Matilda’s Mouse is located at 29200 Miller Road, Valley Center, CA 92082. Their website is matildasmouse.com and they can also be reached at matildasmouse@gmail.com. Susanne Romo is a freelance writer who blogs at susymusings.com & healingjourneyblog.com She is the co-author of Pebbles in the Pond: Wave 4 and Your Big Idea Book, both available on Amazon
Matilda’s Mouse Antiques
Outdoor garden finds.
Esco Gelato’s gelatos. YUM!
Stone wall of the old barn.
Unique wood puppet.
time-out family-friendly places to go with kids in and around san diego
Why Kid Friendly? Pumpkins, Squash, Gourds Nuts & Candy Petting Corral Horse Drawn Carriage Straw Maze Rock Climb Location 15954 Woods Valley Rd. Valley Center, CA 92082 Contact batesnutfarm.biz 760.749.3333
Bates Nut Farm
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, Homes@LivinInSD.com, or call us at: 619-405-7673.
delish
et cetera
Impossible Pie
An Old Fashioned Recipe From Rosemary’s Grandma Amy
where was rosemary? Coronado Tidelands Park 2000 Mullinex Dr. Coronado, CA 92118 619.686.6200 Winner Susanne Bennett El Cajon
2 cups milk 2/3 cup sugar 4 eggs 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 stick butter 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup coconut (optional)
Instructions
Put all above ingredients in a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Pour into a 10” pie tin. Bake at 350° or until knife comes out clean. Crust will settle to bottom, custard in the center and toasted coconut on the top.
pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/home-cookin-wee-humble-cottage-approved/
Photo Credit: babble.com
Ingredients
around our town
minutia Photo Credit: 2ikipedia.com
In 1843 in response to a government report of the abuse of child laborers in mines and factories, Charles Dickens vowed he would strike a “sledge-hammer blow on behalf of the Poor Man’s Child.” That sledgehammer was A Christmas Carol.
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.
" A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." -Josh Billings
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: Cistus common name: Orchid Rock Rose
“Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.” -Lou Erickson
Photo credit: network54.com
Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Likes: Full sun Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Pink, White Note: Birds, Bees, Butterflies love this plant
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 the endless possibilities of upcycling At Upcycled Home and Garden, we focus on “what can be” rather than “what it was”.’ Gail and Jim Hallemeyer
Photo credit: happygoluckyblog.com
n the various DIY shows and in the social media portals there are so many great ideas of what something can be and how it could appear in a home. Yet, few locations actually offer the parts, the process or the finished products that can be used in our homes. At Upcycled Home and Garden we offer Upcycling at it’s best; Tables made from Barn Wood, Reclaimed Door and Pallets, Wall Hanging Pallet Art, Unique Lamps made with a Meat Grinder, Bee Smokers, Wire Frames, Bed Frame Bench, Handmade Jewelry using Vintage pieces and more. Our Barn Wood Table is from our recent source of barn wood that was part of an old barn in Indiana from the mid 1800’s. These boards have been well worn by the years of winter storms and all of the animals and feed, bedding etc. that filled the barn. Of course the elements and moisture adds character that can’t be painted on. We took a large plank of the old Oak and cut it in half then joined the two segments together. We cleaned and decontaminated it so that it can be reused in a home today. We then built a copper base assembly to support the wood top. As we were finishing the project, we restored the natural oils in the wood and in so doing, the beautiful gold and red of the wood has returned. The years of wear and weathering remain yet the beauty of the wood and the times remain. The rough cut of the saw blades that were used to separate the plank from the trunk of the tree remains a reminder of the primitive tools used in the 1800’s that created the structures that housed and provided the shelter of our forefathers. A very unique opportunity for the right buyer with an upcycled thought in mind.
Another great find was some old doors that came from a US Post Office in National City. Although we have not yet done anything spectacular to them, we have cleaned and provided them with some natural oil to restore the old wood. The doors are excellent for attaching hanging barn door hardware; making them hanging barn doors. In addition to the door we also have the doorframe, which makes these ready for replacing/installing in your home.
