Blue Moon Over Crystal Beach Florida - 08/31/12 07:53 AM
This is the night of the Blue Moon, the second moon in the month. It would have also been my mother's 87th birthday, if she was still alive. Happy Birthday, Mom.

I went out late last night before going to bed, to attempt to get a couple of photos of the Blue Moon (photo above) and then early this morning, I was down at the seashore taking the photo below of the Blue Moon.

Since I live two SHORT blocks from the Gulf of Mexico and it takes all of about three minutes to walk to the water, getting … (13 comments)

Sunset Over The Gulf Of Mexico From Crystal Beach Florida - 08/31/12 06:29 AM
The sun was setting over the Gulf of Mexico as I was taking an evening walk here in Crystal Beach Florida last night and I had to take a couple of photos to share.

Life here along the Gulf of Mexico is so beautiful and the shore birds add a tropical flare to the photos.

These are examples of why I love living here in Crystal Beach Florida. The seashore is only two blocks from my front door. It doesn't get much better than that, so I can wake walks down there whenever I want.

Give me a … (11 comments)

Looking For A Home? Where To Begin.... - 08/30/12 06:56 PM
Where do you begin when looking for a home? Clients, especially first-time buyers, come to us and look for guidance.
First off, you need to decide on HOW you are going to pay for your new property. If it is CASH, then you already know what the top dollar amount can be. If it is going to be FINANCED, you need to begin by contacting a mortgage lender and getting a preapproval letter. This will give you that top dollar amount that you need to know BEFORE you begin your search. (It is a waste of time to start looking at … (5 comments)

The Three Bears And A Little Girl - 08/30/12 07:20 AM
The Three Bears and a MUCH younger ME.........this was taken someplace in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and I would love to know where. Obviously, I was rather young and only know that we were on our way to Nineveh, New York, to visit Aunt Bessie and Uncle Claude.

The Moates took care of me when I was first born, since my mother worked for IBM back then and there weren't daycare centers around like there are today. Once we moved to Gurleyville, Connecticut, we went a couple of times a year to visit them.....until we moved … (11 comments)

The Laws of Getting Out of Town for Realtors - 08/29/12 01:55 PM
I thought WE had a super cool MeetUp on the water here in Tarpon Springs Florida today and then I read Pat Kennedy's blog post about having an ActiveRain MeetUp at 110 Rue de Rennes in PARIS FRANCE and now I wish I could have fit into her suitcase!!!! HOW I LOVE AND MISS THAT CITY!!!!!
Remember, we all want to see LOTS of photos, Pat!!!!! Have a blast!
Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
Yesterday was take off time take off time for Paris.  And while I thought this trip was going to be exceptionally well organized, well, stuff happens.
An … (4 comments)

Florida Homeowners are Going Naked (no insurance) - 08/29/12 01:46 PM
Jeanne is, as always, right on target with this post. So many Florida homeowners do not have homeowners insurance. If you have a mortgage, you have to carry homeowners insurance but if you have no mortgage or if you are a renter, carrying insurance on your dwelling and it's contents is something that many do not do in this economy. The results can be devastating!
Via Jeanne Gavish, Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners:
With Florida Homeowners Insurance Premiums soaring since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, an increasing number of Florida Homeowners, many of them Senior Citizens, have made the painful and potential risky decision … (6 comments)

Tarpon Springs Florida ActiveRain MeetUp After Isaac Passes - 08/29/12 12:13 PM
Today we had our ActiveRain MeetUp in Tarpon Springs Florida at Rusty Bellies Waterfront Restaurant.

There was a detour on Dodecanese Blvd on the Sponge Docks since the Anclotte River was overflowing, but we managed to maneuver around it and get to our destination.

With the combination of the winds from Isaac still blowing the water toward shore, high tides and a full moon approaching, the Gulf of Mexico and the Anclotte River have decided that some of the local streets need salt water in them..............

Still, we met and had a wonderful time at Rusty Bellies. On … (36 comments)

You Know You Are On Florida's Gulf Coast When..... - 08/29/12 06:27 AM
You know you are on Florida's Gulf Coast when you are dining at a gulfside restaurant and you notice crab traps hanging from the rafters!

You know you are on Florida's Gulf Coast when you see a sign saying 'friends don't let friends eat imported shrimp'.

