Carl Winters Blog, Real Estate Inspector, New Braunfels, Texas

                                            BEWARE: Annual skunk mating season approaches Comal County TX

They are cute and can be friendly but "hold your nose"
 
Driving around the Hill Country can be pleasurable and relaxing - until a skunk ruins the mood or you hear your dog barking because a male skunk is doing a nutsy type dance looking for his mate.

According to an article in the local paper "Skunk mating season runs from the end of February for seven to 10 weeks and biologists say this is the time the normally shy striped critters are seen searching out mates."Males are the ones that typically wander around to look for females," "During mating season, a skunk can travel about four to five miles away from their habitat, whereas they normally don't head out farther than half a mile."

All five North American skunk species live in Texas. Striped, spotted and hog-nosed varieties can be found around Comal County.

Striped are the most commonly spotted and hog-nosed are slightly rare, he said.

So next time you meet up with a skunk I suggest you turn and run as fast as you can. I suspect he or she will do the same.

________________________________Complete Inspection Service________________________________
 Your Comal County Home Inspector - Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, Lic. #3630 for Existing home, new home phase inspections, condo's and commercial properties. 830-660-0131 or 830-899-2441 (since 1994) Licensed by the state TAREI and Registered with TRCC for new home phase inspections.

Blog Feb. 20, 2009 (Localism

                                                    Thank You Carl & Ceil Winters

I always begin to take down and put away on New Year's Day. Today is New Year's Day 2009.

I have two beautiful Poinsettias, ONE LARGE AND ONE SMALL.

The Ponsettias are the prettiest I have seen in a few years and I think I am going to give them a helping hand and let them live at our house.

 Here is some information I wish I had when I first received my Poinsettias; this is  some information that I found on E-How that is helpful.

When You First Bring Your Poinsettia Home
Light - Place it near a sunny window. South, east or west facing windows are preferable to a north facing window. Poinsettias are tropicals and will appreciate as much direct sunlight as you can provide.

Heat - To keep the poinsettia in bloom as long as possible, maintain a temperature of 65 - 75 degrees F. during the day. Dropping the temperature to about 60 degrees F. at night will not hurt the plant. However, cold drafts or allowing the leaves to touch a cold window ca injure the leaves and cause premature leaf drop. If you've ever see a gangly poinsettia in bloom, with only a couple of sad looking leaves hanging on, it was probably exposed to temperatures that were too cool or extreme shifts in temperature.

Water -(I usually over-water so be careful). Water the plant whenever the surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don't let the plant sit in water. Wilting is another common cause of leaf drop. A wilted plant can be revived and salvaged, but it will take another season to improve its appearance.

Humidity - Lack of humidity during dry seasons, in particular winter, is an ongoing houseplant problem. If your home tends to be dry and your poinsettia is in direct light, you will find yourself watering frequently, possibly every day.

After Christmas Care
January - March: Keep watering the poinsettia whenever the surface is dry.

April: Starting April 1st, gradually decrease water, allowing the to get dry between waterings. Be careful the stem does not begin to shrivel. This is a sign the plant is too stressed and is dying. In a week or two, when the plant has acclimated to this drying process, move it to a cool spot like the basement or a heated garage. You want to keep it at about 60 degrees F.

May: In mid-May, cut the stems back to about 4 inches and repot in a slightly larger container, with new potting soil. Water it well. Place the newly potted plant back into the brightest window you have and once again keep it at a temperature of 65 - 75 degrees F. Continue watering whenever the surface of the soil feels dry.

Watch for new growth. Once new growth appears, begin fertilizing every two weeks with a complete fertilizer. Follow fertilizer label recommendations.

June: More the poinsettia outside, pot and all. Keep it in a partially shaded location and maintain your watering and fertilizing schedule.

July: In early July, pinch back each stem by about one inch. This is to encourage a stout, well branched plant. If left unpinched, the poinsettia will grow tall and spindly.

August: By mid-August, the stems should have branched and leafed out. Once again, pinch or cut the new stems, leaving 3-4 leaves on each shoot. Bring the plant back indoors and back into your brightest window. Continue watering and fertilizing.

September: Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Make sure the temperature stays above 65 degrees

October Poinsettias are short-day plants, meaning their bud set is affected by the length of daylight. To re-bloom, poinsettias need about 10 weeks with 12 hours or less of sunlight per day. You will have to artificially create these conditions and it's crucial that you be diligent.

