Chester, VA

Greetings all! I hope everyone had a great and safe holiday. I had a little mishap at my house over the holidays that could have been avoided had I been a little more diligent in maintaining my own home. I wanted to pass this info on so someone else might avoid the aggravation my family has recently gone/is going through.

You know those little drain holes that are cut into the bowls of most sinks in baths? Well, they're for handling overflow of water should the sink fill up. Now, these holes don't have the capacity to handle a large volume of water for an extended period of time but they're intended to handle the forgetful person that gets distracted and wanders off and leaves the faucet on with the stopper either closed or the drain plugged. I check these all the time as part of my inspections and always flag them when they're clogged or not draining properly. Does anyone ever check them periodically to see if they've gotten clogged over time? I don't but I will from now on!

The weekend after Christmas my family went out of town to visit family. Sunday evening my two older sons returned home to find part of our kitchen ceiling on the floor and water dripping from the ceiling. We think the culprit was one of our cats. He's big and loves to drink out of the faucet when he has the chance. We think he jumped up into the bath sink and rubbed against the handle causing the water to trickle out. One of my sons had put his contact lenses in prior to leaving and had left the stopper pulled so the drain was shut. The overflow for the sink was clogged and didn't drain sooooo... it overflowed and caused some pretty extensive damage in the kitchen, bath, hallway, and family room. The flow was slow enough where the overflow would have easily handled the trickling water had it been clear! Oh well, with a $500 insurance deductible it's an expensive lesson for me and a maintenance item I will not forget to check every now and then. I will certainly mention it to my clients in the future!

Here are a few pix of the damage (the blue things are heated blowers to dry things out!). Amazing what a little trickle of water over about 24 hours can do!

To everyone a very Merry Christmas!

A safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

Our family sends out special prayers to all those that have lost or in danger of losing their homes. We hope for better times ahead and help for you all!

The Eugene's

Well it's here! July 4th. The day we Americans celebrate the independence that our forefathers fought for. The independence that now our many American heroes in the Armed Services fight to protect every day.

Here in Virginia there will be countless celebrations throughout the state. Some of the more prominent celebrations will be at the big amusement parks, Kings Dominion in Doswell and Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.

I represent homes from Richmond and surrounding areas, Chesterfield, Chester, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg. These localities have a history of great community and family celebrations year after year.

After you finish that grilled, juicy burger with all the fixings and oh why not try that big dog with extra chili, pack the kids, a big blanket, and some chairs and head out to one of the following firework spectaculars to enjoy together. All of these events are conveniently located to their particular area and always produce great shows.

Richmond and surrounding areas offer several celebrations. Here are two for you to consider:

Genworth Financial Celebrate Freedom Concert - Henrico County

6620 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230--Gates open at 6:30 pm, Fireworks approximately 8:45 pm

Concert at 7:30 pm by US Air Force Heritage of America Band

Family fun, music and fireworks -- Parking-Free-NO Pets

Richmond Raceway Complex

600 E Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222-- Celebration is from 6-10 pm--Fireworks-9:30 pm

Presented by the Tuckahoe Jaycees--Patriotic Tribute with Live Entertainment

Food and Beverages available. NO Coolers, NO Pets or Tailgating

Tickets- Sold at the Gate $5.00 carload More info: tuckahoejaycees.com

South of Richmond you will find these great showstoppers:

Chesterfield County-

Comcast's 4th of July Celebration-- Chesterfield Fairgrounds-10300 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield, VA

Gates open at 5:00 pm FREE Admitance

Activities for kids - Fireworks begin approximately at dusk

Bring chairs and blankets NO Pets

Fort Lee-

Williams Stadium - Begins at 2:00 pm- FREE

Live Music, food, and activities for kids of all ages.

NO Pets or Coolers

**Must show driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance at gate**

Colonial Heights-

Fireworks Display - 9:15 pm

Location of Charles Dimmock Pkwy--Best viewing sites: Walmart, K-Mart or Target parking lots.

Have a safe and happy July 4th!!