You know you are on Florida's Gulf Coast when the fishing vessels line up at dockside right next to the restaurants! Now THAT is FRESH!

Come on down and enjoy our beautiful Gulf Coast and fantastic seafood!

… (10 comments)

NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida............1976 - 08/28/12 07:04 AM
The year was 1976 and the place was in front of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA in Florida. Back then, you could go inside the building and actually see the shuttle being assembled. That was before the decided it was too dangerous to let the public in (or at least that was the reason the public was given for no longer being allowed entry).

I was here on vacation with my new hubby, the man to become the father of my two fantastic children (Herbert is in the brown bell bottoms in the photo). We toured the cape and … (11 comments)

Live Oak Trees - If They Could Only Tell Us All They Have Witnessed - 08/27/12 06:37 AM
Live Oak Trees are amazing! They are one of my favorite trees and trees have always had a special place in my heart.

I have always thought how wonderful it would be if they could communicate with us all of the events they have witnessed through the decades. Imagine what has transpired that they have silently observed. Wouldn't it be magnificent if we could learn from the trees.

Perhaps the Live Oak trees are a favorite of mine because of the way they reach out in various directions, like human limbs contorting to express themselves.

There is something … (11 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida's Live Oak Park - 08/27/12 06:09 AM
Crystal Beach Florida is where I live and play in the Florida sun and it is also home to Live Oak Park! Live Oak Park is located right next to the shore of St Joseph's Sound, which leads out to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Also across the street from Live Oak Park is our fishing pier, which is a favorite spot for the school kids to hang out and catch fish when not in school.

Live Oak Park was once home to Faith Mission, a local orphanage, as well as the Blue Heron Hotel. … (5 comments)

Paia/Haiku Maui HI Real Estate Listings Newsletter - August 2012 - 08/27/12 05:58 AM
Whenever I stop by Georgina's blog page and see her photos of Maui, I want to jump in the next plane and visit that beautiful island. If I did not already live in Paradise, I might even consider relocating to her lovely Pacific island!!!
Via Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui):
Paia/Haiku Maui Hawaii Real Estate Listings Newsletter     -     August 2012------------------------------------------------------------With summer winding down there were not a lot of new listings on the Paia/Haiku Realtor Caravan, so I'll take this opportunity to remind you about some other great properties … (6 comments)

Twisted Brick. Have You Ever Seen Anything Like This Before? - 08/27/12 05:56 AM
Debbie took these great photos of twisted bricks up in Ohio and since I have never seen anything like it before, I wanted to share with others who may have missed her post with these awesome photos!
Via Debbie Reynolds, "The Real Debbie Reynolds" (Prudential PenFed Realty):
Twisted Bricks. Have You Ever Seen Anything Like This Before? I admit that I don’t know everything nor have I seen everything. But I have traveled a good bit and have seen a variety of different architectural styles and accents. Last week I saw a brick treatment that I have never seen before. Twisted bricks. Have … (6 comments)

As Isaac Passes By Crystal Beach Florida - 08/27/12 05:09 AM
As Hurricane Isaac passes by Crystal Beach Florida we are having unusually LOW tides. I went out for a late afternoon walk yesterday and took a few photos with my iPhone when I saw just how low the tide was!

My walk was cut short when the rain suddenly started and unlike our normal gentle rains, this was cold and the raindrops were piercing like little needles. At that point, I started walking home doing double time.

This morning, while we have had some rain, there have yet to be any real downpours and I think that Isaac has … (6 comments)

Prepare to Defend Your Florida Homeowner's Insurance Claim - 08/26/12 08:57 AM
As Hurricane Isaac comes on shore here on Florida's Gulf Coast, my good friend Jeanne Gavish wrote a blog post worthy of reposting about Florida Homeowner's Insurance claims. Be ready to defend your claim with photos and video. Unfortunately, it is needed since there are always so many fraudulent claims. Have important papers in zip locks and in a safe, secure place so you can file those claims once the storm is past and above all, BE SAFE!
Via Jeanne Gavish, Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners:
We Floridians purchase our Homeowner's Insurance Policy, pay our annual premiums, and  comply with the mandatory inspections … (2 comments)

