Paulas Picture Window

Last Weekend in Our Garden

2012-01-27T23:21:00.000-05:00

Isn't he beautiful?!

And here are the girls.
We had a warm spell after this so all the snow is gone again now..one of the warmest least snowy winters in a looooong time. (No complaints.)

2 Surprising Troubleshooting Fixes

2012-01-23T00:33:00.000-05:00

I bought some violets last year at the supermarket, and they bloomed and looked lovely all summer. I kept them on the south facing windowsill in my kitchen. Then, they stopped blooming. They looked healthy, but they were all leaves. When checking them out I noticed that the window and windowsill were quite cold where they were, so I switched them out to my office windowsill, still facing south-but now they are close to the heating vent in my office and much warmer. Within a few days they were blooming again! They are a delight to look at.

Lesson learned: Violets need not only sunshine but warmth.

Problem #2
My LG dumbphone wouldn't keep a charge for more than a few hours, even when keeping it in the charger for a full charge, and without even talking to anyone on it, it would be down to 2 bars within a few hours.
So I went to Verizon and the service guy took out the battery to find the size and make, and I ordered a new one for $21 from the warehouse in Texas. It should take a few days to get here yet.

So all of a sudden my battery totally is holding a charge for days now without bar/power loss.
Lesson learned: If your battery doesn't keep a charge, try taking it out, and putting it back in to see if that is the magical fix. It was for me. And now I wasted $21. ugh

Buyers Beware, 5 Hypnotic Home Staging Techniques- and How to See Through Them.

2011-11-26T23:54:00.001-05:00

We all know how important home staging is if you’re trying to sell a home. It’s equally important when you’re buying real estate for exactly the same reasons. Just like a person you meet on a blind date, staging is all about highlighting assets and deflecting your attention from any flaws. As a buyer, you have to learn to look past the staging and see what lies underneath.

That’s not as easy as it sounds because clever staging can be hypnotic. I once had a client who called this the "vortex of cute." If you hear yourself oohing and aahing over wall hangings or a fabulous sectional, watch out! Even if you’re buying a furnished home, which is rarely the case, you're focusing on the wrong thing.

Understanding hypnotic staging techniques will help you break their spells. Here are five of the most common, along with corresponding tips that will help snap you back to reality so that you can really see what you’re buying.

Hypnotic Staging See-Through #1: Tiny Furniture. I’m sure that you’ve gone through your closet at one time or another to put together an outfit that made you look smaller than you are (fine, then – I’ll speak for myself!). Well, house staging aims to accomplish the exact opposite. By opting for very small furniture, rooms can be made to appear much larger than they really are.
That can be a problem if those rooms don’t accommodate your lifestyle.

I’m not recommending you turn away from a potential home just because it won’t fit your Nana’s custom-made-for-her-13-kids-and-their-spouses dining room table. But if the 'kids bedroom" won’t fit a standard-sized bed and dresser, or you’d have to be the size of a Barbie doll to fit on the chaise lounge that the living room is sized to fit, you’ve got a problem.

Should you fall in love with a place that's heavily staged with tiny furniture, bring measurements of your furniture and a tape measure on your second look to make sure they’ll actually, comfortably fit.

Hypnotic Staging See-Through #2: Camoflauge and Cover-Ups. Just like baked cookies can make a house smell homey, gauzy wall and window coverings and soft music can make it seem positively dreamy. Downside: they can also camouflage a whole lot of nastiness. Don’t be fooled: investigate. You need to know what the natural light and sounds will be like after the gauze is gone, so ask for the music to be turned off and throw open the curtains. Then look outside the various windows to see what’s out there – I’ve seen power poles, neighbors’ patchwork roof repairs and even, once, a backyard dog fighting ring, obscured by gorgeous window coverings.

Speaking of looking, make sure you draw back any and all coverings, and open all closet and cupboard doors. I know a homeowner who only found out after she had purchased her home that the built-in microwave was powered by an extension cord. She hadn’t wanted to snoop, so (much to her electrician’s subsequent delight) she simply didn’t check behind door #17.

Hypnotic Staging See-Through #3: Activity Props You’ll Never Use. Don’t you just feel all warm and fuzzy when you walk into a room with a lovely crib and a baby mobile? See a room with well-organized shelving and a craft table and you immediately imagine yourself scrapbooking or quilting. Yoga mats and meditation pillows almost make you want to find your mantra, but also make a room seem more serene than it will ever feel when you actually live there (considering you’ve never said a single ‘om’.)

Come on, now - this is you we’re talking about. Unless you have—or plan to have—a baby or already do crafts or meditate, you need a home that will fit your lifestyle, your needs and your wish list. So when you feel yourself being swayed, just make a list of the activities you actually do in your current home and want to do in your new one, and pay attention to whether a given prospective property actually has space for those items. (I’ve heard that stamp collecting can take up almost as much space as cultivating orchids – who knew?!)

Hypnotic Staging See-Through #4: Any item that seems to be there strictly for appearances. Décor can often hide or diminish the appearance of flaws that seem like small potatoes in light of the overall fabulosity of the place, but can actually prove expensive to change. So check for items that seem like they might have been put in just for looks—including curtains, rugs, paintings and doorways with no doors on them—and then don your sleuthing hat to figure out what flaws they might be concealing. Water stains and wall cracks can be covered up (sometimes intentionally, sometimes not) by area rugs and wall hangings, and wonky floor plans can be staged as more open by taking the doors off their hinges.

Hypnotic Staging See-Through #5: Neighborhood staging. Before you get off investigative mode, you’ll also want to check out the neighborhood. Not the staged neighborhood -- the real thing, warts and cars on the lawn and screaming schoolkids and all. I've actually seen neighbors move their cars and refrain from their normal (noisy) activities when there’s an open house on the block. Even without that kind of intentional neighborhood staging, most open houses are held on a relatively calm days of the week and times of day, when traffic is light and noise is low.

To get the real scoop, make sure to visit the house at different times of day and on different days of the week in order to determine what the noise levels are like at evenings and weekend. You also want to make a point of showing up at the hours you’ll normally be coming and going, so you can check to see how easy it is to get in and out of the driveway vis-a-vis traffic and what the noise levels are like at evenings and weekend.

Agents: What staging see-throughs have you developed over the years?

Buyers and Sellers: What about you? What staging techniques have you found to be powerful – or pitiful?
Article by Tara-Nicholle Nelson@Trulia 11/14/2011-broker in San Francisco CA

In Case of Emergency!!

2011-11-02T00:36:00.003-04:00

August 23, 2011
One of the strongest ever recorded earthquake in the east coast shakes Washington D.C. and the Metro area this afternoon at 1:51 pm. Until this news posted no death is reported but some people injured. According to the U.S. Geological Survey the quake initially recorded the quake at 5.8 magnitude but later upgraded it to a 5.9.

    So as we all know, in August the East Coast experienced both a 5.9 magnitude earthquake as well as Hurricane later that week. For those of us who have lived in this area our whole lives, this is unusual news. As such, most of us were unprepared or scared by these events, since they didn't fit into our sense of reality in our lives. Perhaps because of climate change, we need to rethink what we need to be prepared for, and to experience. This week in October, we also had a freakishly early ice/snowstorm..which downed trees and left millions without power. Millions are still without power up the East Coast, and it may still be another week before they get their electricity restored.
    This is not meant to scare anyone..these are pretty much freak occurances around here....at least for the past hundred years.
    I was home alone in August working on my computer when the earthquake hit...wow..my whole house was shaking, and then I thought that perhaps my washer and dryer became possessed like in those scary movies- they were dancing the jitterbug in my laundry room, and by that time I thought- uh oh, I'm going crazy and hallucinating because I have NO IDEA what is going on here. (I have never experienced an earthquake before.)
     And then finally the laundry room stopped screaming metal noises,the earth and my house stopped shaking, but I continued to personally shake for about another hour and a half. Luckily we didn't lose power, and a few minutes later CNN told me that we had an earthquake, which in some ways was comforting, and in other ways, confounding to me. Nevertheless, now I know what it feels like, and have been educated by experience.
But it made me aware that we need to know what to do in these situations, as evidenced by how me, people in DC and all the surrounding areas, all up and down the East Coast...did things exactly WRONG as we should have, so I am sharing some valuable information with you all ...not only us in the East Coast, but travelers to the West Coast and all over the globe, in case you find yourself in a confounding experience like we did. Please read and try to remember in case of an emergency.

This is an eye opener. Directly opposite of what we've been taught over the years!

EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP'S ARTICLE ON THE: 'TRIANGLE OF LIFE'

My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save untold lives in an earthquake.

I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years. I have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.

The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene, unnecessary, and I wondered why the children were not in the aisles. I didn't at the time know that the children were told to hide under something.

Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.

TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY

1) Most everyone who 'ducks and covers' WHEN BUILDINGS COLLAPSE, are crushed to death. People getting under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.

2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, or a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.

3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.

4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.

5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.

6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward, you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!

7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency', (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.

8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.

9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.

10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.

In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul, University of Istanbul Case Productions and Paratrooper to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did 'duck and cover,' and ten mannequins I used in my 'triangle of life' survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable, scientific conditions, relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover. There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the 'triangle of life.' This film has been seen by millions of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe, and it was seen in the USA, Canada, and Latin America, on the TV program Real TV.

Spread the word and save someone's life...The Entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!

Yesterday in Our Garden, A Doe and Her Twin Bambis

2011-09-01T19:14:00.002-04:00

I ask people why they have deer heads on their walls. They always say because it's such a beautiful animal. There you go. I think my mother is attractive, but I have photographs of her.
Ellen DeGeneres

A Dog, a Cat, and a Rat

2011-08-21T23:30:00.002-04:00

If they can do it, why can't we?..., via YouTube...click here.

This is a video of a homeless man in Santa Barbara and his pets. They work State Street every week for donations. The animals are pretty well fed and are mellow. They are a family. The man who owns them rigged a harness up for his cat so she wouldn't have to walk so much (like the dog and himself). At some juncture the rat came along, and as no one wanted to eat anyone else, the rat started riding with the cat and, often, on the cat! The dog, will stand all day and let you talk to him and admire him for a few chin scratches. The Mayor of Santa Barbara filmed this clip and sent it out as a holiday card.

Don't worry, I promise you that this is a simple story on youtube about 1 man and his mission, and it's just over 2 minutes..no viruses or anything. oxoxPaula

My GE Oven Fire

2011-08-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

My house was built in 1995, the last house that was built in the Quince Haven neighborhood in Gaithersburg, or North Potomac MD. We are the second owners, and have done some updating since we moved in, but our wall oven was the original.
   Last month, after preheating the oven, I put some vegetables in the oven to roast, and continued making supper. Moments later, I was surprised by a bright light coming from the oven. Luckily, I was just steps away, because there was a flame in there burning around and on the element about 6 inches high!! I grabbed my baking dish out of the oven quickly, and the flames rose higher. I quickly closed the door..and the flames continued. I turned off the oven, and the flaming continued. I threw some flour on the flames- bad idea...that stuff burns.
   First of all, I knew that the fire wasn't caused by grease or dirt in the oven, because my oven was quite clean. Not perfectly clean, but there were no drips or spills and I had cleaned the oven recently.
The fire kept burning, and I quite frankly was getting in a panic because I wasn't sure where this fire might lead to. The fire started on the right side of the lower burning element and was traveling around the shape melting the metal and the sheath it was encased in. The door was closed but this fire wasn't slowing down.
   Luckily I wasn't home alone and my daughter's boyfriend ran downstairs to the basement and found the fusebox...he didn't know where it was but me in my panic must have given him ok directions, and he found the fuse switch for the oven and turned it off. Finally, the fire went out.
   I don't know who marked our fusebox so well with each and every switch- maybe it was the engineer who lived in our house before us, but I am most grateful that everything was so well labeled.
   If your fusebox isn't labeled well, I would suggest someday soon, before you need it, that is a project well worth its time to do. The other suggestion is not to leave an oven or stove unattended...who knows what may have happened with the fire if no one noticed it. Make sure smoke alarms are working too.
   Below are photos of the meltdown and our response when I contacted GE about the fire. The fire began at the red pen and finally went out when it reached the blue pen, when the electricity was turned off to the oven at the fuse box.

A closer view.

I emailed GE and they said they are sorry it happened, and gave me the phone number of a GE repair service. I called the service and made and appt. and they said it would be $99 to come to the house, plus parts and labor, with the $99 deducted from the final bill. I cancelled the apt. cause why would I want to spend who knows how much on repairing an oven from 1995.

I emailed GE with photos, complained, and they said they will waive the $99 service call house fee, or would I like a $50 client rebate certificate, because they value my business. What do you think? Wall ovens are expensive ($1000+-$3000)..I'm researching them right now. Meanwhile, I did "google" GE oven fires, and I see that I'm not the only one this has happened to.

NO MORE BIG GOVERNMENT! Um, but wait...

2011-08-17T19:47:00.000-04:00

That's the rallying cry these days heard around the country. Yes, government is useless!...Well, except for when they do things right...LIKE Maryland JUST DID.

A new phone service and website were recently established for traffic and weather reports, incidents, and tourism. Dial 511 on your phone, cell or landline, or http://www.md511.org/ for cameras of traffic, information on road contruction, bridges, back ups, delays and more. You can also sign up for alerts by phone or email if you have a regular commuting route that you would like covered for alerts.

Brought to you by:

Everybody wants to eat at the government's table, but nobody wants to do the dishes. ~Werner Finck
I'm tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it. ~Alexander Woollcott
Applause, mingled with boos and hisses, is about all that the average voter is able or willing to contribute to public life. ~Elmer Davis

Anyway, check out this new 511 service! It's also available in VA, PA, and DC too.

It's FAIR TIME! And maybe it won't be too HOT to enjoy it! See you there! MoCo Rocks!

2011-08-12T02:03:00.000-04:00

It's time again for the Montgomery County Fair, which is hosted each year at the Fairgrounds just off Rt. 355/Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg. Plenty of parking ($5) or park at Lakeforest Mall and take the shuttle bus for free. There's so much to see, do and eat there! From the entertainment, the farming, quilting, art, food extravaganzas, rides, farm exhibits, community interests..and if the weather is a bit cooler than it has been recently (less than 100 degrees), it might be a lovely way to spend a day or evening enjoying what MoCo has to offer. Opening Friday August 12-20th, 2011. Special rates and attractions on different days. Free Senior Day..etc.

