I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO  INITIATE A ENERGY SAVING PROGRAM. OUR HOUSE DOES HAVE ELECTRIC HOT WATER.  TWO ADULTS NO CHILDREN. WE IMPLEMENTED LAUNDRY ON WEEKENDS. UNPLUGGED ALL PHANTOM POWER. WE ALSO GOT IN THE HABIT IF YOUR NOT IN THE ROOM TURN THE LIGHTS OFF. AFTER A FEW WEEKS IT BECAME THE NORMAL. IT WAS VERY ANNOYING AT FIRST.  OUR HYDRO PLAN WAS 153.00 A MONTH. SINCE WE STARTED WHAT I CALL CARL'S ENERGY PLAN  OUR LATEST  BILL CAME IN UNDER 200.00 THATS LESS THAN 100.00 A MONTH. I AGREE TIME OF USE BILLING IS A PAIN IN THE BUTT AND I THINK IT IS UNFAIR TO PUNISH SHIFT WORKERS. NONE THE LESS IT CAUSED US TO TAKE A LOOK AT OUR CONSUMPTION. MY COUSIN CAME OVER AND CALLED OUR HOUSE THE BAT CAVE BECAUSE IT WAS SO DARK. I IMAGINE SAVING $ 53.00 A MONTH IS NOT THAT SIGNIFICANT TO SOME PEOPLE BUT A FAMILY OF FOUR WITH YOUNG CHILDREN I THINK IT IS SUBSTANSIAL. WHATEVER YOUR OPINION ON THE HYDRO ISSUE HERE ARE THE RESULTS.

In a forced-air heating system, uneven heat distribution is sometimes a problem. It can result in the inability to heat some rooms in the house, such as upstairs bedrooms. This can be due to the leakage of warm air through joints in the heating ducts or to heat loss from ductwork passing through the basement or, even worse, through unheated areas such as a crawl space, an attic or a garage.

Sealing all joints in the ductwork with a special water-based duct mastic (sealant) will reduce or eliminate warm air leaks. Look in the Yellow Pages™ under “Furnaces – Heating.” High-temperature duct tape may work, although it tends to degrade or permit air leakage over time.

When the circulating fan is running, heat loss can increase significantly if leaky ducts are located in an exterior wall, an attic or a crawl space, allowing the heated air to escape. This is one more good reason to keep all ducts well sealed. (more…)

one pound of Lentils, 8 cups of cold water with one large onion, Olive Oil garlic to taste. 2 to 3 cans

8 oz  ( tomato sause ) , fresh parsley, black Peppers and one pound of turkey sausage.

Wash Lentils simmer to 45 minutes.

Add all ingrediants , ( brown sausage before adding to soup )  simmer.

Freezes very well and great for lunches.  

Recently I had the opportunity to dine with friends at a restaurant in Waterdown, On. One of the best little Italian spots we have found. The food was excellent and prices reasonable. There was a slight line up but the 15 minutes was worth the wait.

Our waiter was first class and one of the best I have seen in my life.

So if you like Italian Dining this place is worth checking out for sure. http://www.marcianos.ca/

12 Slices of Smoked Bacon ( strips) cut up in little squares

One cup of Onion

2 Cloves of Garlic

1/4 cup of brown Sugar

1/4 cup of Molasses 1/4 cup of Key West Lime BBQ Sause 1/4 cup of Ketchup

2 tablespoons of worchester saus  one tablespoon of dry mustard  1 table spoon of cider vinegar

black Pepper a titch

This recipe came from  the barbeque bible I discovered using real German Smoked Bacon from Deningers in Hamilton or  Burlington makes a tremendous difference in flavour. I also opted to added spicy BBQ sause with lime. I used  Key West Lime BBQ Sause  but caution on the LIME it can be overpowering.

3 hours on High cool and reheat to medium. This is like  chilli  always better on the second reheat .

A month ago or so I was showing houses and showing signs of being tired. Sounds crazy but showing houses can be tiring. It is rewarding when your buyer finally finds a home.

