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Spotlight on Father’s Day

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Father’s Day is tomorrow, so take a minute to think of all the wonderful fathers that you know and call a couple to tell them how awesome they are!  If you’re in a bind because you didn’t plan ahead for Father’s Day, here a few quick ideas that can be pulled off at the last minute by heading into Rehoboth:

Breakfast on the Beach
Stop for an delicious egg sandwich or pastry at The Bake Shoppe (222 Rehoboth Ave.) and head down to the beach to enjoy breakfast with your favorite dad!

Father’s Day Fish
Take your favorite father to Fins Fish House and Raw Bar (243 Rehoboth Ave), Big Fish Grill (20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth), or another local seafood place for a delicious dinner.  Or, if your dad is the do-it-yourself type, take him fishing and grill up what you catch (assuming you catch some keepers, of course)!

A Soulful Celebration
Bring your favorite dad to the bandstand in Rehoboth for a “classic soul” style performance by popular D.C. based band, Jimi Smooth & Hittime.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

How to Avoid these 5 Summer Dangers that Could Threaten Your Pet’s Life…

As eager as most of us are to see our furry family members frolicking or napping in the sunshine, taking a few precautions can avert disaster and keep everyone safe and healthy all summer long.

There are five main categories of summertime dangers for companion animals:

· Heat

· Water

· Parties

· Poisons

· Pests

Puppy

As eager as most of us are to see our furry family members frolicking or napping in the sunshine, taking a few precautions can avert disaster and keep everyone safe and healthy all summer long.

There are five main categories of summertime dangers for companion animals:

·       Heat

·       Water

·       Parties

·       Poisons

·       Pests

Hazard #1: Heat

Your pet can overheat in a hurry. Dogs and cats can’t regulate their body heat as efficiently as humans can, because most of their sweat glands are confined to the pads of their feet. Panting is your pet’s primary means of regulating body temperature. Flat-faced pets can’t pant as effectively as breeds with longer noses, so they have even less ability to cool their bodies down.

In addition to overheating, your pet can also become dehydrated very rapidly. Make sure your pet has a constant source of fresh, clean drinking water.

If your pet will be outside in the heat for any period, she should have access to a completely shaded area and plenty of cool drinking water. Make sure your dog or cat is indoors when the temp climbs to 90oF (32 oC) or above.

If you or your family spends time in the yard on summer days or evenings, and your dog (or adventurous kitty) doesn’t like being stuck indoors, you can turn on the hose or sprinkler to cool off your pet. You can also fill a children’s small plastic wading pool with water and encourage your pet to sit or lie in it to cool off.

Exercise your dog either in the early morning or evening when the temperature is coolest. Try to stay in the shade during daylight hours, and no matter the time of day, don’t overdo outdoor exercise or play sessions. Even on an overcast day or in the evening, a long period of physical exertion in hot weather can cause heatstroke in your dog.

Don’t allow your dog or cat to stand, walk or rest on hot outdoor surfaces like sidewalks or parking lots. Your dog’s or kitty’s paws, belly or hindquarters can sustain burns from hot concrete. And remember your pet is close to the ground and the ground is much hotter than the air. Just walking on hot pavement can cause him to overheat.

Never under any circumstances leave your pet in a parked vehicle on a hot day. Your car or truck cab can become a furnace very quickly, even with the windows open, and can cause a fatal case of heatstroke in your beloved pet. Aside from the risk of serious illness or death, leaving pets unattended in vehicles in hot weather is illegal in many states.

Hazard #2: Water

Many dog owners mistakenly believe their pet was born knowing how to swim – especially if it’s a sporting or hunting breed. While some dogs do know instinctively how to move in water the first time they go in, most dogs get the hang of swimming only with repeated exposure to a pool, pond, lake, etc.

You should introduce your dog gradually to water, and either go in with her the first few outings, or be prepared to jump in to either encourage her or help her safely exit the water.

If you’re going out on a boat with your dog, I recommend she have her own flotation equipment. Even dogs who are strong swimmers can get hurt in the water or worn out from exertion. A flotation device will keep her in view until you or someone else can get her to safety. If your dog doesn’t consistently respond when you call her, I suggest you attach a length of rope to her flotation device so you can pull her in if you need to.

