Yes...it is true. If you have a home that was constructed prior to 1978 there is a possiblitly that the paint your property was painted with - contained some degree of lead. If your property was constructed prior to 1949, your structure most definitely contains lead in the paint.
Lead is a natural metal and if ingested or inhaled attacks your brain and liver and damages these vital parts irreperably. Some years back a disclosure was introduced into the California Real Estate Contract in an effort to alert buyers to this potential problem. This disclosure was the result of a catastrophic situation whereby small children - primarily teething toddlers, were found to have been chewing on the window sills of their apartment windows in tenement housing, apparently unbeknownst to their mothers. These children suffered permanent mental retardation and other physical damage- prompting civil and legal intervention.
Lead is back in the picture once more, only on a grander scale. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has elimiinated this 'opt out' disclosure by finding a loophole and as of April 2010 and instituted a new requirement. This requirement primarily targets contractors - painting contractors in particular. A new certification must be obtained verifying the completion of course work leading to the contractor being a 'Lead Certified Contractor.'
To abate the lead found in the dust from sanding paint, along with the lead-laden paint chips that are derived from pressure washing the exterior of a structure, a contractor will be liable for properly tenting the exterior of a structure where more than 20 square feet are disrupted, or 6 sq. ft. on the interior is idsturbed; 6 square feet - that is about the size of a newspaper. The contractor's liability will extend not only to the inhabitants of the home but due to the airborne properties of the dust it will extend to the surrounding neighbors as well.
Who will this affect? It will certainly tag Homeowners, Property Managers, Landlords and yes, Home Sellers. In this day and age of financial limitations in our government, you may wonder 'who' will oversee and manage policing this industry? Well, you and I will for the outset anyway. That is the hope of the EPA. For the time being 'do-it-yourselfers' are exempt from liability. Being that this is California a great litigious state, you would do well to keep records and especially photos, of the work that you do.
The National Association of Realtors has provided video's on their site for anybody wanting more information on this subject. If you know contractors involved with painting, you might want to send them to this site to read the new rule.
Http://www.realtor.org/governmentaffairs/leadpaint main.
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Saturday, September 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
St. John's Virgin Banana Bread - Best in the World!
Of all of the Banana breads in the world...you had to find your way to my house! I don't think that it would be an understatement to say that I have baked a thousand loaves of this bread. As all good cooks know, some of the best recipes come from church published cookbooks - featuring time-tested and tasted success stories. This one is an oldie from St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Chuch in Johnson City, New York. My mother gifted me this book in 1976 and it has been much used to the delight of my family and friends.
I have altered the name of this recipe somewhat. Homage is paid to its origins as the St. John's name, but sans the walnuts called for in the recipe, thereby 'virgin' - unless of course you want nuts and then I call it "Adam" for obvious reasons! It is all in good humor! The contributor of this recipe in its original form is Ella Kosko. Unbeknownst to Ms. Kosko, she has brought a lot of happiness to the palates of many people with this banana bread!
St. John's Banana Bread
1/2 Cup butter or margarine
1 Cup of Sugar
2 Eggs
2 Cups of Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 large bananas - mashed
*** 1 Cup of Nuts
Cinnamon-sugar Mixture
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sifted dry ingredients. Beat in mashed bananas and add the nuts. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3 inch pan (loaf pan). Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Insert knitting needle to check for doneness. While bread is still warm, pour melted butter over top and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
As you can imagine, I have played with this recipe over the years and have added my own touches to it. I have really succeeded in perfecting it! Instead of butter or margarine, I use canola oil. I use two bananas instead of three, but my secret to moist and aromatic bread - is to let the bananas blacken until they begin to emit banana oil. They are disgusting looking...but worth it to be sure. Baking time varies depending upon the baking pan and the oven used. If the bread is not quite done, I simply pop it into the microwave for a minute or two and finish it off to perfection. I vary the sugars I use to sprinkle the buttered top with too. Experiment! Let me know your results and if you have any questions I will help you with those too!
