#Vacation Apartment Berkshires

[sailorgoon13]

Theodore Nott

Basics:

Full Name: Theodore Nott

Nickname: Theo

Gender: Male

Date of Birth: 4 November, 1979

Heritage: English/ Italian

Blood Status: Pure Blood

Wand: Blackthorn, Unicorn hair, 11 3/4", Slightly Flexible

Appearance:

Hair Color: Dark brown, a bit fluffy

Eye Color: Striking baby blue

Skin Tone: Olive

Height: 6'

Body Type: Lean and athletic. Tall, well proportioned

Style: Well-fitted jeans or chinos paired with a crisp button-down shirt or a cashmere sweater. Accessories are key to his look, with luxurious touches like leather loafers, silk scarves, and perhaps even a designer watch or cufflinks. His color palette leans towards darker tones like charcoal, navy, and deep burgundy

Features: Confidence, Mysterious aura, Sharp wit, Distinctive voice, Leadership

Personality:

Traits: Reserved, Loyal, Manipulative, Intelligent, Emotionally Complex

Likes: Privacy, Fine literature, Refines tastes, Debates, Chess

Dislikes: Arrogance, Lack of ambition, Betrayal

Hobbies: Quidditch, Reading, Playing Piano

Fears: Vulnerability, Rejection, Turning to the Darker side

Family and Friends:

Father: Mr. Nott

Valued Pure-Blood status

Supporter of Voldemort's cause/ Death Eater

Mother: Mrs. Nott

Died when Theo was young

Instilled his love for literature and fine art

Taught him Italian

Friends: Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Lorenzo Berkshire, Mattheo Riddle

Magic:

Special Abilities: His father taught him darker magic when he was young, though he doesn't like to use any of it. Particularly good at charms and hexes

Boggart: A memory of when he witnessed his mother dying

Patronus: Fox

Polyjuice: Would look velvety black with sparkling flecks of gold and silver. Smell like earthy Italian herbs and leather books with a hint of roses. It might taste like dark chocolate infused with hints of espresso and blackberry, with a subtle undertone of smoky oak and vanilla

Amortentia: Bergamont, Sandalwood, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Dark Chocolate

Backstory:

Theodore Nott was born into a prestigious pure-blood wizarding family, his childhood filled with the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Italy. His mother, a talented witch with a passion for art, literature, and music, imparted upon him a love for the finer things in life. She taught him how to speak Italian, play the piano, and appreciate the beauty of the magical world around them.

However, Theodore's childhood took a tragic turn when his mother passed away, leaving him with a profound sense of loss. Compounding his grief was the revelation that his father, though also deeply devoted to his family, had been a follower of Voldemort. With Voldemort's downfall, Theo's father met his demise, leaving Theo with conflicting emotions and a sense of isolation.

Despite his father's past affiliations, he distanced himself from his family's dark legacy, choosing instead to honor his mother's memory by embracing the values she had instilled in him. He found comfort in the company of his friends, particularly during Christmas vacations and over the summer, when he would often stay with classmates Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Mattheo Riddle, and Enzo Berkshire.

Throughout his years at Hogwarts, Theodore excelled academically and athletically, distinguishing himself as a talented and ambitious student. His keen intellect, strategic mind, and refined tastes set him apart from his peers, earning him both admiration and envy. Despite facing teasing and discrimination for his softer side and Italian accent, Theo remained resilient, drawing strength from the bonds of friendship that sustained him.

He discovered a passion for Quidditch, becoming the star keeper for the Slytherin team. With each dive and save, he felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration, leaving behind the weight of his worries and losses, if only for a moment.

Academics:

Best Subject: Charms

Favorite Subject: DADA (But he won't tell you its really Astronomy)

Favorite Professor: Flitwick

Worst Subject: Ancient Runes

Least Favorite Subject: Divination

Least Favorite Professor: Slughorn

Student Life:

Academically excels in his studies, particularly in subjects like Potions and Charms

A regular fixture in the Hogwarts library, spending hours poring over ancient texts and refining his magical skills, teaching himself a new language, (Or really just hiding behind a romance novel)

Respected by his classmates for his intellect and admired for his cool demeanor, though some may find him enigmatic or intimidating.

He enjoys spending time in the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, honing his skills as Keeper

He also indulges in his love for art, literature, and music

Girls at Hogwarts are drawn to Nott's confidence, intelligence, and refined tastes, finding themselves mesmerized by his cool demeanor and mysterious aura

While he remains discreet about his romantic interests, there is no shortage of girls vying for his attention and affection.

Template: @hazyange1s

[mandoriana]

The case of the mad king

sorry for my english

I don't know what I'm doing, but I recently watched "Dead Boy Detectives" and now I'm unable to stop thinking about them, so I decided to create a brief eight-chapter plot for a fanfic that i most won't write, but would love to share with everyone.

I'll start with the structure of how it will all work. Firstly, the story would take place after the first season and each season would have a special focus on one character at a time, for example:

First season - Crystal

Second season - Niko Sasaki

Third season - Thomas/King Cat and Edwin

Fourth season - Charles and Edwin

Fifth season - Crystal and Niko

Anyway, each of these sequences that I thought about writing would have a focus on a different character and the development of each of them as well, for the Crystal/Charles fans I'm sorry, but they won't be a couple for long, the Same goes for the Cat King/Edwin shipp, the main couple will be Charles/Edwin, but it will be a slow burn.

London, England

The story would begin just a month after the events of the series. Crystal continues to live with her parents in their chic apartment, but plans to move into Jenny's apartment as soon as the woman opens her new butcher's shop in London. It's another normal day when Crystal intends to go on an adventure with the boys in a new investigation, everyone is focused on working and trying not to suffer from the loss of Niko, Crystal and Edwin are the most affected in this situation and Crystal continues to learn to be someone better. Just as Crystal is finishing packing her backpack to spend another night up investigating, her parents come home looking genuinely angry with her. They bring a newspaper in hand and show her the news on the cover, which alerted the people of the city about a suspicious girl breaking into houses (It wasn't an invasion if the ghost who lived there gave her permission to enter), Crystal tries to explain that she was just helping a lady who needed her help (hiding the fact that the lady is already dead), but her parents don't believe her and decide to put an end to her "mischief", taking Crystal against will to Reddam House Berkshire school. She leaves Jenny a voicemail, but her parents confiscate her cell phone before she can send a message to the office computer (Edwin doesn't use the laptop, but Charles does).

Office

Unable to communicate with Crystal, the boys are not informed about her going to school and begin investigating her disappearance. Charles begins his search at Crystal's parents' apartment, there he finds her phone but doesn't see his friend anywhere. Her suitcases and bags are also in the apartment and Crystal doesn't seem to have left, just disappeared suddenly (Her parents forbade her to take anything other than her school uniform and some clothes chosen by them, the rest of her belongings would be handed over in the schoolroom, when classes started)

Edwin investigates the disappearance of his friend in Jenny's apartment who lives an hour away from the boys' office, he questions Jenny, and she explains about the end of the vacation and Crystal's parents took her to a school where he would spend his days until the end of the year.

The boys gather in the office to gather information and begin a search plan, but Charles let the office laptop run out of juice and without Crystal they don't know how to recharge it. Out of options and wanting to help, Jenny lets the boys use her laptop, on the condition that Charles doesn't touch the device (no one knows what Charles did to make Jenny so suspicious, but Jenny doesn't comment and neither does Charles.)

During the search for schools where Crystal could be, the Night Nurse appears with a new case, something for them to deal with as quickly as possible and not bother her until everything is over. Left with no choice, they stop their search for Crystal and prepare for a new investigation.

The new case

The case seems simple, three boys died on a nightclub, but since the police closed the place there still seems to be supernatural activity in the nightclub. The living continues to complain to the authorities about the loud noise that continues even when the party should have ended, but the police have already gone to the scene and even though they are able to hear music playing, when they enter the club there is nothing inside. Edwin and Charles go to the nightclub and soon discover that the place is not just inhabited by ghosts, but by many supernatural beings. Edwin tries to investigate by asking questions to a vampire, a skinwalker and a witch, but everyone seems too drunk to understand what he is saying. When Edwin is about to tell Charles what he discovered, he is surrounded by the other ghost boys, who end up getting involved with him rudely. Charles is not around after he got distracted by some girls dancing, he tries to find Edwin, but ends up going to stairs and meeting a giant man who calls himself “King of the Mad”.

Edwin manages to escape the other ghosts with the help of a black cat who takes him to the bar where Edwin meets the Cat King and his sister the Cat Queen of London. Upon seeing the teenager uncomfortable, Thomas takes him to a less chaotic place (a place similar to the one where he takes Edwin to talk in the first season). Thomas changes into his cat form and allows Edwin to stroke his fur until he can calm down. When he manages to recover from the overload of emotions, Edwin takes advantage of company to question whether the Cat King knew what was happening and Thomas explains that Dionísio had been throwing parties since 1960 when the first disco appeared, as a way of getting more and more worshipers, but things got out of control in the last few days, as two humans managed to enter the party and die there. Thomas explains that Dionysus would get supernatural creatures drunk and strengthened by their worship, then he would free them and go to other places to get more worshipers. As Dionisio needed constant adoration, he only ended his parties when the last guest left, but thanks to the ghost boys he had already been having the same party for two whole weeks and couldn't leave until they left.

While Edwin is with Thomas, Charles and the King of the Mad talk about what was happening at the party and Charles discovers the same thing as Edwin and promises to help with the situation as soon as he finds his partner, in exchange the King of the Mad would pay for the detectives' services, giving something of value to each of the boys.

Reddam House Berkshire

Crystal gets a room of her own at the boarding school, at first everything seems fine with the place, but things go wrong as soon as she introduces herself to her new class and notices four girls looking at her threateningly. When Crystal sits down next to one of them, a shiver runs down her spine, and she feels the same strange feeling she had when she first met Esther.

To be continue...

Okay, so… that was it, this is just one of eight chapters, they're just ideas, but I think it would be interesting to write a fanfic about it, I'll keep posting more and maybe I'll decide to write it, in case someone likes this idea.

(+BONUS+

Charles was banned from using Jenny's laptop after unintentionally accessing 18+ websites, he was just playing some online games when advertisements appeared offering "a fun night", Charles innocently believed it was another type of fun, when he clicked ended up coming to a website full of naked women AND men. Jenny arrived at the wrong time and saw the terrified teenager staring at his computer screen.

She has a long, awkward conversation with Charles afterward, but neither of them brings it up after it's over.)

Parte 2, Part 3

[alexracheltravel]

Final Day: The Archipelago

We saved something special for last. A trip to Sweden's fabled archipelago. Head over to Google Maps. You'll see that Stockholm is made up of a bunch of little islands. Head East (just a little) and you'll see that there's a large chain of islands off of the coast. There's no name for this chain, but it is a part of this beautiful nation. And we decided to kayak in it!

Yes, we decided to kayak in the brackish, chilly Baltic Sea.

We woke up, ate a hearty breakfast at the AirBnB, which we have begun to call "the apartment," since it has been such a wonderful home base for the past week+, and went to the City Center, where we met up with our tour guide, Daniel, over at "Stockholm Adventures." From there, Daniel, as well as two other Americans from Orange County, California (and one was a theatre teacher! Crazy coincidence) and us drove out half an hour to a beach. The conditions were windy, and the water cold. But we've braved tougher conditions than this! Once set up, we paddled past the waves and through a challenging current, and once we slipped between a few islands, it actually got a lot easier.

We kayaked for about an hour and a half before breaking for lunch. We simply parked our boats at one of the many islands and lit a small gas camping stove, and heated up some soup with fresh salmon cooked within it. Daniel also brought some Swedish hard bread, cheeses, and some syrups as well. It was all delicious!

The archipelago itself was really beautiful. You'd never guess we were paddling on the ocean! Along the way we made a few comparisons to home: the trees were not too dissimilar from Washington's Orcas Islands, which made sense, since both land masses were formed by glaciers, and the homes along the lake were mostly vacation and summer homes, which of course reminded us of the Adirondacks or Berkshires, of course built very differently. These homes were actually quite old and famous. Daniel pointed out a spot where Strindberg once lived, and wrote an entire novel about. The Islanders weren't too keen on that apparently. (Alex took notes lol).

