Brigita's Blog

Show Jumping Star Gem Twist Cloned

2008-11-21T09:58:04Z

Those of you that follow the Show Jumping circuit will remember Gem Twist. For the benefit of those that are unfamiliar, Gem Twist was a gorgeous gray Thoroughbred gelding. He had more than 25 grand prix Show Jumping victories in the 1980's. He was also name American Grand Prix Association Horse of the year 3 times.

Gem Twist and Greg Best, his rider, won both individual and team silver medals in the 1988 Seoul Games.

Before Gem Twist died in December, 2006, at the age of 27, owners Mary and Frank Chapot, in New Jersey, gave permission to collect genetic material from the gelding.

A clone of Gem Twist was born on September 15th, 2008 in France. Being a liver chestnut he doesn't resemble Gem Twist.

In case you didn't know, a clone is a genetic equivalent of an identical twin of an individual.

The Chapots, owners of the late Gem Twist, are expected to take this foal back to the U.S. once he is weaned.

Catasauqua, Tatamy, Aquashicola . . . . What Do They Mean??

2008-11-18T10:13:38Z

Catasauqua, Tatamy, Aquashicola . . . . What do they mean??

About 500 years ago, before the Europeans settled in America, Stone Age people lived here leaving behind only stone arrowheads and tools, clay pots and wooden objects. These people called themselves the Lenape.

The Lenape lived in an area that stretched from the state of Delaware to New York, across eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The language they spoke was part of the eastern Algonquian family of languages. This group of languages stretched across the middle of North America.

The Lenape survived by hunting, fishing, gathering wild foods and possibly even gardening. The words they used to name places reflected their activities or the animals that lived there. The language was never written and was very difficult to speak.

Many geographical areas in the Lehigh Valley are named after the Lenape words. Here are a few with their meanings:

Aquashicola - From the Lenape word Achquanschicola meaning the place from which we take fish by means of bush nets.
Catasauqua - From the Lenape word Garroshacki meaning thirsty earth.
Hokendauqua - From the Lenape words Haki(land) and undoech-wen (to come for some purpose) meaning searching for land.
Kittatinny Ridge - From the Lenape word Kittatinny meaning great hill or endless mountain.
Lehigh Township - From the Lenape word Lechauwekink meaning at the forks of a path or stream.
Macungie - From the Lenape wrod Machk-unschi meaning feeeding place of the bears.
Mahoning - From the Lenape word Mahononk meaning at the mineral lick, referring to a place frequented by deer, elk and other animals.
Mauch Chunk - From the Lenape word Machk-tschunk meaning at the bear mountain.
Maxatawny - From the Lenape word Machksit-hanne meaning bear path stream.
Minisink - From the Lenape word Minisink meaning the place of the Minsi, who were Indians who lived north of the Delaware Water Gap.
Monocacy Creek - From the Lenape word Menagassi meaning a stream with several large bends.
Neshaminy - From the Lenape word Nischam-hanne meaning 2 streams or double stream.
Nesquehoning - From the Lenape word Neska-honi meaning black mineral lick.
Nockamixon - From the Lenape word Nochanischsink meaning where there are 3 houses
Pocono - From the Lenape word Poco-hanne meaning a stream between mountains.
Saucon - From the Lenape word Sacunk meaning the mouth of a stream.
Skippack - From the Lenape word Skappeu-hacki meaning wet land.
Tamaqua - From the Lenape word Tamaquameaning beaver.
Tatamy - From the Lenape name Chief Moses Fonda Tatamy. The history is that Chief Tatamy lived in the region and died in 1761.
Towamensing - From the Lenape word Towamensing meaning a fording place at the falls.
Unami Creek - From the Lenape word Unami meaning person from down river.

You Know You're Old When . . . . .

2008-11-17T15:09:16Z

Just in case you weren't feeling too old today, this will certainly change things.

You know you're old when:

- The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1990.

- They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.

- Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

- Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

- They have no idea what a record album is or a 45.

- They have always had an answering machine.

- They have always had cable.

- They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

- Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

- Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

- They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

- They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

- They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

- They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel", or "de plane Boss, de plane".

- They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.

- McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

- They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Do you feel old yet?