Upcycled Home and Garden is located at 4747 Oceanside Blvd, Suite I, Oceanside CA 92056. We can reached at 760-908-9800 or info@upcycledhomegarden.com. We offer classes in Milk Painting, Succulent Planting, Garden Art, Chair Upholstering and more, check out web site upcycledhomegarden.comfor detailed information. We are open Wednesday thru Saturday, 10:00am-5:30pm. Come by and say Hello.
nitty gritty insurance 411 diminished value claim ast night you were in a car accident. You were not at-fault. You were rear-ended on the freeway while braking and someone tried to merge in behind you at 55 mph. You are physically okay. Your car, however, needs some repairs. You exchange information with the other party, drive off and make a claim to their company. The other driver’s company pays to repair the car and all is well. Or is it? Fast forward three years. You are trading your car in for a new one. Online valuation estimates state that a car with the accessories, mileage and in the same shape as your car is in, is worth $10,000. However, the dealer is only willing to give you $7,000. “Why?” “Because your car was in a car accident three years ago.” “My car was repaired and is as good as new” you reply.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. A car loses an average of 33% in value once it has been in an accident. It is no longer as ‘sound’ as it was before the accident.
So what do you do? It starts with the claims process. When you are in a not-at-fault accident, you need to pursue a diminished value claim right away. You generally cannot make a claim against your own policy, but you can make a claim against the other driver’s company when they are at fault. You want to ask for the difference in value in your car from its worth before the accident versus afterwards. (You can get a pre-accident private party value from online resources such as Edmonds.com or Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.) Then tuck this money aside for when you are going to buy your next car, to make up for the difference in ‘down payment’ with the trade-in of your car. If the other driver’s insurance company balks, you will need to either pursue action in small claims court or hire an attorney. However, be politely insistent, and be prepared with the appraisal and service records before starting this course.
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 at sromo@farmersagent.com
project diy cleaning your clogged showerhead o clean your shower head, pour distilled white vinegar in a plastic baggy and secure it to the shower head with a rubber ban. Or if you have the skills remove the shower head and place in a bowl with the vinegar. Let it soak for an hour. Wipe clean with a wet cloth. Easy fix for a clogged shower head. Source: areal-lifehousewife.com
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podsibilities
books or blogs
of watching an entire series on Netflix Having orthe ease Amazon Prime Video we’ve become marathon series watchers. Our most recent epic watch was Star Trek Deep Space Nine (Yes, we are Trekies). The series originally ran from 1993-1999 and takes place in the years 23692375. One of the characters in the show, Dr. Bashir, created a holosuite program (google it, if you don’t know what a holosuite is) that was set in a 1960’s night club in Las Vegas run by Vic Fontaine. Vic was a self-aware holographic Las Vegas lounge singer and the owner of the night club. Vic was played by the 60’s heart throb James Darren, he performed many songs from the era by such greats as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. We immediately fell in love with this standards singer’s voice. To iTunes we went to download the album, “This Ones From the Heart”, that was released in 1999 because of Darren’s roll on Star Trek. It features songs that Vic sang in the show and other period pieces. Take a listen.. youtu.be/RloW_2AdR8w
Cancer
survivor, Regina Brett, wrote the book God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. It told about her cancer journey, the people who impacted her and vice versa. Inspired by her readers she went on to write a second book, Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible. The book is 50 short stories/ essays where ordinary people from all walks of life have made a difference in their little corner of the world. Once you read it I predict you will want to become the miracle in your own little corner of the world.
