'Ask Mary'

Homestyle Cooking with Mary: Grape Nut Bread

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:26:38 -0600

Can you stay for coffee and Grape Nut Bread?

Do You Remember Grape Nut Bread?

I am sure the original Grape Nut Bread recipe was printed on a box of Grape Nuts cereal to sell more boxes of Grape Nuts. My recipe was hand written by Betty Yonkers, my mother-in-law, and doesn't have a lot of detail for step by step preparation. Grape Nut Bread is definitely a Yonkers tradition, but I didn't attempt to make it until Betty was no longer able to make it. Now each batch reminds us of her. (I tried to find a digital picture of her to include here, but couldn't find one.)

Grape Nut Bread

1 cup Grape Nuts

1 cup sour milk (add one tsp vinegar to milk; let sit for one minute)

Soak Grape Nuts in sour milk for one hour

While you wait mix all dry ingredients in large bowl
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder

After one hour add the following to the Grape Nut mixture
1/4 cup hot water: add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp baking soda
2 beaten eggs

Gradually add the dry ingredients. It is hard to mix, but the final taste is worth it.

Grease & flour two loaf pans or three smaller ones. Bake @350 for approx one hour depending on size of loaf pan. Use toothpick to test done-ness.

When the loaves have cooled I cut and put four slices in each freezer bag. Tasty treat on a cool fall morning. Thanks Betty!

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Study, Study, Study for the PA Real Estate Exam

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:14:21 -0600

Study Tips to Prepare for Real Estate Exam

Review class material one hour per day--don't cram. Let it sink in a little each day a.k.a. The Drip Theory

Read, Read, Read--the more you read, the deeper your understanding of the material

Take practice tests--preferably computerized tests

Find a study partner--explain new concepts to each other

Make Flash Cards Remember flash cards?

Join me to study for Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam:

Nov. 14, 2009
Howard Hanna Real Estate
4248 W. 12th Street Erie, PA 16505
9:00 - 4:00
Free - Free - Free
Call: 412-967-9000

Your Real Estate Career Begins Now

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Pennsylvania CE Classes for Newly Licensed Agents Offered in Erie, PA

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:05:12 -0600

Pennsylvania Continuing Education Rules Change:

Licensees who received license between Dec. 1, 2007 and Nov. 30, 2009 must take 14 hours Continuing Education Classes on required topics (Seven hours of mandatory topics and seven hours on residential or commercial topics)
If licensed before Dec. 1, 2007 Licensees may take any elective CE course
No CE required if licensed after Dec. 1, 2009

Does the thought of sitting in one more class cause you stress?

Bore you to distraction?

ZZZZZZZ Put you to sleep?

CE Classes offered in Erie, PA

November 17 and 19
8:30-4:30
2170 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505
Fulfills PA Real Estate Commission requirements for newly licensed agents

Join me in my next CE class. I promise I won't put you to sleep >>>>>>>>> unless I feed you first.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

SOUTHERN MARYLAND HOT CRAB DIP BY BARBARA

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:26:46 -0600

Yes, this is a Keeper, Barbara!!! Last week I bought the ingredients for this recipe. It makes a large batch so I divided it in half.

My family gathered for Mother's 87th Birthday and everyone loved your recipe. On Sunday I served it again when Jeff Yonkers & his family came for dinner. I just e-mailed the recipe to everyone. Try it! Your family or company will love you!

Via Barbara Raley (O'Brien Realty):

Hot Crab Dip Recipe-Great This hot, creamy crab dip is great with anything, crackers, baguette slices or vegetables.

* 16 oz. crab meat

* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

* 12 oz. cream cheese

* 1/2 cup sour cream

* 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

* 2 Tsp. Old Bay seasoning

*1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp. hot sauce, 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 1/2 tsp. each of salt and pepper.

