Kendra Ruminer's Two Cents of Real Estate

Take A Peek At Los Alamos, New Mexico

Tag: Outdoors in Los Alamos (Page 1 of 2)

What Lessons Did YOU Learn?

May 27, 2022 /

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I did a little rain dance this past week when the clouds finally rolled in and a whole fifty drops of moisture fell from the sky. A rise in humidity and a lowering of the temperature has given the firefighters a helping hand with the Cerro Pelado Fire. Los Alamos is back to the “Ready” Stage of “Ready, Set, Go!” and the haze of smoke hanging over us has lessened.

My question to you, friends and neighbors of Los Alamos, is what did YOU learn through this most recent potential evacuation? Whether your lessons involved places to go, what to take, or even what sources of information are reliable, they are too important not to remember. Let’s make certain it doesn’t take another near evacuation for us to at least have a plan in place.

Where to Go

This question has far more pieces to it than a lot of us imagined. With three kids and more than one pet in my home, the logistics of getting our crew to a safe place took a bit of planning. And that isn’t just because my growing son is more than six feet tall and requires not only space but a serious amount of calorie intake!

I hadn’t anticipated just how anxious my kiddos were about the potential evacuation. Our dogs are current on their standard vaccinations, but if we’d had to kennel them we would have needed a few extra shots I hadn’t counted on. And don’t get me started on our feline friend! It was one heck of a search to find the cat carrier and I know from chatting with friends that they were also seeking animal crates and considering for the first time how they might transport everything from hermit crabs or chickens, to goats, and even horses!

The long and the short of it is, we’re probably going to have to do this again at some point. Perhaps even this year (though I fervently hope not!) and maybe even next year or the year after. So, what did YOU learn about finding a safe place for your family and all of your pets or animal companions? Is there anything YOU can do to make future emergencies easier on your family?

What to Take

This question became the hottest topic on Facebook so far this year! The last time we evacuated in Los Alamos it was 2011. Over a decade ago. So much has changed in a decade. A LOT of the paper documents that we used to consider vital to our evacuation just aren’t necessary anymore. Bank statements and other financial documents are stored in the cloud. Even photographs can be uploaded with the help of technology into a format that can be accessed from a smartphone!

The question then becomes, what can YOU do to streamline the packing process during an emergency? How can you prepare yourself and your family so that when the time comes you simply get your family, your pets, and maybe a quick overnight bag so you can just go?

Who to Trust

This question is far more complicated. The amount of misinformation floating around town and probably coast to coast was unbelievable! There’s not a single doubt that social media became a bit of an enemy as people compared their evacuation plans in the comments and revved one another up until a frenzy of fear and worry added to the smoke hanging over Los Alamos.

It takes a lot of willpower not to give into the urge to troll the various social media sites looking for every scrap of gossip about the fire. It also takes willpower to limit yourself to the National Forest Fire Information website. But choosing what news sources you get your information from can eliminate so many worries! And if you have friends that might be a little prone to drama, now is the time to establish some boundaries when it comes to how much of that drama you’re going to absorb! Boundaries are far easier to establish during low key times rather than waiting until the entire world seems to be going nuts.

Regardless of how you handled yourself in this recent high tension situation, there are lessons to be learned. What worked, what did NOT, or what you think you could make easier for yourself and your family if something happens again. Because it’s probably a sure thing that something will happen again. At some time. We DO live on the edge of the wilderness here in the City on the Hill! But no matter what happens, Los Alamos is a great place to be! And when you’re ready to seek out a hometown Real Estate Broker, give me a call! I’d love to talk Los Alamos with you!

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

March 18, 2022 /

The word neighbor might make you smile or groan. So much about liking or not liking your neighbors falls outside of your control. But some things you can control. Things like what kind of fencing you choose. Privacy is a huge part of feeling secure in your home and your fence is what establishes the level of privacy you enjoy.

Planning Your Fence

Here in Los Alamos, the first thing you need to do when planning to upgrade your existing fence or build a new one is to check our county ordinances. You can use this link here. For the most part, if you’re fencing in the back of your home, you need to keep it under six feet in height. If you’re in your front yard, three feet is considered legal. If you have a corner lot or other unique property features, you’ll need to make sure that there aren’t any additional applicable restrictions.

The second thing to ask yourself is what you want your fence to do. Sure. These examples of standard wood fencing are attractive, but will they keep things in or out? Do you have chickens or dogs or children to worry about? How much maintenance do you want to do on your fence?

That beautifully even toned picket fence is going to take a beating in our dry climate. And the UV rays are going to require you to power wash and stain that fence on a yearly basis to even get close to its promised life span. Another frequent complaint of this fencing type is the tendency of the wood posts to dry rot. However, you can look into several different metal post options in order to mitigate that particular problem.

If you’re looking for less maintenance, you might try metal fencing. Some of these wrought iron options are really attractive and can be matched to the spindles on your deck or outdoor staircase.

I realize that when you think metal, you might be thinking about chain link or even barbed wire. While chain link fencing can be an inexpensive option, it doesn’t offer much in the way of privacy. And unless you’re keeping cattle in your yard, barbed wire isn’t going to do anything but add that “rustic” appeal.

