Chief Fuller

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Hilltop and Dogwood Flyers

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Dove Court

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Abraham Avenue

Dogwood Lane

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Lakeview Drive

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!  This holiday weekend take some time to realize what these words mean.  Have a good weekend everyone.

O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light,


What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?



On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

’Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.



And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,

A home and a country, should leave us no more?

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war’s desolation.

Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

 

"The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

Abraham Flyer

Need a flyer for Saturday's open house?  Print yours here.



Personalized Property Portfolio

Searching for a home?  Need an easy way to get updated real estate info?  Well here are 10 steps to creating your own personalized listing report to be emailed to you daily.

Creating your portfolio

 1. Go to valogletree.com.

2. On the top left under My Portfolio click Create a Portfolio.

3. Enter your first name, last name, email address, a password, and any other contact information that you wish include.

4. Enter the captia code and click Create My Portfolio at the bottom of the page.
You have successfully created your portfolio. An email notification will be sent to you with all your login information to keep for further reference.

Personalize Your Search

5. Log into your porfolio at valogletree.com.

6. Under your My Porfolio Overview click Searches.

7. Click "Create a new search by clicking here."

8. Choose your search criteria: listing type, area, city, price range, etc.

9. Choose your property features: bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, square footage, acerage, etc.

10. Review your search and click Save This Search at the top of the listings on the right.

This search will run everyday and report to your email the listings that meet your home buying needs.

For more information contact Val Ogletree at (209) 559-5725.

10 Tips for Awesome Annuals

Dear Homeowner,

As you purchase and begin planting this season's batch of annuals, consider these tips for great results:

1. Look for stocky seedlings with bright green foliage when shopping for annuals.

2. Soak hard-coated annual seeds overnight before planting. Nasturtium and morning glory are two species that benefit from this treatment.

3. Keep color in mind when you plan your garden. Plant flowers with complementary colors near each other. For example, blue, white and pink flowers are a good combination in the same border.
4. Include annual vines in your garden. Sweet pea, climbing nasturtium, morning glory, and moon vine can grow up and over your garden.
5. Use annuals to provide fill-in color, if you have an established perennial border.
6. Mulch annual flowers to eliminate weeds and maintain soil moisture.
7. Pinch back buds with your fingers to encourage stem growth.
8. Snip off flowers as they fade to encourage continuous blooming.
9. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water your plants.
10. Promote new growth on small-flowered plants, such as alyssum, by shearing them back in midsummer.

For more gardening tips, contact Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.

Hilltop Flyer

A Child-Proof Home

Dear Homeowner,

Lots of perils that can injure children are lurking in our homes. Here are some tips to help make your home safer.

• Put safety stops on all cabinet doors and drawers. Knobs should be too large for children to swallow.

• Store chemicals, cleaners, medicines and liquor in upper cabinets — locked and out of sight.
• Provide safe storage for sharp objects such as knives and scissors.

• Cover sharp corners on counters, tables and hearths.

• Place all electrical outlets, especially those near water, on a ground fault circuit interrupter (it instantly shuts off electricity if there’s any leakage of current).

• Keep cords for draperies and mini-blinds out of reach.

• Buy hardware that limits how far windows can be opened.

• Set water temperature at no more than 120˚.

• Install hardware on the bathroom door that can be unlocked from either side.

• Install windows and mirrors with protective film that prevents shards from flying when broken.

For more home and family information, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty, at (209) 586-3242.

Cooking Up Home Sales

Dear Homeowner,

Your kitchen is one of the most influential rooms in selling your home. When prospective buyers look at your kitchen, they will pay particular attention to its cleanliness, layout and storage capacity.

• When your home is on the market, it's best to remove small appliances from your counters. It's also a good idea to remove magnets and pictures from the refrigerator.

• Don't just shove everything into your cabinets and drawers, however. Prospective buyers will look inside. Keep in mind that these buyers want to see how much space is available, not how well you've filled it. To give the appearance of more storage, use wire baskets and trays.

• Scrub the sink, mop the floor and put all the dishes away. To eliminate any lingering food odors, grind a piece of lemon in the garbage disposal.

• If your kitchen has lots of windows and natural light — take advantage! Using the highest-wattage bulbs allowed in your light fixtures will also brighten the room.

• You may want to add some color and fragrance to your kitchen with a blooming plant or floral arrangement.

• A good percentage of money spent on remodeling a kitchen is usually returned through an increased selling price for the home. If remodeling is not in your budget there are many low-cost ways to spruce up the kitchen.

