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Hurricane Season 2009

MindYourCastle — 2009-06-07T10:02:24-04:00

Once again it’s that time of year ~ HURRICANE SEASON... altho’ it seemed
that we were already in it with the recent heavy rains the Mt. Dora area experienced. 24 inches recorded at one of the lakeside homes!

“Our” homes fared well. The only leaks found were in homes that already had problems and areas prone to erosion, eroded again. We are back to “normal” now.

OK, here’s the drill ... “don’t call us, we’ll call you” .... general area info will go here in the news section if possible and we will contact individual homeowners if there is a problem at their homes. One FREE post-hurricane inspection each season, everything else is at your normal inspection rate.

Your only responsibility is to HAVE FUN, keep those toes and fingers crossed and think HAPPY THOUGHTS!

THANK YOU, LADIES!

MindYourCastle — 2009-05-07T15:39:21-04:00

Just received word from the Country Club of Mt. Dora Women’s Club via one of those flyers:
“This is the last CCMD Women’s Club Flyer - EVER
The Women’s Club is going green! Beginning September 2009 no flyers will be distributed throughout the neighborhood. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the CCMD Clubhouse and the Community Center. Also, an announcement will be posted on the bulletin board at the entrance with phone numbers for reservations. Luncheons are always on the third Monday of each month September through May ~ mark your calendars!”
Mind Your Castle thanks the CCMD Women’s Club!

Security checklist

MindYourCastle — 2009-04-08T15:21:46-04:00

THANKS to the Lake County Sheriff’s Association’s Crime Watch program for providing the following info to get us all thinking!
( The boldface questions below are new suggestions for our customers. )

OUTSIDE SECURITY
Is your house number visible from the street?
Can your neighbors see your house?
Do your neighbors have a clear view of your doors and windows?
Have you talked to your neighbors about neighborhood security?
At night, do you leave your front and back porch lights on whether you are home or not?
Have you ever walked around your house looking for ways a burglar might be able to get in?
Have you trimmed all your hedges and bushes so they can’t hide a burglar at work on your windows and doors?

DOORS & WINDOWS
Are your outside entrance doors all solid core doors?
Do your door frames fit snugly around your exterior doors?
Do you have a viewer / peep hole (180 min) in your front and back doors?
Are all your outside doors equipped with good one inch deadbolt locks?
Do you have a double-cylinder lock for doors with glass or panels?
Since you moved in, have you had all locks rekeyed or changed your locks?
Do you lock your door every time you leave ~ no matter how short a time?
Can you close and lock your garage?
Do you close and lock your garage door?
Do you check to see if all windows are locked when you leave the house?
Do you put a snugly fitting board in the track of your sliding glass door?
Have you pinned or installed an additional lock on your sliding glass door?
Do all your windows have good locks on them?
Have you installed extra window locks for better security and ventilation?

BASIC SECURITY
Do you know how to report a crime?
Do you ask neighbors to watch your house if you’re going to be gone overnight?
Do you have automatic timers on a couple of lights in the house when you are away?
Does your house always look like someone is home?
Do you turn your bell tone down on your telephone when you are away?
Do you have your neighbor park his extra car in your driveway when you are away for a few days?
Do you have your neighbor pick up your mail, newspapers and other deliveries when you are going to be gone?
Have you recorded serial numbers of your valuables?
Have you etched your drivers license number on valuables?
Have you photographed for identification purposes those items you can’t etch or that have no serial numbers on them such as jewelry, china or crystal?
Do you always separate your home and car keys when you leave your car with a valet parking attendant, repair or service technicians.
Have you removed all identification tags from your key rings?
Do you report suspicious activity to the Mount Dora Police Department or the Lake County Sheriff’s Department?

Mt. Dora Police non-emergency number.... 735-7130
Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. non-emergency number.... 343-2101

ANOTHER CHANGE FOR CITY OF MOUNT DORA IRRIGATION!

MindYourCastle — 2009-03-30T12:18:12-04:00

City Approves Lawn Irrigation Schedule

The City of Mount Dora has reached an agreement with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) with regard to the following irrigation schedule. The agreement was reached to avoid low water pressure until the East side water plant is operational. Please make certain your irrigation controllers are set to irrigate your landscaping as follows.

For addresses ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3, watering must occur:

* Only on a Tuesday and Friday

For addresses ending in 4, 5, or 6, watering must occur:

* Only on a Wednesday and Saturday

For addresses ending in 7, 8, or 9, watering must occur:

* Only on a Thursday and Sunday

New Irrigation Days

MindYourCastle — 2009-03-12T14:22:57-04:00

According to the March 5th Orlando Sentinel, Daylight Savings Time brings changes to the irrigation restrictions.... according to the St. James River Water Management District. As of Sunday, March 8th we will be permitted to water our landscaping and lawns two days per week during Daylight Savings Time. In the Fall, when we change back to Eastern Standard Time, we will be permitted to water ONCE per week.

As of March 8th:
*WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY irrigation at ODD-NUMBERED residential addresses.
*THURSDAY & SUNDAY irrigation at EVEN-NUMBERED residential addresses.
*Tuesday & Friday for non-residential irrigation.
*No irrigation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*No more than 3/4” of water per zone and no more than one hour of watering per zone, both per watering day.

