 Have a Chili Cook Off
Now that the weather is getting colder it is a great time to have a chili cook off on your lake. Get the neighbors together, pick your judges and set the date. Blind judging works the best. Have the cooks sign out cup numbers secretly and have judging forms made up with cup numbers. Make sure to have plenty of tasting spoons. Judge on aroma, consistency, color, taste and aftertaste. If you need a good chili recipe go to www.famouschilirecipes.com Good Luck! |
 Winterizing Your Lake House
Unplug electronics and appliances in case of power surge or lightning strike. Clean and dispose of ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves. remove all combustibles like paint, turpentine, household cleaners, etc. Drain gas out of mower, trimmers, and drain fuel line too. Check smoke detectors batteries and test them. Close openings around foundations, eaves, windows and doors that pests may use. Set mouse traps in basement and closets. Check chimney and make sure it is covered to keep animals and birds out. Remove food, cosmetics or medicine containers that may freeze. Have furnace checked and cleaned. Make a list of what you take home so you can brig back in the spring. Outdoors -check roof for loose or damaged shingles, clean and check boats- make a list of repairs for spring. Do not remove your boat from the water until you are ready to store it. Water remains in the lower unit of inbound/out drives and plumbing until flushed. Blow out sprinkler system. Drain humidifiers and install a low-heat thermostat. By doing this you can keep your place at 40 without freeze up rather than 55. Drain your hoses, drain your pressure tank. Shut off water systems. Open all faucets. Flush toilets and dip water out of tank. Drain showers, water heaters, washers, dishwashers and sinks. Or- if you are like me--- forget it!!! Use your wonderful lake home in the winter time too and enjoy all it has to offer.
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 New Technology Saves Docks from Winter Damage
Harsh winters can take a toll on docks and piers. Once ice forms around the pilings it forms a bond with the wood lifting the piles out of the ground. For a relatively inexpensive answer go to www.protectedtimber.com. |
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The Economy & Lake Home Financing
How are you affected by this financial meltdown and mortgage crises? Is there still money out there to finance a home purchase? "ABSOLUTELY YES! With good credit and a down payment, mortgages are still readily available," says Alan Butt, Manager of Allied Banc Mortgage in Mishawaka. Read More |
 Calculate what your new property taxes would be on any lake house.
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WELCOME!