Photowalking in Kentlands:  Early Spring Flowers Seeking the Colors of the Season An important part of my regular exercise program is walking through Kentlands, our home community in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The walks are usually extended to Lakelands, the adjoining neighborhood.   The exercise becomes photowalking when I have my camera in hand. It is always interesting to seek the colors of the season to capture in photographs.  Our winter weather has extended into spring and the flowers are still limited.  These photographs provide examples of the current colors to be found.   When you are out and about, make sure you notice the beauty of very small blooms like the crocuses . It has snowed in Kentlands this week and you have probably seen in the news that the cherry blossoms have been... 03/26/2013

How will the real estate market shift affect buyer agents in Maryland?   The residential real estate market in Montgomery County, Maryland has really changed in recent months.  Home buyers and their buyer agents will definitely need to be well prepared for the market shift in order to generate successful transactions. A big change is the size of the inventory.  There is a shortage of active listings on the market.  This means that the selection may be very limited in some price ranges and in popular communities.  A smaller selection may lead to a longer search period which may not meet the time frame needs of the purchasers.  Buyer agents need to become very familiar with the available inventory in order to be able to guide home buyers to the properties that will meet their needs.  Prev... 03/26/2013

Care of the Caregiver Many of us have friends or neighbors that serve as caregivers for one or more family members.   This article may provide a little better understanding of the demands faced by caregivers.  Every caregiver needs help.  If you can, reach out to a caregiver and offer your assistance.  Give some thought to how you would cope with the daily life as a caregiver. This article was provided by The Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm, P.C. Sally Abrahms in a recent article in the AARP Bulletin of November 2012 talks about caregiver burnout. It's a real problem that many adult children of the elderly face. You love your parents or in-laws. However, their desire to continue to live on their own can present additional burdens on their children. In many cases, they can no longer dri... 03/26/2013

Scammers  Pose as Internal Revenue Service Representatives There are very creative scams for every occasion.   Please warn your family members and friends not to reply to false communications that claim to be from the IRS.  Seniors are often the preferred targets for the identity theft schemes. It is very risky to provide personal information to anyone unless there is positive identification.  This is a good topic to bring to the attention of individuals in your database. This is the notice issued by the IRS: Don’t be Scammed by Fake IRS Communications The IRS receives thousands of reports each year from taxpayers who receive suspicious emails, phone calls, faxes or notices claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Many of these scams fraudulently use the Internal Revenue Servic... 03/25/2013

Thieves posing as utility workers to rob home – Police issue warnings   Two thieves posed as utility workers to gain entry into a Gaithersburg woman’s home and rob her.  Gaithersburg residents are being warned to ask for identification before allowing anyone into their homes.  All of us need to alert our family members and make a special effort to advise seniors in our families and our circle of friends that great care should be taken. Seniors seem to be the preferred targets for this type of scam.   I advise my wife not to respond to the door bell or knocks unless known visitors are expected.  We ask friends to call in advance before stopping by our home. Montgomery County Police Department Press Release Detectives from the 5th District Investigative Section are investigating an incide... 03/25/2013

Gaithersburg Paws in the Park Dog Walk - Sunday, April 28   Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Paws in the Park dog walk and festival, one of the largest dog walks in the DC area.  As a signature special event of the Montgomery County Humane Society, held in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, it raises funds to help homeless and abandoned animals throughout Montgomery County.   This year’s event will take place on Sunday, April 28, from noon to 4 p.m. at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Fredrick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD, next to Gaithersburg High School.   The afternoon includes a 1-mile walk for dogs and people, pet games, prizes, demos, rescue groups, a “flealess” market with over 50 pet-friendly vendors, food, music and more.   Registered walkers are encouraged... 03/25/2013

Maryland Orchids for You!    On Saturday, March 16, 2013, Dolores and I attended the Friends of Brookside Gardens Orchid Show and Sale.  The Orchid Show was conducted by the Rock Creek Orchid Club.  Clive Atyeo also conducted an Orchid Potting Clinic. These events are always well done and it is a special treat to see the very high quality of orchids on display.  Brookside Gardens is located in the Wheaton Regional Park in Montgomery County, in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. This is a small random selection from the photographs I took at the show. Do you have a favorite?   Orchids, Brookside Gardens IMG_2657   Orchids, Brookside Gardens, Orchid Show IMG_2656   Orchids, Brookside Gardens IMG_2653   Orchids, Brookside Gardens IMG_2651   Orchids, Brookside Gardens IMG_2650   Orchid... 03/25/2013