DIRECTIONS:

Combine together all ingredients except crab meat and cheddar cheese, mix well. Then fold in crab meat and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix well. Pour into 1 oval baking dish or 6 7oz. ramkins. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup shredded chaddar cheese, and return to oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. THIS IS A KEEPER!

DISCOVER SOUTHERN MARYLANDS SECRET.....WHERE RELAXATION IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT A VACATION!

For more information on Southern Maryland and the surrounding communities, or if you are interested in buying or selling your home please contact me at www.barbararaley.com

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Mother's 87th Birthday Celebration

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:53:13 -0600

Mother Celebrates 87 Wise Years

Family members gathered recently to celebrate Mother's 87th birthday. You may remember several posts from Mother's Recipe Box including her famous elderberry pie. Since Dave & I have an elderberry bush near our property we make the pie or supply the berries.

At 87 Mother would prefer family gatherings to lots of gifts, so I bought a card, flowers and wine. No family gathering is complete without pie and ice cream. I made the elderberry and my sister, Carol, made fresh apple pie. Irene, bought the French Vanilla ice cream. Prior to dinner we enjoyed Hot Crab Dip. (Recipe by Barbara Raley) George, my brother-in-law, reminded me to bring Alaska pictures and mementos.

Wow! We could have talked all night.

Mother's Recipe Collection

My sisters & I combed through Mother's Recipe Collection and agreed to make duplicate copies of our favorites. Guess we will have to make a fourth copy for our brother, Bob, who could not attend Mother's birthday party this year.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Morning Inspiration: Sunrise

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:07 -0600

Morning Inspiration

Most of us dread the coming of winter when the trees have lost their leaves, but now I can see the most awesome sunrises from my kitchen window.

Bird & squirrel feeders

Morning In Review

Short walk to mailbox holds another surprise. What a view across the road. Coffee & bagel while I read the paper and I will be ready to face the day. Later I plan to walk to Lake Erie, approx one mile, but nothing can compare . . . I will take my camera, just in case.

Enjoy the day!

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Move Forward with Your Real Estate Career: Classes Begin 11-7-09

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:40:34 -0600

Planning to change careers? Thinking about Real Estate?

Unemployed? Can't find a job? Have you considered Real Estate?

Don't delay. Prepare for a Real Estate Career NOW

Pennsylvania Pre-license Classes begin this weekend in Erie, PA

November 7, 8 and 14, 15
9:00-4:30
Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate 4244 W. 12th St. Erie, PA 16505
412.967.0240
www.alankells.com

Obtaining a Pennsylvania Real Estate License

Obtaining a real estate license in Pennsylvania requires 60 hours of classroom instruction. These hours are divided into two classes - Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice

Real Estate Fundamentals

This 30 hour class offers a comprehensive overview of the technical and legal aspects of real estate. Topics covered include rights and interest in land, how ownership is held, transfer of rights and interests, contract law, mortgages, fair housing laws and state licensing laws.

Real Estate Practice

This 30 hour class is designed to provide the student with an introduction to all facets of the real estate business, with emphasis on residential brokerage activities. Topics covered include agency, brokerage, listing contracts, sales agreements, residential finance techniques, appraisal, closings and real estate math.

After successful completion of these classes, the student applies for the State Real Estate Exam. The 4 1/2 hours exam is given at various locations throughout the state. The cost of the exam is $56.00.

After passing the State exam, the student then chooses a real estate broker to activate the license.

Your Real Estate Career Begins with Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate--Mary Yonkers, Instructor

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Google Sauce a.k.a Google Juice

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:44 -0600

Cooking Up a Batch of Google Sauce

Inspired by Mary Yonkers, I Made Applesauce for the First Time Thanks Diane Rice

Google Web Alert for: "Mary Yonkers"

Real Estate Blog Inspired By Mary Yonkers I Made Applesauce For ...
Now, my mother made everything from scratch while we were growing up, but i honestly had NO interest in cooking..... just eating!

