Tag: the off season

Here Vs. There: The Top Question I Am Asked the Most

Here Vs. There: The Top Question I Am Asked the Most Why Snowbirds Consciously Choose to Live In Two Places Curiosity about the choice to live in two places vs. one primary home are what I am commonly asked when the subject of being a 

What The Golden Bachelor Has in Common with Snowbirds

Lake Kalamazoo , formed as part of the Kalamazoo River connects the twin towns of Saugatuck and Douglas What The Golden Bachelor and Snowbirds Have in Common The Golden Bachelor and Snowbirds Have Another Chance at Finding Love More than 7.7 million viewers to date 

Books Connect Snowbirds to Community: Six Favorite Local Gulf Coast Books

I am honored to have two original maps published in "Florida's Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise" by Robert Reynolds
I am honored to have two original maps published in "Florida's Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise" by Robert Reynolds

Books Connect Snowbirds to Community

Six Favorite Local and Regional Gulf Coast Books


At the end of summer when the weather starts changing and there's a lull in the seasons, it's the heart of the off season for snowbirds. I've found myself caught between the daily grind of my Northern home and planning ahead for the next snowbird season. It's not quite time to get caught up in the excitement of spending a winter away and there's still a lot to do to get to that point. Unfinished plans, unexpected commitments and personal goals are just a few of the barriers between now and the prospect of escaping to our beloved warm weather community. For me, bridging the off season gap is super important and I've found books to be therapeutic in many ways.

Books have always been a favorite past time and they bring many calming memories of reading by the lake, in the car as we travel or just sitting on the sofa in the evenings. Over the years I've collected local and regional cookbooks as well as beautiful coffee table books about my snowbird community. Each book is a prized possession because you can't just buy them anywhere. They are more special because they are exclusive to the southern community that we call home. Each one carries a memory: finding his and her local cookbooks in a charming downtown bookstore of the Walton County seat; browsing local books in The Henderson Park Inn's gift shop area after our anniversary dinner and shopping with the ladies in Seaside, a charming beach community of Northwest Florida. 

I've included an overview of favorite books in my collection and I encourage you to find your own personal local and regional books. New and used book stores, gift shops, local markets, online and everywhere in between, there's an array of books just waiting to be found. Books are more than just bound paper with ink. They transform, inspire, calm, inform, provide history, stories and entertainment as well as solace no matter where you are.


 

Books Bridge Time and Distances

One of the biggest comforts of either my Northern or Southern home are my growing collection of local and regional books. Each one is special with it's own story of how I acquired it. Not only do I purchase books for myself, I also look for books to leave behind for someone else to connect with and enjoy. I encourage each of you to find your own collection of meaningful books and share what makes them extra special.

Of the books featured in my collection, the most personally meaningful is "Florida's Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise," because the author included two of my original graphics in the book. Robert Reynolds found my original map of Florida's Emerald Coast that I created specifically for my Midlife Snowbird blog and now the revised map is immortalized on page two of his latest book. Upon the author's request, I created a second map of Walton County Florida's rare coastal dune lakes and that map is featured on page 32 of Mr. Reynold's book. To say it is an honor is an understatement. I have read the first edition of "Pathway to Paradise" cover to cover and highly recommend Mr. Reynold's books for anyone who loves Northwest Florida and wants to know more about the "History, People Walton County Communities, Highway 30A and Nature."


GREAT AMERICAN GRILLING: The Ultimate Backyard Barbecue and Tailgate Cookbook

Author: Kent Whitaker

Pages: 287

Photos: Yes

Publisher: Great American Publishers, Brandon, Mississippi

greatamericanpublishers.com

Overview:

Sizzling Starters

Serious Grilling

Something Extra

Introduction:

"My grandparents in Alabama and Mississippi grilled over pecan, charcoal and other woods. My dad mastered the art of campfire cooking and back yard grilling.... My career in culinary writing and writing cookbooks began after I won the Emeril Live/Food Network Barbecue Contest.... In this book I share with you 250 of my favorite recipes for grilling, barbecuing and tailgating. It is my hope that if nothing else, you will have FUN cooking from my book, and, of course, cook some great food. A common theme in my writing is history, and this book is no exception." -- Kent Whitaker


LULU'S KITCHEN: A TASTE OF THE GULF COAST GOOD LIFE

Author: Lucy Buffet

Forward by Jimmy Buffet

Pages: 264

Photos: Yes

Publisher: Grand Central Life and Style, Hachette Book Group, New York, New York

grandcentrallifeandstyle.com

Overview:

Cocktail Hour

Gumbo Love and Other Deep South Soups

Sassy Salads

Sandwiches and Such

Sweet Things

Party Favors: Dinner Party Menus

Introduction:

"LuLu's Kitchen is Lucy Buffet's culinary guide to classic Southern coastal cuisine and features more than 120 signature recipes from her famous Gulf Coast restaurants, LuLu's. The greatest passion of this self-proclaimed gypsy rebel and reluctant entrepreneur is cooking food for the people she loves.... She currently serves more than one million guests a year at her two LuLu's locations. LuLu's Kitchen is brimming with authentic family recipes, humorous stories and plenty of wit and wisdom."


