I don't know how things are in your neighborhood.. but here we are experiencing an interesting mixture of weather.

I'm sure there is a scientific explanation for what's happening with a cross between El Nino, La Nina, Global warming, fall, winter, summer, the phase of the moon and an upcoming political election, all contributing to the unusual weather.

The weather is about as clear cut as life. Fall officially arrived on September 22nd this year but that doesn't mean that we moved immediately to warm sweaters, heavier jackets and getting our gloves and scarves out of mothballs.

We had some Indian summer days and some really cold mornings. The weather forecasters are predicting our first frost next week and I just heard yesterday that we will probably have a little more snow than normal (about 53 inches) which is about half of what we had last winter at 94 inches.

Looking at those numbers, that seems like a lot of snow.

Today, I have gone through the fall shuffle. This dance includes dressing warmly in the morning with an extra layer to go grocery shopping and shedding one of the layers by the time I left the first store. (This didn't happen in public.)

Our apartment was really quite warm by the time we returned so that meant we opened the windows and sliding doors.

We had a rain shower around lunch. By mid-afternoon, I was really leaning toward changing into shorts until I realized that in about another hour, I'd be looking for another layer of clothing once the sun goes down.

With the right music, I could create the Fall Shuffle video. :)

Whatever the weather is like outside, it's the temperature in our hearts and minds that makes the difference.

If there are sunny skies appearing in your heart, no amount of gloomy weather can dim your skies.

If you are struggling with life issues at the moment, whether grief, or financial troubles, or personal relationships, the sky is a little gray inside.

Need a little pick-me-up? Do a small thing for someone else.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to provide a plastic bag to someone whose carrying bag broke and the contents spilled on the bus floor.

There are countless opportunities every day. Just try one.

Being a good neighbor in your apartment community is a good place to start.

Enjoy your weekend, whatever the weather in your neighborhood.

The squirrels are working at break neck speed.. fall must be coming!

Over the last week, I have admired the tenacity and perseverance of the squirrels in our neck of the woods.

If you can anticipate a change of seasons from their fervor, then hiberating season is coming... soon!

This weekend we were hanging out in another neighborhood with one of our little dog buddies.

He may be small, but he is mighty determined that at least one walk a day is good for his body, mind and spirit.

Since I agree that walking is good for you, we often walked about the neighborhood.

There was a lot of squirrel traffic.. I mean the four legged ones with bushy tails.

As we rounded the corner, I looked down and saw real, authentic, nature made acorns. Not just the little 'acorn hats' but the whole nut.

There was a pair of twin acorns that were still attached together at the stem. It looked like maybe a squirrel had separated them from the mother tree, but I didn't see any squirrels around at the time.

SO... I took the twin acorns with me. It's not often I see nuts like this and of course, I'm always looking for inspiration for my blog. :)

"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow"-- how many of you have heard this saying before?

If you're under 25, probably not too many of you. :)

But.. I was reminded of the little things in life that really do make a difference. Small things like, 'please' and 'thank you'. Holding open the door for someone with their arms full. Taking out the garbage without being asked. Doing the laundry. Cleaning your room.

O.K. you say.. let's not get carried away here.

Respect. Love. Integrity. Honesty. Faith. Loyalty... small words, just like the acorns, but when put into practice, they grow into a rich, full life.. or a mighty oak.

Even if you're not a squirrel, and there probably aren't too many squirrels reading this blog, but you might want to take their advice, and start preparing for the fall and winter seasons.

Store up nuts if that is your food of choice or something else that you prefer.

Be prepared. The squirrels know what they're doing.

I have been blessed to cross paths with many survivors and today I honor one of them.

Her name is Mandy. She is black and furry with four legs.

Love and persistence are her mantras. She survived a bout with cancer and although her hips have been giving her a difficult time for quite a few years, she kept on going.

My husband and I were privileged to be her caretakers when her 'Mom' went on vacation. Mandy looked forward to our coming as much as we did.

She was truly a delight.

Today, Mandy is running on heaven's shores. This week her earthly body gave out and her Mom had to say good-bye for now.

We mourn with her as if it were our own dog... because she really was.

How does this tie into apartment living?

I can think of several ways. Most of our apartment communities have animals of one sort or another. Dogs, cats, turtles, fish who may be pets or service animals. They provide many benefits and improve the quality of our lives.

As property managers, my husband and I had a dog, Duke was his name. He completed the tripod of our management team. Until he passed away in 2004, I didn't realize how much of our stress that he absorbed. He was a great protector and a good teacher as well.

I learned to read his body language and soon could pick up on situations or suspicious people before an incident occurred.

Today, I am thankful for the animals that share the world with us. If you have a dog or cat, give them a word of thanks or a hug today.

Mandy, you have been my inspiration for years. I know your legacy will live on through the lives that you touched.

Three cheers for mandy!

P.S. Click on Mandy's name on Three Cheers for Mandy and see let her be your inspiration as well.

That was the sound of fall falling upon us yesterday.

Dorothy, it's not summer any more.