Chinese Generosities in MoCo MD

2011-08-10T00:19:00.003-04:00

On Saturday it was a sunny nice day so I ran out to do some shopping to stock up on fruits and vegetables. One of my most favorite places to go is the Grand Mart on Muddy Branch Road in Gaithersburg. (I nicknamed it the Chino/Latino market.) To me, this store is very special- it's like a food museum where I wander the aisles and wonder about what I am seeing. They have the most amazing produce section, with many kinds of mushrooms, greens, onions, peppers, eggplants, bananas, oranges, potatoes, things and kinds you have never seen before- a plethora of produce and fish and meat and hot sauces and soy sauces and rices, etc., the likes of which most Americans never have seen or have the opportunity to try in most grocery stores. And all at Great Low Prices! Cauliflower-99cents a head, an amazingly delicious Basa fish from VietNam-$2.99/lb. Latino juices, spices, tortillas, cheeses, an array of taste tempting Indian breads, spices, and so many things that I can't even list the categories. Even Lebanese Labne! Anyway, I stocked up and came out of the store, and it was pouring rain. There was a lady outside the store on it's site selling floor fans, flavored iced teas, glass leftover containers, and discounted porcelain dishes, and we began to chat about the unexpected rains. I decided to wait a bit to run to my car, hoping the rains would let up a little..which they did. Meanwhile though, the lady selling stuff outside offered me some containers of the iced teas..she said- for you, for free. That was so sweet, but I didn't accept cause I wasn't really thirsty, plus I had iced coffee waiting for me in my van. Not so significant an event, until Sunday. When I began to see a trend......

On Sunday, Paul and I went out to do a little shopping for some other things, actually wedding presents, when we decided to check out another Asian Market - Kam Sam Supermarket on 300 N. Washington St. in Rockville- just off Rt. 355 and on to N. Washington, and down about a block on the right. (There is also another store at 4316 Markham St. in Annandale, VA.) This store is also quite interesting, and we found the things we were looking for..good selection of foods, but also a good selection of Asian plates and dishes. Much smaller than Grand Mart, but the prices and selections of items were quite good. When we were checking out, the clerks were so nice and cheerful and friendly to us that they gave us for free, the items below. Maybe it doesn't hurt that Paul speaks some decent Mandarin, and I know a little too..I can maybe speak like a Chinese baby. They were quite generous, friendly and kind. We used to live in Taiwan, Okinawa and Singapore. It reminded me of why we loved living in Asia- such kind generous and friendly people.

   Next we stopped at Maxim's, the Asian market on Rt. 355 that has been there for many years..to compare and shop a bit more- almost across the street from the last store. We found the prices on almost all that we compared were a bit higher here than for Kam Sam, but they also do have good selections. Also, not so grand and big scale with selections like at Grand Mart. Again, so friendly, generous, they gave us for free these interesting drinks of grass jelly at checkout. I think all these folks are encouraging us to continue shopping at their supermarkets. Fine with me - I love their prices and marvelous choices of interesting foods. (I've never drank grass jelly drink- I'll let you know on how that turns out. Any opinions are welcome on this.)
   So folks, if you haven't taken the plunge to wander into some of MoCo's fine ethnic grocery markets, please do - you won't be sorry. Most of these stores are open daily, every day, 8 am - 8 pm. You will feel quite welcome there. We certainly did. Thank you Grand Mart, Kam Sam and Maxim's for being Special, and for making us feel that way.
   And tonight I made a real nice and healthy dinner of rice, broccoli, chicken, and eggplants- 3 stirfry dishes.

Ratings for a Selection of US Popular Beaches - Is Your Beach Safe and Clean?

2011-07-10T00:34:00.000-04:00

NRDC, Natural Resources Defense Council, lists popular U.S. beaches and rates them based on various criteria. NRDC's star-criteria rewards beaches that only exceeded health standards less than 5 percent of the time last year and over the last three years, and for the following best practices: testing more than once a week, notifying the public promptly when tests reveal bacteria levels exceeding health standards, and posting closings and advisories both online and at the beach.

They granted Super Star Status to only 4 beaches this year- 2 are in Delaware, one in Minnesota, and one in New Hampshire. For us locals, that's mighty good news for us who frequent Dewey Beach and Rehobeth. To see the full USA report, Click Here. If you head to the beaches...you might want to check this out..it includes CA and lots of other states too.

Gaithersburg Book Festival, The Rapture, the Preakness and a Birthday Party

2011-05-21T02:31:00.007-04:00

Saturday, May 21st, in Gaithersburg is the 2nd Annual l Gaithersburg Book Festival (click there for more info) at which we are all looking forward to. We will be attending in downtown OldTowne Gaithersburg at the site of the City Hall Grounds on Summit Ave., just off Rt 355, Frederick Rd. and by St. Martins Church there. The weather is expected to be beautiful, after a week of clouds and storms..although the worst bypassed us north and south of here this week. Book presentations, authors, workshops, discussions, poetry, and musical entertainment. Free admission, parking around the area, in Old Towne, and shuttle bus from Lakeforest Mall. See you there! for a great day!

Saturday, May 21, 2011, 10 am - 6 pm.

Afterward, for Paul and me, a birthday/Preakness/Rapture Party of a dear friend and past RE client (Bonnie) of many years. I hope you will join us at the Book Festival!..I suspect you won't be disappointed! Art and literature soooo enrich our lives, and it's so fun, good, and expanding to reach out to the authors who have shared their lives with us, and to share our lives with them. And for them to teach us their skills and passions.

She Loved being brushed and cuddled, right up to the very end.

2011-05-17T00:56:00.000-04:00

These are our two cats, Jasmine on the top of the chair, and Sushi below.

Sadly, we lost our 16 year old Sushi on Saturday evening to kidney failure, a battle she had been waging for weeks, but lost. Paul and I were with her when she passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

It was very difficult for us to say goodbye to her - she was such a sweet soul and such a good cat all her life. It was almost as hard letting our adult "kids" know that she had passed on. She brought us much joy, as well as lots of her lovely white hair all over our black clothes.

Cats are Wonderful Friends

Gentle eyes that see so much,

paws that have the quiet touch,

Purrs to signal "all is well"

and show more love than words could tell.

Graceful movements touched with pride,

a calming presence by our side --

A friendship that takes time to grow --

Small wonder why we love them so.

And God asked the feline spiritPerhaps this is the reason why she became ill, and it was weeks before she passed. But we decided early on that if she wasn't suffering, we would go the distance with her, and as it seemed to be, she went in her own time, at home, where she loved to be.

Are you ready to come home?

Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul

And, as a cat, you know I am most able

To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.

Soon, replied the whiskered angel

But I must come slowly

For my human friends are troubled

For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God

That you'll never leave them?

That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?

That nothing is created or destroyed?

It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,

Replied the glorious cat

For I will whisper into their hearts

That I am always with them

I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown

FEELING PAIN EVERY TIME YOU PUMP?

2011-05-11T18:52:00.000-04:00

This may help. GasBuddy can locate the cheapest and most expensive gas stations around Maryland as well as other states around the country.
There also is a feature on that site where you can calculate how much a trip will cost you by factoring in the make and model of your car, and the distance to the final destination.

Announcing New Babies to the World!

2011-05-06T02:52:00.000-04:00

While we don't have any new babies directly in our family, we have friends who do. It's so exciting and heartwarming. This is baby Sebastian.

And with the new babies, come new Baby Names. While this isn't earthshattering news, I think most people find it interesting to see the most popular names of babies as the years go on. The Social Security Administration has just announced the most popular names for 2010.

Top 10 Names for Girls:

1. Isabella
2. Sophia
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Chloe
10. Mia

Top 10 Names for Boys:

1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Jayden
5. William
6. Alexander
7. Noah
8. Daniel
9. Aiden
10. Anthony

Top Five Trending Names for Girls:

1. Maci
2. Giuliana
3. Tiana
4. Quinn
5. Adalynn

Top Five Trending Names for Boys:

1. Bentley
2. Kellan
3. Knox
4. Enzo
5. Karter

A Dozen Recipes for Leftover Easter Eggs

2011-04-26T01:01:00.000-04:00

Got a few too many leftover Easter eggs on hand? With the 12 hard-boiled egg recipe ideas here, they'll likely disappear quickly.
Getty Images
Got a few too many leftover Easter eggs on hand? The good news is that, if left in their shells, hard-boiled eggs will keep in the fridge for up to a week. But with the 12 hard-boiled egg recipe ideas here, they'll likely disappear a lot faster than that. In fact, you might find yourself boiling another dozen. (A note on safety: Be sure to use food-grade dye for your eggs and don't eat eggs that have been out of the fridge for more than two hours total.)

Southwestern Egg Salad Sandwich: Mash chopped eggs with a potato masher or a fork along with some mayo, a little chipotle in adobo or chipotle chile powder, lime juice, salt and sliced scallions. Place on a sandwich roll along with sliced avocado.

Egg Quesadilla: Brush one side of a burrito-size flour tortilla with olive oil. Place oiled side down on a baking sheet. Scatter shredded pepper Jack cheese over the tortilla, top with sliced hard-boiled eggs, green salsa and cilantro sprigs. Top with more cheese and another tortilla. Brush top of tortilla with oil and bake until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is crisp.

Eggs in Purgatory: Make a spicy tomato sauce with onions, garlic, a little bacon (if you like), tomatoes and some cayenne. Slice hard-boiled eggs about 1/2-inch thick, place in a shallow pasta bowl and spoon sauce over.

Potato and Egg Salad: Boil Yukon gold potatoes in their jackets until tender. Drain; peel while still warm, cut into thick slices and toss with a little vinegar (I like sherry or rice vinegar, but it's really your choice). Let sit 30 minutes then toss with hard-boiled egg slices, finely chopped red onion, a little mayo, and a little mustard. If you like, jazz it up with some ham, shrimp or cooked chicken.

Eggs with Asparagus and Parmesan Cheese: Do a riff on an Italian classic that usually has poached or fried eggs atop roasted asparagus. Trim ends of asparagus, then cut them in half crosswise. Place in a bowl, toss with olive oil to coat and roast at 400 degrees until lightly browned and crisp-tender. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs and roast a few more minutes until cheese has melted. Top with chopped hard-boiled eggs and chives, and if you like, a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
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Quick Egg and Vegetable Hash: Cook some chopped onions, diced red pepper, and thinly sliced peeled carrots in a combo of butter and vegetable or olive oil until the onion is golden brown and caramelized. Add diced cooked potatoes and cook until the potatoes are nicely browned. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs and just a little cream or half-and-half; cook until eggs are heated through.

Not Your Usual Egg Sandwich: Use a baguette or a couple of slices of thick whole-grain country bread. Spread hot pepper jelly on both sides of the bread and top with arugula, sliced prosciutto and sliced eggs.

Warm Bacon, Spinach and Egg Salad: Cook a few slices of bacon until crisp, save the bacon fat and whisk it together with red wine vinegar, red currant jelly (or a little brown sugar) and toss while still warm with fresh spinach and sliced sautéed or grilled portobello mushroom caps, hard-boiled eggs cut in wedges and crumbled bacon. If you don't want to use bacon, omit it and make the dressing with olive oil.

Rich and Creamy Salad Dressing: Halve hard-boiled eggs and separate yolks and whites. Push yolks through a fine-meshed strainer. Whisk in olive oil, mustard, a touch of lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss with a hearty lettuce, such as romaine, and garnish with chopped egg whites. Variation: Combine sour cream, mustard, yolks, and mayonnaise for a creamy thick dressing.

Norwegian Butter Cookies: This treat is a perfect use for egg yolks. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 2 mashed hard-boiled egg yolks, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until well combined. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and, if you like, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom. Fold in 1 cup all-purpose flour. Using a teaspoon measure, drop cookie dough mixture 1-inch apart onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, until golden around edges and set. Cool 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Meatloaf with Eggs: Put together your favorite meatloaf mixture. Pat half of it into a loaf pan, then make a trench lengthwise down the center and place a row of hard-boiled eggs in the trench. Top with remaining meatloaf mixture, patting it down to enclose the eggs and bake.

Gratinéed Eggs: Make a white sauce by melting 3 tablespoons butter and whisking in 3 tablespoons of flour, cooking over medium-low heat until just beginning to turn golden. Whisk in 2 cups milk, a little nutmeg, salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne. Cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Whisk in about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar (or more if you like). Spoon some of the mixture into an 8 x 8 baking dish that's been brushed with a little butter. Place 6 to 8 thickly sliced eggs in the dish and top with more sauce. Sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown and bubbling.

This article was an AOL original.
Read more: http://www.kitchendaily.com/easter/easter-egg-recipes/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk2%7C210857#ixzz1KbOqdPix

Sunday Seeds

2011-04-19T22:13:00.003-04:00

My mind is a garden. My thoughts are the seeds.
My harvest will be either flower or weeds. Mel Weldon

Sunday was such a beautiful day here, after the storms, flooding and tornados nearby on Saturday. Paul and I took the opportunity to do some springtime gardening to prepare for the summer. He planted grass seed and took care of the lawn, and I planted flower seeds. Let's see what comes up!

These Folks Don't Need Anymore Business, But Still, if you want Food Nirvana....

2011-04-18T23:58:00.000-04:00

Or have a celebration, or want a meal to "die for", this is the place! We had old friends come and visit Saturday from out of state, so despite the Tornado Watch and Warning, we took the Metro to King Street in Alexandria VA, and met them for dinner. They took us to this place that the first President Bush and his wife used to frequent. It's a Peking Duck place that is in a small strip shopping mall in Falls Church VA. Peking Gourmet Inn, 6029 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church VA 22041 The food surpassed any expectations we had. The place is always crowded with people waiting...I suggest reservations if you plan to go there sometime.

If this were your last meal on earth, you would die happy. Thank you Clay and Peggy, and Tracy, for the wonderful evening and fun times, and delicious meal extravaganza!

