reflections riter Gary Allen Sledge once said, “It is difficult to know what counts in the world. Most of us count credits, honor, dollars. But at the bulging center of mid-life, I am beginning to see that the things that really matter take place not in the boardrooms, but in the kitchens of the world.” Growing up on my grandmother’s 200+ acre dairy farm in west central Wisconsin was probably one of the best ways to experience the world as a child. Surrounded by bucolic hills and valleys, with a fresh water creek running through, gave me a foundation to appreciate the quiet and beauty of nature, the rhythm of the four seasons, and the wholesomeness of living a simple life in the country. Mondays were probably my favorite day of the week on the farm. I’d come home from school to the scent of freshly baked loaves of bread still warm from the confines of the oven. Grandma Amy allowed my sister, Karen, and I to slather fresh creamy butter over soft, warm, doughy slices of heaven. In the summer months I’d watch Grandma Amy start the process of activating the yeast. Her apron, hands, and the countertops soon were covered in white as she added flour and salt to the activate yeast, kneading it into submission and adding just the right amount of flour by feel, just like her mother had taught her. She’d then let the large clump of dough rise, punching it down only after it doubled in size. The dough was then divided into six individual bread pans and allowed to rise again until all the loaves were ready to be baked to perfection. Through the eyes of a child, the entire process was mesmerizing, magical, and yummy! Nearly all of my memories of Grandma Amy are wrapped around her kitchen and the farm—from helping her plant a garden, weeding, and harvesting, to cutting cucumbers for canning pickles, or freezing the bounty of strawberries so that we’d have the homegrown goodies available during the harsh Wisconsin winter months. Cooking from scratch and sharing with others was Grandma’s way of enveloping them in love.
When my sweet grandmother passed away in August of last year, it brought me so much comfort to go through her cookbooks and handwritten recipe cards. It took me to that place of love that she so readily gave in the form of homemade, freshly baked and canned goodness. It made the sorrow of her passing a little bit easier, knowing that so much of who she was lives on in me and my children. E.B. White said it best, “From morning till night, sounds drift from the kitchen, most of them familiar and comforting. . . On days when warmth is the most important need of the human heart, the kitchen is the place you can find it, it dries the wet sock, it cools the hot little brain.” -Rosemary FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURNAL july/august/september contributors:
Front Cover Photography Rosemary Joles Copyright © 2015 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 The Cork Connoisseur: Beth Fraitag Travel The World: Beth Taylor Travel San Diego: Rosemary Joles Bravo and Mia Bites: Todd Joles Books or Blogs: Todd Joles Podsibilities: Todd Joles Technaholics: Todd Joles Ingenious: Rosemary Joles Nitty Gritty: Susanne Romo Project DIY: Tom Feiza Photo credits if not noted: dreamstime.com & Rosemary Joles
contents
JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
2015
departments 2 4/5
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reflections the real estate brief a note from rosemary the mortgage memo 6/7 home on our porch -historic carlsbad feels like home -downsizing 8/9 bon vivant the nibblers digest the cork connoisseur 10/11 travel travel the world travel san diego 12 time-out summer past farms 13 et cetera where’s rosemary delish –light summer yumminess 14/15 university of san diego 16
minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden -strawberry tree 17 upcycle trash to treasure -tablecloth weights 18/19 nitty gritty insurance 411 project diy
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18 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/
bits and pieces ponderings podsibilities technaholics books or blogs ingenious 21 sd outdoors sd sports park exploration -presidio park sd word find -summer 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 -san diego santa fe depot
the real estate brief a note from rosemary “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” -Alexander Graham Bell have found proper preparation is always worth the extra time and effort required in any endeavor. From my personal to professional life I’ve discovered that you only short change yourself and those around you if you’re ill prepared. In my years of singing with a small acapella group, if I didn’t feel prepared, I would not only flounder and lack confidence, but let those within the group down. The potential to tarnish our performance generally caused me to buckle down. I would listen to my practice tapes in my car, at the office, and at home whenever I got the chance since I did not want to ruin the listeners’ experience. Being prepared as a group enabled us to sing as though it took no effort at all. No one listening had any idea of the months and hours it took to prepare for a few performances, but they loved what they heard. All the hard work was definitely worth the result because of the joy it brought to our audience.