Hazard #3: Parties

Summertime is when many people host backyard pool parties and barbeques. There are holiday celebrations at the start and end of the season and of course July 4th in the U.S. The warmer months are also the time for block parties, picnics, family gatherings, and outdoor community events.

As much fun as the festivities are for the two-legged members of your family, it’s best to keep pets a safe distance from celebrations.

Take care not to lose a pet out a door or window left open during a party at your home. Keep dogs and kitties away from people food, beverages, garbage, and decorations.

Don’t leave your pet alone with unfamiliar children or even an irresponsible adult party guest or one who’s had too much to drink.

Unless your dog is very well trained on a lead, I don’t recommend bringing him to outdoor community events. Most pups are over-stimulated by all the new sights, sounds and especially the smells of a large outdoor gathering and neither of you will have much fun if he’s yanking at his leash the whole time while you try to calm and control him.

Also keep in mind many dogs and cats are terrified of fireworks displays, so it’s best to leave your pet safely at home on the 4th of July. If neighbors are setting off their own backyard displays, keep your pet home since the fireworks can cause a serious injury or be toxic to a curious dog or cat.

Hazard #4: Poisons

Many commonly used fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are loaded with chemicals that can prove toxic to pets. Same goes for rodent bait. Don’t allow your dog or cat access to areas of your garden, lawn, house or outbuildings where chemicals have been used. Take the same precautions when walking your dog. Store all chemicals out of reach of your pet.

Remember to keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of your pet’s reach as well.

If you’ll be doing any planting to brighten up your home or yard, before you stock up on seeds or visit your local nursery, make sure you know which plants, flowers and greenery are toxic to your pet if ingested.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you suspect your dog or cat has swallowed a poisonous substance.

Hazard #5: Pests

Depending on where you live and your dog’s or cat’s lifestyle, you’ll need to prepare to manage summertime pet pests like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

In most cases, there are safe, effective ways to prevent or eradicate pest infestations that don’t involve dosing your pet with toxic chemicals.

For daily flea, tick and mosquito management, I recommend the Natural Flea and Tick Defense and Tick Stick. This product is a pest repellent system I recently introduced which includes an all-natural spray and a special tick removal tool which allows you to safely extricate the little blood suckers if they manage to attach to your pet.

If you live in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, be sure to read my recent article on the spread of this disease. Also make sure to read the latest information on heartworm drug resistance and the best way to keep your pet free of this disease.

 

SUMMER SAFETY SURVIVAL GUIDE: 10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE

Summer is the time for outdoor cookouts, pool parties and backyard play dates – not a time for bandaging scrapes, nursing burns – or worse. Learn these important summer safety tips and make sure everyone in your family knows them by heart too. That way, it will be a summer to remember, for all the right reasons.

 

SUMMER SAFETY

Summer is the time for outdoor cookouts, pool parties and backyard play dates – not a time for bandaging scrapes, nursing burns – or worse. Learn these important summer safety tips and make sure everyone in your family knows them by heart too. That way, it will be a summer to remember, for all the right reasons.

Pool Safety

  1. Supervise constantly: Good supervision means you are able to scan the pool area every 20 seconds and be able to reach the pool in 10 seconds.
  2. Put multiple safety barriers between children and the pool: Install a four-foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach. Also cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence surrounding the pool.
  3. Always check the pool first if a child is missing: Child drowning is often a silent death that alerts no one with splashes or yells for help. Many drowning accidents happen when children have been missing for less than five minutes.
  4. Empty small wading pools and remove all toys after children are through playing: Infants can drown in just a few inches of water. Floats, balls and other toys may attract children to the pool when it is unattended.