After a good lunch break we made our way back into the water. It had gotten warmer but our arms began to get weaker. This was also the first time we worked on a kayak with pedals and a rudder, which was definitely more challenging than it looked, especially with the wind. We saw many birds, including ducks, some enormous swans, and tons of what appeared to be Piping Plovers, the same breed of birds that have terrorized two generations of both of our families in Silverpoint Beach Club. There weren't any fish we could see in the water, but plenty of kelp floated just below the surface. We wondered why more Scandinavians didn't eat kelp like East Asian people did. At the time of this writing, Alex perhaps suspected that it had something to do with the salinity of the water and that the kelp here simply didn't taste that good.

Our second break came around 2pm, and if you've been reading along, you know that means Fika time. We stopped at an island with a tremendous tower, and learned it was built in the Middle Ages as a fort for wars. The tower was tall enough to look out at so many other islands, and it was a pivotal lookout in one of the wars against Russia. Nowadays the fort isn't used by the military and instead it's a venue for weddings, of all things. Alex suggested we get married again here just to have another excuse to go back to Sweden.

After a break, which yes, included coffee and a cinnamon bun (although Rach opted for tea), we went back out onto the water. By now had been kayaking on and off for about four hours but we were so close to finishing! Luckily, the wind was on our back and we made our way home.

We thanked Daniel and Stockholm Adventures for a wonderful trip and had an experience we won't forget. Swedes value time in nature and as people who also like the "out of doors," we were happy to experience it in this special way.

All of our pictures are in other posts so make sure you take a look!

[steamishot]

gap months

this transition period (saying bye to one city and planning for a big move home with a partner) has been bringing up a lot of feelz. it's been making me ponder on the importance of this on our relationship and what it really means to build a life with someone. there's also some sadness mixed with "really ready to GTFO" feelings as we have this countdown.

with matt going to jury duty for 4 weeks, he hasn't stepped foot in the hospital for 12 days at this point, and won't have to for another 10 days. i love this for him (he's well rested and has time to discover things outside of work), but i'm also irritated at the fact that it means he's home a LOT. the small living situation has really been grating on me. we've been trying to change our habits to spend more time outside of the apartment. on this point, we have officially submitted our notice to vacate, and they have put our apartment back on the market for $1k more per month. a 542 sq ft studio going for a whopping ~$3650/mo.

there has been a lot of chaos, conflict and stress in this past year with the job hunt and start of attendinghood for matt. the last 4 years were basically spent in survival mode, in residency, early attendinghood, and an intense cross country job search. it's now about a month since he signed for pasadena. i felt like we spent this entire time just crashing and recovering from all the demands. we're learning how to live more mindfully and peacefully now that there isn't constant chaos. i welcome this move as a fresh start.

moving logistics: i have narrowed down the moving companies to one that i like. they only do moves between LA/SF and NYC. our quotes ranged from $5k-9k with packing and unpacking services. our tesla was picked up and looks great.

apartment search: with relocation benefits, our flights and lodging to look for an apartment will be covered. therefore, we will be in LA for a week early aug to try to lock something in. i've been searching on zillow rent for 2 bedroom apartments. it's good practice to get a feel of the neighborhood, but we mostly cannot act on anything until it's <1 month before move in. we have decided not to go the "luxury apartment" route and instead go with smaller companies. i'm really, really excited to live outside of a shoebox.

edit: we are scratching the aug trip to LA, and instead using the funds to pay for an airbnb in september while we apartment search for an oct 1 move in date.

work: the lady i am training is pretty darn slow. although it really tests my patience to train her, i am enjoying the more human interaction i'm having at work and practicing my teaching skills. this is the first time since starting at UCLA that i have trained anyone for a previous position.

saying bye: it's continuously been a weird and sad feeling knowing i'm leaving. familiar faces at places we frequent (coffee shops, yoga instructors, restaurants) we won't see anymore. landmarks that we will say bye to. i don't really have an inclination to hang out with friends anymore because *the end* is coming. at the same time, if i could, i would rip the band-aid off.

relaxation: the last vacation we'll have on the east coast will be at the berkshires next weekend. we are in real need of a nature getaway. jury duty time has also been a blessing, and matt will have 1.5 months off in between his jobs. it's basically the first time in ~5 years not being tied to the hospital for this long.

friends: my mostly digital friend K decided to break it off with her partner R. although this breakup seemed to be easier to do than her previous relationship, she mentioned feeling really scared that she's just unable to make a romantic relationship work with anyone. T and i have been having similar feelings about NYC. the last two times i returned here, i was upset and cried. i described a sense of general unhappiness here. she just left a month long trip in vietnam and mentioned feeling stressed at the idea of returning to the city.

[collymore]

A gross insult not only to Democracy but also common sense and one's natural intelligence!

By Stanley Collymore

Seemingly, if the Daily Mail is to be believed, and why shouldn't it be this laudable paragon of truthfulness and discernibly impeccable morality, there's irrefutably, obviously an internecine and crucially bitter fraternal warfare, very signifantly privately going on literally alarmingly, between Charles Windsor and rather unquestionably the elder of his two brothers Andrew really over the latter's obvious determination and adamant insistence, in essentially quite distinctively, wishing to continue literally living, in the opulent residence of Royal Lodge really an actual stately home ensconced simply effectively in 98 acres of parkland and significantly specifically and distinctively basically and most crucially obviously adorned with 30 quite generously sized rooms which very determinedly, it's allegedly stated, Charles simply wants Andrew to vacate, clearly in favour of William.

This would-be action, were it to come to fruition, notwithstanding the very obvious fact that William already, unquestionably, quite distinctly obviously has in his personal possession precisely four separate homes! Comprising really, all together, of Adelaide Cottage that is sited in Windsor Berkshire; Kensington Palace Apartment 1A, actually located in the City of London; also Anmer Hall in Norfolk; and, Tan-Na-Ghar William's actually fourth clear residence, on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland! Yet clear avarice, arrogance and irrefutably too self-entitlement have discernibly only aided and distinctly abetted William's covetousness while avidly and rather fatuously, quite evidently pathetically in his apt, unquestionable arrogance, similarly consolidating this evidently delusional, distinctively and crucially believed, naturally fittingly, birthright entitlement to any obviously desired trophy possession, he cares to own.

(C) Stanley V. Collymore 3 June 2024.

Author's Remarks: I can see the lame excuses being trotted out already!

Never the less an elected Head of State would be infinitely better than having this seedy family that's forced upon us!

[internationalrealestatenews]

[ad_1] Building of North Bay Village's first new apartment tower in a decade has halted, greater than 14 flooring up. Employees have been absent from the job web site since December, and greater than a dozen liens have been positioned in opposition to the developer, Pacific & Orient Properties, The Actual Deal you've got realized. The 21-story, 54-unit constructing, named after its deal with at 7918 West Drive, was anticipated to be accomplished within the first half of subsequent yr. Simply two days after Christmas, Thornton Residential, the overall contractor, positioned a lien for almost $7 million in allegedly unpaid work, data present. Liens have been additionally filed by subcontractors starting from plumbing and concrete to job web site security. In mid-January, a cooling firm in search of about $79,000 filed a lawsuit in opposition to the developer. Picture of stalled North Bay Village's apartment tower In a letter that North Bay Village employees despatched to the fee in January, the town stated the positioning superintendent notified the town that building was shut down simply earlier than the vacations. “They hope to start out issues up once more someday in January 2024, however that timeframe is versatile,” the town wrote. “We weren't offered a cause for his or her stopping building.” Building has stalled for some South Florida tasks in recent times, partly because of the rising price of financing, provides, labor and delays related to building. North Bay Village Residents flooded a Fb group final month to specific their considerations about the way forward for the challenge and security within the rapid space. Mayor Brent Latham stated he has by no means had direct contact with the developer, which secured its approvals earlier than his time period started in 2018. Latham is not anxious, although. “I do not anticipate it'll stay unfinished as a result of there are a number of events who've expressed curiosity in buying the positioning,” he informed TRD, declining to call potential patrons. “We're out of land in North Bay Village.” He stated the developer has remained updated with the town by way of funds for additional time police and the rental of parking areas. Thye Seng Chan, CEO of Pacific & Orient Properties, is in Malaysia and was not accessible for remark, in accordance with a consultant who answered the cellphone on the gross sales heart. His public relations agency stated its “providers have been paused.” A consultant for Pacific & Orient didn't reply to a LinkedIn message for remark. Chan has been engaged on plans for the challenge for nearly a decade. The developer paid $8.3 million for the 0.8-acre web site in 2015. Building was set to start in 2018, however the agency broke floor a yr in the past. In August, Pacific & Orient tapped Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty to deal with gross sales of the challenge after the brokerage presold a few of the items. Pre-sales soft-launched when building started in February of final yr. Costs vary from $2 million to greater than $17 million. Models are anticipated to vary from about 1,700 sq. toes to simply over 7,000 sq. toes. The quiet city, sandwiched between Miami and Miami Seashore, has attracted billionaire builders in recent times. “I do not assume you would need to look far,” to seek out potential patrons for the 7918 West Drive web site,” the mayor stated. The Ansin household's Sunbeam Properties, led by CEO Andy Ansin, plans a significant mixed-use improvement north and south of the 79th Avenue Causeway, which bisects the city. Harry Macklowe's Macklowe Properties and Associated Group are additionally engaged on an meeting on Harbor Island, which incorporates the litigious buyout of a waterfront co-op known as Biscayne Sea Membership. The builders started closing on items final yr. MTTR mgmt is the architect designing 7918 West Drive. Tokyo-based One Designs Co. was taped to design the foyer. The constructing is about

to incorporate a Zen backyard, yoga areas and a communal gourmand chef's kitchen, the developer stated throughout a gathering final yr. The constructing will embrace a 148-space parking storage, 16 storage items and 15,000 sq. toes of frequent house. The challenge marks Pacific & Orient's first in North Bay Village. The corporate, with workplaces in Kuala Lumpur, London and Bangkok, is a part of the Pacific & Orient Group conglomerate. It has holdings in insurance coverage, data expertise, lending and start-ups. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[garfieldtownhouse]

Accommodations for your vacation in The Berkshires. Book Vacation Apartment in Berkshires. Berkshire is the best spot to seek inner calm with a strong sense of outdoor adventure. Save Big with Garfield Town House.

[antiquecompass]

Untamed Winter Fest Day 14: Star

It’s Lan Zhan first time experiencing a Jiang Christmas.

Lan Zhan tried not to give himself over to hyperbolic statements, but he considered it more of an observable fact that the backyard of the Jiang vacation home, Lotus Pier, could be seen from space. He felt his statement accurate because of the sheer amount of lights. From all the lights wrapped around the property’s outdoor evergreens (he was not aware that was a thing for personal homes this time of year), to the near forest of inflatable Christmas yard decor (each with their own lights), the tennis court turned into some facsimile of an ice rink also with bright lights, music, singing penguins, and a fake snow machine.

That didn’t even account for the inside of the house.

He couldn’t imagine how much energy they were wasting. Or how no one had complained about the light pollution in this very exclusive neighborhood on Martha’s Vineyard.

Of course, Lan Zhan couldn’t imagine anyone complaining about Madame Yu to her face and surviving unscathed for very long.

“We have solar panels,” Wei Ying said, wrapping his arms around his waist as they stood looking at the property. “And Uncle is looking for a company to invest in for supplying wind energy.”

He nodded. That was good. They were still using enough power to run a small town, but at least there were solar panels. He was a guest in this home, it wasn’t his place to criticize their traditions or decorating styles or drain on the environment.

“It’s an eyesore,” Wei Ying said. “You can say it. You won’t, but you can. The younger cousins love it though. Madame Yu can’t decorate like this back in Boston, so she overcompensates here.”

“Yes,” he said. There was no point in lying.

Two hours here and he could honestly say he preferred their medium-sized fake tree and lights that didn’t blink in obnoxious patterns and the more classic--Jiang Cheng called it vintage--holiday decor of their apartment back in Cambridge. And how now also understood why Wei Ying, usually the first to gravitate towards things which light up and made noise, preferred what could only be termed ‘classier’ Christmas decor. How could he not, growing up with the spectacle before them.

It was just all too bright and too shiny and too much.

He could only hope their room here, which was still in the process of ‘getting decorated’ didn’t have its own army of singing, dancing, santa-hat-wearing, jingle-bell shaking anything.

“I love you,” Wei Ying said, pressing a series of soft kisses to his nose and cheek.

“I love you too,” he said.