• A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color can take off years. Small details such as replacing the outdated knobs on your cabinets can make a surprising difference.

For more tips on merchandising the kitchen and the rest of your home, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.

Easter Egg Hunt 2011

It's that time of year again, time for the annual Mi Wuk Easter Egg Hunt! Come join us in Mi Wuk Meadow tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. for prizes, refreshments, drawing for Easter Egg ham, Easter bunny for pictures, and of course the Easter Egg Hunt.

Thank you to our sponsors: Val Ogletree and Juli Healy, Real Living Sugar Pine Realty, Diamond Jim's, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Mi Wuk Area Homeowner's Association, Word of Life Fellowship Inc., Andy's Mountain Grill and Deli, Angel's Pest Control, and Mi Wuk General Store.

Anniversary of the Titanic Sinking

Today marks the anniversary of the Titanic's sinking. The biggest luxury ship to ever set sail; it was said that "not even God himself could sink this ship." 99 years ago, the Titanic hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage and sank at around 4:00 this morning. Without adequate lifeboats or safety drill, the sinking of the Titanic resulted in the death of the majority of her passengers. Read more about the sinking of the Titanic here: http://ow.ly4BrFF

More Snow Pics

This is the Sugar Pine Office after the latest snow storm.

Snow Pics

Snow pics of the Sugar Pine Office. (This was before the storm.
After pictures coming soon.)

Helping Kids Through a Move

Dear Homeowner,

When moving your family to a new home, it's especially important to be aware of what your children are facing — new friends, new neighborhood, new schools — and help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Before you move:

Find out as much as you can about your new community. If possible, take your child with you on house-hunting trips. Visit your child's new school. Ask if there is a dress code and see what kids are wearing. Help your child plan a going-away party. Give guests stamped envelopes with your new address to encourage letter-writing. Plan a family outing to say "goodbye" to some of your child's favorite places. Pack a few of your child's belongings to take with you in the car or carry on the plane, in case there's a delay in moving your possessions into your home.

Once you're there:

Help arrange and decorate your child's room right away. When the kids are situated, work on the rest of the house will go much more smoothly. Encourage your child to join extra-curricular activities. They're a great way to find new friends with common interests. Get a map and help your child learn his or her way around. Find out where the nearest locations are for activities your child enjoys.

The best things you can do for your children are to present a positive attitude about the move, keep them informed and reassure them that you'll be there to help them face new challenges.

For more moving tips, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.

Personalized Listing Reports

Here are 10 steps to creating your own personalized listing report to be emailed to you daily.

Creating your portfolio

1. Go to valogletree.com.

2. On the top left under My Portfolio click .

3. Enter your first name, last name, email address, a password, and any other contact information that you wish include.

4. Enter the captia code and click Create My Portfolio at the bottom of the page.

You have successfully created your portfolio. An email notification will be sent to you with all your login information to keep for further reference.

Personalize Your Search

5. Log into your porfolio at valogletree.com.

6. Under your My Porfolio Overview click Searches.

7. Click "Create a new search by clicking here."

8. Choose your search criteria: listing type, area, city, price range, etc.

9. Choose your property features: bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, square footage, acerage, etc.

10. Review your search and click Save This Search at the top of the listings on the right.

This search will run everyday and report to your email the listings that meet your home buying wants and needs.

For more information contact Val Ogletree at (209) 559-5725.

Top Ten Valentine Gifts

Out of curiosity I went searching online to find out what the top ten Valentine gifts are. I was surprised at what I found for apparently the top ten are:

1. An iPod
2. Red roses
3. Chocolate
4. A CD
5. A cell phone
6. Air tickets
7. Jewelry
8. Day trips/dinner
9. Photos
10. Perfume

Find the top ten Valentine gifts and more Valentine ideas @ http://tinyurl.com/4eewxua.

Have a great Valentine’s Day!

Say It With Flowers

Dear Homeowner,

Garden flowers can do more than just brighten your landscape — they can also brighten your home.

Arrangements of garden flowers don't have to be elaborate. The simple beauty of a single rose or peony blossom floating in a clear bowl can be an attractive centerpiece.

When combining different species, look for variety in flower form, size and texture. This can be a mix of spike-flowers; round, daisy-like flowers and dainty fillers like baby's-breath.

Arrange your garden flowers in clean containers or vases that will complement the flowers, without being overbearing. You do not want a container to compete with the flowers for attention.