Something you might have seen going up in various places around town is masonry walls. There are four to five different varieties of masonry wall, including those covered in stucco, and they can sometimes be combined with other fencing options such as metal or coyote fencing to create a unique and even artistic look to your fence. Masonry walls also have the advantage of being more durable against UV rays and offer good sound buffering. However, they aren’t inexpensive and you’ll likely want to hire a good contractor instead of trying it yourself.

Masonry Walls can be used in several different kinds of fencing combinations.

Location

The other critical piece of planning your fence is the location of your property. How much rock are you going to run into when digging post holes? Are you on the canyon edge? How many bears are you likely to host in your backyard? Are you on the edge of White Rock and prone to sixty mile per hour straight line winds? Does your property have trees to help with the sun’s punishing rays?

All of these questions need to be considered when choosing your best fencing option. Once you’ve determined the material best suited to your needs, you can take a look at budget and the expected lifespan you need from your fence. Keep in mind that part of my “good fences make good neighbors” proverb has to do with choosing a fence that doesn’t offend your neighbors. Talk to them about it. You never know, if you and your neighbors can come to an agreement about what works best for everyone, they might even be willing to help with the cost.

At the end of the day, we’re all neighbors here in Los Alamos. And when you’re ready to talk real estate, give me a call! I’m your hometown real estate expert!

Golf Los Alamos!

January 23, 2022 /

Considering the amazing improvements our county is planning for the local Golf Course, I thought it might be fun to look at the history of golf here in Los Alamos County. If you’re not a part of the golf community, you might not realize that the Los Alamos Golf Association was established in 1947. In the map below, notice that as of May 1947, the golf course was located pretty much where Sullivan Field is right now. At that time, home construction had not yet expanded beyond the intersection of Diamond Drive and Canyon Road. The golf course and the horse stables were both located at the edge of the townsite and were both considered vitally important to life in Los Alamos.

Within ten years both the golf course and the horse stables would be relocated to the other end of the ever expanding townsite. The horse stables eventually migrated to North Mesa (see my previous post for more information on that), but the golf course remained between 35th Street, Barranca Mesa, and North Mesa.

Considered one of the oldest 18 hole golf courses in New Mexico, the course was established in 1947 by the Atomic Energy Commission. The current course sits at 7400 ft elevation and is 6500 yards long. The course par is 72 and most visitors agree that it’s a challenging course for golfers of any skill level. Between the gorgeous scenery and the lovely climate, the Los Alamos Golf Course is a popular stopping place for golf enthusiasts from all over.

More Than One Way to Play

But golf isn’t the only thing on offer. Not only do we have a lovely course, and a pro shop, we’ve got a stellar restaurant at the clubhouse. Cottonwood on the Greens is a full service restaurant and bar that offers everything from special events catering to in restaurant dining and takeout whether you have a large party or need an intimate table for two.

The restaurant also offers a Prime Rib Sunday Brunch, so don’t forget to click over to their website and make a reservation for your family! Or if you’d rather, you can order online and pick up your food to go on the way home from work. Their menu offers a wide variety of unusual options from Pub style Fish & Chips and BBQ Pork Sliders to Beef Schnitzel and Pierogies.

Cottonwood on the Greens

Improvements Are On The Way

The recent County Council meeting on January 4, 2022 included a vote to move forward with plans to make some really modern improvements on the golf course. Previous to this meeting though, the process of addressing concerns and coming up with solutions was quite a lengthy one that began near the start of 2021. County officials brought in professional golf course designers, met with the Los Alamos Golf Association, the Los Alamos Youth Golf Association, and even established a way to conduct surveys at the course in order to gain more insight into public opinion regarding some of the proposed changes.

Most Los Alamos residents, be they golfers or not, have heard about the proposed improvements to the irrigation system. But something I found quite interesting was the proposal to use low flight golf balls for the driving and practice range as a temporary measure to address safety concerns. Eventually, the intention is to increase bunkers along Diamond Drive and at other points around the course to address safety concerns. In the meantime, before additional netting can be placed around the driving range, they’re trying restricted flight golf balls to increase safety. The golf association even provided these restricted flight balls to customers last summer in an effort to get the public’s opinion.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just a Los Alamos County enthusiast, there’s really no doubt that the Los Alamos Golf Course benefits our community. It’s just one more in a long list of things to do outdoors in Los Alamos. If there’s snow on the ground, don’t forget to utilize the golf course as a handy place for cross country skiing. There are tons of ways to enjoy this open, green space here in our community. So whether you’re looking for a place to walk your dog or watching your kiddo run in a cross country meet, enjoy our beautiful golf course! And when you’re ready to talk real estate in Los Alamos County, give me a call! I’m your local real estate expert and I’d love to talk Los Alamos with you!

Situational Awareness – Part 2

November 26, 2021 /

One of the most baffling and strangely frightening stories I’ve ever heard was told to me by a friend who is an avid outdoorsman. The guy has lived in Los Alamos County for almost his entire life and has spent a large amount of that time outdoors. He’s a hunter. But instead of hunting deer and elk, he prefers to hunt “varmints” in general and coyotes in particular.

This guy and his hunting partner were up above the Quemazon subdivision on what remains of Pipeline Road. The two of them had been out since long before dawn. They were using their scopes to track their next target when only a few yards away from their quarry they spotted a splash of pink and blue bobbing through the field. It was a young woman jogging all by herself with earbuds in, completely oblivious to what was going on around her.