Beginning October 1st, keep your plant in complete darkness from 5 pm to 8 am. Any exposure to light will delay blooming. Use an opaque box or material to block out light. Many people place their plants in a closest, but if light gets in though the cracks or if you open and use the closet, it will affect the bud set.

Move the plant back to the sunny window during the daytime and continue watering and fertilizing.

November: Around the last week of November, you can stop the darkness treatment and allow the plant to remain in the window. You should see flower buds at this point

December - Stop fertilizing about December 15th. Keep watering and treat your plant the way you did when you first brought it home in bloom. If all has gone well, it should be back in bloom and ready to begin the process all over again. What about poinsettias being poisonous?

If you are buying or building a home and should need a Home Inspection please call Complete Inspection Service - Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, License #3630 at 830-660-0131. TRCC Registered for Phase Construction and a member of TAREI

                                                               HAPPY NEW YEAR - CEIL & CARL WINTERS

Everyone Welcome!

Our Spurs are doing great. We need your help to Spur the Spurs on to another V I C T O R Y

 Enjoy some great tasting Gumbo with Rice

                                                GO SPURS GO - GO SPURS GO

Have been thinking about the olden days when my mom and grandmother wore aprons. I wear one every Thanksgiving and Christmas but got to thinking why I don't wear one more often. Do you wear aprons?

Do you remember all the pretty aprons, most were home made, made out of left over material with rick-rack and little appliques.  Some were full and some were half. You could always see an apron thrown over the door or on the back of the chair.

Here are some aprons that my bring back some really, really, good memories.

My sister sent this to me. She still often wears aprons.

Some uses for Aprons:
  It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on some instances could
even used for  cleaning out dirty ears. Mother would put out a fresh apron every morning.

•   From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs,  fussy
  chicks,  sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the
  warming oven.
• And when the weather was cold, Grandma or Mother wrapped it around her arms to keep warm.
• When company  came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
• Those big old  aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over  the
  hot wood stove.
• Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled that old apron carried out the hulls.
• When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprisinghow
  much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
• When dinner was ready, Grandma or Mother walked out onto the porch, waved the
  apron, and the  men knew it was time to come in from the fields  to
  dinner.
• It will be a long time before someone invents something that will
  replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

In today's world we would go crazy trying to figure out a way to keep germs off the apron.
 
                                      I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron---except love.

If you are building or buying a home in Comal County Texas and looking for a  home inspector, please call Carl Winters, Complete Inspection Service, 830-660-0131. Advanced Inspectors Lic.#3630, TRCC Registered and Member of TAREI

                                                                          I live and work in Comal County

Thank You Carl and Ceil Winters

                                                                       Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas

   A couple months ago I shared with you Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels would be expanding the Waterpark to a Winter Wonderland with a Christmas Theme. Time is getting close so thought I would post the schedule.                                                            

Trail of lights  leads to  New Braufels, Texas

This year the water park becomes a Christmas park with ice skating, snow, sledding and other holiday activities more common to the North than the Texas Hill Country. There's even a giant outdoor hot tub to keep you warm as you gaze at the cold night sky. A nativity scene, toy trains and a chance to tell Santa what you want cover all the holiday traditions in one night.
Details: Open at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, then nightly through Jan. 4. Closed Dec. 24-25. For Price and ticket information go to : www.schlitterbahnchristmas.com

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, summer home to the world's best waterpark,will transforms the original Schlitterbahn into a dazzling evening spectacular blanketed with more than 1 million lights. Some amazing attractions, dazzling shows, festive food and unique shopping, making this a new must-see holiday family tradition in wonderful New Braunfels, Texas.

ATTRACTIONS

   Ice Skating -- Enjoy the majesty of real ice skating under the stars on a giant ice rink (skate rental is an additional fee).

Sled Run -- Slide down a snowy hill on a fast and fun toboggan run.

Santa -- Meet the Jolly Old Elf himself (Santa available through Dec. 23).

Nativity -- Embrace the meaning of the season while gazing upon an elaborately sculpted life-size lit nativity. I am glad they are goin to have a nativity since so many places have done away with the nativity. I am so glad to see they are going to have a Nativity.

Candy Cane Lane Light Tunnel -- Be mesmerized by chasing lights while walking through a series of illuminated arches. Our six year old grandson will like this one.