I have altered the name of this recipe somewhat. Homage is paid to its origins as the St. John's name, but sans the walnuts called for in the recipe, thereby 'virgin' - unless of course you want nuts and then I call it "Adam" for obvious reasons! It is all in good humor! The contributor of this recipe in its original form is Ella Kosko. Unbeknownst to Ms. Kosko, she has brought a lot of happiness to the palates of many people with this banana bread!
St. John's Banana Bread
1/2 Cup butter or margarine
1 Cup of Sugar
2 Eggs
2 Cups of Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 large bananas - mashed
*** 1 Cup of Nuts
Cinnamon-sugar Mixture
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sifted dry ingredients. Beat in mashed bananas and add the nuts. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3 inch pan (loaf pan). Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Insert knitting needle to check for doneness. While bread is still warm, pour melted butter over top and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
As you can imagine, I have played with this recipe over the years and have added my own touches to it. I have really succeeded in perfecting it! Instead of butter or margarine, I use canola oil. I use two bananas instead of three, but my secret to moist and aromatic bread - is to let the bananas blacken until they begin to emit banana oil. They are disgusting looking...but worth it to be sure. Baking time varies depending upon the baking pan and the oven used. If the bread is not quite done, I simply pop it into the microwave for a minute or two and finish it off to perfection. I vary the sugars I use to sprinkle the buttered top with too. Experiment! Let me know your results and if you have any questions I will help you with those too!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Rules Made to be Broken? or Who are the Rules For?
Two of the meetings I attended this week left me feeling a little funny about subjects dear to my heart and my careers, Laws and Rules. As a retired Court Interpreter, I still consult periodically and find myself in the court rooms of America. As a Realtor specializing for 25 years in the Luxury and Executive marketplace, I am conscientious about the protection of my clients and will continue learn all that I can to remain invaluable to them, not only as a marketer of their property, but as a consultant and guide to their financial preservation and growth. So here is this weeks startling observation.
Who are the rules in place for? Why expect protection from government agencies that were created for the specific purpose to protect the public, and who demand fees and no longer offer what they were set up to do in the first place?
My first example is of a Judge rendering a judgment. Now for our legal system to actually function - there is a system of rules (to the game) that even the judges must follow in order to preserve equality among opponents in court. These are rules like who speaks first, when is the cut-off date and time to submit evidence or to serve the opposing side in a timely manner, when is exculpatory evidence allowed – and when it is not…this list goes on and on. The point I want to make is this: there is a set of rules established for every procedure, but why are the rules changed or disregarded arbitrarily from judge to judge and from case to case? Justice is left outside in the corridors of the courthouses if the rules are not observed inside the courtroom. Why even have rules, or attorneys and judges and lawsuits, if REAL Justice is not being served or protected? For my lifetime of service, my eyes were opened to the elasticity of the rules of law and to law itself, applied arbitrarily based upon the ‘relationship’ of court personnel, attorneys and the judge – to one another, as foremost to the resolution of any case. It is pure politics. Justice, in her beauty lies not only asleep, but in a fetal position of a comatose state. For over 30 years I have listened to the complaints made by the legal community that the ‘system is broken!’ Well, I wonder why? So much for rules…
My second example is over the collecting of fees for mandatory permits necessary to initiate any structural change to a property. These city offices were established for the protection of the public against faulty construction results, that the then tax paying citizen would be saddled with upon completion.
Well that is no longer the case and apparently has not been the case for quite some time! (Being protected, that is.)
California Building Code Title 24 – Appendix Chapter 1 – General, was the topic presented to the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors on Thursday, June 3, 2010 by our own Kelly Richardson, Esq. Here is the shorthand version of that information provided to the attending membership.
105.4 Validity of permit. “Because we are approving your plans DOESN’T mean that any future faults or problems (that result from the plans we approve) were approved.”