This is Crucial - Don't Mess This Up

2011-04-06T23:14:00.000-04:00

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP SHEET

Photography is one of the most important parts of listing a house, and in most cases it will be the determining factor as to whether or not a buyer will decide to visit the home in person. Most people begin their home-shopping online on the internet. So it is critical to make the proper preparations before the photo shoot. When it comes to photography, less is more. While it may seem a bit silly, the best mantra to repeat as you’re making preparations is “pretend nobody in particular lives here.” Project a lifestyle that your homebuyer will be attracted to…clean, happy, organized, pleasant, spacious and neutral.
The best advice is to gather some large boxes or plastic containers and go to each room and de-clutter. Put non-essential items in separate boxes and keep out of sight as long as your house in on the market. Boxes with essential items can be set just outside of the room where I will slide them out of the way during the photography session.

Exteriors:

Move cars out of sight
Close garage doors
Remove trash cans, gardening tools, etc. from sight
Stow children’s and pet’s toys out of sight
Coil hoses
Open patio umbrellas and set out cushions
Uncover bbqs, pools, spas
Make sure your garden is shown in the best possible light - flowers, lawn mowed, etc.

Interiors:

Replace all burned out bulbs (we will take pictures with every light on)
Turn ceiling fans off
Clean well and de-clutter every room
Beds made, lovely quilts, serene room atmospheres
Valuables and medications out of sight or locked up
Open window coverings (unless they are concealing a less than desirable view)
Remove most, if not all, personal photographs
Clear kitchen countertops of almost everything, with the exception of one or two decorative items
Conceal garbage containers
Remove everything from the top and sides of fridge (pictures, kids’ art, magnets, etc.)
Remove non-essential throw rugs (foyer, baths, kitchen, hallways)
Clear the bathroom countertops of ALL toiletries. Leave only a few decorative items or a floral or plant arrangement. Put out best towels. Make sure everything is super clean.
Empty the shower of shampoos, etc.
Remove all signs of pets (bowls, rugs, pillows, etc.)
Remove any table coverings
De-clutter fireplace mantel

General Requests

Please note that it is extremely important that the home be in “photograph-ready” condition prior to our arrival. The sessions usually take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours and we sometimes have multiple shoots on a day so we need to stay as close to schedule as possible. In the event a home is not ready for photographs, we will either shoot “as is” or return at a later date and time, losing valuable internet timing and interest in your home. Also, a shoot on a sunny day is preferable. From these photos we will be making your home brochures, as well as posting your home on 10-20 internet sites. So you want to put your best face on for this extremely important aspect of marketing your home for sale. : )

OHH NOOO!!!

2011-03-31T22:35:00.001-04:00

WE'VE SOLD ALL OF OUR LISTINGS!!! AND THE SPRING MARKET IS HERE!!!

Give us a call and we will devote all of our experience, expertise, energy, marketing and negotiating skills to work Just For You! ( Of course, we are still working with some interested buyers..who may be looking for a home just like yours.)

Call Paul at 301.963.2020 direct for advice, consultation, or to list your home if you want it sold quickly and for the best price.

What your MD HOA and Condo Associations may be keeping a secret from you!

2011-03-30T00:28:00.000-04:00

On May 4, 2010, Governor O'Malley signed into law Maryland SB 224, the so-called "Right-to-Dry" legislation, which requires condominium associations, homeowner associations, and cooperatives to allow homeowners to install clotheslines on their property.

The actual law follows:

http://law.justia.com/maryland/codes/2010/real-property/title-14/subtitle-1/14-130/

There are exceptions for historical properties...see actual legislation on the link above.

Maryland is open to "going green" !

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT IN A HOME SALE?

2011-03-26T00:14:00.004-04:00

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT IN A HOME SALE?

Selling your home may seem simple, but there are taxes, fees, insurance and other expenses that buyers and sellers must prepare for.

Here is a list of the traditional distribution of expenses in Montgomery County, MD. Certain regions of the country and state vary in these customs. Keep in mind that some of these items are negotiable by both parties at the time of the offer, excluding some expenses required by the State and lender to be paid specifically by the seller.

The BUYER typically pays:

Notary fees
Escrow Fees
Document preparation (if applicable)
Recording charges for all documents in buyer’s name
Termite inspection
Tax pro ration
Homeowner’s transfer fee
All new loan charges (except those required by lender for seller to pay)
Interest on new loan from date of funding to 30 days prior to first payment date
Assumption /Change of Records fees for take-over of existing loan
Beneficiary Statement fee for assumption of existing loan
Other Inspection fees (roofing, property inspection, geological, radon, etc.)
Home Warranty
Lender’s policy
Fire Insurance Premium for first year
Broker Administrative fees
50% of State and County Transfer & Recordation Taxes
Title Insurance Premium: Owner’s Policy/Lender's Policy

HOA fees

The SELLER typically pays:

Real estate commission
Escrow fees
Notary Fees
Any bonds or assessments
Recording changes to clear all documents of record against seller
Any unpaid homeowner’s dues
Broker Administrative Fees
Tax pro ration (for any taxes unpaid at time of transfer of title)
Home Warranty
Any judgments, tax liens, etc. against the seller
Statement Fees, re conveyance fees, and and prepayment penalties
Interest accrued to lender being paid off
Payoff of all loans in seller’s name (or existing loan balance if assumed by buyers)
Any loan fees required by buyer’s lender
Document preparation fee for deed
Applicable city transfer/conveyance tax
50% of State and County Transfer & Recordation Taxes
Final electricity, water, gas, oil, cable bills.

Current updated HOA docs for the buyer's inspection

These are the main expenses and fees that need to be considered by the Seller and the Buyer. If I seem to have missed something, or you want to discuss or ask questions, please leave a comment below or phone Paul for further clarifications and estimates for your own purposes and situation. He will be happy to explain them to you. We aim to make your home sale and purchase as clear and simple and profitable as possible for you!

An Even Bigger Investment Than Your House is Your Mortgage!

2011-03-22T19:18:00.002-04:00

AND BIG CHANGES ARE COMING!!

To read more about it, read this article that was in the Washington Post recently, on March 12, 2011. In conclusion, I suggest if you are interested in purchasing a home, the sooner the better if you want the best financing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/major-changes-ahead-for-mortgage-system-as-us-seeks-to-scale-back-role-in-housing/2011/03/04/ABnbhvQ_story.html

New Bus Service from Gaithersburg to BWI Airport, Hourly!

2011-03-19T00:33:00.003-04:00

ICC Bus Route 201 operates between the Gaithersburg Park and Ride lot located at I-270 and MD 124 in Montgomery County and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in Anne Arundel County. Buses leave the Gaithersburg Park and Ride lot and travel south on I-270 to I-370 that turns into MD 200, the ICC. Service continues on the ICC to the Shady Grove Metro Station. Upon leaving the Metro Station, the service returns to the ICC and travels to the Norbeck Park and Ride on Norbeck Road at MD 97. The route then follows MD 28 to MD 198 to the Burtonsville Park and Ride lot, continuing north on Rt. 29, east on MD 32 and north on I-95 to I-195 to BWI Airport. The route terminates at the BWI MARC/Amtrak Rail Station.

$5 each way, discounted for seniors and those with disabilities.

The No. 201 operates seven days a week with hourly service accommodating 14 daily round trips, with intermediate stops. The 47-mile trip takes approximately 75 minutes.

For more detailed information, click here...http://mtaiccbus.com/route201.html#mapsa

Mondays Don't Have to Be Blue - You can make them Happy!

2011-02-28T19:38:00.008-05:00

Did you know that Clydes of Tower Oaks in Rockville offers half price wines and half price oysters and raw bar every Monday from 3 - 7pm? They also have half price raw bar all days of the week at different hours. The wine special is only on Mondays at this location. They offer a lovely atmosphere and monthly dinner specials too with a varied menu of delicious healthy choices.

For more information on how to make your Mondays special, you can find more information here and click on What's Happening on the bottom bar on their website. Other Clyde's locations also have other specials that you may be interested in too. http://www.clydes.com/main/RestaurantsDetail.cfm?Restaurant=Tower_Oaks_Lodge&Section=Main

They have a wonderful selection of wines as well as oysters from around the world.

I Wish My Grandmother Could Have Seen This - It Would Have Made Her So Happy!

2011-02-23T19:52:00.009-05:00

At my grandmother's surprise 90th birthday party with her "girls". (Three daughters and she also raised my aunt. My Grandmother is in the blue, my Mom is on the far right.)

Paul and I moved to Maryland in 1983. Well, I was born here, but grew up mostly in Pennsylvania, where most of my relatives live too.

Everytime my mom and grandmother came to visit us here in MD from PA, my grandmother would lament on how crazy it is that we were never allowed to have clotheslines in any of the homes and neighborhoods that we lived in. (We have lived in 5 homes since moving to MD.)

"How can you have fresh smelling sheets?" "The sun and fresh air makes your laundry smell good and stay bright." These were some of her reasonings.

Keep in mind, probably from the time she was a girl, till when she passed away around 10 years ago at the age of 98, even in the dead of winter, she hung sheets and other laundry out to dry. She even sewed these really cute little bags that hung on hangers to keep the clothespins clean and handy on the line.

She would shake her head and say that our neighborhoods are certainly crazy.

Today I was attending a Continueing Education course at Village Settlements in Kentlands (Gaithersburg) for the two year renewal of my Realtors License, and this course was Maryland Legislative Updates.

I was surprised to learn in class that on May 4, 2010, Governor O'Malley signed into law Maryland SB 224, the so-called "Right-to-Dry" legislation, which requires condominium associations, homeowner associations, and cooperatives to allow homeowners to install clotheslines on their property. The new law, effective on October 1, 2010, adds section 14-130 to the Real Property Code, "Installation and Use of Clotheslines on Residential Property."

This would have made my Grandmother so happy! To be fair, my Mom also hung her clothes out back on the line, but she never bugged me about not having a clothesline at my home.

To read more about the law, click on this link. I believe historical properties are exempt from this ruling.

http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d9c4d018-b9aa-4d5f-a90b-2a4add4d02db

The actual law follows: http://law.justia.com/maryland/codes/2010/real-property/title-14/subtitle-1/14-130/

I guess Maryland is "Going Green"!

Thirteen Things Your Burgler Won't Tell You

2011-02-17T23:46:00.002-05:00

First of all, I have to apologize for not upkeeping my blogging. I realize that I love to be a reader more than a writer...but I will try to do better in this regard.

So last week Paul and I were away out of town for the week on some business that we needed to take care of, and while we were gone, 6 homes on our street in Quince Haven Estates were broken into and robbed.

In fact, our next door neighbor awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of his garage door opening, went downstairs, and scared away two intruders in the garage of their home. He phoned the police and they came right away but couldn't find anyone. Our neighbor also phoned us since he knew we were out of town, but thankfully, our home was not hit. Plus the police did look all around our house too for any problems.

The other day, I got this email about burglaries, (timely, for sure) from a friend, and I thought I would share this email with you.

You can never be too cautious. One thing I heard was that not everyone had their cars/vans locked, and with the automatic garage door openers, that is an open invitation for criminals.

Here is the email:

Also good for people who are alone see the last section re car alarms.

THIRTEEN THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU 1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. 2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier. 3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. 4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.. 5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. 6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy. 7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. 8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather. 9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) 10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. 11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. 12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. 13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it athttp://www.faketv.com/) 8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU: 1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. 2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors. 3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again... If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature. 4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? 5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets. 6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address. 7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation. 8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in. Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runshttp://www.crimedoctor.com/and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job WASP SPRAY A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead. The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection... Thought this was interesting and might be of use. FROM ANOTHER SOURCE On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life. Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed. Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them." Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save a life. Put your car keys beside your bed at night Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime. P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem. Please pass this on even IF you've read it before. It's a reminder Please share this with all the people in your life.

Some of these things I find kind of suspicious, cause really, when we have workers in our homes who need to use the bathroom- I am gracious, or I always give them cold water drinks when they are working hard..you need to be nice to others ...but then again, I always check door and window locks whenever any service people have been around. It's not that I don't like or trust them...I just don't want to be stupid. Cause everyone knows, the most charming con men are the best at what they do.

I have been seeing police cars cruising our neighborhood lately...multiple times per day..quite nice guys..chatting up the moms with kids picking their children up from the bus stop or walking their dogs and such..but I heard our homeowners association is paying extra or is someway involved in this schedule.

Also, I feel a little guilty about posting this, cause we have had some great hard working yard work guys come and take care of downed trees, put in sidewalks, all kinds of things, and I am sure they are good honest guys. I give them water and let them use the bathroom anytime they want..and they work really hard for each dollar they earn. I do respect them.

I'm not really worried. I have guard kitty cats, and pretty old electronics, and no jewels. My photos are my favorite treasures. On the other hand, no bad guys better come here and make me afraid. oxoxP

Im back....trying to blog and catch up.

2010-10-19T23:55:00.010-04:00

Meander Cove in Germantown, a beautiful 1 br with soaring ceilings, balcony, and steps to the lake in a Lake Community ...still for sale, regular sale, price reduced.

Kentlands...sold.

Holmard St...Kentlands..sold.

LakeView from Waterside Drive listing.

Waterside Drive, Germantown. sold..but now improved and up for sale again..due to new owners job transfer.

Sold, close to Lakeforest Mall, Gaithersburg.

Sold, close to Shady Grove Metro.

8. The Spring Market arrived and kept us busy after all the down time of the winter. Busy busy working with buyers and sellers.

Top Ten Reasons/Excuses for My Delinquent Blogging

2010-08-03T22:05:00.046-04:00

1. Snow Storms
December 19-20th winter storm cuts out power for a few days, internet and cable even longer. Lots to do to keep us busy though.

2. Getting Ready for the Holidays....adult "kids" returning from all over the place..need to plan menus and food for the holidays.

Multiple airport pickups of family and their significant others....at all hours of the day and nights.

Good times catching up, 12/23...lots to talk about.

Sadly, Paul started getting stomach aches after dinner..said maybe too many hot peppers. Others ate the peppers, but only he got sick. He got worse during the night..couldn't sleep, in very bad pain. Which led actually to calling the ambulance in the morning for him. He had a very bad night.

Here are our three "kids" at the hospital right before his operation..trying to be upbeat and supportive and consoling. He mad sure though that the hospital knew that he is an organ donor...he kept telling all the nurses and the doctors.

