Entrance to YNP Free April 16th - April 24th

In honor of National Park Week entrance to Yosemite National Park now through April 24th is FREE!!  This is a great time to visit our beautiful park and see the waterfalls.  With all of the snowfall through the winter the spring melt off is going to have the waterfalls THUNDERING.  Load up the kids, pack a lunch and head to Yosemite!!

Conflict is Inevitable

"Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional." ~Max Lucade
Perspective, perspective, perspective... It is a choice we make subconsciously. It's time to wake up, be aware, and make excellent conscious choices. Be grateful for dissent and different points of view. They can be your greatest allies and source of creative thought when approached intentionally. And be conscious of the reality of the magnitude of the challenges you face. Usually the reality is far less tragic than your current perspective.

Century 21 Ditton Realty Launches Mobile Real Estate App to Search All Local Homes for Sale on iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Palm and Standard Cell Phones

Century 21 Ditton Realty, a leading real estate firm in Oakhurst, CA today announced the launch of a mobile app that works on standard cell phones and smartphones across all mobile carriers. The public can download the app to their phone to view all homes for sale in Madera, Mariposa and Fresno Counties.

Century 21 Ditton Realty’s mobile app uses GPS, when available, to locate the user and display listings in the immediate area. Users can also search by address, city or zip code to see property details for all homes for sale in a specified area, including price, square footage, estimated mortgage, taxes, features, maps, pictures and more. The “Refine Search” feature lets users select a price range, property type and the number of beds and baths to help them find just what they’re looking for.
Century 21 Ditton Realty partnered with Smarter Agent, the leader in mobile real estate app development, to be able to offer clients and prospects a mobile house-hunting app available across all carriers on standard cell phones and smartphones including BlackBerry, iPhone, Android and the Palm OS.
If a user has questions or wants a tour of the property, the “Call” feature within the app connects the user to a Century 21 REALTOR®.
Consumers can text DITTON to 87778 to send Century 21 Ditton Realty’s mobile app to their cell phone or visit http://mobile.smarteragent.com/c21/dittonrealty to download the mobile real estate search.
About Smarter Agent
Smarter Agent invented and patented mobile, location-triggered real estate search and is now the largest mobile real estate network in the world. Brokers and agents can private label and customize the Smarter Agent apps giving them a powerful marketing tool. CTIA, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, named Smarter Agent the Winner in its Emerging Technology Awards LBS/GPS category.

Cleaning Up After Mother Nature

Recent storms have left some of our yards looking like we were struck by a tornado.  The sound of chainsaws and the smell of smoke has permeated our mountain air.  

To check if it's a permissable burn day in your area you must call the Air Quality Control District at 1-877-429-2876.  Additionally, you must obtain a burn permit from one of the local Cal Fire locations.

The following are burning permit requirements:
For burning debris in small 4-feet x 4-feet piles:

▪▪ Maximum pile size 4 foot in diameter.

▪▪ Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10-feet of the outer edge of pile.

▪▪ Keep a water supply close to the burning site.

▪▪ An adult should be in attendance with a shovel until the fire is out.

▪▪ No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions (particularly wind) are such that burning can be considered safe.

More Snow

Mother Nature has shown her temper this week by allowing temps on Tuesday and Wednesday to climb into the mid to high 70's...then within hours slamming the area with another heavy snow storm.  More than 2000 residents are once again without power, more trees and power lines are down throughout the area.   So....will winter ever end?

Tolerance, Patience & Forgiveness.

Now, there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So, when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful to your enemy for providing that precious opportunity. ~Dalai Lama
It is easy to fall into the trap of anger and hatred for those who cause us pain or trouble. The choice is yours, however, to greet such circumstances with gratitude for the chance to develop skills of tolerance, patience and forgiveness. It is not an easy path to take but one which when accomplished yields immeasurable benefit.

Thousands Still Without Power

Thousands of Madera County residents are still without power.  Crews from all over California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and Montana are working hard to restore power by 10 pm tonight.  Click the link below to view the update from Channel 30.

