Palomar Mountain News

Just off the phone with Solidarity Farm in Pauma Valley.  They are open this weekend with lots of fresh produce.   I understand farmer’s markets and farm stands are back up and running and it is so much nicer, to me, to buy directly from local farmers. This doctor gives tips on how to clean your vegies.

Last time I was there, I couldn’t resist their collards.  That guy I live with is a southern boy from the back woods of Carolina.  So, I learned, years ago to really enjoy a ‘mess a collards’.  Very simple.  This big pot fed several families,  I sliced up 6 bunches and since it was St. Pat’s Day, added 3 corned beef. Covered with water. Simmered all day.  (Sometimes the corned beef is extra salty, so you might change out some of the broth). Added some potatoes and cooked until soft. That was it.  No seasoning, nothing.  Sometimes we use ham hocks or kielbasa sausage.

Just thought I’d share our yummy meal for this snowy weather on beautiful Palomar Mountain.

Bonnie Phelps

Many of you locals met Joe and Sharon Sewall when they had a cabin here for a few years. Sharon’s roots with Palomar go way back since her mother’s brother-in-law was George Ellery Hale’s personal chauffer!  Oh, you know, it was Hale’s vision that culminated in finding the home for the 200 inch telescope on Palomar Mountain.

They live in Yucca Valley now and shared this easy recipe:

Bread shortage?
This is the easiest kind of bread you can make. Costs pennies and can get you through. The kids would love it.
Navajo Flatbread:
Makes 6
2 cups flour
1 – 1 1/4cup of lukewarm water
1 table spoon baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
1 table spoon oil/butter/shortening
Mix dry ingredients together and add most water, mix and add water until it has the consistency of tacky pizza dough.
Knead for a few minutes.
Let rest in greased bowl for 30- 60 minutes.
Divide into 6 pieces and roll out on floured surface thin. (Tortilla thickness)
Hear griddle to 350F.
Cook until golden brown spots and flip, cooking until done.
They can be made ahead and kept under a flour towel or frozen for later use.
Hope this helps.

Welcome to Hi Ho Cabin. The owner has decades of happy memories with family and friends on Palomar; fishing in Doane Pond, games around the table and lots of good eatin’.   That was his dad’s Cadillac parked out front about 60 years ago. Sorry to say, the car isn’t included.  Whew!  That classic would really up the price!$!

Lots of love is needed for this vintage cabin. It comes with free pets! Critters are very happy here – even a bobcat who apparently lives in the basement!  (Bob has it made, as it is nice and dry in there)!  Air conditioning is available for those warmer days.  The woodpeckers have had quite a time storing their acorns in the walls. Oh, and there are some broken windows that are helpful for a nice breeze, too! The roof leaks a bit so you have a lovely water feature!  However, there’s a newer, permitted (!) septic system, all new electrical in conduit (the mice weren’t happy about that addition) and a recorded survey. A real plus, is an amazing flock of birds that call this little hamlet, home. Listen to their latest chorus, below.

So, here is the great news! A very special find in a bathroom drawer was some (drum roll!!!) toilet paper and a few bars of soap. Those can be yours for just $75,000 and you get a FREE cabin! Imagine that!

Click for all the MLS info and photos, including a peek inside that drawer of valuable essentials!!!

So, here’s the not-so-good news for many of you: It is already sold. We were arranging for some hauling and clean up after the weather calmed down. But I ran over last week to take the snow photos.  Most of you locals, know A&W – Anne and Wayne. They have a charming cabin next door. He was moving his car out before our last snow and asked about the cabin. Knowing he would love to see inside, we did our proper distancing and he got a tour with lots of laughs. The most current National Geographic was from 1964. We couldn’t even pretend to count all the acorns stashed around…

On the way out, I tried to get the door to close but it was so swollen from all the rain and snow, I couldn’t get it locked properly.  I jokingly invited him to bring Anne over for a peek and went home to snag my husband to help with the door. A few minutes later, the phone rang! A &W have been running out of projects and just had to have this little gem, too.

The past 10 years or so, I’ve been totally paperless. We real quick, wrote up the offer over the phone, they signed on-line, the seller was thrilled and we are to close this week!

Be sure to listen to the birds!!! I think they are singing “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s to the cabin we go….”

Bonnie Phelps, having fun in Real Estate

Some of us haven’t been off the Mountain in a couple weeks.  However, the next time you’re out and about, you might top off at Rincon or La Jolla stations.  Great prices these days.

Wish I could post this as a scratch ‘n sniff.  Oh my, I’ve had one of Cecelia’s rolls, warm out of the oven and they are delightful.

With bread in short supply I had a visit with Cecelia Borland,  everyone’s “favorite neighbor”.  I just knew she would share some easy recipes she uses up here, a mile nearer heaven.  She does mention that it makes two dozen so you might even have extra to share with a neighbor.  Such bliss…

From: Cecelia
Subject: Easy Dinner Rolls

I make this recipe quite frequently and it is always well received at the dinner table. If you don’t want this big batch of (about) 2 dozen, you can freeze half the rolls unbaked for a week or two. You can also refrigerate half the dough for several days in a ziplock bag; squeeze out the air.

