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

A Ghostly Experience at A Texas Hotel

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:15:20 -0500

This hotel offers not only a unique place to stay but will also provide Ghostly Entertainment.

One Additional Piece of Information: The Faust Hotel has been written about as a Ghosty Hotel in Texas

Looking for a good ghost story? www.texasescapes.com Texas ghost towns.

Just before the Great Depression, the Faust Hotel was built near the center of town to provide comfort to visitors. The owner, Walter Faust, moved his family into the grand structure, then passed away in 1933. But hotel staff report he and other spirits often can be spotted or heard, sometimes using the antique glass elevator. While someone can be seen entering, no one seems to arrive. MORE http://texaslesstraveled.com/hauntedhotels.htm

Looking for a good ghost story? Texas ghost towns.

Shortly after the first World War, the city of New Braunfels Texas sought to include a world-class hotel among its attractions for Texas visitors. Walter Faust Sr. one of New Braunfels' business leaders, first opened the doors to this hotel - originally called the The Traveler's Hotel - in 1929.

The Traveler's Hotel remained open, mainly due to the determination of Walter Faust Sr.. The hotel was renamed the Faust Hotel in 1936, just prior to the second World War.

Throughout several renovations, extreme care has been taken to preserve the hotel's original beauty. In February of 1985, the Faust Hotel hosted a celbration to dedicate its recently acquired Texas Historic Landmark Plaque and an application for placement on the National Register of Historic Places has been approved on state level and forwarded to Washington, D.C..

Today the property shows its age, but also offers endless charm to guests. Though renovated, the hotel has maintained the decor and panache of the 1930s. Within the hotel visitors can find finely crafted antique furniture, a beautiful mirrored elevator, artwork from the period, an antique grand piano, and even a vintage microbrewery. The reknowned Texas hospitality has remained a staple of the hotel's attraction as well.The antique furnishings are a real treasure Each room is decorated with appropriately for that era.

This is a grand hotel Located in the downtown area of New Braunfels, wonderful antique shops, the Gazebo which is another blog in itself and the court house are just amongst some of the things to see and do. Right across the street is a wonderful old bakery with fantastic baked goods.

The hotel offers a floor for executive suites and a floor for honeymoon suites.

Come Visit The Faust Hotel & Hunt for Ghost in

New Braunfels

If you decide you like New Braunfels and decide to purchase a home, please call me for the home inspection. Carl Winters, License #3630, Complete Inspection Service, 830-660-0131. I live, work and play in the area.

God Bless Texas!

www.thefausthotel.com

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Motor Scooters Are Popular...What Do You Think?

Sat, 17 May 2008 21:36:45 -0500

Motor scooters popular in efforts to save on gas

I think Ceil and I are changing our mode of transportation to save fuel: What do ya think?

I solved the problem for all my Texas friends....Vespa Scooters...gas or electric. They are fun and economical, economical is the key to this blog. With a gas 4 stroke gas engine you can go shopping, carry your clients to view homes, use for your inspection and still be able to save money.

Vespa Scooters I'm using Vespa as an example because I heard on the news today that "Vespa" sales are skyrocketing. Here is a portion of an article that I read... Today, Vespas, like other motor scooters, are the beneficiaries of the increasing willingness of US consumers to buy motor scooters. Sales of motor scooters have doubled since the year 2000. Rising fuel prices are being given the lion's share of the credit for the increasing popularity of motor scooters.

How about this one with this luxuary sidecar?

How about this one with or without the flower? I can use this one for my inspections but without the flower please. Now this one is top of the line. You can even get a cover for the sidecar so your clients won't get wet on rainy days.

Wow! Great colors and even a rear view mirrow. I like the Red One.

"Green is in" ... a lot of people have become environmentally-friendly these days. You can say that it has now become trendy and chic to travel in these "green" modes of transportation.

Pollution free ... Because electric vehicles run on batteries and do not burn fossil fuels as their main system of propulsion, they provide the opportunity to reduce your personal environmental impact and improve local air quality.

Quiet ... There's nothing better than cruising down the streets and the only thing you hear is the wind blowing in the air. Electric motors are quiet and give you an entirely different feeling when riding. Many gas-powered personal vehicles are louder than lawn-mowers. Quiet electric vehicles seem to glide down the road with ease and are welcomed in most communities.

You can even consider an "electric" scooter.

This is what it is going to come to if we don't get this fuel situation under control. Your choices, carpool, mass transportation or a way to travel and get around more economical.

This could be our future

I can not even ride a bike anymore so I guess I'll have to get roller skates for Ceil and myself

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Mating Season in Comal County Texas

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:16:02 -0600

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

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.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

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:54:37 -0600

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 Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Do I keep the Poinsettias or Do I throw them out?