30A LIVING

Author: Eleanor Lynn Nesmith

Photography: Jean Allsopp

Pages: 221

Photos: Yes

Publisher: Design 360, llc, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

design-360.com

Overview:

A Place Called 30A

Santa Rosa Beach

Grayton Beach

Watercolor

Seaside

Seagrove

Watersound

Seacrest

Rosemary Beach

Alys Beach

Introduction:

"Along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, a string of picturesque towns known collectively as 30A... offers a retreat. Featuring hundreds of images, 30A Living explores nine of the the colorful towns that enliven this unique twenty mile stretch of beach and takes a rare glimpse inside eighteen inspiring homes from Santa Rosa Beach to Alys Beach. From the outside these homes are remarkable... Step inside where design cues and details reflect the area's strong architectural traditions..."


HENDERSON PARK INN: EXCEPTIONAL TASTE, TALES AND RECIPES

Executive Editor: William Hagerman

Pages: 287

Photos: Yes

Publisher: Dunavant Gulf, LLC, Memphis, Tennessee

Overview:

Breakfast on the Beach

Beachside Picnics

Sunset Toasts

Starlit Dinners

Sweet Evenings

Introduction:

"What's exceptional about Henderson Park Inn is the unforgettable experience created by the snow white sandy beach, emerald Gulf waters, nature's preserve at Henderson State Park, and rustic manor of the Inn, which are complemented by the tasty foods at Beach Walk Cafe, and the other Great Destin Places that continue to provide a lifetime of warm memories for their guests... whom they call family."


LITTLE GULF COAST SEAFOOD COOKBOOK

Author: Kent Whitaker

Pages: 192

Photos: Yes

Publisher: Great American Publishers, Brandon, Mississippi

greatamericanpublishers.com

Overview:

Starters and Soups

Sandwiches

Seafood/Fish

Sides and Sauces

Introduction:

"Join renowned cookbook author Kent Whitaker on a tasty scenic journey along the five coastal states of the Gulf of Mexico... Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Along the way, experience some Gulf Coast history while reading profiles about beautiful places to visit in the area and enjoy expert tips.... Best of all, you will enjoy delectable southern seafood recipes... to please everyone."


FLORIDA'S EMERALD COAST: A PATHWAY TO PARADISE

History -- People -- Walton County Communities -- Highway 30A -- Nature

Author: Robert O. Reynolds

Mr. Reynolds included my original map of the Emerald Coast on page two of his latest book, "Florida's Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise"

Pages: 161

Photos: Yes

Publisher: Emerald Waters Press, LLC, Tucson, Arizona

emeraldwaterspress.com

Overview:

Early History

The Highway 30A Corridor

Walton County Communities

The Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County and Choctawhatchee Bay

Plants You'll See on the Emerald Coast

Communities Along Highway 30A

State Parks and Trails on Highway 30A and the Emerald Coast

Creatures of the Emerald Coast

A Timeline of Events in the Development of the Emerald Coast

Life on the Emerald Coast and Scenic Highway 30A, Present and Future

Introduction:

"This book tells the story of Florida's Emerald Coast with an emphasis on Walton County, and roads including Scenic Highway 30A, an iconic road that has been important in the development of the region... You'll meet a diverse set of characters, the people who planned, developed and managed the range of communities contained in the story... I will discuss the rare and beautiful coastal dune lakes that help to make the region unique... Florida's Emerald Coast is a place that gets in your mind and makes you want to return, as I continue to do for cherished vacations." -- Robert Reynolds


 

"Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

-- Stephen King, American author


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Prepare for Power Outages Whether Home or Away

Severe weather events are less problematic with a whole home standby generator PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES WHETHER HOME OR AWAY Why a Whole Home Standby Generator System Makes Sense for Snowbirds Snowbirds know a problem with your home while away is very stressful. Not only 

Outdoor Summer Entertaining

Individual charcuterie boards are fun for small outdoor parties OUTDOOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING Tips to Host Your Guests 2021 Style The global pandemic brought an entirely new appreciation for the simple things in life. Time spent outdoors. Good food. Friendships. And the ability to host loved 