More Good News for Nazareth, PA Area

2008-11-17T10:25:24Z

Three manufacturing companies in Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties in Pennsylvania, are taking advantage of lower interest rates on state loan programs as they undertake expansion programs. It is expected to create about 68 new jobs.

These low interest loans, totaling more than $2 million, have been approved through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Development Authority. These loans will help 3 businesses grow and create employment opportunites in the process.

PIDA cut interest rates on its loans to 3% to encourage private investment in a slowing national econcomy. The idea behind this is to entice more companies to pursue job-creating projects in Pennsylvania.

A New Jersey wood recycling company, TreeCycle, that manufactures wood fuel pellets, will establish its first Pennsylvania location. With the $875,000 loan, the company will purchase and renovate a building in Nazareth. The $2.3 million project is expected to create 25 jobs in the area.

Zany, But True . . . . .

2008-11-13T12:32:57Z

I came across this story in the Lehigh Valley Horse Council's newsletter and thought I would share it with everyone. Now, this is a true story, so here it is:

An artist from Reno will be making an international debut. He was invited to exhibit his work in Italy. Who is this artist? It is Cholla. So, who is Cholloa? Cholla is a mustang/quarter horse mix. His paintings are featured in art exhibits from coast to coast, and now overseas.

Cholla's painting career began by accident. The 23 year old bay horse always followed his owner around as she was painting the corral each year. One day, she decided to tack up a piece of paper to the railing, mixed up some watercolors and gave Cholla a paint brush. Gripping the brush between his teeth, he stroked the paper. And, he's been painting ever since.

His original pieces have been selling for as high as $2,200.

Sounds like a rather talented horse if you ask me.

I Made It!!! WooHoo!! 100,000 Points!

2008-11-13T07:56:23Z

I have hit a milestone! I have reached 100,000 point mark!

I got my feet wet on AR for about 1 1/2 years now. When I first started blogging, I wasn't sure what to write about and, in reading my earlier posts, I was a bit timid about it.

As I wrote more and more and read other posts, I learned that the best way to blog is to write from the heart and just be yourself. Not only have I blogged about real estate and horse properties, but I have also written about other topics that are near and dear. From time to time, I also include jokes, funnies and interesting facts and trivia.

The variety of posts let others find out the type of person you are. What better way for others to get to know you? I feel blogging should be as though you are talking to the person face to face. Now, when you meet a person, do you just stand in front of them and recite the statistics? I don't think so. In addition to real estate, you also do some small talk. Why be any different when you blog?

Interesting posts is what keeps others coming back for more. That is the idea behind blogging. The more people that come back to read your posts, the better they get to know you, the better the chance of getting their business.

Over time, I have gotten to know and befriended many new people and learned many things. I have also gotten a number of leads through blogging.

Here's a big THANK YOU to all of my readers and friends for making it possible for me to make it to this milestone.

New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania Expanding to Care for Critically Ill Large Animals

2008-11-12T14:14:24Z

Penn Vet's New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania officially broke ground to build a state-of-the-art Critical Care Center for Large Animals. It is named the James M. Moran, Jr., Critical Care Center. Jim Moran, who passed away in April of 2008, had given many years of service to the New Bolton Center and therefore named after him in his honor. The funding is provided by Moran's mother and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

I'm sure many of you remember Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner of 2005. This is the facility that the doctor's worked on him to save him. I think they did a great job using the most up to date practices for animals.

The new Center will have 2 wings. One wing will be for isolation cases and the other will be dedicated to colic cases. The Center will be constructed of low-maintenance and durable materials. It is expected to be completed by next year.

More than 70 guests attended the ground breaking including Moran's mother, Elizabeth Moran, and her 5 surviving children. Also in attendance were State Senator Cominic Pileggi, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, the Honorable Art Hershey, and member of the school's Board or Overseers.

Can You Believe These Headlines??

2008-11-12T10:20:41Z

The following are actual headlines from actual news stories in different newspapers around the country. The words in bold are the actual headlines and the italics are my comments. Enjoy!

Alton attorney accidentally sues himself
What goes around, comes around!

County to pay $250,000 to advertise lack of funds
Yep, that's our tax dollars at work!

Volunteers search for old Civil War planes
Civil War planes? Let me know how that works out!

Army vehicle disappears
An Australian army vehicle worth $74,000 has gone missing after being painted with camouflage.
And you wonder why.

