Linda's Harford County and Baltimore County Blog

Linda's Harford County and Baltimore County Blog http://activerain.com/blogs/agrecohome Informatin about Haford County and Baltimore County Maryland Real Estate en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1353108/thanks-to-our-troops Thanks to Our Troops <p>Thanksgiving won't be the same this year for my family. My 18-year-old nephew recently joined the <br />Marines and is currently in Boot Camp. This year, my family will miss having him at the dinner table, hearing his goofy laugh and my 8 year old son will miss having him to wrestle. There is comfort in knowing he is safe, well, as safe as you can be in Boot Camp. But, there are many families who have loved  ones fighting for our freedoms in both Afghanistan and Iraq.<br /> <br />Consider sending a note of thanks to these brave men and women.  It's free and only takes a minute.<br /> <br />Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.<br /> <br />  <a href="http://letssaythanks.com/" target="_blank">http://LetsSayThanks.com</a></p> <p>Linda</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:04:17 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1353108/thanks-to-our-troops http://activerain.com/blogsview/1345532/chesapeake-oyster-and-beer-festival-this-weekend- Chesapeake Oyster and Beer Festival this Weekend! <p>I will be enjoying bi-valves and beer with lots of folks on Friday, November 20, 2009. This event is at Timonium Fairgrounds from 6-10 p.m.. This is a big shucking event in the Baltimore area featuring oysters prepared 10 ways and Beers such as:</p> <p>Heavy Seas Loose Cannon<br />Evolution Lucky 7 Porter<br />Evolution IPA<br />Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA<br />Dogfish Head Chicory<br />Saranac Imperial IPA<br />Lake Placid UBU Ale<br />Magic Hat #9<br />Pyramid Haywire Hefe<br />Lancaster Shoofly<br />Lancaster Winter Warmer<br />Stone IPA<br />Stone Smoked Porter  </p> <p>And if you don't like oysters, but still want to come, there is plenty of other food such as crab soup and pit ham, turkey and beef.  </p> <p> <a href="http://www.beerandoyster.com/timonium/show-info">http://www.beerandoyster.com/timonium/show-info</a></p> <p>(some pictures on the site are actually from the Chili and Cheese Fest this year. I know, because I was there as you can see. That, too, is a terrific event!)</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:44:49 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1345532/chesapeake-oyster-and-beer-festival-this-weekend- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1315404/save-a-life-motivational-monday Save a Life - Motivational Monday <p>In 2004, I became a registered member of the National Marrow Donor Program which is now Be The Match Registry<sup>SM</sup>. Saving a life doesn't always require money or to be in the right place at the right time. For many of the thousands of patients with leukemia and other life threatening diseases, a bone marrow transplant is the only hope for a cure. 70% of patients in need of donors do not have matches in their families and need our help.  For more information, visit <a href="http://www.marrow.org">www.marrow.org</a> There is a fee to join.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>"Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege."</p> <p>- John D. Rockefeller Jr.</p> <p> Have a great week!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:40 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1315404/save-a-life-motivational-monday http://activerain.com/blogsview/1284242/team-silver-fox-beats-4-hours-in-baltimore-marathon Team Silver Fox Beats 4 Hours in Baltimore Marathon <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/0/8/6/6/ar125552342366808.jpg" height="367" alt="" width="562" /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:31:50 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1284242/team-silver-fox-beats-4-hours-in-baltimore-marathon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1270507/excellent-opportunity-to-own-invest-near-catonsville- Excellent Opportunity to Own/Invest Near Catonsville <p>Multi-Family Home, perfect for investor or first time buyer offered at $260,000. Zoned Owner Occupied Rental with 2 apts. - generates $1950 in rent. First floor apt. is currently rented. Each apt. has separate laundry and kitchen.  Recently updated porch, roof, windows and siding. Private and quiet park like setting. Pride in ownership is obvious. Location is convenient to UMBC, 695, and shopping. </p> <p> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/5/3/3/ar12547699233552.JPG" height="331" alt="" width="446" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:13:49 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1270507/excellent-opportunity-to-own-invest-near-catonsville- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1244533/baltimore-running-festival Baltimore Running Festival <p>The Baltimore Running Festival is October 10. Team Relay and Half Marathon are sold out, but you can still register for the full (qualify for the Boston) and 5K - these close on Oct. 2. There will be free parking, a Kids Run, ample water and snack stations on course, and Marthon Pace Groups. There will be a Celebration Village, open to the public near the finish at Ravens Parking Lot C, where there will be live music, games, food and drinks. Follow the link for more information:</p> <p><a href="http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/site3.aspx">http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/site3.aspx</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:45:03 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1244533/baltimore-running-festival http://activerain.com/blogsview/1232374/restaurant-row-in-baltimore-howl-at-the-moon Restaurant Row in Baltimore: Howl at the Moon <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/3/8/5/ar125259267358304.JPG" height="99" alt="" width="101" />If you are looking for something to do in Baltimore this weekend, may I suggest  going to Restaurant Row off of Market?