3. Acute Appendicitis
Paul has an emergency appendectomy at Shady Grove Hospital on Christmas Eve around 8 pm. Surgery goes well, appendix actually burst but he is in good physical shape and they caught it early and we had a very good surgeon. Paula returns from the hospital Christmas Eve around midnight on icy roads with fog.

Hospital releases Paul on Christmas Night around 8 PM. Hurry up dinner ensues very late, and family happily is reunited. Good health and being together again is our Christmas blessing this year.

4. Goodbyes too soon and Airport Trips
The days pass quickly and it's time to start saying goodbye to everyone again as they head off in their different overseas directions..which involves again multiple airport trips at all hours of the night and day.

Always smiles and tears are involved.

5. Snowmaggedon Part 2 February 6, 2010.
If you think the last storm was bad, think again. Power out, street closed for days, internet and cable out longer, again.

Lots to do around the house though..like shoveling, later calling tree crews to take away our downed trees. We have gas stove though so with a lighter we can cook soup and such. And sleep in the family room on the sofa near the gas fireplace.

Chagall Drive.

Shoveling our sidewalk... a civic duty. : ) Not that anyone was able to go to school or anything,

6. Daughter home for major surgery.
Our daughter returns from Panama in early March for major surgery on her wrist and hip..which was originally scheduled during the February snowstorm..so all new arrangements had to be made, from planes to hospital to surgeons and more. Again, terrific surgeons and all went well at Shady Grove Hospital, but we are getting to not like becoming so familiar there. Recovery was difficult, but in the end, she has healed and the surgery was successful. On the plus side, she was home with us for a few weeks and we got to tend to her in her very difficult time.

On the plus side, Skype is a wonderful free method of communication and while she was away (here) she was still in contact with her business partner and boyfriend .

6. Cherry Blossoms in DC.
Need to go down to DC to take in the springtime and the cherry blossoms for a day off from work every once in a while...which are few and far between. This is actually in front of the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Anyway, we took a day off and just walked all around..along with thousands of other tourists and locals on this beautiful Spring Day.

7. Remodeling Projects.
We totally renovated and updated this very nice colonial on Ambiance Drive and a condo in Germantown on Swiss Circle, with the help of a trusted crew of professionals who we regularly hire, work with, and recommend to others, for two rental properties. Both were time consuming for us, but they turned out spectacular, in our opinion, and both were rented within days of being advertised. Cudos to Mr. Kim and his hardworking and professional crew.

Ambiance rental project.

TO BE CONTINUED SOON

Snowmaggedon

2010-02-05T23:43:00.002-05:00

For Montgomery County residents experiencing Power outages, please call your local power company: Pepco 1-877-737-2662 Baltimore Gas and Electric 1-877-778-2222 Allegheny Power 1-800-255-3443 Residents needing to report downed trees can call the Storm Operations Center 240-777-6000.

Public Knowledge

2010-01-20T21:46:00.005-05:00

Being in real estate, we have certain obligations to our clients and customers. Local crime statistics is not one of our professional obligations; in fact, federal law prohibits us from giving opinions or information that is not our expertise. Our expertise resides in real estate, it's local laws and making sure we offer the best advice to our clients when buying or selling a home in this regard.
There are however public sites on the internet where you can do your own research. We personally take a neutral or noncompliant view of personal prejudices and preferences...and treat all our customers with the same respect and concerns as we would members of our family. We want you to be happy with your housing decisions. We can direct you to school district sites, mapping, local ammenities, and more. Below is an email we received some time ago. You may find it interesting.

www.FamilyWatchDog.us

"When you visit this site you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as a small icon of a house. There may be red, blue andgreen dots surrounding your entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a criminal will appear with his or her home address and the description of the crime he or she has committed.

The best thing is that you can show your children these pictures and see how close these people live to your home or school. This site was developed by John Walsh from Americas Most Wanted. This is another tool we can use to help us keep our kids safe. Please pass this on to everyone!!!"

Clifton E. Files,
Domestic Violence SpecialistDepartment of Family AdministrationAdministrative Office of the Courts
580 Taylor Avenue Suite A2
Annapolis MD 21401-2310

Bad bad blogger Anniversary

2010-01-09T23:01:00.003-05:00

Hi all, Best wishes for the new year!

I've been feeling guilty lately, for the past few weeks, that I havent blogged, and yet, things were happening around here that I wanted to talk about. And then I realized that it has been a year since I've started this blog.
So for right now, I just wanted to post and say that some of the missing stories will come, when life/happenings slow down a bit around here. But all is well with us all. Today I am taking down our Christmas tree, it's freezing cold outside..in the teens. Yesterday we had a lovely dry and sparkling 3 inch snowfall. We also made airport runs yesterday in the wee morning to BWI and Dulles in the evening taking 2 of our adult "kids" and their SOs to the airports to faraway places.
Our 3rd(middle) "kid" left for faraway again on 3 January.
While we miss everyone so much, it was soooo wonderful having their enthusiasms, ideas, humor, intellect and opinions around here for a while. How energizing! oxooxPaula

Ready for Christmas = Snow Blizzard!

2009-12-21T00:12:00.003-05:00

It started snowing on Friday night, and continued till Saturday night. Beautiful big snowflakes.

We had lots of snow in Quince Haven..around 22 or 23 inches I would say. Sadly for me I have a bad cold, so I didn't go out to enjoy it. But Paul spent hours shoveling..2 shifts...to make all those snow piles and passageways. I would have helped if I felt better. Felt guilty, but also lucky he was at least home for the storm.

He loved listening to his book on tape on his ipod while he shoveled the white loveliness.

Can't wait for our grown kids to arrive from around the world to enjoy the snow and the holidays with us.

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas, or whatever family holiday you celebrate together this season, to you all.

DC Christmas

2009-12-10T23:42:00.004-05:00

Santa is very jolly because he knows where all the bad girls live. ~Dennis Miller

People can't concentrate properly on blowing other people to pieces if their minds are poisoned by thoughts suitable to the twenty-fifth of December. ~Ogden Nash

May your holidays be merry and full of people you love spending time with. oxoxP

December 5th, Saturday at my house

2009-12-07T18:38:00.003-05:00

“The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.”

My Computer Companion Sushi

2009-12-04T22:41:00.003-05:00

She knows how to keep warm and "fe"lax.

Red Cross for our Soldiers

2009-11-24T23:21:00.005-05:00

The Quince Orchard Red Cross Club of Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD, is planning on making boxes to send to our troops overseas. Here is their information if you are interested in helping out or making a donation. Donations may be dropped off in the main office of the high school..walk through the front door, and the office is straight ahead. Donations will be accepted until December 11, 2009.
The Quince Orchard Red Cross Club is putting together care packages for our soldiers. We need our community to help us put together the care packages. The following items would be greatly appreciated and are being collected in a box in the main office.

Snack Items:
Ramen Noodles
Granola Bars
Popcorn
Candy Bars
Crystal Light drink Mixes
Canned Goods
Peanut Butter
Cookies
Fruit Snacks
Crackers
Chips
Ground Coffee
Non-dairy Coffee Cream
Sugar Packets
Beef Jerky
Gum
Easy Mac
Vitamins
Cereal
Pop tarts
Sunflower Seeds
Brownie/ Cake mixes
Dip
Peanuts and pistachios
Hygienic Items:
Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Shower Shoes
Foot Powder
Body Wash
Baby Wipes
Razors
Sanitary Napkins
Toilet Paper
After Shave
Nail Clippers
Hand Sanitizers
Chap sticks
Deodorant
Q Tips
Hair Spray
Floss
Lotion
Sun Screen
Mouth Wash
Tampons
Entertainment Items:
· DVD
· Crossword Puzzles
· Batteries
· Books
· Magazines
· Board Games
· Highlighter
· Blank Cds
· Pens
· Electronics
· Envelopes
· Papers
· Portable Radios
· Wireless Games for Ps3
· Music
· Card
· Jump Ropes
Other Items:
Bug Spray
Coffee Mugs
Mouse traps
Power strips (110,220)
Coffee Filters
Sun glasses
Febreeze
Calling Cards
Batteries
Tents
Tylenol
Aspirin
Cough Drops
Tooth Picks

I'm Lousy at Growing Vegetables and Tomatoes..But!

2009-10-07T00:02:00.005-04:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I remember my grandparents and my parents having a huge vegetable garden in the back..which they would spend a bit of time every evening -watering, relaxing, and enjoying the sundown time in the summer. Followed by canning and enjoying the fruits of their labors..fresh vegetables for meals, and sharing the extras with the neighbors. For me, this task/attempt, has been a huge dissapointment. If the deer don't eat my veggies, then the bugs get them. And when I try to grow them in container pots on my deck, fungus attacks. I feel like such a "loser gardener". Having a Green Thumb is in my blood...why can't I succeed???

On the other hand, as a consolation prise from above perhaps, I sowed a packet of marigold seeds out in front of our house, and now I have Monster Marigolds creeping all over our front sidewalk. I have never seen so many marigolds in one place, including plant stores. Oh well, I guess I still have a lot to learn about gardening. If anyone would like to teach me their gardening skills, I'm way open to learn. Just give me a call, comment, or email.

Do you live in Montgomery County? Then you may want to take advantage of this.

2009-10-05T01:55:00.011-04:00

Previously, in a former blog, I have posted a link to the Gaithersburg Alert System, that you can sign up for on the internet, state your cell phone numbers or emails, and receive alerts for emergencies and other unusual things that may be useful to be aware of. My husband and I signed up last year and have found the service to be highly useful as well as informative.

Just recently when I went online to report to Montgomery County of a street light outage, I found that Montgomery County offers the same fine service. Being a friend to all of my blog readers, I want to share that with you. You can sign up for alerts to come to your cell phone, pager, home telephone or emails regarding emergency alerts, severe weather warnings, traffic emergencies, school closings and more. You can opt in to each category with a check mark on the types of alerts you wish to receive.

This is a free service, and comes under the Department of Public Safety and Human Rights. To sign up and see the services offered, click here.

You may or may not recognize some of our hard working public servants for the state of Maryland, Montgomery County, and Germantown, and Gaithersburg below. Name those faces.... : )

My garden, surrounded by trees.

2009-10-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

Leaves

by Elsie Brady

How silently they tumble down

And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,

Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.
At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.

Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow

A Tradition Since 1938

2009-09-08T22:29:00.024-04:00

Welcome to the Annual Gaithersburg MD Labor Day Parade, 2009. Lots of entertainment.
Children chatting it up with the local police..what are all those things on your belt and in your holsters, and how do they work? : )
Multi-cultural entertainment, befitting of our local demographic makeup.
Great music and enthusiastic and skilled dancers.
Outside the Gaithersburg Firehouse Museum. A fine beauty of a fire engine, I must say.
Dancers from Santiago. Music trucks with speakers led the way.
Usually a parking lot by the train station, and for shopping, today it's a place for delicious food assortments, souvenirs, as well as local area agencies and drinks and snacks.
The biggest balloon sculpture I ever saw..a Balloon Vehicle, at least 6 feet long!
The historic Gaithersburg Train Station..still in use today for commuters to DC and Point of Rocks on the MARC Line.
Old Towne Gaithersburg shops, after the street cleaner, and before it was open to traffic again.
The historic Thomas Cannery, which has been rehabbed and made into a commercial establishment with small private businesses.

It was a lovely cloudy day for the parade..not too hot, especially for the dancers and all who attended. The rain held out until it was all finished. Definately a fun way to spend the day.

Don't forget to check out the next upcoming event in Old Towne..Old Towne Day, September 25th, I think. Celebrating lots of local foods, crafts, bands, politicians, local vendors..plus you will probably run into people you know, for a good friendly time and day.

Credit where credit is due..

2009-09-08T22:03:00.000-04:00

"A poem written by Rose Milligan of Lancaster, Lancashire, England. The poem was first published in the September 15th - 21st edition of The Lady (magazine) in 1998.

The poem is quoted on many web sites, as either an inspirational poem, or in order to reflect the ethos of that site. It is usually attributed to either "Unknown" or "Anon"."

I guess I wasn't the first person to not give credit to the previous poem- "Dust if I Must". But thank goodness for the information highway and Google for setting things straight. : )

Everyone Loves a Clean House. But.....

2009-09-01T23:49:00.000-04:00

Remember...a layer of dust protects the wood beneath it.

'A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture.'

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just
perfect - 'in case someone came over'
Finally I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and
having fun!
NOW, when people visit, I don't have to explain the 'condition' of my home
They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun.
If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.

Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must .........
but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter,bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there's not much time . . .
with beer to drink , rivers to swim and mountains to climb,music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must,
but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,old age will come and it's not kind. .

And when you go - and go you must - you, yourself will make more dust!

It's not what you gather,but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

Author Unknown.

Ugly Americans

2009-08-18T01:39:00.000-04:00

So I really enjoyed the presidential election debates with all the candidates, Democrats, Republicans, and others. And I have a great optimism about our country, despite all of it's problems- which in the end are exposed. And hopefully justice is served...sometimes late.

But the recent contentiousness that has been displayed over what I would expect would be bipartisan concerns, not only socially, but personally for all of our citizens, baffles me.

Who among us has not had health concerns? Whether with our children, our parents, ourselves, or other loved ones..friends and family alike? These are serious issues, which change our lives..and our outlook on our lives as well. Not taken lightly. These are life changing experiences. Mostly people, myself included, change their priorities in life.

To enjoy the good things, however small they may be, which are magnatized in perspective. Our values become treasuring the little details of life. Our relationships. Our loves. Our regrets. Our memories. Our laughters, jokes with our friends and families. Music that brings memories of our life. Our place in society..boomers, generation X, Y, whatever.

Caring for injured, sick, aging, and those who have been stricken with disease, through no fault of their own, becomes a huge priority, with enormous paperwork, health channels to try to learn, navigate, details on treatments with different doctors and opinions, trying to get appointments with specialists who are in high demand, insurance issues and problems, as well as the human aspect of it all. Just trying to maintain the day to day living and the quality of life...as best as we can. For those we love.

