ActiveRain Community

re·sil·ient/rəˈzilyənt/  adjective (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. “babies are generally far more resilient than new parents realize” synonyms: strong, tough, hardy; (of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. “a shoe with resilient cushioning” synonyms: flexible, pliable, supple; What is Resilience?From a housing perspective, resilience is the capacity of a home to adapt to changing conditions and to maintain or regain functionality during a disturbance or stress. It is also the ability to bounce back after that disturbance or stress. In general, the term resiliency refers to a building’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters like hurricanes... 01/09/2026

Modular construction is not a new concept. The first documented prefabricated home was the Manning Portable Cottage built in the 1830’s by a carpenter in London. Fast forward to the present day. Disruption in construction by the off-site modular method has been coming. Modular construction’s impact on today’s home building industry is more like a hurricane than a tornado. We have seen it coming. But now it is happening more rapidly. It is a great time for today’s home buyer to learn about the advantages and act now. What typically happens is that those familiar with the old methods fail to recognize and adopt the coming, better method. Once the opportunity is passed, they blame their missed chance on a new technology that they claim they never saw coming.Converting Construction to Manuf... 01/08/2026

I just noticed that Roy Kelley has an incredible number of points here in the Rain, prompting me to comment to him that it's too bad they aren't redeemable like S&H green stamps.  Since I seem to gravitate toward rabbit holes, that off the cuff comment made me wonder where you could redeem (or even collect) those desirable green stamps.  Turns out ...... you can't any more.  They went out of business in 2020. S&H Green Stamps was a line of trading stamps popular from 1896 until the late 1980s. They were distributed as part of a rewards program operated by the Sperry & Hutchinson company (S&H), founded in 1896 by Thomas Sperry and Shelley Byron Hutchinson. During the 1960s, the company issued more stamps than the U.S. Postal Service  and distributed 35 million catalogs a year.  Customers... 01/08/2026

My gift to you this morning - In a world that rewards speed, urgency, and constant reaction, one of the most underrated life skills is the ability to pause—just long enough to ask yourself a deceptively simple question: Is this worth my energy?That tiny moment of reflection is a quiet superpower. It interrupts the autopilot mode that pushes you into arguments you don’t care about, commitments you don’t have capacity for, and emotional spirals that drain you for days. It’s the difference between living reactively and living intentionally.When you pause, you create space. Space to notice your own patterns. Space to choose your response instead of being swept into one. Space to protect your time, your peace, and your attention—three things the world is constantly trying to claim.This isn’t... 01/08/2026

Two Lines. One Is Crowded. One Changes Everything.At first glance, the scene feels ordinary.People standing in line.A grocery stand.A doorway with a sign overhead.But look closer.One line stretches longer than the other.The sign above it reads:“Blaming others for all your problems.”It’s familiar. It’s comfortable. And it’s crowded. Because blaming feels natural and much easier than changing.  Why the Blame Line Is Always FullBlame offers relief without responsibility. It gives us a story that protects us from disappointment and shields us from risk.It sounds like: “If they had helped me…” “If the system wasn’t stacked against me…” “If circumstances were different…” And sometimes, those things are true.Life can be unfair. People fail us. Systems break.But while blame explains the past…it... 01/13/2026

Getting Home Safe in Rural North IdahoLately, it seems like almost every day brings news of another highway closure, another accident, another long delay. Black ice appears without warning. Heavy rains turn roads slick. Snow drifts across open stretches. Wind pushes vehicles just enough to matter. Add in distracted driving, impatience, or rushing to beat the weather — and suddenly a routine drive home becomes dangerous.Rural North Idaho is beautiful, but it demands respect.These aren’t city streets with quick detours and streetlights every block. Our highways wind through forests, mountains, open farmland, wild life crossing, and long stretches without cell service. When conditions change, they change fast — and the margin for error gets very small.Slow Down — Even If You Know the RoadO... 01/09/2026