108.4.4 Inspections. Even if there was a faulty or overlooked item by the city inspector, the owner is not indemnified against future problems.
110.1 Use and occupancy. When the city finally issues a “Certificate of Occupancy’ (allowing the use of the structure after many inspections) it is not to be construed as approval of the construction.
104.8 Liability. The city has zero accountability for protection to homeowners/builders for any errors or omissions of the city’s part.
There are thousands of dollars being collected from each property, for what? What is the money for? When we know it is to protect ourselves – we pay. But as information is being put forth in opposition to that public ‘knowledge’ – what is really happening here?
So according to My Richardson, there are laws that are written and were voted in, and remain on the books – but are arbitrarily changed by individuals occupying the office. For the detailed wording of the above noted building codes, I refer the reader to the aforementioned California Building code Title 24.
My parting thought…
If the purpose for the establishment of this agency or office no longer exists, then the mandatory fees collected are simply to fund employment for the office administrator’s and their staff. Why not abolish the office altogether? Let the public not be confused or hold an expectation of something that does not exist! And finally, why have laws and rules in place if they are summarily and arbitrarily adapted and changed – WITHOUT THE PUBLIC HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH?
Rules were not made to be broken; they were made to better ensure fairness and peace among the people.
Who are the rules in place for? Why expect protection from government agencies that were created for the specific purpose to protect the public, and who demand fees and no longer offer what they were set up to do in the first place?
My first example is of a Judge rendering a judgment. Now for our legal system to actually function - there is a system of rules (to the game) that even the judges must follow in order to preserve equality among opponents in court. These are rules like who speaks first, when is the cut-off date and time to submit evidence or to serve the opposing side in a timely manner, when is exculpatory evidence allowed – and when it is not…this list goes on and on. The point I want to make is this: there is a set of rules established for every procedure, but why are the rules changed or disregarded arbitrarily from judge to judge and from case to case? Justice is left outside in the corridors of the courthouses if the rules are not observed inside the courtroom. Why even have rules, or attorneys and judges and lawsuits, if REAL Justice is not being served or protected? For my lifetime of service, my eyes were opened to the elasticity of the rules of law and to law itself, applied arbitrarily based upon the ‘relationship’ of court personnel, attorneys and the judge – to one another, as foremost to the resolution of any case. It is pure politics. Justice, in her beauty lies not only asleep, but in a fetal position of a comatose state. For over 30 years I have listened to the complaints made by the legal community that the ‘system is broken!’ Well, I wonder why? So much for rules…
My second example is over the collecting of fees for mandatory permits necessary to initiate any structural change to a property. These city offices were established for the protection of the public against faulty construction results, that the then tax paying citizen would be saddled with upon completion.
Well that is no longer the case and apparently has not been the case for quite some time! (Being protected, that is.)
California Building Code Title 24 – Appendix Chapter 1 – General, was the topic presented to the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors on Thursday, June 3, 2010 by our own Kelly Richardson, Esq. Here is the shorthand version of that information provided to the attending membership.
105.4 Validity of permit. “Because we are approving your plans DOESN’T mean that any future faults or problems (that result from the plans we approve) were approved.”
108.4.4 Inspections. Even if there was a faulty or overlooked item by the city inspector, the owner is not indemnified against future problems.
110.1 Use and occupancy. When the city finally issues a “Certificate of Occupancy’ (allowing the use of the structure after many inspections) it is not to be construed as approval of the construction.
104.8 Liability. The city has zero accountability for protection to homeowners/builders for any errors or omissions of the city’s part.
There are thousands of dollars being collected from each property, for what? What is the money for? When we know it is to protect ourselves – we pay. But as information is being put forth in opposition to that public ‘knowledge’ – what is really happening here?
So according to My Richardson, there are laws that are written and were voted in, and remain on the books – but are arbitrarily changed by individuals occupying the office. For the detailed wording of the above noted building codes, I refer the reader to the aforementioned California Building code Title 24.