What’s something you know you do differently than most people ?
bits and pieces ingenious
from marcandangel.com
christmas card tree
Photo credit: craftedlove.com
sure how to display all those Christmas Cards you get each year. Here’s a nifty idea. Take a vase, arrange some tree branches from your yard in it, add some ribbon to the card by putting a hole punch in the top. Add a ribbon to the vase in your Christmas colors and tada you’ve created a custom Christmas card tree.
ponderings
Not
SD Sports 2016 Schedule
2016 Schedule DECEMBER-JANUARY
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER Date
Opponent
Time
Network
Date
Opponent
Time
Network
Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 13 Oct 23 Oct 30 Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 27
SAINTS at Raiders BRONCOS at Falcons at Broncos TITANS DOLPHINS at Texans
1:25 pm 1:25 pm 5:25 pm 1:05 pm 1:05 pm 1:25 pm 1:05 pm 10:00 am
FOX CBS CBS FOX CBS CBS CBS CBS
Dec 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec 24 Jan 1
BUCCANEERS at Panthers RAIDERS at Browns CHIEFS
1:25 pm 10:00 am 1:25 pm 10:00 am 1:25 am
FOX FOX CBS CBS CBS
sd outdoors
Home games shown in BOLD
word search –san diego beaches-part 1
park exploration
Blacks Beach Childrens Pool La Jolla Cove La Jolla Shores Mission Bay Beaches
Mission Beach Pacific Beach Windansea Beach Coronado Beach Ski Beach
Kellogg Beach Cardiff State Beach Del Mar Beach Fletcher Cove
Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws
lifestyle Lamb’s Players Theater lambsplayers.org
The Old Globe theoldglobe.org
Equivocation October 14-November 20
October Sky September 10-October 23
Lamb’s Festival of Christmas December 2-December 24
The Lion September 29-October 30
An American Christmas December 14-December 24
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas November 5-December 6
San Diego Rep sdrep.org Disgraced October 20-November 13 Historias Tenebrosas October 31-November 1 The Dybbuk for Hannah and Sam’s Wedding November 23-December 18
The Two Gentleman of Verona November 12-November 20 Broadway San Diego broadwaysd.org The Sound of Music November 15-November 20 Hedwig and The Angry Inch November 29-December 4
A Snow White Christmas December 2-December 24
San Diego Adventures San Diego Awesome ‘80s Run October 15 awesome80srun.com Escondido Grand Avenue Festival October 16 kennedyfaires.com/escondido Art Crawl October 20 museumofman.org/event/art-crawl/ Borrego Days Desert Festival October 21-23 borregodays.com Carlsbad Fall Village Faire November 6 carlsbad.org San Diego Veteran’s Day Parade November 11 sdvetparade.org Silver Strand Half Marathon 10 Miler & Veterans Day 5K November 13 kozevents.com
october | november| december San Diego Jazz Fest November 23-27 sdjazzfest.org The Baja Kitchen Presents: Brunch.wine.bazar December 4 thebajakitchen.com
Photo Credit: bajakitchen.com
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl December 21 sandiegobowlgames.com/poinsettia-bowl Christmas Eve Dinner at The Abbey December 24 hornblower.com Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade December 27 sandiegobowlgames.com/parade/ Photo Credit: kozevents.com
sd concerts
Kim Richey
AMSD Concerts Sweetwater Union High School 2900 Highland Avenue National City, CA 91950 619.303.8176 amsdconcerts.com 10/15 Dom Flemons & Leyla McCalla 11/5 Led Kaapana 11/19 Geoff Muldaur & Jim Kweskin 12/3 Kim Richey California Center for the Arts 340 North Escondido Blvd. Escondido, CA 92025 800.988.4253 Tickets 760.839.4183 All others artcenter.org 10/14 Something Inside is Broken 10/15 Israel 1st CD 10/23 USC Chamber Singers 11/2 G Burns Jug Band 11/4 Center Stage: Journeys to the Past 11/4 The Midtown Men 11/6 Marta Lledo: An Evening of Tango Piano 11/6 Montgomery Gentry 11/19-27 La Traviata 12/6 Center Stage: Celebrating Joy & Light 12/7 The Cherries Jubilee 12/15 An Irish Chirstmas Poway OnStage Poway Center for the Performing Arts 15498 Espola Road Poway, CA 92064 858.668.4798 powayonstage.org 11/19 Neko Case 12/3 Home Free: A Country Christmas
Home Free
San Diego Theatres Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619.570.1100 sandiegotheatres.org
Jesse & Joy San Diego Symphony cont.
