Yosemite Area Real Estate

Keeping your dog's teeth clean can help keep your dog healthy. Use a soft toothbrush.  A child's toothbrush for small dogs is ideal; an adult size should be used for larger dogs.

Use toothpaste formulated especially for available at pet supply stores or your veterinarian's office.

Begin by only brushing the outside surfaces of the teeth. When your pet has adjusted to this, add the inside surfaces between the teeth and tongue.

That all depends on your pet.
Factors include: his hair coat, hair length, how often he gets dirty, where he lives (if he is indoor or outdoors most of the time), shedding cycle, and any underlying skin problem.
Some dogs need baths only a couple times year while others need weekly grooming. It is beneficial to brush your dog about twice a week. Bathing your dog every month or two isn't unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings.
A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when his coat gets dirty or begins to smell "doggy."

"Nothing can come from corn but corn, nothing from nettles but nettles. Men understand this law in the natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental and moral world... A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts." ~James Allen

How do you spend your free time? Who do you spend it with? The answers to these questions are critical to the quality of your life and of your own character. Avoid the gossips and complainers. The negative energy of these people can and will drain you and embed you in their culture of despair. Rather, spend your time with people and activities that reflect who you want to be: positive people who believe in possibilities and who take action to male their dreams come true. Who are you hanging out with?

Use candles with care. Never use candles around dogs if left unattended and keep them stored in an area inaccessible to pets.
Exposure to candles can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and/or paws of curious pets.
Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of the reach of pets.
Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression, and if inhaled, the oils could potentially cause aspiration pneumonia as well.

In honor of the first day of summer, the National Park Service is waiving the entrance fee to Yosemite on June 21st, 2011.  For more information visit:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/feefreejune21.htm

"Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard" ~Taras Brown
We each have our gifts, our talents. The only question is how well we utilize them to help ourselves and others succeed. Most successful people will tell us that they are no more talented than others - they have simply worked harder or more consistently then others. What will you do today to work on your dreams?

Don't let all of the Spring snow and rain fool you into a false sense of security...mountain area grass, weeds and brush have exploded in growth in just a few days of warm weather; add drying conditions and heavier summer traffic on local highways and what do you get?????  Yep, wildfires.  We had our first wildfire of the season today.  Local residents were dragged back to reality by the sight of spotter planes, bombers and choppers flying overhead, all while sniffing the air for the undeniable odor of smoke.  So, remember, despite the deluge of moisture we received through Spring....the party is over.  Summer is upon us and, with the hotter temps, the need to be fire safe.

"A man never knows the depth of his feelings until he shares it with someone who understands." ~John Peniel

One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is listening, really listening to them express something of importance to them. By doing so, you enable them to truly mine the depths of their thoughts and feelings. You've probably experienced this yourself with a friend, a parent or a teacher. Recall how complete you felt. Make yourself available to others to listen fully.

“The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfillment of its destiny.” ~Colin Powell

You really can and must use your talents with intention to impact your life and the lives of those in your family, organization and community.

Summertime is fun time, but hot weather makes for some unique summer pet care challenges. Although wild animals are well adapted to the elements, companion animals can be just as susceptible to extreme temperatures as their owners are. What does that mean for your pet? When the temperatures get extreme, pet safety should be top of mind. Here are five ways to stay safe while enjoying summer activities with your pet:
1. Respect the heat. Humans aren’t the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body. Dehydration can be a big problem for pets during the hot weather, too. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces—like Pugs and Persian cats—cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.

2. Keep bugs away—safely. Another summer pet safety issue is the presence of ticks and other summer insects. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your outdoor pet’s health. Fertilizers and pesticides may help keep a lawn looking great, but they can be very dangerous for your pet. In the areas where your pets play, it’s better to keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Also keep an eye out for fertilizer warnings on the edge of lawns when walking your dog. Talk to your vet about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more prevalent during the summer months.

3. Beware of anti-freeze. In the summertime, anti-freeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of anti-freeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it’s potentially lethal. Pay attention to your neighbors’ cars and potential puddles on your street, and make sure your pets stay clear of it.

4. Find out if your pet needs sunscreen. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can also be susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about which types of sunscreen are safest on your pet’s skin, and follow up by routinely applying sunscreen as part of your summer routine. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals. The ASPCA says ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets.

5. Practice water safety. As with other aspects of summer pet care, water safety is all about thinking ahead. Although it's fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, always keep a close eye on your pet when they’re in or near the water. Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool, or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles. For more risky summer adventures with your dog, like boating, look into a doggie life preserver. It could be an excellent investment for his safety.

Summer pet safety isn’t hard, it just requires some thought and attention. Watch over your pet the way you would a small child—protect them from too much heat, sun, and other summer dangers—and everything should be just fine.

Mother Nature is reluctant to give us some warm weather this spring.  Cooler temperatures combined with heavy snow melt feeding Willow Creek and Pines Creek mean that our normally pleasant water temperature may take a while to warm up this summer.  Don't fret.  If you find your teeth chattering while water skiing or swimming try out some of the other great activities around the area.