My parting thought…
If the purpose for the establishment of this agency or office no longer exists, then the mandatory fees collected are simply to fund employment for the office administrator’s and their staff. Why not abolish the office altogether? Let the public not be confused or hold an expectation of something that does not exist! And finally, why have laws and rules in place if they are summarily and arbitrarily adapted and changed – WITHOUT THE PUBLIC HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH?
Rules were not made to be broken; they were made to better ensure fairness and peace among the people.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What it Means to Me…Pasadena
I used to wonder why I liked ‘old’ things so much; old houses, old books and maps, old stories and especially – old people. It crossed my mind from time to time, but never really came home too roost until I started to get…well, older! That confused me since I grew up with absolutely everything – new. In fact, I could even put the idea out there, that my parents had some sort of disdain for anything old. How could we be so opposite?
I was the first person of our family (who survived Stalin’s atrocities and genocide against humanity) to be born in America. Everyone related to me was murdered by starvation, torture, imprisonment and the ‘complications of war.’ My father and grandfather were the only two who had survived. My birth was a celebration not only for my family – but for my community. I was a sign that life would continue for them all and that there really was goodness to be had by everyone who managed to live through the war. To top it off, I was born on Easter Sunday morning and somehow, it too meant something special.
As I walked through my life, I never saw a single person who resembled me – not even in my own family. I was a ‘floater.’ My grandfather seemed to sense this and when I was about 12 he took me aside and said, “you know, you look just like the women on my side of the family.’ It did bring me comfort, and it was also the first realization for me that I did not have any roots. Mine were like those of a rose bush, planted on a mound – (we lived on top of a hill in Silverlake and owned another hill in Las Posas) strong enough to survive tough conditions, and like a rose - my family, was putting beauty into the world.
My pilgrims - my grandparents, wore (what American’s call babushka’s but are really called…) kasinka’s and homemade clothing, lived in a huge old house and drove older cars. Their house was filled with old things that I could not even identify unless I saw them in use. Their plates were old and their silverware matched in age, and I loved it…and I was comforted by it.
My parents drove beautiful cars and my mother always had new clothing and shoes and bags to match. Our house was new. Our house was new even after we lived in it for a dozen years…it looked like nobody had ever cooked there, or walked on the carpets, or sat on the furniture. New was an obsession, an understandable and necessary reminder that you lived…you breathed anew and you have sunshine on this day that is new. You have a chance at a new life. So it goes…
I like old houses that are flanked by old trees that make up long established neighborhoods maintained to near perfection. And while I love a new luxury car – there is nothing like a vintage car or wooden boat – maintained as if it were new! There isn’t a place in America that is what Pasadena is to me. It is my home and the place of my history - and my family’s future. It is where I integrate the old with the new and feel a part of being the American that I am.
I was the first person of our family (who survived Stalin’s atrocities and genocide against humanity) to be born in America. Everyone related to me was murdered by starvation, torture, imprisonment and the ‘complications of war.’ My father and grandfather were the only two who had survived. My birth was a celebration not only for my family – but for my community. I was a sign that life would continue for them all and that there really was goodness to be had by everyone who managed to live through the war. To top it off, I was born on Easter Sunday morning and somehow, it too meant something special.
As I walked through my life, I never saw a single person who resembled me – not even in my own family. I was a ‘floater.’ My grandfather seemed to sense this and when I was about 12 he took me aside and said, “you know, you look just like the women on my side of the family.’ It did bring me comfort, and it was also the first realization for me that I did not have any roots. Mine were like those of a rose bush, planted on a mound – (we lived on top of a hill in Silverlake and owned another hill in Las Posas) strong enough to survive tough conditions, and like a rose - my family, was putting beauty into the world.