He turned his eyes towards the beachfront part of the property where everything remained untouched by the excess on the other side. It allowed him to breathe and to focus and to try and prepare himself for whatever came next.

**********

The bells in the hallway played music every single time someone walk under them. There were caroling floor mats scattered throughout the house. Mistletoe hung from nearly every available surface (to be fair and honest, he didn’t mind Wei Ying using this to their advantage). The back parlor had an entire stage of animatronic singing polar bears. The basement was dressed up to look like a miniature indoor version of a Dickensian Christmas Village. Even the bathrooms hadn’t escaped Madame Yu’s holiday wrath. Something felt wrong about a toilet seat cover with Rudolph's face on it and at tissue cover on top of the toilet tank with a snowman staring right at him as he stood there. And, of course, each bedroom had their own themed Christmas tree. Lan Zhan had no idea Coca-Cola had that many tree ornaments and yet the one in his bedroom for the next two weeks was proof they very much did.

And then there was the star on the main Christmas tree.

Madame Yu couldn’t have a standard tree topper of course, not for the tree most of the Yus and all the Jiangs saw and stood in front of to take various family portraits throughout the holiday season. No, no normal star would do for photos that would be shared across social media and possibly published in newspapers and magazines. She could’ve gone with the large Moravian star that hung near the backdoor, but no, Madame Yu had found something else entirely. Something Lan Zhan didn’t even know existed until today.

The tree topper, in addition to being a very large star, had an attachment which allowed Santa and his sleigh and his reindeer to ‘fly’ around the top of the tree in constant rotating circles.

The tree topper was nothing compared to the one piece of Madame Yu’s decor he truly despised. In truth, it was a delight to see the smaller cousins in awe over the tree topper. And he supposed, anything on top of such a large tree had to be large and obvious and eye-catching, if only to balance out its sheer size. The tree topper could be excused, this though? This could not.

Lan Zhan thought he’d prepared himself well for this trip. He’d heeded all of Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng’s warnings. He’d packed ear plugs and a sleeping mask per Jiang Yanli’s advice. He’d watched as many holiday films as he could find, including borrowing some of Huaisang’s extensive Hallmark Christmas Films collection.

Nothing had prepared him for the pure creepiness of the infamous Elf on a Shelf. Or Elves on all the Shelves and in the trees, in the corners of rooms, on top of the fridge. Everywhere. Their beady little eyes staring him down. Even if the voice in his head currently sounded like Wei Ying, he did, absolutely, believe that this was the start of a horror film.

“I’m so sorry,” Wei Ying said as he swept through their room, collecting at least five of the plastic and cloth demons and throwing them out into the hall. “She’s never been this bad about them before. I swear, she’s sitting in her bedroom right now, sipping some wassail and cackling.”

“Wassail?” he asked.

“We’ll keep you to the regular apple cider,” Wei Ying said. “I’m pretty sure Madame Yu pours an entire barrel of bourbon into her wassail.”

He was fidgeting, and talking too fast, and looking everywhere but at him.

Lan Zhan reached out and stopped his pacing, pulling him close.

“I’m with you, will stand by you, for everything,” he said, cupping his cheek. “And that includes this house possessed by the spirit of Christmas commercialism. I’d rather be by your side amongst all this, than without you again during this time of year. I want to spend Christmas with you, in all your traditions. And I want to kiss you as this year ends and the next one begins. And not just for Chinese New Year. I am greedy, Wei Ying, I want them both.”

“So selfish,” Wei Ying teased. He kissed Lan Zhan’s palm, and then his wrist, and then came closer, pushing him down, flopping on top of him in a tired sprawl. “I was so worried you were going to call your brother to come get you.”

“Never,” he vowed.

And not only because he would never, ever, want to force this upon his big brother. The color clashing alone would upset him, not to mention what he would think of all the lights--everywhere.

And he’d wanted this for years now. Ever since their freshman year, it hurt to go back to the Berkshires, knowing he wouldn’t see Wei Ying again until the start of the spring semester. Now he finally got to spend his entire winter break with him and nothing, not even creepy elves and gaudy decorations were going to stop him.

Something above his head caught his eye and he started to laugh.

“Found the mistletoe?” Wei Ying asked. “That was my contribution to this year’s decorating.”

“I love you,” he said, kissing the words into his Wei Ying’s mouth.

[cssns]

Event Roundup Time!!!!

I am SOOOOOOO sorry y’all!!! I completely forgot to do an event roundup!!! Please forgive me!!! Fanmail from @killianjones4ever82 brought it to my attention and I’m so glad she did! We had an incredible summer and we need to have a post that can be easily accessed with all the fabulous fics and gorgeous artwork that dropped for the event! So without further ado, here we go!!!!

Under the cut, because this is gonna be a LOOOOOOONG post!!!

Here is a link to the entire collection of fics on ao3.

@welllpthisishappening opened us up this year with her first fic for the event, All the Subliminal Things. Rated T with four chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork by @resident-of-storybrooke.

Emma Swan does not believe in soulmates.

Or so she says. Because if her soulmate did, actually, exist, he should have shown up by now. So, she must be a fluke, a broken cog in a system that really doesn't make much sense anyway. It is, she figures, why she agrees to meet David's friend before Regina and Robin's wedding. This guy doesn't believe in soulmates either.

She's intrigued.

Until she hears him talk. And everything flips after that.

At the end of June, Laura posted All Was Golden In the Sky. Rated M and we have five chapters left. Artwork by @resident-of-storybrooke, extra artwork by @distant-rose and @optomisticgirl can be found on Laura’s chapter blog posts.

Magic is dying.

Emma knows it. She can feel it, the emptiness rattling around in her, like it’s trying to make sure she disappears as well. What she doesn’t know is what to do about it, because, suddenly, there is a man in Storybrooke claiming she’s the Savior and a seeress certain a prophecy promises the same and the last thing she expects is for her minimal amount of lingering power to pull her away.

To New York City.

And another oddly familiar man with blue eyes and a smile that sinks under her skin and makes magic bloom in the air around her. Things are about to get interesting.

@darkcolinodonorgasm posted One Day, a LadyHawke AU with artwork by @sherlockianwhovian. Rated T and we are two chapters in. 

By day, Emma is the beautiful swan gliding over the waters of Misthaven's pond, but when night falls, the voice of the wolf the people living in the little town hear is Killian's cry. The curse was meant to be forever, to keep them always together yet eternally apart. No force in Heaven would be able to break such spell, nor any force on Earth. Or so Emma and Killian thought.

Towards the end of June Sara posted Hidden Paths Between the Moon and Sun, the sequel to her Hades and Persephone AU, Until the Stars Are All Alight. Artwork by @sherlockianwhovian. Rated M with one of six chapters so far.

The King of the Underworld has never taken a vacation before, not a proper one and not one that lasted more than a few months. Now that his firstborn is capable enough to take the throne ad interim, Killian can finally show his beloved Queen the world, giving her the honeymoon they never had the chance to have. But the King’s plan doesn’t stop quite there.

@allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 posted original art Killian Falls for Siren Emma

Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be

Who love a jolly sailor bold that ploughs the raging sea,

My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold, There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold.

and Paranormal Photographers/Reporters.

When you hear the knell of a requiem bell Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell Restless bones etherealize Rise as spooks of every size

@donteattheappleshook posted Just Human Vol2, the sequel to her submission last year, Just, Human. Artwork by 1 2 by @djlbg. Rated M with five chapters. COMPLETE.

A continuation of last years CSSNS story Just Human. Now that Killian is a ghost and Mary Margaret knows everything, what does life have in store for a group of supernatural misfits? With the threat of Gold gone, Emma learns that sometimes just being human is the most complicated challenge of all.

@thislassishooked posted Wake Me Up Inside. Rated M with three chapters so far. Artwork by @tennant-the-tigger.

Killian Jones has lived longer than any man has a right to live. Most would argue that what he was doing was not living, but merely existing. The day he lost the love of his life was the day he lost the will to live, but instead of ending his life he inadvertently became the strongest being on earth and unfortunately indestructible. His mortal enemy followed him into immortality and craves the power only Killian possesses. With his brother by his side and the help of a quirky, blonde hematologist, who makes him question whether he is ready for death after all, he will fight against evil, but more importantly, for the cure.

@let-it-raines posted Not Your (Soul)Mate. Rated M with sixteen chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork 1 2 3 4 5 6 by @captainsjedi. 

Killian Jones doesn’t like the idea of soulmates. He sees how happy his friends are with theirs, but he still doesn’t like the idea, not when he’s found love and lost it time and time again only to still not know his sign. He has no markings on his skin, no voices in his head, but then one day he meets Emma Swan and everything changes. Because, well, he may not have ink on his skin to tell him who to love, but the very first time that he hears Emma’s voice he knows that she’s the one for him. Then again, that could simply be his desire talking. After all, for every word she speaks, he becomes aroused.

It’s not the worst thing in the world to be incredibly attracted to a beautiful woman, but things aren’t that simple when she doesn’t have any interest in being his soulmate.

He’s screwed. And not in the good way.

@shireness-says posted A Drowning Soul Will Clutch at Any Straw. Rated T one shot. Artwork by @hollyethecurious.

Though this is far from Killian Jones' first encounter with a mermaid, he's never met any quite like this blonde siren. Together, can they break a cruel curse?

@snowbellewells posted her first fic for the event, Face to Face in the Broad Daylight, her sequel to last years Run to Me (In the Dead of Night) in early July. Rated T with five chapters so far. Artwork by @branlovestowrite.

Here we have a sequel to my werewolf, alternate season two and beyond fic from last year’s CSSNS. You probably want to read that story "Run to Me (in the Dead of Night)" first, or it might be a bit confusing in places. This second story in the same universe partially exists just because I wanted to revisit these couples and enjoy a bit more of their fluffy happily ever afters. However, we may also see them get into some new surprises and challenges, and of course we need to see if Rumplestiltskin is still under control or back to his usual scheming and plotting. I hope you will enjoy. 

Marta also posted at the end of July A Story Told at Last. Rated T with three chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork by @branlovestowrite.

Historical Literature Professor Henry Mills has the chance of a lifetime before him. He might finally uncover the truth of a folktale that has intrigued him for years. But, when the whole story comes to light, will he be able to accept the story that needs to be told?

@thejollyroger-writer posted her first fic of three for the event, Love After Death: The Afterlife Hotel. Rated T one shot with artwork by @captainsjedi. 

Emma Swan has spent sixty years in the afterlife believing she was never going to meet her real soulmate, after believing in the wrong name tattooed on her wrist. But when she keeps seeing the same new guest of the Afterlife Hotel around, might she be able to learn how to love again?

Megan’s second fic for the event was What Happened in Berkshire. Rated G with two of three chapters posted. Artwork by @captainsjedi.

When Emma’s boyfriend leaves her for the woman he’s been cheating with, she accepts an offer from her hospital to move to England. While she is out celebrating her thirtieth birthday with her friends before they head back to America, she drunkenly kisses the statue of Captain Hook in front of Eton College, and he comes to life. Together, he and Emma try to figure out what this curse means for them by searching for the witch that cursed him in the first place — are they really True Love, as he wants to believe they are, or did Emma’s magic go awry?

Megan’s third fic for the event was Falling Paws Over Heels. Rated T one shot. Artwork by @captainsjedi.

Captain Killian Jones -- the notorious Captain Hook -- has heard all kinds of stories during his travels around all of the realms. But the story that has always interested him the most is that of the enchanting sorceress of Storybrooke, a small town in the Enchanted Forest's Misthaven, the sorceress who takes men to her bed, but will only give her heart to the man who befriends her cat. Will Killian be the one who finally has what it takes?

@gingerchangeling posted Luck of the Irish. Rated M with one chapter of seven so far. Artwork by @resident-of-storybrooke.

Emma needs parent volunteer hours. So she offers to chaperon Henry's upcoming field trip to the museum. Its just a pack of prepubescent angst ridden children, an exhibit about dead people, and a rock used in blood sacrifices with a curse carved into it. What's the worst that could happen?

@jarienn972 posted A Simple Spell. Rated T with six chapters so far. Artwork by @cocohook38. 

This story is my entry into the 2019 Captain Swan Supernatural Summer event and is my first venture into AU territory. Storybrooke remains our setting but I've switched up some of the characters and familial relations to better suit this tale of prodigal witch Emma who returns to her birthplace to learn lots of secrets about herself and cast a spell that could change everything.