The same can be said when a homeowner is putting a home on the market. Taking the time to properly prepare and present a house in its best light is one of the major keys to a successful sale and closing. Other key factors include proper marketing and pricing of the home. When all three come together in perfect harmony, a seller reaps the benefit of not only a quick sale, but the highest possible price for their home. Paint, clearing clutter, cleaning, home repairs, curb appeal, and depersonalizing a home all come into play when preparing a home for the market. I highly recommend speaking with a professional stager, such as Lisa Vasey of Staged Today, Sold Tomorrow, before starting the process. A home stager can give you the best advice on what changes will be the most cost-effective and important to the eye of the buyer. Will it take you extra weeks or even months to get those items done? Perhaps, but I can guarantee it will be worth the extra effort, as it will give the seller the potential of more money for their home. Once your home is prepared for the market, then the all-important proper marketing comes into play. In the next issue of From the Front Porch Journal, I will cover what is important to look for in an agent’s marketing plan for a home. You can do all the right things in advance and still completely fail in achieving your goal if an agent isn’t equipped to market your home in the best way possible.
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ome repairs are a must before putting your home on the market.
New Closing Document, October 1, 2015. Agents, lenders, and title and escrow companies are in the process of educating themselves for the new lending requirement changes that will occur on October 1. Replacing the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and the GFE (Good Faith Estimate) will be The Closing Disclosure and The Loan Estimate. These new disclosures were put in place to give a buyer an additional three days to look over their loan costs before signing their loan documents. The loan estimate will be given to buyers three business days after they submit a loan application. A buyer will want to hang onto this estimate so they can compare it to their closing disclosure. If something is incorrect with the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) tolerance, loan product, or the addition of prepayment penalties, a new form will need to be submitted. The biggest concern with this change is that more than likely there will be delays in closing. Agents will need to advise buyers and sellers not to make any last minute changes, such as a seller credit for repairs. Those items need to be handled early in the transaction so they can be part of The Closing Disclosure. This change will not be without its hiccups, but I believe it will be worth the trials and tribulations of change. It will give buyers the opportunity to carefully look over their loan costs and ask questions before signing the loan documents.
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he most expensive home that sold in San Diego County in the month of May is this amazing 1958, mid-century modern home located on the sand in Del Mar. It features 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths with an attached 1 bedroom/bath guest house with kitchenette. The 3950 sq. ft. home is located on a .39 acre lot and is part of the Sandy Lane community. $11,000,000 was the price paid for the rare privilege of living on the sand in Del Mar.
If you are considering selling this year, please feel free to call me for a current market value on your home. I can be reached at 619.405.7673 or at homes@livininsd.com. Thinking of buying? Preparation is not only important to sellers, but to buyers, too. Carolyn Plummer and I offer free consultations, with no obligation, to help you fill your toolbox arsenal with the right tools to make the journey of homeownership a good one.
carolyn’s mortgage memo the life of a mortgage loan ongratulations!!! Your offer has just been accepted! Now what? Hopefully you have already met with your loan officer for financing pre-approval and to review estimated closing cost and program options. However, once your offer has been accepted the clock is ticking and the countdown to the close of escrow has begun. Here is a behind the scenes look at the path your mortgage transaction follows: Origination: Your loan officer gathers all necessary borrower documentation including, but not limited to updated pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements. Rate options are discussed and the loan is locked. Initial loan disclosures including the complete loan application, Good Faith Estimate and Truth in Lending statement are signed by you. The file then proceeds to processing. Processing: The loan processor reviews the loan file for missing borrower documentation, completes all third party verifications ( banks, employers, etc.), requests and/or gathers additional loan documentation and prepares the file for underwriting. Underwriting: The underwriter will make one of the following decisions based on review of the loan package: * Approved * Approved with conditions ( the file goes back to processing and will be resubmitted to underwriting when said conditions have been met.). The majority of loan files are approved with conditions. * Suspended ( the underwriter requests further supportive documentation before issuing an approval or denial). * Denied
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ome things are just worth celebrating. Home ownership, so central to the rich tradition of the American Dream, is one.
Once the file is approved with no outstanding prior to loan documents conditions, the loan file is moved to a clear to close status. Loan Docs: The loan officer reviews the doc order form and loan documents are ordered through the Loan Doc department. This department verifies the borrower vesting, ensures compliance requirements are met and draws the loan documents. The processor completes any closing/funding conditions and forwards to the closing department. Funding: Prior to funding the loan, credit will be refreshed, a final verbal verification of employment completed, the signed loan documents reviewed, the signed escrow documents reviewed, all Equal Housing Lender. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 256447, and am closing funding conditions reviewed and then the wire will be sent licensed to originate mortgage loans in the State of California. to the title company prior to the wire cut off time for that day. Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband, teenage daughter and 2 dogs. She has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of community. Carolyn can be contacted at cplummer@amerifirst.us or at 619.813.8934.
