The Bridle Path Bugle
By: Faye Slift

While many wait for Santa to arrive at this time of year, the residents on Bridle Path are waiting for Tim the Toolman to finally leave... or at least the thought of him. So let's take you back to February of this calendar year.

Home and Garden Shows- LOVE 'em. They take friends there and end up with a koi pond for themselves. They try to find a way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon and end up with a very different looking house. What started out as a "pricing" adventure on new windows has evolved over this year to include the following: 19 new widows and 2 sliders (these. are BEAUTIFUL); new paint on the eaves and Tex Cote on the walls; replacement of the central air unit; new front entry doors (yes, doors); new roof and replaced skylight; (FINALLY) a better dishwasher ( thank goodness Dan found a way to break the old one so he could get his Kitchen Aid) and trash compactor (because Stephen had to have one to match the dishwasher). But let's not stop there. The two decided to build new gates to replace the wrought iron ones, replace the colonial mailbox with a copper one, and, yes, there's more. "While we're at it, let's rip out the shrubs in the planter and replace it with a pergola to match the ones (kind of) in the back yard!" Ginger says the two need to find a different hobby... like checkers or knitting.

Of all the companies they worked with, some come highly recommended, while others... well let's just say, if you are really interested in knowing who NOT to go to, we can talk. SonRise Windows and Coting (sonrisewindows.com) ranks number 1 in companies they worked with this year. They were very professional and personable at the same time. Billy was not a hard sell but gave them many different options. In the end, they went with windows with hidden screens. Son Rise Tex Coted their house, painted the eaves, and even installed a doggy door for Ginger so she can go out and not have to do the pee-pee dance. But first, she had to find the new door. (While it was funny watching a certain guest walk into the door at the Summer Luau, it was sad watching the look of urgency on her face as the doggy door placement had been changed)

In the end, the home owners are pleased with the improvements and will be vacationing in Garden Grove next year. (Apologies to those living in Garden Grove... and condolences)