Tomorrow Never Comes — Start TodayWe’ve all said it at some point:👉 “When things slow down, I’ll start.”👉 “When I’m more confident, I’ll begin.”👉 “When the timing is right, I’ll go for it.”But somehow… that magical moment of being “ready” keeps getting pushed further and further away. Life fills with distractions, responsibilities, hesitation, and fear — and before we know it, years have passed while our dreams remain safely tucked away in “someday.”This graphic captures that truth in a simple and striking way. We watch the character age panel by panel — still promising that he’ll start later — until there are no more days left to wait.Because here’s the quiet reality most of us avoid:There is no perfect moment.There is only now.We tell ourselves we need:✔ more money✔ more experience✔ m... 01/23/2026

Growing fruit at home is no longer limited to large backyards. Even small gardens, patios, and balconies can become productive spaces with the right planning. Choosing fruit trees for compact areas is about being intentional with space, sunlight, and long term care. With thoughtful decisions, homeowners across the USA can enjoy fresh harvests without sacrificing their outdoor living space.Source: https://themicrogardener.com/choosing-fruit-trees-for-small-gardens/ Start With Fruit You Truly Enjoy Fruit trees are a long term commitment of time, space, and money, so it makes sense to grow what will actually be eaten. When space is limited, every plant should earn its place. A helpful approach is to think about which fruits are purchased most often at the grocery store or enjoyed regularly... 01/09/2026

If you’re searching for a beautifully maintained, character-filled home in a prime Columbus location — this is one you don’t want to miss!✨ Join Us For an Open House:Saturday, January 10 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PMSunday, January 11 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM📍 1041 Rosebank Drive, Columbus, OH 43235💲 Now Listed at $550,000This charming Tudor-style home offers timeless curb appeal, generous living spaces, and architectural details you simply don’t find in today’s new construction. Inside, you’ll find warm wood finishes, abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and a cozy fireplace — perfect for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests.The spacious backyard provides plenty of room to host summer barbecues, play with pets, or simply enjoy your own private outdoor retreat.👤 Open House Host:Josh Seeman📞... 01/07/2026

  You’re invited to tour this charming home at 65 N Chase Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204! 📅 Sunday, January 11⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM💰 Listed at $240,000 ✨ Don’t miss this great opportunity to explore a beautiful home in a convenient Columbus location. Whether you’re house hunting or just curious, we’d love to see you there! 👤 Open House Host: Deb McGuire📲 Have questions or can’t make it? Reach out today!   01/07/2026

Do Re MiA Reinterpretation I admit the announcement of the ActiveRain challenge, Reflect, Rejoice, Renew co-hosted by Leanne Smith and Carol Williams initially made me think of the song, Do Re Mi. Thankfully, the song came to mind through a voice different than my own.  No one needs (or wants) to hear that! And you thought discussing pondering was preposterous. I am also grateful some pausing before hitting publish made this interpretation possible.   Thankfulness to online assistance for lyrics too because my musical memory mishaps (also known as mondegreen) is far too prone to make an appearance.  Looking back at previous challenges I, maybe most of us, can see recurring themes on more than one occasion in the AR landscape.  While not exactly redundant, this replay-like strategy puts ... 01/15/2026

The Basics of Sage Cleansing Burning sage—often called smudging—is a long‑standing cultural practice rooted primarily in certain Native American traditions. Today, many homeowners use it as a way to refresh a space, create a calmer atmosphere, or symbolically mark a new beginning when moving into a home. Why People Use Sage in Their Homes Sage is believed to offer several benefits: Purification: Some types of sage have antimicrobial properties that may help reduce bacteria in the air. Improved Mood & Stress Relief: Traditional use associates sage with better mood, reduced stress, and increased clarity. Better Sleep & Focus: Certain compounds found in sage have been linked to improved sleep and cognitive support. Symbolic Fresh Start: Many people burn sage to let go of past energy and c... 01/09/2026

“Turns out life is less about sprinting and more about staying upright and moving forward at whatever pace is possible.”   - Carol Williams All of us should have good health as a primary concern during this new year.   “Turns out life is less about sprinting and more about staying upright and moving forward at whatever pace is possible.”   -Carol WilliamsThe January ActiveRain challenge asks us to Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew. When I look back on the year 2025, those three words fit neatly. Thank you, Leanne Smith, for having me co-host with you.Reflecting on 2025, I am reminded that health is the most important of our assets. If our health fails, not much else will matter. I added another layer of health challenges last year when my heart decided to demand some extra attention.  Between... 01/12/2026

