It is Tuesday, November 3, 2009 and Voting Day across the country. Here in Lakewood, voters either had to mail their ballots in or they can drop off their ballots at different sites across Jefferson County. In our community, there were only a couple of issues to vote on and several ward elections.  Even if there isn't much on the ballot, we should all do our civic duty and VOTE.  Let's celebrate that we have the opportunity and obligation to participate in the elections!

Your friend at Royal Kingdom Associates at Your Castle Real Estate

I woke up this morning knowing that we were expecting snow. At 6 a.m., we had just a few inches of the white stuff...I had several errands that I needed to get done early in the day, so around 9 a.m. I dressed for the weather and headed out.

This is my front yard early this morning as I headed out.  This is a very wet, heavy snow and it is still coming down.

Just two days ago, we were grilling steaks on our Weber grill in the backyard. Can't hardly even find it today.

It is now around 2:30, I am so tired from shoveling snow. I made a headway, but I still have a lot to go. I think it is time to stop, get a blanket, dry off - not only me but my dog, Jake, who really loves the snow.....

On friday, I participated in a DAR field trip to the Plains Conservation site in Aurora. Colorado history has always fascinated me, especially since my husband's family homesteaded here back in the mid 1800's. As a former member of "The Shady Ladies of Central City" I have spent many hours studying the roles of women in the settling of the West...from soiled doves to wives of military men...all trying to survive in a harsh environment. So visiting this preserved rendition of an old homestead had special meaning to me.

Touring the small home built of sod and mud, to sitting on the stiff, wooden bench in the one room school house, I could imagine the hardships our families endured as they set down roots in Colorado.  Even as the suburban developments creep towards this beautiful park, you can look towards the horizon and transport yourself back in time.

All photos are copyrighted by Emelyn Morris-Sayre, 2009.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend and help at the Daughters of the British Empire's Annual Victorian Tea in Denver. I am in the process of joining this distinguished group....my mother is Australian which qualifies me to become a member. My papers are in order and I have now met the additional requirements to join.

Being a part and helping with the event (even though I am not yet an official member) was a delightful experience. To see the epitome of manners, etiquette and hospitality was so heartwarming and inspiring...to know that we haven't lost these wonderful elements of civility...I am so impressed.

Here are a few photos of the day....

The Ladies gather just before the opening of the craft fair.

Mother and Daughter enjoy the tea together.

Members of the Daughters of the British Empire work hard in the kitchen to prepare wonderful food for all of the guests.

Earlier this week, I attended the Colorado Association of REALTORS annual conference in Colorado Springs. I have attended the conference for close to 13 years and really appreciate the learning opportunities it affords.  For the past few years, I have helped with the CRS booth (Board of Directors and officer) but this year, I made it a point to try to fit in as many classes and speakers as possible.

On the first day, I took the Transnational Referral Certification course that prepares real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA) referral system and integrate intrnational referrals into their business plans.

We discussed how to recognize regulations and business practices that impact referrals, etiquette and regulations of Consortium member countries. We also learned how to create a network of contacts in key markets by using a systematic approach to building and nurturing relationships.

The class was taught by Gail Lyons who is recognized internationally as a futurist, expert in agency law and practice and international real estate. She has taught hundreds of seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and numerous foreign venues. Gail is broker/owner of Boulder Real Estate Services, Ltd.

I went away from the class with a headful of ideas that I want to implement right away. If you the opportunity to take this course and get the certification, I encourage you to do so.

Emelyn Morris-Sayre, CRS

I am having a hard time embracing, much less understanding, the push for an additional tax on tickets to the Central City Opera, the ghost tours and such that is on the upcoming November ballot. I would hope the local government could work within its current means - and I do understand and appreciate that revenues are down - but most of the money spent on these items are already discretionary and to add to the cost just doesn't make sense in today's market.

My husband's family's roots go back to the gold rush in Central City, I am a former member of the Shady Ladies of Central City and the majority of my business comes from the mountain communities in Gilpin County. I want and continue to support the area, but I don't believe that adding this tax will help in the long run. 

I would encourage the Central City Opera to work with the City of Central to co-sponsor events that would help off-set the reduced revenues....let's work together and make it a win-win situation.....for all of the people who frequent our mountain communities.

Or maybe, stop and take in the view. I had an early appointment today with a client who purchased a home up in the foothills of Jefferson County, just west of Denver. I hadn't seen them in almost two years and they wanted me to see what they had done to the home as well as get some advice of local lenders whom they could talk to about re-financing.

As I turned on to Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon) off of North 93, I was struck by the incredible beauty of the foothills and Flatirons. The sun was just in the right position to enhance the incredible topography that so many times we take for granted.  I had to pull over and take a picture.