Happy Baking!

Cecelia

Easy Dinner Rolls

Scald and cool: 1 C Buttermilk (or regular milk with a Tbsp vinegar added), ¼ C Butter, ¼ C Sugar, 2 tsp Salt

In a lg bowl combine and let foam: ½ C Warm Water 2 Tbsp Dry Yeast ½ tsp Sugar

Add milk mixture to yeast and add: 2 C Unbleached Flour ( I use Bread Flour)

Stir to combine well and add: 2 beaten eggs

Stir to combine well and add: 2 or 3 more cups of flour ( Sometimes I substitute a cup of whole wheat flour for one of the cups of white flour)

Combine well to form soft dough and knead for a couple of minutes, sprinkling the kneading surface lightly with flour as necessary to prevent sticking.

Let the dough rest while you wash our the bowl with hot soapy water and grease it lightly. Return the dough to the greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a dishtowel and let rise in a warm place until double.

Punch down the dough; knead it a couple more minutes and let rest again while you line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment (or just grease it).

Make golf ball sized rolls and place on cookie sheet about half an inch apart. Depending on how much flour you’ve added you may need a 2nd cookie sheet. Let rise again until double.

Bake 15 to 20 min @ 350 

Our Treasures were treated to wearing a couple dinosaur costumes at a dinner gathering on Palomar at Christmas. Thanks to South Graders, Chuck and Kimberly Meade. I giggle each time I think of those kids waddling through their farm as prehistoric animals.

The costumes were just like this on in the video below.  Of course, I had to click to see.   However, it brought tears to my eyes thinking how much this T. rex really wanted to just have his freedom back.   He needed some fresh air!

Thankful those of us on Palomar have such a beautiful place to be outside and hike in our woods, take in the amazing views, and enjoy our ever-changing weather, while staying close to home.

Be sure to click on the video and scroll to see and hear with the great music:

https://www.boredpanda.com/dinosaur-costume-coronavirus-lockdown-spain/?cexp_id=26685&cexp_var=2&_f=featured&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

So sorry for all that folks are going through these days with so many jobs being suspended.   Please see info below about how to draw for benefits and be sure to share.

Here’s a tip:   Want a very fast paced job with lots of hours and much potential for overtime?  Apparently FedEx, UPS, Amazon and all the rest are hiring.  Talking with some of these delivery guys, you can use your drive time to catch up on books on tape, learn a new language and stay real fit delivering all these packages.  Of course, Costco and major markets have a real need for more employees, too.    There is nothing more constant than change and things are really changing fast for all of us. Hoping and praying for the best for all of you.  Meanwhile, do YOU need help?  Let’s connect,   Bonnie Phelps

From San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond <jim.desmond@sdcounty.ca.gov>

March 17, 2020

Today, I was joined by Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, Dr. Nick Yphantides (Chief Medical Officer for County of San Diego), Peter Zien (Owner and CEO of AleSmith Brewing Company) and Debra Rosen (President & CEO North San Diego Business Chamber) to give an update on the Coronavirus.

Unemployment Information

If you have lost work or have had your hours reduced we encourage you to apply for Employment Development Department (EDD) Unemployment Insurance (UI). In California Governor Newsom has waived the one-week waiting period for benefits and is looking at expanding UI claim offerings.

For comprehensive guidance and resources about state benefits related to employment and COVID-19, we highly recommend this FAQ page from EDD.

As of March 17, 2020, in-person enrollments for UI claims will be possible by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Please claim benefits virtually if you are able. There are multiple ways to do so:
• Online: You can file a claim online here.
• By-phone: Representatives are available at the following toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon Pacific time except on state holidays.
• English 1-800-300-5616
• Spanish 1-800-326-8937
• Cantonese 1-800-547-3506
• Mandarin 1-866-303-0706
• Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
• TTY 1-800-815-9387
• By Mail or by Fax: File your UI claim by accessing the paper Unemployment Insurance Application. For faster and secure processing, fax the completed application to the number listed on the form. If you mail your application, use the address on the form and allow additional time for processing.

Benefits to Those Quarantined or Sick

Paid sick leave law provides time off to many workers. You are entitled to use whatever sick leave you have accumulated.

California law provides for paid family leave, which you may be eligible for if you are providing care for an ill or quarantined family member.

In the event of a particularly long illness, you may be eligible for disability benefits, provided your illness is certified by a medical professional.

If you were exposed to COVID-19 while on the job and in the course of your regular duties, you may also qualify for workers’ compensation.

We could use some empty boxes.  Do you have any to spare?  I’ll be packing up my newest cabin listing.  (Lots more fun than a gym)!  I could use just a few more smallish boxes for some old dishes and books.

Will trade for Coffee at StarStrucks!  Six customers already today! So fun!!!