Backyard Safety

  1. Keep grills at least 10 feet from any structure: Grilling mishaps cause more than 8,300 fires and send 3,000 people to the emergency room each year. Never grill indoors or near garages or porches, even if it’s raining.
  2. Have a spray bottle or fire extinguisher handy: An unexpected flare up can burn more than your burgers. Use a spray bottle to avoid flare ups, and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, coals get hot – in some cases up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit – so dispose of charcoal away from kids and pets and cool it down with a hose.
  3. Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire: Both can cause an explosion. When grilling, use insulated, flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbeque tongs and utensils to handle food and coals.
  4. Check gas grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks: If the tank valve or grill needs repair, do not attempt to do it yourself. Take it to your local home improvement store or qualified appliance repair person.
  5. Inspect outdoor decorative lights carefully: Some families add backyard ambience with outdoor decorative lighting. Do not connect more than three midget light string sets together. Light strings with screw-in bulbs should have a maximum of 50 bulbs connected together. Be sure to use light strings bearing the UL Mark, which means UL has tested samples of the product for risk of fire, electric shock and other hazards.

Playground Safety

  1. Carefully inspect backyard playground equipment: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70 percent of all playground-related deaths occur on home playground equipment. Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding. For more information on playground safety, click here

HOW TO BE PREPARED WHEN SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES

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People all around the world are affected by severe weather, but many are not completely informed or prepared when storms actually strike. It can be hard to imagine our own homes being impacted by severe weather but it can happen.  In the aftermath of the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, it is now more important than ever to have a plan to keep your family safe.  Here are some ways you can prepare yourself and your home for severe weather.

 

Be Informed.
Go to www.ready.gov to find out about any natural disasters that could possibly occur in your area. Know the hazards that have happened or could happen in your community and how you will find out about them. Although communities vary, a common method is to broadcast over emergency radio and TV or you may hear a special siren, get a phone call, or emergency workers may knock on your door.

 

Make an Emergency Plan.
Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family and decide how you will contact each other, where you will meet, and what you will do in different situations. Having this emergency plan will help you be prepared during and after a natural disaster. It is also a good idea to find out about emergency plans at places away from your home such as work, school, sports events, and commuting.

 

Build a Disaster Supply Kit.
In case of an emergency, put together a simple collection of basic items that you may need during severe weather. Make sure you have enough food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours and keep in mind that most people will use one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation. A battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert is also a must. For more resources about building your kit, go to www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness.

 

Get Involved.
There are many ways to help before severe weather hits, including volunteering to support disaster efforts in your community with organizations such as Citizen Corps, becoming part of the community planning process, joining a preparedness project, or making a donation. Visit www.citizencorps.gov or www.redcross.org for more opportunities to help and get involved.

 

It is important to understand that almost every area is at some risk for a natural disaster which is why knowing how to be prepared is absolutely necessary to protect your home and your family from all types of severe weather.

 

 

April 22, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from George Savile:  “Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen.”  (Fred)  “Punishment is designed to deter an act; the dilemma is that it never works, but we cannot cheat justice, what should we do?”

Fred’s observation for today is:  Should we care what the Boston bombers motive is, these people are murderers.  Anyone who does this kind of act, which is premeditated doesn’t deserve any defense.  I don’t care if they had a bad childhood, their country wants to be free, their religion is persecuted, or any other possible motivation that sends these nut cases over the edge.  I will bet money that anyone hurt or killed at the Boston Marathon had nothing to do with any possible grievance.

I have a novel idea.  Any foreign national (if the terrorist is a U.S.Citizen, we will take care of them under our laws) that commits an act of terror in the U.S., will cause all student visas, travel visas, work visas, business visas and immigration papers from their country, to be immediately pulled and all those individuals will be given 48 hours to get out of the country, also all foreign aid to that country will be suspended for 10 years.  I understand that this is like throwing the baby out with the bath water—but the babies are already dead.

Gay Marriage

April 12, 2013.

I think it is time to weigh in on same sex marriage.

I am against the minority changing the definition of a word that has meant the same thing for centuries.  I took out my trusty Webster’s New Students Dictionary circa 1974, and the definition of marriage is as follows:  1a : the state of being married  b :  the mutual relationship of husband and wife : WEDLOCK c : the institution whereby a man and a woman are joined in a special social and legal relationship for the purposes of making a home and raising a family  2:  an act of marrying;  esp : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities 3 : an intimate or close union.

