Brigita's Blog

A Positive Attitude Makes a Difference

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:05:39 -0500

I found this story about a positive attitude and I think everyone can learn from it. I do not know who the author is.

Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," Michael said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life." I reflected on what Michael said.

Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied "If I were any better, I would be twins! Want to see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon to be born daughter, "Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or ...I could choose to die. I chose to live." "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Michael continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read "he's a dead man. I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,"said Michael. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. "Yes, I replied." The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, "Gravity." Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

I hope we all take a lesson from this story and put it to use. I think we can all use a positive attitude in our every day lives. We'll all feel better.

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show Begins October 9th

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:52:58 -0500

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is set to begin Thursday, October 9th, 2008 and will run through Saturday, October 18th, 2008, in Harrisburg and the Farm Show Complex. The show will run from 8AM to about 10PM daily. The week is filled with many competitions and demonstrations to watch and things to do.

The Show will have many equine competitions including Grand Prix Show Jumping, Roadsters, Saddle Seat finals, Junior and Amateur finals, and many, many more. New for this year there will be a Walk/Trot Equitation finals class.

Some of the demonstrations will include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride (4 days only), the Budweiser Clydsdales, the Valley Forge Military Academy Band, terrier races, and much, much more.

Here is a rough schedule of the events:

Thursday, October 9	NAL Pony Jumper Finals
Friday, October 10	National Junior Jumper Team Competition (Prix de States)
Saturday, October 11	Kids First Saturday* 1-4 pm Free Pony Rides 1-4 pm Face Painting 1-4 pm Childrens Activities National Junior Jumper Individual Championship
Sunday, October 12	USEF/Pessoa National Hunter Seat Medal Finals
Monday, October 13	Hunt Night Parade of Hounds North American Fox Hunting Horn Blowing Championship Terrier Races
Tuesday, October 14	Local Night First Open Jumper Class - Power & Speed
Wednesday, October 15	$10,000 Gambler's Choice Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride
Thursday, October 16	$25,000 Pennsylvania Big Jump (FEI) Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride
Friday, October 17	Family Night* Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride 5-8 pm Free Pony Rides 5-8 pm Face Painting 5-8 pm Childrens Activities NAL Open Jumper Speed Finals
Saturday, October 18	$75,000 Budweiser Grand Prix de Penn National Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Valley Forge Military Academy Band NHS Good Hands Finals (afternoon)
* One child 12 and under admitted FREE with a paying adult

Not only can you watch the show, but you may visit with the many vendors and possibly start your Christmas shopping for your horsey friends and relatives. Or if you need a new saddle or bridle, you'll certainly find it here.

You can also go down to the stable area and see the horses and check out the decorated stalls. Some are quite interesting.

Come on out anytime during the 10 days to see what it is all about. The day will be full of fun and excitement. Click here for more information on this event. Hope to see you there.

The Disappearance of the Granges and Grange Halls

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:12:29 -0500

The other evening, I attended a Northampton County 4H Leaders Meeting. It was held at the Grange Hall in a small village of Moorestown in Northampton County, PA, a few miles outside of Nazareth.

I have been in the Hall years ago when my kids were small. It is a really neat place with a lot of history behind it. Ribbons that were won at different competitions are displayed on the walls in frames dating back to 1928. Plus, framed photos of the members of the Grange are hung throughout the meeting hall.

Now, before I continue, I want to explain, for the benefit of those that do not know, what a Grange is. A Grange is an association of farmers. It is designed to further their interests and particularly to bring producers and consumers, farmers and manufacturers, into direct commercial contact, without a middleman or traders. It was first organized in 1867.

The Grange Hall was where the meetings and social activities of the association of farmers was held.

The downstairs of the Hall basically has the kitchen and dining area. Upstairs, is a meeting hall complete with a stage. The floors are the original wooden floors that have been maintained throughout the years. In reality, the whole building has been maintained as close to original as possible. All the woodwork in the building looks original.

I found out while attending my meeting, that the Grange Hall is being considered for sale. Why? Because all of the members are getting up in age and no young members have joined to carry on. The Northampton County 4H has an interest in purchasing it. It would be a great place to hold 4H meetings, events, etc. Unfortunately, the 4H does not have the funds.