News Story from ABC Channel 30

Sunshine!!

Oh my, oh my.  What a difference a little sunshine makes.  There's barely a cloud in the sky this beautiful Friday morning.  Of course colder temperatures accompany our clear skies...which means icy roads and treacherous driving conditions.  Deadwood Mountain (Highway 41 into Oakhurst) is slow going again this morning with two big rigs sideways on the road after hitting black ice.  If your headed to the mountains use extreme caution and be prepared for delays.  Power crews from all over CA and neighboring states are still struggling to restore power to area residents.

Shelter in Oakhurst

DATE: Wednesday March 23, 2011
TO: NEWS MEDIA
RE: SHERIFF IN PROCESS OF ACTIVATING SHELTER IN OAKHURST
11:15 AM – SITUATION REPORT:
Madera County Sheriff John P. Anderson, Director for Office of Emergency Services for Madera area is coordinating with American Red Cross to prepare the Oakhurst Senior Center as a shelter operation site.
The location: 49111 Cinder Lane, Oakhurst … located off Road 425B
Community Food Bank is delivering close to 40,000 pounds of water to the Oakhurst Community to assist families that have been without water due to the power outages from the most recent storms that have passed through the Central Valley.
The delivery is being arranged with Community Food Bank’s partner agency “Oakhurst Seventh Day Adventist Church.” This delivery will be made at the VONS shopping center in Oakhurst today.
All information about Warming Centers and Sandbagging can still be found by clicking on Public Notices on the Madera County website
www.madera-county.com
Roads currently closed:
Road 10 between Avenue 24 and Avenue 25
Roads currently open:
Avenue 23 ½ between Roads 15 ¾ and 15
Avenue 13 between Roads 29 ½ and 30
Highway 41 Deadwood leading into and out of Oakhurst

Yosemite is Open!!

Yosemite National Park reopened this morning at 7am despite another snow storm last night. PG&E crews along with power crews from all over the state are working hard today to restore power to more area residents. Roads are clear and the snow is melting quickly. Weather forecasters say to expect rain showers until Saturday and hopefully (fingers crossed) some sunshine on Sunday.
Although it's difficult to discern with the amount of damage caused Sunday night it doesn't appear that last nights storm took any more trees or power lines. Highway 41 (Deadwood Mountain) is clear this morning with no new mud or rock slides.

Update on Oakhurst conditions

Travelers to Oakhurst and Bass Lake need to be aware that power has still not been restored to numerous areas. Deadwood Mountain (Highway 41) today is restricted to one lane as Caltrans struggles to clean up multiple mudslides. Several large boulders (car size and larger) have been blasted in order to clear the road. Rainy conditions today are making the job of cleaning up difficult as more mud and debris falls onto the south bound lane. Expect delays of 20+ minutes to get over the mountain. Bass Lake is still without power and Yosemite National Park remains closed. Thousands of residents are still without power or heat. Additionally, Hillview Water Company, the main supplier for area residents, has declared a water emergency as several of their main wells are without power. Storage tanks are at a critical level, meaning that if power is not restored to the wells soon thousands of residents and businesses will be out of water.
Thousands of trees and hundreds of power lines are down throughout the entire mountain community. The sound of chainsaws and helicopters flying over to assess damage has replaced our normal peace and tranquility.

A Good Life

"A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough."
~Benjamin Franklin

Such a simple and powerful message. Most of you are so worried about some distant future state of wealth, comfort, love, happiness, or other definition of a "good life", that you fail to recognize that you are living your good life in this moment. Don't get to the end of your life wishing you had realized how good it always was - even when you didn't feel good. Every moment - even the painful ones - have the capacity for goodness. Pause for a moment right now and think of all you are grateful for. And then pause again and go deeper and recognize why yours is a good life at this moment.

Lonely Pets at Home?

