Sunday 10 April...82*.... Open Windows...81* Inside...Close Windows, Put on air..a Day in Michigan

It IS a glorious day here in our part of Macomb County, Michigan.
It IS all of 81 * at 4:20 pm.
It is a wonderful experience even as we know it cannot stay for long.

Take what you get as a Gift!!!

The papers are still fixated with the 'averted Budget Shut Down of Government' to the detriment of other stories.

Some stories are covering all the dire potentials of Michigan's State Budget Cuts and / or Macomb County Executive's problems with the 13 Commissioners.
Time enough to post on another day;

For now how about some interesting items for all of us in this profession as well as clients:


The latest tool in your "toolbox" could be YOUR Phone;
...today's paper www.macombdaily.com / Homefront Section / Pg 1 C / by Melissa Kossler Dutton / article /
"Latest toolbox must-have? A phone";
...a fun reference for anyone who utilizes 'apps' on their phones;
...some Free & some low-pay apps for the Home Designer in You;
...via these apps, one can choose colors from a photo to design how a room could look;
..a list of apps is presented as:
a. www.houzz.com/ FREE app
b. itunes.apple.com/us/app/dreamhome/id367030133?mt8
c. www.shermanwilliams.com/do-it-yourself/paint-colors/paint-color-palette.colornap/ ColorSnap FREE
d. http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/planning/celebrate-the-holidays-new-ipad-app $3.99
e. www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/from-the-lab-blog/new-good-housekeeping-home-iphone-app FREE
f. itures.apple.com/us/app/art-com/id348423904?mt8 www.Art.com FREE
g.itunes.apple.com/us/app/stanley-bostitch-level/id308725991?mt8

As you can see, some of these require the possession of an iPhone.
Others are web sites who offer apps.
Check them out to see if you can download any to your phone p[rather than those that state iPhone]

Looks like fun item [s] for those so inclined.


Making Your Home Safe & Senior-friendly


This article fund in www.macombdaily.com / Sunday 10 April, 2011 / Pg. 2 C / StatePoint / "Easy steps to making your home safe and senior-friendly":
...covers some timely steps that the "Baby boomers" can take to allow them to stay in their own home if desired;
...70 M. are close to retirement age or in their 65th year;
...Time to 'tweak' or 'remodel' the family home;
...three steps or items to consider;
a. Eliminate hazards--this is more than de cluttering; this is careful objective analysis of all areas in the Home;
...uneven floor surfaces; steps; door that open into small areas [closets, baths]
...check out replacing some doors with [pocket doors--knowing there will be wall, door jam & repair work to do];
...think reduced mobility issues: walkers or wheelchairs;
...install grab bars or change shower, tub designs to eliminate steps of any king.
b. All within reach--as we age, reaching up or bending down for everyday items can present a 'falling hazard';
...check your bath, laundry room or kitchen cabinets to see if a cabinet-construction-company could change all
shelves to 'pull-out drawers' that will still have the look of a cabinet with permanent shelves;
...replacing appliances with front-loading washer or dryer; or place upon pedestals that lift to eye level;
...where floor coverings are different levels, have rubber transition strips installed;
...retrofits for faucets & shower heads [also consider those teak benches for bath & shower.
c. Consider Green design Research--installing solar panels will work on some homes in some states, but one can
...insure that all windows and door to the home are properly sealed;
...additional landscaping involving trees & wind tolerant shrubs can aid with temperature control within the home;
...[not in the article, but] heck or have a contractor check all steps & porches for safety problems;
...[also not in article] check on the addition of a rail by the steps; there are some beautiful designs available.

As this post is coming to a close, it is now 79* outside & cooler inside the home.[77*]
What a fun day this has been:
summer-time warm / hot outside;
warm winds blowing the trees, flags outside and the curtains, blinds inside;
watching all the young folks strolling around the walks & roads [sniffers & sniffees alike--shorts & tank tops];
using the air conditioner for the first 2011 time, but not the last;

I don't even mind the fact that all the 2" blinds will need to be cleaned tomorrow;
I don't even mind that left over fall leaves are gathered in outside areas / corners;
I don't at all mind that my hair has reacted to the heat & humidity to the 'frizzy halo-look':

It has been a great day to live through and for that I thank the Lord above.
I do hope that you in your hometown area also had a great summer-like day.
For those caught in the stormy weather across the nation--we pray for your safety and patience.