Rose Cottage Ltd

In 2007 I decided to buy a wood stove. Since I lived on a rural property with a lot of wood and kindling that needed clearing anyway, this seemed almost a no-brainer. So I began to do my research and noticed that some wood stoves were “EPA Rated” and some were not. Being concerned about the environment, I decided to get the best EPA rated stove I could afford. Even though having it EPA rated meant it cost a bit more.

You can type the search phrase “wood stove” on this blog and find the many articles I’ve written about the installation, the work involved to “feed,” and the cost benefits I realized by having the stove.

In summary though, over the six cold weather seasons, I guesstimate I saved around $3600 in gas heating costs by using the stove. Cost of the stove and installation? About $1200. So, by doing my own work to gather the wood required – which was in turn getting rid of trees – many that had already fallen or needed to come down, I saved about $2400, or $300 each heating season. Not sure about you, but to me, this is a significant savings for a little work.

Now, the EPA is planning to CHANGE the requirements for a wood stove. If they get their way, the new rules will be so restrictive as to make nearly every single wood stove in America suddenly “illegal.” Even the EPA-Certified stove I just bought in 2007!

“There’s not a stove in the United States that can pass the test right now — this is the death knoll of any wood burning,” Reg Kelly, the founder of Earth Outdoor Furnaces in Mountain Grove, told Missouri lawmakers during a recent hearing.

This is the same EPA that had loose enough requirements to nearly guarantee that Duke Energy was able to “accidentally” release thousands of pounds of coal ash into North Carolina rivers because they fought EPA “restrictions” that would have made their coal ash storage ponds safer and less likely to leak or burst. Which is exactly what happened.

But the EPA and this current administration would rather go after the small percentage of wood stove users than to monitor Duke Energy.

Even worse, here’s what the EPA was pushing just last August 2013:

U.S. customers who upgrade to an EPA-certified stove in 2013 are already eligible for a biomass federal tax credit up to $300. Several companies are sweetening the deal, offering incentives for swapping out dusty old stoves and fireplace inserts for newer, less polluting models.

Wait a minute! You were encouraging people just six months ago to upgrade to EPA-certified stoves and now you’re changing the rules? My stove might now not be certifiable but I might be!!!

Not only is this a ignorant way to run a country, it’s a ridiculous way to “manage” a industry. Not only will you stop people from the ability to choose a wood stove to help with ever-increasing heating bills, you’re about to destroy the wood stove industry – putting even more people out of work.

If the Environmental Protection Agency was pushing their “EPA-Certified” stoves just six months ago and now they are attempting to regulate those out of existence, who wins here?

It doesn’t take a genius to figure that if you are stopped from using your EPA-certified wood stove, your heating bills from other sources such as gas, oil or electric will increase – adding to the profits those companies already make. You can’t spin that fact, even with Common Core math!

I’m not sure where all this new regulation and restriction of American citizens will end, but I guarantee it won’t be pretty. I know plenty of people who RELY on their wood stove to say warm in winter. If they are willing to do the extra work, and they have a EPA-Certified stove, leave them alone and quit changing the game.

It’s been a long week in North Carolina. While snow was still on the ground, the temperatures climbed to 70 degrees. Within 24 hours, a tornado watch! More cold coming next week with even more wacky February weather? It’s all getting a bit draining.

So this week, no real estate “news.” I thought it might provide a nice break to just sit and look at some really beautiful rural real estate. Nothing to buy, nothing to “click,” nothing to calculate – just enjoy!!!

Stick a horse in a photo of rural property and you’ll get my attention! While I’ve never owned a horse, I can picture myself on 20 acres or so with a nice pasture and few “rescued” older horses. In my experience, they make great neighbors – pun intended.

What else catches my eye? Water. Creek, pond, lake, river, or oceanfront. I’m equal-opportunity when it comes to having a natural source of water on real estate I own – or appreciate.

While not necessary, having a posh estate in the country wouldn’t hurt my feelings either! This property above certainly has a lot to offer – while resting comfortably in its private and rural surroundings.

Another for the “estate” list – and another property that seemed destined to be built here. Don’t know about you, but I can “hear” the quiet!

Now here’s one for the “I wouldn’t do” list. Why? It’s just too much house for the majority of people.

However, it has a fantastic setting and it is obvious that some care was taken to build this beautiful home to take advantage of the surrounding view.

I didn’t take much notice of location when selecting these properties but this one looks like it would fit nicely in the Virginia countryside. A stately home sitting in its protective pocket of trees and a beautifully maintained farm and barn area.

Sometimes I really think I was born in the wrong century…

Happy Weekend!

I’m always looking for sources of “quality” products and ingredients. Whether I want to make a healthy cup of tea, or want to use a non-pesticide solution for the lawn and garden – it takes a bit of research but you CAN find what you want and need. Mountain Rose Herbs is a great new resource!

Since 1987 Mountain Rose Herbs has been known for its uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture and steadfast focus on the pure aesthetics and freshness of botanical products.

Looking for “true” organic?

All of the products processed and offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are handled, analyzed and supervised by a full time quality control department. Every aspect of their products, from the procurement, and the receiving, to the processing and packaging, is done in accordance to strict quality control and organic handling procedures.

I’m picky – but I like what I see and read…..maybe you will too!

How can I scam thee? Let me count the ways…

If there is one time in your life you really need to have your wits about you it is during a real estate purchase. Whether you are a investor or a single-family, first-time purchaser, there are many ways you can lose, and lose BIG!

This week we’ll do a little research on what types of scams are currently in vogue. This does NOT include the situation where mortgage lenders lend you more than you can afford to buy a house you can’t afford. If one doesn’t have enough common sense to figure that out for themselves, no blog post can help them.