Isaac Coming........Sandbag Time Along The Gulf Coast - 08/26/12 07:06 AM
Isaac is indeed coming our way and in preparation for the hurricane, those of us living along the Gulf Coast are filling up sandbags! All along the Gulf Coast, communities are offering free sand and bags to put it in. Residents usually bring their own shovel, since they are in limited supply and you might end up waiting a long time to get one of the shovels provided by the community.
Those of us who live along the Gulf Coast are used to this situation....especially those of us who actually grew up here! My family moved to the area in 1954, … (5 comments)

Afternoon Frozen Yogurt With My Girls....... - 08/25/12 01:42 PM
Today was afternoon frozen yogurt time with my girls! I had been visiting my daughter and granddaughter before we decided to go shopping and thereafter the little one announced that we could not leave Boot Ranch Shopping Center without stopping off at the frozen yogurt shop.
So we took time out to enjoy some yummy frozen yogurt, which hit the spot after an hour in the store shopping!!!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! Hopefully this hurricane will not go above a category one and will remain out in the gulf as it moves north. Time will tell...................Be safe!


… (11 comments)

Pinellas County Florida Golf Courses - Central and South County - 08/24/12 12:53 PM
Central & South Pinellas County Florida have many wonderful golf courses and a convenient list is something that every golfer appreciates! Here is a summary of what awaits you in our county if you are considering golfing south of Clearwater, here in Pinellas County:
Baypointe Golf Club     727-595-2095
This public par 61 course allows walking but electric carts are also available.
Bardmoor Golf Club    727-392-1234
Home of the PGA JCPenney Classic, the Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club of Largo offers many great packages for family enjoyment.
Bayou Club Golf    727-399-1000
The Bayou Club course offers 16 water hazards on this 18 … (8 comments)

Incognito: The Secret Lives Of The Brain By David Eagleman - 08/24/12 12:14 PM
Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain was written by David Eagleman, neuroscientist at Baylor College of Medicine and also Director of the Laboratory for Perception and Action.
This amazing book, written by this young man who is only a few years older than my own son, is a real eye-opener to how our brain controls WHO we are and HOW we perceive the world around us.
After listening to an interview on National Public Radio, where David discusses falling off the roof of a neighbor's house when he was eight and his perception at the time, I became intrigued. … (0 comments)

Beautiful Day Off The Coast Of Crystal Beach Florida - 08/23/12 02:51 PM
Today was indeed a beautiful day on the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Crystal Beach Florida with good friends. We started out early this morning and put the boat in at Sutherland Bayou, just about a mile south of where we live.

We headed for the north tip of Honeymoon Island State Park, where Alice and I walked through the water while the guys fished. Since it looked like we might get some rain, Ronnie decided to head south, toward Clearwater.

We had a great trip and ended up off the southwestern end of Caladesi … (13 comments)

Craftsman House Gallery - St Petersburg Florida - Lunch Destination - 08/22/12 12:25 PM
Yesterday I drove down to the Craftsman House Gallery on Central Avenue in St Petersburg Florida for a wonderful lunch. The Craftsman House Gallery sells the works of local artists and also offers a great selection of healthy lunch options, smoothies, teas and desserts.

While there, I strolled through the gallery and saw many items that I would love to purchase. Nothing that I really need, but many things that are beautiful and would also make lovely closing gifts for clients, as well as birthday gifts for friends.
If you haven't been to the Craftsman House Gallery in St Petersburg … (9 comments)

The Box is Active - 08/22/12 11:55 AM
This is such an important post that I wanted to reblog it - Gabe is correct, the box is indeed ACTIVE and this is why once you have an accepted contract here in Florida, you need to be sure to get that insurance taken care of. When there is a named storm out there, the insurance companies refuse to write policies!
Via Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate (Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales):
The Box is Active

We're coming up to the peak of the hurricane season.  Officially, September 10, for those who care to pin point it.  We … (2 comments)

Gluten Free Vegan Quinoa Burgers For Lunch - Or Anytime! - 08/22/12 11:41 AM
I wanted to share this gluten free vegan quinoa burger recipe with everyone. It is difficult to find good tasting gluten free veggie burgers in the grocery store and they are pretty easy to make on your own, ESPECIALLY if you own a pressure cooker. I cannot imagine making anything that requires beans without a pressure cooker to save time!