Now, there are a lot of fingers that you could point when it comes to this story. First off, for the record, my friend and his hunting partner packed up and headed back to their vehicle in order to leave the area. Not only did they leave the area, they quit for the day. He said it was not only startling, but outright scary to have a human wander into his rifle scope in that situation.

The hunters were on public land hunting coyotes. They were an appropriate distance from any human dwellings and were shooting in a safe direction. Coyote hunting is legal all year round no matter the time of day in New Mexico. Coyotes are considered “non protected fur bearers”. They’re also nuisance animals and are part of the “varmint” population. Consider that for a moment. It is legal to hunt coyotes during all seasons on any public land in New Mexico. While there are obvious precautions to take as a hunter when choosing where you’re going to hunt coyotes, when does it also become the responsibility of the average civilian who chooses to go running or mountain biking out on public lands to know what you might run into out there?

Two weeks ago, our topic leaned more toward situational awareness related to sharing our local terrain with wild animals such as deer and whatever might hunt them. If you’d like to read more about that, just click here. This week, I’m focused more on common sense and situational awareness.

Going back to the jogger who accidentally stumbled into the rifle scope of a local hunter, I really identify with this poor woman. I love to run! I go with friends and I go by myself too. Sometimes I take my dogs, and other times I don’t. But the idea that I might find myself literally in the crosshairs is something I’d never thought of before!

It’s easy to point the finger at the hunter, but what about the jogger? She was running in the National Forest with earbuds in. The hunters had been out for hours, likely since before she even rolled out of bed. They’d been successful. That meant there’d been sporadic gunfire that morning. Did she hear it? If she did hear it, did she think about what it might mean? And what about the fact that there was a coyote only a few yards away from her path completely unconcerned about the human wandering by?

Los Alamos is NOT suburbia. This community is a unique and wild place to live. We are on the edge of the wilderness. Not an urban wilderness, a real live forest. When I was growing up here, it wasn’t uncommon for people to get lost when hiking or hunting. Search and rescue was called out, and hopefully they were found. Hikers used to take day packs full of emergency gear in case of getting lost or having to take shelter because of a sudden change in weather. And if you went off roading in one of the canyons, there was probably a chance of breaking something or getting stuck and having to walk out on foot or spend the night in your vehicle trying to stay warm and alive.

A second baffling story happened only this past summer at the Sportsman’s Club in Rendija Canyon. There are several public trails that skirt the ranges down there. It’s not unusual to find a variety of trail users since you can leave your vehicle and head out from a parking lot just down the dirt road from the club.

During a typical Sunday morning Trap Shoot, (shotgun sporting for those who aren’t into that sort of thing) one of the club officers who happened to be on the property got a bizarre phone call from someone claiming to be down range.

Of course, the officer immediately shut down all operations at the club. All live fire was stopped and weapons were cleared as is standard procedure for that kind of emergency. The officer and several other members got into a vehicle and headed out toward the very edge of the range in order to find out what was going on.

As it turned out, a young man had been running out in Rendija Canyon by himself. He stated he’d been startled by a cow. He went on to say that the cow had run one direction, and he’d fallen while trying to run in the other direction. He’d twisted his ankle in the skirmish and by the time the club members found the man, he’d removed his shoe and was hopping on one foot trying to find help.

In a bizarre twist, the injured runner had stumbled upon the boundary of the Sportsman’s Club and had started calling the contact numbers listed on the sign in hopes of finding help.

Stop for a moment and digest this story. How lucky was this young man? He had nothing with him and obviously wasn’t prepared for getting injured. When his rescuers asked him where he had left his car, he couldn’t remember. Probably because of shock. His foot immediately swelled when he took his shoe off, which meant he couldn’t get it back on. The odds of his cell phone working while in that canyon were dicey at best. And it’s rather fortunate he ran into a cow instead of a bull because there are both varieties down there. Not unlike knowing about hunting seasons, it’s helpful to know that public lands are also open to grazing leases, which can result in random cow sightings.

So, the moral of today’s post is to be aware! I love Los Alamos. I love being outdoors and I know that many of you come to this community because you love the outdoors too! Being outdoors in a place like this comes with a responsibility. Not just to yourself, but to those around you. Enjoy Los Alamos, but do it responsibly. And when you’re considering a move, give me a call! I’d love to talk real estate in Los Alamos with you.

Situational Awareness in Los Alamos

November 12, 2021 /

I think it is pretty safe to say that we’ve been enjoying some incredible weather here in Los Alamos. Cooler temperatures and beautiful blue skies always make me want to get outside! Whether you’re a runner, biker, hiker, or prefer a trek with your dogs or even your horses, there is probably nothing more relevant to your outdoor ramble than situational awareness.

I know. You’re probably scratching your head and wondering what on earth I’m talking about. According to Wikipedia, “Situational awareness or situation awareness is the perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their future status.” Not that Wikipedia is the most reliable resource, but in this particular example, they’re right on the mark.

A short while ago, the Los Alamos Daily Post published an article talking about local residents feeding the deer and asking that this practice be stopped. The article contained plenty of interesting information, but I think what struck me most was the reference to a NM Wildlife study that suggested there were no more deer now than there have been in the past.