My pilgrims - my grandparents, wore (what American’s call babushka’s but are really called…) kasinka’s and homemade clothing, lived in a huge old house and drove older cars. Their house was filled with old things that I could not even identify unless I saw them in use. Their plates were old and their silverware matched in age, and I loved it…and I was comforted by it.
My parents drove beautiful cars and my mother always had new clothing and shoes and bags to match. Our house was new. Our house was new even after we lived in it for a dozen years…it looked like nobody had ever cooked there, or walked on the carpets, or sat on the furniture. New was an obsession, an understandable and necessary reminder that you lived…you breathed anew and you have sunshine on this day that is new. You have a chance at a new life. So it goes…
I like old houses that are flanked by old trees that make up long established neighborhoods maintained to near perfection. And while I love a new luxury car – there is nothing like a vintage car or wooden boat – maintained as if it were new! There isn’t a place in America that is what Pasadena is to me. It is my home and the place of my history - and my family’s future. It is where I integrate the old with the new and feel a part of being the American that I am.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
How 'Green' Are the Wealthy?
How ‘Green’ Are the Wealthy?
Forty years after the first ‘Earth Day” on April 22, 1970, the wealthiest 10% of American
Households reveal the extent of their commitment to a ‘green’ lifestyle in a new survey by
“The American Affluence Research Center.”
Top Ten Findings:
1. 90% Recycle regularly
2. 56% Believe that they are doing their part to help the environment
3. 70% Report using energy efficient light bulbs and/or other products to reduce energy
consumption.
4. 30% purchase organic foods whenever they are an option
5. Only 6% buy fashions that feature organic materials
6. A third of the respondents currently own none of the 7 eco-friendly products listed
7. Most commonly owned eco-friendly or ‘green’ items are fluorescent light bulbs (45%),
Low flow toilets or faucets (44%), and Energy Star appliances (40%). Green cleaning
products (27%) was the only other item owned by more than 10% of the Respondents.
8. Half of the respondents do not intend to buy any of the 7 listed ‘green’ products over
The next five years. The most frequently anticipated purchases are a hybrid automobile
(24%),and Energy Star appliances.
9. Two-thirds have done none of the 3 listed eco-friendly activities during the past 5 years.
The most frequently mentioned (31%) activity was the purchase of hormone-free meat,
dairy or produce.
10. 8 out of 10 Respondents do not anticipate doing any of the 3 listed activities over the next
Five years. The most frequently anticipated activity (15%) is an eco-friendly vacation or
Resort.
More details can be found on the American Affluence Research Center web site.
Forty years after the first ‘Earth Day” on April 22, 1970, the wealthiest 10% of American
Households reveal the extent of their commitment to a ‘green’ lifestyle in a new survey by
“The American Affluence Research Center.”
Top Ten Findings:
1. 90% Recycle regularly
2. 56% Believe that they are doing their part to help the environment
3. 70% Report using energy efficient light bulbs and/or other products to reduce energy
consumption.
4. 30% purchase organic foods whenever they are an option
5. Only 6% buy fashions that feature organic materials
6. A third of the respondents currently own none of the 7 eco-friendly products listed
7. Most commonly owned eco-friendly or ‘green’ items are fluorescent light bulbs (45%),
Low flow toilets or faucets (44%), and Energy Star appliances (40%). Green cleaning
products (27%) was the only other item owned by more than 10% of the Respondents.
8. Half of the respondents do not intend to buy any of the 7 listed ‘green’ products over
The next five years. The most frequently anticipated purchases are a hybrid automobile
(24%),and Energy Star appliances.
9. Two-thirds have done none of the 3 listed eco-friendly activities during the past 5 years.
The most frequently mentioned (31%) activity was the purchase of hormone-free meat,
dairy or produce.
10. 8 out of 10 Respondents do not anticipate doing any of the 3 listed activities over the next
Five years. The most frequently anticipated activity (15%) is an eco-friendly vacation or
Resort.
