A woman is worried about the security in her home.

A woman is worried about the security in her home.

Photo: RapidEye, Getty Images

A woman is worried about the security in her home.

A woman is worried about the security in her home.

Dear Abby: Take over security responsibilities

DEAR ABBY: My husband has a bad habit of forgetting to lock up our house at night when he's the last one to come to bed. On nine occasions I have gone downstairs after he's in bed or awakened in the morning to find our sliding patio door or a garage door unlocked.

I cannot understand why this isn't a priority for him. If I'm the last one to come up for the night, I make sure each door is locked, lights are off, etc. It takes me less than a minute. We live in a suburb, and while our neighborhood is relatively safe and quiet, I'm not naive. I realize anything can happen anywhere.

We have two large dogs, but I have no idea how they'd react to an intruder. Frankly, I don't want to find out the hard way. The most frustrating thing about this is, when I try to talk to him about it the next day, he blows it off and says our dogs would never let anyone get far, or he makes a joke about it. I've tried many different approaches, from being calm and sweet to solutions-focused: "How can I help you remember?"

Recently, likely because I'm 37 weeks pregnant with our second child, I lost it and chewed him out after I waddled out of bed to go downstairs and found our sliding door unlocked. It didn't work very well.

I'm at my wits' end. It was one thing when it was just the two of us, but now we're about to have two kids under 2, and I get furious thinking he could be putting all of us in danger. He has taken no responsibility or steps toward fixing this.

I have now reached the conclusion that when I'm home, I must be the one who assumes the responsibility of ensuring our home is secure before we go to bed. But what if I fall asleep early or if I have to travel for work? Any ideas on how to address this with him?

Losing sleep over this

DEAR LOSING: You have already addressed this with your husband. That he is so careless about the safety of his wife and children is shocking. He appears to be very immature.

Because he seems incapable of assuming any responsibility for locking up, you are going to have to do it. There are high-tech ways to remotely lock doors from afar, and you should explore that option.

Also, for your own peace of mind, have a professional dog trainer or other experienced dog person enter your home through the unlocked door while you and your husband are upstairs because, while the dogs might not attack a stranger, they might alert you to the presence of an intruder. I suggest this because many years ago my very tame German shepherd did exactly that.

DEAR ABBY: Due to the coronavirus epidemic, handshaking is no longer being practiced. I have never been a fan of handshaking anyway. In the future, it may be acceptable to forgo handshaking altogether. What will be the best way to avoid it without seeming unfriendly or germophobic?

Resisting in Minnesota

DEAR RESISTING: Try doing what I do. I place both palms together in front of my chest as though praying, smile and greet the person. No one has been offended by it, and it's a common way people greet each other in India.

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Dear Abby: Take over security responsibilities - The Hour - Thehour.com

Napa | $3.2 MillionA Carpenter Gothic house built in 1856, with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, plus a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse, on a 0.2-acre lot

Built as the home of Johnson Horrell, a Napa County judge, and his wife, Sarah, this house was the first on its block. In 1890, it was moved to a new lot, now within walking distance of downtown Napa. In the late 1940s, the house was subdivided into apartments. The current owner, who bought it in 2015, turned it back into a single-family house and did an extensive renovation to restore its original splendor, using raw materials sourced from the house.

Size: 3,830 square feet

Price per square foot: $836

Indoors: The exterior has many elements of Carpenter Gothic style, popular in the United States in the mid-19th century: a steep, gabled roof, decorative bargeboard and a symmetrical facade anchored by a central pediment.

A walkway made of bricks repurposed from the home leads to the stoop. Behind the front door believed to be original is a long hallway and a curved wooden staircase, with a half bathroom tucked underneath.

On either side of the entry hall are formal entertaining spaces: to the left, a sitting room, and to the right, a dining room. Like the rest of the house, these rooms have period light fixtures added by the owner and refinished fir floors. Several paces beyond the sitting room is a study with wood panels and a redwood ceiling, both salvaged from other parts of the house.

At the far end of the hall is a family room with a wood-frame fireplace. It flows into a contemporary kitchen with marble counters and stainless steel Thermador appliances. On the far right side of the kitchen is a butlers pantry with a leaded-glass window.

On the second level are three bedrooms. At the top of the landing is a guest room large enough to hold a full-size bed and a bathroom with a wooden vanity and walk-in shower.

A hallway extends from the landing to a set of French doors that opens to a street-facing balcony. To the right is another guest room; to the left is the master bedroom with an en suite bathroom that has black-and-white-tile floors.

The third floor is now configured as a large bedroom suite with a bathroom that has a claw-foot tub, set under a window with views of the back of the property.

Outdoor space: Off the family room is a wooden deck with space for an outdoor dining table. The backyard is lined with stones salvaged from the original foundation, and a brick pathway connects the main house to a Craftsman-style guest cottage added in 1907, with a kitchen and full bathroom. To the left of the guest cottage is a carriage house with an attached barn, used by the owner to display artifacts recovered during the renovation and materials related to the homes early owners.