During Eastern Standard Time, beginning next Fall, irrigation days will be reduced to:
*SATURDAY irrigation at ODD-NUMBERED residential addresses.
*SUNDAY irrigation for EVEN-NUMBERED residential addresses.
*Tuesday for non-residential irrigation.
*The same time and water amount limitations apply as during Daylight Savings Time.

For more information go to: www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions
or call 800-232-0904.

REVISED DATES for "Closing" seminar

MindYourCastle — 2008-10-08T11:38:18-04:00

Just received word ~ the revised dates for the CLOSING YOUR FLORIDA HOME seminar are:

FEBRUARY 20TH.... DAYTIME SESSION.... 11 A.M. TO NOON
FEBRUARY 23RD.... EVENING SESSION.... 6:30 TO 7:30 P.M.

Moles ~ Info

MindYourCastle — 2008-10-07T14:39:15-04:00

This information comes from Florida Gardening Magazine ~ October/November 2008 issue, page 9. (GREAT magazine about Florida Home Gardening...check it out! )

According to Dr. William Kern Jr. of the University of Florida: “The eastern mole prefers loose, well-drained soils. It has been found in dune sand and rich forest humus. Moles are beneficial because they eat mole crickets... beetle larvae (white grubs, wire worms, etc.)... ants and ant brood... moth larvae and pupae (cutworms and armyworms) and slugs. They also help to loosen and aerate the soil. In those soil, moles can tunnel up to 18 feet per hour. Their living space is in tunnels and chambers 6-12 inches below the surface. Soil from these deep burrows is pushed to the surface in small mounds. The damage caused by moles is almost entirely cosmetic. Although moles are often falsely accused of eating the roots of grass and other plants, they actually feed on the insects causing the damage. The tunneling of moles may cause some physical damage to the root systems of ornamental or garden plants and may kill grass by drying out the roots, but this damage is usually minor.

When mole tunnels become an intolerable nuisance, moles may be captured and removed without a permit by homeowners, renters or employees of the property owner.

If a lawn service or pest control technician is hired to trap nuisance animals, that person must have a Nuisance Wildlife Permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). No poison (bait or fumigant) may be used on native wildlife without a poison permit issued by the executive director of the FWC. Because suitable traps are available for mole control, it is extremely difficult to justify the use of poisons. The use of vibrating devices to drive away moles has not been proven effective in scientific trials. In fact, the presence of mole tunnels next to highways would seem to be evidence against the effectiveness of these devices. The same is true for the use of mothballs to repel moles. The mole blocks off the treated tunnels and moves to a different part of the yard.” (Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum is another method not proven in scientific tests.)
..... Rebecca Jordi, Nassau County extension agent

Seminar ~ "Closing Your FL Home"

MindYourCastle — 2008-10-07T14:13:01-04:00

The Lake County Extension Office announced in the Oct. 3rd issue of the Orlando Sentinel, their schedule for the FREE program series for the upcoming season. The seminar that we attended last year about CLOSING YOUR FLORIDA HOME is well worth the time spent.

CLOSING YOUR FLORIDA HOME ~ tips for closing your seasonal home.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on February 10, 2009
11:00 a.m. to Noon on February 20, 2009

Each of the programs in the series will be presented at the Lake County Agricultural Center, located at 1951 Woodlea Road (off State Route 19) in Tavares. Registration is suggested. Further info is available from Rene Bass at 352.343.4101 or by email at rcbass@ufl.edu.

One tip ~ go early.... it was PACKED! They had great informational hand-outs last year.

Tile Roof Cleaning Info

MindYourCastle — 2008-09-26T15:13:58-04:00

This article is from the Orlando Sentinel September 11, 2008 - Greg Dawson Column.

Dear Greg: On June 30 I had the tile roof on my house cleaned by Waxler’s Roofing Cleaning. Waxler used a chlorine solution and assured me there would be no damage to my plants. Subsequently, I noticed grass turning brown at the gutter downspouts and plants losing leaves. I called Waxler on July 3 and he said not to worry, it was normal to have some brown areas and leaves dropping. I called July 17 to report that several plants now had no leaves and appeared to be dying. Waxler said he would come by and replace the damaged plants. He never came by, so I called again July 28 , and he said that he would be by at 9 AM the next day. He did not show at 9 and I called him at 10:30. He said he would be here at 11:15. Again he was a no-show. I am tired of wasting time calling. - Ken Smith Windermere

Dear Ken: Thanks for giving up! I was getting tired of reading about Waxler’s no-shows. Since getting your e-mail August 21, I have left three messages with someone at Waxler’s number who promised to tell him that I called about the progressive defoliation of your property due to his negligence. Since Waxler still hasn’t shown up, either he never got the message -- in which case he needs another secretary -- or he did get the message and just doesn’t care. Maybe he should just change his company’s name to Waxler’s Wallet Cleaning.

ATM / Check cards

MindYourCastle — 2008-06-11T20:59:00-04:00

No receipt on some check card purchases/withdrawals under $15.00

Received this info recently in our credit union newsletter:
“A rule change (effective last August) that no longer requires ATM
or other point-of-sale operators to issue receipts when purchases
or withdrawals are $15 or less.”