I was on a way to a showing in Burlington  and I stopped into a Tim Hortons. What I did wrong was a I cut a lady off in the Tim Hortons drive through. I felt bad but did not notice her  car . When I got to the window I payed for my coffee and payed for the order behind me. It was a small gesture but cutting off someone when you dont mean too is a crappy feeling. Im sure she was surprised when she got her donut and coffee for free.  I figured oh well its not much but at least I did something to correct my ways. The counter person also apoligized on my behalf  as I was not in a position to leave my car.

In Real Estate or any self employed business you learn quickly what goes around comes around.  Well funny thing  I was in Costco last week in Burlington. I did not have cash and the lunch counter is cash only. So I went to the ATM machine to get cash.  When I returned the counter person said you dont need  any money.

A lady had paid for my lunch and drink ! !  You are hearing  of this pay it forward  thing and I have not looked into it. But I am so amazed that I received this gesture from a complete stranger.

It just goes to show what goes around comes around.  I do believe most people are good people but we do sometimes get sidetracked.  But the lunch at Costco (Hot Dog and a Coke ) never tasted so good. The rest of the day was a gratifying  one as there was only positive thoughts for the rest of the day . Its a good day when you are above the ground.     

After listing a home last night. I woke up energized.

I went to Dundas's hidden treasure the rail trail. I only rode my bike 6 km uphill and 6 km downhill. I never count downhill.!  The air was cool and crisp. I saw a total of 3 whitetailed deer. I m not a deer expert but they had white tails so I guess I got it right.

People of all ages were out walking , biking, and enjoying the near perfect day.

Every year when the weather gets nice it is a daily routine to hit this trail,.And sadley every year by August we are down to once per week. I truly admire the people that can stick to a daily routine.

The wonderful thing about being self employed is those little opportunities while everyone is fighting traffic you can occasionally have a little moment. Today was that day.

I guess even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then .

Last week  It appeared to be a normal day. After several late nights in a row doing real estate deals. I woke up and I had a routine home inspection that day at 5 pm. The day appeared to be "light" .

Around 10 am I left the house and decided to rush a status certificate to help some clients out. I picked up the status certifcate and delivered to the other agent.  Because  management company's have 10 days I was lucky to get the status after 4 working days.

Then it happened my truck broke down. After 35 minutes CAA towed me to my favorite  garage in Burlington Sonic Auto.  There service is incredible. Unfortunately there loner vehicle broke down. I then had to use Zoom Courier in Burlington to pick up and deliver two deposit cheques.

Suddenly after waiting for my vehicle there was more bad news. The garage needed more time.

The listing agent  who happened to work at my office drove me to the house inspection. My clients who are valued friends then drove me to their home where we celebrated a successful home inspection with Pizza and Coke.

My wife then picked me up and drove me home. My car was ready the next morning at 8 am .

Thanks to Sonic auto for great service and  CAA, and everyone else who helped me make the home inspection on time.  

2011 HOURS OF OPERATION :

Friday September 2nd : 11 am to 11 pm
Saturday September 3rd : 11 am to 11 pm
Sunday September 4th : 11 am to 11 pm
Monday September 5th : 11 am to 8 pm

I came across this recipe the other day tried it and loved it  ( on a smaller scale ) I never have been able to follow a recipe. It got me thinking about the Burlington Rib Fest so I found info on the web site promoting this event..

6 racks of pork ribs

1/4 cup of paprika, 1 1/2  tablesoon of black ground pepper 1 1./2 Brown Sugar

i table spoon of sea salt, Pinch of celery salt, fresh garlic shaved, garlic power 1 1/2 teaspoons , 1 1/2 dry mustard and finally 1 1/2 ground cumin.

If you like  mop sause  to swab over ribs during cooking use 2 cups of cider vinegar 1/2 cup of yellow mustard ( I prefer sweet mustard) .

I parboil ribs which is a no no. and have the grill on medium heat. For true memphis style ribs use wood chips

and cover with sause after cooking for an hour on medium heat . Ribs are the toughest challenge for me on the cue.

If you like simple ribs try red wine , garlic and brown sugar , sause after………… Good luck

I would suggest searching the internet for memphis style ribs there are so many variations of this style.