Robert C. White & Co. - March 2022

Robert C. White & Co. - March 2022

R E N T A L READER YOUR

MARCH 2022

860.613.6290 WWW.ROBERTCWHITE.COM

I JUST BOUGHT SOME MINI-DONKEYS A True Story About My Brother and Mini-Farm Animals

Years ago, I got a call from my older brother Matt. As soon as the phone conversation started, I could tell he was very excited. As the conversation continued, he shared with me the source of that excitement: “I just bought some mini-donkeys.”

My father was beside himself. How did Matt grow his herd so fast, and what in the world was the plan with all these goats? Matt explained that he was selling the goats as pets, was often making well over $1,000 per sale, that he planned on continuing to grow the herd, AND that he had a line on some mini-horses he was planning on buying. My dad, as both Matt’s father and landlord, felt he had some say in the matter. After a lot of negotiation, my father agreed to let Matt get the mini-horses if, and only if, he was able to shrink his herd of mini-goats to under 25 (if memory serves me right, he had well over 150 mini-goats at the time). Matt is a man of action, and when he sets his mind to something, he does it. He decided to shrink the herd, and shrink it fast. He flooded the market with sales. I remember him telling me he was getting angry calls from mini-goat farmers from Michigan because prices were down so far since he had added so much supply to the shallow, surprisingly national, market (an interesting economics lesson). Prices fell from nearly $2,000 to only $200, and sometimes lower. But sell, Matt did. And in only a few weeks, he was able to get the herd down to the magic number and buy the mini-horses. And now that the horses were secured, he did the only logical thing to do … he started growing his herd of mini-goats again. It wasn’t long before he was back to over 100 goats, buying back many that he “sold.” This is the way it is with my brother.

I did not understand …

Before I go any further, I have to give you some backstory. My brother Matt is somewhere between a professional farmer and a hobby farmer. The scale of what he does is much more than a hobby, but it is also not a production farm by any stretch of the imagination. Growing up, he always had farm animals. As a kid I remember Tag, the Toggenburg goat; several sheep; loads of rabbits; a few cows; and many other critters. My parents shifted regularly from being supportive and being razzed by it all. When Matt graduated, he rented a home with some land from my parents. He started buying mini-goats for his new farm. What you need to know about Matt is that if he does something, he does not do it small. It wasn’t long until a small pen was expanded to a medium pen, and then to a very large pen for the now bulging herd of mini-goats. One summer day, the entire family got together for dinner at Matt’s. When I arrived, I saw my dad leaning on the fence rail with his finger pointing at each goat, counting. He told me with a look of distress on his face that he stopped counting at 100.

Luke and his big brother Matt

Now, back to the phone conversation. My confused response to Matt’s announcement that he purchased mini-donkeys: “What in the world do you want mini-donkeys for?” He replied in all seriousness, “I’m going to make mini-mules!”

Mini-mules indeed.

Yours in green acres,

P.S. Always up for a challenge, friends of mine once asked my brother if he could secure them an elephant. He replied in all seriousness, “When do you need it by?” P.P.S. There are so many “morals” and connections I can make to life, economics, family, and more. I’ll share one that relates to property management … Sometimes, something that is obvious to you is anything but to others. Communicate clearly, listen well, but don’t give up. Oh, and don’t let your tenant grow their herd of mini-goats to over 100.

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MAKE YOUR MEDIA ROOM A NO. 1 ‘SEAT’ FOR SPORTS

Clean Your Gutters Like a Pro! The Definitive Guide to This Must- Do Chore

3 EXPERT TIPS

Whether you’re forced to hunch over your phone to catch the big game or you’re bumping elbows with strangers at the local sports bar, it’s no secret that there is a better way to cheer on your favorite team. This March Madness season, turn your home into the go-to sports viewing destination for all your local friends and fans. And here’s a great bonus: Once your favorite season is over, all the upgrades you make will create a great space for family movie night! Check these out. Reimagine your space. Find a room in your house that will be the easiest to mold. A basement living area or large bedroom will work. Then, consider upgrades. For instance, Houzz.com explains that embedding speakers into your ceiling or entertainment system will declutter your space and create a full surround-sound effect. Mount your TV to save on space and create a theatrical experience. Then, fill the area with soft furnishings like rugs, couches, and even fabric walls and curtains. This will create an optimal sound experience. Invest in tech. You may think you need a huge TV and DJ-quality speakers, but the truth is, you just need to find quality technology that meets your viewing needs. For instance, basketball and baseball fans will want televisions with the greatest picture quality since these sports are mainly about the visualization of the game. Football and hockey fans will want great sound quality because the arena- like atmosphere heightens the excitement. Find the aesthetic you want and consult with online and in-store experts to find the technology that will best serve you. Don’t forget the snacks. TV? Check. Sound system? Check. Enough seating? Check! Snacks? Oh no … Upgrade your snacking options from chips and dip to restaurant-quality offerings. Install a minifridge or small freezer in your space, and add a microwave or air fryer. This makes for easy access to warm food options. Consider upgrading your space with a small island or bar, and stock it with all the essentials, including cups, plates, napkins, silverware, chips, popcorn, nuts, sodas, and water. Try these fun ideas, then all you’ll really need to worry about on game day is if your favorite team will win!

