By Rebecca Riden

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Fall is a great season for a screened porch, a bug-free, fresh-air-yet-dry space to enjoy anything from dinner with friends to a quiet place for coffee while reading the newspaper. After a busy day working inside, even a few moments spent on a porch can provide a welcome chance to reconnect with nature.

To make a screened porch feel part of the home, I like sliding doors. A four-panel sliding door unit with two doors that slide and two that stay fixed creates a doorway 5 to 6 feet wide that makes the porch feel connected to the adjacent room. It is perfect for entertaining when an extra table space might be needed but everyone can still overhear what is happening inside.

This additional space easily can make a cozy room feel just right when filled with guests. Sliding doors dont need door swing space in either the porch or room, which helps furniture layouts on comfy porches. .

Doors between the house and porch dont need screen doors because the porch provides screening.

Location, location, location a screened porch will block sunlight from interior rooms. Ideally the room with doors to the porch has windows on adjacent walls to allow natural light.

Although a wrap-around porch may seem intriguing, it can create dark interior rooms by limiting sunlight. Southeast is the preferred side to allow light in throughout the day but not the harsh west light. The porch roof overhang needs to be studied to see what works well to block summer sun but allow late fall and early spring light.

Having always lived in a four-season climate, I appreciate fall, yet realize that winter is around the corner. As much work as it is to winterize a porch by hauling cushions and even furniture inside, it is equally exciting to bring it back when the spring returns. While shopping, keep in mind what furniture, fabrics and even rugs will need protection, and think about where they will be stored during those winter days.

Sometimes a client is tempted to want the ability to use a screened porch year-round by installing windows. Honestly, this isnt the same as it becomes a sunroom or another room with many windows and the semi-outdoor atmosphere can be greatly diminished. Feeling a breeze roll though on a screened porch on a quiet fall evening is definitely a treat, and for those warm, still days, a ceiling fan built for exterior use is a welcome addition.

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Screend porches let in just enough fall

Posted on: 6:19 pm, November 7, 2012, by Beverly Taylor, updated on: 09:36pm, November 7, 2012

OAK CREEK Some Oak Creek homeowners have discovered some disturbing literature on their front porches. Officials are calling these pamphlets a form of hate.

Roger Drews says the pamphlets appeared on porches of some of the homes in his Oak Creek neighborhood last week. Although the pamphlets didnt make it to his door, Drews said he recognized some of the wording from a spam email.

What caught my eye is the liberal definition of racism. I just wanted to know what that was, and I opened that an this is what that was. Then, I deleted it, Drews said.

One of Drews neighbors told police about the pamphlets.

It raised some attention right away, just because the person who called said theyre threatening the Sikh community. When we looked at it, all it had was on the very top front line, it said youve heard of the Sikh Temple shooting, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said.

The pamphlets reportedly said: While you will hear about the Sikh Temple over and over and over, you will not hear about the white people being slaughtered on a daily basis in whats left of this country.

The pamphlets also reportedly outline a Jewish agenda.

It was a lot of ranting and raving and a political view that the media doesnt cover: white violence, Chief Edwards said.

The Oak Creek Police Department has a copy of the pamphlet on file. Chief Edwards says those who find the pamphlets on their property should dispose of them.

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Disturbing literature delivered to some homes in Oak Creek

A House to Call Home!
http://www.tourfactory.com ----- For more information, contact: Dan Joan Horn, (904) 509-4381, Jax Elite Realty ----- CHARMING BRICK HOME ON SERENE WATERFRONT LOT. OVER $50000 IN PREMIUM UPGRADES. EXCEPTIONAL DETAILS INCL: ANTIQUE FIREPLACE MANTEL, ETCHED GLASS ENTRY DOOR, ART GLASS LIGHT FIXTURES, LIFE SIZED MAIDEN GARDEN STATUE, CUSTOM BLINDS, BUILT-INS MOLDINGS, DESIGNER CARPET TILE. NEWER ROOF, A/C ELECTRIC. LARGE .4 ACRE WATERFRONT LOT WITH SPACIOUS PORCHES, PATIOS AND DECKS OVERLOOKING WATER. GATED COMMUNITY FEATURES:COMMUNITY POOL, PARKS, LAKES, TENNIS CRTS, WALKING TRAILS PLAYGROUND.ONLY 5 MINUTES TO THE BEACH!From:TourFactoryViews:0 0ratingsTime:04:13More inTravel Events

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A House to Call Home! - Video

Custom Home and Shop
http://www.tourfactory.com ----- For more information, contact: Kristie Zorens, 281-610-7240, Champions Real Estate Group ----- Custom Ranch style home and workshop constructed of metal with steel frame, overlayed with stone cedar providing for very low maintenance all on 13.121 acs. Home is spacious, with neutral colors, updated hardware and ceiling fans. Extremely spacious living and kitchen areas are excellent for entertaining. Custom cabinetry and granite counters accent this warm and very functional kitchen. Bonus to buyer is a huge Kenmore Elite Commerical Refrig/Freezer custom moveable island. Huge master suite with grand walk-in closet, Master Bath includes separate tub/shower. ADA interior hall and bedroom doors. Enjoy the outdoors with huge porches, deck, firepit, 3/4 acre pond stocked with catfish and bass, shooting range, trails and rolling terrain. Even the dog gets a supersized kennel!!From:TourFactoryViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:22More inTravel Events