Um, really? Then why are they everywhere?

The most likely answer? Deer aren’t stupid. There is cultivated grass, plenty of shrubs, gardens to munch on, and even deer chow available at some houses. It’s not unlike the popularity of Loma Linda as a place to get great candy on Halloween. Within a few generations, the deer aren’t just here in Los Alamos to snack, they seem to know they can’t be hunted and that they even have the power to stop traffic! If you want to see this phenomena in action, head down to the Los Alamos Sportsmen Club. It isn’t an uncommon sight for deer to be grazing on the range while active gunfire is going on.

What does this have to do with your morning run in the beautiful fall weather? Other than wondering how long it’s going to be before we get body checked by bold as brass deer running past us, I think the real focus should be on what the deer attract.

See, the main point here is that Los Alamos is not a city. This isn’t some suburban town. In fact, if you were going to call us a suburb, we’d be a suburb of the Santa Fe National Forest!

From an August 2011 brochure from NM Game & Fish:

“Generally, large predators are elusive. They tend to live in remote, rural country like Los Alamos County. Consequently, the number of predator human interactions is increasing. This increase is due to a variety of reasons: more people moving into their habitat, an increase in prey species, drought conditions
requiring them to expand their home range, more people using hiking and biking trails in their habitat and a greater awareness of the presence of large predators.”

Ahem! An increase in prey species? Maybe like dozens upon dozens of practically tame deer hanging around in one place? So going back to the definition of situational awareness, the perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their future status. This means when you spot those deer, don’t get so distracted by the novelty of hanging out with wild creatures who seem completely unbothered by your presence, be thinking about what else is out there! What other critters are hanging about in the shadows watching those deer?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Be aware when you’re out and about. If you’re out with your dogs, don’t assume Fido is barking at a squirrel. If he’s really freaking out, he might be trying to tell you about a pack of coyotes or a bobcat in the area. If you’re rocking out to your fave tunes you might be so distracted you don’t even notice!

Make sure your peripheral vision isn’t blocked by a hood or some other headgear. Either headphones off or make the volume very low so you can hear what’s going on around you. If you need to stop and rest, do it in the open where there is no cover for a predator to hang out and wait for prey. A good number of the trails on the outskirts of Los Alamos County were originally game trails. If you’re running at dusk or at night or early in the morning, it’s probably a good idea not to use one of these. After all, the predator might not be hunting you, but it’s best not to get in the way all the same.

So ENJOY the beautiful fall weather! Take your earbuds out and listen to the birds in the trees and the breeze rustling through the leaves. Now that the time has changed, the days are going to get shorter and soon we’ll be talking about winter weather. And when you’re ready to discuss real estate in Los Alamos, give me a call! I’m your local real estate expert. I love Los Alamos and I’m always excited to meet new neighbors!

Get Ready for Winter in Los Alamos

October 2, 2021 /

When the clouds lifted off the mountains and we finally said goodbye to this last storm front, not only were we soaking wet from a LOT of rain, but our mountain peaks got their first visible snowfall. Snow. Since we’ve only just said goodbye to a couple weeks of rather warm weather, it’s difficult to immediately turn our attention to winter. What happened to fall, right? It’s October! We should be thinking about Halloweekend in Los Alamos. It’s pumpkin season, people! But here in the Secret City on the Hill, it isn’t unusual to find yourself slogging through knee high snow drifts when Trick or Treating. And as Mother Nature reminded us very forcefully only a few years ago, she’s still got a few epic winters up her sleeve.

So, here are two categories to at LEAST glance over before you find yourself stepping outside one morning to find Santa’s Reindeer nibbling on your Jack o’ Lantern.

Your House

I’m not suggesting you pull out the snowblower and park it by the front door. But, if you have a snowblower, at least pull it out and make sure it starts. Does it need maintenance? Is it parked behind the golf clubs and an entire year’s worth of yard care tools?

While you’re locating and servicing that snowblower (if you have one), check the status of your snow shovels. Are they still in decent condition? Are you likely to pull a muscle just trying to get the raggedy thing to push a path from your front door to your car? More importantly than that, if you depend on a stack of firewood to keep your home warm, do you have a snow shovel handy to clear a path from the door to the wood pile? Do you depend on heated water bowls for your pets? Find them and make sure they’re still functional. If you have chickens at home, be real about the amount of insulation in their coop. Do you need some extra straw or other bedding? What about a heat lamp for those really cold nights? Don’t wait until you’ve got snow in your bedroom slippers to plan for the cold weather.

Get ready right now! If your snow removal equipment is in good shape and ready to use, then take a look around your storage area. Imagine you woke up to the first snowfall. It’s not just a dusting of the white stuff either. But it isn’t enough to cancel school and prevent you from having to go to work. Ask yourself how long is it going to take you to unbury and untangle your snow removal gear from the garden shed or garage? Be realistic. Asking this question now is likely to save you a whole lot of frustration and maybe a late morning later in the season.

If your snow shovel is a lost cause and that brand new bag of snow melt you were sure you bought at the end of last winter is either almost empty or missing entirely, DO NOT WAIT TO PURCHASE MORE. You heard me, friend! Most hardware & home improvement stores begin stocking these supplies in the early fall. Be the first to replenish your stock. Don’t be the guy standing in a nearly empty aisle playing last man standing just for the right to purchase an overpriced container of snow melt or the very last snow shovel! Sure. We’re always playing a bit of Russian Roulette with the amount of snowfall we’ll actually receive. But the winter of 2019 taught us it’s better to be safe than sorry and we should probably all remember that lesson!