More details can be found on the American Affluence Research Center web site.
Friday, May 7, 2010
How a Mother Loves
I would like to extend my most heartfelt congratulations to all of you ladies out there who have mothered someone. There is nothing like the feeling that comes from the heart and mind of another person - who only has your best interest at heart. It is a feeling that one cannot hide, or alter. The perception of the receiver is undeniable.
Some mother's become so by the miracle of birth. They bring a child into the world and before it draws its first breath it is already loved in every breath - and every thought and dream that you ever had. and ever will have. I read something on my facebook account that I would like to share with you, I found it very moving and beautiful.
"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. When you were born I saw your face and I knew that I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew that I would die for you; to this day I will. This IS the miracle of life."
Sent to me by Toni Horvath. Thank you Toni.
Before I became a mother, I worried that I would not know how to love another person with the depth, duration and quality that I knew each one of us needs for life. What a miracle it was to learn that love was magnified to powers of infinity and not cut out of something like pieces of a pie.
With the impending birth of my second child I worried that I would not be able to love it with the magnitude of love I felt for my first child. Again, a miracle occurred and love was amplifed anew, giving way to infinite and forever-growing love and possiblities. It took nothing away from the first child I loved, it made everything better, and sweeter and stronger. I had changed forever. I learned that love could be given to many and that everyone deserved to be loved like that. I decided to be the mom that everybody came to for advise, hugs, chocolate chip cookies...lots and lots of chocolate chip cookies.
By the time my third child was born, I thought that my heart and soul would burst from the joy. I was sure that I was the happiest mother on the planet! By that time, my home was the one that everyone came to be at. It was the happiest place in my neighborhood! I cannot tell you how many pizza's I ordered or spaghetti that I cooked for the next 15 years. I took on mothering in a big way!
I was in a restaurant not too long ago, and the server brought over the biggest appetizer tray on the menu and asked what the beverage of choice would be? While I tried to say that an error had been made, I had not ordered the appetizer's - I was kindly interrupted. The server pointed to a young man working on the other side of the room - who waved at me. I waved back...not really realizing who it was. My server said, "This is sent to you as a thank you for the many days you spent with me, giving me a place to go, advising me and feeding me." It really isn't much, but I want you to know how much I have appreciated you. It made me well up...it still does.
My youngest now is nearly out of her teens and is legally an adult. She often comments on 'why do her friends always want to add me on facebook or contact me?' She actually gets a little jealous! Her friends tell her that her mother is 'cool' and 'really nice' and 'gives great hugs' and 'feeds them...' and I know that I am loved and I have so much go love back with.
I am now in the golden years of my life and find that I am still in need of being mothered myself. While my own mother may be leagues away, I find that I am given much by other great mothers - that which I gave. So love doesn't just come full circle, it spins into galaxies of love that shower meteors of love back at us! It IS the greatest gift and it begins with a mother - any single one of us.
So Happy Mother's Day to all of the mother's who have loved us! May your lives continue to be filled with and fullfilled by love.
Some mother's become so by the miracle of birth. They bring a child into the world and before it draws its first breath it is already loved in every breath - and every thought and dream that you ever had. and ever will have. I read something on my facebook account that I would like to share with you, I found it very moving and beautiful.
"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. When you were born I saw your face and I knew that I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew that I would die for you; to this day I will. This IS the miracle of life."
Sent to me by Toni Horvath. Thank you Toni.
Before I became a mother, I worried that I would not know how to love another person with the depth, duration and quality that I knew each one of us needs for life. What a miracle it was to learn that love was magnified to powers of infinity and not cut out of something like pieces of a pie.
With the impending birth of my second child I worried that I would not be able to love it with the magnitude of love I felt for my first child. Again, a miracle occurred and love was amplifed anew, giving way to infinite and forever-growing love and possiblities. It took nothing away from the first child I loved, it made everything better, and sweeter and stronger. I had changed forever. I learned that love could be given to many and that everyone deserved to be loved like that. I decided to be the mom that everybody came to for advise, hugs, chocolate chip cookies...lots and lots of chocolate chip cookies.