Walking for good health in Kentlands - Final Post   ActiveRain blogger Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh challenged members to join her plan for a more healthy year. There is a new group called Get Healthy in the Rain Group. The first element of the challenge was to write a blog about the goal.  This was the easy part.  For many years, my exercise routine has included an hour or more walk through the communities of Kentlands and Lakelands in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  I was sick during most of January and stopped my regular walks.  So, my goal was to get back in the habit of those daily walks which make me feel better and also provide an element that helps with weight control. Frequently, I turn my walks into photowalks by having my camera in hand to capture the colors of the season.  I recommend neig... 03/25/2013

Gaithersburg Skate Park Now Open With Free Admission   The City of Gaithersburg Skate Park is now open for the season.  Regular hours are from 3 p.m. to sunset on weekdays and from noon to sunset on the weekends.  During the spring break from March 22 through April 2, the park will open daily at noon. The Skate Park is located behind the Activity Center at Boher Park, 510 South Frederick Avenue, next to Gaithersburg High School. Safety equipment regulations require the use of helmets.  Signed liability waivers are required for individuals to skate.   Note that the Skate Park will be closed in the event of rain, snow or excessive heat. Admission is free.   Kentlands, Spring Flowers IMG_9105 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/25/2013

Spring Break Vacation Tips For Gaithersburg Residents   This advice is from the Gaithersburg Police Department.  Please take great care if you will be leaving your home vacant for a period of time.   With many students on Spring Break and families going away, the Gaithersburg Police Department would like to make suggestions on how you can make your home secure while away: ·         Always double check all door and window locks to ensure they are in fact locked. ·        Always give your home that lived in look, even when you're not on vacation. ·        Leave lights on timers in different rooms. ·        Place timers on indoor lights and appliances such as radios and televisions, and set timers to switch on and off randomly during the day. ·        If you're going to be gone for an exte... 03/25/2013

Kentlands Mansion Spring Bridal Showcase, Sunday, March 24, 2013   Plan your dream wedding all in one place at the Kentlands Mansion Spring Bridal Showcase on Sunday, March 24, 2013, from noon to 4 p.m.  Gaithersburg’s elegant 19th century estate provides the perfect setting to begin your wedding planning process or finish up the final touches to your special day.  The Mansion is located at 320 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg.   Experience the beauty and charm of historic Kentlands Mansion while meeting one-on-one with a variety of wedding vendors, including caterers, photographers, event planners, musicians, makeup artists, hotel representatives and more.  Brides-to-be can spend the day sampling delicious cuisine from the area’s finest caterers, and discovering the latest bridal fashi... 03/23/2013

Ikenobo and Ikebana Exhibition - Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland   Residents and visitors in the Metro Area of Washington, DC always enjoy the exhibits and the gardens at Brookside Gardens, in the Wheaton Regional Park in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Brookside Gardens attracts over 400,000 visitors each year.  Last weekend, Dolores and I attended and photographed the Orchid Show and Sale. The special exhibit this weekend is of Ikenobo, one of the oldest schools of Japanese Ikebana flower arranging.     Ikenobo and Ikebana Exhibition Sponsored by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter and the Ikenobo Ikebana Society Baltimore Group  Saturday, March 23, 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday, March 24, 9:00am-4:00pm Visitors Center Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave. Whea... 03/23/2013

Kentlands Mansion Spring Bridal Showcase - Sunday, March 24   Plan your wedding at the Kentlands Mansion Spring Bridal Showcase on Sunday, March 24, 2013, from noon to 4 p.m.  Gaithersburg’s elegant 19th century estate provides the perfect setting to begin your wedding planning process or finish up the final touches to your special day.  The Mansion is located at 320 Kent Square Road, Kentlands, in Gaithersburg.   Experience the beauty and charm of historic Kentlands Mansion while meeting one-on-one with a variety of wedding vendors, including caterers, photographers, event planners, musicians, makeup artists, hotel representatives and more.  Brides-to-be can spend the day sampling delicious cuisine from the area’s finest caterers, and discovering the latest bridal fashions and wedding... 03/21/2013