Taxes: $42,561 (estimated, although the home is eligible for reduced property taxes based on the Mills Act, which provides economic incentives to homeowners for the preservation of historic properties)

Contact: Agi Vermes Smith, Engel & Vlkers, 707-363-9896; the horrellhouse.com

The homes and apartment buildings of Herbert W. Burns, a self-taught architectural designer, marry the sleek lines of midcentury modernism with the soft colors and organic materials of the desert. This house, clad in Arizona sandstone, was partially demolished before being bought and restored by Thomboy Properties in 2019.

It is in the Little Tuscany section of Palm Springs, near a number of historic properties, including Richard Neutras Kaufmann House and homes by Albert Frey and E. Stewart Williams. Palm Canyon Drive, a thoroughfare with many bars and restaurants, is a five-minute drive.

Size: 4,700 square feet

Price per square foot: $681

Indoors: A block wall separates the front courtyard and the swimming pool from the street, and a concrete walkway leads to the teal front door.

To the left of the entry is an open-plan living area with terrazzo floors and sliding-glass doors. To the right is a wall of exposed brick with an inset fireplace.

A floor-to-ceiling planter divides the living area from a dining alcove with a built-in teak bar and an open kitchen with an island and new appliances finished in teak. Beyond the kitchen are a butlers pantry and a guest suite with a pool-facing bedroom and a bathroom with a large walk-in shower. Also on this side of the house is a laundry room that connects to the rear garage.

A hallway partially lined in glass brick, with a small row of planted succulents extends from the entryway to the left wing of the house. On the near end is a guest bedroom with a textured accent wall and an en suite bathroom with a teak vanity and a glass-walled shower. At the far end of the hall is the master suite, which has sliding-glass doors that open to the pool area; the bathroom has a double vanity and a soaking tub brightened by a hanging starburst light fixture.

Outdoor space: To the right of the main house, forming a courtyard around the pool, is a two-bedroom guesthouse with terrazzo floors. This space has its own sitting area, a kitchen with custom navy cabinets and gold hardware, and a bathroom with a glass-walled shower.

Overhangs from the two structures offer shaded space around the pool; an outdoor kitchen is built into the left side of the courtyard. A lawn runs between the pool and the street-facing wall, but the rest of the landscaping features rocks and native desert plants. There is a concrete patio behind the house.

Taxes: $40,959 (estimated)

Contact: Keith Markovitz, TTK Represents, Compass, 760-904-5234; ttkrepresents.com

A city on the Monterey Peninsula with a little more than 3,800 residents, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for storybook cottages that have names rather than street numbers. Many like this one, called Primrose Cottage are within walking distance of the beach and Ocean Avenue, the main drag.

The city has long been considered an artists enclave, and in the early 20th century it was a popular getaway spot for writers like Jack London and Sinclair Lewis. It has a number of small theaters, including the Forest, one of the oldest outdoor theaters on the West Coast, which is a 10-minute walk from the house. San Francisco is about two hours away by car, and Monterey is a 15-minute drive.

Size: 1,498 square feet

Price per square foot: $2,133

Indoors: Past the wrought-iron gate in front is a brick pathway that winds through a yard with English-inspired landscaping, including low hedges and rose bushes.

The arched front door, trimmed with iron strapping, opens to a living room with white-painted ceiling beams and a fireplace with a stone surround. Through an arched doorway at the back of the room is a hallway that leads to a half bathroom and a den with a bay of windows facing the guest cottage.

To the right of the front door is the dining room, which, like the rest of the house, has refinished hardwood floors. Through another arched doorway is the kitchen, which can also be reached through the den. The kitchen has white-tiled counters with white-and-blue-tile trim. A window over the sink looks into the rear garden, and a glass-paned door opens to the patio.

At the center of the house is a wooden staircase with a wrought-iron banister that leads to the second floor, which has two bedrooms on either end of a short hallway. The bedrooms are roughly equal in size, with room for queen-size beds, and both have street and rear-facing windows. A hallway bathroom has a combination tub and shower, a blue-tiled vanity with its original porcelain sink and gray-and-white floral wallpaper.

The guest cottage is connected to the main house by a brick walkway. It has a Dutch door, an exposed-brick fireplace and a bathroom with a stall shower and white-and-silver wallpaper.

Outdoor space: A brick patio in back of the main house has space for a table and chairs. The back garden, like the front yard, is planted with low hedges and rose bushes, and low stone walls create a path to a second small patio with a bench.

Taxes: $34,826 (estimated)

Contact: Tim Allen, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 831-214-1990; timallenproperties.com

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @nytrealestate.

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$3.2 Million Homes in California - The New York Times

In 2029, the Patio Door market is spectated to surpass ~US$ xx Mn/Bn with a CAGR of xx% over the forecast period. The Patio Door market clicked a value of ~US$ xx Mn/Bn in 2018. Region is expected to account for a significant market share, where the Patio Door market size is projected to inflate with a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.

In the Patio Door market research study, 2018 is considered as the base year, and 2019-2029 is considered as the forecast period to predict the market size. Important regions emphasized in the report include region 1 (country 1, country2), region 2 (country 1, country2), and region 3 (country 1, country2).