Fishing:
Local fishing guides report that the trout and kokanee bite has been good this spring.  Bring your rods, tackle and a cooler and drop a line while enjoying the view of Goat Mountain.  Too much boat traffic on the water for fishing?  Head up Willow Creek and try your luck in one of the many great fishing holes.

Hiking:
There are lots of different hiking trails in the area offering a wide variety of experience.  Be sure to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear.
Willow Creek and Angel Falls:  This is one of the most strenuous hikes around Bass Lake.  The trail begins at the Falls Beach on North Shore Road and winds up the mountain along Willow Creek for 2.7 miles, ending at McLeod Flat Road.  The two main attractions on this hike are Angel Falls and Devils Slide.  Use extreme caution on this hike.  Rocks can be extremely slippery and the creek itself hold multiple whirlpools.  There have been numerous injuries and even some deaths.
Goat Mountain/Spring Cove:  On the south side of the lake, Goat Mountain fire lookout is accessible via the Spring Cove Trail and the Goat Mountain Trail.  The Goat Mountain Trail begins in the Forks campground.  The Spring Cove trail begins on the east side of Spring Cove campground.  Both trails intersect in about an 1/8th of a mile.
Way of the Mono Trail:  This is one of the most popular and most used trails.  The self guided loop is about 1/2 mile long, offering a great vista point to view the lake.  Signs along the trail describe who the Mono people were and how they lived.  The trail begins across from the Little Denver Church Day Use Area.
Browns Ditch Trail:  Although not an official trail, this 2.5 mile route is clear and very easy to walk.  Browns Ditch is the cement flume that brings water to the lake.  The route begins where Road 274 meets Central Camp Road and runs along the flume.  At points you must walk on the steel walkway over the water.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE WATER.  The fast current and steep walls make it dangerous.

Museums
Take in some of our local Madera County history at one of our many museums.  These musuems are all within a quick 10-20 minute drive from Bass Lake:
Coarsegold Historic Museum, 31899 Highway 41, Coarsegold
Fresno Flats Historical Park, 49777 Road 427, Oakhurst
Kings Vintage Museum, 40680 Highway 41, Oakhurst
Sierra Mono Museum, 33108 Road 228, North Fork
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad/Thornberry Museum, 56001 Highway 41, Fish Camp

Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

The Scenis Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in the area.  The route begins at Beasore Road (off of Road 274 just up from the Pines Village) and winds through the Sierra National Forest, ending in North Fork.  Along the way enjoy views of Mammoth Pools, Redinger Lake, Mile High Vista, Arch Rock, Portuguese Overlook, Fresno Dome and many more.  Pack a lunch and enjoy a quiet picnic along the way.  The Byway is a full day trip but the natural wonders and beauty along this way make this drive well worth it.









Golfing
There are two very nice golf course near Bass Lake.
Sierra Meadows:  46516 Opah Drive, Oakhurst
River Creek:  41709 Road 600, Ahwahnee
Both courses offer pro shops and cafes.

If you're in the mood for a challenge take the drive up to Wawona and try your luck on the famous Wawona Golf Course.  The course is located in Wawona next to the historic Wawona Hotel.

"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action" ~Benjamin Disraeli
Happiness does not happen to you. You achieve a state of happiness through your conscious actions. You have to get up and look up to see the beautiful sunrise. You have to hug your partner to feel the comfort and contentment of their embrace. You have to work with passionate intent to bask in the glow of the promotion or recognition. In fact the first action to take to find happiness is simply to be happy. Happy people find happiness, and they recognize setbacks as learning opportunities to recalibrate and take more action.

Most dogs with failing eyesight learn to adapt to seeing less. His owners are usually instructed to avoid rearranging furniture or making drastic changes to the home that will confuse a dog with poor eyesight.

Dogs losing their sight are often easily frightened and may be more prone to biting if they are startled. Handling the dog's disability can be challenging and even frustrating, but a pair of prescription Doggles can end that stress.

A veterinary ophthalmologist can view the anatomy of the eye to determine the dog's prescription strength. This prescription is then sent to Doggles, where the glasses are made, often for less than $100.

Prescription Doggles are giving sight back to many dogs, such as those who have had a natural decline in the quality of their eyesight, dogs with cataracts, and dogs who are farsighted due to cataracts surgery without lens implants.

                             

Tornadoes and severe weather have affected a significant number of people throughout a number of states over the last few weeks. At least seven CENTURY 21 System offices have been impacted both directly and indirectly including three CENTURY 21 Agents that have lost everything.

Our International Headquarters staff has been reaching out to CENTURY 21 brokers throughout these regions to determine what type of assistance we may be able to provide.

Beyond the impact of these disasters on the CENTURY 21 family, we care about all the victims.

