Nifty Corner Solution Instead Of A Lazy Susan

When I saw this corner solution, I wanted it for my new kitchen design. Not very fond of the lazy susan because everything you pile on it eventually falls down, I looked for some different idea and found this nifty design. What do you think?

Open House on 1647 Grant Road in Mountain View

It is still time to put this beautiful town-house on your wishlist for Santa and celebrate New Year's Eve in your new home. Come on down to our open house in Mountain View on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 1 - 4 PM both days.
You know what you want, and I have the local real estate knowledge to help you getting it. Let's meet!

This Month In Real Estate, December 2014 - Santa Clara South County Edition

Your favorite number cruncher at work again, this time with the latest South County real estate statistics:

While the median home price in Santa Clara County went down 2% compared to last month, we see another increase of 6% in the South County compared to last month which makes November the month with the highest median home sales price in the South County in the year 2014 according to today's MLS data.

The number of home sales however is down county-wide and in the South County.

Mortgage rates are still very low and attractive for home buyers.

Creative Ways To Photograph Your Christmas Lights

I found some very creative tips how to photograph your Christmas lights. Any camera will do, and you don't have to be a professional photographer to produce these stunning tree pictures with silhouette or let your lights twinkle, and Fluffy look sharp in front of a Christmas Light Bokeh background. Just try and explore your unlimited creativity.

Poem of a Real Estate Developer in New York

 Did you know that Clement Clarke Moore was a real estate developer? There is some creative talent among us real estate folks, I can tell you:

A Visit from St. Nicholas

By Clement Clarke Moore
 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; 

 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, 

 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. 

 

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, 

 

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: 

 

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

 

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— 

 

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

 

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack

.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; 

 

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. 

 

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; 

 

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; 

 

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

 A Brief Note about the Author and the Poem Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, which he named "A Visit From St. Nicholas," was published for the first time on December 23, 1823 by a New York newspaper, the Sentinel. Since then, the poem has been reprinted, translated into innumerable languages and circulated throughout the world.

Clement Clarke Moore was born in 1779 to a well-known New York family. His father, Reverend Benjamin Moore, was president of (what is now) Columbia University and was the Episcopal Bishop of New York.

Moore's father also participated in George Washington's first inauguration and gave last rites to Alexander Hamilton after Hamilton was mortally wounded in an 1804 duel with Aaron Burr. Moore himself was an author, a noted Hebrew scholar, spoke five languages, and was an early real-estate owner and developer in Manhattan.

From My Family to Yours: Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

PJ Shopping in Livermore

Get your best PJ out and yes, go shopping coming Saturday. You will get discounts and freebies downtown Livermore for being BOLD!

10TH ANNUAL EARLIER THAN THE BIRD - November 22, 2014 -- 7am - 12pm
Downtown Livermore


Jump out of bed and grab your shopping posse to get a head start on your Holiday Shopping!

Downtown Livermore's Shops and Boutiques will be open and ready to serve you at 7am with special deals, offers and treats! Start with a hearty breakfast or end with a refueling lunch and remember... pajama attire is acceptable dining wear for the day! Free giveaway for all wearing pajamas! (Sweats are not pajamas so therefore will not be eligible for free giveaway).

Also...
Livermore Downtown Inc. is once again holding its Winter Pajama Drive for Tri-Valley Haven. Please bring and donate new pajamas for the children at the Haven. Needing Boys and Girls, Age 3 through teens. Nothing better than a pair of new warm pajamas on a cold winter night!
 

Thinking About Buying Your First Home?

25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

 This weekend in November 2014, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

To pay respect to the man who was instrumental in tearing down this wall, my family and I visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

The below video is not meant to be a partisan political piece. I am just as disgusted by the Conservative party as I am by the Democrats for never being able to see beyond party doctrines and instead of looking out for this country, throwing dirt at the other side. My personal values are not 100% at one side of the political spectrum and I vote for whoever comes the closest to what I believe in.

This video is meant to show a piece of history that has become my own personal journey. I protested in Mutlangen, Germany against Cruise Missiles as a radical left teenager and then Ronald Reagan came along and it made sense to me what he said. I joined the Reagan revolution from afar, switched sides, just like he did. Ronald Reagan indeed was the one that started my personal American dream which let me eventually become a US citizen last year. It all began with his "Tear Down This Wall Mr. Gorbatchev!"