Possible fire hazard !!

MindYourCastle — 2008-04-20T18:30:39-04:00

Also from the "Closing Your Florida Home" seminar ~
We questioned presenter, Deborah Boulware about leaving ceiling
fans running the entire time the home is unoccupied.

Answer: Fans do nothing to aid in the prevention of mold and mildew
and were NOT DESIGNED FOR LONG-TERM USE. Indeed
extended use over a long period of time could pose a FIRE HAZARD.
This info was corroborated by someone who had just had an energy
audit done by Progress Energy and asked about fans and were told
the same thing.

We have been uneasy about the long-term use of the ceiling fans
in some of "our" homes and we are now recommending that you
DO NOT leave ceiling fans on. Thanks!

Recommend this seminar...

MindYourCastle — 2008-04-15T18:06:27-04:00

On Tuesday, April 8th we attended an excellent seminar
on Closing Your Florida home that was put on by
Deborah Boulware of Lake County Extension. We will
be sending copies of the hand-out info with our yearly "goodbye"
letters. Also we have info on dealing with mold and mildew if you need it.
We will let y'all know if this seminar will be offered in 2009.

Hurricane season 2008

MindYourCastle — 2008-06-01T17:51:00-04:00

Here we go again!
For our new customers and forgetful old-timers.....
Just to reiterate:

We know you will be very concerned to hear if your home was affected by a hurricane. We are concerned also!
As soon as it is safe for us to be outside, we will be out checking your homes. We will put a general message of how Mt. Dora fared in this news section and will contact each homeowner individually with details on your home. We will either email or call you (depending on whether or not we have electric, phone service or internet access.) This is why we need you to let us know of any and all changes to your personal contact info. If possible, where needed, we will send you photos of any situations that we find at your home. We will need to hear back from you about what actions you would like us to take ASAP. If we don't hear from you and it is an emergency situation, we will take what we consider appropriate action and bill you for it.

DON'T FORGET THAT THE MEDIA NEEDS "DISASTERS" TO KEEP THEIR READERSHIP AND VIEWER NUMBERS UP. SOOOOO... TAKE WHAT YOU READ, HEAR & SEE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.... OR TWO!

Fingers and toes crossed please!

A grandson! A grandson!

MindYourCastle — 2008-02-08T17:29:00-05:00

FINNEGAN JAMES MORRIS claimed his special place in the happy hearts of
Gma & Pops on January 21, 2008..... Thanks Tate & Sue!

Garbage disposal tips

MindYourCastle — 2008-05-30T17:09:00-04:00

We've all heard about putting citrus peels into the garbage disposal
to make it smell great and ice cubes to clean it out. Here's a couple of
great tips from Mary Hunt and the Everyday Cheapskate website (11/9/2007)

Instead of putting the citrus peels directly into the disposal puree
them first in a blender or food processor with some water. Pour that
liquid into ice cube trays and freeze. Once a week throw 8 to 10 cubes
into the disposal and grind them up. Follow with a kettle of boiling water.

A good maintenance trick is to run your disposal during your
dishwasher's draining cycle. That hot soapy water should go thru the
disposal on its way out, so if you fire the disposal up while the dishwasher
is draining, you'll keep it free of food particles. Thanks Mary!

As you leave, remember...

MindYourCastle — 2008-04-30T16:07:00-04:00

Please let us know right away if any of your information has changed ~
email address, cell & home phone numbers or home address.
Thanks!

Thanks to Mother Nature

MindYourCastle — 2008-05-15T16:37:00-04:00

our garden is recovering and looking great! So remember ~ if
FROST is predicted, TURN OFF your irrigation system!

Learned the hard way.....

MindYourCastle — 2008-01-12T19:42:14-05:00

Make sure you turn off your irrigation system if the forecast
is for a hard freeze and your sprinklers are scheduled to go on.
We forgot during the recent 34 and 28 degree nights and the
resulting ice from the irrigation system damaged our shrubs, trees and
flowers far beyond of our neighbors'. I expect to do lots of pruning to
remove the damaged portions and hope that our garden will come
back in a blaze of glory as in the past. Fingers and toes crossed, please!

According to Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel garden columnist
(from his column 1/6/08):
Water can be used for cold protection. However, the
water has to be applied uniformly and in sufficient quantities with
continuous coverage during the entire freeze period to be
effective. When a sprinkler system comes on during the freeze and
turns off before the freeze is over, the damage often is severe.
The wet plants are super-cooled and temperatures drop well
below the air temperatures ~ causing stems and leaves to freeze that
normally would not have been affected. Some of the plants that
would have survived had the irrigation system been turned off before
the freeze might even be lost.

Azalea fertilizer test results

MindYourCastle — 2008-01-12T19:17:32-05:00

It works! Used a couple of handfuls of the acid azalea fertilizer
around the base of each yellowing split-leaf philodendron and
plants greened up and took off growing. Kept a few without fertilizer
as a control and there was a huge difference in the plants. (See news
entry 6/1/07... split-leaf philodendron )

Tornado warning early this morning!