This once a day Google Alert is brought to you by Google.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ All this started last week with Homestyle Cooking with Mary: Applesauce

Diane not only cooked up a batch of tasty applesauce for herself & Husbo, but also cooked up a batch of Google Sauce for me. Thanks Diane Just being ourselves can be good for business.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Toastmasters: Happy 85th Birthday

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:53:44 -0600

Happy Birthday Toastmasters

Since the first Toastmasters meeting in 1924 more than 4 million people have met regularly to improve their communication and leadership skills. Today, Toastmasters' 250,000+ active members participate in over 12,500 clubs spanning 106 countries. Erie, Pennsylvania is lucky to have three clubs to choose from in various locations around the city.

Noon-Timers: 2nd & 4th Thurs. 12:00-1:00 (Niagara Village)
Eriez Club: 2nd & 4th Thurs. 6:30-7:45 (Lawrence Park Library Branch)
Bayview Club: 2nd & 4th Wed. 5:15-6:45 (300 State Street)

Bob Adams, Introducing Table Topics

Noon-Timers will celebrate Toastmasters 85th Birthday at their next meeting November 12th 12:00-1:00. Please come to support two newer members who are giving their Ice Breaker Speech.

Location: Waddell Reed, 5473 Village Common Dr. #205 (off Zuck & Interchange Rd) 12-1 pm Contact: Mary Yonkers, VP Public Relations 814.881.7548 or askmary.yonkers@gmail.com

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Chow Chow Express For Children: Erie, PA

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:29:34 -0600

Choo Choo Express

21 Years

Howard Hanna begins its 21st year of fundraising to benefit local children's Free Care Fund. At Erie's Hamot Medical Center the money will provide the best health care to infants, children & adolescents whose parents cannot afford such care.

Through fundraisers such as the fall Chow Chow Express Howard Hanna has donated more than $5,500,000 to local children's hospitals over the last 20 years. In 2008 Howard Hanna offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia raised $540,000.

Save the Date: November 4th 5-8 p.m. at Colao's Restaurant 2628 Plum St.

Fun, food, prizes, and more

$6 admission/$2 valet parking hosted by SW Office

814.835.1200

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Poor TV Reception: Solution

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:45:15 -0500

Solution: Long Story

Our rural property is heavily wooded with Trout Run cutting through the lower level. Observing nature is one of our favorite pasttimes from the front porch or kitchen window, however there is a downside to to living off the beaten path. The conveniences of urban life such as good TV reception have been a challenge.

Blocked by trees

HD reception via satellite--NO WAY

Digital reception via an antenna--NOT Possibe

Cable Option

Not available

Not available

Not available

Being the outspoken person I can be at times I talked to an Erie Times reporter and the Yonkers ended up on the front page of the local section. We were ribbed about this picture all summer.

Letters to the Editor suggestions

* My rebuttal letter

Jay Leno's Headlines comment,

"Grandpa, turn the TV around."

"I went back and watched the episode online it was definitely you. Here is a link http://www.facebook.com/l/0ec57;www.thejaylenoshow.com/video/episodes/#vid=1159512

The headlines segment is the last segment and your picture appears around the 40 minute mark." (Message from Scott S., past client who watches last night TV)

Solution: Persistance

Soultion: Patience

Solution: $$$$===CABLE EXTENSION to Yonkers house

Finally Dancing with the Stars and Local News & Weather via Cable TV. We have missed both since the switch to digital TV this spring. (We used to call Dave's sister in Corning, NY to learn the results of competition on Dancing with the Stars.

Solution includes: cable TV with high definition & local channels, digital phone and high speed internet. I feel like the Yonkers have joined the 21st Century.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

The Captain Meets the Captain

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:45:21 -0500

Dave Yonkers (CAPT USN, Ret)

Astoria, Oregon

"You can take the sailor off the seas, but you can't get the sea out of his blood." Dave, a twenty-seven year navy veteran, is still passionate about the water even though he has been retired from the navy for a number of years. Hence, most of our vacations are cruises or locations along the east or west coast.