</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/3/5/8/ar125259278985334.JPG" height="165" alt="" width="197" /></p> <p>This summer, I saw 2 great concerts: the B-52s and a Bruce Springsteen cover band at Rams Head. If you are not in the mood for a concert, you can always try one of the restaurants. Sadly, on Sept. 6, Babalu Grill closed = ( They had fantastic Latin food.</p> <p>Last weekend, I went to a piano bar on The Row called Howl at the Moon. <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/8/0/3/ar125259295630807.JPG" height="278" alt="" width="300" /></p> <p>This place is guaranteed to put even the worst of moods to rest - it worked for me! There is a cover charge of $5 and drinks are a little pricey, but it is well worth the money. Once you are stamped, you can come and go as you like. Howl at the Moon does not serve food, but since it is located on Restaurant Row, it is easy to get carry out and bring it back to the bar. The band is staged in the center of the bar (2 pianos, drums, and guitar) and plays whatever you request (for a few dollars, of course). <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/7/3/9/ar125259304793799.JPG" height="262" alt="" width="390" /> </p> <p>Of course, this Catholic girl who did start much too late (if you know this song, you'll understand why I say this) had to request Billy- helllooo, it's a piano bar! The band players not only are musically talented, they are entertaining, too, and keep the atmosphere lively. So, I had a great time and I think you could, too!</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/1/6/6/ar12525935666139.JPG" height="249" alt="" width="346" />BTW, if you could read the dry erase board, you would see that someone paid to have "Yankees Suck" written. For a higher sum, you could have it changed. I was thinking something political, but didn't go there ; )</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:42:49 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1232374/restaurant-row-in-baltimore-howl-at-the-moon http://activerain.com/blogsview/1215186/congress-under-obamacare Congress Under Obamacare <p>Rep. John Fleming of Louisiana introduced into the House of <br />Representatives, House Resolution 615 which puts all Congressmen and <br />Congresswomen under Obamacare.<br /><br /><br />If you support such an amendment after signing Rep. Fleming's <br />petition, here is a letter you can download and send to your own <br />representative asking him or her to support House Resolution 615.<br /><br /><br /><br />I, ______________________, fully support House Resolution 615, which <br />expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who <br />vote in favor of the establishment of a public, federal government <br />run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to <br />participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) <br />and agree to enroll under that public option.<br /><br />I urge my representative, __________________, to become a cosponsor <br />of the resolution and be willing to be accountable for any vote they <br />make to reform health care in America.<br /><br /><br />______________<br />Your Name<br /><br /><br />___________________________________________<br /><br />___________________________________________<br />Your Address<br /><br />____________________________________________<br /><br />Your Email Address<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Contact your Representatives at:<br /><br /><a>https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:59:07 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1215186/congress-under-obamacare http://activerain.com/blogsview/1210861/wordless-wed-deep-creek-fly-fishing Wordless Wed. - Deep Creek Fly Fishing <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/9/4/8/ar12512529884914.jpg" height="525" alt="" width="585" /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:18:45 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1210861/wordless-wed-deep-creek-fly-fishing http://activerain.com/blogsview/1209602/seniors-and-the-cost-of-living- Seniors and the Cost of Living <p>My father is 75. He is a retired engineer and served in the military. He's always worked hard for what he has. I was discouraged to hear him tell me that Social Security will not increase with the cost of living in 2010 or 2011.  Of course, Medicare costs will increase - which is directly taken out of Social Security checks.</p> <p>The same people in government who can't manage care for Medicare and Social Security recipients want to be in control of the proposed government health plan. Hellllooooo......do we want them to run our lives into the ground? I'm sure gov't would be happy to pick out our plots, too.</p> <p>My heart goes out to those seniors who worked so hard and put money into Social Security every paycheck expecting that one day it would be there for them.  </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:41:01 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1209602/seniors-and-the-cost-of-living- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1192635/wordless-wed-how-do-you-fall-asleep-while-eating- Wordless Wed. - How do you fall asleep while eating? <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/6/6/1/ar125009694816646.JPG" height="380" alt="" width="594" /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:10:39 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1192635/wordless-wed-how-do-you-fall-asleep-while-eating- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1191395/magnificent-photos- Magnificent Photos! <p>I'm early for a Wordless Wed. and late for the anniversary of the Lunar Landing. None the less, I wanted to share these incredible images from 40 years ago. Where is our space program now?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/remembering_apollo_11.html">http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/remembering_apollo_11.html</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:31:19 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1191395/magnificent-photos- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1183563/speak-out-about-the-proposed-health-care-plan Speak Out About the Proposed Health Care Plan <p>I recently spoke with a young person who thought Obamacare was only going to hurt the SENIOR CITIZENS in this country.<br /><br />WRONG................<br /><br />Obamacare will hurt every single American, young or old, rich or poor, and with insurance or not..........<br /><br />In other words EVERYONE in the 50 states EXCEPT the following elitists will be victim...................<br />Obama and his family<br />Congress and their families<br />Government workers and their families<br /><br />I have a very simple suggestion for all who care:  Send your elected representatives via phone, email, fax or letter the following:<br /><br />"Dear Senator or Representative (fill in the blank),<br /><br />I do not want to hear from you how much we need health care reform, how we are going to pay for it and what your health care package includes or does not include.<br /><br /><strong>What I do care about</strong> is whether you and other members of Congress will be included in the same plan you want me to be under.  If I find out that you and other members of Congress are exempt from the same health care plan you want me under, I will devote my energies 24/7 to see that you are ceremoniously thrown out of office on your next election cycle if not sooner.   <br /><br />I hope that my communication with you helps you understand how angry Americans are regarding your elitist position on health care.  We are determined that you will either be forced to represent the people who elected you or we will remove you from your mahogany office in Washington, D.C.!!!!"<br /><br /><br />IT IS TIME TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GET INVOLVED.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:10:13 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1183563/speak-out-about-the-proposed-health-care-plan http://activerain.com/blogsview/1181374/good-news-for-fha-buyers- Good News for FHA Buyers! <h3> <p>FHA is going to maintain its current standards regarding the mortgage insurance premiums. What does this mean?<br /><br />When using an FHA loan, a buyer must pay an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) as well as a monthly mortgage insurance premium. These charges were scheduled to increase in cost on October 1, 2009, however HUD has decided to maintain current standards which should afford FHA buyers the ability to qualify for higher loan amounts.<br /><br />Mortgage Insurance is not designed to protect the home buyer. It is only there to protect and insure the bank and FHA in the event of default. Even so, FHA mortgage insurance will continue to provide lower rates with lower down payments in comparison to higher rates and higher down payments for conventional loans.<br /><br />The bottom line to this news is that by maintaining lower premiums, FHA will be used by both first time home buyers and others to continue the increase in home sales at least through 2010.</p> </h3><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:43:35 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1181374/good-news-for-fha-buyers- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1164731/a-book-that-will-raise-your-eyebrows A Book that Will Raise your Eyebrows <p>This month it is my turn to host my Woodcrest Book Club. (Woodcrest in the name of my neighborhood in Fallston, Maryland) Every 2 months,  9 of the most brilliant ladies in Harford County gather to discuss a book of one member's choosing.</p> <p>Tomorrow night, I will host our book club. For this meeting, I chose a book based on title alone. Perhaps you have seen the movie or heard of the book "Running With Scissors" written by Augusten Burroughs. Do you ever feel like you are doing just that?</p> <p>The meeting will be interesting, no doubt. This is the most warped and vulgar story we have ever read. Does that make it not worthwhile? In my opinion, absolutely not. Did I mention that this story is a memoir?</p> <p>While reading the author's story, you will say to yourself numerous times that it is a miracle that this man is a functioning and productive member of society. His mother was mentally unstable and then turned him over to her lunatic psychiatrist to be raised. This book is not for anyone who blushes easily or is not open minded.</p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:55:06 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1164731/a-book-that-will-raise-your-eyebrows http://activerain.com/blogsview/1161173/latest-addition-to-my-family Latest Addition to my Family <p>As most kids will do, my 2 kiddos begged for a dog. We decided a puppy to grow up with the kids would be the best way to go, though I am a supporter of the Harford County <a href="http://www.harfordshelter.org/" title="Humane Society" target="_blank">Humane Society</a>. We adopted a Goldendoodle. Her name is Stella and she is a terror! She gets into everything and bites constantly, but she is absolutely adorable and we love her.