In campgrounds across the nation, at dusk when the light is just right, if one listens carefully, the chirp of the Twilight Honker can be heard announcing nightfall and the paranoia of fellow campers. With a scientific name like Honkalarmus Paranoiac, one can imagine frail little birds taking flight at the slightest hint of danger. The truth is, these annoying beasts are the result of discourteous, mistrustful campers everywhere.

It is inevitable that you will hear someone setting their car alarm as night falls in any campground. What’s funny is to hear the next few car alarms being set by others who heard the call. What’s not so funny is when someone sets off their alarm disrupting the relative peace and quiet of evenings and mornings in the great outdoors.

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As a child, I was terribly frightened by the movie the Wizard of Oz. It wasn’t the witch, the trees, or even the monkeys. The idea of a tornado coming and tearing up my house and carrying me away from the comforts of my home and family was really quite traumatizing.

With age and a little therapy, I’ve been mostly able to overcome this fear. But the other night I couldn’t help but remember how my siblings and friends would taunt me about our neighbor’s car – an Oldsmobile Toronado. As I tried to drift off to sleep, the unmistakable sound of a distant tornado warning siren kept me wide awake. Hey, I saw Twister. Read the rest of this entry »

Part of our mission with this site is to help others find their ideal live / work situation, and we think that a home renovated by our good friends Mark and Kathy Johnson, of Jackson CA, is perfect for those looking to escape the rat race.

This historic Arts and Crafts home is in pretty Amador City, CA. We saw it when we visited them in June, and just learned that it’s still for sale.

• The restoration work is incredible — historically appropriate, recycled, salvaged, and revamped materials
• The finishing touches, HVAC, appliances and landscaping are of the highest calibre.
• The Amador area is gorgeous — wineries, outdoor adventures, and serene surroundings.
• Within easy driving distance of Stockton and the Bay Area – perfect for a telework situation.

It’s truly a buyer’s market out there; this home would’ve sold for around $700k just a while back. Take a look at their description below, and if you, or someone you know is looking to relocate to a quiet, rural area in the heart of California’s Gold Country, please give them a call.

Arts And Crafts Home For Sale
14470 W School St, Amador City, CA

This historic Arts And Crafts home has been lovingly restored by Jackson Architect, Mark Johnson. This 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, 2,000 sq. ft. home features rich, craftsman details throughout, extensive moldings and detailed woodwork, professional kitchen, period lighting and custom color palette by Graphic Designer, Kathleen duBois. Many architectural objects, hardware, doors, old growth lumber and cabinets recycled from historic buildings in the Bay Area and Oregon.

Restoration includes all new systems, 2-zone heating/AC, new hardwood floors, new insulation and wired for phone, cable and computer in every room; perfect for live/work. Large double lot with automatic sprinklers, native garden, artisan stonewalls and fountains. Steps from charming Amador City with gourmet bakery/cheese shop and restaurants. And, 15 minutes from the Shenandoah Valley wine country. A special home in the most charming city in the Mother Lode.

$537,000
MLS #105346
For Information call Sarah Zulim (209) 217-6172
www.amadorrealtor.com