Waterfront: San Francisco

Sea Captain Collection

Luxury cruise liners, military vessels or US'N TWO, Dave is happiest on or near the water.

US'N TWO: Captain Yonkers

Just a little humor added by Dave's sister a few years ago . . .Quiet, Captain's sleeping

Our family room has many 'sea treasures' from Dave's career and now our 'water-oriented' vacations, most recently Alaska.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Halloween Parade at Tracy School

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:58:54 -0500

Fall Fun

Erie has so many fall activities that sometimes it is hard to choose my favorite. In recent years I have attended ZOO BOO, Millcreek Mall Trail of Treats, spent Halloween night passing out candy at my daughter's house, but now Tracy School's annual Halloween Parade will be at the top of my list.

Parents, younger siblings and grandparents gathered to wait for the parade to begin.

Some of the teachers & volunteers were dressed in costume, too. The leaders of the parade were a father dressed in his volunteer fireman's uniform holding his kindergarten son's hand. Both father & son looked very proud and happy to be together.

Notice the "Worker Bees" in the above photo. They were volunteer moms. Around the corner came the bigger kids including Hunter, my grandson. Hunter's expression as we made eye contact was>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Priceless

Yes, there will be other events that I will attend with Hunter throughout the years, but for now this one is my favorite.

Have fun with your family.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Homestyle Cooking with Mary: Applesauce

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:06:50 -0500

What a great day to make applesauce!

Fall means changing colors, mums, time change and orchards ripe with grapes and apples. As kids this meant picking the apples at a local orchard on a Saturday afternoon. Today it is just so much easier to stop on at one of the many fruit stands along Lake Erie. We usually buy 'seconds' that average half the price of 'picture perfect' apples.

Assembly line process: Wash, quarter, trim.

******Do not peel or core.

Add approx one cup water to large pot.

Cook until soft, strain, cool, freeze

Some apples do not need a sweetner (sugar or Splenda) so I taste test first.

I reuse plastic yogurt containers as they fit nicely on the door of freezer.

Enjoy all winter.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Alaskan Wildlife: Trip of A Lifetime (Part II)

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:39:49 -0500

Alaskan wildlife

After spending hours viewing the glacier many passengers had just gone below for lunch or an afternoon nap. Just as the ship was leaving Tracy Arm Fiord the Cruise Director invited us to come back up on the deck as the lookouts had spotted a brown bear, polar bear and a rather large eagle. Later many of us had our pictures taken with the "wildlife celebs."

OOPS: The ship's secret actors

Just a little rain in Skagway, but it didn't keep the bears away

Our five dollar raincoats

Two eagles near Ketchikan

Other Alaska posts:

Alaska: A Trip of A Lifetime (Part I)

Let's Meet in San Francisco

Virtual Friends Meet (Mary & Heather Chavez)

Vacation: Stuck in Recovery Mode

While in sunny CA after the cruise we decided that the the next vacation destination will be . . .

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Alaska: Trip of A Lifetime (Part I)

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:20:17 -0500

And we are off to Alaska, a trip of a lifetime and years in the planning.

Starting with the approach to the Seattle runway, four things stand out in my memory about the three weeks Dave & I spent on the west coast.

Awesome views: Mountains, streams, ocean, waterways
Vivid green color & flowers
Friendly people everywhere: in port & on the ship
The weather: sun, clouds, rain or clouds, rain & sun, followed by sunshine & warmth in sunny CA

The pictures tell the story: Enjoy & plan your own trip to Alaska

Leaving Vancouver

Views: Mountains, water

Waterfalls

Blue ice/green water

Famous saloons

Red Onion Saloon/Red Dog Saloon

Tracy Arm/Endicott Glacier & Fiord

Blue ice (ice acts as a prism when the light passes through it)