Stay-at-Home Dog & Cat Entertainment

Stressed about leaving your pets home alone? Don't worry–we've got plenty of tricks for stay-at-home dog and cat entertainment.
Leaving a bored cat or an energetic dog alone all day can make any pet owner resent the 9-to-5 grind. Since most people can’t quit their jobs to stay home with their pets, here are a few ways to ease the guilt of leaving your cat or dog home alone:

Bored Cat? Not Anymore!
Create a room with a view. Cozy up a windowsill or get your cat a perch that allows him to sit and observe the world. You may find discussing the weather boring, but that’s cat entertainment!
Hang toys. When you can’t play all day, rescue your bored cat with a ribbon on a doorknob or a mouse attached to a shelf.
Get your cat some company. Consider a kitty playgroup or daycare once or twice a week for your cat, or take the plunge and get a second cat. If you go the playgroup route, your cat will get a few hours a week of companionship while you’re at work. And if you get another cat, that’s constant companionship—and twice the love and purrs for you!

Tons-of-Fun Dog Activities
Hide snacks. The only thing more exciting than getting a treat is finding that treat. Invest in a puzzle-treat ball, so your dog can play with the toy while working toward a snack. His mind stays active and he has fun!
Try doggie day care. Your dog will love day playing with an assortment of canine and human friends. The belly rubs and daylong attention is great for him.
Stimulate his senses. If you’ve noticed that your dog likes TV or radio, consider low-volume media stimulation while you’re away. If only he could brief you on the news!
Hire a private friend. A dog-walker or neighbor can visit your dog in the middle of the day—this choice is great for older dogs or pooches that have accidents.

Remember, though, the majority of the time that you’re away, your pets probably won’t even notice. For the most part, if they don’t have a reason to do otherwise, pets sleep all day.
Plus, dogs prefer to be active at the beginning and end of the day—in other words, the times when you are home—and, although cats are more active during the day, they are better than dogs at amusing themselves.

If you focus on giving your animals quality time when you are there, taking good care of them, and making sure their food, exercise, and attention needs are well met, they’ll be happy to spend the time you’re out of the house taking a well-deserved nap.
Don't you wish that was how you spent the work day?

Courtesy of HomeAgain

Read More

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."
~Mark Twain

Curiosity and lifelong learning are hallmarks of successful people in all walks of life, ages, industries, and cultures. Reading good books is a proven way to keep your mind sharp and to grow your abilities and potential. Fiction, non-fiction, serious and humorous subjects... anything goes. In a world with significant illiterate populations, high drop-out rates in our schools, and a critical worldwide need for skilled knowledge workers, cultivating a love of reading is a responsibility we all have. What are you reading?

Vacation Checklist for Your Petsitter

It's summer and that probably means you're planning on heading out of town on vacation. If you're anything like myself, you can't stand the thought of leaving your four legged babies in a kennel. I always rely on a pet sitter to watch the house and take care of the pets while I'm out of town. However, I usually forget something, like extra dog treats or a new box of kitty litter. Here's a checklist to help you get ready:

~Make sure that the sitter has the proper keys and remember to leave her with all the information about your security system, including all codes. You can change the codes when you return.
~Show the sitter where the circuit breakers are and how to turn off the gas and water supply to the house in case of an emergency.
~Type out your itinerary and all of your contact information, including your cell phone number and the numbers to the hotels or homes where you will be staying.
~Leave the sitter with the name and phone number of your pets’ regular veterinarian, as well as the name and number of an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic.
~Write down the names and dosage information for all of your pets’ medications and show the sitter how to administer them.
~Let the sitter know how many times to visit and set expectations for each visit. Be sure that you are both clear about feeding, walking, and playtime schedules.
~Leave all food and medication in clear view and label it clearly.
~Leave cleaning supplies in clear view, including an enzymatic deodorizer and paper towels.
~Make sure that the sitter has a partner or a backup plan in case she can’t complete the duties. Also, make sure that you have a friend or relative that can watch your pet in case of an extreme emergency. If possible, introduce the sitter to this person before you leave, and make sure to leave all contact information with the sitter.
~Let the sitter know about the areas of your home where pets are allowed or not allowed. Close off any areas of the house where you don’t want your pets or the sitter to be.