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/2/3/8/ar124818394783217.JPG" height="256" alt="" width="266" /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/3/8/2/ar124818405228339.JPG" height="230" alt="" width="268" /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:58:11 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1161173/latest-addition-to-my-family http://activerain.com/blogsview/1159826/motivational-monday Motivational Monday <p>When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. <br /><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edwardwho105229.html">Edward W. Howe</a></p> <p>I love this quote - a sincere friend will take action.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:43:44 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1159826/motivational-monday http://activerain.com/blogsview/1157959/my-great-grandparents-are-rolling-over-in-thier-graves-conservative-politics-warning- My Great Grandparents are Rolling Over in thier Graves...Conservative Politics - Warning! <p>The New York Post explained to New Yorkers on Thursday how <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Obama's health care bill </span></strong>will affect them, but they could just as well have picked Alpharetta, Ga., Fallston, Md or any town U.S.A. and the story would still be pretty much the same.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Example One:  Combined Income of $1.5 Million<br /></span></strong>A married couple with a combined income of $1.5 million will pay $716,000 in taxes which is a tax rate of around 57 percent.  In other words,<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">if Obama has his way</span></strong> and you make over a million dollars you are going to fork over 60 percent of what you earn to the government for them to decide what to do it with it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Example Two:  Single Person Making $285,000 Per Year<br /></span></strong>A single worker earning $285, 000 a year will have a total tax bill of $115,254 which represents 40.44 percent of his income.  In other words this person will have to give <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Obama and his Czars</span></strong> 40 percent of what they earn so the government can redistribute it to some one more worthy in their view.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Example Three:  Person Making $80,000 Per Year<br /></span></strong>For someone making $80,000 a year with no health insurance (<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">this is the group that Obama said would not be taxed</span></strong>) will have to pay $28,391 in taxes or 35.48 percent of their income so the Chicago street organizer and his friends can dole it out to their supporters like ACORN, unions and other street organizing groups.<br /><br /><br /><br />But it is <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">even worse</span></strong> than the numbers above indicate.<br /><br /><br /><br />The above taxes that we will all have to pay <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DO NOT</span></strong>...... I repeat <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DO NOT</span></strong> include:<br /><br />(1) the new taxes forthcoming under <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Obama's cap and trade bill, <br /></span></strong>(2) the tax increases that will automatically happen when Obama allows the Bush <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">tax cuts to expire </span></strong>in 2011, and <br />(3) the new taxes which will be needed to pay down the massive debt <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Obama has already created.<br /><br /><br /></span></strong>The sad thing about all of this is that Obama's single purpose in the White House is to return the nation's wealth to its so-called rightful owners, the people that (1) <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">haven't earned it</span></strong> and (2) the people <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">who haven't tried to earn it.</span></strong>  <br /><br /><br />Obama has decided in <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">his own radical Arlinsky type mind</span></strong> that the so called victims and poor should reap the rewards of others and the people that have made this country work will be sacrificed in order to achieve his Czarist goal.  <br /><br /><br /><br />My great grandparents who worked their fingers to the bone after immigrating from Europe in the 1890s so their family could have a better life must be turning over in their graves in St. Mary's Cemetery in Hazleton, Pa.<br /><br /><br />Another sickening aspect of this whole financial shell game is the rubber stamp tax and spend Congress.  <br /><br /><br />I didn't realize until the other day that C-SPAN <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">no longer televises </span></strong>legislation being crafted on the floor of the House of Representatives.<br /><br /><br />All the legislation takes place <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">behind closed doors </span></strong>in the House and then these bunch of government funded pontificators come out on the House floor and debate things they have already decided in secret.<br /><br /><br />And we sit back and pay for this staged baloney.