The report on the Patio Door market provides a birds eye view of the current proceeding within the Patio Door market. Further, the report also takes into account the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on the Patio Door market and offers a clear assessment of the projected market fluctuations during the forecast period.

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The report examines each Patio Door market player according to its market share, production footprint, and growth rate. SWOT analysis of the players (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) has been covered in this report. Further, the Patio Door market study depicts the recent launches, agreements, R&D projects, and business strategies of the market players including

In global market, the following companies are covered: Jeld-WenMasoniteASSA ABLOY(Maiman)STEVES DOORSimpson DoorSun MountainTruStile DoorsLynden DoorsSierra DoorsStallionAppalachianUSA Wood DoorWoodgrain DoorsArazzinni

Market Segment by Product TypeSingle DoorsMulti-Doors

Market Segment by ApplicationResidential BuildingCommercial Building

Key Regions split in this report: breakdown data for each region.United StatesChinaEuropean UnionRest of World (Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

The study objectives are:To analyze and research the Patio Door status and future forecast in United States, European Union and China, involving sales, value (revenue), growth rate (CAGR), market share, historical and forecast.To present the key Patio Door manufacturers, presenting the sales, revenue, market share, and recent development for key players.To split the breakdown data by regions, type, companies and applications To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regionsTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Patio Door are as follows:History Year: 2014-2018Base Year: 2018Estimated Year: 2019Forecast Year 2019 to 2025

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Research Methodology of Patio Door Market Report

The global Patio Door market study covers the estimation size of the market both in terms of value (Mn/Bn USD) and volume (x units). Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to calculate and authenticate the market size of the Patio Door market, and predict the scenario of various sub-markets in the overall market. Primary and secondary research has been thoroughly performed to analyze the prominent players and their market share in the Patio Door market. Further, all the numbers, segmentation, and shares have been gathered using authentic primary and secondary sources.

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Potential impact of coronavirus outbreak on Patio Door Market 2020: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast by 2029 - Medic...

Fantastic penthouse w/ stunning view of Shaw Park & the Clayton skyline! 3783 sq ft, 4 bedroom suites, 4 baths, dining room, family room, living room, media room, study, laundry room, service entry & hall w/ access to kitchen, elevator opens to penthouse foyer from garage & secure main lobby, 3 garage spaces, & storage unit. 10' ceilings, 8' doors, extensive molding, casework, crown molding, & recessed speakers & lights throughout, 4 terraces, 5 fireplaces located in family room, master suite, living room, study, & terrace. Center island kitchen w/ granite, custom cabinetry maximizes storage, Bosch dishwasher, instant hot/cold water dispenser, Subzero refrigerator & freezer drawers, Wolf 4 burner gas stove w/ griddle, Wolf wall oven, & Subzero side by side. Master suite w/ 10' tray ceiling, wet bar w/ refrigeration, private terrace. Master bath w/ heated marble floors, spa tub for 2, multi-head steam shower, adjoins dressing room w/ center island shelving & custom built-in organizers.

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Big Homes Just Listed in the St. Louis Area - Mason City Globe Gazette

At a fire resiliency webinar put on by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Cyndi Foreman, fire prevention officer for Sonoma County Fire District, gave a presentation about preparing your home for fire season and also how to prepare for and properly execute an evacuation.

(Were going to talk) about what to get ready, defensible space, and well talk about home hardening, which is a really important factor for survivability, Foreman said as she started her presentation. The other thing well touch on is what you can do when you know that fire is coming and things to do to prepare.

Its also really important that families have a plan, she continued. We train every day, so we can fall back on muscle memory and training. But if you dont have that, panic can overtake you, and you make bad decisions. Having a plan and practicing a plan is so important. Kids train to move out when a fire alarm goes off at school, and it becomes muscle memory for them. Its important to teach them this as well, and it can take the fear out and really empower children.

Defensible space

Creating good defensible space can make the difference between you home surviving and losing it. It is based on zones, and what is allowed within each zone.

Zone 1 extends 20 feet from buildings, structures and decks. In zone 1, you should remove all dead plants, grass and weeds (including under your deck), as well as dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters. If you have trees around your home, remove any branches that hang over your roof, and keep any dead branches at least 10 feet from your chimney. Trees should also be trimmed to keep a distance of 10 feet between them. Flammable plants and shrubs near windows should be removed or pruned, and there should be a five-foot exclusion zone from any combustible construction. Wood piles should be relocated into zone 2, and there should be a separation between trees and shrubs and items such as patio furniture, swing sets, etc.

Zone 2 extends 100 feet out from all structures. In zone 2, all grass should be mown to a maximum height of 4 inches, and creating both horizontal and vertical space between shrubs, trees and grass. Fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones and small branches should be removed if possible, if not they should be at a depth no greater than 3 inches.

Home hardening

The roof should be considered the most vulnerable part of your home, and wood or shingle roofs are the most at risk. Composition, metal or tile will provide better protection. It is also important to block any spaces between the roof decking and the covering to prevent embers from catching.

Vents can be sources where flying embers can enter your home. Foreman recommends covering your vents with 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch metal mesh, and putting baffles under eaves or cornices and soffits.