The 4H is a non-profit organization and is looking for a way to raise the money to purchase this building. It would truly be a shame to lose it to development. If anyone has any ideas on raising funds for the 4H to purchase the building, or are willing to help in any way, please let us know. It would be a shame to lose this building to development. It is a part of the area's history.

September 2008 Market Update for the Lehigh Valley, PA

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:38:14 -0500

The statistics for September, 2008, were just released for the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. What it showed was that the number of sales have gone down from August, 2008 by about 14.4%. 520 sales were reported in August, 2008, while only 445 were reported in September, 2008.

The average sales price for the Lehigh Valley went down by 3.1% in September, 2008, when compared to August, 2008. The average sales price in August, 2008, was $228,000 while in September it dropped to $221,000.

Now, the median price for both months was $200,000, meaning that it stayed the same for the Lehigh Valley.

The average number of days it took to sell in September, 2008, was 67. That was a decrease of 1 day from August, 2008, which was 68 days.

The way the sales were distributed in September, 2008, are as follows:

SALE PRICE NUMBER OF SALES

UNDER $70,000                                                      25
$70,001 - $100,000                                                26
$100,001 - $150,000                                              70
$150,001 - $200,000                                             110
$200,001 - $250,000                                              83
$250,001 - $300,000                                              43
$300,001 - $350,000                                              36
$350,001 - $400,000                                              24
$400,001 - $450,000                                               8
$450,001 - $500,000                                               6
$500,001 AND ABOVE                                             14

If you notice, the highest number of sales took place in the $100,000 - $250,000 range.

When comparing the median price of homes of September, 2008, to September, 2007, the price change has increased. The median price in September, 2007, was $192,000 as compared to September, 2008, of $200,000.

Eddie at the Open Youth Schooling Show - A Real Trooper

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:46:14 -0500

My Thoroughbred, Text Edition, better known as Eddie, went to another show yesterday. I took him to the Open Youth Schooling Show at the Northampton County 4H Center. One of the 4Hers from my club rode him. I've been teaching her to ride this year and this was her first show. She was nervous and excited at the same time.

When we arrived at the Center, and as Eddie was unloaded from the trailer, he yelled out his greeting, as if to say, "Hey, guys! I'm back to show here again!" I have to mention that it's been several years since Eddie was at the 4H Center. The last time he was there was when my kids showed him and that was quite a while ago.

The 4Her walked him around the area and he checked everything out. Once he was tacked up, she warmed him up in the ring with other horses. Being that she was nervous, he didn't seem to listen to her because his attention was on everything else going on.

After coaching the 4Her for a short while, she settled down and so did Eddie. Things then went a lot smoother.

They entered 3 classes and they both looked great. Eddie's done so many shows, that he knew what to do. I must say that the 4Her looked great. They walked away with 3 third place ribbons.

The last class Eddie and the 4Her were entered in was a lead line class where the youth led the horse and an adult rode. The 4Her led Eddie while her mom rode. Would you believe they came in first? No kidding. They were the best ones there and her mom hadn't ridden since she was a child. (Don't want to give ages away, but it has been quite a long time.)

It was a great day for everyone involved, including myself. Like Eddie, I've been to so many shows with my kids, that it felt like deja vous only with different faces. The 4Her is looking forward to more shows with Eddie next year and I'm sure Eddie is looking forward to showing again, also.

Searching For the Right Horse Property - From A Horse's Perspective - Part III

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:11:48 -0500

Part I of this segment covered barns and stable areas. Part II discussed what horse's like and need in regards to pastures and paddocks. This final part will cover the different types of fencing. Now, remember, this information all comes straight from the horse's mouth.

I'm handing it over to Eddie now. Listen carefully.

"Hi, I'm back. I hope you learned something from my previous discussions about barns and pastures.

"I was asked to talk to you about fences. I love fences. My favorite sport is jumping fences. But, I know those aren't the type of fences I'm supposed to talk to you about. The type of fencing I'm to discuss is the type you put around the property to keep me in.

"I've been to many different places and been exposed to many different types of fencing. The type that is around my pasture now is a wood fence that is about 4 1/2 feet high. I'm sure I could jump it, but I know my buddies couldn't. So, I don't want to leave them. It would be too boring and lonesome without them. Anyway, the wood fence my buddies and I can chew on if we are bored. Doesn't taste very good, but it's something to do. We always get yelled at if we do, though.