MindYourCastle — 2007-12-16T18:08:47-05:00

The Mount Dora area was under a tornado warning early this morning,
but luckily we only experienced high winds and heavy rains. No leaks!
Some wind damage in other areas: Orange City, Winter Garden
and Oveido. Okay here! No reports of any tornado touchdowns.

The morning after....

MindYourCastle — 2007-09-21T10:32:01-04:00

NO DAMAGE TO ANY OF "OUR" HOMES.

CCMD ~ No damage seen.... a couple of overturned plastic chairs
and some palm fronds down
LAKES OF MOUNT DORA ~ a little more erosion in areas prone to it,
no damage seen
LOCH LEVEN ~ No damage seen

According to the reports we have been hearing, 50 Eustis homes are damaged
with 30 of them deemed unlivable. Downtown historic district also affected,
however, we are not sure as to what extent.

Lake County Tornado Touchdown

MindYourCastle — 2007-09-21T00:11:29-04:00

Had a bit of a scary few minutes hiding in our "safe" place waiting
for the tornado cell that was predicted to pass over Mt. Dora around
10:40 tonight. Passed over us with lots of sound and fury, but did not
touch down here. Unfortunately Eustis was not so lucky. There was a
confirmed touchdown east of 19 near Monteray Ave. Just saw photos
of damage on Lakeview and St. Mary Street. We just called friends who live
in Lakes of Mt. Dora and they are fine.

We will be checking all "our" homes at first light and post general info here.
Will call homeowners with anything specific.

OUR THANKS TO OUR GREAT FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, CARL & ANGEL
FOR THE HEADS-UP!

Re: Today's CNN report about Orlando weather

MindYourCastle — 2007-07-16T09:21:45-04:00

If you happened to catch the CNN report this morning on the
hurricane-like storm in Orlando yesterday afternoon - rest easy!
Mount Dora is fine, just rain here. What went on in Orlando, stayed in
Orlando......

Beneficial Barry

MindYourCastle — 2007-06-02T20:02:39-04:00

Mt. Dora area is FINE. Received much needed rain
and very little in the way of wind. Skies are clearing.

Split-leaf philodendron

MindYourCastle — 2007-06-01T22:06:05-04:00

Noticed that at a couple of "our" homes some of the
split-leaf philodendrons have this problem.
Some of our philos do too.

From Tom MacCubbin's Orlando Sentinel column, May 26th.....

Q: We have had a split-leaf philodendron in our yard for five years
that does not seem happy. It produces yellow leaves that
eventually turn brown. Does it need a special fertilizer?

A: Maybe it's not a special fertilizer that is needed here but
a different soil. Check the soil acidity and adjust the PH if needed.
Philodendron plantings seem to grow best and have fewer yellow
leaves in the acid soils.

You might use an azalea fertilizer with this plant to help keep
the soil on the acid side and provide some of the minor
nutrients needed for growth.

Thank you, Tom! I had assumed it was lack of water. I will be
trying the azalea/camellia fertilizer on our split-leaf philodendrons
and will let y'all know results.

"Tropical storm" Barry

MindYourCastle — 2007-06-01T23:21:28-04:00

Barry - hyped like crazy - all day and night, yesterday and today - with "expected 6 to 8 inches of rain and 50 to 60 mph winds" !!!!! Tonight's Weather Channel forecast for the Leesburg area Saturday is 1-2 inches rain and 10 to 20 mph winds. TV-Wesh2 forecast at 11o'clock is about 3 inches rain & 35-40 mph wind. Started raining early evening, no wind to speak of yet. Will let y'all know if anything changes.

2007 hurricane season begins today

MindYourCastle — 2007-06-01T21:03:20-04:00

Just to reiterate -
We know you will be very concerned to hear if your home was affected by a hurricane. We will be concerned also!
As soon as it is safe for us to be outside, we will be out checking your homes. We will put a general message of how Mt. Dora fared in this news section and will contact each homeowner individually with details on your home. We will either email or call you (depending on whether or not we have electric, phone service or internet access.) If possible, where needed, we will send you photos of any situations that we find at your home.

DON'T FORGET THAT THE MEDIA NEEDS "DISASTERS" TO KEEP THEIR READERSHIP AND VIEWER NUMBERS UP. DON'T FORGET TO TAKE WHAT YOU READ, HEAR & SEE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.... OR TWO!

You can get local information on the Orlando Sentinel website (link on our "Weather/Links" page) and on:

www.wesh.com ..... the channel 2 (NBC) website

www.wftv.com ....... the channel 9 (ABC) website

www.local6.com .... the channel 6 (CBS) website

http://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/ ....... a Mount Dora website

www.lakegovernment.com ...... the portal for Lake County Government, this Web site changes during emergency situations to provide residents with up-to-date information.
www.nhc.noaa.gov ...... the National Hurricane Center Web site provides important weather information and imagery regarding hurricanes.
www.floridadisaster.org ...... the Florida Division of Emergency Management Web site offers safety tips and warnings for all types of disasters.
www.cityofmountdora.com ...... the City of Mount Dora official website – Will be updated regularly during emergency events with information obtained from the Lake County Emergency Operations Center, as well as with information specific to Mount Dora residents. Following an event, information will be placed on the website with directions for residents as to where to obtain emergency supplies such as ice, what shelters may be open and other essential information.