Items you will need:
1 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
1 3/4 cups cooked quinoa
1/4 cup each finely chopped carrots, zucchini, pineapple
1/2 teaspoon each cumin, paprika, cilentro
1 teaspoon each coriander and garlic powder
1/4 cup fresh parsely
olive … (4 comments)

Carr Air Conditioning Service Of Clearwater - 08/20/12 08:07 AM
Carr Air Conditioning of Clearwater is one company I would like to recommend for anybody in the Pinellas County area in need of their professional services. They are reliable, trustworthy and prompt. So often you hire somebody for air conditioning problems and have the feeling you have been taken advantage of. This is NOT the case with Carr Air Conditioning.
I have dealt with other companies in the past and now recommend only Carr Air Conditioning to my clients. Knowing there is a good company out there is important and having a list of reliable companies to pass on to clients … (7 comments)

FL Dept of Veterans Affairs to Reimburse Real Estate Exam Fees - 08/20/12 07:59 AM
My good friend, Jeanne Gavish up in Spring Hill, wrote this blog post and it is indeed worthy of a reblog since it lets our vets know that the state will reimburse them for the exam fees if they decide to get into real estate. Thanks, Jeanne, you always are on top of information like this!
Via Jeanne Gavish, Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners:
The Florida Legislature and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs offer relief for Florida Military Veterans who are facing the harsh reality of high unemployment rates by offering generous incentives for those seeking licenses through the Florida Department of … (5 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - where does your water come from? - 08/20/12 07:57 AM
Talk about FOOD FOR THOUGHT, Georgina hit on a great topic with this post. Where does YOUR water come from and WHAT is in it? Water is something so basic and vital to our lives and it is also something we don't often think about.................
Via Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui):
Wordless Wednesday - where does your water come from?

Water: Where does it come from?  What's in your water?  Do you care?
Haiku Maui HI 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui HI 96708 vacant land for sale
Oceanfront Maui homes and … (3 comments)

Opening Doors in Manhattan - 08/20/12 07:54 AM
Can I say ONLY IN NEW YORK to this post that Pat Kennedy wrote with this really funky door that she found while visiting Manhattan.. I have never seen one as colorful as this and had to share!
Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
Opening Doors in Manhattan

I spotted this doorway on New York's lower East Side of as an entry to a funky-looking building.  Now, you just don't see stuff like this here in buttoned down Washington, DC. 
 
If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help!  I am licensed in … (2 comments)

Get It Out Of There! - 08/20/12 07:52 AM
I love reminders like this one from Fred as to the type of things that can go wrong, even with new construction! Buying a home means having a home inspection. It is something that everybody needs to do!!!!
Via Fred Hernden - Tampa Bay area Home Inspector (Superior Home Inspections - Greater Tampa Bay Area):
On Friday I did and inspection dodging the bad weather. Rain, no rain. Rain, no rain. The good thing was that when it came time to go up into the attic... it was not hot up there! Well, still hotter than outside, but better because of the cloudy, … (0 comments)

Wrapping Up Another Short Sale - 08/19/12 11:44 AM
Wrapping up another short sale........this one is a house. We wrote the offer and (thank heaven) a great negotiator has been working on bringing this to the closing table. One more house is about to become a home once again and that is good news, not only for the local inventory but for my buyers as well!
Having a professional negotiator handling short sales is vital to successful completion of the deal and something I would not want to do without! Do YOU use a professional negotiator on short sales? I feel our time as Realtors does not leave enough time … (11 comments)

Wexford Leas Of Palm Harbor Florida - Homes For Sale - 08/18/12 07:51 AM
Wexford Leas of Palm Harbor Florida - Homes for Sale

Located near Old Downtown Palm Harbor Florida, Wexford Leas is a wonderful community just south of Tampa Road. Built in the 1970's and 80's this is a wonderful place to raise a family. Zoned for some of the best schools in Pinellas County, Wexford Leas is convenient to shopping and medical facilities.
The community is close to Honeymoon Island State Park and numerous parks, including a lovely park and playground right in Wexford Leas for the residents!
To find out more about Wexford Leas or to begin your home search, … (11 comments)

Gazing into the Sunset as the Day Whiles Away - 08/18/12 07:40 AM
Is there anybody that DOESN'T love looking at the sunset? William captures the sun setting over the Pacific in this photo. That is something I have never seen....perhaps one day I will make it to the Pacific Coast but for now, this is as close as I have ever gotten. Thanks, William!!!!
Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):
Gazing into the Sunset as the Day Whiles Away One of the extraordinary things that some like do here in San Diego is go to the coast and watch as the Sun sets as a … (11 comments)