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
Recording: The Deed of Trust is recorded with the county. CELEBRATE!!!! You made it to the finish line!!!! ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!
othing could be more fitting for the upcoming Independence Day than featuring the historic front porch of a home that was built by one of Carlsbad’s forefathers, Samuel Church Smith. Smith was also one of the founders of the Carlsbad Land and Water Company. In 1890, Alexander Shipley purchased the home from Smith after the California land bust. Note: In 1885, the railroad decided to lower ticket prices from the Midwest to California from $125 to $5. (The railroad owned the land on both sides of the tracks.) This was Southern California's very first “bubble,” or land boom. Massive land flipping caused prices to go higher and higher until it collapsed in 1889. This event prompted Smith to sell his Carlsbad real estate holdings and relocate his family to National City. The house is currently cared for by the Carlsbad Historical Society. If you’d like to learn some interesting historical facts and see how pioneers in the late 1800s lived in Carlsbad, this is the place to do it. Here are some highlights of what I discovered:
Carlsbad went through numerous name changes, including San Simeon Lipmaca, Rancho San Francisco, Rancho Agua Hedionda, and Frazier’s Station before becoming Carlsbad. The name “Carl” was tried for a short time so the fledgling city would not be confused with Carlsbad, New Mexico. However, “Carl” never stuck, and the locals kept Carlsbad. Apparently, people still call Carlsbad, California, asking about the famous caverns. Carlsbad is the anglicized spelling of Karlsbad, Bohemia, (now Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic). Karlsbad is known for its hot springs, specifically Well Number 9, which has properties similar to the mineral and artesian waters found in Carlsbad. Thus, the establishment of the Carlsbad Land and Water Company caused the first building boom in Carlsbad. The soldiers of the 1769 Portola-Crespi Expedition named the Carlsbad Lagoon Agua Hedionda, which translated means “stinking water.” I’m sure residents of Carlsbad are grateful that little issue was taken care of. Carlsbad became an agricultural area and was famous for its avocados and flowers. The original avocado packing house was located in what is now the Coaster parking lot on State Street. Forty thousand eucalyptus trees were imported from Australia at a cost of $14,000 per thousand. The trees were planted so their wood could be used to make railroad ties in 1908. Unfortunately, when eucalyptus wood dries after cutting, the wood becomes so hard that it defies being cut any further, making the wood useless for ties. The 155,000 eucalyptus trees in Hosp Grove are what remain of that venture.
on our porch Details The Shipley-Magee House Year Built: 1887 Architectural Style: Craftsman Address: 258 Beech Avenue Historic Owners: Samuel Church Smith Sold to Alexander Shipley in 1896. It remained their family home until 1974 when it was bequeathed to the city by his daughter Florence Shipley Magee.
home
Mrs. Samuel Church Smith and her daughters Crazy quilts were made by woman of leisure, never Beautifully crafted, if you look closely you will find made this crazy quilt while living in Nebraska. It intending to be used as bed coverings. The quilts interesting memories. A George Washington documents events important to the family. served as scrapbooks of memories. Centennial ribbon. A blizzard in Jan. 1886.
feels like home e’ve re-titled my column starting with the last issue, to “Feels Like Home” - which seems particularly apt given my current task at hand. I’m up to my eyeballs, helping my mother downsize and move from her condo in Florida – and I realized that most of us, at one point or another, will need to do the same… either help someone else with this life transition, or experience it ourselves. So, I thought now would be a good time to give some pointers on making the daunting process a little bit easier. Whether moving within the same town, or moving across a long distance, one of the best things to do is spend time to pre-plan. Moving is never easy, and downsizing can be particularly emotional – deciding what to keep so that a new place feels like home can be overwhelming (especially as we age.) Thinking about what’s most important to you, or your parent, is helpful to do prior to beginning packing. How much can be kept is typically influenced by how large the new space is, compared to the old. It can be heartbreaking to have to let things go that have been lovingly collected through the years. Think about who you know that would enjoy certain pieces – and if possible, keep treasured heirlooms in the family. Be sure to do research prior to beginning the actual packing (especially if you are helping someone in a different town.) Determine if you will be holding an estate sale, working with a consignment shop, and a charity/ thrift shop you would like to donate items to (be sure to get receipts, for tax purposes.) If you’re going to hold an estate sale, I highly recommend working with a professional Estate Sale Planner that can handle the many details to make a sale successful. Get organized and gather supplies in advance. Boxes, packing tape, stickers, markers, blank newsprint paper. Nothing can stop progress quicker than having to run out to get supplies in the middle of packing. Try to determine how long it will take…then double the time. Trust me, it will always take longer than you expect it to. An elderly person moves slower than their younger selves, and how much activity they can tolerate in a day is less than it once was. Most importantly, allow time for reminiscing and discovering (or re-discovering) old treasures. I’ve learned new things through the process, and I’m so grateful to get to experience them with my mom. Use boxes or stickers to sort items into the following categories: keep; give to family or friends; sell; donate; recycle; dispose. Do one room/area at a time. It’s easy to get distracted and start working in multiple spaces at once. Try to keep focused and complete each room separately. It will be easier to keep like things together – and the bonus is the sense of accomplishment when each room is completed. Do the hardest task first. Whether it’s going through years of files, or determining who gets each piece of jewelry – believe me, the rest of the process will seem easier and go faster by comparison. 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.