We will let you know what is happening as soon as we are able.

So once again, keep your fingers crossed and think happy thoughts for us. You did a great job last year!

Florida's wild fires

MindYourCastle — 2007-05-14T09:57:33-04:00

By now you have probably heard of all the wildfires all around the state of
Florida. OUR AREA IS FINE! The closest fires were in the Wekiva River Basin
at the Lake and Seminole border along SR 46 and near Deland. Those fires
were "mostly contained" by firebreaks and the hard-working fire crews
by Friday and are no longer spreading.

The smoke that has blanketed our area is for the most part cleared out due
to shifts in the wind directions and a little rainfall.

We've checked out the areas past Lakes of Mount Dora and Loch Leven
a couple of times and there were no signs of the fire other than the smoke
that has been all over the state.

As far as the sub-tropical storm Andrea - a little rain and wind.....
nothing major or even minor to report.

The "lovebug invasion" is now in full swing....they seem to wait until most
of the snowbirds have left the area and then the lovebugs come to
torment the rest of us!

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!

Introducing our second grandbaby!

MindYourCastle — 2007-02-27T17:19:00-05:00

Lili Madeline.... Born February 2, 2007
Courtesy of Allison Aamodt and Chad Morris,
our Boston area kids.

Can life get any better than this?

Current Lake County Weather

MindYourCastle — 2006-12-16T22:44:32-05:00

If you are looking for current weather conditions for Lake County, just check out the county website: www.lakegovernment.com and you will be able to see the up-to-the-minute info. The site doesn't provide forecasts, but does provide current conditions for temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, barometric pressure and recent rain totals. It also gives historical weather for the past day, month and year. Click on current weather under "most requested" on the top left side of the site.

Sad news

MindYourCastle — 2006-11-12T22:09:20-05:00

We have been greatly remiss in not reporting the untimely death of Chris Daniels, Sheriff of Lake County. Sheriff Daniels died on Oct. 14th when he was thrown from a bus he was driving in a charity race. Recent articles, columns and photos from the Orlando Sentinel about the Sheriff and the crash can be found at:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-chrisdanielssg,0,3161053.storygallery

For the gourmet chefs......and the rest of us

MindYourCastle — 2006-11-12T21:38:17-05:00

Recently the Orlando Sentinel published the annual "Central Florida Ethnic Grocery Guide". Unfortunately, I wasn't able to collect enough copies to leave one in each of your homes, but there are other ways to get the info about where to buy that slightly strange stuff that Publix, etc doesn't carry.

1. ONLINE! Go online to OrlandoSentinel.com, click on "Lifestyles" (at the top) and then "In the Kitchen". Find "Ethnic Grocery Guide" in a listing of topics entitled "Inside the Kitchen" and click on it.

2. CALL US! If you can't get online 'cause the gentleman of the household is hogging the computer (or your computer is not vacationing with you), call MYC at our home phone number and I'll check for you. Assuming, of course, I can get my own gentleman off the computer....or find our copy of the guide!

Also, if you find any great new sources for ethnic foods, please call or email Heather McPherson at 407-420-5498 or hmcpherson@orlandosentinel.com. They'll publish the guide again in the Fall of 2007, but continually update it.

Hope this helps!

Our FIRST Grandchild!!!!

MindYourCastle — 2006-10-02T19:18:26-04:00

EVA ELIZABETH MORRIS....born 9/25/06
proud parents - Susanne and Tate Morris ....
our Long Island kids!

September water totals

MindYourCastle — 2006-10-02T19:04:07-04:00

Info from the Orlando Sentinel.....statistics recorded at the Orlando International Airport

Total rainfall for the month of September 2006.....4.09 inches
September record rainfall.......15.85 inches (1945)
Rainfall for 2006 to date.....29.26 inches (-11.73 inches from normal)

As a result, we have NOT turned off your irrigation systems and left them
off and your landscapes are happy we didn't!

Declining azalea shrubs

MindYourCastle — 2006-09-05T14:37:27-04:00

We have noticed many azalea shrubs in this area are in trouble and some have died. Saw the info below in a recent issue of the Orlando Sentinel. It is from the gardening questions column by Tom MacCubbin - a well-known urban horticulturist with the Orange County Cooperative Extension Service.

Q. My azaleas are declining and there is a white coating on the branches and the beginnings of moss on the stems. What should I do to save the plants?

A. Start your azaleas' rejuvenation program with a soil acidity test, Most problems probably could be solved if the plants were growing in the acid soils that they like best. Drop a sample by your local garden center or extension office to have it checked. The acidity should be adjusted to the 4.5 to 5.5 range following the test recommendations.

Next, keep the plantings moist. Azaleas like a constantly damp soil, which may mean watering once or twice a week in the dry times. Maintain a mulch to help stretch the time between waterings. Also, don't forget the feedings. Apply an azalea/camellia fertilizer once a month in March, June and September to encourage growth and blooms.

Keeping good azaleas takes a fair amount of care, which is why many gardeners appear to have given up on this plant.

