2009 Nevada Fire Restrictions

The Nevada Department of Forestry declared no campfires, anywhere, until further notice. We haul our old propane bbq with us in our toy hauler so we can still cook outside when we go camping. We miss evening fires but we’re ok with that. Who wants to be the jerk that burns down the state anyways?

We went from unseasonal rains to extremely dry and abnormally hot weather. Everyone I’ve talked to said they can’t remember ever having a statewide restriction like this. I know it has been common in other states to have such broad restrictions so I guess Nevada just has to follow suit now.

Read Full Post »

Dealing with Nosy Neighbors; a series

We put every ounce of energy and pride into our homes. We enjoy our gardens, have lovely outdoor spaces for us to relax or entertain, beautiful views to enjoy every season. Then. It. Happens.

A neighbor has invaded your space. It doesn’t mean they physically are in your space but they influence it in someway.

• Radio is too loud
• Their conversation is clear as bell (conversely, they probably hear everything you say too!)
• Copycats: everything you do you notice is being done next door?
• If you step foot outside, someone is watching you

Anyways, you get the idea. The point is, you don’t have to quit enjoying your space and you don’t have to lower yourself by acknowledging their inconsideration. Instead, focus your energy and pride into building outdoor insulation.

I compare my vision of outdoor insulation (patent pending) to the insulation you put in your walls. There are different techniques to insulation indoors or out but it is all about layers to make it work.

I’m going to break this out into different steps

• Fences
• Wall with a view
• Gardening

Read Full Post »

Gardening to save $ is not that easy.

 

I keep seeing headlines for articles like ‘Save Money – Grow a Garden’. When I read the actual article, I want to yell “HA! You really think it is that easy?” These short and sweet features are not written by gardeners. If they were, these lucky gardeners live in gardening heaven because instructions like “Plant seeds when warm, water and feed your family all summer” don’t work anywhere I have ever lived.

Working in Dirt

Some people might like the appeal of saving money by growing their own vegetables, but a show stopper is actually getting dirt. While I think it is great, I know many people who just DO NOT ENJOY IT. And that’s ok! Gardening is a labor of love but it is about fertilizer, soil amendments, etc.

There are always options though. Hire a professional. Ask at your local nursery, they might offer services. Friends and neighbors usually give references as well. Not all professionals are expensive but you have to ask to find out.

If hiring is out of the budget, ask a gardening friend to help out. I love to get my hands on other people’s dirt!

Water

This can be an art, depending on where you live. In our clay soil, it is a constant monitoring process to make sure the garden doesn’t have too much or too little water. And with the weather, the soil changes every year too, since we are constantly amending it for improvement.

Plant Choices

Once again, I recommend checking with your local nursery. There are different hybrids for every climate and elevation. My plants need to withstand harsh sun and wind while producing in a short growing season. Other areas may be able to plunk a Beefsteak Tomato in the ground and have more produce than they can eat. (I really envy those people) The best advice you will get is from other gardener’s experience.

Gardening is a wonderful way to subsidize your income. But it is work. Fortunately, it is work that I love to do!

Read Full Post »

Expert Help for Planting Smart in the High Mountain Desert

Good day, good news!

 

I have received my list in the mail for the plants offered for sale at the Washoe County Nursery. Time to plan. Time to research.

This makes me a happy girl!

 

I have to admit, this isn’t a program for everyone.

You must have a minimum 1 acre property and have an evironmental purpose for planting.

 

From the Nursery site:
Qualifications for the purchase of plants
The program is not intended to provide landscaping materials for small home lots. The purpose of the program is to provide locally adapted, affordable trees and shrubs to conserve and enhance Nevada’s natural resources through conservation plantings such as:

Erosion control Post-fire rehabilitation Wildlife habitat

Greenbelts Reforestation Windbreaks

Water Conservation Mine reclamation Wetland and riparian restoration Woodlots

 

Washoe State Tree Nursery

My needs definitely run to erosion control, wildlife habitat (birds) and water conservation. I have bought honey locust saplings that are growing great. The biggest advantage for me is the nursery provides Caragana (most people call it Russian Olive). This is a pretty plant that grows strong with no attention, extremely little water and is extraordinarily soil tolerant. I will research other options for erosion control at the top of the swale [insert link] at the top of my swale, but my final decision will be made after talking to the folks at the nursery. I have had wonderful experiences learning from the staff and they never fail to help me make better decisions about my plantings!

