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

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Schlitterbahn - Follow the lights to New Braunfels Texas Christmas Wonderland

   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

 

     Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    Please read on how to send Christmas Cards to the Troops

            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

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    Spurs Blog-Along To Night - Nov. 19 - AT&T Center @ 7:30 P.M. - Spurs vs Denver

    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

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    The Three PPP's

    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

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    Some Good News For A Change - Endeavour - What a Magnificent Launch

    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.

                                                                                                          

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    Walmart & Ashley Furniture Expanding in New Braunfels Texas...Trucks Rolling Down The Road

    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

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    These days it's all about "SAVING MONEY"

    Before I get carried away here is a good link: http://www.energy.gov/energysavingtips.htm Saving money on energy bills can keep a little money in your pocket. U.S. Department of Energy link.

    Here in Texas we are fortunate that we have few days of really cold weather. Already in other parts of the country they are already having cold and in a news report I heard this morning blizzard conditions in some parts of the country.

                        Here are a few TIPS to remind you of things you can do to help save on your energy bill.

                                                 This may be helpful to First Time Home Owners

    Check your entire house for simple ways to help save.
     

    • During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
    • Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when home.
    • By resetting your programmable thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day (for instance, while no one is home or while everyone is tucked in bed) you can cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent
    • Weatherize your home caulk around windows and weatherstrip around doors and windows. 
      (The last two items are an important part of regular maintenance)
    • Replace furnace filters regularly
    • Properly maintain and clean heating equipment.
       

    Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.

    Wear warm clothes in the house. That goes for adults and children:

    Remind children that doors that open also close... I can still remember telling our boy's to close the door when they would come in WINTER OR SUMMER ALL OF THE ABOVE CAN SAVE YOU ON YOUR ENERGY BILL.

     

    If you are moving to Comal or Bexar County, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, San Antonio  building or buying a home please call Carl Winters, Complete Inspection Service, License #3630 for your home inspection. 830-660-011. (since 1994, listed with TRCC and Licensed through TREC).

     

     

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    Squeaky Doors & Showing Houses

    I had quite an experience this week that I wanted to share with you and will also give you a couple tips that may help when you are showing a home to a potential client. If you are the seller I suggest you follow the tips I posted below.

    First of all the front door was black...which you don't always see that many black doors. The outside still had Halloween decorations up which is OK. I had a strange feeling this was not going to be a normal home inspection (it was just a gut feeling). As I opened the front door I hear....Squeak, Squeak and the wider I opened the door the more it Squeaked. The curtains were drawn and I was looking for the light switch. Once I found the light switch my racing heart slowed a little.

    I can tell you...every door in that entire house Squeaked. Every door was a different color and each door had a different SqueakWeird? Yes? I think they used every shade of  paint Sherwin Williams ever made. There were Red doors Blue doors, Yellow Doors, Big Doors, Half Doors you name it and Every Single One of those doors had a different Squeak.

    So here is my suggestion: I suggest you follow these tips before you show a house or cause the inspector to have a heart attack.                    

                                                            Stop a Door Hinge From Squeaking 
    Squeaky hinges
    are easy to fix. First try spraying them with a light coat of penetrating oil (such as WD-40).

    If that doesn't work, pull out the hinge pin from the squeaky hinge, and lightly scrub the pin, barrel, and hinge leaves with steel wool. Coat them with a thin layer of silicone spray or a light penetrating oil, and replace the pin.

    Keep a door working well by periodically lubricating the hinges with silicone spray or a light penetrating oil.

    The mystery of the squeaky doors will come to an end if you follow the above tip. A Simple Fix

    If you are moving to Comal or Bexar County, Building a home or buying a home and need a home inspection please call Complete Inspection Service, Carl Winters, License #3630 at 830-660-0131. I've been in the home inspection business since 1994 and registered with TRCC and member of TREC.

                                                             GOD BLESS TEXAS AND THE U.S.A.

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service

     

     

    Plant Answers - Drip Irrigation, Herb Gardens, Native Plants & Wildflowers

    Everything Texas about Herb Gardening, Drip Systems and Wildflowers. Get out an enjoy this beautiful Texas weather. http://www.PlantAnswers.com    You can use herbs from your herb garden in cooking and even in making some of your own gifts. Here is something Ceil makes for gifts and says it easy to do. Uses Rosemary, Garlic, Red Hot Pepper (for color) little salt and oil. Let set for two weeks. Great on salads and green beans. Then they have the nice bottle to o themself after they use up the seasoned oil dressing.

     I received my monthly newsletter from Plant Answers. Here is some good information that I received in my November Newsletter with some excellent links.

    I just tilled up the garden and thinking about putting in an drip irrigation system,,,work up front but should save on time and save on water in the long run.

    November Gardening Events and some Good Links

    Saturday, November 1, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m - Build your own drip irrigation system. with Dr. Tom Harris at San Antonio Botanical Garden. 210) 657 8866 or http://www.communityed.neisd.net - Community Ed offers lots of good classes.

    Saturday, November 8 - 10:00 a.m - 1:00 - Herbal delights for the eyes and palate http://www.communityed.neisd.net.net - Community Ed offers many good classes.

    Thursday, November 13 at 12:00 noon - Bring a brown bag lunch and spend some time with Sir Oliver Smith on Landscaping with native plants and wildflowers. http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/

    I am thinking about doing an herb gardening. I'm sure many of you would like to know more about native plants and wildflowers.

    Get busy and think about gardening...not to release the stress and dig in the dirt...It may be fun!

    If you are moving to Comal County or surrounding area and looking to build and need a phase inspection or buying and need a home inspection please call Complete Inspection Service, Carl Winters #3630, Advanced Inspector since 1994 - member of TREC and TRCC. 830-660-0131.

                                                                                                   God Bless Texas

         Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

  • Carl's Blogslocalism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com
  •                                                                 

                    Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                              Complete Inspection Service