4th of July in Northwest Indiana - 06/30/09 04:57 PM
Do you believe it? The Fourth of July is this weekend! Is the time just flying by for you also? Every town or city in the United States has some sort of Independence Day celebration. Of course, fireworks MUST be included as part of the celebration. Otherwise, it would be as sad as watching the latest PIXAR movie "UP" without popcorn. Not possible! Let me tell you about the things going on in Northwest Indiana for the 4th.
Valparaiso, IN - Mayor Costa's celebration is taking place at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, south parking lot. Music starts at 7:00 pm provided by … (2 comments)

Website Warning! - 06/29/09 08:35 AM
WARNING!  Please be aware of a message going around asking you to look at a website called FBSTARTER.  This is a password grabber and logs your info for someone else to use.  Please pass this information around and make as many people aware as possible.
Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.com
… (16 comments)

A New Bumblebee! - 06/27/09 09:20 PM
Have you noticed that God lets you know His will in many different ways?  Sometimes, you have to take a step of faith before you know whether or not it's the right move.  Then he shows you the next step.  Other times, He just drops it in your lap. 
Let me tell you a story that just recently happened to my daughter where we watched God's hand just open doors in ways that left us in awe.
Jessi, (my daughter) had been saving money to buy a car.  She is a very responsible young lady, especially when it comes to finances.  … (8 comments)

Office Change - A Good Thing? - 06/25/09 04:18 PM
On Tuesday, I decided to move to a different office.  McColly Real Estate is an independent company with offices (not franchises) throughout Northwest Indiana, Illinois, and Florida.  With several offices around the Valparaiso area, it has proved to be a great advantage to me and my business.  Since McColly agents have use of any of the McColly offices and their computers, copy machines, etc, it is easy to meet clients in whatever office is most convenient to their needs. 
Even though I live in Valparaiso, IN and that is where my main focus has been, I have found myself traveling more and more … (8 comments)

Addicted to Books! - 06/25/09 10:18 AM
I love to read!  Anywhere I go, there's a book with me because you just never know when you might have a free minute to read another chapter.  I am addicted to books.
As my daughter was growing up, we visited the library at least once a week.  I used the excuse that "Storytime" was a good thing for her and it definitely was.  But I have to be honest and admit that I looked forward to our trips so I could check out some more books. 
Now that she is 24 years of age, we still go to library together a … (4 comments)

Canterbury Summer Theatre in Michigan City, IN - 06/24/09 09:10 PM
For those of you who enjoy live theatre, live music, and live in Northwest Indiana, here is your chance to enjoy it all in one package.  The Canterbury Summer Theatre is presenting "I Love a Piano - the music of Irving Berlin".
Shows run from: June 24 thru July 3 at Mainstreet Theatre807 Franklin StMichigan City, IN 46360
If you'd like more information, the theatre website is:  www.festivalplayersguild.org
Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.com
… (0 comments)

Gospel Concert in Crown Point, IN - June 28, 2009 - 06/24/09 08:36 PM
There is so much family fun to choose from in Northwest Indiana this coming weekend.  For those of you in Lake County, IN, Crown Point is hosting a Gospel Concert on the Old County Courthouse Square from 6 - 8 pm this Sunday, June 28, 2009.  The evening will be filled with contemporary, gospel, and traditional Christian music by area groups.  Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket and come relax. 
Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.comMcColly Real Estate
… (4 comments)

Portage Community Market - 06/24/09 08:09 PM
If you are anywhere close to Portage, IN in Porter County this summer, don't miss the Portage Community Market at Founders' Square Park - Downtown on Central Ave.  It is going on now through October 11 from 11 am to 3 pm.  Wide selection of fresh produce, breads, flowers, yard art, honey, art, jewelry, and crafts.  Click on this link for more information on another great Farmers' Market in Northwest Indiana.
Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Northwest Indianawww.irenetronrealtor.comMcColly Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Garrett Popcorn Shops in Chicago - 06/22/09 09:05 PM
One of the many great things about living in Valparaiso, IN is that it's only an hour train ride away from Chicago.  There is no better way to enjoy the big city without the stress of traffic delays.  The South Shore Train leaves from the Dune Park Station several times a day.
After the train ride and strolling around downtown Chicago, the appetite is sure to come.  For a tasty snack you must visit Garrett Popcorn Shop. 

Garrett Popcorn is light, fluffy, and full of flavor.  With a variety of flavors such as caramel, buttery, cheese, and more, it can be difficult … (2 comments)

Farmer's Market in Valparaiso, IN - 06/21/09 09:15 PM
Fresh produce, fruit, beautiful plants, herbs, and more can be found at the Farmer's Market in Valparaiso, IN. Located at the northeast corner of LaFayette and Indiana in downtown Valparaiso, Central Park Plaza is home to the market. Stop by for squash, strawberries, eggplants, thyme, basil, or an assortment of plants on:
Tuesdays - 11 to 6 Thursdays and Saturdays - 8 to 3 Irene Tron Making Real Estate Enjoyable in Valparaiso, IN http://www.irenetronrealtor.com/
… (0 comments)

New office because of cut backs. - 06/21/09 07:22 PM
This was just too funny to pass up.  I had to re-blog.