Caskets found as workers demolish mausoleum
'We had no idea anyone was buried there!'

Utah Poinson Control Center reminds everyone not to take poison
And here I was, sitting with rat poison thinking it was tasty.

Federal Agents Raid Gun Shop, Find Weapons
What are the odds of that?

Statistics show that teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25
Duh, yeah!

Nobody Seems to Understand (Today's Funny)

2008-11-11T10:57:58Z

I thought this was a cute funny to share with everyone.

An attorney asked: "May I help you?"

The cowboy said: "Yea, I want to get one of those dayvorce's."

The attorney replied: "Well, do you have any grounds?"

Cowboy: "Yea, I got about 140 acres."

Attorney: "No, you don't understand. Do you have a case?"

Cowboy: "No I don't have a Case, but I have a John Deere."

Attorney: "No, you don't understand, I mean do you have a grudge?"

Cowboy: "Yea, I got a grudge. That's where I park my John Deere."

Attorney: "No, sir! I mean do you have a suit?"

Cowboy: Yes, sit, I got a suit. I wear it to church on Sundays."

The exhasperated attorney said: "Well, sir, does your wife beat you up or anything?"

Cowboy: "No, sir, we both get up about 4:30?"

Finally the attorney says: "Okay, let me put it this way. WHY DO YOU WANT A DIVORCE??"

Cowboy replies: "Well, I can never have a meaningful conversation with her."

I'm sure many of you have had moments like this where you think nobody understands you.

Nazareth Area Band Champs 2nd Year in a Row

2008-11-11T07:07:38Z

The Nazareth Blue Eagle Marching Band of Nazareth Area High School returned home from a 2 day trip to Maryland. They were escorted from the township line to the high school by the Nazareth police, fire and ambulance crews. Hundreds of screaming and waving parents and schoolmates were waiting at the school holding congratulatory signs and balloons and blowing car horns.

What was all the commotion about?

The band had won the U.S. Scholastic Band National Championship (4th division) and Grand National title. The band competed against 79 other bands with a score of 98.575 out of 100, the highest score ever in the competition's 30 year history. They also earned the Marine Corps Espirit de Corps award.

What was really amazing was that the Nazareth band defended every title from the previous year. Winning each and every title back to back is totally unbelievable.

The band came home with its national award in tow, a 7 foot trophy and banner.

The U.S. Scholastic officials will visit the school to formally present the Grand National Trophy and banner. No date has been set for this event to date.

All the band members, consisting of 100 middle school and high school students, must certainly be in their glory.

Energy Saving Options to Help Sell a Home

2008-11-10T16:09:42Z

Everyone these days is looking for ways to save money, especially future homeowners. With rising costs, many buyers have been asking what the utility costs are for a home and/or to see the actual bills, especially in older homes. Offering something unique and timely can always help sell a home more quickly and possibly closer to the listing price. Other than the usual home staging techniques, implementing some easy and energy saving options might just do the trick! They will be impressed at measures taken to reduce those costs.

Here are some small and easy projects that can increase a home's appeal in a time of high energy costs and an extraordinary focus on being green.

Replace regular light bulbs in permanent fixtures with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Install low-flow shower heads.
Install an ENERGY STAR qualified, programmable thermostat.
Close the damper on the fireplace.
Add insulation to the attic.
Seal basement rim joists. This is along the top of the basement wall where the cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame.
Insulate water heater tanks and water pipes for energy savings.
Repair water leaks in tubs, showers and sinks.
Perform duct sealing or hire a contractor.

Other visible changes that may attract a buyer are by replacing any worn flooring using renewable sources prior to listing, such as recycled carpeting, bamboo, cork or other flooring from fast-growing wood sources.

What better way to market your home? Buy this home and you will save on energy costs.

Even if you are not selling a home, these simple features will save money on your utility bills. I have yet to meet someone who is not for saving money now.

Lehigh Valley, PA Market Update for October 2008

2008-11-10T15:30:14Z

Once again it is time to find out how the real estate market endured during the previous month.

Comparing the activity from September, 2008 to October, 2008, sales and prices once again declined. During October, 2008, 413 sales were reported from 445 in September of 2008. That was a drop of 7.2%.