Windows can be fractured by the heat from a wildfire, long before the home is on fire. Single paned and large windows are particularly vulnerable, and cracked or broken windows allow burning embers inside your home. Installing dual-paned windows and limiting the size and number of windows that face or are surrounded by large areas of vegetation can help prevent catastrophic results.

For walls, decks and fences that are part of or connect to a structure, using ignition-resistant or non-combustible building materials such as stucco, fiber cement or treated wood can significantly increase the chances of saving the home.

A final and extremely important thing to consider is your driveway. Ensure that all gates open inward and are wide enough to accommodate emergency equipment and fire apparatus. This include trimming trees and shrubs. In addition, make sure your address is clearly visible from the road and at night.

Driveways, if they dont have at least a 10-foot clearance, are a hazard for you and a hazard for us, Foreman said. If you are trying to evacuate with fire bearing down, it is your way out. If there are low hanging branches, and we have to jump out and cut them to get into your property thats valuable time, not just in a fire but even in a medical emergency. And if we dont think we can be safe, well move on.

Foreman also said in relation to clear addresses, SCFD will provide reflective number signs to district residents.

We make the signs and send them out; Graton does it too, Foreman said. I know your decorative ones are nice, but they do not help us find you in smoky and dark conditions.

A list of 10 low-cost ways to harden your home can be found at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/Low-cost-Retrofit-List-Final.pdf.

Things to do before you evacuate

Foreman presented two checklists for things that will assist firefighters and also help protect your home. However, she emphasized these checklists should only be utilized if you have enough time once the evacuation has been called.

If you have time to prep your home before evacuation, do it, Foreman said. Get your go bags, put them in the driveway and close the doors, leave hoses and ladders out if you have them. Seal up the attic and crawl space vents. Patrol the property if you have time, dont wait for the order if you feel threatened get out. Early on locate your pets and put them in their carrier. Keep your cats inside during Red Flag warnings, a lot of people learned a lot of hard lessons about that. As you prepare to evacuate, take your car keys and put them in pocket. So many people couldnt find them when in panic mode.

Home Evacuation Checklist (Inside)

Home Evacuation Checklist (Outside)

Doormats? Chuck them over the hill to get them out of the way, Foreman said. Do not turn on your sprinklers, you will be robbing your community of valuable firefighting water when you do that. In 2017, many places ran out of water, so please dont leave them running. I know it sounds crazy to leave doors unlocked, but it gives firefighters the ability to get inside. Trash cans are also a big one, dont leave them up against the house.

Go Bag preparations

If you live in Sonoma County, you should have a Go Bag. Have your essentials because when we panic dont do things like we should, Foreman said. Take this list and put it on your fridge, because you wont remember when things go crazy. The Go Bag should be for everybody, including kids and pets. And make sure you have a carrier for every pet, in case you are going into a shelter.

Your Go Bag should include:

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Fire season is coming here's how to be ready - Sonoma West

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As more Arizona restaurants and bars reopen, the public has posed various questions about how COVID-19 can spread among diners and employees.

Eating and drinking remain some of the few activities people need to remove their masks to do.

Many restaurant owners have responded to safety concerns by implementing new measures, such as sneeze guards at order counters, masks for employees and tables distanced six feet apart.

It may not be enough, however. Experts say Arizonas increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations cant be solely attributed to increased testing. They warn the state is trending upward in a way that could necessitate another stay-at-home order to curb the spread.

For these questions, The Arizona Republic turned to guidelines from Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Republic also spoke to virologist Charles Gerba and atmospheric scientist Eric Betterton from the University of Arizona. Gerba studies how viruses are transmitted through the environment. Betterton studies environmental contaminants, including aerosols.

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person produces respiratory droplets by speaking, coughing or sneezing. Infected droplets contain coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

At least one study shows infected coronavirus droplets can remain in the air for several hours and up to two to three days on certain surfaces.

Evidence does not support routine airborne transmission, however, according to an AZDHS presentation on the Arizona's COVID-19 response.

The CDC recommends restaurants and bars "ensure that ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example by opening windows and doors and prioritizing outdoor seating."

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL: Dining in is risky. If you do, here are 6 tips from Arizona restaurant owners and experts

Dining outdoors tends to be safer because indoors people are more likely to be in closer vicinity and there are more surfaces with risk of contamination, Gerba said.

The concentration of droplets can also be higher indoors where air tends to recirculate, Betterton added.

"Many people forget that dose matters," Betterton said. "If you inhale just a small number of virus-containing droplets, your body and immune system may be able to overwhelm that. But if you inhale a large number, the virus can propagate rapidly."

The coronavirus may spread less outdoors, but summer is also descending and eating outside won't be an attractive option for many. Metro Phoenix is already hitting consecutive, triple-digit temperatures with the hottest part of summer yet to come.

One oft-cited CDC study concluded that air conditioning in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China caused the spread of virus-laden droplets, prompting an outbreak. The distance between each table was about one meter, or a little more than three feet.

"One of the problems, we don't know all the activity of people," Gerba said. "It's certain, keeping social distancing is a good idea in any restaurant. But if you start looking at people's activities, they go to the restroom, go to the cashier, go to the bar. They have to get up and walk past other people."