Your Car

Yes. That’s right. Your car! Fall is the time to check your antifreeze levels. Consult your owners’ manual (or the Internet) for instructions on how to do this important chore. If you’ve got a four wheel drive, when was the last time you actually tried to use that feature? The appropriate time to hit that button is NOT when you’re stranded in a parking lot feeling smug about getting home in your 4×4. Oddly enough, back in 2019 when we had all of that snow, I heard from more than one frustrated SUV owner that the SUV they thought was a 4×4 actually wasn’t one at all. Not all SUVs have the same features. And full time all wheel drive is not the same as four wheel drive. Know your vehicle’s capabilities. Check your tires. Some front wheel drive cars can be amazing beasts in the snow if they’ve got good tires. It’s much better to know before you go. That way, you can opt to just stay home if that’s the wiser choice.

Even if you think you’re completely prepared, there is always the possibility of getting stranded in your vehicle. It doesn’t take much to be prepared for this, but preparation is key. Now is the time to put together a small box of emergency supplies and keep it in your trunk or perhaps the cargo area of your SUV.

Space blankets make a wonderful start to any cold weather emergency box. They don’t take up much space and you can find them in the camping or outdoor department of the store. You might want to add a fleecy blanket of some kind too. These are comforting and can keep you warm for a short period of time when you’re waiting for a ride.

Hand warmers are something a lot of people don’t think about and wish that they had. Hot Hands makes a variety of chemical warmers that work like first aid ice packs. You pop them and they heat up. You can buy a multi pack on Amazon for less than twenty bucks and keep it in your emergency box. Having toe warmers in your shoes can make sitting in a rapidly cooling car a lot less frightening.

It isn’t a bad idea to put some kind of food rations or snacks in your emergency box as well. Protein bars work well, or fruit snacks for the kids. And its always a good idea to have some bottled water in there too. Most inexpensive bottled water can freeze and thaw without breaking through the plastic so it shouldn’t be an issue with your car sitting overnight in the driveway.

The other key ingredient to the emergency box is to keep checking it to make sure you’ve got what you need. Maybe you used all of your snacks waiting in the car the other day for the kids to get done with sports practice. Or one of the kiddos grabbed the blanket for a nap in their seat and took it into the house with them. The truth is that we live in a town, but we don’t live in a huge metropolitan area.

Most of us who grew up here in Los Alamos remember parents nagging us to have extra clothing in the car or a spare pair of shoes or boots. Maybe we’re in the habit of keeping half a dozen jackets or sweatshirts in our backseat at any given moment. This is because Los Alamos is still pretty rural in some significant ways. You are NOT going to be able to call a tow truck in a snow storm. If you’re stranded somewhere in the county you can call the police or the fire department to come and get you out of your car, but that’s going to take time. And in some cases, you’re going to be better off leaving your car and walking to the nearest neighborhood for help. So be prepared and have boots and jackets for everyone with you! Put some waterproof gloves in your emergency kit. Maybe some extra socks or even an entire dry set of clothing. It’s always much better to be prepared than be sorry.

Remember, Los Alamos is an awesome place to be! But when you’re this close to the bonafide wilderness, there are both benefits and costs. Sure. You can curl into a cozy chair at night and listen to the bull elk calling like a bunch of third graders learning to play the recorder or hear a pack of coyotes howl at the moon as they sprint past your yard. But we also have to think about bear proof trashcans, bobcats in our chicken coops, and getting stranded in a snowstorm. So be prepared! And when you’re preparing to buy or sell your home, give me a call! Rain or snow, I’d love to talk to you!

Water Rule W-8 in Los Alamos

September 16, 2021 /

What could be more precious than water in the desert?

Here in Los Alamos, we’ve enjoyed some unexpected and most definitely welcome moisture over the summer. All over town you’ve heard people chatting about missing the blue skies but being so grateful for the rain! That’s because Los Alamos is located in the high arid desert. Water conservation is something we take pretty seriously, enough that we actually have a specific water conservation rule about the way in which you use water in and around your home.

Here are a few things you may not know about Water Rule W-8:

Water is classified in 4 Ways

Produced Water: The “potable” stuff produced and sold to you for human consumption.

Gray Water: The stuff used in your home that winds up in the sewer system that did NOT come from your bathroom or your kitchen sink.

Non-Potable: The stuff sold to customers for industrial or other irrigation purposes that is NOT for human consumption. (By the way, this water is used for the golf course, athletic fields, and other green spaces in parks.)

Reuse Water: The stuff released from the treatment plant sold for non-potable purposes.

From May 1 – September 30 You Can’t Water Your Yard Whenever

Many residents don’t realize this and others blatantly ignore it. Regardless, the rule has been in place since May of 2006. The bottom line is that it is not permissible to irrigate plants, trees, or grass on your property between the hours of 10:00AM and 5:00 PM. Before 10AM and after 5PM, the following rules apply:

If your address is an even number, you may irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If your address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Nobody is supposed to irrigate anything on Mondays.