"Another type of fencing is one that tends to bite you when you touch it. Plus, they make this clicking sound. I don't like those. I believe they are called electric fences. There are several different types of electric fences. They are made of plain wire, or a tape in either white or orange, or it can look like a piece of rope. I really don't care what they look like. They all hurt when touched. Once in a while I don't hear the clicking and it doesn't feel like it is on, but I'm not brave enough to find out. I'd rather go with the wooden fence. At least I can use it as a scratching post if I need to.

"There's another kind of fencing that from a distance, looks like it may be made out of wood. But, it is not. It's as hard as wood, but doesn't feel like wood. It has some sort of slippery coating over it and tends to last longer than wood. I have to admit, it looks nice.

"The last type I want to mention is a rubbery fence. It has posts that are wooden, but then the rails are one long piece of rubber tacked onto the posts. When you push on it, it gives. I don't know what to make of it.

"These are the fences that I've experienced in my lifetime. There are probably more, but I don't know about them, yet. I'm sure I'll find out in the future.

"Got to go. My buddies are calling. They want to play tag. I love to run so I'm all for it. It was nice talking to you."

So, there you have it, a horse's view of ideal barns and stables, pastures and fences. If anyone has any questions, I'm sure Eddie wouldn't mind answering them as long as he's not at play or napping.

Searching For the Right Horse Property - From a Horse's Perspective - Part II

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:05:21 -0500

A few days ago, I posted Part I of this segment, which covered the barn and stable areas. Part II will cover the paddock and pastures. Everyone ready? Here is what Eddie has to say:

"I just love to be turned out, so that I can socialize and play with my buddies. Being that I always love to play, there needs to be enough room for me and my buddies to do that.

"The area near the barn is usually dusty or dirty (depending on whether or not we have had rain) with no grass growing (darn). I just love to roll in this area for a good back scratch and a good mud bath. For some reason my owner doesn't seem to like it when I roll, especially if it is muddy or after I have had a bath. I don't know why, it feels so good. Anyway, the humans call this area the 'paddock'. From what I understand, after overhearing their conversations, this is an area for sacrifice, so that the grass in the pasture will not be disturbed during certain times. I don't disturb the grass. I just eat it.

"The other area I love is what the humans call the 'pasture'. That is where I get to run and exercise on my own, and chase my buddies around for a good game of tag. Sometimes I try to play tag when my owner comes in to the pasture, but it is not appreciated. I think it's a lot of fun to involve my human buddy. I don't know why humans don't like it.

"The pasture is also where my pals and I graze the tasty, lush, green grass. I prefer not having to eat around the weeds since they are just in the way. From my understanding, the ideal is to have an average of 1 acre of property per horse. By the way, what's an acre? Oh, I don't care, as long there is plenty of grass to eat.

"Another thing that is a mystery to me is the fact that the pastures are divided with fences. As a matter of fact, it is divided into 4 parts. Sometimes I'm allowed to go into one for a while, then the next, and so on. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the grass is eaten down to the ground and it is difficult to eat then.

"I have noticed that the humans tend to walk the pastures from time to time and pick up garbage and debris. I believe they do that so that I do not hurt myself when we horses end up playing and running around. That's good. This way that man with the needle won't come out to visit me. I really don't like to see him around here. He pokes me too much. For some reason he only comes out when I don't feel well.

"One more thing. Make sure there is plenty of water available for us when we are turned out. We have to have lots of water to drink to wash down our food and for when we are thirsty."

I believe that Eddie pretty much covered the topic of pastures and paddocks. Eddie will cover the topic of fencing in Part III. Hope you are looking forward to it.

Here's a Great Bailout Strategy

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:53:49 -0500

I received a forwarded e-mail from a friend of mine this morning. This News Blast was originally sent from Mayer & Company LLP in New York. It sounds great and I vote for it. Read it and see what you think.

Here is what it said:

"A real bail out strategy:

"I think this makes great deal of sense!!! Give it a try with your Congressmen and Senators, etc.

"I'm against the $85,000,000,000 bailout of AIG. Instead, I am in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

"To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide US Citizens of 18 and older. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. Therefore, 200,000,000 is a good estimate of adults age 18 and up.

