I left Big Bear on Thursday afternoon to go to Palm Springs. I had a couple of doctors appointments to keep on Friday. It was such a beautiful drive down via the back way, Highway 18 to Camp Rock Road and then right on Old Woman Springs Road and on to Yucca Valley, Morongo and into Palm Springs.
The snow was so high along the roads leading out of Big Bear Valley. You have to be here to fathom the amount of snow that we have. I continue to have difficulty seeing out my office window because the snow is so high it blocks the road!
It was cool in Palm Springs and it felt like winter. Friday I saw the doctors and then did a little shopping. I ate out and then settled in for the evening. About 4:00 A M I awoke hearing very hard rain falling on the roof of my home. It was actually pouring down and it was loud! It rained most of Saturday. I ate breakfast at Coco's my favorite spot for breakfast in P.S. and then I went to the mall. You know going to a mall is nothing special...unless you don't have a mall! Of course, Big Bear doesn't so going to the mall in P.S. is exciting! No having to wear boots, gloves and a hat was also fun. If I were in Big Bear I would have to be bundled up to keep warm!
It was snowing in Big Bear while it was raining in P.S. so I decided to stay another night. The cats were with me so I didn't have to go home on Saturday. I just relaxed which was good for me because I hadn't taken a day off in over 30 days. Time goes by so fast when you are working you forget you didn't take your day off!
On Sunday the skies in P. S. were almost clear except for some foggy looking clouds at the very top of the mountains in front of my house. It was cold but pleasant. I picked a couple of bags of gratefruit, some lemons and some oranges to bring home. The fruit just off the tree is so much better than what is sold in the store.
I put the cats in their cages, then in the car and we left. I always have pangs of sadness when I leave the place in P.S. I never want to go home, but I know I must. The three of us enjoyed the ride home. There was so much snow on the mountains all the way home. There were clouds and a little wind and it was very beautiful. I kept thinking that the next time I drive down to P.S will be in March for my mother and my daughter's birthday and the wild flowers just might be in bloom by then. I may see a blanket of yellow and lavender covering the high desert alongside the road. I read while I was in P.S. that they expect a tremendous profusion of wild flowers this spring all across the desert. It has been many years since I have seen a heavy blanket of wild flowers in the desert because we haven't had the needed rain. Boy we got it this year! I an looking forward to the beautiful sight of wild flowers, blooming on their own with just the help of mother nature!
Coming up the back grade I began to be enveloped by the mass amount of snow covering everything. It had snowed again on Saturday. I felt that old feeling of confinement and a little claustrophobic! Heading straight into that mammoth pile of snow that has covered everything and everybody. I guess you have to be pretty sane to live in such isolation that this much snow brings. Sometimes I wonder why I live here. It has been 41 years now and I think this year I don't like snow that much! It has been a very tough winter so far. Although, if I think about how wonderful this spring will be in Big Bear I forget about all that white stuff outside my door. I love the spring and summer in Big Bear! So, I will brace for Tuesday and Wednesday's storm and live through it and probably forget it even happened by June!
Until next time, Bonnie
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Time periods of a forclosure
Good day to you! As I look out my window The huge pile of snow in front of my house continues to block the view of the street. Yesterday, all day dump trucks and a loader were removing snow in Fox Farm; however, they did not reach my house. I hope today will be the day. It is to the point that I can hardly back out of my driveway without hitting a snow pile behind me. Then when I drive forward I hit another snow pile in front of me own house. I have to Jockey a few times before I can actually drive forward down the street and be on my way! I hear more snow is expected tomorrow!
Let's talk about foreclosures. That word is certainly on many folks minds lately. The foreclosure period lasts about 4 months give or take a few days. You are actually in default the day you stop making payments. In California you must be 90 days in arrears before the foreclosure proceeding can begin. Typically, the bank will wait the 90 days and then file a Notice of Default.
The lender files the notice with the county recorder's office and posts the notice on the property. Once the notice of default has been filed the law says that the lender cannot effect a sale of the property prior to three months or 90 days after the Notice of Default has been filed.
