Local Wisdom - 3/27/08

If you're not familiar with Local Wisdom, it is a weekly Wenatchee World column which shares helpful information; particularly for the North Central Washington resident. Today's column--Five things to know about planting the right tree in the right location--provides information that homeowners should consider when planting trees.

Local wisdom - Five things to know about planting the right tree in the right location By Dee RiggsWorld staff writer Posted March 27, 2008

"It's not a pretty sight. Here and there, along streets and alleys, formerly beautiful trees sprout grotesque shapes at their crowns.

Most times, they're directly under utility lines. They got their unsightly look because tree-trimming crews had to cut off their tops to keep branches from interfering with utility service.

Bill Sanborn is the Chelan County PUD's forestry program manager. Much of his job is devoted to keeping trees from growing into utility lines. In addition to working with the tree-trimming company under contract with the PUD, he educates the public about planting the right tree in the right location.

If that's done, trees of all sizes can grow to their mature height and natural shape. Specifically, shorter-growing trees will be planted under utility lines, and taller-growing trees can achieve their natural mature height and shape elsewhere in the yard."

Click below to read the full article!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080327/HOM/333574990

Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 3/26/08

Pot Roasted Lamb Shanks with Cannelini Beans
4 servings

1 ½ cups dried cannelloni beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 bay leaf
4 meaty lamb shanks
Salt and fresh ground pepper
8 large garlic cloves with skin on
6 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade)
2 teaspoon sherry vinegar
2 teaspoon fresh chopped tyme

In large saucepan, cover beans and the bay leaf with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until the beans are tender; about 2 hours. Drain the beans and discard bay leaf.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 300. Heat an enameled cast-iron casserole that’s large enough to hold the lamb shanks in a single layer. Season shanks with salt and pepper, and cook over moderate heat to lightly brown; turning a few times (15 minutes or so). Nestle the garlic cloves among the shanks. Cover and cook in the over for 1 hour and 45 minutes, turning three times, until shanks are very tender.

Reduce the oven temperature to 200. Transfer the shanks to a small roasting pan, and add the garlic cloves to a small bowl. Cover the shanks with foil and keep warm in oven. Add the chicken stock to the casserole and set the casserole over a burner. Boil over high heat until the juices have reduced to 4 cups; roughly 16-20 minutes.

Peel the garlic cloves and add the sherry. With a fork, mash to a paste. Add the garlic paste to the juices in the casserole. Poor 4 cups into a bowl and baste shanks several times before serving. Stir in beans and thyme to remaining 4 cups, simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Place lamb shanks and beans on plate, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a Merlot dominated red Bordeaux. Enjoy!

Don’t Forget Your Pets In An Emergency

Images from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina of pets being taken from their owners during evacuation are disturbing and heartbreaking. While any emergency you may encounter is not as likely to be as dire as a hurricane, it still makes good sense to include your pets in your own household emergency plan. Here are some tips:

* If staying in a hotel or motel is a possibility, contact them and find out what their policies are for guests with pets during an emergency.

* Contact local veterinarians and boarding kennels to find out which ones offer animals shelter during an emergency.

* When preparing your own household emergency kit, keep your pets in mind. Make sure to include food, water, bowls, leashes and collars, medications and a recent picture of your pets in case they become lost.

* Understand that American Red Cross disaster shelters do not accept pets unless they are service animals assisting people with disabilities.

* Contact your local humane society to see what assistance they might provide in sheltering and caring for animals during an emergency.

Please let us know by phone or email if we can provide additional tips for dealing with emergencies.

Property values rise by nearly $1 billion in Chelan County

An interesting article from today's Wenatchee World. Helpful or spun stats?
Property values rise by nearly $1 billion in Chelan County
By Michelle McNiel
World staff writer Posted March 20, 2008

"WENATCHEE - The combined value of all real property in Chelan County jumped by nearly $1 billion last year, fueled largely by one of the hottest home real estate markets in the country.

The increase was the largest percentage jump in values in a single year since 1974, when the county began assessing property at 100 percent of its value rather than 50 percent for the purpose of collecting more taxes.

"Property values have gone through the roof," said county Assessor Russ Griffith, now in his 18th year at the post."