@profdanglaisstuff posted The Very Witching Time. Rated M with six chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork by @gingerchangeling. Extra artwork by @mariakov81 can be found on Saira’s chapter posts on her blog.

Emma Swan is a hereditary witch, last in a long line of wise women who for centuries have guarded the coast of Maine and the small village of Storybrooke with their homemade cures and their ancient magic. She holds the delicate balance between magic and mundane, but now that balance is threatened by a new foe, one capable of bringing an end to everything Emma is and everything she loves. To defeat it she will need all her power, help from her friends and neighbours, and the loyalty of a very unusual dog who answers to the name of Killian.

@searchingwardrobes gave us the first of two fics for the event, An Education in Southern Gothic. Rated T with two chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork by @hollyethecurious.

Fact: there’s a graveyard between the football field and the science building. Debatable: a ghost haunts the halls of Misthaven Hills High. Emma Swan is about to get an education. Killian Jones is about to get a whole lot more.

Melanie’s second fic was titled Until the Day Breaks and the Shadows Flee. Rated M with eight chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork by @hollyethecurious.

Every night, she traces the contours of his body as Killian whispers words of love against her skin. But can Princess Emma ever be fully happy with a husband who only comes to her in utter darkness? A Captain Swan AU of the Roman myth of Cupid and Psyche.

@spartanguard posted Sick of Love. Rated M with three chapters. COMPLETE. Artwork by @sherlockianwhovian.

If Emma’s not careful, she just might bump into her soulmate. Physically. And while she might like the idea of what comes with that—an almost psychic connection whenever they make skin contact—she’d rather not deal with the awful withdrawal sickness that can come when they inevitably leave her; she’s got a son, so she doesn’t have time for that. So she keeps herself covered and thinks she’ll be okay. Until she meets Killian, who does the same thing. Will their barriers protect them, or just hurt them more?

@snidgetsafan posted Whom the Gods Love Die Young. Rated G (for the moment) with one chapter so far. Artwork by @tennant-the-tigger.

The bride bit into the shiny red apple as everyone cheered around her, the wedding ceremony ending with this ritual gesture. The clapping and hurrahs soon turned to screams of horror as Snow dropped the apple, choking and clutching her throat as she fell in her groom’s arms, a last I love you leaving her lips before she died, David’s screams the loudest of all.

David and Emma travel to the Underworld to claim back Snow after her untimely death. In order to do so, they're going to have to face the dark and mysterious God of the Underworld and complete his challenges.

Seems simple enough until you add magic, divine quarrels, and the worst thing of all: feelings.

@eastwesthomeisbest posted original artwork, The Love of the Samodiva Pts1 and 2.

In Bulgarian folklore Samodiva is an ethereal female wood nymph. She is unearthly beautiful and eternally young. Her hair is blond and long, her waist is thin and petite, her eyes can bewitch and dazzle or even kill. Any man who lays eyes on her instantly falls in love. Samodivas’ attire consists of long white gowns and shirts and a rainbow-coloured or green belt. They have a white mantel, also called a shadow, in which their power lies. They like to ride deer, using twisted snakes for reins and often carry with them bows and arrows.

If a huntsman accidentally kills a samodiva’s deer, she will make him blind or give him a disease which will inevitably lead to his death.

The wood nymphs live in dark forests, in big old trees, caves or forgotten huts which are near water sources, wells or rivers.

Samodivas can be spotted from spring to autumn. In winter they live in the mythical village Zmeykovo, which is located at the edge of the world and is a home to many mythical creatures. When they are on earth they are active at night and disappear immediately when the sun comes out, because they fear it.

At twilight, the samodivas go to fresh water sources, strip naked, wash themselves and their clothes which they lay out to dry in the moonlight. They keep a watchful eye on their drying clothes, because if a man steals their mantle, where their power lies, they turn into normal women and have to obey the man. After washing themselves and their clothes, the samodivas gather around and start singing and dancing. It is known that the samodiva’s songs are the most beautiful and their dances are the most graceful. If a late traveller sees the samodivas’ dance, he is enticed to join them and dances with them from midnight to dawn. When the sun’s rays appear, the nymphs disappear in haste and leave the traveller to die from exhaustion. The samodivas love music and often kidnap shepherds, so that they can play kaval (shepherd’s pipe) for them while they dance.

Samodivas are not always harmful. Sometimes they appear like normal working women and help with the harvest. They would especially help women with children. If a man does something good for a samodiva, she becomes his patron or a sworn sister. Sometimes, a samodiva can fall in love with a human and bear him children, who grow up to be great heroes.

Samodivas are forest creatures and therefore knowledgeable about herbs and cures. However, they never share their secrets willingly. The only way to obtain their knowledge is to eavesdrop on one of their gatherings.

@courtorderedcake posted two fics for this years event. Hallow rated E with eight chapters so far with accompanying artwork 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11.

"The Goblin King was prepared to host the Darkness, stealing Fae women away to their corrupted lands underneath the ground as concubines. The Darkness chose another in his stead, but not before this selected vessel enacted a devastating attack in its vengeance, revealing its hatred & rage. The battle was a lesson the old kings had forgotten; never underestimate an opponent. Many more lives were lost as they razed over any who dared defy The Goblin King's will. Only the pure love of our rulers united in matrimony, breaking the Vorpal Dagger, sealed the darkness and the Goblin menace away. The light flourished under their fair rule, and the queen bore a child as pure as moon beams, swan feathers, and starlight. They lived happily ever after, and shall be written in history as Heroes for All Time."

This is the history Princess Emma memorizes from the day she is born, paraded about and presented only with the highest protection. The palace is a cage she wishes to escape, desperately. Not careful what wishes she made, Emma discovers history is written by the victors - The Dark One has an entirely different version of the events that took place.

Roses, rated E with two of four chapters so far. Artwork by @eastwesthomeisbest.

A CS retelling of Tam Lin, the classic fairytale. Liberties taken. Magic and Fae BS in play.

@pirateherokillian posted Wanderer Redeemed. Rated T with just the prologue so far. Artwork coming soon from @tennant-the-tigger.

Emma, Goddess of Hope and Happy endings, finds herself in need and her only real chance of ever getting what she desires comes in the form of Killian Jones, a shunned outcast of their kind. A Modern-Day Gods Captain Swan AU written for CSSNS.

@ilovemesomekillianjones posted The Soldier, the Witch, and the Dragon. Rated M one shot with artwork 1 2 by @spartanguard.

When soldier Killian Jones shows up on witch Emma Swan's doorstep, two worlds will collide. He will learn of worlds and wonders he never imagined possible and she will learn that true love might just be in the cards for her. Witches, Dragons and Magic, Oh My! A CS story for the 2019 Captain Swan Supernatural Summer event.

@whimsicallyenchantedrose posted Until the Stars Are All Alight. Rated T with two chapters of twenty so far. Artwork by @clockadile.

CS LOTR au: When Emma Swan steals a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, she has no idea it will lead her toward an adventure filled with danger and intrigue, sacrifice and a love stronger than anything she could imagine. Tasked with bringing the Savior home, the elf, Killian Jones of Misthaven travels to the Land Without Magic. Can he convince Emma to fulfill her destiny before the Dark One regains power and takes over all of the Enchanted Forest?

And last but certainly not least, @teamhook posted Rionnag Dorcha Gorm (Dark Blue Star). Unrated with two chapters so far. Artwork by @hollyethecurious

It is said that evil is not born but made. This is how an act of kindness is twisted into a story about revenge. Emma and Killian are childhood friends until a tragedy separates them will another reunite them.

I’ve read all of these fics and they are all absolutely FANTASTIC!!! It’s been so much fun reading all these wonderful fics and staring at the gorgeous art that went with them!! Be sure to let them know how much you’re enjoying their hard work! The WIP’s will continue updating until they are finished and I will be back at the end of the month with everything that has updated in September! Until then folks!

[jewelgrow]

Mistakes to avoid when choosing Berkshire Hathaway Vail vacation rentals!

Berkshire Hathaway Vail vacation rentals are highly popular for vacation stay these days due to various reasons such as cost-efficient, privacy, and other such reasons. Selecting the accommodation is not an easy job as there are many choices to choose from when it comes to vacation rentals such as condos, villas, apartments, and other such rentals. During the selection process, you need to avoid some mistakes.

Below are some of the mistakes you need to avoid when choosing Berkshire Hathaway Vail vacation rentals:

The foremost mistake that people make at the time of booking a vacation rental is trying to choose the cheap option. People choose cheap rentals to make great savings. However, you need to know that a cheap option is not the best option always. These days, there are lots of vacation rental companies available these days; however, all of them are not professional. Therefore, you need to search for a quality rental that is available at an affordable price. Ensure that you prepare the list of qualities and services you need. Based on this, you should select the rental that is in your budget.

Another mistake that people make at the time of booking Berkshire Hathaway Vail vacation rentals is not taking the advantage of seasonal and promotional deals offered by the agencies and companies offering vacation rentals. During some time of the year, it can be difficult for you to get discounts and good deals. If you are not able to find offers on the website of the vacation rental company, ensure that you get in touch with the customer services or sales team for inquiring regarding the recommendations and discounts about the best time to book to avail of good deals and discounts.

One more mistake that people make at the time of searching for a vacation rental is not checking the terms and conditions before making the reservations. Ensure that you check if any extra charges or hidden charges will be charged with the total amount. Apart from that, make sure the kind of equipment and comforts are provided in the accommodation package. It is important for you to check if the cleaning and maintenance are included in the cost charged.

These are some of the mistakes that you need to avoid at the time of choosing Berkshire Hathaway Vail vacation rentals. When you avoid these mistakes, you will be able to find the best option available. Ensure that you never choose the rental that you come across first.

Find the best rentals in the Vail Valley, offered in a wide selection of private homes and condos that feature a broad range of property types, amenities, location and price. All of our rentals have one thing in common; our unrivaled service.

[roslinadama-sinequanon]

Christmas in Connecticut-Chapter 14

Now available here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13293105/chapters/31036059

and here

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12789981/14/Christmas-in-Connecticut

and here

In this chapter Christine notices some changes in her sister.

It’s Christmas Eve and time for Andy and Sharon to share their good news with their families.

Silent night! holy night! All is calm all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night! holy night! Son of God love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth Jesus, Lord at thy birth

Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia Christ the Saviour is born Christ the Savior is born!

+++

Christine gave a low whistle of appreciation as she watched Sharon deftly chop carrots and butternut squash with the efficiency of a Reality TV chef. “Where did you learn to chop like that?” She asked.

“Andy.”

“Andy cooks?”

“Mmm…When he was growing up he had to help out in his grandparent’s Italian restaurant. Since then he’s loved to cook and he’s been helping me with my less than impressive culinary skills.”

“Italian? I thought he was Irish like us. It is Flynn, right?”

“Yes. Andrew Patrick Flynn. Irish on his father’s side, Italian on his mother’s.”

“Ahhh…is that why we’re having lasagna along with the ham as part of Christmas Eve dinner? Is it an Italian thing?”

“Actually, it’s an Andy thing. The Italians have a tradition called “The Feast of Seven Fishes”. They serve seven different seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. “

“And just where did you learn that?” Christine leaned in and snagged a carrot, grinning when Sharon swatted her hand away.

“Where do you think? It was part of Andy’s Christmas celebration when he was a child, but without a big extended family around him in California it was just too much food, so he started making his mother‘s lasagna instead and it became his and Nicole’s tradition. I decided to give it whirl and surprise them, hopefully make them feel more at home. I called his mother for her recipe. Usually it calls for tiny meatballs and sausage but Andy gave up red meat so this is a vegetable alternative. Sylvia swears no one will know the difference. I guess we’ll see.”

“Just don’t tell Ed what’s inside. It’s like pulling teeth for me to get him to eat vegetables—and his cholesterol is through the roof.” Christine continued to watch her sister stir spinach leaves into a big bowl of ricotta cheese singing, “I’ll be Home for Christmas” along with Andy Williams.  Shaking her head, she grabbed a bottle of chardonnay from the refrigerator and poured them each a glass, asking, “Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”

“What do you mean?” Sharon accepted the glass of wine and took a sip.

“Come on Share. You’ve never exactly been Martha Stewart. You always said you hated cooking; now you’ve morphed into Giada De Laurentiis.”