After the 90 days are up the lender will file a "Notice of Trustee Sale" with the county recorder's office. The planned sale is referred to as the "Trustee Sale" and can't occur until at least 20 days after the Trustee Sale notice is filed.
The lender will usually set the Trustee Sale for the 21st day after the 90 days are up. The sale would be held on the court house steps and either an individual will buy the property or the bank will purchase the property. Normally, the lender buys the property.
In the loan documents that you originally signed you gave permission to the lender to foreclose on the property if you defaulted. Once you missed a payment you have defaulted! In the above circumstances it takes about 110 days or more to complete the foreclosure after the original 90 days have elapsed. Some bank wait longer before they file the Notice of Default. Many lenders don't want more homes on their books so they delay filing a notice of default. However, if you receive a Notice of Default start counting the days because if you don't, before you know it, you may find the sheriff at your door removing you from the property.
If you have missed a payment think about a "short Sale". That could be the best answer for you instead of foreclosure. A short sale can be done easily and it won't effect your credit like a foreclosure would. If you have questions please call me.
Until next time, Bonnie
Let's talk about foreclosures. That word is certainly on many folks minds lately. The foreclosure period lasts about 4 months give or take a few days. You are actually in default the day you stop making payments. In California you must be 90 days in arrears before the foreclosure proceeding can begin. Typically, the bank will wait the 90 days and then file a Notice of Default.
The lender files the notice with the county recorder's office and posts the notice on the property. Once the notice of default has been filed the law says that the lender cannot effect a sale of the property prior to three months or 90 days after the Notice of Default has been filed.
After the 90 days are up the lender will file a "Notice of Trustee Sale" with the county recorder's office. The planned sale is referred to as the "Trustee Sale" and can't occur until at least 20 days after the Trustee Sale notice is filed.
The lender will usually set the Trustee Sale for the 21st day after the 90 days are up. The sale would be held on the court house steps and either an individual will buy the property or the bank will purchase the property. Normally, the lender buys the property.
In the loan documents that you originally signed you gave permission to the lender to foreclose on the property if you defaulted. Once you missed a payment you have defaulted! In the above circumstances it takes about 110 days or more to complete the foreclosure after the original 90 days have elapsed. Some bank wait longer before they file the Notice of Default. Many lenders don't want more homes on their books so they delay filing a notice of default. However, if you receive a Notice of Default start counting the days because if you don't, before you know it, you may find the sheriff at your door removing you from the property.
If you have missed a payment think about a "short Sale". That could be the best answer for you instead of foreclosure. A short sale can be done easily and it won't effect your credit like a foreclosure would. If you have questions please call me.
Until next time, Bonnie
Monday, February 1, 2010
The rabbit in the back yard
First, the snow remains! It is everywhere. It is shrinking in height but not in mass. Pavement isn't showing yet in front of my house. You do need 4-wheel drive or chains on most of the side roads because they have been plowed poorly. It is beautiful to look out at the sparkling snow every morning. While I was looking out my upstairs window today I saw my resident rabbit that lives in the back yard looking for food. The snow is so deep that the animals are having difficulty finding enough to eat. The rabbit was out by my compost bin. I do put scrapes, peelings, etc. out there every few days. But it had been a while and I had a full container in the house to dump out there. I watched the rabbit eat some vegetable scrapes from the side of the bin. There wasn't much for her to eat. So, I went down stairs and put on my boots and took the leavings out to
the bin. I had lettuce, a pear and some potato peelings. I left it on the snow near the bin and then I went back inside. I do hope the rabbit finds it.
This particular rabbit has lived here in my yard for over a year. It has not had to fight for food so hard before. And too, she is in danger every time she ventures out in search of food because of the white snow she stands out. She has no camouflage now that everything is covered in snow. I hope she makes it. Last spring she had two little bunnies, they were so cute!
I am concerned about all the animals that live or visit my back yard. Food is in short supply and the snow won't melt for a very long time. I hope they survive.
If you haven't seen snow before or you haven't seen it for a long time then now is the time to visit Big Bear. You won't believe how much snow there is. We are expecting more snow this week. I don't know where we will put it but we need the moisture for our drinking water so I want it to come.