Spring is often a welcome relief from the cold, dreary, snowy days of winter, but with every change of the season, a few household chores become necessary to help protect the longevity of our homes. In March, this includes everyone’s favorite: cleaning the gutters.

This season, tackle your gutters with the only guide you will ever need.

The Right Setup If you want to be a pro, you should look the part. Dress in “work” clothes, and opt for long sleeves and gloves to protect your arms and hands. Wear sturdy shoes for support, and cover your eyes. Use a ladder that is extendable and has a strong, sturdy base. It’s always best to have someone hold the ladder for extra support, too. Experts also recommend laying a tarp below your ladder to catch any falling debris. And rather than sticking your hands into the gutters, use a gutter scoop or an old spatula to remove the gunk. If you don’t have a ladder — or fear using one — you can search your local hardware store for tall cleaning tools, like leaf-blower attachments that will stretch up to your roof. Once again, you will want a tarp below to catch debris. And anything that does come out of the gutter can be thrown away or composted. Not Done Yet! Real housing professionals always make sure the job will be easier next time — so don’t skip these crucial steps. After your gutters are clear, spray water into them and watch the downspout. This “test” will determine if every part of your gutter is clear or if there are other concerns you need to address. Then, consider installing “gutter guards” to prevent debris from falling into the gutters. Screens or metal guards will work well, and when it’s time to clean your gutters in the fall, simply swipe any material off the guard!

Bonus: Don’t forget to repeat this cycle in the fall!

For more information and guidance, search the online directory at ConsumerReports.org. They offer advice on finding the right gutter guard and give other tips for how to clean your home.

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IT’S TIME TO GARDEN! Start Your Garden Without Going Outside

Spring has “sprung,” and if you’re someone who cannot wait to get your plants into the ground, you may be counting down the days until it’s time.

However, you don’t have to wait for the perfect weather to start your garden. In fact, the best time to plant your seeds is 6–8 weeks before the last frost. (So, you might be behind already!) If you start now by creating your own “greenhouse,” you can cultivate a stronger garden that’s prime for a big harvest. Plant seeds like a pro. Thankfully, gardening experts have invented tools that can “hack” gardening for novices of all kinds. Look for seed trays, which will have small pockets where you can plant your seeds, and find trays with small holes at the bottom. This will allow excess water to flow out of the seedling’s new habitat so it doesn’t drown. Review the instructions on the back of each seed packet to determine soil depth, a watering schedule, and soil types. Look for and create natural light. Once your seeds are in their new pods, you need a light source! If you have a south-facing garage with windows or south-facing windows in your home, you’re in luck! Point your seedlings in that direction, so they can soak up as much light as possible. Be mindful of how cold it is, too. Seeds need a lot of heat and sun, so your windows may not be enough. If that’s the case, opt for fluorescent lighting — standard incandescent lighting won’t be enough — and hang the lights just a few inches above the seeds. Keep them on for 15 hours each day and allow the seeds to get some rest at night.

Find the right balance. Much like a newborn, seeds need a lot of balance. Too much water will cause them to drown, and if they don’t get enough fertilizer, they may not sprout. Finding that balance takes practice, but there are a few basics to keep in mind. First, have a small fan running for an extended period of time each day. This will prevent excess moisture. Then, establish a liquid fertilizer schedule. Once per week is usually best. Once the weather gets warmer, start introducing your new plants to the outside world. This transitory time should take just over one week to avoid shocking them.

For more gardening tips, be sure to visit your local nursery. Happy growing!

EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin

• 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

Directions

1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

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57 DODGE AVE., STE. 107 NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473 860.613.6290

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INSIDE

1

I Just Bought Some Mini-Donkeys

2

Finally — The Guide to Cleaning Your Gutters

Make Your Media Room a Slam Dunk

3

Start Your Garden in 3 Easy Steps

Easy March Madness Chili

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Vinyl Storage Solutions to Protect Your Aesthetic

VINYL IS FINAL? IT CAN BE!

Storage Tips to Keep Your Records Safe

Stay Upright One vinyl record only weighs about 5 ounces, but when stacked on top of each other, that weight adds up to a lot, creating great pressure for records at the bottom of the stack. Instead, store your records upright like library books or in a cascading pattern.

In addition to offering great sound, records provide a cozy aesthetic. Before you throw your records on any old shelf, consider these expert tips for vinyl storage and protection! Cover Up Vinyl is very fragile. To prevent scratches or damage, store your vinyl records in plastic sleeves. Outer sleeves are great options for older record cover art or those that you don’t listen to often.

Maintain Temperatures Keep your home’s humidity low and heat levels below 70 degrees F to protect from warping. Furthermore, a wooden shelf will attract less dust and static electricity. Light can also be damaging to records, so store your vinyl away from windows and UV lamps.

For more recommendations, contact your local record shop!

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