My intention was to write a posting yesterday but I spent the day dodging the wind-driven rain and keeping warm.

It's ironic that last Tuesday when I looked at the temperature sign on a nearby business it said 97 degrees! Yes, 97... well, yesterday was a far cry from that.

I am happy to report that though the temperature is a little brisk this morning, the sun is shining.... YAY!

So, what have you done to prepare for fall?

Sunday and Monday were the sneak preview of what fall has in store for us. It took great willpower yesterday not to turn the heat on.. but of course, I remembered.. it's too early to do that..

Instead, I did the next best thing.. started cooking and baking in the kitchen. Soup and homemade biscuits not only warmed up the apartment but it warmed our souls as well.

No need to have the window open for ventilation last night.. the comforter felt great.

Back to your fall preparation list.

1. It's a good time to put away all your 'summer toys'... whatever form they may take.

2. If you have flowers and a garden, it's time to take action with what remains before the first frost arrives.. which could be soon.

3. Start filling up your cupboards with supplies for the fall and winter that lies ahead. Have a family discussion about your needs. We have started our list of wants and needs. Our pantry is starting to fill up for those upcoming days when the weather might dictate whether I want to leave the apartment or not.

4. Think about your neighbors and others in the community. If you have extra coats, gloves, scarves that you don't often wear, there are many charitable organizations that could make good use of them.

Buy a few extra non-perishable items the next time you go to the store. Your local food bank or community center could use the help. Another possibility is someone you know personally that may need a helping hand-- a neighbor or family member. It's good to share!

Time for me to begin the day andget started on my list.

First a cup of hot tea to celebrate the coming of fall.

Enjoy!

What do you value most in the place you live?

The physical qualities of the apartment or the neighbors that surround you?

I would have to agree, from my own personal experience, there is definitely a sliding scale when weighing these two considerations.

First, the quality of the apartment itself. I think there are a few items that you need to consider:

1. Does the apartment meet the physical space needs of your family? If there is only one bedroom and your family includes yourself, your husband and two children, that's probably not going to work.

2. Do you feel safe in this environment? Are there deadbolt locks? A good sturdy door? A good neighborhood?

3. Are the amenities you desire available at this location? It may be a non-negotiable point that the apartment building has a pool for your use. Or, if you don't own a car, your apartment should be easily accessible to alternative transportation, i.e. bus routes, subway, etc.

Second, how much of a role do your neighbors play in your apartment selection?

1. Are you interested in a particular section of the city based on housing options and style of housing offered?

For example, if you are interested in living in a neighborhood that has a mixture of apartments and single family homes, or maybe a large apartment building in the inner-city, or some grass and trees to offset the mass density of humanity.

2. What is the crime rate in the area? Personally, I value security, both for myself and my living space. So, a neighborhood that is currently the location of a gang war would not be a good choice for me.

3. Do you spend a lot of time in your living space or are you frequently gone? This can affect your choice as well. If you are at home all day and desire quietness, or lots of noise, this could determine where you choose to live.

Or if you work all day and are inundated with noise, and you desire a quiet refuge when you come home, living next door to a rock band who practices all night, is probably not a good option.

During my time as a property manager, we spent a lot of time focusing on community building within the apartment community. To put that in simple terms, thinking of your neighbor as well as yourself.

Respect was one of the cornerstones of our community -- respect for others, for the building and yourself.

It's like living with your family. Remember those days when your mother told you that it wasn't o.k. to punch your brother in the arm or if Misty was doing her homework, George couldn't have the television blaring in the same room.

Much of being a good neighbor is practicing the Golden Rule, Do unto others what you would want them to do to you.

Common courtesy.. sometimes it seems like a lost art.

Education and modeling good behavior ourselves can be a good starting point.

Also, in many cities and in your lease, there may be laws and rules about what is an acceptable level of noise.

In Spokane, there is a Noise Ordinance, about noise after 10 p.m. In our apartment community, we were diligent about enforcing this rule.

Residents who don't get enough sleep don't function well during the day.. this applies to property managers as well. :)

Also, there is a responsibility on your part as a renter to inform management if there is a problem. Alas, property managers and landlords are not mind readers even though you think we are.

Good luck to the reader who made this comment. I agree that your neighbors do contribute to the quality of life in your apartment.

Here's to being a good neighbor!

No, I am not speaking in the personal sense here.

Our property is undergoing a series of upgrades as the summer comes to a close and summer gives way to fall.

Currently, all the asphalt driveways are being repaved and lovely bright yellow paint adorns the speed bumps and parking space lines.

It has been a bit of a juggle to get traffic moving through the complex and still keep the asphalt crews moving along.

One chunk at a time with diverted traffic flowing in other directions.. and did I mention the concept of parking elsewhere while the area outside your apartment is receiving a new layer of tar-ish liquid before the next 2 1/2 inches of asphalt is being laid?

There are a couple of lessons that are being learned here:

1. When it says your car needs to be moved or it will be towed, it really means it will be towed and you pay the bill.

2. Walking on a liquid that is black and looks sticky.. it really is and yes, you will have to replace your shoes because it doesn't come off.