Growing up with this Berlin Wall in my face preventing people to go where they wanted to go, losing their lives for the dream to live free, being spy-ed on every second of their lives by the government,  and watching the wall finally to be torn down made me realize how important it is to stand up for freedom in this world and not put a safety net or a free cellphone on top of your priorities.

To visit the original piece of the Berlin Wall at the Ronald Reagan library was a moment of hope for me that good will prevail evil.It was important to me to show this wall to my granddaughter so that she will stand up for freedom when it is necessary and not get brain-washed by party officials to give it away. Nothing is worth to give your freedom away.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to President Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbatchev, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Willy Brandt, and all those who were instrumental in tearing this awful Berlin wall down by reaching out to the other side, keeping a dialogue going, and putting party doctrines aside. Reagan and Gorbatchev managed to become friends although they were political enemies. They made this world a better place by doing what is right and not doing what is best for their careers. 

I wanted to introduce my granddaughter to the last great President I have witnessed. A president who loved his country just like he loved his wife. A President who put moral values higher than the party book and a President who was leading bipartisan rather than just campaigning for his next election.

His love to his wife who was his soulmate is the same love I feel for my husband. His love for  freedom and the country who stands for freedom is what I feel in my heart. His love for horses and living the country life is what makes me happy as well.
Maybe that is why it is hard for any presidential candidate to satisfy me and convince me to vote for him/her. Ronald Reagan is the standard I expect from a great President, no matter from what party he/she comes out of. Show me that you love this country and that you have a conscience and I vote for you! 

Happy trails President Reagan, watch out for us, and one day we meet in person!

St. Martin's Lantern Parade

St. Martin was a Roman soldier who, when he saw a hungry beggar lying shivering from cold at the side of the road, cut his warm cape in two halves and handed one half to the beggar together with food.

St. Martin is not only a patron for the poor but also the patron for horses and therefore, in many  St. Martin parades, horses receive a blessing from the local priest when their owners bring them to the church.

The children walk in a parade on St. Martin's Day, with self-made or store bought lanterns and very often, a rider in St. Martin's costume with his horse is leading the parade. At the end of the parade, the children receive special St. Martin cookies or sugar pretzels as a symbol of sharing.

Those of my German expat friends who would like to participate in this custom, dear to many German children and parents, and all my American friends who want to join please be invited to participate on coming Saturday, November 8, when the South Bay Deutscher Schulvereinis holding their St. Martin parade at their school campus, the San Jose Christian School on 1300 Sheffield Avenue in Campbell.  There will be a little celebration afterwards with hot chocolate and cider.

The South Bay Deutscher Schulverein is a private weekend school which provides German language education for all ages from pre-schoolers to adults. My granddaughter attended one Kindergarten year and we all loved her getting familiar with her German roots. We will continue to keep in touch although the distance to Gilroy makes it hard to attend regularly. See you all at the parade!

Here is their information and a German St. Martin Song to practice with your kids:

St. Martin's Lantern Parade

Please mark your calendar and join us for our annual St. Martin's Fest and Lantern Parade on Saturday November 8th, 2014 at 6pm. Duration of the celebration is approx. 2 hours.

Ich geh mit meiner Laterne und meine Laterne mit mir.

Dort oben leuchten die Sterne und unten leuchten wir.

Mein Licht ist aus, wir gehen nach Haus

Rabimmel, rabammel, rabumm. 

It's time to fall back

San Martin Horsemen's Association Halloween Poker Ride

 

Take your horse to the Halloween Poker Ride from the San Martin Horsemen's Association this Sat. Oct 25th at Harvey Bear on San Martin Ave. Registration at 8:30, costume contest at 9:30, ride out at 10:00am. Tri tip lunch!! 

And afterwards, visit my open gate at 6660 Fairview Road in Hollister, drink a cuppa java and get some halloween goodies. Feel free to bring your horse and wagon. There is plenty of space for all your pets and toys.

Experience How Country Feels - Open Gate this Saturday and Sunday, 10/25 and 10/26, from 1 - 4 PM.

Experience How Country Feels - Open Gate this Saturday and Sunday, 10/25 and 10/26, from 1 - 4 PM.