Summer Flowers in Kentlands: Maryland Photowalking - 08/18/12 07:37 AM
Photo-walking. I have to say, I really like that term and have never heard it before. Roy always takes the most beautiful floral shots and on a rainy Saturday, we can use some color to brighten up the day!
Via Roy Kelley, Montgomery County, MD Homes For Sale (Roy Kelley and RE/MAX Realty Group):
Summer Flowers in Kentlands:  Maryland Photowalking
 
 
Have you tried photowalking?  First, you need to decide that you could use a little exercise and walking is something that most of us can do without any cost or pre-planning.  Add a camera in your hand and you will have … (5 comments)

Happy Hollyhocks - 08/18/12 07:35 AM
I wonder if these will grow down here in the Sunshine State? I love photos of flowers and on this rainy, stormy Saturday morning, I thought that this post from John was a great one to reblog! Happy Saturday!
Via John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
Happy Hollyhocks

As Friday rolls around and it’s been a busy and stressful week for most of us.  I thought some Happy Hollyhocks were in order.  Hope you enjoy a blessed and productive day and weekend in all you do!As for me I’ll be working with home buyers.  Never fear, I will be as … (2 comments)

A Stormy Day Over Crystal Beach Florida - 08/18/12 07:07 AM
Yes, today is going to be a stormy day over Crystal Beach Florida. We got in a two-plus mile walk early, getting home just as the rain drops started falling. The thunder is rolling off in the distance to the north of us and over the Gulf of Mexico. I am sure lightening will be coming our way before long, so we stayed close to home during our walk. Better to be safe than sorry.

While the beach goers and boaters may not appreciate this type of stormy weather, I know the plants are all loving it! Nothing like those … (7 comments)

Beautiful Carved Front Doors Freshly Restored To Their Original Beauty - 08/17/12 05:01 AM
These beautiful front doors were originally carved by an artist who came over to Tarpon Springs Florida from Greece specifically to do this work for the homeowner. The carving is done from several types of wood jointed together to create a true masterpiece!

When my client purchased this house last year the doors needed to be freshened up from years of afternoon sun exposure and my Ronnie suggested a good friend of his, a local artist, for the job. Well, six months later the doors have been restored and look beautiful once again! I wanted to share this work of … (7 comments)

Ohana Cafe - Ozona Florida For A Healthy & Delicious Lunch! - 08/16/12 02:04 PM
Ohana Cafe in adorable little Ozona Florida was our destination for a healthy and delicious lunch today! Alice and I decided to go to the Ohana Cafe since they offer gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

We were NOT disappointed! I had the Maui Wowie Wrap which consists of hummus, cucumber, spinach, artichokes, sweet onions, mushrooms, lomi-lomi tomatoes & hemp hearts in a spinach herb wrap. It was REALLY delicious!

Ohana Cafe has been open for almost three years now and it was the first time I ever stopped in. That is one mistake … (15 comments)

Mama Squirrel Did It Again - 08/16/12 06:39 AM
Mama squirrel did indeed do it again.........once again she had her babies in one of my hanging plants. She did the same thing last year and I had thought she had learned from that mistake.
Every morning I water the plants on the balcony. The hanging plants are so large and high up that I cannot see inside and the tops are so full of foliage that I couldn't see the dirt if they were lower anyway. So when I did my daily watering, I was surprised to hear chirping.......I thought baby birds were in there.......and then mama squirrel came rushing … (12 comments)

This Is WHY It Is Called The Sunshine State - 08/16/12 06:07 AM
Indeed, this is why it is called the Sunshine State, the sun is always shining down here in Florida! Even on rainy days, it may be overcast and raining one minute and blue skies with that beautiful sun back out the next! It is also not unusual to have a gentle shower while the sun is out and the sky is a beautiful bright blue. Kind of like living in heaven on earth........that is our Florida! Want to know more and start your relocation search? Give me a call!!!