And FYI, for the purposes of Rule W-8, irrigation means using a hose, drip system, or a sprinkler system. It does NOT include a watering can. If you need to water your flowers or garden plants the other days of the week, use a watering can.

Wasting Water

Here’s something that might surprise you. There is a fairly comprehensive description of what it means to “waste water” in Los Alamos County included in the language for Rule W-8.

Sprinklers or hoses that water in a way that cause water to run off and run down the street into the sewage system is considered waste.

Sprinklers or hoses that are misaimed and spray the street instead of exclusively hitting dirt or vegetation are considered wasteful.

Washing your driveway, your home, your vehicle or even your lawnmower without somehow managing to recycle the water and use it to water your plants or lawn is considered wasteful. And using water to do any of these things when your address isn’t scheduled to consume water is also considered wasteful.

Now, these restrictions might seem a little tedious and maybe even a little unfair. After all, during peak water season – May to September – you’re paying more for the water you use anyway. According to the Utility Company’s tiered system, you could be paying nearly $2.00 more per thousand gallons.

But that really isn’t the point.

It’s about conserving water in the desert. The water used in a carwash is sold as reused and non-potable. It’s basically recycled water. The stuff that comes out of your hose is potable. It’s much better to wash your car or other equipment at the carwash instead of wasting gallons of potable water.

Get a rainwater barrel or some other receptacle for catching runoff. Get creative with your gutters or find a way to catch water that drains off your driveway or away from your yard in an effort to funnel it to where it is needed instead of letting it run into the storm drains where it will need to be processed and it goes from potable to non-potable.

This is a community full of innovative people and ideas! Get creative with your water conservation! As we come to the end of the W-8 Water Rule for 2021, spend some extra time in the off season coming up with your awesome plan for water conservation in 2022. And if you’re ready to make your home here in Los Alamos, give me a call! I’d love to talk with you!

Bear In Mind…

May 31, 2021 /

If you’ve been paying attention to social media lately, you might have noticed that we’ve had more than a few bear sightings recently. Bears in trash cans in Quemazon. Mama bears and cubs hanging out in Rendija. Potentially another Mama bear and cub crew peeking into backyards along the edge of Bayo Canyon. It’s almost certain you’ve got bears on the mind!

So, how do we live side by side with bears wandering around in our backyards? It’s pretty certain that we can’t just wave them off with a simple, “shoo!”. In my last post I talked about motion sensor sprinklers to keep the deer from snacking on your favorite plants. Since bears aren’t likely to bother your plants, I suppose you could try rigging your trash cans with motion sensor sprinklers, but there are easier ways to make your property unattractive to bears.

According to NM Wildlife authorities, the most common bears seen in Los Alamos are New Mexico Black Bears. These bears can live up to thirty years and the females only mate every two years. They’re also very attached to their home territories, which is why there is less than a 30% chance of a successful relocation. The best way to keep a bear from becoming a nuisance is to never let the nuisance behavior get started.

Bears & Your Trash

The relationship between bears and your trash is a pretty strong one. Strong as in they LOVE nasty things that have a strong smell. That does include pet food by the way. If we’re in spring bear season, it’s not a good idea to leave your dog or cat food out where the bears can get to it.

Bears are repeat customers. They’re creatures of habit. Don’t let them get started on the rounds in your neighborhood. If you spot one or hear that one has been spotted, then the best move you can make is to prevent them from getting addicted to your trash!

Keep your trash cans secured.

If you live in a high bear traffic area such as Quemazon or another area with cliff side access, get in contact with Los Alamos County Environmental Services in order to get yourself equipped with a bear proof trashcan.

Another good thought is to keep your trash cans secured until the morning of trash pickup. Don’t put them out the night before. That’s just asking for a bear to come rummaging for a midnight snack.

Bird & Deer Feeders

Ever think to yourself that certain souet bird foods are stinky? Well, the bears think that too. Even seed feeders can be attractive to a hungry omnivorous NM Black Bear. During bears season, bring in any feeders intended to provide a snack for animals like squirrels, birds, and deer. Don’t let your bird feeder become a pit stop on a local bear’s food route. Remember, these bears spend their entire day going from one snack spot to another. The idea is to make the loop not worth their time.

Feeding the Bears

The last thing that you should EVER be doing is intentionally feeding bears. Think those cubs are adorable? Feeding baby cubs creates nuisance adult bears. Cubs learn to expect handouts. Expecting a handout means a cute baby bear becomes a serious grown bear problem. And, just so you know, it’s illegal to feed bears.

So next time you hear about a bear sighting in Los Alamos, remember that living alongside the wildlife is part of what it means to live here in Los Alamos County. And don’t forget to do everything you can to set some boundaries for our bear population to avoid the collision of urban sprawl and curious hungry bears. And if you have any questions, give me a call!

No-No-Bambi!