Ship turns southward, the skies clear and the temperature rises

Heading south to Seattle

***********Other Alaska/vacation posts*********************

Alaska Wildlife: A Trip of a Lifetime (Part II)

Virtual Friends Meet (Mary & Heather Chavez)

Let's Meet in San Francisco (High School Friends--after 43 yrs)

Vacation: Stuck in Recovery Mode

The Captain Meets the Captain (Dave Yonkers, Capt, Ret USN)

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Homestyle Cooking with Mary--Chicken Noodle Soup

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:24:31 -0500

Even without a calendar it is easy to know it's fall in in northwest Pennsylvania. Look at the leaves that have fallen and the burning bushes. Oh yes, and it's tradition to decorate with "mums." (Chrysanthemum--from the Paschke Mum Farm in Northeast, PA)

If it's fall then it's time for soup. Today I am making chicken noodle soup. (Salt-free)

I always start with unsalted broth/stock often from cooking veggies or ribs. Today I defrosted a tub from the freezer in which I parboiled the chicken. I chopped green onions & celery and added any leftover veggies from refrigerator or freezer. I had two fresh mushrooms left from a spaghetti dinner a few nights ago. I also added peas, green beans and a few lima beans from my mother's garden. I looked high & low in the regrigerator, but could not find any carrots. Almost every dish I make has a little carrot for color. Peppercorns are a staple ingredient in most of my dishes. I have had this spice ball for a long time. Sometimes I use bay leaf, but not for chicken soup. When I don't have fresh onions & celery I use onion flakes or powder and celery leaves. Since I do not use salt, I use more onion, pepper, garlic celery, etc.

If a dish needs a little salt, I use Sea Salt at the table rather than in the pot.

I am cooking the noodle separately as I am making a large pot and plan to freeze the leftovers. Noodles don't freeze very well.

Before dinner let's walk to the lake. Hurry there is just enough time while the soup is getting done.

Other guests:

Six turkeys came up

over the bank from behind the feeders

What's for dessert? Guess we have to wait until my friend arrives. She is bringing dessert.

_____________________________________________________________

Then it's off to teach class this Saturday & Sunday: Real Estate Practice/Part II

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Let's Meet in San Francisco

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:25:23 -0500

A few months ago I sent a letter to a childhood friend, Carol Moran Thorton, who now lives an hour north of San Francisco.

Over dinner at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito, CA we determined that we had not seen each other for 43 years, but we spent 4+ hours trying to catch up. Fortunately our husbands found things in common because I think we pretty much ignored them most of the evening. As kids growing up in Oil City, PA our nickname was the "Pearl Avenue Magpies" because magpies chatter a lot. I guess we haven't lost our touch.

Carol & her husband, Ken, agreed to pick us up at the cruise terminal and were our tour guides for several hours before taking us over the Golden Gate Bridge. Carol's choice of restaurants could not have been better as the Spinnaker Restaurant was beyond comparison. Even though Carol & I were busy talking, we did enjoy an excellent meal of crab cakes and sworfish accompanied by our favorite chardonay wine. Upon returning home in PA we found a bottle on our doorstep, complements of Carol & Ken.

A toast to you, Carol & Ken.

Over 1,ooo songs have been written about San Francisco so I couldn't decide which one to use in this post. See this link: Songs about San Francisco and choose your favorite.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

ZOO BOO at Erie Zoo

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:19:48 -0500

Whether you have kids or grandkids, ZOO BOO is a great way to celebrate fall. Last night was my first year making the trek to the ZOO BOO 2009 at the Erie Zoo. Now I am hooked. I am sure that I will plan to attend ZOO BOO every fall.

Would you like to see a few photos I took last night before it got too dark? Do these kids look anxious to go?

So many people, but very organized. Each of 12 Treat Stops were decorated, staffed & loaded with yummy treats throughout the Erie Zoo. Some of the areas were decorated by local organizations like a Girl Scout Troop. Very creative!!!