For safety's sake, lock up all valuables—don’t tell the sitter where they are, of course! If you choose to hire a professional sitter, make sure that the company is bonded in case there’s a problem or loss of personal property. To be nice, buy the sitter some beverages and snacks, so she can nosh while she’s playing with your pets—this might actually keep her there longer, and will certainly put you and your pets at the top of her list of favorites.

Courtesy of HomeAgain

Continue to Learn

"If you are willing to be a student, your life is limitless"
~unknown

Many of you are in positions of relative power and prestige. People look to you for wisdom and guidance. You may choose to be the 'all knowing Oz' and communicate from a position of authority and omniscience. Or.... You can communicate from the position of enlightened leadership - with the demonstrated realization that you are forever a student, learning from every person and every situation. If you choose the latter, you will find your effectiveness skyrocketing and your followers empowered to be their best, knowing you expect to learn from them every day.

7 Cheap Ways to Go Green

7 Cheap Ways to Go Green
Courtesy of Terra Wellington

One of the myths of being eco-friendly is that it takes a lot of money. While some large-scale changes may require a chunk of change, such as buying a tankless water heater or adding solar panels to your roof, the majority of going green choices don't have to cost a fortune. Here are 7 ways to go green on the cheap.

Be a Friend to Farmers
The best prices on organic produce are usually close to home at your local farmers' market. Organic is best for your body and the planet. By shopping more directly with the organic producers you can not only save money but also put more cash in the farmers' pockets and support local food production. Find out more about living and eating organically.

Clean for Under a Buck
Did you know that you can clean most of your house with a non-toxic cleaner that usually costs less than a dollar? That magic bullet is baking soda. A little water and baking soda makes a terrific cleaning paste for tubs, sinks, stoves, and other surfaces. Its whitening effect is great for cleaning grout. Add a handful to your whites in the wash for brighter clothes. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer, and it won't irritate your lungs.

Fertilize with Garbage
One of the great benefits of eating is that there's waste. Seriously. Put your food scraps to work in an at-home compost and voila! You'll have a free supply of soil amendment and mulch from the compost that can also be used as fertilizer for your lawn and garden. Compost is organic and non-toxic, extremely healthy for plants and the soil, and gives back to the planet with minimal effort from you.

Super Sun Savings
Open those blinds and curtains and turn off the lights. Sunlight is free ... and completely renewable. You'll save on electricity. And sunshine is better for your body. The sun's rays are just the right brightness and spectrum to give you more energy, better regulate your sleep patterns, and improve your mood. Sun equals smiles.

Well-Contained Lunches
Opt for reusable containers for lunches whenever possible. You have a one-time investment on the containers that can save you a boatload – throwaway baggies and individually packaged lunch items (like juice boxes and applesauce cups) are much more expensive than if you filled up reusable containers at home with juice, fruit, and a sandwich. And that means less goes to the landfill too.

Old News is Good News
Have a package to send? Avoid the expense and waste of bubble wrap. Instead, reach for yesterday's newspaper as packing material. It might seem old fashioned, but what was good for grandma is still good for you.

Save Money and Miles
Put on your thinking cap next time you plan errands and schedule them together on a miles-saving route. By strategically combining errands and avoiding unplanned trips to the store, you'll save gas and make your wallet a little fatter. Plus, you'll be spewing less pollution into the air from your car.

Measure Up

"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."
~John Wooden

Only you know the truth about what you accomplished or will accomplish today: Is it the best you could have done with the abilities you have? Or is it something less than that? We cannot be our best every day for dozens of possible reasons and obstacles. However, we can choose today to be our best in every possible moment. To do less is to be less. What will you choose today?

How Did That Guy Maket It?

“While one person hesitates because he feels inferior… the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior.”
~Henry C. Link

You know you say it to yourself: How did that guy make it? If only I were that smart/lucky/rich/happy… Well that guy is no smarter or luckier than you. And if he is richer or happier, it is through the hundreds of attempts, many of which failed, which he was making while you were pondering. Get out there and go for it and never ask that question again!