Bad deeds, fraudulent signatures, bogus rental ads requiring a “deposit,” short-sale and foreclosure scams, etc., etc.

++ Disbarred lawyer sentenced in multimillion real estate scams

++ Sheriff warns of real estate scam

++ Denver Man Sentenced in Multi-Million-Dollar Real Estate Fraud Scheme

++ Feds arrest real estate agent accused of short-sale fraud in Patterson

++ Stamford Attorney Pleads Guilty To Mortgage Fraud

I would never think of perpetrating these frauds and it would be a nasty and potentially devastating moment to find out what others will do. This is why I need to keep up-to-date with things that are happening and how they are accomplished – and this list is unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg.

The good news and sometimes the bad is the internet. Believe half of what you first read and do your own research. Check the validity of “licenses.” Look for comments from other real estate, mortgage, appraisal, title company and banking customers. Some of the fraud in the links above was perpetrated against banks and mortgage lenders. Don’t think “they deserve it.” When a bank loses money, they look for other ways to get it back – and guess who ends up fronting THAT bill?

Purchasing real estate can and should be a great achievement and a rewarding experience. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.

You have to give Durham Academy in North Carolina credit for creativity with this one…

Snowing here again right now so not much chance of kids seeing school tomorrow in most of North Carolina.

You have to give the meteorological specialists some credit for forecasting this latest winter storm well in advance. If you’re smart and in its path – please stay home.

In North Carolina, I’ve known since Sunday that this would be a “iffy” weather week and have been able to plan accordingly. There were actually snow flurries here Monday morning followed by a bit of rain, but that was just a taste of what may happen in the next 48 hours.

I don’t stress too much about weather. When you drive a Mini Cooper you know there will be times like this when YOU will not be on the road. I shop in advance for what I think I might need, and make sure that when ice and power outages are in the mix, my trusty Thermos full of hot coffee is ready.

But now that it is Wednesday morning and nothing has happened as yet, the waiting for it gets a bit stressful. Schools are closed today locally and I have to wonder if stores won’t be slammed this morning with people out shopping – for what, I don’t know.

I figure that some of the shopping is a stress release for many. It gives them something to do. There is but so much “planning” you can do and there is something weird for adults and kids to keep having these little mini-vacations due to bad weather. It feels like playing hooky. There’s nothing on the ground, but snow and then ice are coming – should I be doing “something?”

There is only so much you can do at this point other than just wait. Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car. Check batteries in flashlights and locate any candles you have. If you have a generator in case of power outages make sure it is working and ready to go. I don’t go crazy buying food because I have been in ice storms in Maryland that knocked out power for nearly a week. The last thing I needed to worry about then was another $200 worth of food I just stuck in the refrigerator before the storm.

It’s almost like preparing for a major exam. Once you’re in your seat and your pen or pencil works and the exam starts – you just do it. The anticipation stress of what’s coming is over. I have food available, and a full Thermos, a thick blanket (thanks Mom,) and a thick novel to read.

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…”

More snow, sleet, ice (take your pick) on tap for southern states again this week. It’s getting a little bit annoying so time to think about spring and that it WILL eventually arrive.

Here’s a good place to retreat and think about products to improve your outdoor environment for the spring and summer to come!

Need some inspiration?

++ Gazing Balls and Globes

++ Outdoor Dining Sets

++ Outdoor Furniture

++ CLEARANCE ITEMS discounted at least 25% Click here

Today would have been my Grandmother’s 98th birthday. She was still hell-on-wheels into her 70s and I still miss her!

++ Millionaires Claim Real Estate Most Popular Investment

++ Do You Watch Real Estate Reality Shows?

++ “Celebrity” Real Estate Sales & News

++ Grow Plants Indoors!

++ Save $5 Million in McLean, Virginia!

++ Real Estate Investing & New Mortgage Rules

++ Top Ten Bathroom Design Ideas

++ DIYers Look for Help Online

++ Home Show Events – US
Not all are “listed” but a good place to start…

++ Grow Your Own Food

++ 25 Gem Real Estate Markets
From Sept 2013 but still good info.

++ Thinking about getting a real estate license?

How many times has that particular question come up lately? Many of us have instead been saying “It’s going down to WHAT degree?”

For me, February is a rather depressing month. All the big holidays are behind us, the New Year is not “new” any longer, and there’s still over a month before spring.

So, this seems like as good a time as any to look for a new outdoor thermometer and clock – and to think positive for the remaining 43 days until spring and the 32 days left until Daylight Savings Time begins on March 9, 2014.

Here’s one for your favorite bass fisher…

Bass Outdoor Thermometer Clock

This Bass outdoor thermometer and clock combines functional quality with a unique decorative flair that may be used indoors or out. The rust-free durability of aluminum and upscale finish combine to provide a beautiful and durable patio accent.

+ Your choice of French Bronze or Antique Copper.
+ Clock runs on one AA battery, included.
+ Size: 14″ Diameter.

Cardinal Outdoor Clock Thermometer

This clock would be great in my backyard where Cardinals are the predominate “feeder.”

This distinctive outdoor clock and thermometer combines functional quality with a unique decorative flair that may be used indoors or out. The rust-free durability of aluminum and upscale verdigris finish combine to provide a beautiful and durable patio accent.

Size: 13.75″H x 8″W.

Fossil Sumac Thermometer Clock

I love this clock/thermometer in weathered limestone…very “rustic.”

Now you can have a million year old fossil replica right in your very own garden! This clever thermometer/clock combo is perfect for anyone looking to add a little fun to their garden. The intricately detailed plant engraving gives the look of a real life fossil and the convenience of a clock/thermometer combo, only adds to the overall presentation.

Size: 14.5″ Diameter

Shop for more clocks and thermometers in different sizes, styles and finishes!