… (6 comments)

Is Your House The Full Smokers' Package? - 08/15/12 06:59 PM
Nothing worse than walking into a house and smelling smoke or pet odors! If people want to get top dollar for their home, they need to remember that nobody wants a house that stinks! Great post, Pat!
Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
Is Your House The Full Smokers' Package?
The other day, I showed a house in a neighborhood that I was very familiar with, and I hadn't previewed the place first.  And it was not love at first whiff!
"Wow, Pat!" my buyer exclaimed.  "You found us the full smokers' package!"
The place has new paint and what looks like … (6 comments)

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill - Tarpon Springs Florida - 08/15/12 01:03 PM
Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill in Tarpon Springs Florida was my destination today, to meet Jeanne Gavish for lunch. Jeanne is a fellow ActiveRainer and a friend, so this was something I was definitely looking forward to!

We met outside, in the outside bar section directly on the water. There was a cool breeze blowing, so it was comfortable, and we had a great lunch. Both of us had fresh grouper, Jeanne had it with black beans and rice while I had my grouper with a tossed salad.
If you have never visited Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill in Tarpon Springs Florida, … (9 comments)

Pinellas County Schools Start Next Monday, August 20 2012 - 08/15/12 08:43 AM
Pinellas County Schools start the new academic year for students on Monday, August 20th 2012. If you are unsure of the hours, please visit Pinellas County Schools webpage for hours of the different schools. You can also use the website to registar students, although this late in the game, I would probably be making phone calls!
Teachers (including my daughter and all of my former colleagues) went back to school this past Monday, for meetings, training and to set up their classrooms!
Pinellas County Schools is a large school district, the 24th largest in the nation, and employs over 17,000! If … (3 comments)

Spoto's Steak Joint - Dunedin Florida - 08/15/12 06:45 AM
Spoto's Steak Joint on Main Street in Dunedin Florida is THE place to go locally for steak and last night that is where Ronnie and I headed. He wanted to have their Chop Steak with garlic mashed potatoes and dark gravy. It looked delicious and I am sure it was!
Spoto's serves the best steaks in the area and has for the last 40 years! They also serve caribou chops, ostrich filet, rabbit, wild boar, black bear, kangaroo, yak, rattlesnake, python, crocodile, buffalo, venison, Chilean sea bass, Australian lobster tails, fresh salmon, a large variety of fresh local fish and of … (5 comments)

ActiveRain MeetUp In Tarpon Springs Florida - August 29 2012 - 08/14/12 08:03 AM
It is time for another ActiveRain MeetUp and I have reserved a table for us at Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill at 937 Dodecanese Blvd in Tarpon Springs Florida for August 29, 2012!

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill is on the west end of the Sponge Docks and we will be dining inside with a waterfront view! The restaurant has it's own fishing boats, so you can be sure that what you are eating is fresh from the sea!
The MeetUp begins at 12 noon but if you can't be there at that time, come a little later. We are usually … (12 comments)

The Bell Peppers And Tomatoes In My Garden - 08/13/12 10:55 AM
The bell peppers and tomatoes in my little garden are growing like weeds. I grew the red bell peppers from seeds that were inside some red peppers I ate this past Spring.

After tossing them into a couple of pots of dirt, I ended up with dozens of baby bell pepper plants, which I transferred into the veggie bed in our yard. Needless to say, in this humid sub-tropical climate, everything is growing at full speed. As a matter of fact, I informed Ronnie that I need another veggie bed, so I can grew some zucchini, squash and eggplant. … (23 comments)

Early Morning In Crystal Beach Florida - Sunshine & Blue Skies - 08/11/12 06:48 AM
Before we take off for the day, we wanted to do our early morning walk through beautiful little Crystal Beach Florida and I wanted to share this photo with my ActiveRain family!

Blue skies and sunshine awaiting us for a wonderful weekend. Our rains have been coming late afternoon and only lasting for less than a half hour without lightening, so it will be a perfect weekend out on the water!
Wishing everyone blue skies this weekend!
… (16 comments)

Here Comes The Weekend! - 08/10/12 12:13 PM
Here comes the weekend indeed and it is going to be a beautiful, sun filled weekend here in the Crystal Beach Florida area! I am planning on taking the entire weekend off to enjoy living along Florida's fabulous Gulf Coast. We will be taking the boat out and also doing some grilling over the weekend!

