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The Importance of Giving Thanks
I have lived in three foreign countries, in which the citizens have many fewer freedoms than we Americans have. I knew when my kids...
Paul Cummins
Nov 28, 20241 min read
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Wisdom from the Teacher's Chair: The Secret to Happiness and other matters.
Florence of Florence and the Machine recently wrote a song with the lyrics: "Whatever you do best hurts the most!" Telling for these...
Paul Cummins
Sep 30, 20241 min read
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Preparing to Sell your Home: Start 6 Months Out
Paint everything, add curb appeal (landscaping), fix obvious problems, refinish wood floors, use a stager, but don't spend lots of money...
Paul Cummins
May 24, 20241 min read
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Tool Time: Purge
After recent move I built a new shed and realized I should have purged tools before the move, but just packing up was hard enough. Ended...
Paul Cummins
Mar 5, 20241 min read
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My First Log Cabin!
This remarkable intact log cabin remains untouched surrounded by a newer building. It's a museum piece!
Paul Cummins
Feb 21, 20241 min read
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The Best Adhesive
Tried Gorilla product...wouldn't stick plastic to plastic. Made a mess. This squeeze tube is indispensable. Comes out easily. Is white...
Paul Cummins
Nov 24, 20231 min read
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Strange Wiring, Weird Plumbing, Sketchy Structures...
https://www.rd.com/list/diy-home-improvement-projects/ All hint at DIY work and raise some questions about safety and proper permits....
Paul Cummins
Nov 12, 20231 min read
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Even When Money is No Object...
Just visited Gari Melchers' home in Fredericksburg. He was active at the beginning of the last century. He changed his style to more...
Paul Cummins
Sep 3, 20231 min read
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Not Just an Old Shed
We moved to Fredericksburg into a house built in1863. This out building may have been slave quarters, due to evidence of an old stove. We...
Paul Cummins
Jul 26, 20231 min read
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Air "Fresheners" and Safety
Fabuloso not so fabulous! This pervasive cleaner made its way north from South America to homes and offices everywhere, until it was...
Paul Cummins
Mar 25, 20231 min read
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Back to Basics
Who doesn't have back pain after a certain age? I've gotten relief with acupuncture but complete independence came after I was taught...
Paul Cummins
Feb 28, 20231 min read
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Glitzy Services: Sewer Scoping, Infrared Camera Pics, and Lead X-raying.
I would be delighted to make more money during inspections but I'm stuck on lack of overall value to home buyers for extra services....
Paul Cummins
Feb 8, 20232 min read
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Great idea for older houses that need a little more sunshine!
Here's my feet in what I call our Breezeway. Double carport I decked and screened in. We spend most of our time out here for three...
Paul Cummins
Nov 28, 20221 min read
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Resilience and Beauty during rough times...
Pinkweed thriving in a sidewalk crack with winter soon upon it!
Paul Cummins
Nov 7, 20221 min read
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Paul Cummins
Sep 8, 20220 min read
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Sleeping in an Efficiency
Murphy beds have at most a six-inch foam mattress; they take up a whole wall or fold into a cumbersome cabinet and have to be completely...
Paul Cummins
Apr 16, 20221 min read
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Friends and Oddities Found Along the Way
Love this job. Always new friends to make and new mysteries to solve. This happy, huge fellow graced my inspection the other day. Very...
Paul Cummins
Mar 8, 20221 min read
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Rethinking Gas Stoves
Everyone has strong feelings about how to cook. Those old electric coils that rattled around were certainly awkward. However, electric...
Paul Cummins
Feb 19, 20221 min read
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Goldfish Can Drive: What's Limiting Us?
Not having such a great day. Normally I would call it the Februaries but two years into Covid it's at a whole new level. Did you see the...
Paul Cummins
Jan 25, 20221 min read
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Some Design Tips for Best Showing
My Home Inspector recommendations are to set the HVAC fan to "On" instead of "Auto" to ensure fresh air in the home, and to add new...
Paul Cummins
Jan 13, 20221 min read
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