The first owner of my new home was the architect. I learned this when we evaluated a series of blueprints piled up in a front closet. The blueprints specifically show the electrical system, but also include structural details and dimensions.…
The best feature of my home is it’s surrounded by trees. Every window looks out into greenery. It’s surprising to me this wasn’t wholly apparent in the listing, especially the picturesque living room views. It’s one of my favorite features…
My new home is a 1969 ranch house, architected by the original owner. It sits on almost an acre of bigleaf maples and evergreens that tower above the house. It sits back on the property and over a small ravine,…
I have arrived in Australia, Straya, Oz, the land down under–land of many nicknames. I crossed both the equator and the international date line to get here, travelled well over 16 hours, and lost a day to boot–so yeah, I’m…
Though we only stopped for an hour or so, I’m sure I could easily lose time in Sacramento’s parks, unique shops and cafes, and it’s fascinating street art. We grabbed a second cup of wakey juice for the day at…
The town of Auburn, known for it’s Gold Rush history, is a pleasant day-trip option. Historic buildings and a courthouse from the late 1800’s add to it’s character, and it offers plenty of shopping options. At the crossroads of Sacramento…
After a long haul from Salt Lake–straight through Nevada and into California–we stopped for the night in Truckee. The tall pines were a welcome sight as we wove through the Sierra Mountains. When we reached Auburn, Courthouse Coffee, across the…
Departing from the city, we arced around the Great Salt Lake and into the salt flats. Along the way, is this intriguing tower. This 87-foot-tall sculpture, titled Metaphor: The Tree of Utah, was created by the Swedish artist Karl Momen…
Salt Lake City seems to me very placid and safe. The neighborhoods as well as the downtown area appeared calm and clean. Also, Salt Lake City’s light rail system offers a Free Fare Zone within the downtown area. For dinner,…
Upon entering Utah, we took a break at this rest stop near Echo Canyon. The dramatic wall of red rock and train tracks gliding through the valley well is worth a moment. Just beyond the rest stop is a pasture,…