Additional Information on Hot Water Smells

MindYourCastle — 2006-09-05T12:17:15-04:00

The following information is from Opflow... the monthly publication of the American Water Works Association:

Rotten egg oder is caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. The odor is repulsive, but the gas is not usually harmful at the low concentrations that occur in a household water system. This is not a problem of health, but aesthetics. It is unpleasant to take a shower, wash clothes, or cook with water that smells like decay.

CHEMICAL CAUSES:
Rotten-egg odors result from a chemical process that involves three primary components: Sulfur (S), electrons, and bacteria. Sulfur often appears in water as sulfate ions which are quite stable. However, sulfate can convert to sulfides and hydrogen sulfide gas by the gain of 8 electrons (negative charges). The gain of negative charges is called reduction reaction. The sulfate-reduction reaction requires energy and electrons are the energy source. Excess electrons may occur in water as the result of decay or the corrosion of metals. Sulfate may convert to the less stable sulfur form of sulfide in the presence of excess electrons. But a catalyst is needed to speed up the reaction if it is to take place at a rate sufficient to cause the odor. The non-pathogenic, sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfuuibrio desulfuricans) produces enzymes that have the power to accelerate the sulfate-reduction reaction. However, the bacteria lack the ability to reduce the sulfates to sulfides without the external energy source provided by the excess free electron. All three of the components must be present for the hydrogen sulfide(H2S) gas to be produced. Another influencing factor is the length of time that the water is in contact with the reaction. Even at a very low reaction rate, the H2S may build in concentration to objectionable levels given enough time. Water heater tanks can provide the ideal environment for the production of the H2S gas. Modern steel tanks are glass lined to prevent corrosion. To prevent steel in the tank exposed by small cracks from corroding, a long rod (anode) is made of magnesium is used. The magnesium corrodes more easily than steel. This corrosion of the anode frees many electrons that form a protective film over the cracks in the glass, however the number of the electrons released may exceed the amount required to protect the tank. The excess electrons provide the energy needed by the sulfate-reducing gas to produce H2S gas. If you can reduce any of the four factors, you can control the odor problem.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS:
The sulfate-producing bacteria thrive in the temperature range of most hot water heaters. In addition, the water tank provides for an extended contact time.

AGGRAVATING THE PROBLEM:
Many household activities can aggravate the problem: INFREQUENT USE OF HOT WATER, SUCH AS WITH VACATION HOMES OR BEING AWAY FOR A WEEKEND, or the use of iron plumbing, which is more likely to corrode than copper or PVC. A water softener reduces CaCO3 levels, reducing protection from corrosion.

REMEDIES:

REPLACE THE MAGNESIUM ANODE:

Magnesium is commonly used for cathodic protection anodes because it provides much corrosion protection at the least cost. Consult a reputable dealer of water heaters for a replacement anode that provides protection without supporting the sulfate-reduction reaction that causes the H2S gas.

CHLORINATION:

Maintaining a chlorine residual of L mg/L throughout the distribution system inhibits bacterial activity. In a non-chlorinated system, homeowners may disinfect and flush their water heater tanks with a chlorine bleach solution. This may solve the problem for weeks at a time.

KILL THE BACTERIA WITH INCREASED HEAT:

Sulfate-reducing bacteria dies at about 140 degrees . Water heaters are factory set at 140 + or - 10 degrees, which is the medium setting on the temperature dial. Increasing the temperature to the high setting (160 degrees F) for several hours should kill the sulfate-reducing bacteria. Then flushing the tank to remove the dead cells should control the odor until the population of bacteria recovers. CAUTION: THE HOT WATER TANK MUST HAVE AN OPERABLE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE, OTHERWISE THIS METHOD OF TREATMENT MAY BE DANGEROUS. The temperature setting MUST be reduce following treatment to prevent scalding hot water and to avoid high energy costs.

PERIODIC FLUSHING OF LOW-FLOW WATER LINES:
Flushing low-flow lines and looping water mains to eliminate dead ends will reduce problems associated withe bacterial activity.

"Hot Water Smells Bad" Information

MindYourCastle — 2006-09-05T11:32:27-04:00

If your water has a strange odor, first determine whether the problem is with the source water or the hot water heater. In most cases, it's caused by a reaction between the hot water heater's anode rod and water that has a high concentration of sulfate.
Turn on a cold water faucet to see if the cold water smells. If it does, the problem is more likely with your source water.
Let the hot water run for two or three minutes. If it smells a bit like rotten eggs, the anode rod in the water heater may need replacement. This is a job that's usually best left in the hands of a plumber. If your water heater is past its warranty and showing other signs of aging, consider having the entire water heater replaced. (The Home Problem Solver)
Water Heater Care Tips:
At least every three months (more frequently if poor water quality) drain some water from the W.H.
You can do this by following these simple steps:

If electric water heater = shut-off the electricity
If gas, turn down the gas valve to off
Shut-off the cold water intake to the heater
Open a Hot water faucet on any level above the water heater
Open the bottom drain valve at the bottom of your water heater
Drain enough water so that the water will run clear
Shut the water faucet that you opened
Open the cold water intake valve
Run all the faucets in the house till no more air is sputtering out for at least 10 seconds
Turn electricity/gas back on

One of the most critical factors in how long a water heater will last
is the condition of the water heater sacrificial anode rod.