"So, divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion which equals $425,000. My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18 and over as a We Deserve It Dividend.

"Of course this would NOT be tax free. So, let's assume the tax rate of 30% (but it could be more). Each individual 18 + has to pay $127,500 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. Not that means every adult 18+ will have $297,500 in their pocket. A married couple will have $595,000.

"What would you do with $297,500 to $595,000 in your family?
Pay off the morgage - housing crisis solved.
Pay off the credit cards - No more credit crunch.
Repay college loans - That would be a great boost to college grads. Put away money for college. It'll be there.
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create new jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable deadbeat parents to come clean - or else

"Remember, this is for every US Citizen 18 years of age and over, including the folks that lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And, of course, for those serving in the Armed Forces.

"If we're going to redristribute wealth, let's really do it .....instead of trickling out a puny $1000 economic Voter Incentive that is being proposed by one of our Presidential candidates.

"If we're going to do and $85 billion bailout, let's bailout every adult US Citizen 18+!

"As for AIG, liquidate it. Sell off it's parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell of the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

"Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work". But can you imagine the Coast to Coast Block Party?

"How do you spell Economic Boom?

"I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion We Deserve It Dividend more than the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC.

"And remember, this plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam."

This plan sounds like it would solve many of the current economic problems. What do you think??

Northampton County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:16:57 -0500

Northampton County is holding a hazardous waste drop-off event on Saturday, October 4th at the Northampton County Community College Main Campus. It will be held from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.

The following items will be accepted:

Oil Based Paints

Wood Finishing Products

Paint Thinner

Stains & Sealers

Gasoline - Kerosene

Gas/Oil Mixture

Drain Cleaner

Pesticides

Antifreeze

Batteries - car/marine/motorcycle

If you have a client who needs to dispose of some of the junk in their garage or basement you might want to pass it on to them.

Searching For the Right Horse Property - From a Horse's Perspective - Part I

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:36:02 -0500

I'm sure you have read many posts on AR explaining to you what you should look for when searching for a home and for horse property. Now, no one ever thought of asking a horse as to what the barn and property should be like to his satisfaction.

Well, here it is! I have been communicating with my Thoroughbred, Text Edition, better known as Eddie at the barn, and I found out from him what you should be looking for as far as horse property.

I will do my best to explain to you what is an ideal horse property from a horse's perspective. It will be divided into 3 parts. (Otherwise, this post will end up as a book.) This part will cover the barn, stalls and basically the buildings for the horses. Part II will cover the pastures and turnout areas. Part III will be about fencing. Now remember, this is straight from the horse's mouth.

OK, here goes:

"When I go into a barn, I should be able to see neatness. If there is clutter in the aisles, there is a possiblity I can get hurt. All the tools, tack and feed should be in it's place. OK, I admit, I'd love to have the grain and hay just laying out in front of me so I can munch any time I want to, but I know that is not healthy for me. So, you need to make sure there is a place to store the hay and feed out of my reach, in a dry area, closed up so I'm not tempted to break into the feed for a midnight snack.

"I like to have my stall big enough that I am not cramped, so that if I would like to take a nice roll in the bedding, I can do it without worry of getting stuck. I'm a pretty big horse so a tiny stall would not do me any good.

"My stall should also be safe for me to be in. Make sure there are no pointy things sticking out of the walls that I can get hurt on. Also, be sure that the boards are securely on because I do like to have some privacy at times. Don't want to have my neighbor popping in when I'm eating or snoozing. I do not enjoy sharing my meal with my neighbor. Oh, and yes, the boards should not have big spaces between them where I can get my hoof stuck. I like to play and I may accidentally kick the wall and if there is a large enough space to put my foot through, chances are good that it will happen. So, please no spaces between the boards.

"The floors should have good footing and rather level. Wouldn't want to slip and fall or end up with foot problems because of too hard of a floor. A dirt floor or rubber mats on the floor are good.

"The barn needs to be draft free, but not tightly sealed so that air can circulate. I would hate to be in a drafty barn or a stuffy barn during the cold winter months. I could end up sick and then you would have to call the vet. I do not like the vet. He tends to stick these pointy things into me and pokes around all over my body. So, do make sure the barn is not drafty. I think we all would be happier if it wasn't.

