I’m a 2700 degree Kelvin guy. It’s almost a religion to me. One might say it colors my entire view of the world. That’s because 2700 degrees Kelvin is the color of light most frequently emitted from a light source like a light bulb.

Some time back in the last century, post candle-light but pre-LED/LCD lights, Illumination came from light bulbs that enclosed a burning wire. I see you out there nodding yes. And also remembering the heat from these bulbs. And the power consumption. But, as a rule, these bulbs burned with a color temperature of about 2700 degrees Kelvin. Because that’s what happened when you ran an electric current through a tungsten wire in a sealed bulb. It wasn’t about choice. It was about “Yay” I can read at night.

So just a word about 2700 degrees Kelvin. Perhaps simply by serendipity, 2700 degrees Kelvin produces a warm white light color that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere (yellowish). It suggests comfort and relaxation. It was undoubtedly unintentional. It was just the color rendered by a burning light bulb.

Conversely, as you raise the temperature scale, the light becomes harsher. Think fluorescent fixtures over the work bench. Or in a prison. Here the light is 5000 degrees Kelvin (bluish). Ouch.

Which brings me to my point. My experience is that most people neither know or care what illumination color they bring into their personal environment, or worse, force their choice onto the street. Choose what you will, people, for your own chilling environments. But, please, don’t push that shit out onto the street.

Some of these folks have multiple external lights of different temperature colors. Are they not aware? Do they not care? I just don’t know. Live and let live.

I live in a suburban neighborhood that is graciously devoid of street lights. I prefer it that way. But some of my (newer) neighbors have taken upon themselves to light up the ‘hood with their own fixtures. And those fixtures are, too frequently, 5000 degrees Kelvin.  I’m glad I don’t live across from them. That’s all. That’s my rant.

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Pricey!
So, yeah, the budget has grown. But, then, the 1-week vacation repeated annually for decades has become a cornerstone of our family. In fact, we talk about it all year. In spite of our many lifestyle differences, one thing we can agree on is getting together for a good time in Michigan. Even during the pandemic. It’s a great experience that you can’t put a price on. But, alas, we have to and we choose to.

Expectations Disappointed
Regrettably, we had issues with our rental at “Little Piece of Haven”, managed by Beachwalk Properties and we think our unfortunate experience may help others. It is not my purpose to merely whine but rather to help future renters understand the risks of this or other properties owned by one party and managed by a third party.

Having rented through Beachwalk Properties the previous year we had found them to be responsive to our issues. And there are always issues. And the property we found, Little Piece of Haven, could be and should have been marvelous. Unfortunately our reasonable expectations were not met.

The issue is that Beachwalk Properties is only the management company. A middleman, as it were. They are entirely dependent on the property owner to make repairs, give financial consideration for non-performance and even, in our case, to remove the pool cover. Yeah, the pool cover.

Little Piece of Haven is a beautiful and high quality property and priced accordingly. For serious money one has reasonable expectations that the property will perform, that things that are wrong will be made right and in the event of genuine non performance, a financial adjustment will be made as a last resort. Regrettably, none of this was true.

   The All-Important Swimming Pool

We were unable to access the pool for 20 hours after taking possession because the pool cover mechanism failed. Only after consultation with the property owner on our second day did the management company learn how to manually winch open the cover. Once open, it could not be closed all week, presenting an unanticipated safety hazard, filling with debris and unable to maintain its heated temperature. In sum, a huge and disappointing failure. The pool was the main reason for renting this property.

Great Expectations

Consequently, finding a great place is paramount. We commit to a location and date six to nine months ahead. Everyone arranges vacation time around this date. We arrive with great expectations and anticipation. We ask only one thing of the lodging we select and that is that it fulfills its promise. And it always has. Until last year when things didn’t go so good.

Inoperable stove hood fan. Set off smoke alarm
The stove hood fan was inoperable. Discovered in the middle of meal preparation, the unanticipated smoke set off the smoke alarms. Although reported, there was no repair or acknowledgement of the failure.

Garbage and Recyclables – Filled cans
Apparently we arrived on the “off” week for trash & recycling pickup. So we got to enjoy full containers, bag our trash and store in the garage. An extra container was provided mid way through our stay.

Creepy Video Surveillance
The video camera at the rear door was pointed directly at the hot tub. Security is one thing but this just creeped us out. Who’s watching?

Loose Dogs
Neighbor dogs ran around off-leash. Because, you know, freedom. Unfortunately, dog poop littered the front property.

Cleanliness and Maintenance – Not
Bring a screwdriver and hammer. Minor annoyances like torn shower curtains (pictured), drawers, bathroom door locks needed attention. It was like being home, except more expensive. And the carpets, ugh, needed attention. The carpeted steps were actually black. I mean the place had possibly been cleaned deeply perhaps at the beginning of the season. But by July it needed more serious attention than the 4 or 5 hour turnover between tenants permitted. And it showed it.

Temperature Control – Brrrrrr
This is a multi-level property. Regrettably there is poor zone control. Those in the top rooms can be comfortable while those at the lower levels have temperatures 8 to 10 degrees lower.

In sum, do better Beachwalk Properties. You’re known by the company you keep. Little Piece of Haven is doing you a disservice. And your inflexibility to demonstrate any consideration for this failure was unbusinesslike and very much caveat emptor.

Since Artificial Intelligence is so trendy and accessible to every rube, I pondered the idea of asking one of these tools to write a wine review based on a house-for-sale description. Ask and ye shall receive:

Wine: Vin de l’Ancien Manoir

Appearance: A warm and inviting ruby color, with hints of cozy oak and welcoming granite.

Aroma: A delightful bouquet of freshly painted walls, new carpet, and blooming landscaping.

Taste: A harmonious blend of spacious family rooms, breakfast bar delights, and a touch of outdoor serenity.

Finish: A lingering sensation of move-in readiness, with undertones of newer roofs and well-maintained systems.

Overall: A captivating wine that captures the essence of a charming home, its fresh start, and the promise of warm memories waiting to be made.

Rating: 95 points out of 100

This wine is sure to please any homeowner or wine enthusiast who appreciates the finer things in life. It’s a perfect pairing for a cozy evening by the fireplace, a lively family gathering, or simply enjoying the comfort of home. Cheers to finding your perfect wine match!

Suggested Retail: $240,000/bottle. Available at Binny’s

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