Until next time, Bonnie
the bin. I had lettuce, a pear and some potato peelings. I left it on the snow near the bin and then I went back inside. I do hope the rabbit finds it.
This particular rabbit has lived here in my yard for over a year. It has not had to fight for food so hard before. And too, she is in danger every time she ventures out in search of food because of the white snow she stands out. She has no camouflage now that everything is covered in snow. I hope she makes it. Last spring she had two little bunnies, they were so cute!
I am concerned about all the animals that live or visit my back yard. Food is in short supply and the snow won't melt for a very long time. I hope they survive.
If you haven't seen snow before or you haven't seen it for a long time then now is the time to visit Big Bear. You won't believe how much snow there is. We are expecting more snow this week. I don't know where we will put it but we need the moisture for our drinking water so I want it to come.
Until next time, Bonnie
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Big Bear Snow
Yes, the snow is still here. It will probably be here until June with the amount we have. It has been so difficult to get around because the plows have not cleared the roads well! That's an understatement, they have been missing in action in so many areas of Big Bear Valley! My own street and many others are one lane and somebody has to back up to allow the other car to pass. I can't remember when I have seen such bad road conditions! I suppose it was 1969 when the Marines came up and cleared the roads and dumped the snow in the lake. That was pre-environmentalists!
The snow can't be dumped in the lake any longer but, Alas, they are trucking the snow to areas near the lake and dumping it. That was my idea a week ago! In Fox Farm the city has had tractors and dump trucks working for the past two days. However, they didn't make it to my house, yet. I have seen the trucks and I know they are here. They are dumping the snow near the sewer treatment plant off Garstin in the newer phase of Eagle Point.
Allowing visitors, skiers and cabin owners up the mountain prior to clearing the snow was a poor idea. Most people don't realize how much snow we have and how much shoveling it requires to open up a driveway large enough for a car. It could take all day to clear the snow by hand. Cars are not allowed to be parked on the street when there is snow on the ground so you have to shovel out. The way the snow is today you really need a tractor to clear the driveway because the snow has frozen and it is like huge ice boulders in many places. However, the roads are open and people are lined up bumper to bumper trying to get into Big Bear!
There will be accidents, injuries, blocked roads, and frayed nerves this weekend. There is just too much snow to fathom. The locals have cabin fever and are on edge already so the mix of the Faltlanders and the overcrowded snow logged roads will prove to be dangerous!
Do come to Big Bear to visit and see the snow but just not this weekend! Allow the town to dig out, restock and be ready to serve you when you do arrive. Big Bear wants to have it's best face on when you make the trip. The best time to come is during the week and you will avoid most of the traffic. If you do come up this weekend be prepared for long lines of traffic and bring your chains.
Until next time, Bonnie
The snow can't be dumped in the lake any longer but, Alas, they are trucking the snow to areas near the lake and dumping it. That was my idea a week ago! In Fox Farm the city has had tractors and dump trucks working for the past two days. However, they didn't make it to my house, yet. I have seen the trucks and I know they are here. They are dumping the snow near the sewer treatment plant off Garstin in the newer phase of Eagle Point.
Allowing visitors, skiers and cabin owners up the mountain prior to clearing the snow was a poor idea. Most people don't realize how much snow we have and how much shoveling it requires to open up a driveway large enough for a car. It could take all day to clear the snow by hand. Cars are not allowed to be parked on the street when there is snow on the ground so you have to shovel out. The way the snow is today you really need a tractor to clear the driveway because the snow has frozen and it is like huge ice boulders in many places. However, the roads are open and people are lined up bumper to bumper trying to get into Big Bear!
There will be accidents, injuries, blocked roads, and frayed nerves this weekend. There is just too much snow to fathom. The locals have cabin fever and are on edge already so the mix of the Faltlanders and the overcrowded snow logged roads will prove to be dangerous!
Do come to Big Bear to visit and see the snow but just not this weekend! Allow the town to dig out, restock and be ready to serve you when you do arrive. Big Bear wants to have it's best face on when you make the trip. The best time to come is during the week and you will avoid most of the traffic. If you do come up this weekend be prepared for long lines of traffic and bring your chains.
