Dropping into your inbox to say "hello!" It's been a while since I've shared what's happening in the Silva household. This time I'm pleased to share that Joan, Eldred, and I finally got to travel!

Yes, Joan, Eldred, and I took two trips out of town for the first time in two years. The timing was great. We love autumn for its cooler temperatures, change of leaf colors, and abundant veggies; (such as butternut squash and pumpkins).

Plus, these trips were to celebrate Joan's milestone birthday. She's permitted me to say it was her 70th!

Our first trip to Half Moon Bay was perfectly timed. We missed the crowds for the big pumpkin weigh-in competition hosted there each year.  We stayed at an Airbnb directly next to a heavily wooded creek. The location had wonderful walking for the three of us and was only a couple blocks from downtown Half Moon Bay. Joan especially loves wooded areas.

The area was so fun for all of us to experience and explore. Squirrel holes for Eldred, quiet beach walks, and fresh, crisp temperatures. We all enjoyed Pescadero Beach and Pacifica Beach, although Eldred wasn't too fond of the ocean!

Three days later, we changed scenery to Folsom Old Town. The Folsom Airbnb was a newly constructed one-bedroom unit two blocks from Old Town. It had brand-new granite kitchen counters and a large tile shower and was perched peacefully above the owner's detached garage.

The isolation from the surrounding residential neighbors was quiet and private. The only sounds came from birds, a few barking dogs (yes, Eldred, too), and some chickens.

Some highlights in Folsom were walking the Johnny Cash hiking trail along Lake Natoma, eating delicious Thai food, having a few scrumptious pastries from their local bakery, and cruising the shops in Old Town.

These two trips sure energized me for my Autumn chores at home. When I got back, I cleaned the heater intake filter, cleaned the gutters for our home and two other neighbors, and changed all the batteries in the smoke detectors.

If you need any help doing your Autumn chores, just call us. Maybe you wish for some things to be fixed for the upcoming holidays! If we can be of help with anything around your home, just let us know.

Our motto -- Making Your Dreams Come True, One Fix-It Project at a Time. What dream do you wish to come true, one that we might be able to help along the way to make happen?

Are you ready to have your exterior lighting automatically go on and off?

Two of my clients asked me to install new exterior lights. They each wanted to update the look of their homes. Both asked, “How can I have the exterior lights automatically go on and off?"

I recommended they buy and install programable light switches to control said outside lights.  

The benefit is, that the lights come on automatically providing security lighting so you don't have to remember to do it yourself every evening and morning!   

Joan and I like to have our exterior lights on from dusk to dawn. We get a sense of safety from being able to see what is outside, at any time.  

Until recently one of us had to remember to go downstairs to turn our lights on and off. That may not be a big chore, it is just the constant worry of “Did we or didn’t we turn on the lights?” It adds up over time.  

So, Joan and I installed a programmable light switch for our exterior lights. Now, since installing the new switch we have a sense of security knowing the lights do come on automatically. 

Joan just commented how nice it is to see the lights come on at our programmed time. I guess the world seems to be working better for us.  

What makes you feel more secure around your home? If adding lighting would help you, just give us a call.