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:48:56 -0600

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

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Schlitterbahn - Follow the lights to New Braunfels Texas Christmas Wonderland

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:20:25 -0600

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 Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

I never caught anything from an apron...except love...by Ceil Winters

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:24:08 -0600

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

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Spurs Blog Along - December 9th. 7:30 a.m. - Spurs vs Mavericks

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:52:55 -0600

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

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Our American Flag and The Freedom It Represents

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:34:45 -0500

ISN'T OUR AMERICAN FLAG BEAUTIFUL?

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September. We will celebrate Labor Day September 3rd, 2007.

Brief History: The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to offer a day off for the "working man". It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many.

We celebrate with backyard get togethers, trips to the zoo, visit the seashore and look forward to visiting with family an friends.

I hope each and everyone of you will have an enjoyable day.

A special thank you to our military. I am so proud to be an American.

May God Bless America.

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

DO YOU REMEMBER F.W. WOOLWORTH FIVE & DIME

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:03:58 -0500

My thought of the Woolworth Five and Dime in downtown San Antonio, Texas

I remember you could always buy a ton of candy for less then a quarter. We would even collect soda bottles and they would give you 2 cents for each bottle. Most times the money never left the store because we would head for the row of red twirling stools at the store and order from the menu at the soda fountain.

If any of you have doubt about what we kids paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworth's in the 1950's and 1960's here's proof of the era we lived........and it was a GREAT ERA.

We would ride the bus to downtown with our brown bag full of soda water bottles to cash in so we could go the "Soda Fountain". My favorite was a chocolate coke float.The extra chocolate was free.

The American Dream was to own your home get all dressed up on Saturday afternoon and go downtown to the Five & Dime. Woodworth's, Joske's, Frost Brother's, Wolff &o Marx, Sears. Sears is the only one that is still around.

If you plan on buying a home in San Antonio, Boerne, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels or Texas Hill Country Please call Carl Winters, Complete Inspection Service at 830-660-0131 (Lic. 3630, since 1994) for that Home Inspection.

God Bless Texas!

Your Preferred Hill Country Inspector

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Pet Resort ... Yes you read it right ... Pet Resort

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:06:29 -0500

This is a special place. If you are going on vacation or away for even the weekend and need a GREAT PLACE for your doggie or kittie then you need to check out this place.

Meet Brutus....My Black Lab...He likes to ride in my Pug Brutus always wants to help me drive.

Brutus is my Black Lab. If I could not take him with me this is the place I would leave him and know he would have excellent care.

Jin's Bed and Biscuits Pet Resort is an established, family owned and operated boarding facility. It is located approximately 13 miles Northwest of New Braunfels, nestled under beautiful Live Oaks in the Texas Hill Country, on the Jonas Ranch (est. 1953). The owners, Jeanne and Elroy Jonas, and their professional Innkeeper create a home-like atmosphere for the care of your pet and are truly dedicated to making your pets stay as comfortable as possible in a secure and loving environment.

If you live at Canyon Lake, Texas or New Braunfels, Texas call 830-907-3935

Elroy and Jeanne have a great place.They encourage you to drop by and inspect their Pet Resourt.

www.jinsbedandbiscuits.com

Choosing a good pet facility is important and I encourage you to check this out. These folks are great and your pet will be well cared for and happy.

If you are moving to New Braunfels, TX or Canyon Lake, TX and need a home inspection, or a phase-inspection if you are building call Carl Winters, Complete Inspection Service (since 1994) 830-660-0131 License #3630

This is a good place to keep your pet until you get settled in your new home.

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.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

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:16:55 -0600

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 Blogs: localism.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

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:01:29 -0600

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 Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service

Kitchen Oil Fire

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:55:20 -0500

Kitchen Oil Fire - Must listen! I hope this link will work. The video to click on may be at the bottom of the page.

http://www.bio.uci.edu/bsa/oilfire.html

Good reminder for everyone.....

Kitchen fire safety
This is a powerful message----watch the video and don't forget what
you see. Tell your whole family about this video. Or better yet, send
this to them.
This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal
with a common kitchen fire ... oil in a frying pan. Please read the
following introduction and then watch the show ... It's a real eye-opener !!
Perhaps you'll want to send this one on to your family and friends ...
When I was at the Fire Fighting?
Training school we would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on
the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz
cup at the end of a 10 foot pole toss water onto the grease fire. The
results got the attention of the students.

The water, being heavier than the oil, sinks to the bottom where it
instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows
the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot
high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. Inside the confines of a
kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room.

Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup creates
the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.

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

Carl's Blogs: localism.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

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:34:28 -0600

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 Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

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

Complete Inspection Service