Schatze's Winter Wonderland -- Kids of all ages are invited to play in the snow and meet Schlitterbahn's beloved mascot Schatze all decked out for the holidays.

Train Display -- Bring back the memories of your childhood while enjoying the timeless tradition of a holiday train display. Does anyone remember going down to Joske's in San Antonio every Christmas tol see the train display in the Christmas Wonderland? I'm going to enjoy this one.

Santa's Workshop -- Come explore the North Pole filled with a variety of whimsical animated light sculptures, Holiday Illuminations light show and snow, snow, snow.

Rudolph's Reindeer Barn -- Come hug and have your photo taken with the most famous reindeer of all.

Winter Wassail Hot Tub -- Stay toasty warm this holiday season under the stars in a giant outdoor hot tub. Spirits available. I don't know about this, it may be cold when you get out. ha, ha

Looks like they are going to have allot of fun things to do.

SHOWS
Scrooge's Haus -- He's back and he's not happy about the holidays. Be sure to capture the fun and banter of Mr. Bah Humbug himself. Several shows nightly.

Christmas Reflections: A River of Lights Spectacular -- Be inspired by an innovative, immersive light show choreographed to new Christmas classics along the banks of the Comal River. Several shows nightly. I will update and pass on info.as it comes available for the show times.

Holiday Illuminations -- Brrrrr ... get ready to get caught in a blizzard of snow as guests visit the North Pole and watch Santa's workshop come alive with dancing lights and animated sculptures synchronized to festive holiday tunes. Several shows nightly.

I will think this will be really nice with all the Illuminations.

Live Entertainment -- An assortment of entertainment is presented throughout the park including Christmas carolers, street performers and bands.

If you get through all this and your not too tired you can go shopping.

SHOPPING

Christmas Shoppe -- Located in a beautifully restored 150-year-old Hill Country home, the Shoppe is filled with three floors of unique, designer collectibles elaborately displayed throughout holiday-themed rooms.

Crafter Village -- Stroll through a boulevard of eclectic shops filled with a unique collection of handcrafted items.

Plan your Christmas shopping now in New Braunels, TX. 
               

           Everything you could ever wish for and shopping included when you visit New Braunfels, Texas

If you are moving to New Braunfels Texas or building a home and should need a home inspection please call Carl Winters, Complete Inspection Service, License #3630, TAREI Member and TRCC Registered. For informtion please call 830-660-0131. Thank You!

                                                                 Happy Holidays

God Bless Our Troops and God Bless Texas

        This is Important - Also there is a place, information is provided below where Xerox is offering Free cards. It will only take a moment to say Thank You. This is a difficult time of the year for our troops, put yourself in their shoes and you would understand. Follow all of the instructi ons and send a card.

FIRST OF ALL, PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT.....

Walter Reed Army Hospital will NOT accept letters/cards addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier", as stated in an email currently being circulated. 

READ MORE AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE .....and read guidelines on how and where you CAN send cards to our wounded service members at hospitals around the country and overseas.

Now .....please scroll down and get information on where you can send cards to our troops in Iraq.

LET  THEM  KNOW  WE  CARE!

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL... If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com  you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How WONDERFUL it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be GREAT if our soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do.

We can never say thank you enough!!!

One more thing..... IF YOU'VE RECEIVED AN EMAIL ENCOURAGING YOU TO SEND CARDS ADDRESSED TO.......

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue,NW

Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT...

Walter Reed Army Hospital will NOT accept letters/cards addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier". 

Cards and letters must be sent through the American Red Cross program.  You can find their guidelines on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center website at:  http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/WRResource/Holiday_Cards_2008.pdf. 
Please note that your cards must be postmarked by Wednesday, December 10th.  
Thanks for taking time to support our military!

Carl and Ceil Winters

Complete Inspection Service

Canyon Lake, Texas

Everyone Welcome - Drop in and out and help us blog our Spurs to a V I C T O R Y.

                                                                      VICTORY, VICTORY IS OUR CRY

YeeHaw We are Riding High!

Spurs are on a Roll.......................Spurs vs Denver Nuggets - Game Time Warm Up Is Already Happening. You can also listen on WOAI for game coverage.

How about some good hot Tortilla Soup since it is cool outside.

                                                         Also Ceil baked some brownie's for dessert.

