This is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day!

This was a great way to celebrate Father’s Day … how do you celebrate it?

My daughter Lisa and I celebrated Father’s Day early, riding the River Fox Railbikes, two-seater bikes (side by side) with power assist. We brought our own bike helmets for the ride.

The train station (bike station) was well designed for parties big and small. They had a large grassy park, shade-covered picnic area, and a fun mock western town with gifts and drinks.

The bikes had huge bright yellow plastic wheels; large enough to fit the train tracks.

We really enjoyed riding the rails along the Old Garden Highway, beside the American River. The breeze cooling us off. On the other side of the river, we could see the Elkhorn Boat Launching Facility and park.

As we rode, one side of us was the American river, and the other side was fields of corn, sunflowers, and safflowers. The one slight drawback was the 99-degree temperature at 11 am. Thank God for the shade where we found it.

My wife Joan jokes, “When you and Lisa get together for hikes, the outdoor weather is always hot.” When Joan has joined us, never fail the temperature is cool, if not raining! This trip was another good example of her point!

There were lots of mature trees beside the train tracks, left and right. Unfortunately, not close enough to shade the train tracks.

Historically, Lisa and I go to nature for a hike for Father’s Day. In the past, hiking around Lake Chabot, Contra Costa Reservoir, and Lafayette Reservoir.

It is great fun for me to talk and share our recent life events. Sharing time with each other is the biggest gift.

After the wonderful ride, Lisa brought a picnic lunch, and we ate at the Elkhorn Boat Launch Facility and park in the shade. Lisa gave me some other gifts in addition to the Bike Ride, a Train Whistle, a gift card, a cilantro starter kit, a personal bonfire, and wildflower seeds. Lisa really knows me! Thank you so much, daughter dearest.

Father’s Day is still around the corner. If we can help with getting you ready for the day, just call us.

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A home fire is a scary thing!

A house fire is a scary thing! A big concern here in California is how closely our homes are built. It may take only one house fire to consume many homes.

This is what happened ten doors down from us where they had a house fire.

The owner of the house, right before the fire, heard a big pop in their garage. Apparently, this is where the fire originated.

The fire engulfed the first of three units with common walls. The second unit had fire damage on the shared walls. And the fire department, thankfully, saved the third attached townhouse, with no damage.

After the fire, the lucky owner of the third unit had me check the wiring in her home for obvious fire hazards. She was especially concerned about her garage electrical. She had me install permanent power-electrical wiring for the garage door opener, troubleshoot and repair lights with no power, replace an interior outlet, and bring an exterior outlet up to code with a GFCI replacement.

Although the cause of the fire is not yet clear, it is best to make sure you are vigilant of any problems. DIY might save you money and time, however, unless you are educated on electrical, that is not the area to scrimp.

One of the areas to be particularly alert about is overloading the wiring of your home. It is important to be careful with running too many appliances in one room at the same time and to be extra careful with personal space heaters, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, irons, and similar appliances that draw, and use extra power.

If you are concerned with any area of your home where the electrical may be working overtime (on overload) give us a call for an electrical troubleshooting appointment.

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Is Springtime really here?

Is Springtime really here? Our first tomato says it must be!

Last year I planted two organic tomato plants in the driveway common area. The common area has a sprinkler system, so it is self-watering, making gardening much easier. I added three inches of compost for nutrients and to prevent evaporation. I can even walk on the garden bed without damaging anything; thanks for the information from Master Gardener Edward Dowding.

I am happy to report that one of last year’s organic tomato plants has eight green tomatoes plus one fully ripe one. It was surprising to see tomatoes already and to enjoy the deliciousness of our first ripe tomato. Organic does taste better.

My gardening efforts were made easier by a gift from my best friend, Paul. He gifted me this wonderful garden tool on which you can sit or kneel in comfort because it is padded. It certainly made getting up and down to kneel easier, having handles to grab. Plus, the padding makes long sessions on my knees comfortable.

Joan and I truly appreciate quality, organic fruits and vegetables since we now eat Whole Foods Plant-Based (WFPB). Any veggies we grow ourselves help support our lifestyle. Plus, since changing my diet to WFPB, I have lost 35 pounds, and my energy improved.

One resource we learned of the great benefits of WFPB eating is the annual The Food Revolution Summit. Over the last three years, John & Ocean Robbins, the founders of The Food Revolution Network, have held interviews with top food, nutrition, and health experts. We are hooked on the cutting-edge health benefits shared on this information-packed summit.

Another good resource for the benefits of eating this way is the documentary film The Game Changers on Netflix. You’ll be amazed at the athletes who eat this way and how it improved their strength, endurance, and health. Plants really do support our body’s optimum health.

Don’t forget, we are always ready to use our Ohm meter, hammer, or wrench to help you make your fix-it dreams come true.

Please give us a call if we can help you with your springtime projects and sprucing up. Do you need to get your backyard springtime ready? Why not let me help you with that while you go biking!

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Are you ready for a spring bike ride?

Are you ready for a spring bike ride?

Our weather here has dramatically changed from overcast and local showers to daytime temperatures of 85 degrees. Yes, springtime is here. Joan, Eldred, and I are back enjoying sunbathing in our driveway, talking to neighbors and starting the day peacefully.

That’s where we overheard our neighbors talking of their plan to sell her bicycle; big tube tires, smooth-riding, city cruiser, turquoise colored with a basket. She likes to walk way better than riding a bicycle.

So I brought up the idea of buying the neighbor’s bicycle for me to ride. Joan suggested we fix up her old bike that has been hanging from the garage rafters for years. We did not need to buy a new/used bike from the neighbor since Joan’s bike is a well-made Peugeot road/street combo. 

Luckily I found a local bike shop, Bikes for Life, to have the bike serviced and safe for riding. I picked the bike up today, after some repairs; a new chain, new tires and a tune-up, it feels just like a brand new bike.

While I rode around in circles (in front of the house), Eldred trotted next to me, enjoying our new adventure. She was fascinated by this new contraption that Dad was riding! I then took a refreshing ride around our neighborhood and enjoyed every minute!

I look forward to longer rides taking advantage of the flat bike lanes in and around our neighborhood, perfect to exercise.

Along with the spring cleaning of our bike, we also picked up spring flower flats to spruce up our garden. I’ll let you know how the gardening and biking are going.

Please give us a call if we can help you with your springtime projects and sprucing up. Do you need to get your backyard springtime ready? Why not let me help you with that while you go biking!

 

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Happy “Gotcha Day” to our Eldred

Adopting a rescue dog is a gift from heaven!

Three years ago on the 23rd, we adopted our dog Eldred from Tony LaRussa’s ARF. She, Eldred, happily jumped into our car and we have been a pack (Joan, Eldred, and I) together, ever since.

She has blended into our lives magically and perfectly. She was my constant companion during many long hours of waiting for Joan during her cancer treatments and medical procedures, doctor visits, and ongoing tests. What a blessing Eldred has been. She rescued us as we rescued her!

There is something special about watching Eldred come to attention. When she catches the scent of a squirrel, she is all focused, alert, and READY to go. You should see her jump in the air, over a bush, and start digging; filling the air with dirt. Amazing! And she runs like the wind, just Wow.

In fact, Eldred has joined me on a couple of outdoor handyman projects for clients. She makes a good project manager and co-pilot! And, is very respectful of others’ property.
 
We are grateful every day for Eldred joining us. I hope your life is filled with magic and miracles like Eldred.

Give us a call if we call help in some way. And, we love your pets, too. They often nosey their way into what I am doing in your home!

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