Compare the new water heater anode rod on the left (what we sell) to a one year old anode-rod. If an anode rod looks any more deformed than the picture on the right, we suggest that you replace that anode rod with a new one.

The above, used anode rod on the right is in a condition where it will probably need to be replaced soon. Waiting a long time is not a good idea. The possibility of the old water heater anode rod becoming broken off, and then falling to the bottom of the water heater (and then bouncing around whenever water travels inside the water heater) is what will deteriorate the water heater tank lining very quickly. This will cause cracks in the glass lining of the water heater radically shortening the life of the water heater. Having a depleted anode rod and not replacing your water heater anode rods in a timely fashion WILL shorten the life span of your water heater.
Recognize that the condition of your water is also a major factor and the quality of the water heater lining are two other factors in the life span of your water heater.
Anode rods that come installed with water heaters generally will be made of magnesium or aluminum that is wrapped around a steel core wire.
Water heater anode rods are generally screwed into the top of the tank.
Therefore, they are physically connected to the steel of the tank creating an electrochemical reaction, similar to that of a battery. The anode intentionally corrodes and the steel hopefully will remain intact. That is the theory of the anode rod.
When there's no sacrificial metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out.
Anode rods generally last about five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
When salt is added to the water (such as when a water softener is used), anode rods can corrode more quickly. Water softeners can help reduce sediment, but anodes can corrode in as little as six months if the water is over-softened. (From PlumbingStore.com)

Media tried hard, but.....

MindYourCastle — 2006-08-31T20:17:27-04:00

Ernesto would not cooperate! Despite the medias' best efforts to
hype the "Ernesto disaster", the storm turned into a non-event.
No damage, no wind-blown debris, no extra water in pools....
no sign of his passing at any of your homes. OK to uncross fingers
and toes....Thanks!

Ernesto update

MindYourCastle — 2006-08-31T08:40:49-04:00

Thursday morning dawns bright and shiny. All signs of Ernesto gone. Only about 1 inch of rain in our rain gauge and no wind damage seen. Will be checking your homes later today.

Hurricane Ernesto

MindYourCastle — 2006-08-28T10:41:01-04:00

Looking more certain that Hurricane Ernesto will be hitting our area
toward the end of the week. We are paying close attention to info.
Your irrigation systems will be turned off and if you have
hurricane shutters, we will be putting them up.

Homes will be inspected as soon as possible after the storm clears
and y'all will be notified generally via this page and individually
with photos - if need be and it is possible.
Fingers and toes crossed, PLEASE! Thanks.

water, water everywhere.....but Mt. Dora

MindYourCastle — 2006-08-27T13:34:04-04:00

Just in case y'all have been wondering about no reduction
in your water bills this summer.....THIS YEAR, WE ARE NOT
EXPERIENCING OUR USUAL EVERY AFTERNOON
RAINSTORM PATTERN, ESPECIALLY HERE IN MT. DORA.
Storms seem to circle round us with very little rain. Thus we have
left your irrigation systems on. We will turn off irrigation systems
later this coming week if Ernesto looks like a sure thing
for this area. See the two quotes below for more info.

Questions and answers below from the 'ASK TOM TERRY'
column - as appearing in the Orlando Sentinel
on Aug. 20th & Aug. 22nd.
(Tom Terry is the Chief Meteorologist for WFTV - Channel 9.)

"I can't remember the last time an August has been this dry.
Could we be setting a record for the driest August? --- (Sandra in Orlando)

Well, if we continue this trend, this month will set a record for the driest
August since 1934 in Orlando. That year, we only saw a little more than
2 inches of rain. So far this month, we've had a little more than an inch.
Just 11 more days to catch up on some rain.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I keep hearing about how dry we are for this time of year and that the
drought numbers are in the 400 to 600 range. What would be a normal
number for Central Florida for this time of year? --- (Chris in Orlando)

We are extremely dry, and our Orlando deficit is more than 10 inches
for 2006! This is normally our wet season, and in August, those numbers
should usually be in the 100 to 200 range on the drought index.

New irrigation information for all Mt. Dora residents

MindYourCastle — 2006-06-30T17:36:37-04:00

According to the Mt. Dora City Connection (Vol. 10 Issue 3)
that we received in today's mail:

On 6/6/06, the Mt. Dora City Council adopted an ordinance
that changes the current two-day watering schedule. The new
schedule is designed to spread the demand for water over
more days, thus aiding water pressure.

Homes whose addresses end in 0, 1, 2, or 3 - now allowed to
irrigate on TUESDAY and FRIDAY.

Homes whose addresses end in 4, 5, or 6 - now allowed to
irrigate on WEDNESDAY and SATURDAY.

Homes whose addresses end in 7, 8, or 9 - now allowed to
irrigate on THURSDAY and SUNDAY.