Sharon smirked. It was true. Back when Emily and Ricky were growing up, cooking meals had been just another responsibility she had to deal with on her own, right up there with laundry, grocery shopping and paying the bills. After working a full day at the PSB, sometimes longer, driving out to St. Joe’s to pick the kids up at their after school programs, settling them in at home and refereeing their squabbling, she was ready to kick off her high heels and curl up to relax with a glass of wine. Instead, she had to prepare a decent healthy meal for them. She did her best to create balanced menus, but the crock-pot and the microwave had become her best friends.  After supper, while the kids sat at the kitchen table doing their homework, she would help them in between washing the dishes, cleaning up and packing their lunches for the next day. Once she had them bathed and tucked in with a story or two, she would do laundry or catch up on some work before crashing in her own bed with a book. Most nights she was lucky if she made it through a whole chapter before falling asleep. By the time her alarm went off in the morning and it was time to start the process all over again, it often felt like she had just closed her eyes.

“I used to look at cooking as just another chore on an endless list of chores. But with Andy, it’s fun. His love of cooking is infectious. I’ve started to enjoy it—at least when we’re cooking together. He’s taught me a lot and it’s just kind of nice to have that time together to unwind at the end of the day. We have some of our best conversations while we’re chopping and sautéing together.”

Christine sighed. “You’re lucky. The only thing Ed can cook is scrambled eggs, and he’d never think to lend me a hand.”

Sharon smiled at her sister. Christine liked to gripe about her husband, but there was no doubt how much she loved the man.

“I am pretty lucky. Between Andy and Rusty’s boyfriend Gus, who works as a cook, we’ve been eating very well lately, even without all the fat and red meat.”

++++

“Everything okay?’ Andy asked later, when they were dressing for the dinner party and midnight mass.

“Yes, why do you ask?”  Sharon slipped the back of her earring on then turned to face him.

“I noticed a moment between you and your sister earlier today when she was hugging Ricky.”

“Mm…The perils of being engaged to a detective. Nothing gets by you.”

Andy’s eyes lit and he took her hand, a swell of love and pride filling his chest at his ring back on her finger, hopefully for good this time. “I like hearing you say that…engaged. But, you’re right, it didn’t get past me. I know it’s been a long time but your mom and I were just talking about that this morning. You never get over losing a child and with Ricky being the same age as her son would be?” He shook his head sadly. “I can’t even imagine.”

Quick tears burned in Sharon’s eyes at just the thought of losing her son. “I don’t even want to imagine.”

Back when they were in the “getting to know you” phase of their relationship, Sharon had opened up to him about the death of her nephew.  Like Sharon, Christine had married right out of college, but unlike Sharon, her marriage to Brian O’Connor had seemed perfect. Their first daughter Jillian was a honeymoon baby, born a year before Sharon had Emily. Then a year after Emily, Bridget had come along. Despite living on different coasts, the three girl cousins bonded easily during Sharon’s vacations home.

Christine got pregnant a third time and after two girls, she and Brian longed to round their family out with a boy.  Sharon had just given birth to Ricky when Christine found out that the baby she was carrying was also a boy. The sisters were thrilled and hoped their two sons would be just as close as Emily, Jillian and Bridget were. But, Joshua Michael O’Connor was born only 25 weeks into Christine’s pregnancy. He weighed barely over a pound---and died almost three weeks later. It had been devastating for the whole family. Family leave did not exist at the time and Brian had to keep working. Chris was recovering from her c-section and wanted to spend every second at the hospital but Colleen had recently broken her leg hiking in the White Mountains leaving her unable to take care of Jill and Bridget. Brian‘s parents were divorced and he did not have a good relationship with his mother, so, still on maternity leave, Sharon had flown back east with three year old Emily and baby Ricky to help. Figuring it would be hard for Christine to see healthy, thriving Ricky while her own tiny baby was fighting for its life, she had taken all four kids out to her grandparent’s house on Nantucket, while Colleen and William were there to support Brian and Christine.

Sharon remembered that time as more like a blur rather than a vivid memory. It had only been six weeks since she had given birth. She was nursing Ricky who was proving to be a much more demanding baby than Emily had been and was still not sleeping through the night. On top of that, she had to chase, entertain and take care of three little girls between two and four. It was exhausting. Her postpartum hormones were already wreaking havoc with her emotions and the added grief of seeing her little nephew covered in wires and tubes, along with trying to comfort her sister, was almost more than she could bear. But she did. Bear it. Because even though her heart was breaking. Even though she’d flown back to the east coast knowing that her marriage, barely five years in, was already in serious, serious trouble, she simply didn’t have the luxury of falling apart. Her family needed her and that was that. Somehow, she was able to dig in and find a way to summon reserves she didn’t even know she had.

Ironically, Christine’s marriage died first. Not slowly and painfully the way Sharon‘s had, but sharp and quick. Chris and Brian simply never recovered from their child‘s death. Brian wanted to try again right away for another son, while Christine was afraid to take a chance and go through that grief again. She was happy with just having her little girls. For Brian, it was a deal breaker. Before the ink was even dry on the divorce papers, he had remarried and quickly had two more children with his new wife. Both were girls.

A few years later Chris hired a landscaping company to do some work on her yard and met the owner, Edward Simmons. It was a perfect fit. Ed was 10 years older than Chris, divorced with two teens about to head off to college and was perfectly happy to help raise Christine’s daughters without wanting any more children of his own. Chris went back to school, got her masters in music history and was now the head of the music department at a private school in the Massachusetts Berkshires.

“She adores Ricky,” Sharon said. “But it’s not surprising that there are times it’s still hard for her. I suppose if we lived closer and she saw him all the time it would be different. Each time she sees Ricky she wonders what Josh would look like since they would be the same age. Would he be as tall as Ricky is? Would his voice also be changing? You know those kinds of things. “

“It’s good that you two can talk about it.”

“Mmm.. I worried about that in the beginning. I was afraid it might come between us. But Chrissie isn’t like that. She can love Ricky without resenting him or me for being lucky enough to have him. Can you help me with my necklace please?” She lifted her hair and presented her back to him so he could fix the clasp on the delicate white-gold chain with its tiny pearls and Celtic cross. When he’d finished she turned around leaving her hair up.

“What do you think?”

Her dress was strapless in a deep shade of emerald that matched her eyes. A sheer illusion scalloped lace overlay with elbow length sleeves covered her from her shoulders to her nipped in waist. The sheath style hugged her gentle curves in all the right places and she‘d finished off the look with a pair of knee high black suede boots he’d always found incredibly sexy. That combination of classy with sexy was something Andy had never found in another woman. “You look stunning…as always.”

Sharon smiled, warmed by the way he always made her feel so beautiful. “Thank you, honey, but I meant my hair. Do you think I should wear it up or down?”

“You’ll look gorgeous either way, but…” He threw his tie around his neck and took a step toward her pulling at the hand that held her hair up to allow it to fall in auburn waves to her shoulders. Reverently he thread his fingers through the silky mass.  “You know how much I like you to wear it down. I love your hair.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” No middle aged balding or comb-overs for her man. Andy’s full head of thick dark silver tipped hair contrasted beautifully with his tanned skin. Her silver fox was sexy as hell. She felt herself flushing at the memory of the previous night, his head between her thighs, her fingers digging into his hair, clutching and tugging at the short strands insistently while he pleasured her in that way they both enjoyed.

As if he knew what she was thinking Andy’s eyes met hers, mutual appreciation and desire starting to flame. His lips brushed over hers in a kiss that started out tender, but quickly blazed, tongues tangling before he broke away to trail his mouth along her jaw. His words were muffled against her skin. “Is it wrong that I want to fuck you right before we go to church?”

“Andy---“Sharon’s breath caught in her chest, a wave a lust running through her veins. From the very beginning, Andy had proven to have an uncanny ability to throw her off balance in a way that was completely new to her.

He grinned, that lazy sexy half grin that did nothing to dampen her libido.

“It’s not wrong,” she said reaching out to grab the two ends of his tie. “But we can’t. We’re already dressed and we have to be down to dinner in a few minutes.”

Her hands were trembling as she began knotting his tie. Andy still wondered over the fact that he could have this kind of effect on her. Sharon presented such a self-contained reserve to the outside world, but on the inside, she was a warm, passionate, responsive woman, at least with him.

“There,” she said when she finished. She took a step back and admired her work. Suspenders in a cranberry and emerald paisley pattern held up Andy’s dark dress slacks and his green tie matched her dress.  She’d watched him choose the green one over the cranberry one after seeing which dress she was wearing. Taking a step toward him, she couldn’t resist running the back of her fingertips over his cheek. “So handsome. You look like you stepped out of the pages of GQ.”

“Spoken like a true woman in love.” His smile widened until it brought out his dimples. Oh damn, the man was killing her.

“Spoken like a woman who tells the truth.”

Andy lifted her hand, toying with her engagement ring. He wondered if he would ever get used to seeing it there, or if it would ever stop giving him a thrill. Somehow, he doubted it.  Other than his sobriety, he’d never worked as hard for anything in his life as he had to win Sharon Raydor’s heart. And he‘d never wanted anything more than to spend the rest of his life with her. That ring was the proof that somehow he‘d been able to do both.

+++

Colleen paused for a moment and stood back to take in the elegance of her fully set dining room table, extended by three leafs to accommodate the large family gathering. Everything was perfect, from the Irish linen and crystal to her best English lace fine china and silver. Red and white poinsettias surrounded by wreaths of holly created festive centerpieces and long flickering candle tapers added a touch of warmth .It had been a long time since she’d had her entire family home for Christmas and she was enjoying every minute of it.

“Okay everyone,” she called out. “Dinner’s ready.”

As the family made their way into the dining room, everyone was too focused on the food to notice that Andy and Sharon were slightly anxious and a bit fidgety. A large ham caramelized by brown sugar and dotted with cloves sat in the center surrounded by bowls of fluffy white mashed potatoes, steaming fresh green beans and almonds, gooey sweet potatoes, corn swimming in butter and a large casserole dish filled with the cheesy lasagna, it‘s top browned nicely.

“Okay,” William said, once everyone had found seating. “Who would like to say grace before I start carving this ham?”

Andy cleared his throat nervously. Sharon gave him an encouraging look and they both stood. “Before we say grace,” Andy began. “There’s uh, something Sharon and I would like to share with you.” He waited until everyone stopped chattering and turned to look at them expectantly before continuing.  “Earlier this week, I asked this beautiful lady right here to marry me.”

Sharon wrapped her arm around Andy’s waist, almost melting into him.

“What did she say?” Ricky called out amongst the excited squeals.

With a smile that lit up her whole face, Sharon lifted her hand, finally showing off her beautiful diamond engagement ring.

Andy was beaming with pride. “Thank God, she said yes.”

With that affirmation, everyone jumped to their feet and surrounded them with laughter, hugs and kisses and plenty of admiration of Sharon’s ring.

“I can’t believe you kept this a secret all this time.” Emily admonished her mother as she examined the glittering diamonds.

“It’s only been a few days,” Sharon said. “And we thought it would be more special to do it tonight with everyone here.”

Christine pushed forward, arms crossed under her breasts. “Okay sis, now we want all the romantic details.”

“Sorry, I’m afraid that’s confidential.”

“Oh come on, Auntie Sharon,” Bridget wheedled.

"Yeah, come on Auntie Sharon,” Chris grinned. “At least tell us where he proposed.”

“Well…I suppose I can tell you that much.” In a touching gesture, Sharon rested her head lightly on Andy’s shoulder. “We had a lovely dinner sitting by the fireplace at the Inn and then he took me on a moonlit horse drawn sleigh ride up through the woods to this gorgeous gazebo. It was all lit up with white twinkling Christmas lights. That’s where he asked me.”  

“Did you get down on one knee, Dad?” Nicole wanted to know.

“Of course I did. Gotta do things by the book with this lady.”

Sharon smiled tenderly at Andy. “It was all very romantic. The most romantic night of my life.” That drew a chorus of “Awwwsss….”

“Congratulations, son.” William put a hand out to take Andy’s in a firm handshake. “You be good to my girl.”

“Yes sir. Always.”

Colleen’s gaze moved from Andy back to Sharon. It was no wonder her daughter seemed to radiate love and happiness when she’d spoken of Andy and of their relationship, and that she‘d finally seemed at peace.  Stepping forward she cupped Sharon’s lovely face in her palms. “Honey, I couldn’t be more pleased for you.” She kissed her child’s cheek and then turned to Andy opening her arms to him. “Welcome to the family, Andy” she said. And with that, she enveloped him in a warm embrace of acceptance.