 Weekly Tech Tip Oops! My Butt Dialed You!We’ve all been there. You've just finished a phone call, and a minute later, you get a call from that same number. Yep, you've just "Butt Dialed:"You’re walking, chatting, or just living your life, and suddenly you get a text that says, “Hi… you called?"  me?” Welcome to the world of the accidental butt call. Slightly embarrassing, usually harmless, and thankfully very preventable.The good news is this isn’t really user error. Most butt calls happen because of a couple of iPhone settings that allow the screen to wake up too easily when the phone is in a pocket or purse. A little movement, a little pressure, and suddenly your phone is doing things without your permission.One of the easiest fixes is turning off ''Tap To Wake"   When this setting i... 01/07/2026

Ever watch a Rube Goldberg machine and think, “This is impressive… but why would anyone build anything this way?”That’s how I feel walking a typical stick-built job site.Don’t get me wrong—there are great tradespeople out there. Hard-working pros. Real craftsmanship.But the process? It often looks like a Goldberg contraption: • One thing has to happen before the next thing can happen • Weather becomes the foreman • Materials show up late (or wrong) • Crews stack on top of each other • Rework becomes “normal” • And every delay triggers three more delaysIt’s not that builders are slow.It’s that the system is inherently inefficient.Now compare that to a car assembly plant.A modern factory isn’t chaotic. It’s controlled. Predictable. Measured. Continuous improvement every day. Every step is... 01/07/2026

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot.However, it's important to keep in mind that although the state of the housing market plays a significant role in your decision-making, your individual circumstances and financial situation are equally important. As an article from NerdWallet says:“Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial situation, life goals, and readiness to become a homeowner.”So, instead of trying to ... 01/07/2026

Aluminum Wiring: Safety First-Not Panic Last week on my radio show, a caller asked: ''Is aluminum wiring in a home safe?''The short answer is it can be, but it deserves a safety conversation.Aluminum wiring was commonly installed in homes built in the late 1960s and early 1970s when copper prices were high. At the time, it was code-approved and widely used. Finding aluminum wiring doesn’t mean anyone did anything wrong.The concern usually isn’t the wire itself; it’s the connections. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, and over time, that movement can loosen connections at outlets and switches. If those connections aren’t properly addressed, they can overheat.Here’s the good news: this is manageable. Many homeowners live safely in homes with aluminum wiring. A licensed elect... 01/14/2026

One year ago, our Pasadena and Altadena communities faced a day that forever changed the meaning of home for so many. Sirens pierced the stillness of the morning, smoke rolled across the foothills, and families were forced to make sudden decisions no one is ever prepared for. In a matter of hours, homes were lost, routines were disrupted, and familiar streets were transformed. As we mark this anniversary, this moment is not about reopening wounds—it is about remembrance, reflection, and honoring the resilience that has carried our community forward.For those directly impacted, the fire was not a distant event or a passing headline. It was deeply personal. It meant leaving behind rooms filled with memories, family photographs that told stories across generations, and homes that represent... 01/07/2026

This house sits on a mountain top in Tennessee. Here is a bird's-eye view of a chalet home from Impresa Modular in Wilder, TN, on the Cumberland Plateau. We deliver homes to locations that many would swear required a helicopter!This home was delivered in 4 sections and up and under roof in a day. We call it the D1D, or the Day One Difference, with modular construction. Inside, the drywall was complete, the kitchen cabinets and countertops were installed, and the bathrooms were finished. All windows, including the trapezoidal windows, were installed at the factory, so the home was weatherized quickly by the set crew.In this remote area, this home was rapidly completed, and the homeowners were able to move in. This is just one more example of what you can do with modular design. Do More W... 01/06/2026

This week's Zoom call, led by Leanne Smith , focused on Planning for Success. Not only did Leanne share her thoughts on writing out a Value Statement, Vision Statement and Mission Statement, but she also provided tools to use to track goals and results. It was all excellent information for those who are looking for a way to better focus their business.Our homework this week was to talk about our aha (or perhaps ahas) that we took away from the meeting this week. Mine don't actually have anything specific to do with the information provided in the previous paragraph but were as follows.  Leanne mentioned a Dr. Hartman and his study of Axiology. I had never heard of either the doctor or the science ("aha, something else I don't know!"), so I had to look it up afterwards. From the brief bi... 01/07/2026