Until next time, Bonnie
Monday, January 25, 2010
State of Emergency in Big Bear!
I was unable to blog in the past two days because we had no power, no phone or cell service. The snow is so high that it was over my head. With the power off I used my wood stove; however, my wood was running low, too! I have lived here a long time and through lots of bad winters but I was actually getting a little scared and worried about roof collapses and trees falling. As it turned out many trees have fallen through houses. In fact, a tree fell through the home of one of my agents. They are living in temporary housing for the present. A roof has fallen in on a house in Eagle Point and I am sure there is much more damage we haven't heard about as yet.
The manager of my company has been without power since Thursday of last week. I lost everything in my deep freeze and in my refrigerator/freezer due to the loss of power. We've burned about every candle in the stores and in the drawers! And now more snow is expected tomorrow. Most stations are out of gas and the markets are very low on food. And everywhere you look is huge mountains of snow! My handyman came this morning and is shoveling my roof and a path to the wood pile. I want to have wood in the house in case the power goes off again.
My plow guy couldn't get out of his home on Friday so more snow piled up. I really got cabin fever and felt so isolated. So, Saturday morning when I got up it was blue skies and the sun was out. I decided to take matters into my own hands and shovel to my 4-wheel drive truck and see if I could get out. I started shoveling from my front door to the street. The snow was higher than me. It took over two hours to shovel a 2' wide path to my truck and then to the street which was only about 25' from my front door. Then there was the chore of removing the 4' of snow on the top and hood of the truck. When I was able to work on the snow on the truck my plow guy arrived and I drove the truck out into the street where we cleaned it off.
The next two hours we worked on digging out my Little box car. My Scion XB which is my work car and run around town car. The added weight of 4' plus of snow on the car gave it great traction and it drove right out of the driveway. We cleaned it off and then the snowblower cleaned the area where it was parked. I worked another two hours with the plow guy to get that driveway cleared. The snow blower can't handle this much snow so we had to break up the snow with shovels and then the snowblower could take a pass. I was really tired after that. I came in the house and remembered that the power was still out. It was cold inside without heat.
Sunday morning the power came back on. Boy, was I happy. I won't complain about the electric again! I did drive to the market and picked up a few things but the market was not well stocked. When I arrived back home I made home made enchiladas and soup. I wanted to be prepared in case we lost power again.
The road conditions are terrible. I don't know where the plows are but the roads are very bad. Even the main highway is in poor condition. Yesterday, they allowed skiers up and there were stuck cars everywhere. Lots of accidents and people blocking the roads. The roads should have been closed so we could clean up and try to get re-supplied before the thousands of people come up to play.
Last night on the late news they said that the roads would be closed to other than local residents to allow a convoy of food , gas and general supply trucks to enter Big Bear Valley. We haven't had mail service since last Wednesday. That was a wise decision to close Big Bear until we can handle just getting around before the flood gates open.
This has been a trying time and I am glad that the snow stopped when it did. Our lake will certainly be full this spring. Until next time, Bonnie
The manager of my company has been without power since Thursday of last week. I lost everything in my deep freeze and in my refrigerator/freezer due to the loss of power. We've burned about every candle in the stores and in the drawers! And now more snow is expected tomorrow. Most stations are out of gas and the markets are very low on food. And everywhere you look is huge mountains of snow! My handyman came this morning and is shoveling my roof and a path to the wood pile. I want to have wood in the house in case the power goes off again.
My plow guy couldn't get out of his home on Friday so more snow piled up. I really got cabin fever and felt so isolated. So, Saturday morning when I got up it was blue skies and the sun was out. I decided to take matters into my own hands and shovel to my 4-wheel drive truck and see if I could get out. I started shoveling from my front door to the street. The snow was higher than me. It took over two hours to shovel a 2' wide path to my truck and then to the street which was only about 25' from my front door. Then there was the chore of removing the 4' of snow on the top and hood of the truck. When I was able to work on the snow on the truck my plow guy arrived and I drove the truck out into the street where we cleaned it off.