Gerba said information is lacking and he'd like to see more data on what contamination is like in a restaurant.

MORE: Do Phoenix restaurants have to close if employees contract COVID-19?

Misting fans might actually give diners an advantage because it's better to have moving air than stagnant air, Gerba and Betterton said.

Both the CDC and the World Health Organization have stated there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through water, The Republic reported in May as Arizona began reopening.

"Misters that come with a fan, that would be a positive thing because it keeps air moving and it would dilute any virus droplets in the air," Betterton said. "Even if the fan is blowing in same direction as you, it's still better than somebody sneezing on your face with no moving air. If those are the two choices, I would go for moving air.

As the virus can survive several hours in the air, it also depends on how far apart people are, Gerba added. The advantage with rapid air movement is that if a person sneezes at a table, the air is moving so fast it can dilute the droplets.

"The odds are working in your favor," Gerba said.

While it's not possible to wear a mask while eating and drinking, Betterton recommended that if people choose to eat at restaurants, they bring a mask for other activities, such as waiting at the restroom and standing in line to pay at the cash register.

Betterton said he understands that taking extra safety precautions, such as wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart, is "going to get old." But the virus isn't going to go away magically just because people don't want it here anymore, he said.

"People should be more respectful of others' health, even if theyre not respectful of their own health," he said. "Its here, it hasnt gone away, incidents are increasing. Until we get a vaccine and or a cure, were all going to be vulnerable."

Got a story tip about what's going on in the food & dining industry? Reach the reporter at Priscilla.Totiya@azcentral.com. Follow @priscillatotiya on Twitter and Instagram.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today to support local journalism.

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Is it safer to dine on a restaurant patio instead of inside? We asked 2 Arizona experts - AZCentral

Designed by Standard Architecture, Forest Knolls faade is inspired by architect Louis Kahns ... [+] Kimbell Art Museum.

Decades ago, the TV comedy Green Acres lampooned a big city banker and his high-fashion socialite wife who ditched their luxurious New York City penthouse to live on a country farm. The absurd series concept was ratings hit.

Forest Knoll's towering ceiling pitch and white-oak walls draw the eye toward rear glazed window ... [+] walls framing downtown vistas.

Today, an equally radical idea has cropped up like a spring harvest in Los Angeles. A modern farmhouse marvel called Forest Knoll Residence has hit the market for $32 million in the Hollywood Hills. Its also highly rated, design-wise.

Listed for $32 million, Forest Knoll is a modern 'farmhouse' featuring a parallel, two-story gable ... [+] design.

Rarely has L.A. witnessed anything like this. This, too, is original programminga traditional rural phenomenon (the barn) in modern, metropolitan residential form. Developed by Viewpoint Collection, the property is listed exclusively by Tomer Fridman, Sally Forster Jones, and Tyrone McKillen.

Forest Knoll is a trio of gabled volumes connected by stairs.

Los Angeles and farming arent natural allies. Youre more likely to discover a European-inspired castle than a grand farmhouse in this city. Contemporary Forest Knoll just might germinate into an L.A. curiosity. Maybe even a trendbecause this experiment works.

Forest Knoll is crafted from organic materials (wood, concrete and stone).

Although modern farmhouses have slowly made their way into the Los Angeles real estate market, Forest Knoll is truly unlike anything else weve seen, says Frederick Chin, CEO of Viewpoint Collection. It's unusual to have a modern barn-designed home in the upper luxury tier, and at this price point.

The minimalist estate's three grand gables distinguish the property against a mesmerizing hillside ... [+] backdrop.

Instead of housing barley or livestock (the original intent for barns), Forest Knoll is designed to be lived inluxuriously. Perched on a 1-acre promontory in the Hollywood Hills (near Sunset Plaza), the newly constructed estate is privatized by a grand gate and hedged ficus trees on a 41,820-square-foot lot. The six-bedroom, nine-bath residence spans 11,184 square feet.

Perched on a 1-acre promontory in the Hollywood Hills, the newly constructed estate sits on a ... [+] 41,820-square-foot lot.

Designed by Standard Architecture, Forest Knolls majestic three-gable faade is inspired by parallel vaults at Louis Kahns Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the museum is virtually closed but Forest Knoll is virtually open.

Twin olive trees welcome guests at Forest Knoll.

In a subtle nod to the vernacular barn, the residence is a trio of elongated, two-story-high volumes conjoined by stairs and beautified by gabled exteriors. Lower levels house service areas (stairs, kitchen, powder rooms) while vaulted upper loft spaces (bedrooms, master baths, office) are open and airy with sweeping views.

Twin olive trees and a travertine walkway welcome guests to Forest Knoll.

The minimalist homes three grand parallel gables distinguish the property against a mesmerizing hillside backdrop. Illuminated living spaces conveniently open to the large backyard entertainment patio, amplifying the homes sweeping views and harmonious connection to nature.

The colossal middle volume features a towering great room with white-oak walls and glazed windows ... [+] for extraordinary views.

A restrained palette and organic materials (unstained and unbleached wood, concrete and stone) marry the architecture to the enveloping green landscape. Forest Knoll is worthy of its prominent perch. For those lucky enough to see it, surely its a sight to behold. As for its future owner, the view is even more spectacular from the residence.