 

 

 Deep-fry your turkey on the covered patio of your own farm coming Thanksgiving and enjoy living the country lifestyle on these 5acres in Hollister.You can still do it! I am happy to assist you.

Come on out to my open house by horse, bike, or truck. There is ample space for all your pets and toys on this property. Refreshments will be served on the cool vintage bar in the kitchen and country tunes will be playing while line dancing on the covered patio is optional.

Looking forward to see you in Hollister, 6660 Fairview Road

Listed below $ 780,000:  5+ flat acres located at the end of a cull-d-sac, with a 2900 sf. Ranch home w/fireplace, eat in Kitchen, and a big bonus room that could be a 4th bedroom.

There is an artist studio, built in pool with separate shower and bathrooms.

Great set up for horses, stable, sand arena, fenced & cross fenced, pastures, fruit trees (blue valve).

Second legally permitted 2 bedroom one bath unit for in-laws or rental to help pay the mortgage

Don't Miss: 75th Anniversary Festival - Santa Clara County Horsemen's Association

Come on out next Saturday, Oct. 18 and bring your family. The address is:

20350 McKean Road

San Jose, CA 95120

There is fun for everyone! Petting Zoo for the kids, line dancing workshops, and lots of other  fun. I am hanging out there volunteering in the morning, starting at 10AM and will try to get some do-si-do in later in a line dancing workshop. - You can ask me questions about DreamPower Horsemanhip, the wonderful therapeutic programs we have, and how to become a volunteer. See you there!

Check out their web site for more info.

Happy 5th - Still Like Horsing Around With You!

It is now exactly five years ago that I married this long-haired Scottish-Texican highlander in Las Vegas on October 8, 2009, on my 50th birthday. He had chatted me up in 2007 during my lunch break at the college where I work and he had taken mastercam classes.

Although we went through very difficult times during our engagement with our family and financially and I had just got a tumor removed from my throat, we were determined to have a good time at our wedding in Las Vegas.

We wanted it to be special for us instead of showing off for a large crowd of people. We got everything we wanted and more. It was the best time of my life - everything fell into place without any stress.  It just happened as it was meant to happen.

We both managed to completely let go of the problems at home and enjoy the moment of our wedding letting our higher power handle the horrible things beyond our control which eventually worked out perfectly. Somebody up there really looked out for us.

Looking at the pictures it still gives me goosebumps because I remember every minute as if it was yesterday. Everyone at the Golden Nugget Hotel and at the Little White Wedding Chapel went out of their way to make this the best day of our lives. Pastor Thompsen's wedding sermon was so perfect for us like we had hand-picked it. Even Elvis spoke German and Chumlee from the Pawn Stars next door to the White Wedding Chapel's "Tunnel of Love" gave his high five.

Our friends Mario and Oxana came to our wedding, everybody else could watch per live webcam and throw rice against the TV, and Clay's brother Kurt who lived in Las Vegas at that time agreed to be our witness together with Mario. I pray for Kurt when I see him in his Led Zep Shirt on the photos because he is struggling right now in his first year after a lung transplant. I hope he soon can watch this video and laugh and remember. He showed us all the insider hang-outs in Vegas and where we could get the best $5 steak dinner - Scottish ancestry, I mentioned already, they are not wasting money in tourist traps on the strip.

Now enjoy the little video I put together from our wedding photos starting with my bachelorette party at Aqui in Willow Glen (special thanx to the girls for showing up), the Golden Nugget Hotel, the wedding ceremony in the Little White Wedding Chapel Drive Thru, the ride in Elvis' pink Cadillac, the party on Freemont street downtown dancing with strangers and live country music, finishing up the day with chilling pool side in the jacuzzi, and the  hangover picture from next day. I also added the official pictures from our 1st anniversary at Disneyland, our second one at Mission San Juan Bautista, the third one at a Jason Aldean concert, and the fourth one celebrating with Toby Keith at the Shoreline...because this is a happily ever after story, not a happy end.

It has been a ride these five years. I am turning 55,  and I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries, one at a time enoying every second with the love of my life and my soulmate. I love you Clay!