LOCATION: Where is this new, free coffee shop?  It is in our home and my real estate office on the very top of Palomar Mountain.  Please connect with me for address.

HOURS?  I am here all day today but in and out ’round the mountain a bit, the next few weeks or so.  Please reach out to make sure I’m here on other days. We are open for all mountain neighbors, friends and family, and for new friends we haven’t even met that would just like to come up for hot coffee, fresh air, smiles and maybe catch a bit if snow while social distancing.    All snow has melted but perhaps a little more on the way.

Meanwhile, I have a disclosure package to finish up for the newest escrow and buyers should be signing for one to close today or tomorrow.  Getting so much done just being home!

Bonnie Phelps

One Stop for all your Real Estate Needs and those Coffee cravings!

Did you know Palomar has a Coffee Shop?  It opened a couple months ago (after much nudging from Teresa McCarthy) but finally got it’s name today, from Cecelia Borland: StarStrucks!

Welcome to StarStrucks!  Where coffee, tea, hot chocolate and smiles are always Free!

Simply call, message me your order, or just stop by.   I will put on my plastic gloves, make your beverage and run it out to our table under the veranda (that sounds even fancier than ‘patio’).

Then, we can visit through the glass, you can sit at a table or you grab and go.  All options include internet, of course.  We are a free hotspot where your cell phone should work, too.  You can even sit in your car, sipping away while checking your messages. Click on Guest and browse away with no password needed.

Here are your current menu options:

Hot Chocolate:  Mocha, Peppermint, Milk Chocolate or Pumpkin Spice with marshmallows and a dash of cinnamon, and mini moo’s Half and Half, French Vanilla or Hazelnut if desired.

Coffee – So many choices!  Here are just a few:  Hazelnut, Newman’s Organic Special Blend, Donut Shop Regular, Kirkland Medium Roast, Pumpkin Spice, Green Mountain Dark Magic, Laughing Man Columbia Huila, Tullys Hawaiian Medium Roast, Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino, Caribou Blend, Chai Latte French Vanilla, Toasted Coconut, or Chai Latte!  Sugar, creamers, oh, do marshmallows and cinnamon work on coffee?  You pick!

Tea –  Oh so many options including: Country Peach, Chai Spice, Peppermint, Lemon Ginger, Sweet and Spicy, Earl gray, Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea, Organic Fennel and even SleepyTime.

See our Five Star Rave Reviews:

“Finally!”  Teresa McCarthy

“This is my FAVORITE coffee shop of all time” Heidi Phelps  (She had to say it, she’s my daughter-in-law)

The Treasures live next door have been making their own at StarStrucks Beverage Bar:

“May I have coffee, please?  Momma lets me…”  Kiki, age 13

“Thank you GramBonnie but could you please get mini marshmallows next time?”  Sunshine Juliette, age 9

“Thanks – gotta go stock my stand!” Judah, age 11 and the President of Woodpecker Fire Wood

“Please GramBonnie, may I have some more?”  Atticus age 6

Loving living life in the clouds at this very moment waiting for promised snow.  But, look the daffodils are already blooming!!!

Looking carefully at that garden of flowers, you can also see another wonderful sight!  A staked and pinned property corner with that bright orange flag!  Ah, what bliss! Very unusual and pretty special to have a recorded survey next door!  The happy buyers are looking forward to signing their loan docs in the morning and being our newest neighbors in time for our snowy weekend!

Just opening escrow on the Bailey Road cabin today!  This nice couple fell in love with Palomar while staying in three different vacation rentals, including ‘Mountain Music’ and just have to have this charming cabin as their very own.

Next week we should have the last LLC details finalized for the purchase of the South Grade land.  Those buyers are so anxious to make that fabulous view their own!  If you would like to purchase a property in an LLC, you might check into that advantage now.  There is a bit of time required to register an LLC with the state.  Ask me for info and I can point you in the right direction.

Met with cabin owners today at one of the fixers that wins the prize for needing the most love in my 20+ years on Palomar.  The family has so many happy memories of fun times at the cabin.  A few decades ago, they did permit new electrical and a septic system.  They also had the land surveyed and discovered one corner is on the other side of the neighbors fence just a bit. (Ohmygoodness, it must be Palomar!!!)

Almost out of inventory! The only cabin I have left on the open market at this very moment is Grandpa’s!  It could be the single best buy in all of Southern California for a cozy, Four Season escape or full time living like as so many are enjoying these days.  It is sooooo cute with so much love woven in, since 1921!

Cabin showings are a little different starting this week.  We still meet at our home office, but drive separately, distance ourselves while I open the doors with a soapy wipe.  Handshakes and hugs are reserved for later…

So, what are buyers looking for?  A PLACE TO GET AWAY from the crazy city stuff!  That has always been one key dream, but even more now.   Do you have a property you are thinking of parting with?  Let’s connect and get your questions answered.

Meanwhile, I’ll get the fire stoked and wish you could be here for a cup of soup from the crock pot…

All the best to YOU!

Bonnie Phelps