The lofty six-bedroom, nine-bath residence spans 11,184 square feet.

The home embodies a modern barn with its open design and loft-like spaces over the central living area, says Jeffrey Allsbrook (AIA, LEED AP), partner at Standard Architecture. The steeply-pitched roofs often found in many early barn designs allowed us to maximize the breathtaking views and the thoughtfully selected textural elements further enhance the modern barn aesthetic.

Forest Knoll embodies a modern barn with its open design and loft-like spaces over a central living ... [+] area.

The middle volume features a colossal 30-foot-high great room whose towering ceiling pitch and white-oak walls draw the eye skyward toward the rear floor-to-ceiling, glazed picture windows framing unobstructed downtown and ocean vistas.

Living spaces open the backyard patio and pool, where residents can enjoy sweeping views and a ... [+] connection with nature.

This great room boasts an expansive double-sided concrete fireplace space for living, dining or entertaining above travertine floors leading to the backyard infinity pool, spa, fire pit and gas grill.

Forest Knoll's monumental three-gable design is a fresh departure from Los Angeles' proliferation of ... [+] new construction square boxes.

At the opposite end, olive trees, a solid oak front door, and a travertine path welcome guests. A dramatic cobblestone motor court is inspired by European streets.

Exceptional city view from Forest Knoll's backyard fire pit and infinity pool.

The two adjacent volumes offer white-oak bedrooms and Calacatta marble-clad bathrooms (with freestanding tub) on the upper level while lower level living areas flow past large art walls to the panoramic backyard.

Kitchen view

The master suite boasts a large Hers and His double closet with custom millwork, a walk-through double shower, and jetliner city views. The open kitchen offers sleek, informal diningbasking in breezes from alfresco back patio doors.

Forest Knoll includes six bedrooms, including this one with a side terrace.

Forest Knoll's modern farmhouse and three-gable design seems to be a monumental compelling design and a fresh departure from a lot of the square boxes that have proliferated new construction in recent times, says Compass broker Fridman.

Forest Knoll has nine bathrooms

The residence took three years to complete, designed as warm, spacious and cozy with indoor-outdoor optionselevating the quintessential California lifestyle.

Forest Knoll's Calacatta marble pop-out for the freestanding tub with a downtown view,

Courtesy of Compass and The Society Group, 25 virtual VIPs experienced Forest Knoll during a Zoom sensory open house tour which activated all five senses related to the homes design (via a pre-delivered white-glove service box with a small olive tree plant, a fragrant candle, champagne, T-shirt, and white oak and travertine squares to sample). Forest Knoll is billed as a property that ignites all five senses and redefines the virtual tour.

This cobblestone motor court is inspired by European streets.

They are both first-of-a-kind, says Fridman. The sensory experience was able to showcase the essence [of the house] and highlight the unparalleled features.

Aerial view of Forest Knoll

Green Acres isnt the place to be. Forest Knoll is. The sitcoms famous theme song says just give me that countryside and I just adore a penthouse view. Forest Knoll offers both in the City of Angels. What could be more heavenly (and farm-y) than that? I mean, besides having $32 million to spare?

Continued here:
Extraordinary Modern Farmhouse Lists For $32 Million In The Hollywood Hills - Forbes

This article was originally published in June 2018. With outdoor dining currently the only option available for restaurants due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are reposting it with notes for restaurants that are no longer operating.

It is worth noting also that many restaurants that have not traditionally had outdoor dining will have it now, including La Mezzaluna, Princeton Soup and Sandwich, and many more. Call the restaurants ahead of time to make sure they have seating availability, as most require reservations.

My morning commute used to take me past PJs Pancake House on foot. Early on weekday mornings there is no line out the door, the way there is at brunch time on weekends, so the Nassau Street landmark would have faded into the landscape most days were it not for the usually mouthwatering smell of greasy, freshly cooked bacon that wafted out of the restaurant.

Its been five years since I last made that commute, and while PJs still serves bacon, the landscape has changed. Under its old-fashioned awning, those eager weekend diners are now waiting in a line where they can see and smell the bacon. A faux grass carpet covers the sidewalk just outside PJs front door with tables set for diners to enjoy their pancakes al fresco.

PJs is a one of a growing number of Princeton dining establishments that offer outdoor dining, and thats no coincidence. The towns Streetscape Design Standards published in 2016 specifically encouraged outdoor dining in areas with sidewalks at least 16 feet wide as they are on Nassau Street in the central business district. The study, with the stated goal of enhancing the appearance and pedestrian-friendliness of downtown areas, recommended outdoor dining directly adjacent to restaurants or in the sidewalks furnishing zone, adjacent to the curb and so named because it is intended for furniture: places for people to see and be seen and eat.

PJs, next door to one of the towns busiest intersections, serves that purpose, as do the various fast casual establishments that line Nassau Street. Panera(recently closed) has a handful of tables outside, as does Jammin Crepes and Cafe Vienna. Patrons of other establishments the new and perpetually crowded Tacoria, FruttaBowls, and 30Burgers (closed now Diesel and Duke), to name a few take advantage of benches located at regular intervals along the sidewalk. Tacoria also has two newly installed picnic tables right outside.