+++

“Sharon this is delicious.” Andy took another helping of lasagna. “I can’t believe you made my mother’s lasagna.”

“Are you sure it’s good?”

“Just as good as Nonna Sylvia’s, even without the meatballs and sausage,” Nicole assured her.

“It’s delicious,” Ed said, shoveling in a mouthful, oblivious to the soft giggles as Christine’s eyes met Sharon’s across the table.

“So.” Ricky stabbed his fork into another slice of ham. “When’s the wedding?”

“Well.” Sharon grew uncharacteristically flustered as all eyes turned back to her and Andy. “We haven’t gotten that far yet. We've just become engaged. There are a few…things we need to work through.”

The table went silent, the joy of just a few moments ago dampened.

“What do you have to work through?” Ricky pushed. “I thought you said yes.”

“I did say yes. But, we need to decide where we can have the wedding.”

“What do you mean?” Emily was thoroughly confused. “Won’t you do it at St. Josephs?”

Colleen’s eyes met Sharon’s, devout Catholic to Catholic.

“Well, there’s a problem with that. Andy and I are both divorced Catholics. We can’t get married in the Catholic Church and if we get married outside the church we could be denied the sacraments.”

“Oh my God, when is the Church going to join the 21st century?”

“Ricky.” Sharon’s tone was one of warning, but it was Andy setting his hand over the frustrated young man’s and giving him a slight negative shake of the head that caused Ricky to step back from his argument.

“You know there’s a way around that,” Colleen said. “You could get an annulment.”

“We’ve discussed that,” Andy said. “But there are problems with that too.”

“I don’t think mom will have an issue with it,” Nicole said. “She’s been remarried a long time.”

“I don’t think she will either, but…”

“But Jack probably will.” Sharon finished for him. Before everyone could jump in with their opinions, especially her two biological children who were looking pretty outraged, Sharon cut them off. “Look, we’re happy, we’re engaged, and we’ll figure this out. Let’s just enjoy this moment.”

“Sharon’s right,” William said. “This is a happy day.” He lifted his glass in a toast. “To Andy and Sharon, the future Mr. and Mrs. Flynn.”

“Well…” Sharon hemmed, lifting her glass with everyone. “That’s still up for debate.”

With everyone clinking glasses and questioning Sharon on whether or not she would keep her last name no one noticed the pointed looks shared between Ricky, Emily and Nicole.

TBC

[gallery0022]

Cleveland Locavore

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 - Update 

Cleveland Locavore Domain Name, free to a good home...

www.ClevelandLocavore.com

Monday, February 17, 2014

Urban Organics / SweetPeet

Hello All,

I found this lively thread that Maurice started in November, 2010.

I have fond memories of meaningful conversations with all of you about sustainability and local food from local farmers.

Since November, 2010 I made several changes in my life, as I am sure many of us have. Annette and I sold Morgan Farm Stay, my relationship with Urban Organics was paused.

Although both were tremendous success stories on many levels, the good fight is often made more challenging by a different form of sustainability, economic sustainability. It was Robert Kennedy Jr. who made it clear to me, at an annual EcoWatch event, environmental and economic sustainability MUST go hand in hand.

My whole life has been about selling a service, photography. Of course I have certainly had my challenges continuing to keep this profession "sustainable" due to the changes in the industry. If you don't believe me just ask Karl Skalak, or George Remmington.

The past three years I have focussed on getting my Photography house in order.

Just last week, Mark Bishop, the founder of Urban Organics, contacted me to see if I could help him again with his social networking and PR needs.

Well I have to say, I can't help myself, I am happy to be back, I never really left of course...

I am proud of what I have done for Urban Organics, writing and designing the web site...

http://www.urbanorganicsohio.com/

Urban Organics hopes to sell more of its flagship product, Sweet Peet, in bulk and bags. There are many newcomers to the organic mulch market, but nothing beats Sweet Peet! Sweet Peet is a great way to charge up any community garden, school garden, corporate garden, rooftop garden etc...

I am hoping to write a few stories based on testimonials from happy customers, which there are many. If anyone can help me with media contact information, at Cleveland Magazine, Edible Cleveland, or similar local media contacts, I would appreciate it.

Also please put me on your E-Blast lists, I want to know what you are up to!

All The Best,

Dan Morgan

rex@straightshooter.com

http://clevelandlocavore.com/

10:54 am est

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Cleveland Plain Dealer Article Published...

Dan Morgan on Vermicomposting

5:09 pm edt

Friday, May 10, 2013

Vermicomposting Story For The Plain Dealer

Hi Judy,   (Judy Stringer -PD's rental section of the Sunday paper)

Vermicomposting is a great way to create a soil amendment that is 10 times better for the garden than traditional back yard composting without red wiggler worms. A backyard compost pile that has to be turned regularly, while a vermicomposting bin, a "worm farm" does not. The worms do all the hard work.

Why best for renters?

Clean, compact, self contained and what is the best advantage for renters, LOW MAINTENANCE. The bin can be left undisturbed for weeks at a time, or can be "fed" every day. General maintenance can vary widely if you just follow a few simple rules, very important rules.

The right worms are the key! Red wigglers or the formal name Eisenia Fetida, are a very specific type of worm needed. The worms are expensive, and widely available for sale on the internet. The best way to start a worm farm, is look for a local sustainable gardening blog community,   https://www.facebook.com/localfoodcleveland   is a good one on Facebook.  Ask around, and you will find someone who wants to share their worms, and you will suddenly have someone to help you get started as well. Vermicomposters LOVE to share ideas and even recipes.

The simplest way to make your worm farm is to find 2 identical plastic bins. drill holes in the bottom of one of them, the one that will go inside the other. The holes are for drainage when the soil gets too moist. Proper drainage and soil moisture is CRITICAL for the whole process to work without becoming a horrible experience. The other most important factor to make a renter's worm farm a clean success, DO NOT PUT FRUIT SCRAPS in the bin. Most vermicomposting web sites will encourage all organic material including fruit and veggies but believe me, not a good idea!

Recap:

Two things that will ruin the experience,

1) Soil that is kept too moist,resulting in a stinky bin!  These anaerobic conditions can also kill the worms (by drowning)

2) Fruit will attract / breed fruit flies, something nobody wants in their apartment (especially a landlord)

The finished product, after separating the worms from it, can be added to indoor plants or outdoor gardens. The best thing to too with the final product is to make a "teabag" from an old t shirt and bunch the t-shirt around a garden hose to make compost tea, right into a watering can. This tea can be sprinkled right on top of gardens, acting as both a fertilizer and insecticide, NATURALLY. There is no reason to use synthetic fertilizers or insecticides in any garden, or lawn for that matter.

Got unsightly weeds in your garden? PULL THEM.

My wife Annette and I are apartment renters in Lakewood (the Carlyle) and we have an Adopt A Spot garden at the entrance to Lakewood Park, part of Keep Lakewood Beautiful's Adopt A Spot program, with over 40 volunteer maintained gardens on publicly owned property around Lakewood.

http://www.onelakewood.com/Boards_Commissions/KeepLakewoodBeautiful.aspx

Let me know anything else you need.

Dan

10:41 am edt

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Morgan Farm Stay Sale...???

Hello Friends, and Family,

Here is an update of our day to day efforts to sell our farm to some, while continuing to make it a "once in a lifetime" vacation experience for others.

Since early May we have had some great guests this season. Sophie Brun came to the United States from France a few years ago. She and her family settled into a posh northern suburb of Detroit, Royal Oak. Spotting our vacation rental property listing on HomeAway.com, she was reminded of the farm stays she visited in Europe.

Sophie and her family had a great Easter dinner at our farm, feasting on Buckeye Chicken eggs, Berkshire grass fed ham, and cookies baked in a wood burning stove across the street by Edna, our Amish neighbor.

In late May we had guests staying at the farm who made reservations over a year ago. They have a daughter who is graduated from Oberlin College and wanted a very special family get together at this important time.

The rest of the summer has been mostly filled in with various guests, as usual. July, which always fully books, had grandparents coming from Germany to meet a new grandchild at the farm.

On a regular basis we have had a varied crew of family, friends and neighbors working together to clean up the gardens and plant some new flowers, veggies and herbs. The grass, well it kept on growing, and growing, and growing.

We have several educational components in place form the past few years. The Blue Orchard Mason Bee Box has almost half it's holes housing eggs ready to burst out and begin the process joining an army of beneficial mason bees, pollinating nearby flower, veggie and herb gardens. Amy Roskilly, with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, hooked us up last year with a rain garden kit, containing several types of beautiful plants that thrive in a wet spot while filtering storm water runoff before reaching the stream nearby.

Our composting, both vermicomposting and traditional "back yard" composting operations are thriving and our rain barrels are very useful in areas our garden hose does not reach, particularly our companion garden, way out away from the main house. This year the companion garden will contain a few new plants. Comfrey is a great new addition, if I can manage to keep it from taking over the entire garden. Also this year I am cutting back on the heirloom tomatoes and adding some nice herbs.

In May we had a great deal of interest from a few interested buyers, one young man from California wants to take over the entire business, turnkey, keeping our furnishings, decor, web site and photos to promote. The only problem is, he is having some trouble getting financing. Sure the rates are great right now but banks are hesitant to lend. At the end of June we took our first nice vacation since moving back to Ohio in 2005. We of course worried about the Farm Stay rentals we had booked, but friends and family again came to our rescue.

On our second day in Europe, in Montpellier France, we got word from our realtor Teresa. She had an interested buyer making an offer. We spent a few hours on the iPad countering and the sale price was agreed on. After several anxious weeks awaiting financing approval for our buyers, it looks like the end of an era.

We have a closing date scheduled for this upcoming week. Our fingers are still crossed, because ya never know...

This has indeed been a great journey for Annette and I.

Au revoir for now, Thanks for all of your help and support over the past 7 years!

Dan and Annette Morgan

Dan Morgan

Straight Shooter

646-621-6434

www.AboutDanMorgan.com

10:22 pm edt

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Here is an update of our day to day efforts to sell our farm to some, while continuing to make it a "once in a lifetime" vacation experience for others.

We have had a great deal of interest from a few interested buyers, one young man from California wants to take over the entire business, turnkey, keeping our furnishings, decor, web site and photos to promote. The only problem is, he is having some trouble getting financing. Sure the rates are great right now but banks are hesitant to lend.

And so we keep on going, and going and going, while the grass keeps growing and growing and growing! This has indeed been a great journey for Annette and I. This summer we have made arrangements to visit the south France region and Spain, a nice little rest from all the political rhetoric and bickering here in the states.

Au revoir for now!

Dan and Annette Morgan

8:07 am edt

Thursday, April 26, 2012

2012 Season at Morgan Farm Stay

Check out our revamped web page with more about the farm, area attractions and recent stories "In The News"

Click Here, www.MorganFarmStay.com

3:11 pm edt

Sunday, February 27, 2011

 Thank You Chris Hodgson -Dim and Den Sum for your support  Now booking 2011spring summer fall season!

Our Farm Stay...

www.MorganFarmStay.com

Find Your Perfect Farm Vacation at www.FarmStayUS.com

11:05 pm est

Saturday, November 20, 2010

New Logo

Been a long time since I posted here. Now that the holidays and winter are coming I have decided to get back on my Cleveland Locavore horse. Check out the logo.

I am designing a great reusable bag that will help get this brand rolling. Cleveland local food advicates in many product and service areas are welcome to participate in this unique program. Come and have a seat at the table!

7:40 am est

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Local Farm Superstars

E4S held a great event Last Night

Click Here

Eight NEO Farmers told thier stories, pretty great. Common thread...Hard work that NEEDS to be supported by more and more of us at summer and winter farmers markets and CSAs

2010.03.01

Hello, I have found myself increasingly interested by how our food is produced since 2005. Annette, my wife, and I retuned to Ohio from NY and bought a farm in Ashland County. It did not take long to notice the backwards attitudes of most of today's farmers, urban planners, educators and politicians. During the Nixon administration, Earl Butz, Ray Crock and others had a seemingly harmless, goal in mind, produce and distribute the most amount of food for the least amount of money.

It has taken us a complete generation to figure out that this model just does not work, for so many reasons. The broken farming system effects everyone in profound ways, all connected. From healthcare to the economy, the way we produce and distribute food must change, and change dramaticly, NOW. Small scale farmers and farmers markets are the tip of the melting iceburg that will save the planet!