After a nice birthday dinner, we will horse around in the City of Angels during the weekend exploring all the quirky places we put on our to-do list, visiting the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley where they have a piece of the Berlin Wall,the Autry Museum in Griffith Park currently having a Route 66 exhibit and Native American beading art, our Hotel on Sunset Blvd. right at the walk of fame with pool,the La Brea Tar Pits , Amoeba music, praying for peace in front of  Ghandi's ashes atthe Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, and Grauman's Chinese Theatre and all the Hollywood and Beverly Hills stuff and anything in between. Let the journey continue!

Let's Go See The Pumpkin Hill

My little granddaughter Adriana is bugging me already, "let's go to Uesugi Farms to see the pumpkin hill." To be honest, we all love to hang out there, drive the little choo-choo and load up our wheelbarrow with all kinds of different looking pumpkins to decorate our home. Fall isn't fall without a trip to Uesugi on 14485 Monterey Road in San Martin.

Experience How Country Feels - Open Gate this Saturday, 10/4, from 1 - 4 PM.

Come on out to my open house by horse, bike, or truck. There is ample space for all your pets and toys on this property. Refreshments will be served on the cool vintage bar in the kitchen and country tunes will be playing while line dancing on the covered patio is optional.
Looking forward to see you in Hollister, 6660 Fairview Road!

Listed for below $ 780,000:  5+ flat acres located at the end of a cull-d-sac, with a 2900 sf. Ranch home w/fireplace, eat in Kitchen, and a big bonus room that could be a 4th bedroom.

There is an artist studio, built in pool with separate shower and bathrooms.

Great set up for horses, stable, sand arena, fenced & cross fenced, pastures, fruit trees (blue valve).

Second legally permitted 2 bedroom one bath unit for in-laws or rental to help pay the mortgage

Storytelling Quilts

 Our Academic overlords not always recognize quilting as an art form. In my opinion, and if it is done right, it is one of the most extraordinary art forms we have combined with craftsmanship to perfection and a history lesson one square at a time. There is a quilt made by a migrant worker telling the story of her family, a Celtic wedding tree quilt from a Scottish immigrant, a Chinese dragon quilt, and Native American motives telling stories of great nations not to be forgotten, and there are the new themes of the younger generation such as a quilt showing comic book hero Superman and buddies. Every quilt has something to tell, a personal point of view stitched into fabric. Go check it out today, free admission and free parking. This is the largest quilt show here in the South County and part of the A Taste of Morgan Hill event currently taking place.

The above two examples are only two of many. The Frozen quilt was definitely the favorite one of my little granddaughter and I promptly got an order from her to make her one for her birthday. The patriotic quilt is part of a fundraiser benefiting veterans.

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors!

 Shared Fence Law

Have you ever heard “Good fences make good neighbors?”  Now, adjoining landowners are statutorily equally responsible for shared fences and boundary fences pursuant to California Civil Code Section 841 which took effect January 1, 2014.  Adjoining or contiguous landowners are now faced with a presumption that because they share an equal benefit of a shared or boundary fence that they are equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence.   Property managers or rental property management companies whose clients’ properties are affected by this new law must be mindful of the change and be aware of the procedural requirements dictated by the state legislature.

Statutory Notice Requirements for Repairing or Replacing Fencing

Landowners, or property managers, who wish to replace an existing common boundary fence, must give each affected adjoining landowner a 30-day prior written notice of any intent to incur costs for a common or boundary fence.   For those who manage properties for clients here is where you need to pay attention.  The statutory ‘Notice of Intent’ must including the following elements:

1)    A notice of the presumption of equal responsibility for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence;

2)    A description of the nature of the problem with the shared fence;

3)    The proposed solution for the problem fence;

4)    The estimated construction or maintenance costs to address the problem;

5)    The proposed cost sharing approach; and

6)    The proposed timeline for addressing the problem fence.

On a personal note, along with the statutory notice I would include or attach a copy of the law and a reference to the state website, and any other supporting documentation to help facilitate the neighbors understanding that the law has changed.  If they are initially resistant I would also counsel them to review the law, the state website, and any other resource material to help them understand their obligations.