Wishing all of my ActiveRain family a fantastic weekend in the sun, relaxing and enjoying life!
… (13 comments)

Snook Fishing - Florida Cracker Style! - 08/09/12 12:33 PM
This is snook fishing done the way Florida Cracker's do it! Right under the bridge, where they like to hang out.
Ronnie went fishing last week with a buddy and they wanted to go in a special area where they had seen snook before. Well, they caught several and here is a photo that Ron took of his buddy, Bob, with a good size snook. Since you cannot keep them this year on our coast due to the freeze a couple of years ago, this guy was released after the photo was taken. I just had to share this!
We may … (18 comments)

Fish Spread For Lunch - Stone Soup Cafe - St Petersburg Florida - 08/07/12 10:05 AM
If there is one thing that I do enjoy, it is a good fish spread and the Stone Soup Cafe on 16th Street North in St Petersburg Florida offers one of the best fish spreads around!
This was our destination for lunch and I have to say, each time I go to the Stone Soup Cafe, I enjoy it more than the last. They have a wonderful selection of healthy food and the price is inexpensive. With a combo like that, who can't afford to go out to eat more often?



… (15 comments)

Email I Received Yesterday.......ActiveRain At Work! - 08/05/12 08:37 AM
Yesterday I received an interesting email which shows that ActiveRain is constantly at work! This email was from a man who had purchased a home up in Gurleyville, Connecticut (down the hill from Storrs and U-Conn) last December. The home had belonged to my maternal grandmother years ago (from the 1940's through 1950's). What was interesting was that once he knew grandma's name, he did an internet search and came up with a blog post I had written about her last year. He then proceeded to contact me for information about the house.

I called him, we discussed the house … (26 comments)

Ryans Woods Townhomes - Ozona Florida Homes For Sale - 08/04/12 02:12 PM
Ryans Woods Townhomes are located on Ryans Woods Lane in Ozona Florida, which is incorporated into Palm Harbor Florida.
These lovely three bedroom townhomes have garage parking at street level and the living area built over the garages. This is necessary since Ryans Woods Townhomes have canal access to Sutherland Bayou and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Anything built this close to the ocean must comply with the new building codes and these townhomes began construction in the late 1990's.
Zoned for some of the best schools in the county, Ozona is a small waterfront community that is … (12 comments)

Crystal Beach Florida Market Report - July 2012 - 08/04/12 08:28 AM
Crystal Beach Florida Market Report - July 2012

There are never many homes for sale in little Crystal Beach Florida since we are such a small waterfront community. Right now there are 18 homes on the market here, most of them larger and, naturally, more expensive. The currant list ranges in price and size from a waterfront home built in 1985 that has 4699 sq ft and is listed at $1,550,000 to a 1278 sq ft home built in 1957 that is listed at $119,900. Sixteen of the homes are regular sales and two are bank owned.
Currently 7 homes … (8 comments)

Short Sale Walk-Through And Closing......FINALLY! - 08/03/12 07:07 AM
Short sales can take forever, so when I write 'short sale walk through and closing' and add 'finally', you know this one was a LONG ONE.

It was March 2011 that the original offer was written! I am amazed that my buyers are still on board with this one, I would have walked long ago! Today we are doing the final walk through and the closing is within hours of happening.
What was the hold up? Well, there were two mortgages and the second was some little company that only responds by email when they feel like it. That was … (15 comments)

Fishing.....And Getting One Large Stingray! - 08/01/12 07:47 AM
My 'other half', Ronnie, went fishing with a couple of buddies yesterday and I drove up just in time to see Mike land one large stingray!

He fought this guy for almost an hour before getting it to shore. I promptly jumped out of my car with my iPhone and started clicking away.
Ronnie caught one last week that was over three feet from wing tip to wing tip and he did not have a camera along, so I did not want to miss getting a photo of this beautiful stingray.
Then Mike released it again.........very carefully since it had … (17 comments)

 
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Barbara-Jo's Beach Blog - Palm Harbor Florida Real Estate

Palm Harbor, FL

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Charles Rutenberg Realty

Address: PO Box 302, Crystal Beach, FL, 34681-0302

Office Phone: (727) 512-0910

Cell Phone: (727) 512-0910

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Having grown up in south Tampa and lived here in Pinellas County for the last 20+ years, I know the area well! Give me a call today at 727-512-0910 or send an e-mail to barbarajo@barbarajo.com. Be sure to visit my web site: www.barbarajo.com Ich spreche Deutsch!

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