The next two hours we worked on digging out my Little box car. My Scion XB which is my work car and run around town car. The added weight of 4' plus of snow on the car gave it great traction and it drove right out of the driveway. We cleaned it off and then the snowblower cleaned the area where it was parked. I worked another two hours with the plow guy to get that driveway cleared. The snow blower can't handle this much snow so we had to break up the snow with shovels and then the snowblower could take a pass. I was really tired after that. I came in the house and remembered that the power was still out. It was cold inside without heat.
Sunday morning the power came back on. Boy, was I happy. I won't complain about the electric again! I did drive to the market and picked up a few things but the market was not well stocked. When I arrived back home I made home made enchiladas and soup. I wanted to be prepared in case we lost power again.
The road conditions are terrible. I don't know where the plows are but the roads are very bad. Even the main highway is in poor condition. Yesterday, they allowed skiers up and there were stuck cars everywhere. Lots of accidents and people blocking the roads. The roads should have been closed so we could clean up and try to get re-supplied before the thousands of people come up to play.
Last night on the late news they said that the roads would be closed to other than local residents to allow a convoy of food , gas and general supply trucks to enter Big Bear Valley. We haven't had mail service since last Wednesday. That was a wise decision to close Big Bear until we can handle just getting around before the flood gates open.
This has been a trying time and I am glad that the snow stopped when it did. Our lake will certainly be full this spring. Until next time, Bonnie
Friday, January 22, 2010
The snow is as high as an elephant's eye!
We prayed for snow and our prayers were answered and answered and answered! Stop, already, it's enough! The snow is so high here I am beginning to worry. The snow is so high that there isn't any place left to throw it. Even the tractors and the backhoes can't dump it high enough. Everything is covered with a deep, 4' to 6' blanket of white, beautiful snow! The trees are bowing to the ground from the weight. And it is still snowing!
Many parts of the valley remain without power. Large areas haven't had electricity since yesterday afternoon. I am fortunate that the power in Fox Farm was restored this morning. We are all kind of camping out, in our own homes.
When I opened the shade covering my slider I was shocked to see that the snow on my back deck was up to my waist. About 3' had been shoveled off yesterday but lots more came over night. I decided I better shovel some of the snow so I could get to my wood pile. If the electricity goes off again I will be without heat so I need the wood in the house. I shoveled for about 30 minutes, brought in some wood and went back inside. You tire very quickly when you have to throw snow above your shoulders to get it off the deck. I looked around at the mammoth amount of snow on the roof, on the deck and in the yard and could hardly believe how deep it was. I have lived in this house 31 years and I have never seen this much snow on the roof.
I continue to cook on the woodstove when the power is out. Last night I made tacos. That was interesting cooking over a fire by candlelight. Eating and writing is about all I can do since I can't really go outside. When you are out there you sink up to your hips in the deep snow. We have been advised to stay home because the roads are not plowed. I couldn't get out if I wanted to! My 4-wheeler is buried. Heck, I can't even get my front door open because over 4' of snow is piled in front of the storm door that opens out. I can't push it open enough to get a broom through it.
It looks like I will be sitting by the fire tonight trying to keep warm. I do hope the storm moves on to Arizona tomorrow! If you wanted to come to Big Bear do check to see that the roads are open and you will need chains.
Until next time, Bonnie
Many parts of the valley remain without power. Large areas haven't had electricity since yesterday afternoon. I am fortunate that the power in Fox Farm was restored this morning. We are all kind of camping out, in our own homes.
When I opened the shade covering my slider I was shocked to see that the snow on my back deck was up to my waist. About 3' had been shoveled off yesterday but lots more came over night. I decided I better shovel some of the snow so I could get to my wood pile. If the electricity goes off again I will be without heat so I need the wood in the house. I shoveled for about 30 minutes, brought in some wood and went back inside. You tire very quickly when you have to throw snow above your shoulders to get it off the deck. I looked around at the mammoth amount of snow on the roof, on the deck and in the yard and could hardly believe how deep it was. I have lived in this house 31 years and I have never seen this much snow on the roof.
I continue to cook on the woodstove when the power is out. Last night I made tacos. That was interesting cooking over a fire by candlelight. Eating and writing is about all I can do since I can't really go outside. When you are out there you sink up to your hips in the deep snow. We have been advised to stay home because the roads are not plowed. I couldn't get out if I wanted to! My 4-wheeler is buried. Heck, I can't even get my front door open because over 4' of snow is piled in front of the storm door that opens out. I can't push it open enough to get a broom through it.