May 18, 2021 /

Gardening in Los Alamos isn’t the easiest of tasks. Our topsoil isn’t terrific. Our growing season is notoriously short. And don’t forget the weather tends to be unpredictable at best. These things never stop me from trying though. I LOVE to garden! I enjoy being outdoors digging in the dirt and begging my little green sprouts to grow. In 2020 our garden managed to produce a massive crop of the strangest looking cucumbers you’ve ever seen! Not only were they more yellow than green, but they tasted awful! However, a friend of mine diced them up and fed them to her chickens. Apparently the chickens LOVED them. Since the taste of the cucumbers didn’t bother the hens or affect the eggs, I call that a win! But one thing we’ve always had pretty good luck with is our jalapenos. Until this year…

Considering the unseasonably cool weather we’ve been having, (can you actually say that when it’s perfectly reasonable to get several inches of snow in May?) I finally got around to planting my garden last week. It felt good to get the plants in. Normally our dogs spend quite a lot of time in the yard, but less than a week after my garden was planted, we spent a day in Albuquerque and left the dogs inside.

Let’s just say Bambi went hog wild while my dogs were helpless to intervene.

This is what was left of my garden…

See the telltale hoof prints? Ugh! Who knew that mule deer would eat jalapeno plants? So, with my recent garden failure in mind, I’ve set out to find more information on how to keep deer out of the garden. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

All Deer Are Not Equal

What I understand from doing a bit of research on the topic is that different deer herds like different plants. This is not limited to breed of deer either, just because we have mule deer in this part of the country and you might have dealt with white tail deer somewhere else, that has nothing to do with successfully keeping them out of your garden.

For example, what the Bayo Canyon deer avoid might be completely different than what works to ward off the deer who live in Urban Park. However, most experts universally agree that if you can populate your garden with fuzzy, spiny, or strong smelling plants, you’ll have a better chance of convincing the four legged snackers to go elsewhere. Deer don’t like leaves that are furry. They also don’t like strong smelling plants. They avoid herbs like sage, thyme, lavender, and even dill. Things that are tough to digest like Elephant Ears are good deer repellants as well.

Even if you don’t want to choose your plants based on what deer dislike, you can sprinkle a few things throughout your garden just to try and get Bambi to browse elsewhere. For example, the next time I plant my jalapenos, I’m going to stick some strong smelling oregano plants right alongside them.

Unfortunately, Bambi Jumps Pretty Well

Fencing for deer can be costly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re attempting to nudge Bambi to take his case of the munchies elsewhere.

Privacy fence, cinder blocks, and coyote fencing are excellent deer fencing. Deer can jump upwards of 8ft to clear a fence, but they don’t like to jump into an area where they can’t see a landing spot. While it isn’t likely to keep them from hurdling into your yard if they’re fleeing a predator, they aren’t going to come browse your garden if they can’t see what’s on offer.

Double layers of fencing are unattractive. According to some animal researchers, deer have less than perfect depth perception. They don’t like the appearance of layered fencing. So if you have a chain link fence or other see through fence, try fencing individual sections of your garden with some kind of mesh netting on a wood frame. Even the brightly colored orange plastic mesh fence wrapped around some T-posts could do the trick. While not the most attractive way to decorate your yard, it could well save your garden from Bambi and his buddies.

Rock barriers are strikingly effective! Hoofed animals like deer do not like uneven, rocky terrain. If you have a terraced yard or even sections of your yard where you have xeriscaping, you might consider adding some larger porous rocks as a decorative and effective way to suggest to Bambi that he might break his spindly legs if he attempts to eat your plants. The rock barriers have to be a combination of wide and tall in order to truly deter the deer. Think rock walls at Bandelier National Monument. Perhaps not 8ft in height, but at least waist high and too wide for a human to step across without climbing.

Treat Bambi Like a Naughty Kitty!

That’s right! The number one suggested method for convincing deer that your garden is NOT the local farmer’s market is to use a motion sensor sprinkler. Most sources seem to agree that a taller model is better than a shorter one because it doesn’t get triggered by every bit of waving foliage and the spray manages to clear the plants and hit Bambi right in the nose. It is also suggested that the battery operated version is better than the solar option simply because the spray of water is more powerful. Deer aren’t all that easy to scare these days. If you want proof of that you can either check out the deer trotting down Diamond Drive or go take a peek at the Sportsman Club in Rendija Canyon where it isn’t unusual to see the buggers hanging out on the archery field watching rifle and shotgun practice across the dirt road. Their expressions are almost amused instead of afraid. Suburban life has changed them for good. But a nice blast of water is enough to make me want to turn and run. Seems like it should work nicely to tell Bambi NO!

If you’ve got other ways to save your garden from our local deer population, I’d love to hear them! The research I’ve done so far seems to suggest that nothing works forever and sometimes you have to switch it up in order to keep on top of the issue. But that’s part of living in Los Alamos County isn’t it? Wildlife abounds and unfortunately they’re not shy about sharing the amenities! Drop me a line if you’ve got deer repellents to share and don’t forget to give me a call if you’re ready to find your forever home in Los Alamos! I’m your local real estate expert and I love to talk about life in Los Alamos!

Manners on the Trail

April 23, 2021 /

It occurred to me last weekend, as I was nearly run off the trail by a cyclist, that it’s always good to review a few bits and pieces about trail etiquette. Here in Los Alamos we have miles and miles of trails to enjoy. If you’re wondering just how many miles, you can check out this link to the country trail map HERE. Our trails have been around for a long time. Not only that, but they are used by everyone from hikers and cyclists to coyotes and deer. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you walk out your front door and head for your favorite trailhead.

Stay Alert!