However, Gay Advocates are God’s creatures and deserve the same legal rights that married couples have.  A Civil Union which seems to be the term of choice, is all right by me.  It just seems that the rush to establish this type of legal relationship will have many unintended consequences.

We have had several centuries of case law on marriages and divorces.  We have little or none for same sex unions and the dissolution of the same.  Will same sex couples have the right to adopt children?  There will be instances where children will be involved from a previous relationship.  Who gets custody in the event of dissolution of the union?  Who has to pay child support?  Who is the mother or father?  Can a father have a union with his son?  Can a mother have a union with her daughter?

I believe that to rush into a Civil Union or whatever term is chosen (anything except marriage) until some of these questions are answered by legislation is foolish.  Let us not create huge problems because we are in haste or because the minority sees an opening for their agenda.

Fred Sponseller

March 29, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Francis Bacon:  “A bachelor’s life is fine at breakfast, a flat lunch, and a miserable dinner.”  (Fred)  “This quote is a thumbs up for marriage.”

Today is Good Friday, lest we forget, today is the day that God’s only Son died for us!

Consider the Costs of Remodeling

If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling an existing home, there’s a good chance that you haven’t thought through all of the fees involved in the project.

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If you are thinking of building a new home or remodeling an existing home, there’s a good chance that you haven’t thought through all of the fees involved in the project.  Construction costs, whether for new construction or remodeling include any on-site work such as tree removal, landscaping, site clearing, septic systems, drainage systems, utility hookups, fencing, etc.  construction costs such as demolition, framing, roofing, wiring, drywall, installation, heating/cooling, plumbing, electricity, painting, flooring, etc. and also includes some less often thought of costs such as a/v system installation, home automation, security systems, swimming pools, etc.  But in addition to these costs, there are also non-construction based fees such as design fees (architect, landscape architect, interior designer, etc.), engineering fees (structural engineer, HVAC, land survey, etc.) relocation costs (do you have to rent a home temporarily or rent a storage unit?), and the various fees associated with real estate such as legal fees, accounting fees, and financing fees.  Of course if you are going to build or remodel, don’t forget to factor in the post-construction costs that are often forgotten about until time and budget are all but gone!  This would include things like furniture, wall treatments, and window treatments.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Goodbye 2012!

NYE

Still not sure what your plans are for tonight?  Check out my past post of places to party this New Year’s Eve for some ideas.  Several other area restaurants are open tonight to ring in the New Year too!  And if you’d rather look ahead to 2013, check out the Cape Gazette’s article on what’s ahead in our area in the next year.

December 31, 2012-Happy New Year Everyone!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

“I am just a poor boy.
Though my story’s seldom told, I have squandered my resistance
For a pocketful of mumbles,
Such are promises
All lies and jest
Still, a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest. – From “The Boxer,” by Paul Simon “Selective hearing has always caused problems”

Fred’s Last Pick for 2012 is MLS # 590431-$6,000,000.  This home has just been reduced $1.5M, it has 8 BR, 8.5 BA in 6150 sq. ft. on .47 acre of Ocean Front Lot, in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  Need I say more; call me @ 302 258-6983 to see the grand home.December 31, 2012

Santa’s Real Estate Whirlwind

As Santa prepares for his whirlwind tour of every house and chimney in the world, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) prepares to track him, just as they have every Christmas Eve for the pas 57 years!

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As Santa prepares for his whirlwind tour of every house and chimney in the world, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) prepares to track him, just as they have every Christmas Eve for the pas 57 years!

It all began in 1955 when a Sears Roebuck & Company catalog promised a Santa hotline but misprinted the number and gave the number for what was then the Continental Air Defense Command (now NORAD) instead.  When Col. Harry Shoup fielded the first call that Christmas Eve he was probably expecting the Secretary of Defense, some kind of red alert, or perhaps even the President, but instead he heard a little girl on the other end of the line asking about Santa.  He immediately sprang into gear, instructing staff to check the radar of signs of Santa, and thus a tradition was born.
The official NORAD website explains how they use radar, satellites, Santa Cams, and fighter jets to track Santa in a very high-tech system that begins the moment the NORAD radar indicates that Santa has lifted off.