<br /><br /><br />Now I know why the American people did not hear a debate on the amnesty bill or the stimulus bill or the pork bill and will not hear it on the cap and trade bill or the health care bill.<br /><br /><br />It all takes place behind closed doors and reminds me of what the great Ronald Reagan once said,<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession.  I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first." <br /></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>(side note:  In 1989, I had the honor of  sitting only a few feet away from President Reagan while listening to him speak at my high school, Fallston High School.  His speach about our future  and ending the Cold War was awe inspiring and I was truly moved.)<br /></em></strong>  <br /><br /><br />And the last nail in our financial coffin appears to be the State-run media who refuse to report what is going on to the American people.  So there you have the problem we all face............</p> <ul> <li>Our representatives won't represent us </li> <li>They give us the shaft behind closed doors and </li> <li>The State-run media won't keep them honest </li> </ul> <p><br /><br />This is exactly the way a country is sold down the river.  It happened in Germany and is well on the way to happening here.<br /><br /><br /><br />If this is not the change you wanted, contact your Senators at:<br /><br /><a>http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm<br /><br /><br /><br /></a>If this is not the change you wanted, contact your Representatives at:<br /><br /><a>https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml<br /><br /></a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:38:09 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1157959/my-great-grandparents-are-rolling-over-in-thier-graves-conservative-politics-warning- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1150942/living-life-to-the-fullest Living Life To The Fullest <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/8/9/1/6/ar124750347661986.JPG" height="393" alt="" width="618" /></p> <p>The best part of life is having choices to live life to the fullest. Having a plane allows for great freedoms. It's quite a luxury. Just the other day my pilot friend flew my kiddos and me to Tangier Island, Va for the day. We left at noon and we were back by 6:30. We enjoyed a seafood lunch, a walk around town, the beach, and then ice cream before hopping back in the plane.</p> <p>My philosophy on life...</p> <p>1. Live life with no regrets ...and of course, never put your head in the sand.</p> <p>2. Focus on what's important in life.....love, fullfillment, happiness, success, and adventure</p> <p>3. Face your fears, be true to yourself - have integrity</p> <p>4. Speak the truth to others, communicate!</p> <p>5. And, a friend of mine once said that life should not be a merry-go-round, it should be a roller coaster.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:58:20 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1150942/living-life-to-the-fullest http://activerain.com/blogsview/1119385/summer-transition Summer Transition <p>My daughter will enter middle school next year! UGH! She will meet new friends and see her old friends come August. Harford County schools begin their school year before Labor Day. Many people choose to relocate during the summer since it's a natural break from school. Moving within a known area is difficult enough, but when a client with children from out of the area is faced with such a big transition I really feel for the family!</p> <p>As a Realtor, I am not allowed to give my thoughts to what areas have little crime rate or have better schools than others.....yes, that can be frustrating on both sides. I will always tell my clients that I love my community in Fallston of Harford County and my sister loves her community of Bel Air in Harford County! I don't think there is a rule against that! (read between the lines..hmm)</p> <p>Here's a picture of my daughter and me at her Elementary School graduation - with straight As and an award for tutoring all year! Yes, she wears her hair in her face...and, yes, it annoys me, but not her.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/7/9/0/ar124528231109719.jpg" height="209" alt="" width="318" /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:29:52 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1119385/summer-transition http://activerain.com/blogsview/1101967/thoughts-from-a-maryland-mom Thoughts from a Maryland Mom <p> In the past few weeks, students have been gearing up for summer. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching my daughter receive a presidential award for academic excellence. This criteria was met by nearly half of her fifth grade class! The criteria: maintaining a 3.5 or better GPA for the past 2 years, scoring above the average range in either reading or math or both on the MSA, and receiving a recommendation from an administrator. How lucky for my community of Fallston in Harford County, to have such a strong class of students! That's amazing!</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/4/2/3/ar124465279732418.jpg" height="256" alt="" width="378" /></p> <p>And, as a note of caution to all parents....in the month of May I witnessed two children being struck in the face with baseball bats unintentionally, of course. One was my daughter. She was standing next to a friend who didn't see that my daughter was behind her when she swung the bat. My daughter's nose was broken. Our neighbor's son was hit in the forehead and knocked unconscious. I had to call 911, he was taken to Hopkins and released late that night. Baseball and softball are a lot of fun, but let's teach the kiddos to be aware of their surroundings.