I think there are plenty of us who enjoy running, hiking, or biking with music playing in our ears. Nowadays you’re not having to lug around a CD player or a Walkman the size of a cereal box (am I dating myself here?). Earbuds don’t even require wires anymore! But insulating yourself in a musical cocoon while you run through one of our canyons or down the Canyon Rim Trail can have some really serious consequences.

What if you miss the sound of a rattlesnake warning you to get out of his space? Rattlesnake, coyote, bobcat, even bears. We have tons of wildlife here in Los Alamos County and they aren’t necessarily shy about sharing our trails. What if you can’t hear a cyclist or an equestrian coming up behind you? I even recall a memorable incident when I witnessed a cyclist run headlong into a tree in Bayo Canyon and he couldn’t hear me shouting to him to see if he was all right because his music was so loud. He happened to be just fine, but I nearly scared the pants off him trying to find out whether or not he was in need of an ambulance or something. Situational awareness is critical when you’re out on the trail. If someone says “on your left!” you aren’t helping matters by not being able to hear anything but your playlist.

The Rules of Yielding

There are no real ironclad rules to this one. There are certain accepted truths. You should always yield to uphill traffic because it’s more difficult to get moving going uphill. However, if someone is hauling booty down a hill on a mountain bike it might be really difficult to just hit the brakes and pull over. On a flat trail please take the time to specify when you’re passing. A simple “on your left” or “on your right” can be a real help. And generally, you pass on the LEFT on a trail just as you would in a car.

Keep in mind the sort of trail you’re traveling. If you’ve spent much time on Kwage Mesa (out past the horse stables) you might notice that a lot of the trail is like a trench. It isn’t exactly easy to pull off the trail on a bicycle. If you’re running or walking out there, you might take a moment to step out of the way instead of asking a cyclist to lug their bike up out of a ditch.

Historically speaking, anywhere on North Mesa, equestrians have the right of way. But there a good number of equestrians who will, if they are able, happily move their horses off the trail to avoid runners, hikers, and cyclists alike. Not just on North Mesa, but anywhere in the county. At the end of the day, yielding is about COMMUNICATION. Don’t be in a hurry! If you see another trail user, take a moment and be courteous. Generally speaking, it just takes a moment in time to see what the other person is doing, speak up, and then continue on with a smile and a wave.

Equestrians

It can be rather intimidating to come face to nose with an equestrian when you come around a blind corner on a trail. Horses are large and rather unpredictable animals. For the most part, the absolute WORST thing you can do is to hide. Mostly, because you CAN’T hide. Their field of vision is nearly three hundred and sixty degrees and they can smell humans like any other prey animal. If you’re not in sight or you’re a cyclist and you ride up behind them, they can’t process what you are fast enough to do anything but react in a primal flight fashion. Not all of those encounters end badly. Most trail horses are pretty used to everything from cyclists to wildlife. But if an equestrian asks you to please step out from behind a tree, to stand still, or to back off and give them space, it’s probably for a reason. They don’t have a desire to hit the dirt and in some cases they’re trying to suggest you stay out of harm’s way too.

My daughter’s horse was rushed by the middle school girls’ cross country team. The girls were just running. They had absolutely no idea that they were scaring him until I called it out. He was leaping in the air and acting as if he were ready to race them back up the road (which he was). Pay attention to what’s going on around you when you pass an animal. Does the behavior look normal or is it like a rodeo? If you happen to startle a horse and you get a reaction, just stop moving. Continuing on could make the issue worse. The equivalent of running from a bear only backwards where the animal is trying to flee from you! For the most part, equestrians are good trail users in spite of the road apples. After all, horse poop is literally compostable. It disintegrates in our climate in only a day or so as though it was never there.

A Few Words About Dogs

There are few things as cool as traveling the trail with your canine companion. Just keep in mind that while Chapter 6 of the Los Alamos County Code says you can have your dog off leash in designated areas, you MUST keep them in sight and have voice control at all times. And you can only have voice control of two dogs at a time. So if you have more, rotate them and don’t let them travel in an independent pack. Dogs are like kiddos, they love to dare each other to do wild and crazy things!

Keep in mind that it’s easy to think you’ve got control of your favorite canine. But if the trail turns and you happen to meet a horse, are you SURE you can convince Fido not to investigate? The time to test your dog’s obedience is not when he’s faced with a real world situation. Sure. He could scare the horse. But part of that particular fear situation could involve that horse striking at your dog. Nobody wants a situation like that to occur. And what if it wasn’t a horse? What if your dog met up with a pack of coyotes? They’re bold as brass in some of our local canyons and they wouldn’t be afraid of your domestic dog. Even if the coyotes ran away, could you keep your dog from trying to give chase? How about a bobcat? We’ve even had mountain lions in our area in the last few years. So really be sure of your dog before you offer him a chance to stretch his legs outside the dog park. It might be better to keep him on a leash and take a breather while you let him sniff the most amazing tree he’s ever seen.

Smile!

Don’t forget to smile at those you meet! We’re all a part of this wonderful community. Be friendly to those enjoying other activities than yours. Be glad that they are. The more trail users we have, the more resources our county will dedicate to trail maintenance and expansion. And when you’re ready to become a Los Alamos County resident and trail user, give me a call! I’d love to help you find a home here in Los Alamos.

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