The average price of a home dropped by 4.1%. In September, 2008, the average price of a home was $221,000 as compared to October, 2008, of the average being $212,000.

The average time on the market for properties to be sold was 71 days, up from 67 days in September, 2008.

Here is a chart of the October Sales Distribution:

Sale Price Number of Sales

under $70,000                                                28
$70,001 - $100,000                                        31
$100,001 - $150,000                                       81
$150,001 - $200,000                                       98
$200,001 - $250,000                                       67
$250,001 - $300,000                                       35
$300,001 - $350,000                                       28
$350,001 - $400,000                                       14
$400,001 - $450,000                                        9
$450,001 - $500,000                                        6
$500,001 and above                                        16

Right now it looks like it is still a buyer's market with declining sales of homes.

Some Interesting Facts

2008-11-08T08:22:58Z

Here are some interesting facts you might like to know:

- The amount of profit in selling a bag of movie popcorn is 95%.

- 76% of U.S. commuters drive alone to work.

- The amount of gold used in jewelry is 70%.

- 30% of U.S. children do not graduate from high school.

- The amount of licorice imported to the U.S. by the tobacco industry is 90%.

- 87% - 95% of e-mail is spam. (This I can believe since my delete key is wearing out.)

It is the VETERAN. . . . .

2008-11-07T16:21:00Z

This is in honor of all the Veterans and service men and women for Veterans Day, November 11th.

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag,

May God bless all the servicemen and women and veterans. And may we remember all that they have done for us.

The Horse Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History

2008-11-07T08:21:36Z

This past weekend I went on a bus trip, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Horse Council and the Northampton County 4H Horse Clubs, to NYC to see the Horse Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.

The Horse Exhibit was very interesting for all ages with many hands-on, computer interactive and video displays. A few of my 4Hers went and loved it.

The exhibit starts out with the "Evolution of the Horse". It shows the evolution, diversity, and adaptations of the Equidae family. (Did you know that the first horse was only the size of a small dog and had 3 toes instead of hooves??)

The next part of the exhibit showed cave paintings, tools and other evidence of humans' first relationship with horses.

The following section recreated an archaeological site at a 5,000 year settlement and showed the "Domestication of Horses".

The fourth area was about "The Nature of Horses" and investigated the biological traits that make horses a natural for domestication.

The next area was about "How We Shaped Horses and How Horses Shaped Us". This section examined the horse's transformative role in cultures around the world and across time.

The last part of the exhibit explored the relationship that endures between horses and humans in ongoing and emerging realms.

I suggest seeing this exhibit, if you make the trip to NYC. But, you have to make it soon. The last day of the exhibit is January 4, 2009. It is well worth it.

For more information about the exhibit or to order tickets Click Here.

Grocery Store Chain to Slash Prices!!

2008-11-07T07:27:52Z

Here's some great news!! (I think we can use some at this point.) The family owned grocery store chain, Wegmans, based is NY, is cutting back prices on many of their groceries.

Wegmans is anticipating price cuts in their products in the near future and, therefore, is cutting prices on chicken, beef roasts, canned goods and hundreds of other household staples.

Here are a few examples of the price changes:

Whole Roasting Chicken:
Old Price: $1.29/lb.
New Price: $.79/lb

Wegmans Country Sliced Packaged Bread:
Old Price: $2.69/loaf
New Price: $1.99/loaf

Apples, 3 lb. bag:
Old Price: $3.49
New Price: $2.99

Chuck Roast (2 roast club pack):
Old Price: $3.49/lb.
New Price: $$2.49/lb.

Wegmans Canned Vegetable:
Old Price: $.49/can
New Price: $.39/can

Wegmans is well known for their gourmet foods and groceries (such as their sushi). With many companies cutting back on jobs and employee hours due to the economy, the owners of Wegmans wanted to stay competitive with other grocery chains (Wal-Mart for one) and pass along savings to the consumers, catering to the cost-conscious shoppers.

This will be a great help to many families that are on a tight budget now. This is good business for the stores and great for the shoppers.

Great Birthday Present(s)

2008-11-06T15:31:32Z

Today is my birthday and of course, I have to work on my birthday. No day off for me. But, it was actually a good day business wise.

First of all, a client I have been working with decided on a unit she would like to rent and I am working on the lease agreement now.