Left: Alien Spaceship Landed (My favorite display--VERY CREATIVE)

Right: ZOO Tube hosted by one of Erie's radio stations. Kids are rock'n. Such Fun!!!!

No Halloween display is complete without a graveyard. The names of the buried were another example of the creativty. My daughter said 2009 ZOO BOO was the best she has seen.

I couldn't resist taking this little girl's picture. Perhaps you can see that her wings and antenae light up. Her face is coated with just a tiny bit of glitter. So precious!

So until next year . . .

PS: Events are great place to "softly network for business." Be a host, like Wegman's, McDonald's, Bob Evans, radio stations. The list is limited only by your imagination. Remember: Have fun! and enjoy your family, too.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Vacation: Stuck in Recovery Mode

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:59:01 -0500

I have concluded that I must be a recovering vacationer. My body still feels like it should be on vacation and my mind wants to wander. Despite my good intentions to get back to writing and posting my vacation pictures, I haven't done so.

Shortly after getting home from a three week vacation that included a cruise to Alaska and a few days in sunny California I posted three entries on ActiveRain/Facebook. Since then I have done little more than log in occasionally, write a comment or two, but some days I didn't even turn on the computer. I think I must be stuck in neutral.

As I was waking up on my ONE & ONLY LAZY morning since flying home, I tried to analyze why?

Laundry, laundry, laundry
Grocery shopping & lunch with my daughter
Toastmasters meeting
Prepare for upcoming classes
Teach Real Estate class
Visit with grandkids after class
Teach Real Estate class
Drive 1.5 hrs to visit my mother; balance her checkbook and run errands
Teach Real Estate class
Grandkids visit my house for lunch (Of course, every toy must be played with)
Oh, yes, assist Dave in winterizing our boat, US'N Two (He is the captain and I am supposed to be the First Mate, but I think that means First-in-line-to-Help)
Hair appointment & grocery shopping again

Tonight ZOO BOO with the grandkids at the Erie Zoo--(I promise to take pictures)

ZooBoo 2009 promises to be another event filled with ghostly good times for the whole family!

ZooBoo begins on Friday October 16th and runs nightly from 6-9 p.m. until Friday October 30th.

This annual scary, but not too scary event is brought to you by our friends at Wegmans, Classy 100, Country 98, Z102.3, WJET-TV 24, Fox 66 and YourErie.com. Admission is $4.50 for adults (ages 12 & over), $4.00 for children ages 2-11, and children under 2 will be admitted free. Coupons for 50 cents off the admission price will be available at area PNC Banks, Wegmans, and McDonald’s restaurants. Zoo members will receive an additional 50 cents off their admission when they present their membership card and identification at the gate.

Tomorrow, speak at Toastmasters meeting
A long time friend is coming for lunch on Friday
Teach Real Estate classes again this weekend

BUT, you know what? I am back. See you again soon with a few recipes, real estate posts, green topics AND vacation pictures

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Bon Appetit--Homestyle Cooking with Mary

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:24:26 -0500

Arriving home after three weeks vacation we needed to get back to the basics of a Healthy-Lifestyle of living and eating. Hence I planned a few very basic menus even though I was invited to join this Bon Appetit group. To me 'Bon Appetit' says gourmet food, but fortunately over the years I have learned that gourmet does not need to be unhealthy good. Good food that is prepared with a little flair with emphasis on Presentation can be just as gourmet and deserving of the 'Bon Appetit' logo.

Grilled Salmon Glazed with Honey & Dill

Fried Zucchini with Hint of Dill Lettuce & Spinach Salad

Salmon: Notch the top middle of salmon fillet to remove brown section (tastes fishy). Place on rack or pan covered with foil. Drizzle with fresh lemon or lemon juice, sprinkle with dill (fresh or dried). Broil till tender but not over done. Drizzle honey over salmon. Place under broiler until golden brown. Let stand on stove top two-three minutes.