New ordinance is effective immediately. Watering between
10 am and 4 pm is still prohibited. You will receive notification of
this from the city by mid-July. For additional info - contact Public
Works and Utilities Director - Gary Hammond.
352-735-7151 or 7155

WE WILL ADJUST ALL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OF
MIND YOUR CASTLE CUSTOMERS TO THE PROPER DAYS
FOR EACH OF YOUR HOMES AND LEAVE A COPY OF THE
NEWSLETTER ARTICLE IN YOUR HOMES.

adios Alberto

MindYourCastle — 2006-06-13T23:58:18-04:00

Come and gone with no damage to any of "our" homes. Some
mulch, leaves, branches and palm fronds scattered around.
About 4 1/2" of rain according to our rain gauge. All pools
were drained of excess water in case we get a lot more
rain. Irrigation has been turned off until we start needing the
water - we will keep track of it. One down!

Alberto Update

MindYourCastle — 2006-06-13T08:48:27-04:00

Heavy rain off and on. Light to moderate winds. Checking homes this afternoon. More to come.....

and so it begins.....

MindYourCastle — 2006-06-01T13:33:42-04:00

2006 hurricane season begins today.......

Just to reiterate -
We know you will be very concerned about how your home was affected by a hurricane. We will be concerned also!
As soon as it is safe for us to be outside, we will be out checking your homes. We will put a general message of how Mt. Dora fared in this news section and will contact each homeowner individually with details on your home. We will either email or call you (depending on whether
or not we have electric, phone service or internet access.) If possible, where needed, we will send you photos of any situations that we find at your home.

You can also get local information on the Orlando Sentinel website (link on our "Weather/Links" page) and

www.wesh.com .....the channel 2 (NBC) website

www.wftv.com ........the channel 9 (ABC) website

www.local6.com ....the channel 6 (CBS) website

http://ci.mount-dora.fl.us/ .......a Mount Dora website

www.lakegovernment.com ......the portal for Lake County Government, this Web site changes during emergency situations to provide residents with up-to-date information.
www.nhc.noaa.gov ......the National Hurricane Center Web site provides important weather information and imagery regarding hurricanes
www.floridadisaster.org ......the Florida Division of Emergency Management Web site offers safety tips and warnings for all types of disasters.
www.cityofmountdora.com ......the City of Mount Dora official website – Will be updated regularly during emergency events with information obtained from the Lake County Emergency Operations Center, as well as with information specific to Mount Dora residents. Following an event, information will be placed on the website with directions for residents as to where to obtain emergency supplies such as ice, what shelters may be open and other essential information.

Don't forget that the media needs "disasters" to keep their readership and viewer numbers up, so make sure to take what you read and see with a grain of salt!
We will let you know what is happening as soon as we are able.
Again, keep your fingers crossed and think happy thoughts for us!

fires

MindYourCastle — 2006-05-09T07:04:39-04:00

Just wanted to let you know - Mount Dora is not threatened by the widespread brush fires at this point. For more information, check our link for the Orlando Sentinel on our "Weather/Links" page or check www.wesh.com.

At about 6:45 this morning it started raining and weather forecasters are saying we will have rain for the next 3 days. Keep your fingers crossed!

mulch tip

MindYourCastle — 2006-05-05T18:40:44-04:00

A quick tip heard today at the daylily gardens and nursery that my garden club toured -
DO NOT mulch daylilies with cypress. It stunts their growth and restricts blooming!

Central Florida brush fires - not to worry!

MindYourCastle — 2006-05-04T15:06:12-04:00

Just in case the news media in your area has been reporting on the brush fires in Central Florida.........

Wanted to let you know that your homes (and our area) are just fine - not threatened at all. Most of the fires are miles and miles away in Brevard, Lee and Volusia counties. There have been numerous accidents and closings of I - 95 and I - 4 due to the smoke causing blackout conditions. On Monday and Tuesday, a fire burned about 1000 acres near the Tavares Middle School (County Roads 448 & 561). We could see the smoke from Hwy 441. May still be smoldering. If you'd like more information, click on the link for the Orlando Sentinel (on the bottom of the "Weather/Links" page) and type in "brush fires" in the search box at the top. The article on the Tavares fire was in the Lake section of the Sentinel on Tuesday, May 2nd.

We continue to monitor your lawns and will start or resume extra watering, if necessary. If you have any concerns or questions, please call or email us right away!

THANKS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS!

"ask and...."

MindYourCastle — 2006-04-18T22:59:16-04:00

Well - ask and ye shall receive or so they say. Rained hard for a couple of hours today in the late afternoon, so lawns and landscaping should be VERY happy. We will check on the "dead" spots on some of your lawns, hopefully there will be major improvements.

water

MindYourCastle — 2006-04-17T19:36:00-04:00

Hi folks -
The weather continues to be absolutely beautiful, although too dry. After 40+ days of no rain, the CCMD received a sprinkle last week, but not nearly enough. We continue to monitor your new plantings and your lawns for any dry spots. Some of the homes have dry and dying areas and we have contacted those homeowners. Been watering as needed, so some of you may see an increase in water usage on your next bill. Enjoy your time home.

Please check back for news and updates

MindYourCastle — 2006-02-07T12:22:57-05:00

We will posting general information for all clients in this space when necessary. Alternatively, you may subscribe to this news space using the RSS feed located in the right hand column. Thank you again for your interest in Mind Your Castle. We look forward to working with you.