"Make sure there is access to water nearby. I love to drink water quite often. If there is no water nearby, I will be watching you bring bucketfuls from your house. Whenever I see people lugging water for long distances, especially in the winter, they start yelling these weird words I've never heard. It does tend to be amusing from my point of view.

"I get very bored standing in my stall for hours. (I have to admit I get bored very easily.) So make sure that I am able to see the goings on around my stall. I am very curious and love to watch everyone and everything around me. Sometimes it tends to get rather amusing."

This pretty much covers the barns according to Eddie. Hope you learned something. In my next post, part II, Eddie will talk about pastures and turnout.

Northampton County Annual Open Gate Farm Tour

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:56:05 -0500

Northampton County's Annual Open Gate Farm Tour will take place Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th. 17 farms in the county will open their gates to the public.

The tours this year will feature a robotic milking operation, baling demonstrations and grain processing at 2 farms, and the use of high tunnels for vegetable and fruit production. Visitors to a number of farms will also find educational hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes and an opportunity to get up close to such farm animals as cows, horses, and alpacas.

Several farms will have antique and modern farm equipment on display. At another farm, visitors will learn about getting your garden ready for winter. Some of the other farms will sell their products to visitors.

Most farms will be open for the tour from noon until 4PM Saturday and Sunday. The Burnside Plantation, Keystone Farm and the 4H Center will only be open Sunday.

Brochures and maps will be available at most farm sites libraries and certain farm stores. Or, you can visit http://northampton.extension.psu.edu You can also obtain a brochure with a map and list of farms directly from the Penn State Extension Offices in Northampton County. The offices are open Monday through Friday 8AM - 4PM.

So take a day during this weekend to take your family on a fun and educational trip to tour the local farms and learn about farming.

Open Youth Schooling Show at Northampton County 4H Center

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:07:45 -0500

The Northampton County 4H Center will be sponsoring an Open Youth (ages 8 - 18) Schooling Show in Bushkill Township, just outside of Nazareth, PA. The show will be held on October 5th, 2008, in conjunction with the Northampton County Open Gate Farm Tour.

A variety of fun walk/trot and walk/trot/canter classes will be held including "Egg & Spoon", and "Musical Mount". There will also be an adult lead line class where youth (8 - 18 years of age) will lead horses with adult riders (over 21 years). Hmmmm. This class sounds interesting. A costume class will be held at the end of the show. We may have some imaginative horse and rider costumes here.

The cost per class is $6.00, which benefits the 4H.

In the blue building at the Center, 4H'ers will have their projects displayed. 4H offers a variety of projects in many areas other than animals and farming. There are shooting sports, crafts, sewing, forestry, gardening, cooking, etc. Actually, too many to list.

At 1PM, Equilibrium, a local handicapped riding program, will be giving a demonstration.

Food and drink will also be available during the show courtesy of the Northampton County 4H Center Board. The Center Board will also be serving the 4H's famous BBQ'd Chicken Platters starting at noon. The chicken is BBQ'd over coals basted with their special marinade and it is really tasty. Yummmmmmm. I can smell it and taste it now. The proceeds from the food and BBQ'd chicken goes to the Northampton County 4H.

So, if your are looking for something to do on an October Sunday, come on out and enjoy the horse show and delicious chicken.

Hope to see you there!

2nd Annual Quarters for Military Families to be Held in Nazareth, PA

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:43:31 -0500

The 2nd Annual Quarters for Military Families will be held on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 from 1PM - 3:30PM (rain or shine) in Nazareth, PA. It will start from Nazareth's Circle, down Main Street to Prospect Street. Duct tape will be placed down center of South Main Street for individuals to place quarters.

Last year's event collected approximately $8,000 for use by families of deployed military personnel of the Lehigh Valley as needed. The goal for this year is at least $10,000.

The event is sponsored and co-ordinated by the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Star Mothers of the Lehigh Valley, and the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council . There will be special assistance from the Nazareth Borough Highway Department and Police Department.

In addition to the patriotic musical entertainment along South Main Street, the Nazareth Area High School Award Winning Blue Eagle Marching Band will escort the Grand Marshall of the event, Bobby Gunther Walsh of WAEB radio, riding in an antique car owned by Homestead Kennels. The band will march from the corner of Liberty and East Center Streets at 1PM to the Circle and down South Main Street.