Looks like Tony and Manu are still out on the injured list. Fortunately Bonner, Tim, Finley, Bruce and some of the new players are stepping up to the basket. So let's see another one just like the last one. A Big Win for the San Antonio Spurs.

                                                                      Go Spurs Go

Plants - Pipes - Pets                    Three Little Reminders that begin with P

 Plants -Be sure to bring your plants in and keep watered on these cold days and nights. If you take care of them they will be ready to be put back outside this spring.

 Pipes - Yes, I did.
Wrap outside faucets or hose bibs. Do this if you don't have a separate valve to turn off outside faucets. (Also remember to disconnect garden hoses.) Use newspaper or rags covered with plastic, fiberglass or molded foam insulating covers to wrap the faucet. (Molded foam insulating covers are available at plumbing and hardware stores, Home Depot, Lowe's , Walmart.)
Drain in-ground sprinkler systems. If you have a swimming pool be sure to winterize your pool.

 Pets - Yes, I did   Brutus has a Big Dog House, insulated and with a nice cedar mattress and I also add hay when it gets extremely cold. He loves his house. Don't you like the way I stage his house?

Always keeps water and food out for your pets. If it freezes please be sure to break up the ice throughout the day.

If you are moving or building a home in Comal County, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Canyon Lake and need a home inspector, call Complete Inspection Service, Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, License #3630 (since 1994), 830-660-0131, Registered with TRCC and TAREI

I just finished watching the Endeavour launch and what a magnificent sight. Every time I watch one of these shuttles launch I am amazed and glad to have the opportunity to sit in my living room and watch. They were concerned about a faulty latch up until the last minute but made the decision to go ahead with the launchof The Endeavour.

                                                                  The Endeavour

For your information:

Endeavour is poised to blast off from its seaside launch pad here at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Nov. 14 at 7:55 p.m. EST (0055 Nov. 15 GMT) on a busy mission to prime the station for larger, six-person crews

Mission STS-126

Orbiter: Endeavour
Mission: STS-126
Primary Payload: Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Target Launch Date: Nov. 14
Launch Time: 7:55 p.m. EST
Launch Pad: 39A
Mission Duration: 15 days
Landing Date: Nov. 29
Landing Time: 2 p.m. EST
Landing Site: Kennedy Space Center
Inclination/Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

I read where they will be taking appliances to install at the space station and will be doing some "space station upgrades and staging". Hey, Just like our home stages do here on earth. One thing I didn't like (if I heard was correct) they would be recycling their urine so they could drink their urine. Yikes!

                     If watching this shuttle lift off  doesn't make you proud I don't know what will.

                                   May God Bless the Crew of the Endeavor and bring them home safely.

 If you are building a home in Comal County Texas or buying a home please call Carl Winters, Advanced Home Inspector,Complete Inspection Service (since 1994)             830-660-0131. TAREI License #3630 and Registered with TRCC.

What does all this mean and why are we excited you ask? More jobs, More money into Comal County economy. These two giants would not be doing this if they didn't think this area of Texas would be shrinking.....No, No, No                           WE ARE GROWING.

It's the good fortune once again for Comal County and New Braunfels Texas with Walmart and Ashley Furniture expanding the Distribution Centers.

 When you see them rolling out onto Interstate 35 you know they are moving furniture to other areas.
             Ashley Furniture recently unveiled plans to add to its distribution center also located on I-35.in New Braunfels, Texas. This also means adding more jobs to the local economy. Ashley needs a larger facility because of a planned expansion in the South Texas

 Walmart distribution will now not only service Walmart stores but also Sam's Club stores.
                Wal-Mart recently opened a 60,000-square-foot warehouse next to its larger existing distribution center along Interstate 35 The new Wal-Mart warehous islocated behind its existing 1.3 million-square-foot distribution center.The new distribution center will serve the area Sam's Club stores.This expansion will add some new jobs to the local economy.

It really gives a boost to New Braunfels and Comal county economy considering the economics of what is happening throughout the country. This should give us some indication that we can look forward to continued growth.

If you are building a home or moving to Comal County Texas, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake area and should need a Home Inspection please call Complete Inspection Service (since 1994), Carl Winters, Licensed Home Inspector #3630. TRCC Registered and TREC Licensed. I live and work in Comal County. For Information: 830-660-0131

                                                                   God Bless Texas