An astute observer down by Hoagie Haven will notice that the trash cans near the benches there are adorned with stickers for the restaurants famous Sanchez sauce a sure sign that diners there have adopted the benches as their own.

Witherspoon Street does not benefit from 16-foot sidewalks, but it does not lack for benches near Mamouns Falafel, Olives, and Small World Coffee. Small World has the added benefit of the newly reinstalled parklet occupying two parking spots right outside its door. Witherspoon Street also benefits from Hinds Plaza outside the library and its array of benches and freestanding tables and chairs.

Some people eat outside as a way to see and be seen. Others can dine outdoors in relative seclusion. Tucked behind Taste of Mexico next to the small alleyway that runs between Nassau Street and the parking lot behind CVS is a small outdoor seating area. A patio behind Nassau Sushi allows patrons to eat outside while also avoiding the hustle-bustle of the eponymous street. Also invisible from the street is the backyard of Ivy Inn, where people can eat and drink outside.

Tucked just past the back end of the Palmer Square is a secluded outdoor seating area that belongs to the Yankee Doodle Tap Room. The entrance from Palmer Square West has its own hostess stand, so there is no need to pass through the Nassau Inns lobby and main dining room if the goal is to eat outside. The tables are shaded by umbrellas, and a side door to neighboring Lindt Chocolate is accessible from the courtyard to tempt diners who saved some room for dessert.

In the small alleyway off Witherspoon next to Alchemist & Barrister are a couple of benches and a few small tables. It can be tempting to bring your beer outside on a nice day or temperate evening but be warned: the majority of people taking advantage of those seats are doing so in order to smoke while they imbibe.

At the end of the alleyway, Teresas (closed for renovations) has cut out its own nook that offers a decent number of tables, about half of which are protected from the elements by an overhang from the building. But on a recent busy night with rain clouds threatening overhead, eager diners didnt hesitate to accept tables in the section fully exposed to mother nature.

You can also hide by going up. One story up from Nassau Street, Spanish emporium Despaa (temporarily closed) offers patio seating overlooking the street-level outdoor dining at the other ethnic spots on the block Thai Village (temporarily closed) and Efes Mediterranean Grill. You can also experience international flavors and New Jersey air quality on the other side of Nassau Street at Eps Corner (Chinese closed, now Schouse Sichuan cuisine), Cafe Vienna, and Mehek (Indian now closed).

Across the street, Blue Point Grill is a prime spot for being seen, but its new glass-enclosed facade also offers rooftop seating, accessible from a staircase on Pine Street, with 10 tables available from 5 p.m. on weekdays. The glass enclosure itself offers a happy medium for ambivalent diners: the glass offers a mostly unobstructed view of the world going by, but there is a roof overhead and the enclosure, with its sliding doors, offers some measure of climate control.

The enclosure extends to Small World Coffees smaller Nassau Street cafe, which serves hot breakfast and lunch items, and on a cold, rainy recent morning, there were still patrons enjoying their coffee and croissants in the semi-outdoor space.

But if your goal is to be seen, chances are you want to be seen at Princetons more upscale establishments. Adjacent to the open space in Hinds Plaza is Witherspoon Grills own outdoor seating area, roped off to keep non-diners out, prohibit smoking, and critically allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed. In cooler months portable heaters are stationed among the tables to allow al fresco dining beyond the warmest months. (2020 update: Kristines, the French bistro and sister restaurant of Witherspoon Grill, also has outdoor seating in Hinds Plaza.)

Across Witherspoon Street, Mistral offers a few outdoor seats that are partially protected by an overhang and also benefit from outdoor heaters. Additionally, the seating area past the bar where Ichiban once was features large glass doors that can be opened to let in the fresh air, even if the view is just of a parking lot.

Continuing down Hulfish Street is Mediterras front door flanked by a full complement of tables for outdoor dining.

The Central Business District is not the towns only spot for outdoor dining. Metro North, on Alexander Road (temporarily closed), and Trattoria Procaccini, next to the Whole Earth Center, have outdoor patios.

Prior to its closing, Main Streets Cabana Bar at the Princeton Shopping Center offered an easy place to park, grab a drink, a settle in a comfortable outdoor seat. The bar is gone and with it the only full liquor license in use at the center but there are still places to eat outside.

Nomad Pizza added to the gas station that once stood at its site with a seating area that can be enclosed in bad weather and opened when the sun comes out. And while its technically BYO it offers a small selection of area wines. And the centers inner courtyard offers benches and tables for customers at Pizza Star, Cross Culture, Surf Taco, Lillipies, and Bon Appetit where diners inside and out have the added bonus of music being piped through speakers and into the courtyard.

That Main Street liquor license, by the way, went to Two Sevens on Witherspoon Street, where there is a patio for diners to meet eat repeat as signage at the restaurant suggests outdoors. (2020 update: Two Sevens is now The Meeting House.)