So why are some people screaming at each other? That is so not functional to help to try to solve the problems that most people have. It's totally anti- intelligent. Anti-intellectual. How can we try to get a better system when people are making up lies and acting like..well, I don't think dicks is a bad word, is it? You get the picture.

So, in the light of this current debate, on the health care of all Americans..I want to take a stand..for all of us who are caring individuals, mothers, sons, daughters, fathers, friends..to take a look at this perspective.

My grandmother, who passed away in 2002, at the age of 97, bought for our 3 children( over 20 years ago), who are all adults now, life insurance..of a very modest means. So I receive magazines from Jednota, Fraternally Yours, First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, each month, with Czech news from around the USA. They have a new editor, Carolyn Bazik, who I think must be a very kind and lovely lady, and here is her editorial from this months newsletter. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing it with you. Although from her messages..I think not.

Perhaps if you read this and you agree, some people may rethink their strategies for reform. We def need reform, but we can't get it until intelligent discussion and discourse of ideas can happen first. That does not include SCREAMING and acting like raving stupid luntics.

I Believe Kindness Matters...Do You?

What type of person are you? Are you the kind who cheers up a room by entering it or are you the kind that causes people to cheer when you leave it? What do you bring to your interactions with co-workers, family and friends? Do you bring light, encouragement, optimism, and kind words? Or is it rather doom and gloom, pessimism, critiscim, and cynicism?

People often forget what we say and more often than not what we do, but as Maya Angelou said, "They always remember how we made them feel."

Here are some other wise words about kindness for you to ponder this month:

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." - The Apostle Paul (Col 3:12)

"Don't wait for people to be kind. Show them how." - Anonymous

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." - Oscar Wilde

"That best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love." - William Wordsworth

"Kindness is loving people more than they deserve." -Joseph Joubert

"We are made kind be being kind." - Eric Hoffer

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." _ Benjamin Franklin

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom." - Theadore Isaac Rubin, M.D.

"Let no one ever comes to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness in your face, in your eyes, kindness in your smile." - Mother Theresa

"I choose kindness...I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me." - Max Lucado

"I've never known any human being, high or humble. who ever regretted, when nearing life's end, having done kindly deeds. But I have known more than one millionaire who became haunted by the realization that they had led selfish lives." - B.C. Forbes

The $8000 Tax Credit, an Opportunity Not to be Missed

2009-08-15T19:30:00.000-04:00

After years of rising prices that shut some people who would have liked to purchase a home out of reach to afford it, the tables have turned. After a year of adjustments, we now have a market full of opportunities, not only in stabilized lower prices, but even more importantly, lower interest rates, and the government tax credit up to $8000 as an incentive for home ownership.

But these are not without stipulations.

You must not have been a home owner for 3 years, there is a limit on income requirements, as well as how much credit you can receive at settlement. This offer expires 1 December 2009. That means you must settle on your new home before that date. So if this is something you are interested in, you should be shopping and deciding on a home now, or very soon.

To see a short video explaining the $8000 tax credit for purchasing a home

All My Favorites

2009-07-31T23:37:00.000-04:00

So, a dear friend of mine sent me this email link to a site that lists sooo many websites and information on the internet..and I thought I would share it with you.

I hope you enjoy it and find it useful to save and use whenever you need it, or just want to enjoy it. To access the site, click here.

And of course, if you are looking for real estate anywhere in the world, don't forget to check out www.re/max.com.

Clocks, Time, and more. Food for thought.

2009-07-02T01:44:00.000-04:00

The mother of all clocks. Click here.

We love the Kentlands/Lakelands neighborhoods.

2009-06-16T23:07:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the Kentlands' Lifestyle! Located in Gaithersburg, on the west side..closer to North Potomac, is a wonderful walking style neighborhood community that people move to to feel closer with their neighbors, have wonderful amenities, and have close transportation/commuting opportunities. We have a new listing there, the house on the left, for $369,800. But there are lots of other houses, condos and townhomes for sale there that we could show you too. For the history and an extended article about the Kentlands/Lakelands...click here.

For more pictures and information about homes for sale here and in Montgomery County, click here.

I Found a Great Used Bookstore!

2009-06-06T01:31:00.000-04:00

On Quince Orchard Road, just near the corner where it crosses Clopper Rd. and Diamond in the shopping center where Magruder's is, where Circuit City just went out of business, there is a new bookstore operated by "Friends of the Library". It's an organization that supports the Libraries with donations and events to support the Montgomery County Libraries.

Just to the left of Magruder's grocery store, where the old Dollar Store and Gaithersburg Pet Center used to be (before they recently went out of business) - this new store has books of all types and subjects, in good condition- some from donations, some from the libraries. And all the prices are $1, $2, or $3! For all and anything! This includes coffee table books, art, history, research, childrens, psychology, history, science, novels, nonfiction, languages, travel..the list goes on and on...and it is all arranged in easy to find subjects and authors. In addition, they have CD's, DVD's, books on tape, VHS tapes, gift books, comedy, and more. At the same great prices!

You can also donate your used books to them and get a receipt for taxes for your donations.

I hope you will check it out and support the libraries in our area. The profits from the stores are divided up and shared with all the libraries in Montgomery County. There are also locations in Rockville and Wheaton.

The hours, addresses and phone numbers are listed above on their "bookmark" business card. Enjoy! Open 7 days a week- unlike the libraries.

Living in the Shadow of Washington DC - Alert System

2009-05-27T23:31:00.000-04:00

If you have lived in this area for any length of time, you will know that we have experienced some temporary emergency situations over the past few years.

We live in Montgomery County MD, in North Potomac/the west side of Gaithersburg, and have had 9/11, the "sniper" attack in 2002, a few bad storms, and various lesser impacts on our lives. All of this is intensified by living in a high profile area where our past president warned..when, not if, we will be attacked again.

Well, whether you subscribe to that fear or not, there are also other inconveniences and unforeseeable things that happen in life. And the City of Gaithersburg is taking a proactive approach to warning people through emails and automatic phone text messages of any unusual occurrences.

I signed up for this Alert System a few months ago, and it seems to be working great. So I wanted to share it with you.

So far in the past few months I have gotten alerts about a long Red Line Metro delay due to a suicide on the tracks in DC, a huge traffic problem in Rockville when a train collided with a car on Randolph Rd., an impending violent thunderstorm with hail and fierce winds, and most recently, a rabid bat was found on Watkins Mill Station Rd. in Gaithersburg. So don't freak out when you get a text from the Alert system. It's just there to help you out with current information.

You don't have to be a Gaithersburg resident to sign up for this service. It's easy and free..you just enter your email address and create a password, and then list your phone numbers, email addresses, blackberry, etc, information. To see more details and sign up for this service, click here.

How wonderful to have friends share their flowers with you for no reason.

2009-05-22T02:14:00.000-04:00

Doris came by today with a gift of a bouquet so beautiful...all from her garden in Germantown. They are soooo beautiful, the flowers..plus it was just an unexpected gift for no reason.

Friends are so precious, bearing gifts. Or not too. She is usually sunshine whenever she arrives to visit anyway. Today she brought peonies in full bloom, iris in multiple colors...fresh and gorgeous..you can't help but smile when you see the bouquet.

Thank you Doris, and also Jorge, who has the skill and know how to plant and create such beauty in their garden

"Flowers always make people better and happier; they are sunshine,
food, and medicine to the soul."
Author: Luther Burbank

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A Game That Fights Hunger

2009-05-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

So I was going through an old magazine that was passed to me by my mother in law, and found this bit of a gem. Not only is it fun and educational, but it helps feed the hungry of the world through the United Nations Food Program, and is paid for by it's sponsors. I hope you will share this with your family and friends. It's an easy and fun way to help those in need. It's geared toward kids, but seriously, with all the different levels, I think we adults could also learn from this site..I know I did. Take a look.

I will share the link with you from the Good Housekeeping Magazine, December 2008 issue (page 103)..." This online quiz for kids 8 and up launched last year as a vocab builder with a charitable twist: For each correct word match, sponsors donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations' World Food Program. At press time, FreeRice had raised over 44 billion grains- enough to feed more than two million people for a day."

"With thousands of fans on Facebbok and competitions, countrywide, the site now includes questions on artists, world capitals, and chemistry symbols too. If your kid's not yet a regular, ask her to try her skill - and spark a lifelong habit of learning and giving."

To have some fun, and learn, and give, click here.

Hugs, laps, cooking, love and moms. My treasures.

2009-05-07T00:36:00.000-04:00

Today is Mother's Day, 2009, and after 2 weeks of rain and cloudy skies and weather, this day was beautiful! Spring has sprung- leaves are on the trees, flowers are blooming. Our son Evan is home from being in South Korea for a year, not without it's tribulations (healthwise) but looking good and fully recovered. We had a nice party here for him and his girlfriend this weekend, a belated Cinco de Mayo celebration. Friends and family attended, which was a real treat for all of us here. Below are photos of my mom, my mother in law, her mother, and my grandmother, and some of the love they shared with our children, through cooking, hugs, laps, stories, and just being there for all of us.

In 2003, I got an email from my sister in law Annie, sharing some sentiments about Mothers and mothering, written by Anna Quindlen, a Pulitzer prize writer and novelist, who also writes for Newsweek, the magazine.

All My Babies Are Gone Now - By Anna Quindlen . It was written by Anna Quindlen. it’s an excerpt from her book Loud and Clear.

"On Being Mom" by Anna Quindlen

"If not for the photographs, I might have a hard time believing they
ever existed. The pensive infant with the swipe of dark bangs and the
black-button eyes of a Raggedy Andy doll. The placid baby with the
yellow ringletsand the high piping voice. The sturdy toddler with the
lower lip that curled into an apostrophe above her chin.

All my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in
disbelief. I take great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost-adults, two
taller than I am, one closing in fast. Three people who read the same books I do and
have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of
them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry,
who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors
closed more than I like.

Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food
from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the
bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within
each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.

Everything in all the books I once pored over is finished for me now.
Penelope Leach, T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and
sleeping through the night and early childhood education, all grown obsolete.
Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are
battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust
would rise like memories.

What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the
playground taught me, and the well-meaning relations -- what they taught me was
that they couldn't really teach me very much at all. Raising children is
presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice,
until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one
knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another
can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One boy is toilet
trained at 3, his brother at 2. When my first child was born, parents were told to
put baby to bed onhis bellyso that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the
time my last arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research
on sudden infant death syndrome
To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then
soothing.Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research
will follow.

I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton's wonderful
books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of
infants: average, quiet, and active. I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for
an 18-month-old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat
little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he
developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last
year he went to China. Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can
walk, too.

Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes
were made. They have all been enshrined in the Remember-When-Mom-Did Hall of
Fame. The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language, mine, not
theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for
preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp.
The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her
geography test, and I responded, What did you get wrong? (She insisted
I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald's drive-through speaker and
then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I
include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two
seasons...What was I thinking?
But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while
doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now
that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of
the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing
set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate,
and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they
slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next
thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little
more and the getting it done a little less.

Even today I'm not sure what worked and what didn't, what was me and
what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday
they would become who they were because of what I'd done. Now I suspect they
simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I
back off and let them be.

The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact
and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up
with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone
to excavate my essential humanity. That's what the books never told me. I was
bound and determined to learn from the experts.

It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were." by Anna Quindlan.

One more thing...there isn't a day that goes by when I don't miss my mom, Peggy, who passed away in October 2002, after an extended illness. She was taken from this earth far too soon. I miss her and will always love her. One thing that I am happy about is that during my time (about 9 months) away from my own home in MD, taking care of my mom in home hospice in PA, I was telling my mom how loving my daughter is..that she always says "I love you" before we say goodbye on the phone. Although I ALWAYS knew that my mom loved me, and she knew likewise, those were words we rarely spoke. Then I said "I love you" to her, and it was a bit of an awkward moment for the both of us, but after that we said it to each other often. Thank you Mara for opening that door for us.
I am also grateful that I have a mother in law whom I deeply love....she's always been so kind and good and loving as a mother to me.

To my children, I hope I have always given enough of my time and support to you.

As a tribute to my mom, I would like to share this link to a person of wisdom who I think expresses the sentiments of my own mother.
Red and White Roses Please click the roses link.

And to all the mothers and children of the world, Happy Mother's Day!

Location, location, location!!

2009-05-03T21:17:00.000-04:00

That's not just a mantra for real-estate agents.

How you organize and control your environment -- house, workplace, daily movements -- can help or hurt your chances of staying fit and healthy. It's those simple tasks done every day, sometimes without thinking, that can play a role in how often you feel tired, get exercise, come down with a cold or get even sicker.
Eating or coming into contact with a few bacteria usually won't hurt you, but some can make you sick. Poor sleep habits can deprive you of needed shut-eye time. And skipping visual cues to exercise can keep you on the couch.
There's no way to live a completely perfect, germ-free life, acknowledges Dr. Aaron Carroll, director of the Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine. And there's really no need to.
"Do the things we know work to keep yourself as safe as possible," he says.
Consider these simple steps to improve your health:

Where to place your purse

Bad place: The kitchen counter. Research by germ expert Charles P. Gerba showed up to 10,000 bacteria per square inch on purse bottoms -- and a third he tested were positive for fecal bacteria. You've probably set your own bag on a public restroom floor, right?
Good place: In a drawer, on a chair or off the floor. It's smart to wipe down the outside with disinfectant, too.

Where to put your toothbrush

Bad place: Anywhere near the toilet. Gerba, environmental microbiology professor at the University of Arizona, has spent a lot of time tracking germs in offices and homes. When you flush, aerated toilet water is sprayed up to 5 feet, so it can land on your toothbrush, he says.
Good place: The medicine cabinet or a nearby cupboard. But don't keep it in a closed container, says Gerba, except for short periods when traveling.
A warm, moist container, especially if the toothbrush is wet, will encourage bacterial or fungal growth, says Robert W. Golden, a Purdue University biosafety officer. Better to keep it upright and dry.

Where to read at night

Bad place: In bed with a bright overhead light. The light delays the body's secretion of melatonin, the hormone that signals your body to sleep, says Dr. Ali Artar of the St. Vincent Sleep Disorders Center.
Good place: Anywhere you can use dimmer bedside lighting or one of those clip-on book lights.