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Custom Home and Shop - Video

649 Duck Cove Road, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654
649 Duck Cove Road Roque Bluffs, ME Due East Real Estate http://www.realestatebook.com Three season quaint cottage with abutting water front lot . Cottage is two bedroom, full bath and two enclosed porches. Very quiet and pretty setting. Waterfront lot set up as picnic area but could be built on. Rental history on cottage.From:realestatebook23Views:0 0ratingsTime:01:24More inHowto Style

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649 Duck Cove Road, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654 - Video

15101 Five Forks Rd., Amelia Court House, VA 23002
15101 Five Forks Rd. Amelia Court House, VA Diana and Terry Real Estate http://www.realestatebook.com #39;Swiss Dixie Farm... Where the magic begins.. #39;Setting on 35 breathtaking acres w/pristine views of Lake/Farmhouse has been tastefully renovated includes over 8500 square feet,gazebo,20x40 poolw/stamped concrete,covered patio,boat house Gorgeous kitchen w/granite,great rm w/marble f/p sunroom 3bdrms,3.5 bthrms.Spacious Family rm w/exquisive english brick f/place, recreation area,office,2bdrm full bth inviting porches patios offer a restful spot for relaxing or entertaining! From the patio, enjoy spectacular sunrises over Lake Candace! 1-Mile winding Paved Drive Entrance gently meanders past the gazebo; A perfect spot 4 unforgettable evenings! Ball Rm over 11000 sqft lg stone f/pl,pristine views from every window!! OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE! (Agent is related to Seller)From:RealEstateBook20Views:0 0ratingsTime:03:27More inHowto Style

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15101 Five Forks Rd., Amelia Court House, VA 23002 - Video

2 Bed Stylish Wooden Villa in Koh Samui
wpost.in "The spacious wooden villa is located in private gated area in the coconut garden at the heart of Meanam district. Just 2 minutes walk to the beach and the center providing all facilities necessary. This stylish villa is designed and constructed rich of highest quality wood. The internal villa is made of teak wood. Outstanding, the posts at the front balcony are made of 100+ years of Mangos teen wood, whereas externally the villa impresses with highest quality Hopean wood. A beautiful and rare eye catch! The modern fence around the house with timer lighting allows you to adjust on/off time at night . Inside, 2 spacious bedrooms upstairs with bathroom en suited for the Master bedroom, and beautifully built in furniture, full of charming details. Both including AC, and open to a big connected balcony, spacious enough for your morning stretching routine! The house offers you 2 romantic Bathrooms with rain shower and big bath tub decorated with beautifully handmade tiles in original Bali style, inviting you for a hot bath or shower. Downstairs, a well equipped and modern European kitchen awaits you, with a stylish counter bar and decent d?cor lighting, making it the heart of the charming house. The huge windows in the living and dining room can be widely opened, so guests are welcome to enjoy the refreshing breeze going through the house all day long. Huge porches upstairs and downstairs inviting you to relax in idyllic surroundings of the coconut gardens, making ...From:roomoramaViews:0 0ratingsTime:02:05More inHowto Style

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2 Bed Stylish Wooden Villa in Koh Samui - Video

107 Little Falls Road, Pembroke, ME 04666
107 Little Falls Road Pembroke, ME Due East Real Estate http://www.realestatebook.com #1858 Abundance of Charm both inside out. Tin ceilings,Hardwood floors,2 Lovely enclosed porches.New windows.Nicely lndscapd yrd w/garden all ready for planting.lg pine trees giving a private waterfront area..feels like your very own park.From:RealEstateBook10Views:0 0ratingsTime:01:00More inHowto Style

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107 Little Falls Road, Pembroke, ME 04666 - Video

Lovely Home in Exclusive Gated Community
http://www.tourfactory.com ----- For more information, contact: Harry Morris, 936-524-4334, Texas Select Property Group ----- This home is a great entertaining place with covered porches and open concept home. Owner says sell and would consider selling the home furnished. This large one story has an extra room over the garage and would be great for a family. Loaded with quality extras and close to the lake and I-45. High ceiling thru out and zoned AC system perfect for the MT nesters. Room to spare when the kids come home. Large oversized Master suite, den and a garage dad would love. Owner motivated and EZ to showFrom:TourFactoryViews:0 0ratingsTime:05:18More inTravel Events

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Lovely Home in Exclusive Gated Community - Video

Rustic Log Home
http://www.tourfactory.com ----- For more information, contact: Barbra Holcomb, 409-787-4777, REMAX 1st Realty ----- PRICE REDUCED to $129000.... COUNTRY RUSTIC IN A WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT ON 2 ACRES OF WOODED LAND...YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!...A NEAR BY BOAT RAMP AND A SHORT WALK TO THE WATERS EDGE FROM YOUR HOME.... THE HOME BACKS UP TO NATIONAL FOREST WHICH GIVES YOU ACCESS TO THE LAKE. A VERY COMFORTABLE SETTING WITH SPACIOUS PORCHES TO ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS.... A GREAT DEAL!From:TourFactoryViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:47More inTravel Events

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Rustic Log Home - Video