Kentlands 2014 Facilities Passes   Kentlands is still a snow covered community and it is hard to believe that spring is just a month away. As the weather improves, every family will want to take advantage of the Kentlands Community Facilities and the Clubhouse events. Registration for 2014 Facilities Passes begins on February 24th. Sign up early and avoid the spring rush. By the way, if the fire hydrants on your street are still hidden by snow, today is a good day to dig them out to allow access in the event of a fire emergency. 2014 Facilities Pass Updates Announcement from the Kentlands Citizens Assembly: Updating facilities passes for 2014 will begin February 24.  Please come by the Clubhouse to update your passes(es) and sign up for your Guest Pass prior to the pool opening on Satur... 02/19/2014

Book Recommendation: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny   I am in the process of reading all of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels by Louise Penny. I just finished reading A Rule Against Murder (2008).  The setting of this novel is Manoir Bellechasse, a luxurious inn that is not far from the village of Three Pines in Quebec, about two hours from Montreal. Dolores and I recommend this series. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week for pleasure. Read a good book this week and make reading a regular habit.      Pincushion Flower, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_9521 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/18/2014

Coach House, Mount Vernon   On President’s Day, I posted a blog on Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.  And, I encourage you to include Mount Vernon as one of your travel destinations this year. The mansion tours are outstanding and there is much more to see as well. None of the horse drawn vehicles used by George Washington survive today. However, there is a very interesting coach on display in the Coach House at Mount Vernon. The red coach on display was owned by Samuel Powell, Mayor of Philadelphia and a good friend of the Washington family.      Coach, Mount Vernon, Carriage House IMG_5892 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/17/2014

Blood Donations Needed   Hundreds of scheduled blood drives had to be canceled across the country because of the severe winter weather. The American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood and platelet donors to help offset a weather-related shortfall in donations.  “There is an urgent need for platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types — O positive and negative, A negative and B negative to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to offset the shortfall.”  Donated blood helps cancer patients, accident victims and many others. This is the link for the Rockville Donor Center that serves residents of Montgomery County, Maryland.      Allium, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_9522 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/17/2014

Kentlands Happy Hour, Friday, Feb. 21st   This is a reminder that the next Kentlands Happy Hour is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kentlands Clubhouse. This adults only event is open to all Kentlands residents. Wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks will be provided and there is no charge for the event. Please call 301-948-2071 to let them know you will be attending. This is a great time to see old friends and to meet new neighbors before going out for your Friday night dinner.  For out of the area readers, Kentlands in a planned neo-traditional community located in the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. Kentlands is one of the preferred communities for families that are relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC. ... 02/17/2014

Hidden Gems - Finding Additional Value in a Home    ActiveRain Community Evangelist Bob Stewart has challenged members of the ActiveRain network to write about the hidden gems that provide additional value for home buyers. Every home buyer has wants and needs when searching for home to purchase. Real estate professionals are always looking for the features that will add value in future years when the home is sold again. I can use our personal home as an example. The home we purchased has over 3,400 square feet of living area and the four bedrooms that will make it attractive to larger families. One of the unused features is a full basement that is unfinished but already has rough in plumbing for an additional bathroom. Finishing the basement would provide additional space for an expandi... 02/17/2014

Book Recommendation:  The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny   After reading a couple of novels by Louise Penny, my wife, Dolores, and I decided to read all of her books. I just finished reading The Cruelest Month (2008). This is a Three Pines Mystery that features the character Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Three Pines is a remote village about two hours from Montreal. We recommend this series of murder mysteries. It is not necessary to read these books in order but some readers would prefer to start at the beginning. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week for pleasure.  If you are not already an avid reader, try reading a book a week for a month or two and you will develop a most enjoyable new habit.     Iris, Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_9511  Photograph by R... 02/17/2014

Celebrate at Mount Vernon – Free Admission on President’s Day   Mount Vernon is always a great travel destination. The events today provide a special opportunity to celebrate George Washington’s 282nd Birthday. And, Admission is Free! “Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by visiting his home and burial site FREE of charge on this day. The traditional wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's Tomb takes place at 10 a.m., followed by patriotic music and military performances on the Bowling Green. “General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes all day.” Use this link to view a full Schedule of Events.       Mansion, Mount Vernon IMG_2614 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/16/2014

      Hidden Gems - Communities We all look at the house - the gourmet kitchen, 10'+ ceilings, luxurious master suites, room sizes, garages. Sometimes we take a look at the yard. We consider the commute and likely the schools as well. My hidden gem is to consider the community and the lifestyle as well as the house. There are many newer planned communities that offer awesome amenities: community pools; ball and soccer fields; trails and lakes; other recreation; community club houses; gyms and exercise rooms; Shops and Groceries; Carry-out and fine dining Shuttles to Transportation So much more.... There are new Active Adult Communities and Retirement Communities that offer: Services and Delivery; Medical Services; Classes; Luncheons and Socials; Events and Trips; Community Clubs; Some ... 02/16/2014

Adopt a Fire Hydrant   Many of us live in communities that are covered with snow this week.  As we clear our steps, sidewalks and driveways, it is easy to overlook the fire hydrant that was covered by a pile of snow when the snow plow came by. Adopt the fire hydrant that is near your home and dig it out to provide easy access if there is a fire emergency. Minutes can make a major difference when obtaining access to hydrants to fight a fire. Clearing the area around that fire hydrant could save life and property. Pay it forward and organize a community effort to dig out all of the fire hydrants.      Yuletide,  Winterthur IMG_2971 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/16/2014