11/18 Beyond the Score®” Dvořák Symphony No. 9: Whose World 11/19 Diego El Cigala, Master of Flamenco 11/20 Baroque Coffeehouse with Christian Măcelaru 11/26 Count Basie Orchestra: Sinatra’s Jazz 10/14-15 Jump Jive 12/2 Home Alone 10/24 Jackson Browne and Steve Earle Solo 12/3-4 Adams, Atoms and Planets 10/26 Rockin’ Road to Dublin 12/4 Vienna Boys Choir 11/11-13 Soldier Songs by Dave Little 12/6 Chamber Works of Beethoven 11/18 Jesse & Joy 12/9-11Beethoven’s Ninth 11/26 Moein 12/16-18 Noel Noel 12/2 Mariachi Sol de Mexico 12/19 Chanticleer 12/30 Jim Brickman Comfort & Joy Tour 12/21 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker San Diego Theatres Civic Theatre Humphreys Concerts by the Bay 1100 Third Avenue 2241 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101 San Diego, CA 92106 619.570.1100 humphreysconcerts.com sandiegotheatres.org 10/18 An Evening w/Jimmy Buffett & the 10/22-28 Cinderella Coral Reefer Band 12/10-24 The Nutcracker 10/19 Willie Nelson & Family 12/28 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 10/20 Tracy Morgan 10/21 Felip Esparza San Diego Symphony 10/28 Ingrid Michaelson Copley Symphony Hall 10/29 Jo Koy w/guest Chloe x Halle 750 B St., San Diego, CA 92101 619.235.0804 sandiegosymphony.org 10/14-16 Gil Shaham 10/18 Alessia Cara 10/23 Peter and the Wolf 10/23 The Phantom of the Opera 10/26 Bon Iver 10/29 Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton 11/1 Ms. Lauryn Hill 11/9 Joyce Yang Plays Dvořák 11/11-13 Rachmaninoff and Mozart
front porch pickin
san diego music from classical to bluegrass
domiciles
San Marcos · $349,000-$369,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
La Costa · $424,,900 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Mt. Helix · $569,000-$589,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
La Mesa · $694,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Downtown-Parkloft · $1,725,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Solana Beach-Isla Verde · $2,350,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
from east county to the coast
Santee · $469,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Chula Vista · $529,950 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
La Costa · $949,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Carmel Valley-Santa Barbara · $1,499,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Carmel Valley-Del Mar Mesa · $2,499,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Carmel Valley-Rancho Pacifica · $6,250,000 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…. We were discussing holiday dinner plans and I asked my mom if I could borrow her gravy boat because I didn't own one. My husband said we should go buy one. My son Jacob, age six, asked wide-eyed, 'Can I ride in the new boat, too?"
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 price sheet. Our current reach is over 10,000 San Diego County families and we are growing.
You can”t have a better tomorrow if you' re still thinking about yesterday.
Remember When
1915
Edgemoor Polo Barn
Architectural Style: Dutch Roof | Built: 1913 9200 N. Magnolia Ave. | Santee, CA 92071 | Occupied by the Santee Historical Society
Photos: santeehistoricalsociety.com and Scott Carmella
2016
C
all me now to sell your home!
SOLD · $242,000 · 3/2 livininlakeside.info ∙ Lakeside
SOLD · $270,000 · 2/1 livininsd.com · Oceanside
SOLD · $291,000 · 2/2 livininsancarlos.com · San Carlos
SOLD · $310,000 · 2/2 livininmiramesa.info · San Diego
SOLD · $391,000 · 3+/2 livininsd.com · Ramona
SOLD · $436,000 · 4/2 livininsantee.info · Santee
SOLD · $675,000 · 4+/2 livininlamesa.info ∙ La Mesa
Active · $799,000 · 4+/2.5 livinintierrasanta.info · Tierrasanta
SOLD · $1,138,000 livinincarlsbad.info · Carlsbad
Whether you are looking to sell, buy, or lease a home we have the skills to get the job done right. LETS GET STARTED TODAY! CALL 619.405.7673
Rosemary Joles Every home is a masterpiece 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