Take breaks and have fun. This may be a treasured memory in years to come. Enjoy the moments and memories – those are far more everlasting than the stuff.
bon vivant Marco Sawrey
Catania 7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037 858.551.5105 wnlhosp.com.com
hisknladle Hospitality has done it again. Their newest restaurant Catania (wnlhosp.com/our-restaurants/catania/) is already working like a well-oiled machine despite only being open since mid-March. This new Italian restaurant in the heart La Jolla is located in the new building La Plaza, the first business to take a spot there (laplazalajolla.com/). Not unlike their other restaurants, Catania offers impeccable, great flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a beautiful space, with their trademark knowledgeable and friendly staff. The servers and staff are always present but not pushy, allowing you to fully appreciate the food and the sunset too.
The halibut crudo is delightful with a golden beet puree and perfect slices of fish topped with poppy seeds, red beet chips, blood orange wedges, and served on a chilled marble slab.
Halibut Crudo
The star was the duck liver mousse. At our table it was deemed “heavenly.” This liver mousse accompanied by loquat jam, dates, and shallot, was served on toasted rustic bread with a good crust. We gave a “sixer” (check the dessert menu) to the kitchen, and when the chef brought out the dessert, he listed the 20+ ingredients that the duck mousse requires. While inspiring, this dish is nearly impossible to duplicate at home. Our table of “hard to pleasers,” however, will keep coming back for more.
Even someone who makes pasta regularly can recognize the expert pasta-making skills used to make the sunchoke agnolotti. Although delicate, this vegetarian dish, with its creamy artichoke filling, is immensely satisfying and rich.
The desserts have something for everyone (even those of us who prefer a less sweet dessert). The pistachio cake with strawberries is consistently moist, crunchy and sweet, with lemon sorbet—a perfect dessert in my book. The chocolate budino is a very thick chocolate pudding, with cabernet reduction sauce and homemade whipped cream on top Perfect for the sweet-toothed, like my wife. The two almond biscotti on the side encourage dipping into this bowl of chocolate madness. With a good cocktail, wine, and digestif selection to round out the menu, Catania has everything for a perfect night out.
Chocolate Budino
o understand Patriotism, one must recognize the complex relationship between an individual and the respect they have for their country. Most of my patriotism is unseen and unheard. It comes from the heart and the respect I have for the generations of people before me who contributed to the beautiful country I live in today. I have had the wonderful opportunity to live in other countries and travel to many places across the globe. Although each travel experience brings newness into my life, it’s a temporary exhilaration. I know coming home will always bring me peace.
The Ironstone Winery in Murphys, CA. -Amit Mahadik, Photographer For me, patriotism combines the love for our country with the love and respect for our neighbors and citizens. They are not mutually exclusive. Each and every one of us has our own stories and connections that personalizes our patriotism. As all relationships are based on experience, we continue to define our relationships with the stories we tell and retell, forever evolving and changing. I often think about the relationships a winemaker has; the connections he has with the land, the climate, the vines and machinery he uses as well as the people he works with. There are countless stories to tell and retell that define the connections and their ever changing importance. The similarities between patriotism and winemaking are interesting. Both are relationship based with land and people, historical as well as current, with tangible & intangible elements, but mostly an ebb & flow of encounters on any given day, any given year. As for my own patriotism, I believe it is a typical sentiment. I love my country. I believe we are a nation of people who have our future and integrity at the forefront of our intentions. A nation of people who are honest, creative, tenacious and patient. We strive on a daily basis to do good for the betterment of all, not just ourselves and our families, but our neighbors and our allies. Humans are fundamentally good. We make mistakes, we underestimate and we give in to blind faith, but with the intention of a positive outcome. Kind of like wine; fundamentally good, with the intention of a positive outcome! 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.
cruise experience today offers so much more than it did 20 years ago. There are a variety of options available depending on your tastes, budget, and expectations. These days the journey itself and the onboard amenities,
Photo Credit: rivercruiseadvisor.com
so many cruise ships Which one is right for you? Part 2
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he Queen of the Mississippi is an authentic Victorian paddle wheeler designed with today’s amenities.
Photo Credit: traveltroll.wordpress.com
Adventure/Expedition Ships – These ships are designed and equipped to provide services that are necessary to visit remote destinations such as Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands.