Have a Pet Safe 4th of July

Independence Day is almost here: Camping, BBQs, and of course, fireworks! But while you’re getting ready to celebrate with the rest of the country, don’t forget about your pets. The 4th of July is dangerous for dog and cats—more pets go missing this day than any other day of the year.
The main threat for pets comes from fireworks. All of those noises and flashing lights can send your cats or dogs into a fight-or-flight response so strong they take off at first blast. One minute your beloved Spot or Fluffy is sitting in your lap, and the next she bolts through an open gate into the night.
With a little preparation, you can help your pets avoid this scenario, and even protect them if they do get loose.
Plan ahead for the festivities.
Know where you’ll be this 4th of July and who you’ll be with. Then you’ll know if the environment is right to bring your pets. Are there going to be a lot of people around? Do your pets do well in crowds? Will you be too distracted having fun to keep a good eye on them? Holidays were designed for people to have a good time together, but don’t get caught up and forget about your pets’ whereabouts.
It’s okay to leave pets at home. Although they’d rather come along, we’re certain they don’t want to spend a harrowing night running from fireworks, possibly ending up at a shelter or worse. Give them a free pass to stay at home, cozy with the AC, and away from the overwhelming excitement.
You’ve got to take some precautions when leaving pets at home, though; the 4th of July isn’t just another night. The evening can be a real shock, and it’s common to come home to shredded pillows, scratched furniture, and love puddles on the floor. Rise to the occasion by following these tips for keeping pets home alone on the 4th of July:
Find a safe and quiet room for each pet.
Cover the windows and do your best to dampen outside sounds.
Make sure pets have plenty of fresh food and water.
Leave your pets’ favorite toys out, so they can play.
Before you leave for the celebrations, take your pets for a walk.
Turn the radio or television on at a low volume for distraction and comfort.
Remove anything you don’t want chewed, scratched, or damaged—anxiety draws out survival instincts in pets, leaving your property at risk.
Make any pet-sitting arrangements ahead of time, too, because many people go out of town and leave their pets at home. Your local pet sitter may already be booked up!
Tips for 4th of July vacationers
Not only is the 4th a fabulous holiday, it’s also a great time for your family vacation. And a family vacation without your pets just isn’t a family vacation. Anyone travelling with pets over the holiday should be extra cautious to keep them safe.
A new environment—your summer cabin, a beach rental, or a pet-friendly hotel—can be intimidating enough for your pets. It’s full of new smells and unfamiliar areas. But add loud explosions from fireworks, and that new environment becomes downright hostile. Keep your pets with you and on a leash at all times. It’s too dangerous to let them hang out sans leash even if that’s the norm. Pay attention to their behavior. Watch for signs they’re scared, and act quickly to remove them from stressful situations. If your pet runs off in an area that is unfamiliar to both of you, it’s going to be that much harder to find them.
None of this means you have to leave your pets at home. Just keep a close watch and understand the risks the holiday poses. A little awareness ought to do the trick.
Amp up your pet safety routine
Double up on your pet identification during this week. In addition to your microchip, make sure your pets are wearing visible ID that displays your phone number, or that of your pet recovery service or veterinarian. Consider a bright, attention-grabbing color for the ID tag, so people don’t have to search for it. Rescuers are much more likely to approach an animal they see has visible ID, because they know it belongs to someone who cares!

Remember, even though the 4th of July is just one day, the fireworks often start before then and continue a few days after. Don’t leave your pets alone outside during this time. It only takes one unexpected blast to send them into a scared frenzy. Do take them outside for a walk. They can release some pent up energy, and you can avoid in-the-house accidents.
Lastly, it’s helpful to understand what pets are going through. Cats and dogs hear with a much keener sense than humans do, and at that magnitude, fireworks sound terrifying. Just like us, they’re hard-wired for self-preservation. It’s your job to help your pets avoid that adrenaline roller coaster. Control their exposure to the noise and take necessary precautions to keep them calm during the celebrations.