To facilitate CENTURY 21 System member donations to relief efforts, we have launched a special fundraising campaign for the benefit of people most impacted, through the American Red Cross. We will collect and disburse our donations through our parent company Realogy's philanthropic arm, the Realogy Charitable Foundation*.

I encourage you to join us in our fundraising efforts and help those who so desperately need our support at this critical time. Click here to make your contribution. If you prefer to make a donation by check, you may do so by making the check payable to: "RCF- American Red Cross" and mailing it to:

Realogy Charitable Foundation
Attention: CENTURY 21 Disaster Relief Fund
1 Campus Drive
Parsippany, NJ 07054

With the collective support of our CENTURY 21 family, we can make a positive difference in the recovery effort. Thank you for supporting the people whose lives have been disrupted by these terrible disasters.

Sincerely,

Rick Davidson
President & CEO
Century 21 Real Estate LLC

*The Realogy Charitable Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity supporting the philanthropic and volunteer activities of Realogy Corporation and its family of companies in the communities where we have a presence. The Realogy Charitable Foundation will distribute 100 percent of all funds collected for this charitable cause. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law, and you should consult your tax professional to determine the amount you can claim as a tax deductible contribution.

"Since most of us spend our lives doing ordinary tasks, the most important thing is to carry them out extraordinarily well." ~Thoreau

We are the most content and inspired when we live our lives with the intention for excellence. No matter what the task or interaction, strive to engage each with your best efforts. You won't always succeed and can find yourself less energized and even depressed when you give less of yourself. When we focus with intention to bring the best of ourselves to every encounter and activity, we create amazing impact and bring about our own satisfaction and happiness.

There are several signs that may indicate a problem with your dog. It is important to recognize what they are and have your pet evaluated. Problem signs include a lack of appetite, decreased activity, weakness, changes in water consumption, not grooming, bad breath, sleeping more, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, trouble breathing, frequent urinations or bloody urinations.
Watch your dog carefully for any sign of illness. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, please contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic as soon as possible.

"The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Wagner, Bach and Mozart settled down day after day to the job in hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They didn't waste time waiting for inspiration." ~Ernest Newman

It is in the doing that inspiration strikes.  You can apply this to any pursuit, creative or otherwise. You want love? Then love. You want health? Act in healthy ways. It truly is in the doing that we are finally inspired to be and do what we desire.

Some Exercise and play is important to all dogs, including your elderly dog.
First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. Excess weight on degenerating joints can speed up the development of arthritis.
Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.

"The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." ~E. Phillpots

I truly believe the universe offers us limitless possibilities waiting for us to find a path toward their discovery. I believe it starts with the assumption the magic exists and the actively positive nature of our everyday behaviors and thoughts. I am always seeking to 'sharpen my wits' of awareness so as to see the magic as it appears. I have found much magic in my life and look forward to discovering more! How about you?

While Mother Nature may be reluctant to let go of winter the Bass Lake Farmers Market season kickoff tomorrow, May 18th, is a sure sign that summer is right around the corner.  Grab your jackets and head on out to Good Ol Daze for fresh fruit and veggies from around the San Joaquin Valley. 

"Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own." ~Charles de Gaulle

It is common to look outside for the causes of a personal, organizational or community crisis. That path almost always leads to unnecessary and misplaced animosity. The key to resolving crises is to look internally and discover the actions you can take to move past the crisis, learn and evolve. Think of a challenge you are facing and rather than looking for blame or other external causes, determine what you will do, now, to make a positive move to learn from and move past the challenge.

Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Attendance Fee: $7

At this quilt show, attendees will have the opportunity to see more than one hundred, unique, hand-crafted quilts created by local quilters and fiber artists.

Featured Quilter, Lura Schwartz-Smith is an internationally renowned, award winning quilter, fiber artist, teacher, and author. Lura will be present at the show both days to display examples of her work and talk with attendees. See www.lura-art.com for more information about Lura.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life will be held at the Wasuma Elementary School Track from Saturday 9 am till Sunday 9 am, for 24 hrs. Local residents will walk the track to raise money for the American Cancer Society and to raise fund for cancer awareness, services and research, for more information contact 559-658-6420 or toll free 1-800-ACS-2345.

The 21st Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show will be held at Bass Lake on Saturday, May 14th. Sponsored by the Bass Lake Lions Club, the show will feature over 50 of the finest preserved and restored watercraft to be found on the west coast. The show is the annual rendezvous of the Southern and Northern California Chapters of the Antique and Classic Boat Society of America and promises to be one of the largest of the season in California.


The show takes place on the docks in front of Ducey’s On The Lake in the Pines Village on the north shore of Bass Lake. Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee to see the boats is $3.00 per person and all proceeds go toward sight preservation and other community projects supported by the Bass Lake Lions, including a camp for deaf and sight impaired children.

Bring your old eyeglasses, cell phones and hearing aids for recycling and get 2 free raffle tickets for the mega drawing.

For more information, please call Jim Milligin at (559) 642-3420