Where to set fruits and vegetables before washing

Bad place: Directly in the kitchen sink. Gerba found more fecal bacteria there than on toilet seats, probably from raw meat products.
Good place: In a colander. Be careful of cross-contamination between meat and fresh produce, making sure to wash the cutting boards, says Dr. Carroll. Don't forget to wash your hands before and after handling meat and produce. While alcohol-based solutions work in hospitals, they don't work as well with germs involving food, dirt or real-life situations, he says.

Where to fall asleep at night

Bad place: Buried under a lot of covers (with socks on, to boot). That won't help you doze off. As people go to sleep, their body temperatures need to drop a few degrees to help trigger drowsiness.
Good place: Beneath a lightweight cover. Also try taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime, so the body will start to cool itself naturally, or run a fan, says Dr. Artar of the St. Vincent Sleep Disorders Center.

Where to keep your meds

Bad place: A bathroom medicine cabinet. The excessive heat and the moisture can cause a drug to rapidly lose its effectiveness, says Ron Snow, pharmacist manager at CVS Pharmacy's regional office in Indianapolis.
Good place: A pantry or cabinet that's room temperature and out of direct sunlight, Snow advises. If children are around, keep prescriptions in locked cabinets.

Where to eat lunch

Bad place: Your desk. Women's desks harbor even more bacteria than men's desks, says the University of Arizona's Gerba, because 70 percent store biodegradable food items, such as fruit.
Good place: The cafeteria, or anywhere away from your cubicle. If you must work straight through lunch hour, at least wipe the desktop down (along with germy phones and keyboards) with an antibacterial wipe. Water will just spread around the germs, Gerba says.

Where to go to the restroom

Bad place: The middle stall of a public restroom. It has more bacteria than those on either side, says Gerba's research, likely because more people use it.
Good place: The stalls on either end. No matter what stall you choose, be wary of the floor, sink and water faucets -- the worst carriers of bacteria, he says. Of course, the key here is washing your hands with soap and water afterward.

These tips I received from an old email from a friend...without the source...sorry. They sound pretty true to me though. Good common sense advice.

Rockville Pike is Always Changing, and Always Useful.

2009-05-01T00:46:00.000-04:00

If you live in Montgomery County, you for surely have driven down Rockville Pike, for some reason or another. Shopping, entertainment, meeting friends, getting on the Metro, going to college, dinner on the pike, or near it, hospitals, churches, funeral homes, malls, hotels, useful services, car shopping, cemeteries, or just getting to DC and back by not taking the 495 interstate..as a diversion.

Do you know that plans are in the works to totally change the layout and vibe of Rockville Pike? Many people feel that that street- Rt. 355 is a vehicle nightmare. On the other hand, the road is not so bad in some respects. Lots of lanes, turning lanes, timed lights, pretty well marked, and it leads you to DC versus taking the interstate highways. Plus, it has what you need.

Plans are in the works to make Rockville Pike a totally different destination and community by changing the layout and traffic patterns and supporting a pedestrian friendly plan for new "village" type layouts to encourage a city type feel with many urban friendly amenites..whereby locals have entertainment, shopping, churches, education, culture and more within walking distance. This is in the future, and by local standards, it could take many years. I used to live in Singapore, and things could change overnight..here any changes take 10-20 years...I have no idea why....but I think it has a lot to do with money and beauracracy, and probably politics.

Although I have to say, if you haven't checked out Rockville Town Center recently, you MUST do so. It has great vibes..great restaurants, many with free entertainment, specialty retail, easy parking- free at night..family friendly fountains, ice skating, movies, ice cream, burgers, upscale international restaurants, lots of locals meeting and greeting and making friends. Urban suburbian.

All this I think is wonderful, and I will detail more on these plans later, but I was fascinated by a story I read recently about the history of Rockville Pike. And I thought I should share it with you, if you are interested. It dates back to the times of the original Indians who inhabited these lands.

So if you are interested in the history of Rockville Pike, which goes back to - well, I will let the historians tell you the tale....

"You don't have to visit the Smithsonian to view exhibits of a younger Maryland. Our past is right in front of us—along a busy stretch of highway once named the Great Road (as well as Rock Creek Road, Braddock’s Road, the rolling road, the road west, and Sinequa Trail), but known today as Rockville Pike.

In its most primitive state almost 10,000 years ago, a part of what is now Rockville Pike began as a Native American trail. Given its proximity to the “Potowmack,” Monocacy, and Patuxent rivers, this north-south path was a convenient and bountiful passageway for tribes such as the Senecas, Piscataways, and Susquehannocks.

The statue of the Madonna of the Trail—one of 12 such monuments lining the National Old Trails Road—was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1929 and marks the beginning of the frontier trail. (The statue is now located in front of the Wisconsin Avenue post office in downtown Bethesda.)

The history of Rockville Pike

Spring Moon by Day

2009-04-18T15:29:00.000-04:00

Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us all without words?
~Marcel Marceau, pantomimist

In Praise of Suburbans and New Gutsy Friends/ The Road from Bocas del Toro to Boquete, Panama

2009-04-16T15:46:00.000-04:00

So here we go, back in time and space, and the blogesphere, to Feb. 7th, 2009. After 3 marvelous days in Bocas del Toro, with water coming from every direction in buckets, it was time to head out to Boquete for our language school which started the following Monday. Please note, that this was the "dry" season in Panama, so naturally the local people had some things to say about climate change. They also had a lot of cleaning up to do after the storms. Lucky for us, the rain stopped for a few hours while we headed out of town.

Mars and I were planning to take a cheapo bus through the mountains, but as luck would have it, we met a very nice lady and her visiting niece from England who were staying at our hotel, the Cocomo, and they offered to drive us there..as that's where they live. And she had a SUBURBAN! Well, I never rode in one before, and usually I think of them as gas gusslers in suburbia. They were on the same time schedule as us, and were very nice ladies. So of course, we jumped at the chance. That, plus we heard tales of the mountain roads being washed out in many places..and would you put your bets on a cheapo bus packed with people, or a Suburban??!!
But first we had to take a boat to Almirante. Mars and I flew to Bocas from Panama City, so I asked our friends how long the boat ride was..they said about a half hour, but it seemed like 5 hours. That kind of put me off..cause I thought "why didnt they enjoy the boat ride?". After about 15 or 20 people and their luggage were loaded onto the little boat, flaps were dropped down for the splashing, and we Took OFF for the mainland!! This in water with all kinds of debris and stuff floating in the choppy waters..full speed ahead!!! Ok, so I was hasty in judging our new friends. They were right. It was pretty amazing that no one vomited on that exciting trip.
We arrived in Almirante, and just down the road was a secured parking lot for travelers. And there sat our mountain chariot. (the white one on the left)
Almirante view.
Lots of washed out roads..but people and equipment trying to save them or clear them.

And actually the Suburban was really quite nice inside...smelled like new leather, totally clean, comfortable seats, spacious, luxurious! I quite liked it. And I felt safe..even that if some part of the mountain came crashing down on us while we were driving, I felt like we had a chance, unless we fell off a cliff or something.

This is a four hour drive through the mountains, clouds, and jungle...really beautiful!
Partially washed out road.
Waterfalls and streams created by the rains.
Further down the mountain.

Beautiful views, but I have to say the driving was pretty hairy. Our driver, who is of diminuative stature, was a real soldier though..nerves of steel! We loved these ladies!

We all arrived safely, had nice chats in the car, I have a new respect for Suburbans- kind of like a tank for civilians- sometimes they are necessary! Actually, our new friend and her husband sell cars in David- have a dealership there. (a half hour from Boquete.) They even took us directly to the hostel that we had booked for the week..she called her husband to find out exactly where it is..cause it was out of the way of site from the main square, but just a block behind Habla Ya, the language school. Our new friend lives in Alto Boquete, just a few minutes or miles away from the main town.
They wouldn't take anything for their trouble and favor, so we took them out to dinner at a very nice little French Restaurant in Boquete. Then we went to Zanzibar for an after dinner cocktail. Of course this was a few days later--we all looked like drowned rats the day we arrived from our trip from Bocas. We all clean up quite nicely I think though. What an adventure that was!

April 14th, 1973

2009-04-14T23:11:00.000-04:00

Paul and I met in college as freshmen at the Hazleton campus of Penn State University in 1970, the same year we graduated from high school.

So 36 years ago today, Paul and I got married in St. Thomas Moore Church in Allentown Pennsylvania, just a few blocks from my parents home on South Main Street. We were 20 years old! Paul's parents lived and still live in VA, so they were there, as well as many relatives from Hazleton PA- where both sets of our parents and grandparents are from, and other relatives from around the country. Its a beautiful church that is circular with stained glass windows all around. While the ambiance is great, it was hell for photographers.

We celebrated our 36th Anniversary this evening..Paul brought lovely roses, and we went out locally for a very nice dinner..nothing too fancy- these are frugal times, but we did have a bottle of Pinot Noir from Oregon and a nice and fresh fish dinner. While we were waiting for our table, the very nice bartendress gave us a taste of all the Pinot Noirs they had to offer, and the Oregon one was our favorite..and in the mid price range. Better than the cheapies, which also were good, but the most expensive one I really didnt care for, from Australia- which I thought would probably be my favorite.

We left 2 days later after our wedding in 1973 for a road trip to California where the US Army expected us soon for Paul to start his Chinese Mandarin language classes in Monterey, the Defense Language Institute. We drove across the country with our limited stuff, and very much enjoyed the trip and the scenery, and had a stop overnight for a few hours in Las Vegas, which was a highlight for us. We also stayed a night with my aunt and uncle in Colorado, and had a great time there and they really treated us with a great dinner and corningware gifts, which I still use to this day, and think of them often when I use it. Taking a drive from the east coast to the west coast, we realized that our country is amazingly beautiful. If you have the opportunity, do this yourselves sometime.

We lived in a little one bedroom very nice second floor apartment with a balcony, 2 blocks from the beach, and across the street from the Naval Postgraduate School. I got a job there in the accounting department for the year we lived there. I walked to work, and had a window office overlooking the lovely gardens where peacocks roamed and were very vocal. Paul had a motorcycle and drove that to school on the hill. We went to the beach on the weekends, also the vegetable market, the pier, or took walks and shot hoops on some local school grounds. And studied...Paul studied Chinese, and I also took classes at the community college..film studies and art. Although Im a Psych. major.

We have moved many times since then, had other jobs, gone to other schools and gotten other degrees, but we have been blessed with the greatest treasures.
How our lives would be more empty without?
Adrian was born in 1981 in Davenport Iowa
Evan was born in 1984 in Rockville Maryland
Mara was born in 1986 in Rockville Maryland

So, 36 years later, we want to say to all that we are so grateful for all the friends, relatives, and people who have come into our lives and made it so rich and fulfilling. Especially our children. And their friends, and our friends, and our relatives, and everyone who has touched us in so many great ways- clients, co-workers, people we meet in everyday business and social settings, strangers whom we have met through our travels- Life is good.

I don't think this is good, do you?

2009-03-31T23:25:00.001-04:00

So, a few days ago I went with our daughter to the doctors office for a follow up visit, to have lab tests done to see how her kidney infection was either cured or needed more treatment. Luckily for us all, all tests showed she is over it. She is young and in good health and condition.

But I was having a chat with the receptionist/wife of the doctor while I was paying the bill, and she was asking me how our real estate business is going..knowing the recession, the downturn, that we are commission only, etc. I was telling her that things seem to be taking a turn for the better.

More buyers out shopping, open houses actually having some and sometimes lots of people come through. Maybe the $8000 credit for first time buyers is doing what it is planned/suggested/stimulating to do. We personally have some clients in this category, and it's a huge plus for them, based on their prospects for the past few years of buying a home.

Plus we have sold 2 houses this month that we have had listed since October- granted with price reductions. But thats ok. The sellers are happy, and can make up their loss on a discounted price on their buying end. Even more percentage wise.

BUT HERE IS THE POINT: When I mentioned that she and her husband doctor are in a business that probably doesn't have recession downturns, she told me that their medical practice has decreased 50% compared to last February and March. I said maybe not so many people got sick this winter. She said, oh no, by the time people come in to see the doctor, they are really really ill- sometimes they have to send them straight to the hospital..sometimes they are dangerously so ill, that they are so sick they worry about their prognosis.

30 years ago yesterday..lucky so far for us.

2009-03-29T23:03:00.000-04:00

30 years ago yesterday, I was a graduate student at Penn State Capitol Campus, which is less than 3 miles from Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, just south of Harrisburg PA, and right near the International Airport there. I was working on my Masters in PsychoSocial Science/Community Psychology degree, and had a part time job as an RA which helped pay my tuition, or rent, cant remember..but it was a job that I liked. Part time counselor, sometimes welcome person, sometimes organizer, photographer..whatever needed to be done. We (my hubby and I) lived in student housing just off the campus in Meade Heights, which used to be a military housing area...Air Force I think...simple duplexes of brick- 2 or 3 BRs, with nice big yards, very level and flat..which was mainly for the grad students, married or not..lots of nice people and students lived there...not many children. Nothing fancy, but it was pleasant. Walk to the campus in 15-20 minutes, or drive for less than 5 minutes. Sometimes that was better to drive because a lot of classes were at night, and in the winter you didnt want to walk through the woods alone in the dark to get back home.

March 28th, 1979. I was having car trouble. I had a rinky dink gold colored Maverick. Still, it was my car and it did what it needed to do, usually. I needed a new carborator was suggested, so I went shopping around to find the best place/price to have it replaced. We stopped at multiple gas stations to get estimates. It was a beautiful day- blue skies, warm temps, quite different than the usual frosty winter. My sister in law Cheri, or maybe she was still my future sister in law at that time, went with me. She was also going to school at our Penn State campus. I remember we also stopped at a book store that featured a lot of used books from a library, on a sidewalk sale. We bought some great books for 50 cents each..hardbacks! We spent most of the day out and about...walking around under beautiful blue skies with pretty clouds, and the suddenly warmer spring winds were circular..leaves dancing in circles on the pavements. We were also enjoying the sunshine. Lots of children were playing outside... on this lovely warm day after the cold winter. The nuclear meltdown was happening at this time, and the radioactivity was being spread in every direction, due to the lovely and windy day. We didn't know it yet.