Zucchini: Peel zucchini, cut 1/2 inch slices. Fry in olive oil till brown; turn once.

Lettuce & Spinach Salad: Open your refrigerator & be creative. Sometimes I have carrots, olives, onions, mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes.

PS. The zucchini was from the only veggie from Dave's flooded garden.

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Welcome Home: To Alaska & Sunny CA & Back to Erie, PA

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:19:08 -0500

There is no place like home. Home, Sweet Home

How often we hear or see these words, but until you have been away you don't really appreciate their meaning. Vacations are fun. We look forward to going, enjoy the places and the people we see,

There is no place like home. Home, Sweet Home

Even though we saw mountains, fiords, glaciers, whales, dolphins, eagles, totem poles and so much more along the Alaskan Inside Passage & down the west coast to San Diego, I missed my (almost) daily walks to Lake Erie.

______________________________________________________________

So join me today as we walk to Lake Erie. Enjoy the fall foliage and brilliant fall colors.

At end of my road & across the highway to Avonia Rd leading to Lake Erie

Just one of many scenes along Avonia Road. Oops, what happened while I was gone? Township is buiding a parking lot & plans to add picnic table along the lake front.

Mouth of Trout Run being rebuilt with barriers to prevent Steelhead trout from migrating upstream as this is a nursery/stocking stream. Fishing is allowed in the lake, but not in the stream. This is the same stream that flooded our property June 30th as we live one mile upstream.

Coming home we were greeted with wind gusts up 54 mph and temperatures in the forties by the next morning. (Trees on left are on our property; right is near the lake)

Fall color outside my kitchen window

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Mother's Recipe Box: Carrot Salad

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:03:34 -0500

Carrot Salad, a childhood favorite

+ Mother's carrots

1 package lemon or orange jello

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

1 1/2 cup boiling water (one cup water & 1/2 cup pineapple juice)

1 cup crushed pineapple (Do not use fresh pineapple)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup grated carrots

Pour boiling water over jello & dissolve completely. Add other ingredients. Pour in ring mold or bowl. Chill. Serve with fresh mint leaves.

The kids like whipped topping. Sometimes I like Miracle Whip Lite on mine. Of course, the carrots came from Mother's garden. I took a few home from my last visit to her house.

More Mother's Recipe Box Favorites:

Grandma's Baked Beans

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Are You Registered for Real Estate Classes? Classes Start 10-10

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:20:19 -0500

Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate

Classes start soon in Erie, Pennsylvania

Real Estate Practice---October 10, 11 and 24, 25

Real Estate Fundamentals: November 7, 8 and 14, 15

Held at Bel-Aire Hotel/Clarion Inn (2800 W. 8th St. Erie, PA 16505)

Do not delay - register today to reserve your seat in this premier class

Your Real Estate Career Starts with Alan Kells

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?

Mother's Recipe Box: Apple Crisp

Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:39:22 -0500

Apple Crisp or Apple Pie, Childhood Favorites

Let's have coffee while we peel Macintosh apples from a friend's tree.

5 cups tart Pennsylvania or New York apples, peeled & sliced

Topping

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup oatmeal

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup oleo

Mix until crumbly. Pour over apples. Bake 350 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

Apple Pie--apples, Pillsbury Pie Crust, 2-3 tablespoon flour, 2-3 tablespoon oleo, cinnamon, nutmeg.

Bake 425 for 20 minutes. Turn down to 325 for remaining 20-30 minutes until apples are fork tender & crust is golden.

More Mother's Recipe Box Favorites:

Grandma's Baked Beans

Elderberry Pie

Golden Corncake

Cranberry Salad

********************************************************************************************

Mary Yonkers, Real Estate Instructor, Alan Kells

Real Estate Careers with the Best of the Best!

www.facebook.com/maryyonkers

Do you know someone who is planning to sell or buy in Erie, PA?