Burden of Proof to Show Inability to Pay is on the Objecting Landowner

A landowner who wishes to repair or replace a fence will have to sue to enforce the statutory presumption if their neighbor objects.  Objecting landowners have a right to contest their new statutory obligations, but the burden of proof is all on them.  An objecting contiguous or adjoining landowner has the burden to overcome the presumption described in the new state law by adequately demonstrating to a court (which means a judge) by a preponderance of the evidence (which means evidence that is slightly greater than evidence against it) that imposing equal or shared responsibility on them would be unjust.  To determine whether equal or shared responsibility for the reasonable costs of common or boundary fence repair or replacement would be unjust, a court will consider the following evidence through testimony and documents:

1)    Whether the financial burden on the objecting landowner is substantially disproportionate to the benefit conferred upon the proponent landowner;

2)    Whether the cost of the new fence would exceed the difference in value of the (burdened owner’s) property before and after it’s installation;

3)    Whether the financial burden to the objecting landowner would impose an undue financial hardship given that party’s financial circumstances as demonstrated by reasonable proof;

4)    The reasonableness of a particular construction or maintenance project, including the extent to which the costs appear to be unnecessary, excessive, or the result of one landowners personal aesthetic, architectural, or other preferences; and

5)    Any other equitable factors appropriate under the circumstances.

Many times the cost of the fencing divided by two or three parties will be low enough to handle these cases in a small claims division of the local superior court house.  If the case is in small claims court attorneys will not be involved so costs for this type of lawsuit will be minimal.  It is paramount that any property management personnel involved with conversations with neighbors relating to these issues be memorializing all conversations including taking notes and sending letters to the neighbors.  An accurate written record of all conversations will help preserve precisely what occurred during the period negotiation between neighbors should something end up in court.

You Need to be an Advocate Selling the New Fence to the Neighbor

When the fencing around the perimeter of your property fails and needs replacement, nine times out of ten cooperation of each neighbor seemingly carries the day and allows for a smooth transaction and replacement of the fence.  However for those occasions when the neighbor objects and does not want to pay or participate in the project please be mindful of the above procedures so that you can help fully and faithfully through these issues.

Prior Existing Law is Repealed

The new law does not apply to a city, county, political subdivision, public body, or public agency.  Prior existing law enacted in 1872 which required a landowner who fully enclosed a property to refund their neighbor a just proportion of the value of a division fence is repealed due to this new law.

Experience How Country Feels: Open House on 5+ Flat Acres in Hollister

You can ride your horse, bring your goat,  drive a buggy or simply take your car, but please don't miss my open house on Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday Sept. 21, 1 - 5 PM on this beautiful 5+ flat acres located on a cul-de-sac in Hollister listed below $780,000.  This is how country feels in Northern California!

3bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, wood burning fireplace, bonus room, an artist studio, a built-in pool with separate shower and bathroom, great set up for horses with stable, sand arena, fenced and cross-fenced, pastures, fruit trees, and  a second legally permitted  2bdr/1bath unit to rent out or for in-laws.

                           

Country-style refreshments will be served this time. Line dancing is optional.

See you Saturday or Sunday!

Tea With The Queen at the Northern California Renaissance Faire

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is upon us. Have tea with the Queen, get your Celtic Experience or listen to a Celtic Rock Concert here in Gilroy at Casa De Fruta on Pacheco Pass Hwy.Check out their schedule and different festivities.

Pony Up for Dreams

     Please join us at the ranch!               

Pony Up for Dreams is a very fun friendraiser/fundraiser coming to DreamPower Horsemanship on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 3-7 pm at DreamPower (located at WoodMyst Farm, 7460 Crews Road, Gilroy, CA).  You will enjoy:

• Dinner at the ranch on a beautiful fall evening
• Browsing handmade, homemade and homegrown treasures and treats at the NEW DreamPower Country Store!
• Live bluegrass music from the Just Picked String Band
• Wagon ride ranch tours 
• The Parade of Horses (from big Chief to tiny Trigger you can meet them all)
• The Cowboy/Cowgirl Fun Zone (for children)
• Pumpkin decorating and face painting

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be available at the door. Tickets may be purchased via PayPal or at the ranch.  Purchase tickets here

All veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their immediate family members are invited as DreamPower's guests. Veterans' guest tickets must be reserved in advance by emailing dreampowerhorsemanship@hotmail.com. No guest tickets will be available at the door.

  

   Invite your family, friends and co-workers!               

Come and learn about DreamPower's programs, horses and volunteer opportunities. Please share this email with anyone who would enjoy a beautiful fall day at the ranch and learning more about how DreamPower Horsemanship is helping our community.