Do you read books by Michael Connelly?   One of my personal goals is to read at least one book each week.  It is a good habit for mental health and relaxation.  The book that I am current reading is "The Black Box" (2012), the most recent book in the Harry Bosch Series, by Michael Connelly. Michael Connelly has written many books and Dolores and I have enjoyed all of them. Take a look at the website for information on his books.  http://www.michaelconnelly.com/ When you read a lot of books, I have found that it is very helpful to keep a list of books that you have read.  Dolores takes my list when she goes to the library and will watch for the latest book by the authors I enjoy.    This is my list of Michael Connelly books that I have read:  The Black Echo (1992), Harry Bosch Series  Th... 03/21/2013

The Corner Store, A Kentlands Favorite for Beer & Wine   Main Street Beer & Wine is better known as The Corner Store by Kentlands residents.  This is a friendly one stop neighborhood beer and wine store.  As stated by our good friend Hormaz Khoshroo says, "the prices are right and the beer is cold". The location is 300 Main Street, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.  Call 240-632-2860 for curbside pick up. The store is across the street from The Main Street Pavilion. Please support the local businesses that add to the quality of life in our community.    The Corner Store, Kentlands IMG_2260 The Corner Store, Kentlands IMG_2259 Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 Camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 03/21/2013

FAQ:  Will the lender care if I do not live in the house?   When seeking mortgage financing to purchase a home or to refinance a currently owned property, the lender will want to know if you are an owner occupant applicant or an investor.  Most of the mortgage loan products for residential financing are designed for owner occupants. There are many properties that were originally purchased to occupy that have been converted to rentals.  Those owners and those that plan to purchase a property for investment purposes need to understand the underwriting requirements of the mortgage lenders.   Mortgage financing with a small down payment is generally available for owner occupants.  Investor financing normally requires a higher down payment and will typically have a higher interest rate.   A ... 03/20/2013

Felony Lane Identity Theft Women are being warned not to leave their purse in a parked vehicle. TV news reports say that women are observed as they exit their vehicles.  If they do not have a purse in hand, the vehicle is targeted, a window is broken for quick access and departure.  The thieves sometimes switch rental cars before going directly to drive in tellers at banks to use the stolen identities.  The simple message is not to leave a purse in a vehicle. Montgomery County, Maryland  detectives are investigating a series of daytime thefts from vehicles that have been occurring in the Damascus and Germantown areas since mid-December.  In all of the incidents, the victims have left a purse in plain view within the vehicle while the vehicle was parked at a park, dog park, community cen... 03/20/2013

Make a Difference:  Use low-flow fixtures   Gaithersburg residents are making their commitments to change some habits for the benefit of our environment as we approach Make a Difference Day on Friday, April 5, 2013.  Small actions can add up to significant savings in our consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources. Use low-flow fixtures It is estimated that high-efficiency toilets can reduce water bills by about 10 percent. Replacing older, inefficient toilets, which are responsible for much of the water wasted in American homes, could save more than 900 billion gallons of water a year – enough to supply almost 10 million households. In addition, low-flow showerheads and faucets save energy!  Heating water requires energy, and using low-flow fixtures for hot water purpose... 03/19/2013

Kentlands Family Barber Shop Has Moved   For many years, I have gone to Kentlands Family Barber Shop for my haircuts.  Since last haircut, they have moved to a new location. Kentlands Family Barber Shop has moved to 406 Main Street, Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.  Give them a call if you need better directions.  301-947-3300.  They are open seven days a week. Kentlands residents love the convenience of local service providers, retail stores and restaurants within walking distance of homes in the community.   Family Barber Shop, Kentlands IMG_2245   Family Barber Shop, Kentlands IMG_2246 Photographs by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 Camera. Roy and Dolores Kelley  03/19/2013

What is the life span of a cedar shake roof?   Dolores and I live in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  One of the design requirements for all of the homes is a cedar shake roof.  Most of the home buyers thought that the cedar shake roofs would have a long life. We are seeing many of the roofs being replaced on homes that are less than twenty years old.  One of the concerns of home sellers is that the home inspector will recommend a new roof even when there has be no experience with leaks.  The replacement of a cedar shake roof is a major cost item.  What is your experience with the normal life of a cedar shake roof in the mid-Atlantic area?   324 Thaxton Street, Kentlands, Gaithersburg IMG_2406 Photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera. Roy and Dolore... 03/19/2013