That night, back home, I got a phone call around 10 PM or so, from a friend of ours at school. He was an engineering student, and had a part time job at Three Mile Island. He also lived just down the street from us..with 3 other guys. His name is Jim G. When I answered the phone, he said he was at TMI, working, and that there was an accident at the nuclear power plant, and that we should pack up some stuff and get out of the area ASAP.

I was confused. What kind of accident? I told P- my hubby, who had to commute 75 miles to work everyday, that we needed to leave. He said no..crazy. We argued. I phoned the police and the fire department to see if there was any report of an accident at the nuclear power plant. They said absolutely not...no reports, not true. But I believed my friend, packed some of my books and study materials, and headed to my aunt and uncles house who lived all the way over in Hershey, about 10 miles away, thinking I better be safe than sorry. I left my cat at home..bad idea. With P. And sad that we had quarrelled and separated.

Another bad idea..10 miles is not far enough away. Plus take the cat, the hubby, and anything else you happen to care about that can fit in a car. (Sister in law took off too- back home, dropped out of school, and went somewhere else to finish later.)

Two days later, after President Jimmy Carter and Gov. Thornburg declared a state of emergency, I had to come back and evacuate all those living in our student neighborhood with pregnant women, and or children, to leave the area. I knocked on about 25 or 30 doors and talked to the student residents, giving them the warnings and telling them to leave. That was part of my job as an RA (resident assistant). The next morning, I had a rash/burn on my lower chin...and I never have skin/pimple problems, so I knew it was not good. It lasted for a few days, and then went away finally. Luckily, all my face is still fine to this day.

Meanwhile, the state set up medical testing sites in Middletown to determine the amount of radiation we had received, as the TMI facilities showed that the amounts had pegged at the top of the air testing levels on their meters. We, as the local community did also, got in line and had body scans for radiation...sort of like an MRI. We were never informed as to what our rates were. But they said there would be ongoing follow ups and that we would be part of a study of the accident. Meanwhile, the NRA conducted hearings at our school, and testimonies of what and why, and who was responsible. P and I were there, front row center, and friends phoned us from around the country to say they saw us on the news at the hearings. For a few years, about every 5 years, I got a questionaire in the mail about the state of our health. That stopped about 10 or 15 years ago..I dont remember when I got the last one.

A day or two later, after the accident, everyone was evacuated. Well, kind of. School was suspended and people kind of left for about 2 weeks, then most everyone came back. I have some pics of the days, but my scanner isnt being recognized by my computer right now, and even so, I would have to search for the pics. 30 years ago? Where are those albums?
Hubby and I left with kitty to Northern Virginia to live with my in laws for two weeks. Classes were cancelled, delayed.

We returned, but I opted out to finish my classes remotely..checking in with the profs for papers and work remotely. I was almost ready to graduate. We packed up soon afterward and moved. Life did go on in Middletown and the school though. We moved to Chambersburg PA, quite close to hubbys work and far from TMI. I got pregnant and had a miscarriage in late Jan. 1980, at 3 months of pregnancy (extreme sadness). The TMI accident was in March 1979. It could have been nature, or not, no one knows. My kitty was fine though. And I graduated, and co wrote a paper about the experience with one of my Sociology profs that got published in a journal.

Anyway, we have been lucky..the people that were there- our friends and fellow students, teachers, the local community..most of us anyway, that I know of. But I also wanted to share with you something else. I hope you will take the time and interest to check it out.

http://www.angelfire.com/extreme4/kiddofspeed/chapter1.html

Rate Your Doctors

2009-03-25T23:04:00.000-04:00

So all was good with life for a while. Then last week our daughter suddenly took sick...messing up all her travel and study plans. She came down with high fevers, extreme pain, and shakes and chills like I never saw before, lasting a half hour at a time, a few times a day. Our 14 year old cat, Sushi, took up permanent watch over her. Never left her side.

M is doing better now, and since yesterday, seems to be recovered, or recovering, but we will get her checked out with a lab tomorrow to make sure. We thought maybe she had appendicitus, but it turned out to be a kidney infection, something we had never dealt with before. It was very serious.

Which brings to mind what is important..nothing more important than good health. Not all the money in the world, adventures, entertainment, exercise, reading, job, hobbies, learning, material things - but when someone you love is sick, the world takes a new direction for you..makes everything stop or get secondary attention. And being a mom, it makes your mission to do one thing..help this child get better. Even when said child is an adult.

And this all probably wouldn't have been a happy story if it weren't for the availability of a good doctor. With all the consumerism and limitations for personal choice of physicians, insurances, and clinics, in times of stress and need, limited hours, and insurance restrictions, its a difficult road to travel at times. Especially hard to even think about when someone is sick and needs immediate care.

Luckily, we were introduced by friends to a fine doctor who has extended hours and a walk in clinic, just a few miles from our home. He not only has extended hours without an appointment necessary- 6 days a week, 9am-7pm, he asks the right questions, and has a lab in his office where he runs tests for a array of illnesses. (Call me for his name and number if you need him. Rockville/North Potomac, MD.)

So here is the point..before you get sick, or from your experiences from when you and your loved ones were or are sick, who are the doctors that you recommend? Us being in real estate, we get most of our business from referrals, maybe 80+ percent. People even rate car repair shops on the web. But what is more important than going to doctors that you trust and are knowledgible, kind, caring, and on the mark?

I hope that you will take the time to rate your physicians so others may benefit from your experiences, and do it too, so that you are a stranger to offer a kindness to others, remotely in this manner, to send them in the right direction in their times of need. Alternately, to steer people away from those who are not much of a help in those times.

There are two good sites for rating your physicians:
http://www.ratemds.com/social/
http://www.drscore.com/

I hope you will take the time to do this..as an act of the kindness of strangers to others in need.

Bocas del Toro, Bocas Town is WET! So why did we still love it?

2009-03-24T00:04:00.000-04:00

We left Panama City prepared to spend 3 days of fun in the sun. Panama City was hot and humid, and we heard the Islands of Bocas were absolutely beautiful..their beaches, the wildlife, things vacation postcards are made of. As we landed after our one hour flight, we had to run through the rain to the terminal. Our suitcases arrived soaking wet, but they did arrive. No complaints there. We hopped in a cab van that took us to our hotel..didn't even ask the price first. It cost us a dollar. Plus we got an overview of the town in a vehicle, instead of the rain.
The little hotel we chose/reserved, was just perfect for us. It had a nice clean large room, and overlooked the big porch that had hammocks, lots of chairs and a big breakfast table for the morning. All overlooking the ocean. Sweet!!! Plus- the next door neighbors had a boat dock, 2 little boys, and a monkey, which were all interesting and amusing at times. The porch was covered too, so we could sit and read, watch the bad weather roll in, or just relax by the water.
Cocomo by the Sea also serves up an amazing breakfast every morning. Cereal and oatmeals, fresh cut fruit daily, coffee and teas, juices, and made to order eggs, pancakes and waffles..all served with a smile. Doug the owner also took us to a guy to get our cell phone fixed..it was done in 5 minutes..no charge. Just being nice.

There was a short break in the rain so we quickly went out to walk around the town. Bocas Town is on the Carribean side and is like a small beach town..four or five blocks in all directions. But filled with some good restaurants and scenery. It's very casual. Which is good, because most of the time we spent there we were wet.

Kind of the main street, where grocery shops and vendors rent bikes, arrange snorkeling and boat trips to the other islands, surfers congregate, and real estate offices talk to people who want to move there forever, or for sometimes.
We had no internet or TV, but we did have electricity and the sounds of the ocean 24/7.
Cocomo garden.

It had been raining for 4 days before we got there.
Kids play whatever the weather.
Vendors on another street.

The car ferry to Alimonte, across the water to the mainland to the mountain roads to David.
VIP Bar - looked like a front for something else..never went there at night.
Carribean colors.
Palm trees, puddles, and my Village Settlements umbrella.
Lula's across the street from our hotel let us sit on their porch too. There were about 10 hummingbirds flying around us between the plants.

This is the street right in front of the Cocomo Hotel after our walk.

Many of the local homes are raised above the ground.

The fire station had trucks and vehicles that I'm guessing are from the 1950's or 60's ( I'm no authority on cars and trucks).
We made new friends on stops along the way.
The breakfast/relaxin' porch at our hotel. So after our walk, it started raining really bad again..and it didn't stop all night. Waves were crashing against our room all through the night. Boom, boom, boom! We still felt safe, but we had some weird dreams that night.

This was the same street in front of our hotel in the morning. It was pretty stinky and dirty, with sea life and trash...like peoples shoes, etc, lifted from local homes in the mix. The ocean had risen up, or washed up quite far inland during the night, and then receded. The next day had a little dry spell and intermittant rains.
Zulu's even got internet back for about an hour or so that day. We quickly checked our emails and I think Mara posted a blog too.
The Cocomo hotel dock behind the porch. Skies less angry, but no clear waters for snorkeling, checking out the locally famous starfish beach or any of the other natural attractions in the area. Nevertheless, we met kind, nice and fun people, loved the distinct flavor of this little beach town, had some delicous meals, and as the weather finally began to clear after 6 days of torrential rains, it was time for us to leave (after 3 days) to head out to Boquete for a week of Spanish lessons at Habla Ya school. I'm sure by these pictures you may be thinking that Bocas is a little, well, shanty like...but there are other more expensive and expansive homes, not by much mind you, but none of the pictures can capture the CHARM of this area. Most restaurants and homes overlook the ocean, life seems much more simple here, and very pleasant. Most anything you could want here is available..all at reasonable prices if not cheap. Artists sell their wares, but arent pushy and dont feel touristy either. Now all we had to do was find a way to get over the mountains which suffered serious landslides and washed out roads. BUT, I will be back someday for sure!

Panama Beaches and the Moses Group

2009-03-15T17:49:00.000-04:00

Beautiful, peaceful and upscale condo and pool development on the beach an hour's drive from Panama City, just before Coronado. The projects name is "Bahia", and is at Playa Serena, or Serenity Beach. It is in it's pre-constuction phase, and so far has 65% units sold. It will have an infinity pool, parking, and a property manager and concierge on site, for those owner's who may want to rent their condo out short term while they are not using it. Construction has not yet begun.
Sample of the available furniture packages with purchase.
The location- right on the ocean, with beautiful flora and fauna.
Paul and John Moses. The Moses Group is an established family real estate and construction business who for over 40 years have built many projects in Panama City, as well as beaches and suburbs, not only for tourists and vacationers, but mainly for typical Panamanian families too.
Sea views are essential to their projects, which are upscale, exciting and modern.
They are also known for their priority in respecting nature and the natural habitat, trees, animals, beaches and landscapes. They try to conform the buildings to the land, in design and appearance for the least intrusion to the natural beauty of the area.
This is another nearby project of theirs with single family homes, as well as condos. Punta Barco Village has many amenities..walk to the beach, pools, well thought out streets and views, fireplaces, stonework (you should see the sexy showers with windows) and lovely landscaping. This project is nearing completion, but still has some already built units (single family homes and condos) left, as well as lots where you can still choose from floorplans or create your own designed home and floorplan.
This is the condo rooftop social area- under construction yet, with bars and a media room..perfect for relaxing, parties and entertainment. Gorgeous views of the ocean, mountains and neighborhood. Call Paul if you are interested in more information on this, available lots, homes and prices..we have all that info. Plus you can see more pictures and details at Panama Real Estate Consultants website at www.parec-inc.com. We loved it there. If you contact them, ask for John Moses and tell him Paul and Paula sent you...he is very honest, kind, low key, knowledgeable and dedicated to creating homes of distinction and affordable to the middle class. The Moses family takes much pride in their work. We are impressed and would recommend them to anyone. Also, they are looking for investors in developing new projects in the Gatun River area and more.

Playa Blanca

2009-03-14T18:20:00.001-04:00

Pelicans diving for fresh and bountiful fish in the surf.
Blue and white buildings dot the landscape, all leading to the pristine beaches.
Grass thatched huts replace sun umbrellas for outdoor beach lounging.
No crowds here...it's a big beach..white sands, very beautiful. And the sunset...
A wee little sea turtle struggles in the surf to get back to the ocean.
With the help of beach strollers, he finally made it. We actually had to keep throwing him back into the water.

Playa Blanca is about a 90 minuted drive west of Panama City. Still being developed, it has a hotel, many condos- all with balconies overlooking the expansive ocean, swimming pools, disco, a few small shops, some restaurants, and they are in the process of building a town center as well as the second largest swimming pool in the world..after the largest in Chile. All inclusive is optional. There are videos on www.youtube.com if you are interested in seeing more.

Incongruities/ A Mental Disconnect for Me

2009-03-12T22:38:00.000-04:00

So everyday we met with Realtors to look at investment properties, and on this day, Janet Novak of RE/MAX Beaches and City took us around. (It's always a pleasure doing business with her.) Anyway, along our stops, she took us to see Noriega's home. It's abandoned and vacant now, but it has huge historical Panamanian significance. At the time we saw it, I wasnt aware of how much. This was on 1 Feb. 09. I am aware now (March 09).

Another reason that we had for this trip this year to Panama was to see if we were just infatuated with it last year when we were on vacation. We didnt buy souveniers, but we bought a condo in Panama City, and one at Playa Blanca, at the beach...we love the country and many things about it...the people, the use of US dollars, the food, the prices, the weather, the water, the amazing differences in climate and terrain (beaches, mountains, cities, jungles, rivers, oceans, and more).

So we wanted to learn more on this trip. We are seriously considering it a place to live and work and invest in for real estate. Maybe part time, maybe full time.

So when we got home after being there and traveling around for a month, I got the book and read "Panama, the Whole Story" by Kevin Buckley. I was pretty much shocked and disheartened to see what happened there in the 1980's to 1990, when the book ends. That wasnt that long ago! I vaguely recall reading and hearing about those things, but lets face it, at the time I was having and taking care of 3 babies, and we were working hard to sell real estate here in MD. However, I did read the Washington Post every day, and heard the national and international news on a regular basis. I was internationally and politically aware I thought.

