Some spring thoughts

Well daylight savings time kicks in this Sunday morning at 2am, unless you feel like waking up to change your clock, you can do it Saturday night before you retire for the evening.  Remember Spring forward, Fall back.

Another reminder that when you change your clocks, change the batteries in ALL of your smoke detectors.  This way they are changed two times per year and the batteries will be new and strong.  Speaking of your smoke detectors, how old are they?  Is it time for some new ones?  Probably every 5 or so years or when you buy your home (unless it is new) would be a good time to replace them.

Speaking of spring, it is time to think about that garden and those nice tomatoes we grow around here.  The VA Cooperative suggests planting after 1 May in the Eastern, or Piedmont part of the State, the chance of a killing frost is over and it is normally safe to plant.  Here are some recommendations from the VA Cooperative for tomatoes.

Environmental Preferences

SOIL: Well-drained, loam.LIGHT: Sunny.
FERTILITY: Medium-rich.
TEMPERATURE: Warm (70° to 80°F)
MOISTURE: Moist, but not waterlogged

I guess if we are talking about growing things it is time to talk about trimming and cutting things, like the lawn.  Have you had your mower serviced or done it yourself?  Now is the time, all be it a little late to take it to the shop to get it done, but you can do a few simple things, change the spark plug, change the oil, and sharpen the blade.  Remember to be careful sharpening the blade that it is done evenly so that you don't get any vibration.


Just a few safety reminders, always wear shoes when operating the lawn mower, or weed eater, wear safety glasses and remember never stick your hand  into the blades when the machine is operating.  One more thing, never fill the gas tank when the engine is running, and if the engine is hot do it away from your home.


Rates are good still, inventory is low.  It can be a good time to refinance, so if you have any questions give me a call.  Also FHA announced that if you have an FHA loan before 2009 that you can Refinance and use the old Mortgage Insurance Rate on the Refinance and that will save you considerably on the monthly payment.


Have a great Wednesday!


Mark