Ten Layers of Snowbird Security

snowbird security, security strategies for snowbirds, scurity cameras
Cameras are priceless for peace of mind all year round. Allow plenty of time to research, install, test and tweak before departing

TEN LAYERS OF SNOWBIRD SECURITY


Security is essential for snowbirds who travel hundreds of miles away from their primary home for an extensive time, strategically planning for the best outcome of no major issues while away. For improved peace of mind, not only while in your warm weather home, but all year round, increasing your security system is well worth the effort. It's amazing how much better we felt after installing security cameras. Not only can we check out what is or isn't happening at home, we can also see what is going on with our neighbors, the weather and if/when our driveway is plowed or a package is delivered. Cameras help us feel connected. As summer winds down, take time to review, plan and improve your security systems so the work is completely finished and field-tested well ahead of your departure date.


 

Ten Layers of Security for Home and Away

Many people tend to put off making investments in their security systems until there is a problem. The problem may be encountered by a neighbor or loved one, even if not your own residence. Remember, the households with the most lax security measures will be the preferred targets.

What is your weakest link? Probably an unlocked door or window. Don't overlook the core basics. The best security systems are comprised of many layers: physical barriers, lighting, alarm systems, cameras, noise and more. Plus your barking dog, of course. The following ten layers of security can be applied to both your primary and southern residences. Although anyone renting their snowbird home will have much less flexibility, it's an opportunity to get creative.


Physical Barriers

1. Gates, fences, landscaping

The first layer of security starts with your environment. Fences, gates, and strategic landscaping, such as low, prickly bushes under the windows all play a key role. If your landscaping has grown up over the windows and around the exterior doors, cut it back. Don't provide an easy hiding place for someone checking out your home.

2. Locks

I don't know of anyone who doesn't have locks on their doors, windows and vehicles, but I do know of many people who are lax about using them. Be consistent, especially at night. Set up a daily routine of who is responsible for what so that closing overhead garage doors, locking vehicles, doors and windows is an ingrained habit. Locks are the most basic form of security, so stick with the basics, whether at home or away.

Styles and Layers of Locks

Keypad entries or twist-style knob locks combined with chain locks are good for exterior doors. Deadbolts are the best. If your home doesn't have deadbolts on every door, it's another easy, basic strategy. Your weakest link is any door without a deadbolt.

Layer your doors and locks. If you don't already have storm doors for each exterior entry, add them. Not only do they provide an extra barrier of entry, they will help with hot and cold weather drafts. It's not too much to have locked storm doors combined with a twist lock and a deadbolt.

Locks on your interior doors are also important. Install a safe bolted to a shelf in a closet with a locked door. Lock your file cabinet drawers too.

Keypad entries for overhead garage doors are an easy, cost-effective method for allowing access to your home without a key. If a trusted neighbor needs to place your mail or a package in the garage, they don't need a key. It's easy to change the code periodically as needed. However, don't leave for the season without first changing the battery on your keyless entry.

Don't forget to have a plan in place in case you get locked out of your home. There are many creative ways to hide keys, including small keypad cases that can be discreetly mounted to an exterior wall. For your rental snowbird home, make sure you memorize the keypad code and/or can easily contact the property manager if you get locked out.


Devices

3. Signage

Simple, strategic signs placed on your windows and near exterior doors can prove effective, whether or not you actually employ the measure. "Property Under Electronic Surveillance," "Protected by: XYZ Security," "Cameras in Use" and "Beware of Dog" signs are all popular. Signage that can be removed from your southern rental upon departure is fair game. Bluffing works when playing card games and is also a good security strategy.

4. Lighting

Another basic strategy: lighting. Yes, it costs money to keep your porch or yard light on for a period of time every night, but is well worth it for the improved security so you can see your driveway, yard and front entry. Install a timer so the light will turn on at dusk and off by itself a few hours later, regardless if you are there or not. Measures that make it appear someone is home year round help deter criminals.

Motion-activated flood lights require more work to install, but are great for areas such as your side or back yard.

There are monitoring systems that offer multiple levels of features, including the ability to turn on lights from an app.

5. Alarms

Alarms are highly beneficial for not only security, but fire and flood as well. There are many reputable companies who offer various packages and plans. Not only do you receive the benefit of 24/7 monitoring of your residence, check with your insurance agent for an annual homeowner's discount if available.

When installing an alarm system, plan well in advance to do your research, select a company and get scheduled for the installation.

Allow plenty of time to learn how to use your system, as well as the features. Some systems have more than one option for tripping the alarm, such as laser beams that will be triggered upon motion of any kind; glass break sensors for your doors/windows and extra loud sirens.