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:02:24 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1101967/thoughts-from-a-maryland-mom http://activerain.com/blogsview/1080444/my-ar-friends-keep-me-reading My AR Friends Keep Me Reading <p>Another brilliant quote by Mark Twain -</p> <p>"A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read."</p> <p>Here at Active Rain, all members are here for the same goal - to read, learn and share ideas. I can count on:</p> <p> <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/cowetafayette" title="Richard Weisser" target="_blank">Richard Weisser</a> for a thoughtful post every morning accompanied with one of his beautiful photographs</p> <p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/stevehoffacker" title="Steve Hoffacker" target="_blank">Steve Hoffacker</a> for a brief and to the point thought that I enjoy contemplating</p> <p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/nino2001" title="Greg Nino" target="_blank">Greg Nino</a> for humor and very straight tell it like it is posts that are always worthwhile</p> <p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/rrauf" title="Rob Rauf" target="_blank">Rob Rauf</a> for jokes and silliness plus serious weekly mortgage updates</p> <p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler" title="Andrea Swiedler" target="_blank">Andrea Swiedler</a> for lovely photos, heartwarming stories and fresh ideas</p> <p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1080268/is-it-true-when-activerain-first-started-many-of-the-members-posted-many-blogs-about-religion-" title="Bob Swetz" target="_blank">Bob Swetz</a> for truly unique ideas and photos as only Vegas Bob can come up with</p> <p>So thank you to my AR friends I can count on for consistant readable material that keeps me coming back for more every morning!!!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 18 May 2009 08:11:32 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1080444/my-ar-friends-keep-me-reading http://activerain.com/blogsview/1070968/motivational-monday-mark-moves-me Motivational Monday - Mark Moves Me <dt>Quote from Mark Twain on parenting - thought it was appropriate for Mother's Day.... </dt><dt></dt><dt> "My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it."</dt> <p>My kids are still young - 7 and 10 - on frustrating days, I recall my dad's words of wisdom "Don't wish it away" and my father-in-law's words "Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems."</p> <p>So with all 3 quotes combined, I am left with one thought - enjoy the children, it goes by quickly. Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy watching them make their own ways and hope they learn from their mistakes. And, as a parent, I should be guiding them and talking with them about their triumphs and mistakes.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 11 May 2009 07:20:09 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1070968/motivational-monday-mark-moves-me http://activerain.com/blogsview/1064878/small-referral-goes-a-long-way-true-story- Small Referral goes a long way!True Story! <p>My client, Karen, needed some wood work done on the eaves of her 1800's farmhouse. I referred a handyman named Tom. When my client met Tom, she loved his craftsmanship and thought he was kind. Through their conversation, she asked if he knew anyone who might want to rent her parent's house in Bel Air, Maryland. He just happened to be in need of a home and took the rental.</p> <p>Since last year, he has been a wonderful tenant. So grateful to rent from such a lovely family, he volunteered to help around Karen's parents' house (90 year old folks). Karen's father was so appreciative he cut Tom's rent in half.  </p> <p>Karen's father passed away last week. He was sick with cancer for quite a while. Tom visited her father nightly and helped with whatever was needed. He shared with Karen that he had prayed for a family who would care for him, a relationship, and a dog.   God has mysterious ways.... Tom is part of Karen's familly - He gave Karen's father's eulogy! Through his daily check ins with Karen's father, he met the woman next door and they are getting married in September! I think a dog is coming into the picture as well! And it all started with a referral.</p> <p> </p> <p>Click here for a little more <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZtQh5EIgWQ" title="Sunshine" target="_blank">Sunshine</a> in your day!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Wed, 06 May 2009 07:31:14 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1064878/small-referral-goes-a-long-way-true-story- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1061507/monday-mark-moves-me- Monday - Mark Moves Me <p>Have you ever taken the time to read quotes by Mark Twain? I've done it for years. Why? Because he is thoughtful, clever and humorous. All qualities I admire wrapped in one! He motivates me to a degree, but mostly makes me feel human.......here's an example.</p> <p> </p> <p>"I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one."</p> <p>~Mark Twain</p> <p>See how that applies to our business?</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: georgia,palatino;"><a title="findahouseinmaryland.com" href="http://www.findahouseinmaryland.com" target="_blank">FindAHouseInMaryland.com</a></span></p></div> Linda Greco Baltimore and Harford County Real Estate (Integrity Realty Group, LLC) Mon, 04 May 2009 07:44:56 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1061507/monday-mark-moves-me-