Arizona is wonderful!

It is much different here from the Oregon Coast. No ocean, and lots of cactus. The weather is beyond great for someone who doesn't like to be cold.

My husband has a great job and I am able to stay at home for the time being and learn some new skills. I am going to be completing a course on teaching English as a second language and have also received a certificate for beginning grant writing. I am also taking on some freelance writing projects and believe that by trying to explore new avenues and keep my options wide open we will make it through to the other side.

From my observations the real estate market here is just like everywhere else in the country. Many foreclosures, short sales, investors taking advantage of the low prices, and a few first time home buyers trying their hands at purchasing their first home. I believe we will not see a sturdy and secure market again until the flood of foreclosures and short sales are remedied.

I look forward to what the future holds. I think we all need to keep a positive attitude and look for every opportunity and take chances. I did not want to leave my home in Oregon, but I feel for this time we are where we are suppose to be. And it is a good thing!

Last Weekend wrapped up Brookings~Harbor Children's Theater's production of Disney's Beauty & The Beast.

I was overwhelmed with the support from the community towards their children. All shows last weekend were sold out!

I heard one comment from someone in the audience...."Did they bring an actress from Disneyland to play the part of Belle? She sounds just like the Belle from the movie!"

There were over 50 cast members ranging in age from 5 to 70 something! The costumes were fabulous and the energy unbelievable! All the hard work paid off with a spectacular performance! Enjoy the photos!

Town Scene                                                       Crazy Maurice's Invention

Belle, will you marry meeeee?                              Silly Girls love Gaston!

Tavern Scene                                                    Cogsworth, Otto the ottoman, Beast & Lumiere

Mrs. Potts & Chip the tea cup                              Belle & Beast

Be Our Guest (my miss 12 the broom!)                Be Our Guest

Finale!

FHA'S HOPE FOR HOMEOWNERS PROGRAM

As of the release date on November 1, 2008 very few people have made application for this mortgage aid program. I don't know the reasons why there has been an underwhelming application, but it might be because homeowners haven't heard about it.  I recall during the summer a few blurbs about an aid program being worked on, but not a whole lot of media about the actual release. Some people might think...where's Lori been? Under a rock or in a cave? But I have talked to several people and they say they haven't heard of it either.

When I read a post today by Candace Robinsonabout this issue I started doing some research. There is alot of resource on the Internet. The first link I want to share is the government's site for the program. I think it is a great place to start. http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=73,7601299&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

The first advice they give is for homeowners to get in touch with their lenders to see if the lenders are willing to work with the program. The site is very helpful in explaining what will be involved in making application. And some qualifications as well.

The second link I want to share with you is Countrywide/BofA's Homeownership Retention program. They will not start taking applications until December 1, 2008. (Maybe this is why there hasn't been very many applications as of yet because all the Countrywide clients haven't been able to file)

And finally a link to a full report on CNN.com about the program and it's slow start.

It sounds to me like there is a tiny flicker of hope and we have to spread the word!

Hello Everyone! I stumbled upon this new group by way of Alexsandra Stewart. I am very excited about reading everyone's reviews and writing some of my own. I never have been a ferocious reader but lately I have found my nose in a good book almost daily! Some of my favorite authors are John Grisham, Anne Perry, Janet Evanovich and James Patterson. I like reading because it is much more entertaining than TV. (100 channels and nothing to watch!)

Russel- Thanks for creating this group!

Photo from Glittergraphics.com

I am a frequent flyer with NW Airlines and received an email from them yesterday that they are merging with Delta. Seems to be a lot of this going on lately huh?

My World Perks membership stays in place and I get to keep all of my accumulated miles, so that's encouraging. I just have to wonder about fare and service changes. Of course it is always a plus when fares drop and services improve but how often does that happen? I can only hope!

I also discovered Allegiant Airlines recently and wanted to share them with you. Their fares are rock bottom but they are very limited on routes and dates. Check out their link and service airports. I haven't flown with them yet but I have to question how they can offer such low fares. Maybe they don't allow baggage or carry on for that matter. And the windows open so the people with window seats can stick their arms out and flap like the birdies. But seriously...I will give them a try because they just started a Medford, OR. to Phoenix, AZ. route for $120 round trip! Amazing!!

To my Readers:

This encouraging post from my friend Cameron Wilson gives sound advice to buyers. Right now is a good time to buy! We need to stop listening to the negative slant the media is pushing on us all the time and look at things in a positive and professional manner.

Brookings - Harbor Children's Theater Presents The Family Production of: Disney's Beauty And The Beast

Music by:

Alan Menken

Lyrics by:

Howard Ashman & Tim Rice

Book by:

Linda Woolverton

Music Arranged by: David Godino

Choreographed by: Cheryl Seaton

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 & 21     7:30 P.M.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 & 22    7:30 P.M.

SUNDAY MATINEE, NOVEMBER 16 & 23   2:00 P.M.

Tickets: $10 Adults ~~ $7 Seniors and Students ~~ $5 Children Ages 5 and under

Live on Stage in the Harbor Performing Arts Center ~ Brookings- Harbor Shopping Center, Harbor, Oregon

Tickets Sold at Mory's Office Supply in Brookings

For more information call: 541-661-2473

On a personal note: my daughter is in the play and she is so excited about this production. Everyone has been working very hard to learn lines, songs, dance and getting the Performing Arts Center in tip top shape for this wonderful production. If you have opportunity at all to attend this production you will not be disappointed! 

The Cast and Crew of the up-coming theatrical production of, Disneyʼs Beauty and the Beast, invite you to join us for our Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, October 25^th from 4:00-6:30 PM.

Chef Paula will be cooking traditional red sauce with angel hair pasta and fettuccini with her delectable white sauce.  Both dinners come with or without meatballs and will be served with a hearty salad, fragrant garlic bread, and your choice of dessert. Coffee and punch will also be served.

Entertainment for your dining pleasure will highlight talented cast members as they sing selected songs from the November production.  

Dinner prices are $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students and seniors, and children under 5 are free! Plan to join us this Saturday! Bring family and friends to the Chetco Grange Community Center located off of Highway 101 and Zimmerman Way in Harbor, Oregon. Please call for more information: 541-661-2473.

Rainbow Rock is named for the colorful ribbons of different layers of rock at the bottom of the small hill along the beach. This beach is very difficult to get to because it is alongside Highway 101 and the access is pretty much a cliff! There is a vista point turn off on a wide shoulder of the highway and that is how I achieved these photos.

Brookings offers many condominium possibilities. To rent as vacation getaways or to purchase, as investment or primary residences. Pictured here is Rainbow Rock Condominiums, one of many condo units in the Brookings area. 

 According to the RMLS the Brookings area has a total of 18 active condo listings with an average list price of $317,820 and 7 sold condos in the past 12 months with an average sale price of $291,570.