Select a container that's in proportion to the size of the flowers, their stem length and the size of the arrangement you plan to make. For low containers, arrangements should be 1 to 1 1/2 times as tall as the container's width. For tall containers, arrangements should be 1 1/4 to 2 times the container's height.

When you're ready to arrange your flowers, re-cut the stems under water to the desired length. A flower preservative, available from florists and garden centers, added to the vase water, will help to keep the flowers fresh-looking longer.

Always use clean water for arrangements. If flowers are displayed in vases, it's a good idea to change the water daily to prevent early wilting and browning.

Display your vases or arrangements of garden flowers in a cool location and out of direct sunlight and drafts.

For more home decorating ideas, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.

Thank You

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Moving the Menagerie

Dear Homeowner,

Moving can be stressful for you and your family members, but it's especially hard for pets who have no idea why their world has been suddenly disrupted. These tips assume you are moving your pet by car. If you need to transport your pet on an airplane, check carefully with the airline and your veterinarian for restrictions and precautions.

• Before you move, get a copy of your pet's complete medical history, a certificate signed by the veterinarian stating the pet is in good health and a sheet stating when and where the pet was vaccinated for rabies.

• On moving day make sure your pet is wearing some kind of I.D. tag with your new address and phone number.

• Pack your pet's bed, toys, brush, dishes and bottled water. You'll need a leash and collar as well as a scoop and bag for cleanups after roadside exercise breaks.

• Feed your pet at least two or three hours before you leave and keep its meals light during the trip. If the pet suffers from motion sickness, your veterinarian may be able to provide something to help.

• Plan short rest stops for at least every three hours, plus a couple of play periods each day.

• Never leave your pet in an unventilated car, or for more than a few minutes in a ventilated one.

• Unpack your pet's things as soon as you can. Make sure the pet knows where its new feeding and sleeping areas are.

• If your pet's behavior alters dramatically in the first few days, chalk it up to the stress of moving. If problems persist, contact a veterinarian.

For more moving tips, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.

House (Plant) Calls

Dear Homeowner,

All houseplants require proper light, humidity, water and food, but what's great for one plant might be deadly for another.

Light

By learning your plant's light requirements you can match its needs with a window that provides the proper exposure. Plants needing high light prefer an unobstructed east, south or west window. Plants needing medium light prefer light levels within 10 feet of a sunny window. Plants needing low light prefer a northern or shaded window.

Humidity
To boost humidity, set plant containers on trays filled with pebbles and water — but don't let the pots themselves sit in the water. It also helps to group plants together.

Water
Add tepid water until it drains through the hole in the bottom of the pot and shows in the saucer. This ensures that the entire root area receives a thorough soaking. The roots need air, too, so be sure to empty the saucer twenty minutes later.

Food
Feed plants monthly according to fertilizer package directions or twice a month at half the recommended rate. Do not fertilize plants from September to April unless they're under artificial lights.

Bringing home a new plant
Expect your plant to drop a few leaves as it adjusts to its surroundings. Hold back feeding because the nutrients in potting soil will be adequate for at least six months. Also, isolate arrivals for a few weeks to make sure they are not hiding insects.

For more home and garden tips, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.

25 Year Service Award (Congratulations, Val O!)

Promoting Your Garage Sale

Dear Homeowner,

If you want your next garage sale to be a huge success, put some time and effort into promoting it.

· Plan your advertising strategy well in advance and spend your advertising money wisely. Shopper-type publications, community television stations and your local paper are generally good bets. Call these companies early to get policies, prices and deadlines.

· Look for free advertising sources such as bulletin boards in local businesses and friends' company newsletters. Create a sale flier and distribute it around your neighborhood to boost attendance.

· Arrange for your ads to appear the days of the sale as well as the day before. The ad should cover the basics including the date, time and address of your sale. If your home is hard to find, include directions. Adding certain words like huge, bargains, antiques, consignment-quality and designer will help your ad grab shoppers' attention.

· Make signs and post them along important access routes on the days of the sale. The signs should be written in a simple block style and have letters large enough to read from a passing car. They should point the way to your house and include the date and time.

· On the sale dates, folks driving by are basically window shopping. Using flags, balloons, promotional signs — anything that can make your sale stand out — will attract attention and invite people to stop.

· Keep a consistent look with the decorations on your signs so that your house is easily identifiable.

For more information on holding a garage sale, call Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242.