•  Keep your home warmer than you would normally like it when you are away from home
• Use fans to enable you to turn your thermostat up by 4 degrees with no reduction in your comfort level
• Turn your fans OFF when you leave a room. . . . fans do not cool rooms. . . they cool people by creating a wind chill
• Keep window shades and blinds closed to keep out the heat from the sun and to prevent direct sunlight from coming

Hosted by Taco Ride
Thu May 09 2013 – 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Council Bluffs, IA
Event Start Address
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Council Bluffs, IA
Description
Event Type
Party Ride
Expected Attendance
500-999
The Taco Ride takes place each Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa and back. For many, the Thursday night ride is a scenic trek through the Loess Hills ending with dinner at the Mineola Steakhouse. For others, the Taco Ride is a social event filled with cycling, scenery and a festive, party atmosphere. Everyone agrees that Thursday on the Wabash is something special.
As the trail became popular, cyclists discovered the Thursday night taco special offered at the bar in Silver City. However, the ride destination shifted to the closer town of Mineola when the bar in Silver City closed. The Mineola Steakhouse soon began offering their own tacos and beer special. Before long, the nickname “Taco Ride” was coined and the name stuck to describe what has become a weekly event for many. From the time the trail is dry enough in the spring until late in the fall, this Thursday night bike riding ritual takes place.
Most riders start at the trail head on the south side of Council Bluffs south of the Highway 92 and Highway 275 intersection near Lewis Central School. Parking is available at the trail head. As you begin your journey down the Wabash, you are quickly out of the city and your scenic ride through the Iowa countryside and the Loess Hills begins. The first two miles are relatively flat. Next you begin a gradual climb for the next four miles until you reach Dumfries. Alongside the trail you will find a picnic area that is affectionately nicknamed “Margaritaville” by riders. Slightly more than halfway, many riders will stop for a quick break and to join in conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them. From Margaritaville, it is a slight downhill ride into Mineola. The Mineola Steakhouse is located several blocks off the trail. Some riders get headed down the trail by mid-afternoon while others ride late into the night.
For cyclists who prefer a longer ride or a quieter dining atmosphere, they may enjoy riding four additional miles south to Silver City. It is a relatively easy ride and the trail is both scenic and not crowded with bikers. If you ride quietly, you have a chance to spot wildlife in the fields along the trail. Once in Silver City, the Silver City Saloon offers a wide variety of food on their menu.
Note: Unlike most of the rides listed here, the Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year.
Web Site: tacoride.com
Location: Council Bluffs, IA
Distance
approx 10 miles each way
Terrain
Gentle Grades
Pace
Ride is ridden at your own pace
Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa.
If you plan to ride at night in either Iowa or Nebraska, you are required by law to have lights on your bike for safety purposes. This law does apply if you are riding the Wabash Trace and the Taco Ride.
Iowa, the law requires that you have a white light on the front and either a red light or reflector on the rear. The lights must be visible from 300 feet.
In Nebraska, the requires that you have a light on the front and a red reflector* on the rear. In addition, Nebraska requires side reflectors and reflectors on either your shoes or pedals.

We all know that apartment hunting can be stressful.  Choosing your new home is a big decision.  Let the courteous and knowledgeable staff at Robert Hancock & Co. assist you in finding the apartment that’s perfect for you in Omaha or Council Bluffs.  Start by contacting any of our 9 properties’ leasing offices and we’ll get your stress free search started!

Also check out this article with 6 tips on How to Find the Right Apartment:

http://apartments.about.com/od/apartmenthunting/a/FindApartments.htm

The Omaha Farmers Market will start the 2013 season on Saturday, May 4th in the Old Market and Sunday, May 5th at Aksarben Village  just south of 67th and Center St. in mid town Omaha.  After a long off-season, market-goers will be ready to return for fresh produce from some of their favorite local farmers and vendors.  The 2013 season will go through October 19th & 20th.   

http://www.omahafarmersmarket.org/calendar.aspx

First, think about how you would like to use your patio. Will it be a quiet spot in the mornings to sip your coffee and thumb through the news on your tablet? Perhaps you want to use it as a spot for entertaining. Maybe you’d like to unwind after work in a cozy, relaxing oasis. Or maybe you want a sunny, peaceful spot for sunbathing. Decide on the patio or balcony’s main function before you start so you’ll have a clear vision of what you want the space to look like.

Now really look at your space. What is your view? What can you see on either side? What about above you? Listen – do you hear neighbors, traffic, or some other type of noise? Take note of the trouble spots so you can find ways to deal with them. Measure your space, write the dimensions down, and take that with you.

Patio or balcony furniture can range from a wrought-iron bistro table and two chairs to a modern, cushioned settee. If you plan to use your space for your morning coffee and perhaps an evening meal or two, consider a table and chairs. If you want to entertain, consider a settee and perhaps a chair or two. If you just want to relax and soak up the sun, then you’ll want a lounge chair or perhaps an outdoor couch. Since the space is small, you won’t be able to add everything, so pick what you would use most.

You don’t have to spend a lot, either. Look in thrift stores, shop garage and moving sales, or search the local second-hand shops. Don’t forget – you can paint, change cushions, and update hardware to make the piece your own, and it will only cost a fraction of what you would pay for a brand new piece of furniture.

Don’t forget about the lighting, especially if you will be using this space at night or for entertaining. Consider string lights, a hurricane lamp, a wall sconce, lanterns, or solar lighting.

If you don’t know how much sun your patio or balcony gets per day on average, keep track for about a week. If the space is full sun during the hottest part of the afternoon, you may want to consider adding a patio umbrella or other shade element. The amount of sun is also important for the type of plants you’ll choose. (If you have pets, be sure to check this list of plants that are poisonous to them.)

Plants will add privacy and color, will absorb some of the noise from traffic and neighbors, and will add texture and scent to your patio or balcony. If your balcony or patio sees mostly shade, consider using plants such as fuchsia, impatiens, and geraniums in your garden. If your space is mostly sunny, consider petunias, angel’s trumpet, bamboo, and lantana.

Consider adding a trellis, especially if you want to block a neighboring balcony or patio from view. Collect odd containers in different sizes and shapes, and don’t forget to add a few hanging baskets, as well. Your containers don’t have to come from the nearest garden center – consider upcycling “found” items to create a fun look to your patio or balcony. Add height with bamboo and other tall plants, and add visual interest bystacking containers or including garden statues, gazing balls, water features, and other garden décor.

Your apartment patio or balcony is an extension of your space – don’t let it go to waste by just storing your bicycle out there. From extra space for parties to a serene location to start your mornings off right, a functional and attractive outdoor space is a fantastic apartment amenity, so use it!