From Wikipedia...

The locavore movement is a movement in the United States and elsewhere that spawned as interest in sustainability and eco-consciousness become more prevalent.[1] Those who are interested in eating food that is locally produced, not moved long distances to market, are called "locavores." The word "locavore" was the word of the year for 2007 in the Oxford American Dictionary.[2] This word was the creation of Jessica Prentice of the San Francisco Bay Area at the time of World Environment Day, 2005.[3] It is rendered "localvore" by some, depending on regional differences, usually.[4][5] The food may be grown in home gardens or grown by local commercial groups interested in keeping the environment as clean as possible and selling food close to where it is grown. Some people consider food grown within a 100-mile radius of their location local, while others have other definitions. In general the local food is thought by those in the movement to taste better than food that is shipped long distances.[1]

Farmers' markets play a role in efforts to eat what is local.[6] Preserving food for those seasons when it is not available fresh from a local source is one approach some locavores include in their strategies. Living in a mild climate can make eating locally grown products very different from living where the winter is severe or where no rain falls during certain parts of the year.[7] Those in the movement generally seek to keep use of fossil fuels to a minimum, thereby releasing less carbon dioxide into the air and preventing greater global warming. Keeping energy use down and using food grown in heated greenhouses locally would be in conflict with each other, so there are decisions to be made by those seeking to follow this lifestyle. Many approaches can be developed, and they vary by locale.[8] Such foods as spices, chocolate, or coffee pose a challenge for some, so there are a variety of ways of adhering to the locavore ethic.[9]

Join me in promoting this just cause, starting right here in Northeast Ohio!, where we have already been recognized internationally for our efforts! Click here for Sustain Lane ranking

 Dan  Morgan, Cleveland Locavore Rex@StraightShooter.com

[averybuck91]

does renters insurance cover dogs

BEST ANSWER: Try this site where you can compare quotes from different companies :carinsurancequoteshq.xyz

does renters insurance cover dogs

does renters insurance cover dogs on your renters insurance policy. This is true for all policies and vehicles insurance, including personal items including jewelry, collectibles, antiques, antiques, collectibles items, and more. If you live in a condo area, it’s necessary to make sure all your personal belongings are covered in case an accident happens or you need to dispose of items in your condo. Here are some of the important things renters insurance does not cover: Here’s a little more information on how renters insurance protects your belongings inside their owner’s home: The landlord’s policy generally does not cover your belongings outside of the rental home, except in the case of a flood. Some personal property policies may cover your pets as well as equipment such as furniture and appliances. As far as items inside your apartment, you should be aware that they will not be covered by insurance. If something does happen to your valuables, they will not be covered but. does renters insurance cover dogs under any rental car.  This kind of insurance could be sold by companies like . It’s important to do your homework before you buy the policy, and making a purchase of renters insurance can help you understand the best policy for you and your family. Whether you have been in the insurance industry for a while, or you have been with an agency for a while, you likely know how to get the best policy for you with the right insurance coverage. We make the process simple — you’re talking with us; one of our licensed agents is your personal attendant, so we make it as easy as possible for you to to ensure you get the best coverage for the best price. Our agents specialize in providing from renters, condos and homeowners insurance policies. We believe in giving to our clients to help them be more successful. Our agents look at your entire financial picture and help to find the right coverages to protect you in the event that you need to file a claim. We. does renters insurance cover dogs? No, cats aren t covered under the renters policy, but it doesn t require any additional coverage. If a dog bites or bites a dog while on a renters policy, you ll be liable. Even a small amount of liability insurance per dog can be added to renters insurance. If you re renting a home, it s important you get renters insurance. The only exception to this is if you re a homeowner, but you re renting it to a business or nonprofit that provides renters insurance. While renters insurance isn t required or mandated by law, most landlords require you to insure a personal property or casualty liability policy in addition to renters and car insurance. You ll receive liability coverage only if someone is hurt in the event you breach a tenancy. Your landlords insurance policy will not give you the full amount of liability coverage you should have with your renters insurance policy, but it will cover the other owner of the property and the liability in the event of property damage claims. Your renters insurance policy may cover: You.

18. Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

18. Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet Damage? Does auto liability insurance cover pet damage? If renters insurance isn’t included on your policy, you’ll have to purchase . If not, ask your agent if it covers pets or a dog. If it doesn’t, you can purchase similar renters insurance coverage through your employer or through a group policy for those who are self-employed. You have the option to purchase additional coverage through an association for those who are self-employed and do not own a home. The Association s coverage includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal umbrella injury and pet liability. Many people purchase renters insurance as part of their mortgage, but you may not qualify for that. If you own a rental home, your landlord or renters insurance company will consider you a renter if your home is considered a fixed structure and your roof or eaves are covered in the custom policy. If you use your own car on vacation, your insurance would cover the difference. You don’t currently need it for.

Do renters insurance policies exclude certain pets?

Do renters insurance policies exclude certain pets? How do pets come into play? How are pets covered under renters insurance policies? Are pets covered under renters insurance by dogs and cats? What happens if pets get injured on the renters insurance policy? If pets injure your pets, why do dogs and cats get charged differently for renters insurance plans? What if pets cause injuries to pets in an auto accident? It makes sense that renters insurance policies exclude certain conditions from the renters insurance policy. If my pet bites my landlord, it does NOT mean that my pet is covered under my policy! If I own a fishing boat or used it as your fishing boat, how will renters insurance cover the contents of my property in a boat accident? What if my cat causes a broken leg, broken ankle, or broken nose. How will renters insurance cover me when my pet causes an accident? The answer is that you should take the time to call an attorney if your pet caused an accident without having to be added to your renters insurance policy. The answer is that you should.

Home & Renters Insurance

Home & Renters Insurance, as well as a small and small for-profit operation, as well as for homeowners and renters, that provides car, homeowners insurance and renters insurance. It does not have a history of insolvency. The company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and it’s been around 50 years. The policy is available to drivers over age 70, who are responsible for filing claims with their car insurance companies. The insurance rates are comparable to other companies, and the policies are available in . The is also able to provide coverage for personal property, including electronics. Like some insurers, it’s available to drivers in the same household as their homeowners or renters insurance is purchased by drivers in high school. It’s also available to drivers who have multiple vehicle policies of at least $3000 or more and have used up or not used their coverage with another company for several years. The . The offers standard auto insurance and was one of the major insurers.

8. Does Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?

8. Does Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs? Is Homeowners Insurance Cover Allowing? The answer to the question of whether or not your renters insurance covers the bug or the bug itself varies by many factors. One of the primary things that could cause the difference between a claim being paid on top of an actual bug damage, plus a claim being paid in full for a specific bug incident which is the reason why there should be a difference in costs. What is the top cause of the bug? Are the covered under renters insurance? If you have a renters insurance policy, you can buy this type of insurance for as long as you own your renters home, even if you get a discount from the insurance agent. What is the problem with the bug? Does it cause the bug? A claim for bug damage could easily result in the insurance company denying the claim to the natural culprit. It may not be covered on every policy, but it’s still a potential problem if the bug is under your policy. However, this is a major cause.

What Renters Insurance Can Cover

What Renters Insurance Can Cover - Some rental agencies will charge extra fees to rent an area for more protection, like high winds or fire on the street. Some insurance policies provide a portion of your liability coverage, or will protect you against lawsuits if you are hit by an uninsured driver while driving in the U.S. Most rental agencies that offer coverage also offer renters insurance, which includes a limited number of discounts that can be applied to your coverage. Some of the additional riders that renters insurance offers include the following: There’s actually only one situation in which it’s good practice to make sure your renters insurance policy doesn’t cover damage to your car. Most car insurance providers don’t cover the entire damages at your rental shop, so you won’t be reimbursed for all of the costs that you incur, like car repairs, medical bills, and rental car repairs. Your insurance company could provide additional coverage, but the amount of coverage they charge depends on the policy you buy. If.

15. Does Renters Insurance Cover Earthquakes?

15. Does Renters Insurance Cover Earthquakes? The insurance should cover the cost of damages from snow or ice. In some states, it’s also legal to use your personal belongings against damage, like damage from vehicle theft. It’s important for renters to understand that if they suffer severe injuries or property damage, a rental policy can act as a buffer in their financial future. If you’re moving to a different state, check out our helpful tips on California’s car insurance laws and . I hope this information has been helpful. Hope you’ve learned a little bit more about car insurance. If you’re a renter, you are entitled to liability coverage, which is what it would take to cover an injury to other people. It provides coverage for any liability you cause to others, no matter who caused the accident. A renters policy will pay for legal fees and court costs related to an accident, the payout you receive in the case of a lawsuit. There are several common types of renters insurance.

17. Does Renters Insurance Cover Pets?

17. Does Renters Insurance Cover Pets? - A liability insurance policy limits its liability coverage to $25,000 of bodily injury coverages up to $100,000  to 25/50/25 coverage.  This includes liability coverage only through renters insurance If renters insurance covers all of your personal assets you should consider adding this coverage with a renters coverage limit to your homeowners insurance policy limit as well. However if you have property that is a living matter they will be covered by renters insurance. Most renters insurance will include coverage for : Renters insurance protects your personal belongings from fire, theft, damage, theft, and vandalism, loss, and most incidents. For example a condo insurance policy may cover damages from flooding, smoke, windstorm damage, and vandalism. The rental agreement, home, and business policies will cover personal property, as well as your belongings, but renters insurance will not. What is the minimum liability coverage for renters insurance? In insurance terms, the liability coverage will be defined by the landlord and will have.

Are exotic animals covered in renters insurance?

Are exotic animals covered in renters insurance? Renters insurance is just a way for you to protect you and your belongings if someone is sued for damages or your home is damaged in a collision. You have a few options when it comes to your renters insurance policy and who pays, and your deductible. This type of coverage is intended for people who do not own a business. This is not true for people whose personal belongings will be lost should a lawsuit be filed. If you need to replace your belongings like your computer or electronics when the building you live in has been used and it is damaged. You will have to pay up front the amount you are paying for all these items to protect the belongings of the people who were damaged. Most owners of business and professional property will also take out an inventory of their belongings that they will search to determine if they have a liability policy for them that covers every single person within that home or apartment. Many of the items that are covered in a renter’s insurance policy are common items, like jewelry.

What does renters insurance cover?

What does renters insurance cover? Does renters insurance cover if I have a broken item in the home? I recently had a claim and was having to leave everything but the kitchen sink and a TV. I received a replacement cost estimate and took it out. What does renters insurance cover if I have a broken item in the home? Does renters insurance cover my car if someone steals my vehicle? Does renters insurance cover the car of someone who rents my property? I recently had a claim and was having to leave everything but the kitchen sink and a TV. I received a replacement cost estimate and took it out. What does renters insurance cover if people steal my vehicle? Do you have any help? There’s no exact answer to that question. What insurance does it cover? Will your employer cover someone with your vehicle? Does it cover personal property within the home? All insurance policyholders should purchase enough insurance to provide legal protection to ensure they’re protected if the perpetrator steals your vehicle. If you want to ensure that your vehicle.

Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance, but you can also get lower prices by having a few items in your car that you take into consideration. One item to consider is to consider that your car is being financed. If you are financing, if you are financing, etc. you may want to consider checking with the bank on which you plan to lease to see if you will be able to get a better deal for the price paid for it. There are many factors that are in play when it comes to the price you are expected to pay for insurance, including the age, age, drive history of the vehicle and . We recommend getting car insurance quotes from at least three different insurance companies in your state to determine the best plan for you.  Disadvantaged Drivers $250,000 Comprehensive and Uninsured Motorist Penalty. Insurance Type Auto Home Life Medicare Health No Lien Privately Own.

[jennyboom21]

Hey jenny! I'm new here! I've been reading about Swiftgron, and because of the anon messages... why do you think Taylor didn't have a closure? Because of Better Man?

The nature of their break up.

Taylor ran her ass right back to Dianna right after that disaster that was Haylor, ended.

Taylor performed a certain performance at the 2013 Grammy’s that was for her girlfriend. 

Reminder: Dianna / Taylor had already bearded to quell the fears of Taylors team. There are rumors that Taylors team threatened the girls to end it. What did Taylor do? Jet setted her then girlfriend from LA, to Nashville, to the Berkshires (did they fly into Bradley???), then to Hyannis (my family vacations in Newport and Yarmouth, so it was a big deal when she hit ground).