Read Full Post »

Interest Rates and Prices LOW!

Do you want a bargain in Northern Nevada? Time has finally arrived. Interest rates are lower than ever, and prices are lower than ever. You can now buy a house in Northern Nevada for $75,000 starting price. Call us right away to reserve the best deals available.

Read Full Post »

Could You Imagine This Life?

 

Jeni has a new listing in our neighborhood. I must admit, I want it! It is so fun as it is, but it also has so much potential. Even considering the economy, this property has a great price.

 

I have to admit, I understand there are many people in this world who could never understand why I would want to live in a Quonset hut. I see so much more. Located closer to pavement than where I currently live is always a major consideration. The mud and snow of our unpaved roads is always a challenge. One I gladly accept, but life is easier when you’re closer to pavement up here!

 

Amazing Views

Usuable Acreage

This property is on 40 usable acres. You might not understand why I insert the word usable. I have horses, so when you live in the mountains, you have limited options for acreage. I need a chunk of flat land if I want to work with my horses at home. Owning acreage on a 30% slope wouldn’t do me much good. Then, this home can run off the grid. By having a generator and solar panels, the owner doesn’t have to be completely dependent on the electric company, which appeals to me greatly.

If I were the owner, what would I do to increase this homes potential?

• Install a vertical wind tower to supplement power.
• Add a green house because this property has sun to produce a lot of veggies!
• Build a barn. I’m sure the horses and in-laws would appreciate the consideration.

That would be just the beginning!!!!!

MLS# 90003668

Read Full Post »

Outdoor and Resort Properties, LLC partnered with Cabela’s Trophy Properties

There are times to blaze your own trails in life. Then, there are times to consult a specialist. When looking to invest in recreational, hunting or fishing properties, Outdoor and Resort Properties, LLC will be the final source for all of your needs.

 

Cebelas, known for quality in equipment and outdoor advice brings that excellence to the very land their customers enjoy. This joining of Cabela’s retail brand with Outdoor & Resort’s real estate brand, is a partnership to pursue future land stewardship in Northern Nevada.

 

Jeni Temen, owner of Outdoor and Resort Properties, has been a reputation in Northern Nevada for blazing her own trails. An outdoor enthusiast with experience locating, listing and selling the most remote locations, she has brought her company into partnership with Cabela’s Trophy Properties to expand those horizons. Bringing her clients a worldwide network of resources, Outdoor and Resort Properties is the specialist buyers and sellers in Northern Nevada need.

 

Recreational property is a major investment. Buyers and Sellers need to work with a Realtor who knows the land, not just the statistics and information provided by public records. They need a Realtor who isn’t afraid to get dirty investigating and uncovering all the potential of a recreational property.

 

Outdoor and Resort Properties partnership with Cabela’s Trophy Properties  

also brings Northern Nevada a connection to land mapping services as well as aquatic and habitat services. Every resource for your recreational property is available through Outdoor and Resort Properties.

 

For the souls that need the range, waterfront or the wildlife, there is a specialist to fill that desire. Contact Outdoor & Resort Properties today and start living that dream.

Jeni and her partner Paws

Read Full Post »

Garden 2009: FREESTYLE!

 

A friend was actually going to pay someone to remove roses from her yard. I helped her and scored and beautiful plant!

The economy is on everyone’s mind; from radio, newspapers to conversations buzzing in restaurants. Friends share their worries for the future and their tightened circumstances today. I hate the stress everyone is under and my wish is that people continue to enjoy life. Adjustments are made by many people to meet their financial obligations. Many are learning to make adjustments in all areas of their life so they don’t have to give up the things they love. 