It looks like I will be sitting by the fire tonight trying to keep warm. I do hope the storm moves on to Arizona tomorrow! If you wanted to come to Big Bear do check to see that the roads are open and you will need chains.
Until next time, Bonnie
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Snow and more Snow!
It's Thursday and we have had rain or snow, mostly snow, since Sunday here in the mountains. Just since yesterday I can measure over 3' of new snow and guess what...it is still snowing! This much snow now begins to cause problems. Every year during snow season we have heart attacks, broken limbs and auto accidents because of the snow and ice! This year will be the same but more so because we have a great deal more snow than usual. However, not close to 1969 yet but it could happen. Please, be very careful when you are in the mountains during snow conditions.
The sight of all that white on the roads and in the trees and bushes is truly beautiful...I wish you could see it. And at night when it turns real cold the snow glistens like diamonds. This snow is somewhat wet so it is starting to fall from the trees like little avalanches. Look out below! My cats, Julie and Ellie are lying in their beds on desks at opposite ends of my office and looking out the windows. They have never been in the snow but they are watching every movement outside, intently. The snow entertains them all through the day. Of course, they do have to take several cat naps in between the vigil
This much snow and water will ensure a great spring for the flowers and the trees. The lake benefits as well. Since our drinking water comes from the snow and rain we are grateful for every drop!
Even though it snowed last night the power stayed on and so did the satellite! Hurray! I don't always watch TV but I want to know that it is there if I want to turn it on!
If you are thinking of buying property in Big Bear this is a great time to look. Why, because you get a real view of the condition of the property. If there are leaks in the roof they would probably be visible after these storms. If the driveway is not easily accessible in winter you will see that too. If you looked in the summer you wouldn't have this insight. It is always best to be south facing if you can. The snow melts very quickly on south facing properties. If you are north facing you may find the remains of snow or ice until May or even June in some areas. If the driveway is a downslope it may be difficult to maneuver in the winter. Check for signs of run off through the property. We will have this snow for quite a while so this is the time to check out all these issues. The home inspector will probably not be able to check the roof because of the snow but leaks inside will be visible.
This couldn't be a better time to look at houses to buy. Our prices remain low as well as interest rates. Home buyer incentives are in place to give you some cash back, too! Your dream home awaits! Give me a call!
Until next time, Bonnie
The sight of all that white on the roads and in the trees and bushes is truly beautiful...I wish you could see it. And at night when it turns real cold the snow glistens like diamonds. This snow is somewhat wet so it is starting to fall from the trees like little avalanches. Look out below! My cats, Julie and Ellie are lying in their beds on desks at opposite ends of my office and looking out the windows. They have never been in the snow but they are watching every movement outside, intently. The snow entertains them all through the day. Of course, they do have to take several cat naps in between the vigil
This much snow and water will ensure a great spring for the flowers and the trees. The lake benefits as well. Since our drinking water comes from the snow and rain we are grateful for every drop!
Even though it snowed last night the power stayed on and so did the satellite! Hurray! I don't always watch TV but I want to know that it is there if I want to turn it on!
If you are thinking of buying property in Big Bear this is a great time to look. Why, because you get a real view of the condition of the property. If there are leaks in the roof they would probably be visible after these storms. If the driveway is not easily accessible in winter you will see that too. If you looked in the summer you wouldn't have this insight. It is always best to be south facing if you can. The snow melts very quickly on south facing properties. If you are north facing you may find the remains of snow or ice until May or even June in some areas. If the driveway is a downslope it may be difficult to maneuver in the winter. Check for signs of run off through the property. We will have this snow for quite a while so this is the time to check out all these issues. The home inspector will probably not be able to check the roof because of the snow but leaks inside will be visible.
This couldn't be a better time to look at houses to buy. Our prices remain low as well as interest rates. Home buyer incentives are in place to give you some cash back, too! Your dream home awaits! Give me a call!
Until next time, Bonnie
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