February Contest: The One Who Inspires Me Shows UpThe February contest asked me to choose one person on ActiveRain who inspires me.I tried. I really did.But the truth is, the one who inspires me most is the one who shows up.The one who reads a blog and takes the time to comment. The ones who accept my calls and pick up the phone when I call them. The ones who turn a simple post into a real conversation. Those conversations often last far longer than the original reason for the call.It works both ways.Sometimes they call me because something I wrote sparked an idea. Sometimes I call them because something they wrote sparked something in me. Sometimes it is a question in the Q&A section. Sometimes it is learning something new together. Sometimes it is simply sharing what is working and w... 02/17/2026

Too Many Mothers in the Inspection RoomSome homes don’t close for reasons you would never find written in a contract. Financing, appraisals, and inspections are the obvious hurdles, and those can usually be worked through.But sometimes, what stops a sale has nothing to do with the house at all. It has to do with the people. I remember an inspection where not only the buyers were present, but both mothers came along. When two mothers show up for the inspection, you are no longer dealing with just buyers. You are dealing with two mothers-in-law!! What began as a routine inspection slowly turned into something else. Each mother, with the best of intentions, asked questions, raised concerns, and imagined future problems. Individually, their questions were reasonable. Together, they created ... 02/14/2026

Tech Tip of the WeekSo Many Shortcuts… So Little TimeThere are hundreds - maybe even thousands - of keyboard shortcuts, depending on what programs you’re using. It can feel overwhelming before you even begin. Let’s start with just ten.Ten simple shortcuts that make everyday computer tasks easier. You can always add more later. You don’t have to learn everything at once.You may already know and use them.Here are ten simple ones to start with:Copy - Ctrl + CPaste - Ctrl + VSave - Ctrl + SPrint - Ctrl + PUndo - Ctrl + ZSelect All - Ctrl + AFind - Ctrl + FClose Tab - Ctrl + WSwitch Windows - Alt + TabShow Desktop - Windows key + DAnd one more:Windows key + gives you emojisYou don’t need to memorize them. Just start using the one you feel comfortable with and add more later if you choose.So ... 02/12/2026

You don’t expect a rancher to feel this spacious, but 814 Woodglen Place surprises you the moment you walk in. The cathedral ceilings and hardwood floors create an open, airy feeling that makes the home live larger than its footprint.With three bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, everything you need is right where you want it. The eat-in kitchen connects easily to the living space, and the lower level offers additional room and workshop area, a half bath, and access to the backyard patio. Situated on a level lot in the Willow Glen subdivision, this solid brick home includes gas heat, central air, a generator, and a detached garage. Whether you are looking for one-level living or a home with room to grow, this is an opportunity to make it your own in a convenient Baltimore Cou... 02/16/2026