With so many options available, it’s important that you work with a travel professional to find out which cruise is best for you and your family. Don’t let the options overwhelm you…let us help! uxury cruise ships can give you the feel of traveling on your own personal yacht.
attractions, activities and entertainment options are an integral part of the cruise experience. This month’s article is dedicated to showing the different types of ships and cruise experiences that are available today. Mainstream Cruise Ships – This is the most common type of cruise ship, marketed to suit the needs of the majority of passengers, with all sorts of standard resort features. Mega Cruise Ships – These ships are able to accommodate more than 5,000 guests and they are currently the largest and more sophisticated vessels. On board experiences include rock climbing walls, ice rinks, bowling alleys as well as many venues for dining and entertainment. Luxury Cruise Ship – A luxury cruise can actually take place on board a mid-size cruise ship, yacht, or sail powered vessel. The strong suits of this type of cruise are the high level of service and luxurious comforts to meet the special demands of an exclusive clientele looking for longer itineraries and more exotic destinations.
Small Cruise Ships – The smaller ships, with a capacity up to just a few hundred passengers, offers more intimate and relaxing experiences in less familiar destinations.
Photo Credit: gppdnature.nathab.com
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River Cruise Ships – The fastest growing segment of the cruise industry is the river cruise market. You can sail the rivers and inland waterways in the U.S., Europe, Africa, or Asia while visiting some of the most remarkable cities in the world.
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avigate through secluded areas of earths most complex ecosystems on an adventure Amazon cruise. 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-scavenger hunt rosemary joles hen my oldest daughter, Rebecca, texted me in February that she had scheduled a five-day visit to San Diego in March, I knew immediately that only one thing could possibly ensue—Adventure. Rebecca thinks that life is meant to be lived as an adventure. Why would I expect anything else from my first born? At the tender age of four, Rebecca decided that climbing to the top of the refrigerator would be a great adventure. At seven, she snuck out of her bed to watch The Honeymooners, and we awoke to her girlish giggles coming from the living room. In college, Rebecca decided to use her student loan money during her winter break and venture to Italy with her best friend Holly. And living and working in Killarney, Ireland, for a semester with the same friend was one the coolest exploits ever. After I received Rebecca’s text, Groupons for a food tour, a theatre event at the Lyceum, a murder mystery dinner theatre, a scavenger hunt, and a cooking class flooded my inbox. Who knew there was so much to do in San Diego in a five-day period and at a discount, no less? Not only was Rebecca going on an adventure, but she was taking me along with her. I wondered how we’d fit it all in plus the obligatory visit to the beach, the long-craved-for Mexican food, and the indulgence of sweets at Extraordinary Desserts. These were all musts for our visiting Midwestern girl. Rebecca, the energizer bunny personified, often lets the tongue-in-cheek “How hard can it be?” remark slip from her lips. She knew she’d get it all done, but on the other hand, my husband and I more than likely would need a vacation after she left. The most inexpensive and interesting adventure during her stay was a scavenger hunt in Balboa Park, put on by Strayboots.com. I’ve lived in San Diego County for 27 years and thought there wasn’t much I didn’t know about Balboa Park, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn some fascinating facts. This hunt gave me a new perspective of this San Diego jewel. Within a few hours, we learned about artists, plants, art, gardens, and history from a mere 19 questions. In addition, we fit in some great exercise. I won’t divulge the questions here. You’ll have to take the tour yourself to find out. I don’t want to spoil the fun. To participate in the scavenger hunt, you’ll need a fully charged (don’t ask me how I know) smart phone with a working camera, the Stray Boots app, comfortable shoes, and the willingness to search for knowledge. Not only does Stray Boots have a scavenger hunt in Balboa Park, but they offer ones in Old Town and the Gaslamp District, too. The cost is $10-$12 per person for each tour. With the Groupon, we paid just $5.00 each for the Balboa Park adventure. You can also save by purchasing all three quests for $22.00. Next time, we may invite more people for a little competition. What fun it would be to break into teams and see who gets the most points in the shortest amount of time. Teachers may find this an amazing way to supplement their lessons on the history of California and of San Diego. The scavenger hunt may also make a great team-building exercise for corporate employees. After you've completed your tour, Stray Boots emails you the photos you took during your expedition, so you'll have a recorded memory of your hunting pursuits. Stray Boots has 40 locations throughout the U.S. and four European countries. So ask yourself, how hard can it be to schedule your next adventure?
Our first stop! Rebecca Johnson, Rosemary & Todd Joles
Stray Boots 877-STRAY29 support@strayboots.com strayboots.com
Discovering artists! Rebecca Johnson, Rosemary & Todd Joles
time-out family-friendly places to go with kids in and around san diego
Why Kid Friendly? Fairy Festival Sweet Pea Maze Fairy Gardens & Fairies Bunnies Chickens Location 15602 Olde Hwy 80 Flynn Springs, CA 92021 Contact summerspastfarms.com 619.284.6358
Summers Past Farms
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 to enter . Owners, agents and employees of Windermere Real Estate SoCal are not eligible to win prizes.