Click below for the entire story!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080320/NEWS04/353337220

Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 3/19/08

Mango-Chili Grilled Shrimp (4 Servings)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 small minced shallot
1 minced garlic clove
1 minced red Thai chili
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 peeled mango cut into ¼ inch dice
2 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 cup baby arugula
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper

1. Stir together the three tablespoons of olive oil with the vinegar, shallot, garlic, chile, ginger and cilantro. Fold in the mango and season with salt.

2. Drizle the shrimp with oil, toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Grill shimp on high, turning once, untile lightly charred and just cooked through, about 4 minutes.

3. Transfer the shrimp to plates and top with mango salsa. Add arugula to place, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Gardens that Don’t Require a Lot of Space, Water or Time

Nothing makes a home quite as appealing as attractive plants. People lacking a green thumb or the time or space necessary to devote to a garden might consider adding window boxes or small raised beds to add a touch of color. Here are some ideas to get you started:

* Window boxes are the easiest to install, plant, and maintain. Wrought iron grids called ‘hayracks' are available in many stores. They come in a variety of widths and attach easily to your window trim. Their liner helps retain soil and water, keeping your plants moist and healthy.

* Raised beds are best when made from pressure-treated dimensional lumber or artificial wood products like Trex to minimize rotting over time. Cut the lumber into the dimensions you want then nail or screw them together to form a frame. Place the frame where you want it, making sure it's level. Then add a layer of fine gravel at the bottom for drainage followed by topsoil, and finally an organic topdressing. This works with large pots as well.

* For south-facing window boxes and beds, plant sun-loving perennials or herbs. For north and east facing locations, choose shade plants like ivy, hostas, begonias, hydrangeas, geraniums or bleeding hearts. For western exposures, sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants are best. Choose vegetables in the spring and summer and in late fall and winter, plant decorative cabbage (kale) or dwarf boxwoods.

* Whatever you plant, make sure to water only enough to keep plants from wilting in the sun. Remember, too much water can be as bad as not enough.

Please call or email us if you'd like us to recommend a local nursery or help you with any of your real estate needs.

Is it really greener here?

Here's an interesting article on the Wenatchee Valley and how "green" it is in the environmental sense. Is it really greener here?
By Michelle McNielWorld staff wri.ter
Posted March 15, 2008

"It's been nearly a year since Wenatchee found itself in a surprising national spotlight, being named the fifth-greenest city in America.

City leaders reveled in the honor. Economic development proponents used it to market the area to potential new businesses. And real estate agents hyped it up to encourage people to move to the Wenatchee Valley.

But others thought the national ranking was undeserved and even laughable."

Click below for the full story!
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/NEWS04/661595410

How to Hire and Work with a Contractor – Part 1

Sooner or later you may need to hire a contractor to perform maintenance, painting, remodeling, landscaping, or other project. Here are some tips on how to choose a contractor to ensure you get a fair price and are treated fairly during the process.

* Start by writing down exactly what it is you want the contractor to do and when you want it done. Be specific.

* Make a list of prospective contractors. Ask friends and neighbors, check the phone book, your local newspaper, or online classified ads like Craig's List.

* Meet with the contractors you've selected to show them your property and discuss the project in detail. Use your written description of the project to make sure you cover all the points on it with each contractor you meet.

* If a contractor suggests additional work, ask for his estimate in two parts with the second part covering the additional work he suggests beyond what was on your original project description.

* Ask exactly who will be doing the work and the extent of the contractor's personal involvement in your project.

* For small projects, payment is usually made in full on completion. Larger projects usually require making interim payments on a weekly or monthly basis. Make sure you both agree on when interim payments will be made.

* Get an estimate in writing. Be sure it specifies all labor and materials that may be required. If subcontractors are required, be sure the estimate includes their cost as well.

* Choose your contractor based on whatever factor you're most comfortable with: lowest price; reputation; or ‘gut feel'.

* It's good business practice for both of you to sign a copy of the estimate and for you to give the contractor a deposit before the project begins. The deposit can be either a flat fee or a percentage of the total estimate amount.

* Never make full payment for a project up front.

Please let us know by phone or email if we can provide additional tips for dealing with contractors or if we can provide any referrals. We are always happy to help you, your family and friends with any real estate related needs.