Next, the buyer I have been working with that placed an offer on a home back in August, may finally be going to settlement next week. There were some issues with the lenders, but it looks like those have been straightened out and there is a light at the end of the tunnel now.

On top of all of that, I received a lead from my website and will have a listing already for the spring.

All this, plus, I have been searching for another place to move my horse, Eddie, and I think I found it. And the day's not over, yet.

These are the days I don't mind working. Not bad for a birthday present, would you say?

Crazy Horse Laws

2008-11-03T16:01:16Z

Here are some crazy horse laws. No one has any idea how these got there and no living soul has a recollection of anyone arrested under them. Happy reading.

In Pattonsburg, Missouri, according to the Revised Ordinances dated 1884: "No person shall yell, shout, bawl, scream, use profane language, dance, sing, whoop, quarrel, or make any unusual noise or sound in such manner as to disturb the horse."

In Cotton Valley, Louisiana - Beware ice cream lovers!: "Citizens are not allowed to eat an ice cream cone while on horseback in public places."

In Burdonville, Vermont, it states that: "No horses are allowed to roam loose between March 1st and October 20th."

If you happen to have an accident in Hortonville, New York, remember this law: "The rider of any horse involved in an accident resulting in death shall immediately dismount and give his name and address to the person killed."

Here's a misworded ordinance in Wolf Point, Montana: "No horse shall be allowed in public without its owner wearing a halter."

In Hartsville, Illinois, you can be arrested for riding an ugly horse.

Horses are not allowed to be heard neighing after 10PM in Pocataligo, Georgia.

If you know of any other strange horse laws, feel free to add to these.

Bar Stool Economics

2008-10-31T07:15:14Z

An e-mail was sent to me which a professor of economics in Georgia came up with "Bar Stool Economics". I thought it was worth sharing.

BAR STOOL ECONOMICS

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.

If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.

"Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20."

Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes, so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.

But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share'?

They realized that $20 divided by 6 is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay!

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead o f $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, "but he got $10!"

"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"

"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"

"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

Something for us to think about.

We DO Need a Change - In Attitudes

2008-10-30T10:09:53Z

After reading Katerina & Nestor Gasset's post "Where I Came From and Where I Went - Journeys Through Poverty and Abundance", I think it is time for me to put in my 2 cents worth. This is something for each and everyone of you to think about before voting. I am speaking to you from experiences.

My parents and grandparents were immigrants from Latvia (one of the 3 Baltic States) to the US during WWII. They came over with practically nothing. A little bit of history before I continue. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were taken over by the USSR during WWII. The government controlled everyone and everything. They spread the wealth around. They took from the rich and gave to the poor. In all honesty, no one had anything. The government pretty much owned it and told you what to do.

Anyway, let me get back to my story. My parents and grandparents had to work hard for what they had. They did not take advantage of welfare. They were proud people and weren't going to take anything unless they worked for it. They started out with nothing and worked to the point where they owned a nice home in the suburbs, raising my brother and me. My father ended up with a good enough job that my mother did not have to work and was able to raise us. We both (my brother and I) were able to go to good schools. They owned a new car every 5-7 years. The family had health care. They felt proud because they earned everything they got. Nothing was given to them. No one gave them a red cent. And all this was done without debt. Yes, they had a mortgage and a car loan, but that was it. When I attended college, there was a small loan out for that. But that was the only debt that was outstanding. My mother is now living comfortably in retirement in a condo, without debt. How many of the younger generation are able to say that? They can't even live, while in the workforce, without debt. They have to have everything NOW. This includes the government. They are not willing to work for it. How will they manage when they retire, if they can retire? They may have to work through their "golden years" when they should be enjoying them.

My brother and I were taught to work for ourselves and to work hard. I taught the same to my children and am happy to say that that is exactly what they are doing. If they need to, they will work a second job to support themselves. And they are proud of where they are now and so am I. Both my children own a home without credit card debt. If they use a credit card, it is payed off immediately. Neither one of them is relying on the government to help them. They are self-supportive.

It's definitely time for a change, but not for the government to give us everything. We need to get back to basics and stop relying on credit and "spreading the wealth". Once the wealth is spread, what else is the government going to take away from us? It's already tough to make ends meet with increases in costs and not salaries. It will be even harder when the taxes are raised to support others.