Light Summer Yumminess
et cetera
where was rosemary? Presidio Park Taylor St. 619.235.5935 | sandiego.gov Winner Becky Lang Lakeside, CA Guessed, but didn’t win? Keep trying….
delish
Taco Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey 1 small sweet onion, chopped fine 1 cup salsa 1 4 oz. can diced green chilies 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 head butter lettuce 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, optional
Preparation Instructions
pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/home-cookin-wee-humble-cottage-approved/
1. Brown ground turkey and onion, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks; drain excess fat. 2. Stir in salsa, green chilies and taco seasoning until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in corn, beans and cilantro until well combined; season with salt and pepper, to taste. 3. To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the turkey mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style, garnished with cheese and sour cream, if desired. Photo & recipe credit: damndelicious.net
“There are three things that are significant in education: beauty, truth and
goodness. But the only one that attracts people on sight is beauty. If beauty attracts people, they will come and find the truth and have goodness communicated to them by the kind of people here.� -Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill at a groundbreaking ceremony for the University of San Diego in December of 1949 atop a wind-swept mesa overlooking the burgeoning San Diego cityscape.
Photo credit: flypath.com
minutia Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is the longest word in the English dictionary. It refers to a lung disease caused by inhaling particulates from volcanoes. 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/LivinInSD
When the Man waked up he said, ”What is Wild Dog doing here?” And the Woman said, “His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but The First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.” Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson
-Rudyard Kipling
From The Cat That Walked by Himself
Bravo and Mia are the fur-children of Rebecca Johnson. They are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.
botanical name: Arbutus unedo common name: Strawberry Tree Likes: Full sun Hates: Overwatering Blooms: White, Pink Note: Attractive to bees, butterflies, & birds
The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. -Alfred Austin 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
B
each rocks to tablecloth weights.
What You’ll Need Curtain Clips Pliers Rocks Wire
Directions: craftandcreativity.com/blog/2012/08/10/tableclothweights/ For more upcycle ideas go to pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/livininsd-upcycle/
nitty gritty insurance 411 rottweilers, pitbulls and dobermans oh my... he ASPCA estimates there are approximately 70-80 million dogs owned in the United States. According to the CDC, an average of 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually. So it makes sense that dog bites are one of the most common claims insurance companies pay out on. It’s not the breed that makes a dog bite. Many times it is a result of their environment or poor training. For example, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Dobermans are all highly intelligent and aggressive dogs. This in itself does not make them more dangerous than other dogs. However, these dogs are in general more dangerous because of their owners. Their owners perceive them as guard dogs, and treat them more aggressively than they might a lap dog. These breeds are often excluded on homeowner policies.
W
hen choosing a puppy for your home choose a puppy who shows an interest in being around people. They are more likely to mature into adult dogs who are sociable with people. If possible, visit the litter with at least three people: an adult male, an adult female and a child under the age of 10. This enables you to observe the puppies’ interactions with people of various ages and both genders. –ASPCA
So why do dogs bite? 1) Possessiveness. Dogs need to be trained to minimize possessive behavior. Many dog bites occur when trying to take a toy away from a dog or interrupting them while they are eating.
2) Fear. Not a person’s fear, but the dog’s fear. Dogs like routines, so when they are placed in stressful/unusual situations such as a veterinarian visit, they are stressed and more likely to bite. Also if someone sneaks up on a dog its natural instinct is to defend itself. 3) Pain. You can have the friendliest dog in the world, but if he’s in pain, he can bite. 4) Maternal instinct. Never get between a mother and her child. This goes for dogs too. The maternal instinct will be to protect her puppies. 5) Prey Drive. There are specific breeds, such as Greyhounds, that have been bred to have a higher prey drive, but all dogs have a prey drive. This is instinctual and can be caused by running or bicycling past a dog, which results in a chase. Insurance companies generally will pay on one dog claim in a policy lifetime. Many times bites arise from poor training/environment, so insurance companies know that the odds of another dog bite in the same household is high.
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
how to adjust a sliding patio door
lmost every sliding patio screen door in the world sticks, because few people are aware that they can adjust the rollers that run in the track. You still need to keep the track clean, but adjusting the rollers is the key. First, though, make sure the aluminum frame is not twisted or bent. Gently straighten any track damage with a file or pliers. If the frame can’t be fixed, you’ll need to replace the entire door unit. If the frame is in good shape, the door will be easy to repair. At the base of the door, you’ll see a small Phillips head screw in the lower frame. The screw head will be above the frame or in the side of the door, near the bottom. Tightening this screw lowers the rollers; that lifts the door so it rolls on the rollers and doesn’t rub on the frame.