In this event, people throughout the Lehigh Valley place quarters on the duct tape on the center line of South Main Street for families who have loved ones overseas fighting for our freedom.

There will be representatives on site from local banks for purchasing quarters.

Those that are unable to attend the event and would like to make a donation, can send their contribution to: Quarters for Military Families, First Star Bank, 14 South Main Street, Nazareth, PA 18064.

Taking a Stroll on Nazareth's "Evening on Main Street"

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:36:52 -0500

Yesterday was a rather nice evening, so I decided to take a stroll on Nazareth's "Evening On Main Street".

As I approached Main Street, cars of yesteryear all the way up to today were on display. It was the Antique & Classic Car Show. Boy, did some of those cars bring back memories. Looking under the hood of the older cars, I was able to actually locate each part of the engine. That's the way I like it, nice and simple. Back then all your car troubles were easy to locate.

Continuing my stroll north on Main Street, I came across a few performing youth groups. There were dance groups and singers, who were performing to raise money for the "Dream Come True" Foundation. I must add that they were very good.

Further up on Main Street, there was a lot of food, from hot dogs to the local cafe's selling a complete meal. Mmmmmmmm. It smelled so good. Tables were set up on Main street (on the sidewalks and the middle of the street) so everyone was able to still enjoy the entertainment while dining.

Walking up towards the circle, there was much to see. Art exhibits set up, the Boy Scouts doing a rope climbing exhibition, local shops having their doors open for visitors, model railroad set up in the lobby of the local bank on Main Street, more food, etc. Too much to list. And all this on Main Street in Nazareth.

Along the way, I also ran into a few familiar faces, at which point we stopped and chatted for a while. Some of these people I haven't seen for years. It was nice catching up on things.

If you are interested in just have a quiet evening out, and seeing entertainment, good food and desserts, exhibitions, a car show and of course, seeing the historic buildings, this would be a good choice for next year. Hope to see you next September at "Evening On Main Street".

How Horses Translate Human Words - Today's Horse Laugh

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:21:16 -0500

HOW HORSES TRANSLATE HUMAN WORDS

The following human words are a translation by a horse:

LATCH: A type of puzzle.

LONGEING: Procedure for keeping a prospective rider at bay.

BUCKING: Counterirritant.

CROSSTIES: Gymnastic apparatus.

GRAIN: Sole virtue of domestication.

FENCE: Barrier that protects good grazing.

HITCHING RAIL: Means by which to test one's strength.

HORSE TRAILER: Mobile cave-bear den.

If you have any more to add, let me know and I will add it to the list.

Bethlehem, PA Bringing Back Mounted Police

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:13:45 -0500

Bethlehem, PA had brought back the mounted police at Musikfest this year. It turned out to be a huge success and, therefore, Bethlehem is considering adding the mounted patrol to their police force.

Of course, Bethlehem has many details to iron out in regards to the mounted police. The police department is looking at having 2 horses and 3 officers patrol the historic downtown area of Bethlehem. The horses main use would be for patrols, but may also be used in parades and the city's many festivals. It could be a great public relations tool.

Bethlehem's mounted patrol would be modeled after the Lancaster, PA unit, which is currently in place.

The city of Bethlehem is hoping to partner with the Historic Bethlehem Burnside Plantation, which is a farm in the middle of the city complete with a stable and plenty of open space for grazing. This would be an ideal place due to the location to the downtown area.

Looking into the cost, on average, a horse would cost about $250 a month in feed and about $800 per year in veterinary care. A police vehicle costs $30,000 plus $1,500 in fuel costs. Looking at the math, which do you think would be more cost effective?

The horses would be either donated or rescued from race tracks and would look for volunteers to take care of them.

The idea is well-received. It seems like there are a number of officers that would like to be in the mounted unit. So, no problem there.

Once all the details are worked out, Bethlehem may be looking at police horses as a permanent addition to their police patrol. I'm all for it.

Injured Horse Receives Prosthetic Leg

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:29:48 -0500

There is now hope for horses with leg injuries. No longer do they need to be put down when they sustain a fatal leg injury.

Riley, 16 year old Quarter Horse from Fredonia, Arizona had lacerated her tendons. Even with medical care, she was in severe pain. Instead of euthanizing her, her left hind leg was amputated below the hock at a Sheridan, Wyoming animal clinic.