I have always been cheap (so to speak) and I always look for the most cost effective, great deal. Example: My homeowner’s insurance figures the replacement cost of my barn would be about $40k. The funny part is that I didn’t pay a dime for that structure. Through word of mouth, via a farrier, I heard about a barn a wonderful family was giving away. The catch? The new owner would have to take it down, board by board and reassemble. I’m not going to go into all the details of THAT adventure in this post. However, it was done with a lot of blood and sweat to improve our home, save us stabling expenses and make our dream of having a great horse property come true. I have to admit, we spent about $2k on screws, concrete, gas, etc. Still, it was quite a deal!

There are deals everywhere; one just has to look. And be persistent, of course. Spring is getting closer so I search Reno Craigslist free section to see what is available for the garden. In 5 minutes, I found manure, dirt and wood chips. Did I mention these are free garden supplies? It doesn’t get better than that. Time and fuel are the costs. While I was there, I emailed a few listings to friends too. Might as well help as many people as we can!

 

Most of these plants were free...

The majority of plants in my garden were free. Since I moved to the high mountain desert from a completely different climate, I had no idea what would grow. I killed so many poor plants through ignorance. But as I met other gardeners, they were kind enough to share their wisdom and plants. I especially appreciated that after all the work that went into preparing the ground, I had something to grow there! Never be afraid to ask for advice or show interest in someone else’s gardens. You never know what you might get in return! 

Yes, the economy is up in the air right now. We aren’t sure where it is headed. The economy is definitely affecting some more than others and everyone is paying attention to their money. That doesn’t mean we have to stop improving our homes and quit enjoying the outdoors. It just means we may have to work a little harder and a little smarter!

Read Full Post »

Geocache Out the Back Door

I was looking up geocache locations to see if more had been added to our mountain neighborhood. A couple of years ago, there weren’t many. Now? I’m thrilled I can walk out the back door and go searching! The closest to my house is only 3/4 mile away. Closer if I cut across the BLM land adjoining my back garden!

 

If you are not familiar, GeoCache is a network of hidden treasure that you find using clues and a GPS. You can get a free account at GeoCache and start searching your area. Then you return to the site and tell others about your hunt. This activity is enjoyed by people all over the world.

 

In my opinion, this is the ultimate combination of technology and nature. Our family goes geocaching when we go camping all the time. Most of the caches we find in the desert are in old ammo boxes and usually contain a camera, logbook and various types of treasure. Our kids love to fill out the logbook and trade out the ‘treasure’.

 

If you haven’t heard of GeoCaching, logon and see what you have around you. If you plan to travel, this is a great adventure to add to your trip!

 

Read Full Post »

Outdoor Rooms

 

Outdoor rooms are one of the best gifts one can give themselves. I enjoy sitting on my patio, with a nice little garden the only separation from the open valley behind my home. With Southern exposure, the chilly winter mornings are a great place to wakeup with a cup of coffee and listen to nature start it’s day.

A Start to Your Own Outdoor Room

 

I have an outdoor carpet with a couple of adirondack chairs and a small table to really expand the living space from the square footage of my home. Another end of the patio has our grill and a large butcher block table with bar stools. My patio is very long and narrow, so I’ve never been able to find an outdoor dining set that one could sit at comfortably. Instead, I focused on making smaller sitting areas that are actually great for entertaining. At the far end of my outdoor space, I found the perfect bistro table with barstools. This allows for micro areas for everyone to to have separate conversations, yet still be close enough to mingle. 

We built an arbor across the length of the house to provide more versatility. During the winter, it allows the sun to do its job, warming the house as well as melting snow on the concrete. In the summer we are able to drape it with fabric to provide shade as a relief from the sun in it’s higher zenith and cool the house as well. We do not have air conditioning and I find that I’ve never had the need for it. I enjoy the investment of the arbor more than the electric bill and noise of a condenser!

Everyone should have an outdoor room, no matter how big or small it is.

Read Full Post »