The girls were constantly being forced apart by Taylor’s management. When it got to the breaking point? Allegedly, Dianna wanted to risk her career for Taylor.

Dianna proposed. 

[internationalrealestatenews]

[ad_1] Building of North Bay Village's first new apartment tower in a decade has halted, greater than 14 flooring up. Employees have been absent from the job web site since December, and greater than a dozen liens have been positioned in opposition to the developer, Pacific & Orient Properties, The Actual Deal you've got realized. The 21-story, 54-unit constructing, named after its deal with at 7918 West Drive, was anticipated to be accomplished within the first half of subsequent yr. Simply two days after Christmas, Thornton Residential, the overall contractor, positioned a lien for almost $7 million in allegedly unpaid work, data present. Liens have been additionally filed by subcontractors starting from plumbing and concrete to job web site security. In mid-January, a cooling firm in search of about $79,000 filed a lawsuit in opposition to the developer. Picture of stalled North Bay Village's apartment tower In a letter that North Bay Village employees despatched to the fee in January, the town stated the positioning superintendent notified the town that building was shut down simply earlier than the vacations. “They hope to start out issues up once more someday in January 2024, however that timeframe is versatile,” the town wrote. “We weren't offered a cause for his or her stopping building.” Building has stalled for some South Florida tasks in recent times, partly because of the rising price of financing, provides, labor and delays related to building. North Bay Village Residents flooded a Fb group final month to specific their considerations about the way forward for the challenge and security within the rapid space. Mayor Brent Latham stated he has by no means had direct contact with the developer, which secured its approvals earlier than his time period started in 2018. Latham is not anxious, although. “I do not anticipate it'll stay unfinished as a result of there are a number of events who've expressed curiosity in buying the positioning,” he informed TRD, declining to call potential patrons. “We're out of land in North Bay Village.” He stated the developer has remained updated with the town by way of funds for additional time police and the rental of parking areas. Thye Seng Chan, CEO of Pacific & Orient Properties, is in Malaysia and was not accessible for remark, in accordance with a consultant who answered the cellphone on the gross sales heart. His public relations agency stated its “providers have been paused.” A consultant for Pacific & Orient didn't reply to a LinkedIn message for remark. Chan has been engaged on plans for the challenge for nearly a decade. The developer paid $8.3 million for the 0.8-acre web site in 2015. Building was set to start in 2018, however the agency broke floor a yr in the past. In August, Pacific & Orient tapped Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty to deal with gross sales of the challenge after the brokerage presold a few of the items. Pre-sales soft-launched when building started in February of final yr. Costs vary from $2 million to greater than $17 million. Models are anticipated to vary from about 1,700 sq. toes to simply over 7,000 sq. toes. The quiet city, sandwiched between Miami and Miami Seashore, has attracted billionaire builders in recent times. “I do not assume you would need to look far,” to seek out potential patrons for the 7918 West Drive web site,” the mayor stated. The Ansin household's Sunbeam Properties, led by CEO Andy Ansin, plans a significant mixed-use improvement north and south of the 79th Avenue Causeway, which bisects the city. Harry Macklowe's Macklowe Properties and Associated Group are additionally engaged on an meeting on Harbor Island, which incorporates the litigious buyout of a waterfront co-op known as Biscayne Sea Membership. The builders started closing on items final yr. MTTR mgmt is the architect designing 7918 West Drive. Tokyo-based One Designs Co. was taped to design the foyer. The constructing is about

to incorporate a Zen backyard, yoga areas and a communal gourmand chef's kitchen, the developer stated throughout a gathering final yr. The constructing will embrace a 148-space parking storage, 16 storage items and 15,000 sq. toes of frequent house. The challenge marks Pacific & Orient's first in North Bay Village. The corporate, with workplaces in Kuala Lumpur, London and Bangkok, is a part of the Pacific & Orient Group conglomerate. It has holdings in insurance coverage, data expertise, lending and start-ups. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[anycontentposter]

Looking back: 10 years of change in the hotel industry

One of the things I love most about staying in a hotel, whether in my home city or in some remote corner of the world, is the familiarity.

For years, the blueprint for a hotel was more or less the same, whether you were staying in a $100 room or a $1,000 suite. But that model — a cozy lobby with a front desk and a concierge; a room stocked with miniature toiletries and a turndown service that concluded with a folded duvet and a single chocolate on your pillow — has been transformed.

Related: We’re calling it now — The 20 hottest travel destinations of 2020

As this decade closes, we’re reflecting on how much has changed in the hotel and hospitality industry. And how, even to veteran travel reporters and road warriors, the hotel industry has become almost unrecognizable at times.

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton)

Long-loved brands have disappeared or been acquired by larger chains. Amenities we’ve come to rely on have been removed or replaced by a new set of features designed to benefit a younger generation of travelers.

The very footprint of a hotel room has evolved to accommodate changing needs and tastes.

What will the hotel industry look like in another 10 years? It’s hard to say, though we’re willing to bet that at least a few of our predictions for 2020 will materialize throughout the next decade. Until then, we’re looking back at the biggest ways the hotel industry has changed since 2010.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

(Photo courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel) Chain reaction

There may be no more obvious harbinger of change in the hotel industry than the dizzying number of mergers and acquisitions that have swept up, consolidated and reconfigured some of the most iconic hotel brands. According to hospitality industry data from STR, nearly two-thirds of all hotels in the U.S. were independently owned in 1990. Two decades later, that number has dropped to 40%. Chains now dominate the industry.

In 2015, Marriott International announced it would buy up Starwood Hotels & Resorts to form the world’s biggest hotel chain. It took years for the ink to dry and their loyalty programs to be unified, but it completely altered the hotel and loyalty landscape. Yet the cascade of acquisitions and mergers in the latter part of the decade began long before Marriott committed to buying Starwood.

(Photo by Nicholas Ellis/The Points Guy)

In 2014, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reached an agreement to buy Kimpton Hotels for $430 million — a move that marked the brand’s commitment to expanding its influence in the desirable boutique market. And, in 2019, IHG added Six Senses hotels and resorts to its portfolio.

In 2015, Accor bought Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel, deeply improving its high-end luxury hotel offerings, and then purchased an 85% stake in 21c Museum Hotels in 2018.

(Image courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels)

In 2017, Hyatt acquired the Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. As Miraval continued to expand — opening a property in Austin in February 2019 and a resort in the Berkshires slated to open in the spring of 2020 — World of Hyatt members found their points unlocking rooms at a number of new destinations. A year later, Hyatt announced plans to acquire Two Roads Hospitality, the group that owns Thompson Hotels, Joie de Vivre, Destination Hotels and Alila Hotels & Resorts.

(Photo by Melanie Lieberman/The Points Guy)

These mergers and acquisitions haven’t just expanded and broadened the portfolios of the world’s largest hotel brands. They’ve also made it easier for travelers to use points and miles to stay at their favorite boutique hotels and resorts.

Like the companies that manage them, loyalty programs have changed tremendously in the last 10 years. We’ll get into that more in a separate piece, but it’s clear that a major shift throughout the industry has been to off-peak and peak award redemptions, and though it may be harder to predict how much your hotel stay will cost, sweet spots remain.

Related: How twin jets took over the world: The 2010s in aviation

Going green

A printed newspaper at your door. A single chocolate on your pillow. An arrangement of tiny toiletries on your bathroom vanity. These trademarks of high-end hotel service have, in many cases, gone the way of the dinosaur over the course of the last decade.

(Photo by Andrea Rotondo/The Points Guy)

Those mini bottles of shampoo and conditioner, at least, could be gone before 2021 at major brands including IHG, Marriott and Hyatt. The shift to refillable bulk dispensers is one of the most obvious indicators of the way hotels have altered their service and amenity offerings to provide a more environmentally friendly experience for travelers — and to simultaneously cut costs.

(Photo by Mint Images/Getty Images)

Guests, for example, are now offered incentives to skip housekeeping and reuse towels. In May, Hyatt began offering points to guests who decided to forgo housekeeping services, and hotels are now replete with signage encouraging guests to keep towels off the floor so they won’t be laundered.

At one Staybridge Suites in New York City, a $5 housekeeping fee now appears on folios when guests don’t decline the service. And across the entire IHG portfolio, guests with reservations for more than one night can participate in “A Greener Stay” program and earn IHG Rewards Club points when they opt out of housekeeping.

Related: Ways to earn points and miles while saving the Earth

New purpose

It’s not just what’s inside a hotel room that has changed a lot in the last decade. The entire layout of a hotel may feel unfamiliar to a guest who hasn’t booked a stay since 2010.

Desks and closets have shrunk and, in many cases, been removed. Even the front desk has been replaced at some hotels by a tablet or in-app check-in. Conrad launched the first hotel-branded app in 2012, and hotel apps have become crucial for many travelers. In many cases, travelers can now avoid speaking to a human at all when checking into a hotel.

(Photo by d3sign/Getty Images)

With the Marriott Bonvoy app, for example, travelers can book, track and modify reservations; use mobile check-in to let the hotel know they’ve arrived; receive notifications when the room is ready, and, where available, use a mobile key for keyless entry.

Even the days of plastic key cards are quickly slipping into the rearview mirror.

The hotel lobby, in reality, is far less transactional now than it was 10 years ago. As technology makes it possible for travelers to bypass the front desk and the concierge, hotel lobbies have become social and coworking spaces.

Coworking and social space in the lobby at The Hoxton, Williamsburg, NYC. (Photo by Darren Murph/The Points Guy)

While many hotel brands are partnering with coworking companies to formalize the spaces, others are simply changing the floor plan. If your en suite desk has disappeared, for example, you might be encouraged to head downstairs to elbow up to a communal table.

Technology is also making complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi an expectation among travelers, not a “nice to have” amenity. It means outlets have multiplied, and USB ports have begun appearing by bedsides. And it also means you often control your hotel room without putting down your cellphone.

Home away from home

In a little over a decade, Airbnb — founded by Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky in August 2008 — completely disrupted the way we travel.

According to a 2018 report from the Boston Hospitality Review, Airbnb supply across 10 key hotel markets in the U.S. increased more than 100% year-on-year between 2008 and 2017, causing hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) to decrease 2% across all hotel segments. For the luxury sector, that loss was closer to 4%.

(Image courtesy of Airbnb)

For travelers, that means there are now more than 6 million new places to stay than there were just a little over a decade ago. That includes unconventional accommodations like tree houses, Airstreams and igloos. And that doesn’t even include inventory exclusive to other vacation-rental platforms like Vrbo, which has been around since the 1990s and was acquired by HomeAway in 2015. Both took advantage of the internet to bring short-term rentals to travelers. But neither revolutionized the sharing economy quite like Airbnb, which focused on resident-owned/managed rooms, guesthouses and apartments in urban markets.

(Photo courtesy of Airbnb)

Suddenly, an empty bedroom in an apartment became a viable — and popular — place for travelers on a budget to stay in a new city. According to VRMintel, a 2016 Phocuswright report on private accommodations in the U.S. found that the number of travelers who stayed in vacation rentals surged from one in 10 in 2011 to one in three in 2015.

As the vacation rental market has taken off, even traditional hotel brands have been forced to follow suit. In 2016, Accor bought luxury home-sharing brand Onefinestay and Choice Hotels began offering vacation rentals. In fact, more hotel brands than ever are offering home-sharing and vacation-rental properties for travelers. Both Four Seasons and Marriott launched collections of home and villa vacation rentals in 2019.

Bottom line

In the next 10 years, technology will continue to minimize and, in some cases, eliminate the need for human interaction. Robots haven’t taken over the hospitality industry yet, but there’s no telling just how common they might be in another decade. Perhaps the check-in desk will have a great resurgence — but it will be helmed by droids, not humans.

(Photo by Samantha Rosen/The Points Guy)

And hotels are just one aspect of the travel industry caught up in monumental change. Instagram (and social media, in general) is increasingly responsible for influencing the way travelers make decisions about where they go — and it’s become a valuable component of hotel marketing. In aviation, technology and social media have changed the way airlines and their customers interact.

What do you think will change in the next 10 years? Sound off in the comments below.

Feature photo by Summer Hull / The Points Guy. 

Read more about this at thepointsguy.com

https://blogsandtravels.com/looking-back-10-years-of-change-in-the-hotel-industry/