Make your wishes come true   When you were a kid and you blew on dandelion seed pods to make your wishes come true you had no doubts. So, why should you doubt the results now that you are mature? The difference between youth and maturity is that you now need to take action to fulfill your dreams. However, there is no reason to doubt the results. Make your wishes come true! Play close attention to the dandelions of your life. Appreciate the small things of beauty that make us think of our wishes and our dreams.      Dandelion, Kentlands, Imagination IMG_9533 B Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs  02/15/2014

Too much white?   We have another snowy day in Maryland. The snow is already too deep in Kentlands and the ice makes it difficult to use the sidewalks. Too much white!  Let’s add a little color. I have an Imagination series of photographs that are just for fun. If you enjoy playing with colors, you will enjoy photo editing. Currently, I use iPiccy.com as a free photo editing site and there are several others that you may wish to consider. For a picture like this, you first need to photograph a dandelion. What?, you say that you have never photographed a dandelion?       Dandelion, Kentlands, Imagination IMG_9529 A Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/15/2014

Happy Valentine’s Day   I started to share a photograph of a red rose as I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Then, I wondered if you would enjoy a more exciting image. Make this a very special day that is filled with love. Are roses mandatory for your celebration?     Allium, Kentlands, Spring Flowers, Imagination IMG_9523 B  Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/13/2014

Wishing for an early spring: Imagination   I had to dig my way through deep snow to find the buried Washington Post this morning.  I was lucky to find it while shoveling the sidewalk in front of our house. We are still waiting for the snow plows to clear the alley to give us access to the public streets. Much shoveling has me wishing for a younger body and an early spring. The younger body will not happen so the best wish is for an early spring. Be careful if you must be out and about in the winter weather.     Iris, Kentlands, Imagination IMG_9505 A  Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/13/2014

City of Gaithersburg Snow Emergency Declared as of 8 p.m. February 12   This is the Snow Emergency notice that was posted by the City of Gaithersburg. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors. Local weather reports indicate the possibility of significant snowfall beginning late Wednesday evening, February 12, to Thursday afternoon, February 13.  While the full intensity of the storm is not known at this point, the City of Gaithersburg is asking its residents to make preparations now so that if it is necessary, snow removal can be done as efficiently as possible. Please cooperate by moving cars off of all roadways on Wednesday.  This will allow road crews to remove snow more thoroughly and quickly.  Mandatory removal of cars from snow emergency routes in Gaithersburg... 02/12/2014

Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia   Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite travel destinations. If you also enjoy that area, there are two Facebook groups that I recommend to you. I post photographs in both of these groups. Colonial Williamsburg Friends Colonial Williamsburg Lovers You will also find 9 Colonial Williamsburg albums in my personal Roy Kelley Facebook Albums. When did you last visit Colonial Williamsburg?    Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg IMG_2945 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/12/2014

Don’t park on Snow Emergency Routes in Kentlands   The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Montgomery County, Maryland. The warning is in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday evening until 8 p.m. Thursday evening, February 13, 2014. Expect heavy snow with accumulations from 6 to 10 inches. This is the notice from the Kentlands Citizens Assembly in regard to parking: Please do not park on streets marked with "Snow Emergency Routes".  If you are parked on a Snow Emergency Route within the community, you are at risk of being towed by the City of Gaithersburg. Parking in the alleys is not permitted.  In order for unhindered access by snowplows, all cars parked in the alleys will be towed. City law requires that you shovel the sidewalks abutting your property within 12 hou... 02/11/2014

Flu Season Likely to Continue through March   As we experience the peak of the flu season physicians are advising their patients that they should continue to take precautions to avoid getting the flu and to avoid spreading the flu if they do get it. And, it is not too late to get a flu shot. Please go to this link to learn what you can do to minimize the damage of the flu to you and your environment. Flu Season Likely to Continue through March If you are sick, avoid spreading the flu by not going to school or work while you have a temperature, and wait 24 hours after your temperature breaks before going back.      Longwood Gardens, Imagination IMG_2137 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/11/2014

Free body building program offered by the Kentlands Citizens Assembly   Thursday and Friday of this week are the days when you can take advantage of the opportunity in Kentlands to build some of those muscles that have gotten a bit soft. Kentlands residents have been warned of a winter storm that will include heavy snow during the time frame between Wednesday evening and Thursday evening. Our community has many seniors that face a difficult time coping with snow removal and some residents are too ill to be out in bad weather. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly is seeking volunteers for snow removal.  If you can help shovel, please call the Clubhouse at 301-948-2071 and speak with Francine Lowenstein or send an email to flowenstein@cmc-management.com. Don’t worry about formal directions. Ju... 02/11/2014

Book Recommendation: A Very Private Gentleman by Martin Booth   I just finished reading A Very Private Gentleman (2004) by Martin Booth. Locals in a southern Italian town know this character as Signor Farfalla (Mr. Butterfly) because of his paintings of butterflies. Actually, he makes weapons for assassins. You may not be familiar with this author because he died in 2004. The 2010 film The American, starring George Clooney, was based on his novel A Very Private Gentleman.  Enjoy a good book this week! One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week for pleasure. It is a commitment that I recommend for you.      Kentlands, Colors of the Season, Imagination IMG_2856 A Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 02/11/2014