Most doors also have a similar roller adjustment for the top rollers. If the door is tight or bound in the frame, you may first need to loosen these top screws to allow room for the rollers at the bottom to be lowered. Don’t let your adjustments squeeze the door between its top and bottom frames. After adjusting the rollers, clean the track with steel wool or a scrubbing pad. Lubricate the rollers and the track with a silicone-type lubricant that will avoid attracting dirt. If the rollers or roller springs are damaged, remove a sample and try to buy an exact replacement. To replace or inspect the rollers, remove the door from the frame as follows: fully retract both the top and bottom rollers. Lift the door up into the frame. To clear the lower track, you may also need to keep pushing up the lower rollers with your finger or a thin putty knife if the rollers drop down as you lift the door.
If you can’t find replacement rollers, you might be able to substitute the top rollers for the bottom ones, since the top rollers don’t do much to keep the door on track and they don’t wear out. Source: misterfix-it.com
books or blogs
podsibilities
photos credit: sdapa.org
Once
Have
you ever wondered if there were lending e-libraries? Well yes there are. Most local libraries have access to their e-books via their online gate way. Also Amazon Prime customers have access to the Amazon e-library. The rules for Amazon Prime are simple, you are allowed one free e-checkout per month. Remember with e-books different libraries have their own time limit and rules. Some expire and restrict access, others you will need to check in last months book before checking out your new selection.
technaholics
We
live in an age where there seems to be app for everything. The issue we all struggle with now is finding ways for our tech to work easily with each other and the necessary apps. For example last week I needed to get a video from my tablet to my flat panel TV. Not that difficult in this day of Bluetooth, but my TV is not a Smart TV so I had to do this with a piece of tech. With a couple minutes of research on Amazon I found what is called a dongle. A dongle is a little piece of tech that slides in a USB or HDMI port. This one allows your tablet to mirror it’s screen on the TV and cost is around $20. Problem solved!
again I’m featuring an artist that you probably have never heard of. Another musician’s musician, Beppe Gambetta. Beppe was born and still lives in his native Genoa, Italy but spends a great deal of time playing in the US. He’s played and recorded with greats like Doc Watson, David Grisman, Norman Blake and Dan Crary. He was exposed in his teens to a lone folk/bluegrass album and spent years learning to learn flat pick. He finally came to the US and after a few introductions started making the rounds. Sometimes literally knocking on the door of great musicians and playing and recording them in their living rooms. He quickly gained a reputation and was soon being introduced to learn and play with many greats. Take a listen to his version of You Are My Sunshine: youtu.be/iNA7V_UD4es Or this one with Dan Crary: youtu.be/2N3XMK0pvhc
If money cannot buy happiness, can you ever be truly happy with no money?
bits and pieces ingenious
Hollow
out a vintage book and tuck your router inside it. It now can be used in a attractive display instead of another piece of gadget clutter in your home.
ponderings
Photo credit: littlevintagecottage.blogspot.com
hide the router
from operationmediataion.com
SD Sports September/October SUN
MON
TUE
WED
1 TEX 7:10 6
Lad 1:10
With 3,141 career hits, Tony Gwynn
Sf 1:05
ranks first in Padres’ history and the top 20 overall in Major League history.
13
20
Ari 6:40
7
14
27
Col 7:10 Ari 6:40
21
Col 1:10 29
4
2 Tex 7:10
8
15
Col 6:10 Ari 6:40
22 Sf 7:10
ARI 1:10 LAD 12:10
sd outdoors
Col 1:10
Mil 7:10
THU
29
3 Lad 7:10 10
16
17
23
Mil 7:10
HOME GAMES · PETCO Park
4
Sf 7:10 Col 5:40
24 Sf 6:10
30
Mil 3:40
SAT
Lad 7:10
9
Sf 7:10
FRI
Lad 7:10 11
18
Lad 7:10
19
Ari 5:40 2
12
COL 5:10
25 Ari 7:10
1
Sf 1:05
5
26
Lad 6:10
3
Road Games
word search –things that say summer
photos credit: rosemary joles
park exploration
Beach Stargaze Community Concerts Movies at the Park Road Trips Corn on the Cob
Smores Barbecues Sunscreen Tourists Picnics Summer Reading
Fireworks Fairs Parades Symphony Summer Pops Blow Bubbles Padres Baseball
Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws
lifestyle Lamb’s Players Theater lambsplayers.org
The Old Globe theoldglobe.org
The Comedy of Errors August 16-September 20
West Side Story June 12-July 26
Twelfth Night June 21-July 26
In Your Arms September 16-October 25
The Nerd August 14-September 20
Kiss Me, Kate July 1-August 2
Full Gallop September 26-October 25
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz October 9-November 15
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery July 24-August 30
The Coronado Playhouse coronadoplayhouse.com Frog and Toad June 18-July 12 Tartuffe or The Hypocrite July 24-August 16 Thoroughly Modern Millie September 11-October 18 San Diego Rep sdrep.org The Pianist of Willesden Lane July 8-July 16
San Diego Adventures july/august/september San Diego County Fireworks July 4 livininsd.com
Discovery Lab! Real Live Reptiles August 19 trnerr.org/discovery_labs/
Summer Movies in the Park June 26-September 26 livininsd.com
Del Mar Racing Season July 16-September 7 dmtc.com
Concerts in the Park livininsd.com Insect Festival July 25-26 sdgarden.org