If dinner is over but you cant get enough of that fresh air, theres always dessert. The courtyard next to Thomas Sweet Ice Cream offers tables and chairs that also serve customers of the Say Cheez grilled cheese shop there. Kids can play on the grassy front lawn of 185 Nassau Street next door.

People who have braved the line at The Bent Spoon can eat their ice cream and cupcakes at small tables across the street in the Palmer Square green and also hear live music on Saturdays in July and August from noon to 2 p.m.

More:
Ready to dine outdoors? Princeton has an abundance of tasty options - Mercer Space

In an emotional message to its devoted guests, the staff behind Umami announced that it would be closing its doors for the foreseeable future because of Covid. The beloved Chagrin Falls eatery that specialized in Asian-influenced seafood opened its doors 12 years ago. The restaurant's small footprint, sporting a dining room with just 10 tables, proved to be too small to survive social distancing.

Here's the full message:

**********

This isn't goodbye forever; it's just goodbye for now...

12 years ago, Jonathan Westrich decided that Chagrin Falls needed an intimate, Asian-inspired restaurant, where friends could gather to eat creative dishes that were made with the absolute best quality ingredients available, from the shores of Hawaii to farms right down the street.

He gathered an all-star team to make his vision a reality. Chef Matt Anderson and General Manager Nikki Williams created unique dishes and a level of atmosphere and service that was unrivaled. A year later, Mike Mendlovic joined the team and the four of them brought Umami to the forefront of dining in Northeast Ohio. With Chef Matt's departure, Chef Andrew Nichols joined the kitchen, putting his own unique spin on the menu, to rave reviews and a consistently packed dining room.

Along the way, Umami has gathered accolades such as the Best 100 Restaurants in America, 40 Essential Cleveland Restaurants, 25 Sexiest Restaurants in Cleveland, 10 Best Sushi Restaurants In & Around Cleveland, and 25 Hard-to-Get Cleveland Restaurant Tables That Are Totally Worth It.

It's that last one that creates the problem we currently find out ourselves in. When COVID first struck, we quickly pivoted to a carry-out model. This worked great, with our amazing customers supporting us at levels that were able to keep us open. As the weather turned nicer, patio's opened, and eventually dining rooms at reduced capacity, our carry out business understandably plummeted. One of the reasons we were on the list of the 25 hardest to get tables is because we only have 10 of those tables in our tiny dining room. It is just not possible to operate at a reduced capacity. Our "patio," which consists of 2 tables in front of our restaurant is not allowed to open due to social distancing rules (the sidewalk is not wide enough to ensure 6 feet of space when pedestrians walk by). In addition, the quality of food we serve comes from all over the country, often being shipped overnight. Our small purveyors are hurting, and therefore have increased their prices or simply stopped selling certain items.

All of this makes it impossible for us to carry on in this current environment, and has led to the incredibly difficult decision to close our doors for the time being. How long with that be? We're not sure yet. We know that we cannot sustain Umami at reduced capacity for dine-in service, so we will need to discern the level of desire to continue offering only carry-out until we are allowed to open the dining room once again.

We are going to continue to explore our options and keep an eye on the ever-changing safety protocols and guidelines to see when, how, or if we can reopen in order to bring the same level of unique food and atmosphere to our amazing friends and guests.

Thank you so much for your continued support over the previous 12 years. We sincerely hope that the circumstances will allow us to once again welcome you and your friends into the special world of Umami in the future. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and keep loving life!

Sincerely,Nikki, Mike, Andrew, Jonathan, and the entire Umami crew

Excerpt from:
Umami in Chagrin Falls to Close After 12 Years Because of Covid - Cleveland Scene

The first weekend of the Phase 2 reopenings in some Ontario municipalities is in the books

The first weekend of the Phase 2 reopenings of select Ontario municipalities is in the books, and for many it was a great success and relief.

As of Friday, the Simcoe-Muskoka region was among the 24 of 34 health districts that could open up with restrictions. Restaurant and bar patios, shopping malls, barbers, hair salons, pools, places or worship and a short list of other operations were able to open their doors.

Malones Pint House has stayed closed for the entirety of the lockdown. Owner Sarah Lynne Maloney said she was excited to see her patrons, as they were to see her.

Everyone is so happy and enjoying the great weather. Weve been full this weekend and hearing a lot of comments about how great it is to be out and how this is going to be good for their soul,Maloney told BarrieToday.

When the lockdown began in mid-March, many establishments offered take-out deals. Maloney said she avoided any form of staying open, mainly for her staff, with some worried at the time.

We have some staff with little kids and nobody knew what to expect, said Maloney. I honestly didn't think it would last as long as it has, but we are just glad to be back open and seeing the many friendly faces weve missed.

Maloney saidthe first weekend backwas "well-earned by many people. Our staff is happy to be back and the patrons are definitely having a good time.

The Patios Everywhere Program was recently approved by city council. The program sees fees for restaurant patios waived until Oct. 15, and would allow patios to expand into parking lots.

Malones, located at the intersection of Bradford and Victoria streets, has room on their patio for approximately 40 people and hopes to add more space soon.

We will be expanding the patioand just had a few things to do before doing so, said Maloney.

Go here to see the original:
Return to the patio 'well-earned by many people' in Barrie - BarrieToday