What I found out from the book was that it wasnt only the Panamanian government and Noriega that were totally shady, but also Bush the father, Reagan, Cheney, Scrowcroft and lots of others. All mostly inept and liars. Even C.Powell could be drawn into this..there were also heros in the Senate that tried to help, but were tharted by our own government. Many people needlessly were beaten, tortured, and died as a result of this stupidity and political game playing.

I'm sorry to say that at that time, my focus was more on Europe, Asia, and Vietnam. Not that I could have
done
anything. But I didnt realize the
suffering and turmoil that Panama endured.

Which is why I found the book so shocking. Returning from there, I saw no signs of the very recent past. The country seems to be totally different than its recent history. Although some there have alluded that corruption still exists, it seems to mostly entail getting paperwork through beauracracy...not death and killings or secrets and terror.
And there is a saying there that is heard all the time..."It's Panama"- which has many meanings Im sure. But sometimes you hear it when 10 cars just go through a red light, or when people say something will be delivered by a certain time or date..like furniture, or the completion of a building and its permits and occupancy, and much more. Its like of like...do your own thing..no problem! Cool in some ways, and in a country with only about 3 and a half million people, its seems to work out ok. But maybe that is just the new attitude, after the oppression of the past..it needs to be that way for a while, to make up for the past.

So the Panama that we keep/kept seeing is full of people who are kind, helpful, friendly, love to dance, make friends, dont have road rage cause actually no one pays attention to road rules (except wearing seatbelts- they seem to respect that law), enjoy good food, and rum and cokes are $2, their very good beers are $1, and their corvina(fish) is everywhere, so everyone, or most, are able to eat well for little money. Public transportation is easy, everywhere, and dirt cheap.

I wish we could make friends here at home as easily as we make them in Panama.

Stealing some time

2009-03-11T20:38:00.000-04:00

So even when we go on a vacation, Paul enjoys working wherever we are-thanks to phones, email, and realtors around the world. We managed to convince him to try out the pool in the condo where we were staying, between appointments with property managers and realtors.

It was fun! I called it a Business Vacation. He prefers to call it Strictly Business. (for me, just traveling is a vacation, plus I dont do laundry or cooking or shopping either!)

Anyway, the rest of the day was spent looking at properties for sale in Panama City. I can tell you that we saw some real beauties and great prices compared to the States.
Did I mention that Panama has no earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes or snow? It was snowing at home in MD on the day these pictures were taken in Panama City.

Jumping Ahead

2009-03-08T17:10:00.000-04:00

The last four days we spent in Panama were in Panama City, where we feverishly shopped to furnish our condo for short term rentals. With Mara's language skills, mission accomplished! It wasn't easy, not knowing the city or the stores available to shop at, the language barriers, as well as shlepping packages without our own car, being at the mercy of finding cabs during rush hours, delivery arrangements for furniture, and getting everything set up..all within 4 days! We finished an hour before our taxi picked us up to take us to the airport to return home to DC.

Nevertheless, our property is finished and is available for rent now with a property management company.
You can see the link here: http://www.rentinpanamacity.com/panamarealestate/New_Upscale_Executive_Rental/id=571/852
On the lower right you can see the youtube tour of the apartment/condo.

Corvina and Friends of Friends

2009-03-06T00:07:00.000-05:00

So everywhere we went in Panama City, restaurants and out and about, we met people and tried the foods and saw the sights. If the USA has a national food it would probably be the hamburger, if you asked tourists and visitors. In Panama, the national food has to be their Corvina..which is a sea bass extraordinare! We didn't visit any chain restaurants, like a few McDonald's around, and others (Subway is here), only local privately owned places, but almost everywhere we went, all over the country, corvina was offered in so many styles..fried, sauted, in salads, appetizers, and so many more ways. It's almost always an economical dish, with fresh and healthy sides. One could be a corvina junkie here with great results!

Plus, when you meet a friend, they introduce you to their friends, and then you are friends with them too. Panama is sooo friendly!

We met up with friends of Paul's cousin Steve from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, who have a vacation home in the Zonian section of Panama(where the American canal zone was)..they also live in FL. They invited us to their lovely home in the Zone, and then we all went just minutes away to the Amador Causeway, an upcoming entertainment/yacht port/museum/convention center/restaurant area very close to their home. We all had a lovely evening conversing and enjoying the outdoor dining and the weather and well...Panama.

Oh, and I have to mention two more things. The tap water in Panama is sooo gooood! At home I use filtered water, but there it is soo good out of the tap. And in one month, we never had a touristy stomach issue with it.
Also, wines from South America are so available and cheap, compared to the United States! If you are a lover of fine wines, you will love their availability and prices! Argentina, Chile, and more...

Whirlwind of Panamanian Duties

2009-03-04T00:32:00.000-05:00

So we arrived in Panama, excited to see the finished product, the condo that we purchased in Pacific Sky, that was under construction the year earlier. We were not disappointed. In addition, Paul's and my suitcases finally came from Dulles and arrived from the airport the next day, we showered and were rested, and had enjoyed the previous evening discovering the local Punta Paitilla neighborhood and celebrating Mara's 23rd birthday, which was shared with a Panamanian friend of hers (from SAS) who joined us at an outdoor patio table restaurant. The weather was warm and beautiful, and we enjoyed the change from freezing cold winter to 95 degree days of sunshine. The condo we rented for a week from HomeAway.com had a great pool with lovely views of the city, and was only a 5 minute walk away from our new condo.

The next days were busy with meeting with our local lawyer, signing papers, arranging for a local bank account, and meeting local realtors to pursue a course of property management with them, as well as determining our best course for managing our condo investment.

In all these encounters, the people that we met were so nice and helpful, and genuinely friendly and kind.

We also had to immediately shop for lighting packages for the condo, as they are not typically installed with any buildings..that is all personally chosen, so that was also one of our first orders of business. We went to a lighting store, picked out lights, ceiling fans and made a list, and the property managers we chose picked them up and had them installed for us with their "people." They did a great job.

Here our our first pics of the condo. They look out over the Pacific Ocean, and overlook a low rise residential area, a park and the city country club of sorts- the Union Club. It is a great view, in that many of the ships that are waiting to enter and go through the Panama Canal line up there, so you can often see an assortment of ships in the ocean distance, and at night, their twinkling lights.

We decided to rent it out furnished, so Mara and I will return weeks later to accomplish that task. Paul is only staying on for a few days..getting back to work in Maryland.

So I Digress...A headcold and Snow and Work prompted this

2009-03-03T00:21:00.000-05:00

I've been home for just over a week, and its been so nice to sleep in my own bed (love it), with my hubby, and have my electric toothbrush again (I dont know why I love it so), and go though the mail, emails, get 2 new listings and do all the web stuff and brochures also, do laundry, unpack, get sick, go grocery shopping, and have a dinner/bunco party for 20 on Saturday night. I cooked Polish/Czech food...all homemade, and we had a wonderful evening Saturday night.

Then the snow came too- which was very pretty, very cold, but ok. Since we havent really seen it all winter yet. It did postpone a visit to my inlaws in VA though. But that will happen soon.

Anyway, I wanted to blog on Panama, and it has gotten waylayed by everyday life and the laziness/recovery of being sick. But I'm better now, and wanted to share this site with everyone near and dear in Gaithersburg, or Germantown or where ever/whomever could benefit from emergency alerts, for whatever reason. We watched "24" tonight again, and being so close to the White House, I guess you can't be too careful. You can sign up for email and phone alerts to emergencies at http:alert.gaithersburgmd.gov or 301-258-6310. I'm doing it tonight myself.

"When an incident or emergency occurs, authorized senders will instantly notify you using Alert Gaithersburg, which is your personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact and other important information. Note that emergency messages from Montgomery County's Homeland Security Department will also be sent via the Alert Gaithersburg system." I learned of this at a Gaithersburg Chamber of Commerce function...it really wasn't prompted by my watching the latest episode of "24".

The snow was really pretty and fluffy and not so hard to shovel today too..thank goodness sunshine followed the storm. It made for a nice day outside to shovel, and Mara took some lovely pics and they are on her facebook site. Paul spent the day wheeling and dealing on the phone, and it looks like a friend of Adrians got a good deal on a house today. A great deal for a lovely couple! It wouldn't have happened a year ago the way the market was. So, the Panama story will continue soon...but not tonight.

Back from Panama

2009-02-23T23:27:00.000-05:00

So I started this blog originally, so that I could journal on our upcoming trip to Panama. Plus, I just wanted to share some thoughts occasionally, on real estate, and other things too.

Mara and I were gone for almost a month, from January 26th till February 19th. We returned just as Carnival was beginning in Panama.

Paul, Mara and I left for Panama on January 26th, early morning- Mara's 23rd birthday. In fact, we saw the sun rise inflight. Its not a far flight to Panama. Actually pretty easy...direct from Dulles on COPA airlines, the Panamanian airline, to Tocumen, Panama City, in 4 to 4 and a half hours. We had good weather, despite the prediction of snow, and arrived and traveled without problems. Except that Dulles forgot to put Paul's and my luggage on the flight. But with God's blessing, Mara's luggage came with us, birthday-luck that day. Ours was delivered to the apartment we were renting for a week in Punta Paitilla the following day around 3 pm. We had a nice place to stay and the nicest landlord for a week that anyone could expect. David not only picked us up at the airport, he took us to a phone store to get a local phone for Panama, we had coffee at a gourmet cofffee shop with him, and then to his apartment. It was furnished with all the amenities, plus he had coffee, milk, red and white wine, cereal, bananas, popcorn, pool towels, laundry detergent, and more. We found his apartment through www.homeaway.com and he is the best!

Anyway, due to the inability to find free internet connections, or early mornings and late nights of being so busy, or bad weather, I never did find the time or sometimes the energy to post blogs. But I do want to share this great experience in Panama, so I will do it now with pics and this blog afterwards.

This all started last year when our family went to visit some old and dear friends in Nicaragua for a wedding of one of the kids our kids were close to growing up- our neighbors in West Riding, Gaithersburg. They were from Nicaragua, and returned there about 15 years ago when the political situation became more stable. We lived on Kimberly Ct. and they lived on Diamond Dr., and our homes backed to each other. We instantly connected, the kids played together almost every day, and still find them like family to us after all these years.

To go to Nicaragua, we took COPA airlines, and had a plane change in Panama, and decided to take a week to check out that country on our return, as we have been hearing for years about the many wonderful attributes of it, ecologically, sociologically, weatherwise, as a retirement haven, $$wise, as well as a great place for real estate investments.

We spent a week there last year, and while we dont go for buying a bunch of stupid plastic or otherwise meaningless souveniers, we experienced the culture, traveled around and we ended up purchasing a being-built 2 BR/3 bath condo on the Pacific side in the neighborhood of Punta Paitilla. The area is just gorgeous, but the real reason we loved it there was the people. It's very international, and everyone is sooooo nice and helpful and just so kind and its just a breath of fresh air. Our condo overlooks the ocean and a park and is a block from the new Trump building going up there(for way lots more money though). Its close to shopping and downtown, the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and in an upscale residential neighborhood. And with the Panama Canal being expanded, there is a need for hotel rooms and residential rentals for engineers and other business people who are coming from all over the world to work on this project.

So we wanted to go back there again for the closing, as it wasnt finished yet when we bought last year, but to also verify that we just werent in "vacation nirvana" when we purchased. It was pretty risky what we did I admit..purchase with being in a country for a week! But our recent time there verified that we made a right decision. We have spent more time there now and have no regrets. This is a very cool place, somewhere that has great potential, and we hope to be a part of it.

So, more pics and stories coming..but this is enough for tonight. oxoxoPaula

Do You Know your Neighbors?

2009-01-22T18:33:00.000-05:00

Do you know your neighbors? I mean, REALLY know
> your neighbors? Well, the attached site will help you know
> the ones you need to know even better.

>Just put in your street name & your neighborhood map will pop up. Every
> place you see a red balloon or thumb tack is the home of a
> convicted felon.
> Just hover your mouse over an icon & not only
> will the name come up, but also the crime they were
> convicted of.

http://www.felonspy.com/search.html

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, ...

2009-01-20T23:59:00.000-05:00

A beautiful day for a neighbor.
It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty...
So let's make the most of this beautiful day...

Pissaro Drive, Quince Haven, North Potomac, MD 1/19/09

There's A New Kid in Town! People, Get Ready.

2009-01-19T22:50:00.000-05:00

Let's all extend a warm welcome to the new kids on the block! We hope they love their new home and live in our neighborhood for a long time! We're certainly happy they are our new neighbors! Change can always be a little uncomfortable, but without it, there would be no growth.
People get ready!!...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGPLYu5XO7E&feature=related

Come Visit Us Sunday 1/18/09 16 Mateus Way, 20878

2009-01-17T18:32:00.000-05:00

Open House just across from NIST in Gaithersburg, MD. Open 1-4 PM. Totally remodeled and updated 3 BR townhome with great views and deck. A real beauty. Walk to park and tennis. Granite kitchen and baths, all new appliances, cabinets, lighting, flooring, carpets, paint, toilets, tiles, fixtures, leafgutter guards. Walkout basement with finished recreation room & den. Great Location! Quince Orchard schools. Gas heat and cooking. Clean, vacant, and pristine! $318,870.

Outside my kitchen window today..

2009-01-16T17:53:00.000-05:00

We had a high of 11 degrees F today, but that didn't stop some friends from dropping by.

Life is what it is...and happiness is a choice. Views from Maryland, home for now, and sometimes out and about- seeing the world whenever possible.

2009-01-16T00:44:00.000-05:00

So today is my first post..and not sure at all how this blogging works..but I know one thing for sure. I love the blogs of others. Starting off a new year with new things..got a radical haircut..going to new places soon - Panama, trying to learn to speak Spanish too, dealing with the state of the USA in the throws of economic problems..us included. But want to stay positive, and deal with it all..positively. I'm more of a reader than a writer..but I love to take pictures, and will share them with you. I'm also more of a listener than a talker too. I'll start with our home on New Years Eve...cause Im still missing our lovely Christmas tree in our living room..just like we all missed the presence of many of our loved ones this year..since they were far away and couldn't return as usual. On the other hand...I love www.oovoo.com and www.skype.com...which has given me so much in the way of happiness in keeping in touch with our loved ones. Hopefully this blog will be much more professional as I learn the ins and outs of the site. oxoxP