By the time my third child was born, I thought that my heart and soul would burst from the joy. I was sure that I was the happiest mother on the planet! By that time, my home was the one that everyone came to be at. It was the happiest place in my neighborhood! I cannot tell you how many pizza's I ordered or spaghetti that I cooked for the next 15 years. I took on mothering in a big way!
I was in a restaurant not too long ago, and the server brought over the biggest appetizer tray on the menu and asked what the beverage of choice would be? While I tried to say that an error had been made, I had not ordered the appetizer's - I was kindly interrupted. The server pointed to a young man working on the other side of the room - who waved at me. I waved back...not really realizing who it was. My server said, "This is sent to you as a thank you for the many days you spent with me, giving me a place to go, advising me and feeding me." It really isn't much, but I want you to know how much I have appreciated you. It made me well up...it still does.
My youngest now is nearly out of her teens and is legally an adult. She often comments on 'why do her friends always want to add me on facebook or contact me?' She actually gets a little jealous! Her friends tell her that her mother is 'cool' and 'really nice' and 'gives great hugs' and 'feeds them...' and I know that I am loved and I have so much go love back with.
I am now in the golden years of my life and find that I am still in need of being mothered myself. While my own mother may be leagues away, I find that I am given much by other great mothers - that which I gave. So love doesn't just come full circle, it spins into galaxies of love that shower meteors of love back at us! It IS the greatest gift and it begins with a mother - any single one of us.
So Happy Mother's Day to all of the mother's who have loved us! May your lives continue to be filled with and fullfilled by love.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Altadena Community Garden
Sharing Through
Who hasn’t heard the expression, “April showers bring May flowers”? I had the privilege and pleasure of being guided through the gardens last Sunday morning. The mountains I love so dearly - served as a backdrop to each garden plot and one after another – a dimensional canvas of each gardener’s vision unfolded before me.
The morning air disbursed a sweet fragrance, a mixture of sweet floral scents incorporating the freshness of soil. There is nothing quite as wonderful as fragrant, sweet and fresh soil! My grandfather taught me that. For those who love to garden, this is a place not to be missed! I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have driven past the corner of Lincoln and Palm in Altadena, only to utter to myself that I would come back again and explore this wonderful looking place.
The garden is operated by
The grounds offer an elevated deck with abundant built in perimeter seating under a semi- shade providing avocado tree on one side – flanked by a grapefruit tree on the other. There are Bar-B-Que’s for the members use. All gardening tools are provided and maintained by the members, so newcomers do not have to purchase anything or lug from home!
The county charges a small annual fee of $75.00 for this experience – per plot, and only $30.00 per year if you would prefer to come and assist someone already gardening. As you can imagine, there is a waiting list for avid gardeners to get in. I understand that it is about a two year wait! Lasting friendships are cultivated here! Gardening brings out the best in people of all ages and all cultures. It ‘grafts’ people together and wonderful things result!
The generous nature of gardener’s was further shown to me when I was preparing to depart from my ‘fact finding mission.’ I was gifted freshly picked artichokes (that I prepared with hollandaise sauce), a lovely bouquet of sweet-peas that scented my car for two days, and from the president of the garden, a gorgeous bouquet of the most beautiful rose varieties in the garden and an invitation to ‘please come back again!’ I have been smiling ever since… and have posted photographs of my bouquets on Facebook to share with the rest of you! I am also posting an album of photos I created from my wonderful Sunday morning at the
My name is Natalia Budilo and I am a gardener, a Realtor and your neighbor! You can find me on Facebook, on Twitter and email at NVB.Homes@gmail.com for any questions. Feel free to download my photos for your own enjoyment they can be found on Facebook under my name.
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