When she first entered the Sheridan, Wyoming animal clinic, she was in severe pain and barely able to walk. The veterinarians tried to do the best they could to save her leg, but severe infections started to set in.

Instead of putting her down, her left hind leg was amputated below the hock. They then decided to try a prosthesis on her. Riley was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Her prosthetic limb was fitted same as a human's. What normally would have been a fatal injury, she is now able to enjoy the green pastures at her home without pain. She gets around quite well, now.

Veterinarians will now start to consider using a prosthetic limbs for horses in place of euthanasia. The only requirement is that the horse's other legs must be healthy and the injury evaluated and checked for signs of serious infection that cannot be cured.

So, as you can see, there is now hope for horses with leg injuries. No longer will they euthenize all horses that have broken legs.

Rail System Possible to Connect Lehigh Valley to NJ Transit

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:56:42 -0500

A study is currently underway to possibly connect the Lehigh Valley to the NJ Transit with a rail system. Currently, there is no rail transportation from the area to NYC. The only public transportation in place for communters is a bus system.

With the high costs of fuel, many commuters are looking for public transportation to get to work. The park-and-ride lots are overcrowded. People end up parking on the grass and the edge of the road. Another type of public transportation to NYC is definitely needed.

A rail system would ease the overcrowded highways into the city and lessen the stress of the commute. The trip would also take less time with a rail system.

A rail system was considered years ago, but was rejected because there would not be enough commuters to make it worthwhile. With the population in the Lehigh Valley growing, signs seem to indicate that there is definitely a need for a rail system.

In Memory of 9-11

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:57:26 -0500

I know I'm a couple of days early, but this is in memory of all those who perished on this historic morning; the passengers and the pilots on the United Air and AA flights, the workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and all the innocent bystanders. Our prayers go out to the friends and families of the deceased.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Author Unknown

Treat each day as if it were your last.

God Bless!

Excerpts From Actual Letters Sent to Landlords

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:34:42 -0500

Here are excerpts from actual letters that were written by tenants to their landlords. I think you will get a kick out of these.

The toilet is blocked and we cannot bathe the children until it is cleared.

I want some repairs done to my stove as it has backfires and burnt my knob off.

This is to let you know that there is a smell coming from the man next door.

The toilet seat is cracked: where do I stand?

I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is running away from the wall.

I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.

Our lavatory seat is broken in half and is now in three pieces.

Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk? Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant.

Our kitchen floor is very damp. We have two children and would like a third. So, will you please send someone to do something about it?

Will you please send a man to look at my water? It is a funny color and not fit to drink.

Would you please send a man to repair my downspout? I am an old-age pensioner and need it straight away.

Could you please send someone to fix our bath tap? My wife got her toe stuck in it and it is very uncomfortable for us.

I want to complain about the farmer across the road. Every morning at 5:30 his cock wakes me up, and it is getting too much.

When the workmen were here, they put their tools in my wife's new drawers and made a mess. Please send men with clean tools to finish the job and keep my wife happy.

Real Estate Market Stats for August, 2008, for the Lehigh Valley Are In

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:44:31 -0500

It's the beginning of September and the real estate market stats are in for August, 2008. I'll give you a quick overview for the Lehigh Valley and I won't bore you too much with it.

According to the statistics, the average price of homes, new and existing, dropped slightly in August, down about 3.4% from July. The number of sales also decreased from July's statistics, by .8%.

The average number of days on the market increased to 68 days.

What this means, is that it is still good news for buyers. The homes are still affordable and plenty of inventory to choose from.

To all you home buyers, get out there are buy your home while the prices are low. There is still plenty of inventory to choose from.

Now that wasn't too boring. Was it? It was quick and simple information.

HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!!

The 2008 Paralympic Equestrian Games Set to Begin in Hong Kong

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:15:45 -0500

The 2008 Olympic Games are now history, but Hong Kong still has more excitement occuring. The 2008 Paralympic Equestrian Games will be held from September 7 - 11 at the Sha Tin Equestrian Center. It is the same site that the Olympic equestrian events were held this past summer.