The Art of Music—Opus Orange August 20 sdmart.org ArtWalk NTC @Liberty Station August 15-16 artwalksandiego.org/ntc
Photo Credit: thechineselink.com
Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Comp. August 1 unleashedby.petco.com/surfdog
Photo Credit: portofsandiego.org
Poway Rodeo September 25-26 powayrodeo.com Festival of Sail September 4-7 sdmaritime.org U.S Sand Sculpting Challenge September 4-7 ussandsculpting.com
sd concerts
Jo Dee Messina
Lindsey Stirling
6/27 Tux ‘n Tennies: The Beach Boys Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/2 Pop Goes Classical Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/27 Tribute to Journey Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
7/3, 4 & 5 Star Spangled Pops Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/6 Blood Sweat & Tears Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com
8/28 & 29 A Night of Classic Rock Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
7/8 San Diego Winds Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandiegotheatres.org
8/7 Jazz Jam Session Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org
8/29 Geoff Muldaur Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com
7/9 Pokeman Symphonic Evolutions Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/7 & 8 Broadway: A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
9/1 Belinda Carlisle Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com
7/9 w00tstock 7.0 Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 7/11 Star Trek Into Darkness Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 7/17 Leftover cuties Location: Sweetwater Union High School Info: amsdconcerts.com 7/17&18 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 7/24 & 25 Divas of Disco with Radiance Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 7/26 Bugs Bunny @The Symphony II Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 7/30 Ben Folds Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/9 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 8/10 Lindsey Stirling Location: Civic Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 8/12 Commodores Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com 8/12 Jackson Browne Location: Civic Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 8/14 & 15 Sinatra at 100 Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 8/16 Burt Bacharach Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
7/31 & 8/1 Hooray for Hollywood Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/20 Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily’s D+Evolution Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/1 Jo Dee Messina Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
8/21 LeAnn Rimes Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
8/2 Juanes Loco de Amor Tour Location: Civic Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org
8/23 Natalie Cole Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org
9/2 Henkel Watson, & Shay Location: Escondido Info: artcenter.org 9/4, 5 & 6 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South Info: sandiegosymphony.org 9/9 John Hiatt Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 9/19 Rene Barbera in Recital Location: Balboa Theatre Info: sandieotheatres.org 9/24 Carlos Mencia Location: El Cajon Info: Sycuan.com
front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass
domiciles
Torrey Highlands · $399,900-$429,900 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Hillcrest · $450,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
San Marcos · $599,000-$629,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Del Cerro · $610,998-$629,988 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Singing Hills · $778,888 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Carmel Valley · $1,395,800 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
from east county to the coast
Imperial Beach · $499,000-$525,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
La Mesa · $574,900 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
College · $635,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Carlsbad · $639,000-$679,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Santa Luz · $1,499,000-$1,549,000 livininsd.com · 619·405·7673
Encinitas · $1,695,000-$1,795,000 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…. Dad: “Do you want Fruit Loops for dinner?”
Son: “NO! That isn’t dinner cereal.”
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.
If only our tongues were made of glass How much more careful we would be when we speak
1920
Remember When San Diego Santa Fe Depot
Photos: sandiegoyesterday.om & Tedholt |Dreamstime.com—Union Station, San Diego
Architectural Style: Spanish Colonial Revival 1050 Kettner Boulevard |San Diego, CA 92101|ph. 619.239.9021|web: amtrack.com
2013
E SOLD · YOUR HOME HERE! livininsd.com
very home is a masterpiece
Pending · $285,000 · 3/2 livininsd.com · Emerald Heights
SOLD · $312,000 · 2/2 livininpointloma.info · Midway District
La Mesa · 3 BD Starting at $385K livininlamesa.com
San Carlos · Starting at $425,000 livininsd.com
SOLD · $439,000 · 3/2.5 livininsd.com · San Carlos
SOLD · $581,000 · 3/2.5 livininsd.com · Mission Valley Civita
Pending · $1,179,000 · 4 BD/2BA livininsandalwood.info · La Costa
SOLD · $1,250,000 · 4/4.5 livininlacosta.info · La Costa
Would you like to see your home featured as a masterpiece in our gallery of fine homes and estates? Call Today!
Rosemary Joles
2014 | 2015 Five Star Real Estate Agent Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com LivinInSD.com