We are looking forward to the next few days as they approach the end of the 'loop' that encompasses our apartment community, where the only entrance to the property exists and yet needs to be paved.. hmmmm...this will be interesting.. I'll fill you in on that as it happens.

The other project that is taking place is replacing windows and slider doors. There was a moment when the window installers were head to head with large trucks of hot asphalt.. well, we'll just say, they worked it out.

While this work is going on outside the building, it's time to clean things up on the inside as well.

I'm getting that fall cleaning itch. I'll drop a few tips as I proceed.

We are inching back up to 90 degrees again before we head back to the 70's.

Enjoy the good weather as you consider those who have been struck by nature's fury.

9/11/01 -- The day that the course of history changed...

It's been seven years... a long time and a short time.

The tragedy is still fresh in my heart and mind.

The shock, the tears, the fears.

Today, I stand with those who live as we dedicate ourselves to truly living each day that we have on this earth.

Those who lost their lives seven years ago started out their day like every other but the day's end was never what they intended.

Today, my aunt who was battling cancer died. Early this morning, she breathed her last breath and went to join those who died seven years ago.

Today is the anniversary of a day I will never forget.

Hug your children.

Tell your spouse how much you love them.

Do something out of the ordinary to commemorate life.

It might be something outrageous like a hot fudge sundae, or a wild adventure to a place you always wanted to go, or a quiet moment with someone you love as you watch the sun set and the first stars of the night appear.

I realized this morning that too often we take life for granted and assume that we can let this day pass if it doesn't start out like we expected...but we may not have that luxury.

Live like you mean it!

A moment of silence to those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11/01 and to those who have lost their lives defending our freedom since then.

We salute you.

How often do you think about rain gutters?

Personally, it doesn't often cross my mind unless... they don't work.

In the next section of our apartment building, the rain gutter has been having issues for a while.

For example, when it rains a lot, i.e. like during a thunderstorm, it comes cascading down off the roof and drowns the second floor balcony and reeks havoc for the flowers in the garden below.

Well.. today is a glorious day!

The rain gutters were replaced today, both next door and in our section of the building.

So.. let the rains begin.. O.K. I didn't mean immediately, but the fall rains which will undoubtedly come will find themselves only descending where they should instead of flowing wherever they want to go.

Do you have a list of projects that have been on your to-do list for a long time?

You might want to consider tackling one.. only one before the week ends.

The feeling of accomplishment that you'll enjoy will make you smile through the weekend. :)

Enjoy your day!

Just when you think you've seen it all.... you get surprised.

A couple of days ago my husband and I were walking through our 12-acre apartment community on the way to the bus stop admiring the new windows that had been replaced in some of the units.

Much to our surprise as we surveyed the view, our sweeping gaze was stopped by an amazing sight.

There are the apartment balcony were five gutted fish with their heads still attached hanging from a clothesline.

Yes, you read that correctly fish on the clothesline.

My first thought was that's an interesting way to dry fish.. a little unconventional but a creative possibility.

My husband's first thought was wow, how many flies can five fish draw in one place?

We did have a discussion about that as we continued on our way to catch the bus.

There are several conclusions you can draw from this encounter:

1. A clothesline has many uses, not just to hang your clothes to dry them.

2. Creativity abounds in an apartment community.

3. If you have an unusual amount of flies swarming your apartment, check your neighbor's balcony.

4. Isn't it grand that life is never boring in an apartment community? It is likely that you wouldn't be hanging fish from your own clothesline.

Embrace something different in your life today. Not everything in this world fits into your preconceived plan.

Go with the flow and see the wonderful things that happen.

This morning I was out taking a walk enjoying the beautiful day when I came across someone with a hand cart who appeared to be about to move something.

I greeted him and he asked if I lived here in the apartment complex. I said, Yes and asked if he was moving in or out. He replied that his mom and brother were moving in.

"How do you like living here?" was his next response.

At that moment, I reverted back to my property manager training and how we used to pitch the apartments on a walk-through.

I expressed my opinion of life here and assured him that if a problem arose that the management was attentive to deal with it.

As I thought about our conversation throughout the day, it was similar to a restaurant or hotel review. How many stars would I give the place I live?

A better question is what level are the accommodations where you live?

At what point does the economics of your pocketbook determine what kind of quality place you will live?

Do you live in a city where you must sacrifice quality because of the limited resources in your wallet?

Fortunately, there are a vast array of options in our community at a variety of prices. I noticed in this morning's paper that there is a multi-million dollar mansion for sale which includes a bowling alley, just in case, that's where your heart and checkbook collide.

The one to five star rating system might be a good way for managers and owners to evaluate their properties.

As a tenant, you might want to create your own review system and share it CONSTRUCTIVELY with the management.

They will be open to your input if it is done tactfully and considerately.. they work really hard to provide a great place for you to live.

Well.. as the day draws to a close and nature's symphony has started its evening concert, I'm ready to sign off.

Enjoy your deluxe accommodations.