Features of Monitoring Systems

There are monitoring systems that allow you to turn the alarm on/off from your cell phone app and computer. Priceless for the snowbird who wants to absolutely ensure the alarm is set or needs to turn the alarm off to allow someone access to their Northern home while hundreds of miles away. Being able to control an alarm system from afar goes a long way for peace of mind.

Our system allows us to assign specific entry codes for each family member, neighbor or friend and then compiles a list of who entered our residence from distinguished doors on a given date/time. For example, Person A entered the house through the kitchen door on 1-18 at 13:23 hours. On many occasions throughout the year, we've used this information to verify that in fact, someone kept their word and didn't just lead us to believe they were there, when in fact, they were not or vice versa.

6. Cameras

I can't say enough good things about installing security cameras

screen shot of security camera settings, easy to use and adjust
Camera settings can easily be adjusted from anywhere your phone can access Wi-Fi

in and around your home. Cameras keep you connected, emotionally and physically. My only regret is wondering why didn't we install them sooner?

Make a list of the most important considerations, do your research, select a product and install the cameras. Field test your system well in advance of departure so you can tweak it before hitting the road. For example, before departing for our time away, we installed a camera inside the garage in what to us was the perfect vantage point. We quickly realized our "perfect" camera angle was completely obstructed by the overhead garage door when it was open.

Objectives for your Security Cameras

Our initial goal was to install cameras trained on every exterior door. However, after being away, it became important to me to view not only each exterior door, but to see in every direction outside our house: East, West, North, South. It's kind of like knowing a storm is approaching, but not having a window on that side of the house to see it coming. When you're away, you fully realize how important it is to see every view, not just limited views.

For us, the important camera-system features are:

--No monthly contract

--Cost/value

--Easy to install and operate

--Modular, so we can add more future cameras

--High image quality during day and night lighting conditions

If you have a camera malfunction during your time away, have a plan in place for someone who you can call on to investigate the issue and be able to correct the problem. Examples, include replacing burned out batteries; wiping bird droppings, dirt, condensation or fog from the camera lens; adding, replacing and/or repositioning camera/s; and resetting or troubleshooting issues with the sync module.

Cameras in Your Snowbird Home

Security cameras may be in use on the premises of your Southern residence. Inquire about them so you know where they are and if they actually function. Then make an effort to park your vehicle and stay within view of them at night.

Another strategy we have used in our southern rental home: web cams. We place a laptop computer facing the entry door when we're out to dinner and then check in periodically to make sure all is well and our dog is not creating a nuisance by barking excessively. It's a relief to see him sleeping comfortably by the door, waiting for our return.

With the portability of modern camera systems, it's easy to temporarily install cameras in your snowbird home and monitor them via your phone.


Noise

8. Dogs

Don't underestimate your dog. Even small barking dogs can be a good deterrent because they create noise. However, since your dog will likely be with you in your southern home, use that as a layer of security while there since it's not possible to install permanent alarm systems in your rental property. However, as mentioned previously, web cams or removable cameras are an ideal temporary solution. If you own your snowbird home, installing alarms and/or cameras are a solid investment.

This is also why it's super important to have other layers of security in your Northern home to make up for the lack of your dog's protection while you are not there.

9. TV/Music in Use

Since you can't leave your music streaming device or TV on at your primary home while away for weeks/months, use the technique in your snowbird residence with the caveat it will not disturb your neighbors. Noise is effective as a deterrent.


Home and Away Teams

10. Trusted neighbors/family/friends

Snowbirds know they absolutely need to rely on a trusted "home" team to help as needed. We've had fliers and packages inadvertently delivered to our doorstep that need removed; items that have to be retrieved from our home and shipped to us as well as other issues that have come up.

A member of our home team plows the drive and walkway as needed so it looks occupied. We have our mail brought in every few days and our neighbors know to watch not only our home, but the one across the street from us because they, too, are snowbirds.

We also have built an "away" team of friends and neighbors who all look out for each other.

It all boils down to the basics. Set up your layers of security systems, consistently follow your procedures and trust that the best outcome will be to encounter no major issues.


Note: Content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended for any purposes other than that. This report does not take into account the personal objectives, situation or specific needs of any particular recipient.

"Security is a process, not a product"

-- Bruce Schneier, Internationally Renowned Security Guru

Weekend Lake Getaway

Oakwood Resort is a gorgeous Midwestern lakefront resort, an hour’s drive from our home, has beautiful spacious rooms and is dog friendly WEEKEND LAKE GETAWAY For us, there’s a long gap from the winter snowbird season until we begin again, so weekend getaways are an