We need to change our attitudes and start working for ourselves and stop relying on the government or any one else to give us what we need. Once it gets to the point where government will supply us with what we need, we will have lost our freedoms, which is what this country fought for and is still fighting for. We need to realize that anything we want we have to work hard for and earn it. Our country's freedom was not just handed to us. Our ancestors put a lot of sweat and blood into what we have today. Let's not lose it.

So think long and hard before casting your vote this year. Our freedoms may depend on it.

Support Our Veterans and Military Service Men and Women This Veterans Day

2008-10-30T07:56:07Z

I received this in my e-mail this morning and thought it was worth sharing with you. With Veterans Day coming up, I thought this would be an appropriate time for it.

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq '

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago ' His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated.

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand,wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little ...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'

Do you understand and appreciate what they are doing? Share this with a friend so we will never forget!

Veterans Day is November 11th. Please remember our veterans and current military personnel, especially those that are overseas fighting the war. They are risking their lives for us so that we may have the freedoms that other countries do not.

Any little thing that you are able to do to help them and/or their families to show support will be greatly appreciated by them. Look at what they are doing for us.

Make the Most of Each Day!

2008-10-28T14:27:45Z

Last week I wrote a post titled "In A Rush? Slow Down or You May Pay For It!" In light of this post,I thought this would be a good follow up. Read it carefully and see if you are able to identify yourself.

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word "refrigeration" mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called a relative and said, "How about going to lunch in a half hour?" She would gasp and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast. It looks like rain." And my personal favorite: "It's Monday." She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Stevie toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of "I'm going to," "I plan on," and "Someday, when things are settled down a bit."

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Roller blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in for a long time. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now. . . go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to. . . . . . not something on your SHOULD DO list.

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head?

Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow." And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say "Hi"? When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift. . . . Thrown away. . . Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

Life is short. Enjoy it and make the best of it.

Allentown, PA, Recognized for Helping Hometown Heroes Become Homeowners

2008-10-28T07:56:19Z

Last week the National Association of REALTORS(r) and the US Conference of Mayors named Allentown, PA, an Ambassador City for its Hometown Heroes Program. This program creates home-ownership opportunities for police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel for the city.

The Hometown Heroes Program was created by the City of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS(r). This program aids need-based financial assistance and education to the home buyer of Allentown's public safety work force, to assist them with purchasing a principal residence within the city.

Through this program, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who qualify would be eligible for mortgage-interest or mortgage insurance buy-downs. The Hometown Heroes Program hopes to start dispersing funds in Spring of 2009.

The goal of the Hometown Heroes Program is to help attract and retain moderate-income city employees and to increase the number of those that actually live in Allentown. Only 25% of the city's workforce currently reside within the city limits.

The Ambassadors for Cities program was started in 2003 by the National Association of REALTORS(r) and the US Conference of Mayors, through its Council on the New American City. It was formed to encourage cities and the local REALTOR(r) associations into partnerships to promote affordable housing and home-ownership.

Some Simple and Easy Tips to Warm Up Your Home for the Winter

2008-10-27T13:32:30Z

Winter and cold weather are fast approaching. Some of us have even experienced freezes. Now is the time to warm up your home and save energy with some easy, and sometimes less obvious fixes.

Here's how:

Either add or change weather stripping to doors that lead to the outside of your home.
Add fireproof electrical insulation around switch plates and outlet plates around the home. You'd be surprised how much cold air comes in around those plates.
Add insulation around your window trim.
Add insulation and/or weather stripping around attic trap doors.
Insulate or add weather stripping around bathroom fans vented to your attic.
Insulate your garage and/or attic.
Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use. A lot of heat in your home can be lost through the chimney.

In the basement:

Insulate the perimeter (the rim joists) of the basement.
Seal ducts and insulate any spots where pipes intersect with the floor or ceiling.
Insulate your basement.
Insulate your water pipes.

Most of the above fixes are quick, easy and inexpensive, but will save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the year. At least you will be warm and cozy in your home during the long winter nights ahead.

A Political Funny Everyone Will Enjoy!!

2008-10-24T07:38:03Z

Someone just sent me this political funny and I thought I would share it with everyone. By this time, I think we all can take a break from the political campaigns and use a good laugh. Enjoy!

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St . Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises......

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning.....

Today you voted."