Note to Self: When Smart Homes Make Us Feel Dumb

There’s nothing that tests my character quite like entering a username and password with a TV remote. Somewhere between hunting for the letter “Q” and realizing my password has a capital letter, number, and a symbol, I morph into a person I don’t recognize—one who mutters, sighs, and questions all of modern technology.

But the truth is, it’s not just TVs. As our homes get “smarter,” sometimes they have a way of making us feel… well, not so smart.

When the “Smart” Devices Outsmart Us

• The Smart Thermostat: Great for saving energy, until it insists on keeping the house at 62 degrees in January because it “learned” you like it cooler.

• The Smart Fridge: Wonderful for showing you what’s inside—unless it forgets to connect to Wi-Fi and suddenly thinks you’re out of milk… again.

• The Security System: Excellent for peace of mind, until you forget your code and set off a neighborhood-wide alarm just trying to let the dog out.

It’s like our houses have gone from being comforting companions to slightly smug roommates.

Why We Keep Going Back

Still, we wouldn’t trade these gadgets. They make life convenient, efficient, and—when they actually work—pretty amazing. After all, being able to adjust the thermostat from bed or check on your front porch while on vacation is a level of luxury most of us dreamed about twenty years ago.

Plus, for homeowners, these “smart” features can increase resale value. Buyers love the idea of a modern home that’s move-in ready with connected tech—even if it occasionally makes you want to throw the remote across the room.

Final Thoughts

So, note to self: take a deep breath the next time you’re battling the TV login screen. You’re not alone. From thermostats with too much personality to fridges with stronger Wi-Fi needs than your teenager, smart home frustrations are part of modern living.

But here’s the thing—they also make our homes stand out, add comfort, and sometimes even give us a story to laugh about later.

Until the day homes become too smart and lock us out for bad behavior… I’ll just keep wrestling with my remote, muttering under my breath, and eating the popcorn anyway.

August in Lancaster County: Your Garden’s Late-Summer Revival

Hey, Sandra here—sending you a little late‑summer garden inspo to help your outdoor space glow through August and into fall.

What’s in Season Locally

– Sweet Corn & Potatoes are in abundance right now. Lancaster’s farm stands and markets are chock-full of sweet ears and dig-your-own potato fun—hello, spud‑tacular fries and Insta‑worthy digging adventures! 

What to Plant & How to Prep

– Late‑summer perennials like coneflowers, asters, mums, and irises are still great to plant, letting them get established before the cold. Herbs like sage and lemon balm are flourishing, too. 
– Flowers to sprinkle in now: dahlias, goldenrod, sunflowers, asters, sedum, autumn crocus, and nasturtiums—perfect for fall blooms and pollinator friends.
– August bloomers for extra summer glitz: Joe Pye Weed, rose mallow, crocosmia, New England aster, cardinal flower, swamp milkweed, goldenrod, leopard plant, and classic coneflowers. Gardening Know How

Garden TLC for August

1. Deadhead for more flowers—bust those faded blooms off geraniums, zinnias, catmint, lantana, lavender, coneflowers, and roses to encourage new growth. Homes and Gardens
   
   

2. Keep up maintenance—harvest fruits, veggies, and herbs regularly, weed, mulch for moisture retention, fertilize lightly, and check for pests like aphids and spider mites. 
   
   

3. Replace annuals with fall performers—swap tired summer annuals for pansies, snapdragons, or dianthus for longer-lasting color. Country Living
   
   

4. Prep for fall—start cleaning out spent plants, collect seeds, divide perennials if needed, and gear up for fall crops or bulbs. Real Simple
   
   

Watering Wisely in August Heat

– Keep watering just when plants need it—ideally early morning, directly at the soil, and give about an inch of water per week. Mulch helps keep moisture and prevent sun stress. 

Lawn Love

– Your lawn might be looking a bit brittle—water deeply once a week, raise your mower blade, leave clippings to mulch, avoid over-fertilizing, watch for pests, and clear debris to help it bounce back toward fall. Gardening Know How

Quick Snapshot

Community Corner

While you're gardening, check out local happenings like the Sunflower Festival at Cherry Crest—perfect for flower lovers and great Insta content—or enjoy Date Night in the Garden on August 21: live music, BYOB options, and a lovely evening outdoors.

Buying a home can feel overwhelming—financing, offers, inspections, appraisals… it’s a lot to navigate!

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone. A trusted agent will guide you every step of the way, so you can feel confident from start to close.

Got questions about the process?

Sandra Burkholder, EXP Realty
Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000
Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks, and York County, PA

Connecting you to your dream home and the heart of the community with a professional yet approachable touch.

www.sandraburkholder.com | www.wayfaringlancaster.com
[email protected] | [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.

Get Pre-Approved Before house hunting. I recommend contacting Shelly.