The equestrians that participate in the Paralympic Games have some sort of physical impairment. To watch them is truly inspiring. A total of 28 countries have sent atheletes to the 2008 Paralympic equestrian competition. The US has 5 horse and rider combinations. The dressage team will consist of:

Keith Newerla riding Walk on the Moon
Lynn Seidermann on Rhett
Rebecca Hart aboard Norteassa
Barbara Grassmyer upon Mibis
Robin Brueckman riding Radetzky

The US Paralympic Equestrian Dressage Team is currently ranked 4th in the world. The team is made up of the most talented riders in the sport. Everyone is excited about representing the United States in Hong Kong.

Go Team USA!!

Oh, Dear!! What Do All These Agencies Mean?? It's So Confusing!!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:37:54 -0500

Dual Agency! Subagent! Transaction Agent! What do all these agencies mean?? It is soooooo confusing!!

It is important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transactions. I will define each one to you and help you understand.

1. Listing Agent - (also known as a seller's agent or a seller's representative). A listing agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.

2. Subagent - Subagency usually occurs when a co-operating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not representing the buyer as a buyer's agent or operating in a nonagency relationship, shows property to a buyer. In such a case, the subagent works with the buyer as a customer but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer-customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent. It is important that subagents fully explain their duties to buyers.

3. Buyer's Agent - (also known as a buyer's representative). A real estate licensee who is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer's rep works in the buyer's best interest throughout the transaction and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. The buyer can pay the licensee directly through a negotiated fee, or the buyer's rep may be paid by the seller or by a commission split with the listing broker.

4. Disclosed dual agent - Dual agency is a relationship in which the brokerage firm represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. Dual agency relationships do not carry with them all of the traditional fiduciary duties to the clients. Instead, dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, it's vital that all parties give their informed consent. In many states, this consent must be in writing. Disclosed dual agency, in which both the buyer and the seller are told that the agent is representing both of them, is legal in most states.

5. Designated agent - (also called appointed agency). This is a brokerage practice that allows the managing broker to designate which licensees in the brokerage will act as an agent of the seller and which will act as an agent of the buyer. Designated agency avoids the problem of creating a dual-agency relationship for licensees at the brokerage. The designated agents give their clients full representation, with all of the attendant fiduciary duties. The broker still has the responsibility of supervising both groups of licensees.

6. Transaction Broker - (also called a transaction facilitator or nonagency relationship). Some states permit a real estate licensee to have a type of nonagency relationship with a consumer. These relationships vary considerably from state to state, both as to the duties owed to the consumer and the name used to describe them. Very generally, the duties owed to the consumer in a nonagency relationship are less than the complete, traditional fiduciary duties of an agency relationship.

Ask your real estate agent to explain what type of agency relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company.

End of Summer Already??

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:26:00 -0500

Here it is, Labor Day weekend once again, meaning the last weekend of summer. Sure, we will have more nice weather in September, but Labor Day seems to close summer in most places. The trees here in the northeast are starting to lose their leaves, and the animals have been growing their winter coats since the days started getting shorter.

Where did the summer go? It just seems to go quicker each year.

No matter. Labor Day weekend is your chance to get in your last summer hurrah. Time to look forward to the autumn months, which bring lots of nice, comfortable weather and more fun things to do.

Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend! Hope you get to enjoy it with your family and friends! I know I will!

Some Interesting Facts From the Good Ole Days!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:15:31 -0500

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be...

Some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to try and hide the body odor. Hence, the custom today, of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children - lastly, the babies. By then the water was so dirty, someone could get lost it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

Houses had thatched roofs - thick straw - piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained, it became very slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up a nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection, that's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that got slippery in the winter when they were wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing. As winter wore on, they kept adding more thresh and when the door was opened, thresh would start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway, hence, the term, "thresh hold."

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot, nine days old." Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man "could bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning and subsequently, death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."

Lead cups were used for drinking ale or whisky. The combination of the alcohol and the lead would sometimes knock the drinker out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would "wake up." Hence the custom of holding a "wake."

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So, they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a "bone-house" and reuse the coffin and the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside, it was then that they realized they had been burying people alive. So, they thought they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground tied to a bell. Someone would sit out in the graveyard all night (thus, "graveyard shift"), and listen for the bell; therefore, "saved by the bell" be considered a "dead ringer."

And that's the truth... who ever said that history was boring! Educate someone else...Share these facts with others.