You can track Santa personally and check the running count of gifts delivered at NORAD’s official website by clicking this link.  Your kids (or you!) can also follow Santa by emailing noradtrackssanta@outlook.com or by phone at 1-877-HI-NORAD.  This year you can also download the NORAD Tracks Santa mobile app.

Happy Santa tracking & Merry Christmas Eve!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

December 18, 2012

Today’s food for thought.  “The books that help you the most are those which make you think the most.”  Theodore Parker  “Think and dream, we all must do that to keep the gray cells active.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 598840-$150,000.  Here is a Georgetown DE, short

sale rancher that has 3 BR, 2 BA in 1344 sq. ft.  There is a 1.5% negotiator’s fee on

this property.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.

Holiday Home Safety Tips

As merry and bright as the holiday season is, did you know that it is also one of the most dangerous times in your home? Home safety is often compromised during the holiday season.

As merry and bright as the holiday season is, did you know that it is also one of the most dangerous times in your home?  Home safety is often compromised during the holiday season.  Falls, fires, and trips to the emergency room are more common during the holiday season than any other time of year.  To keep yourself, your home, and your family safe consider the following:

Lights – carefully inspect all strings of holiday lights for frayed cords, cracked bulbs and loose connections.  Be sure to unplug the string of lights when replacing burnt out bulbs and always check the wattage to be sure you aren’t overtaxing the strands.  In addition you should always, always turn off all holiday lights when leaving your home or going to bed.  If you can, it is best to place all outdoor lights on a timer to switch on after 7pm.

Trees – if you have a fresh tree be sure to keep it well watered and far away from any fireplaces or candles.  If you have an artificial tree be sure that it is labeled fire-resistant.  Either way, be sure that your base is steady so that the tree won’t tip over easily.

Entertaining – when cooking for a crowd be sure to keep an eye on the stove.  Unattended ovens/stoves are the number one cause of home fires in the U.S.

General Safety – keep all matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children.  Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries as necessary.  Do not discuss holiday travel plans publically or with strangers.  Store scissors and ribbons used to wrap gifts well out of children’s reach.  Inspect all toys, decorations, and gifts for small objects which can be choking hazards or sharp edges which can be dangerous.

 Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you — 302-644-2266.

Tips for Coping With Holiday Stress

The holidays are a stressful time of year for many people. There are many things you can do to help make the stress of the season more bearable.

The holidays are a stressful time of year for many people.  There are many things you can do to help make the stress of the season more bearable.  First, realize that it is okay to feel sad, depressed, stressed or anything other than the happy person that people expect.  Next, be realistic – know that situations change and with them traditions and rituals change as well.  Change isn’t always easy, but creating new traditions when its time will help ease any stress you feel.  Perhaps the most effective way to relive holiday stress is to learn to say no when you need to.  Saying yes to every get together, work assignment, and friend while leaving no time for yourself and your family is the number one way to burn-out during this festive season.  By limiting yourself to only what is absolutely necessary and/or most important to you, you will limit the amount of stress you allow into your life which makes it easier to spend a few minutes on yourself.  Making time for yourself during the next couple of hectic weeks is important for your mental health.  Even if you just spend 15 minutes alone to take a quick walk, read a magazine, or listen to music, spending time alone and clearing your mind can reduce stress and help you stay calm as things heat up.  Finally, recognize that along with being stressful, the holidays can be a sad, lonely, and depressing time for many people so don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family, community, or support groups if you need to and by all means, seek professional help if you need it.  The holidays should be a time filled with joy and not stress!

December 17, 2012

“Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.”  Tecumseh “It is sometimes difficult to show respect to Mugwamps who know everything.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 580908-$3000.00.  Here is your beach getaway home.  The location is Whispering Pines Mobil Home Park, Lewes DE.  It is a 2 BR, 1 BA (needs complete renovation) with an enclosed side porch which doubles you space.  The lot rent is $434.00/mo.  Call me if interested in this getaway @ 302 258-6983.