Via William Feela Realtor/Broker/Own North Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY):
Because the independent Real Estate office did not qualify for Stimulus Aide, we are putting into effect NEW rules and office decor.
Sick Days...We will no longer accept a Dr. excuse for missing work.  If you are healthy enough to go to the Dr., you are healthy enough to get your butt to work.
Each employee will get 104 personal days a year...they are called Saturday and Sunday!
LUNCH BREAKS:
Skinny people will get 30 min.  They need to eat … (8 comments)

Soap Box Derby in Valparaiso, IN - 06/19/09 10:13 PM
Get those racing wheels on and head over to the All-American Soap Box Derby in Valparaiso, IN. Held on Lincolnway, between Morgan Blvd. and Greenwich, the Soap Box Derby starts at 8:00 and runs until 12:00 on Saturday, June 27, 2009. This is just one of the many fun family functions that takes place in downtown Valparaiso during the summer. There is no time to get bored this summer! After the derby, stop by and have lunch at one the cafes located on Lincolnway. Walk down the street to the Farmers Market for fresh produce.

Get ready for full … (2 comments)

Movies in Central Park (Valparaiso, IN) - 06/19/09 09:05 PM
If you are looking for more family fun this summer I have just the thing. Have you heard about the free movies in Central Park? That's Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso, Indiana, of course, located on the corner of Lafayette and Indiana St. Valparaiso's movie series runs each Tuesday from now through August 11 starting at dusk. The feature schedule is as follows:
Transformers - June 23 Tale of Desperaux - June 30 Hotel for Dogs - July 7 Vertigo - July 14 Kung Fu Panda - July 21 Iron Man - July 28 Casablanca - August 4 Monsters vs. Aliens … (2 comments)

Another Reason to Blog - 06/12/09 02:56 PM
Before February, I'm not sure I understood what a blog was and why anyone would have one.  Then I joined Active Rain and got hooked on blogging before I even realized it. 
Blogging has had many positive results and here's one that I would have never guessed would happen. 
My daughter is actually bragging and telling people about my blog. 
Yes, that's my 24 year old daughter.  I overheard her telling one of my clients, who also happens to be a good friend, that she needed to read my blog.  I wonder if it's because she likes what I write … (42 comments)

Hey at Least it Wasn't Duct Tape - 06/11/09 08:09 AM
Now here's a perfect example of why inspections are important.  This is such important information, I just had to re-blog it.
Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in Valparaiso, INwww.irenetronrealtor.com

Via James Quarello - ASHI Certified CT Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC):
As a home inspector I find some peoples inventive ways of being frugal. Waste not want not. Which is in my opinion a good attitude. But there are some things you just should not skimp on. Take for instance structural supports for your house.
I found this wooden support pier in a newer home recently. It was strange enough … (6 comments)

Ice Cream and Fun in Valparaiso, IN - 06/08/09 09:30 PM
Who doesn't enjoy a bowl of ice cream with warm caramel dripping down the sides, whipped cream and a cherry on top? Can anything make this even better? Yes, sharing the time with family or friends while playing Scrabble! And I have found just the perfect place for this - great ice cream AND choice of board games - Oberweis Dairy Store in Valparaiso, IN. Located at 2505 La Porte Ave, Oberweis offers smoothies, sundaes, cones, and so much more. While you enjoy your waffle bowl full of ice cream, why not play a board game from their wide selection of … (7 comments)

Gotta Love a Beautiful Day! - 06/04/09 08:01 AM
It's such a beautiful morning in Valparaiso, IN that I just had to write about it.  I'm sitting at my desk by the window and looking out at a gorgeous blue sky.  Since it's sunny and about 46 degrees it is hard to believe that it is June!  I am in awe of what God has made. 
I think I'll work in the office for a few hours then go out with my daughter for lunch.  Then we may have to go out and enjoy the day do some networking ....yes, that is what I'll call my fun time, networking.  You know, getting … (8 comments)

Mama Wards Cafe in Valparaiso, IN - 06/03/09 05:49 PM
If you are looking for a great place for lunch in Valparaiso, IN, try Mama Wards Restaurant.  Located in downtown Valparaiso at 54 Lincolnway, between Designer Desserts and Gil Drugs.  Lunch specials are featured each day. 
Menu includes an variety of salads, soups, and sandwiches.  Among the choice of sides are potato salad, cole slaw, and fruit salad.  The fruit salad is especially good during this time of the year.  I never miss it when it's available.  Don't leave without trying their dessert. 
Michelle and Jane run Mama Wards Cafe and will make you feel right at home in no time.  They … (3 comments)

An Old Ranchers Advice!! - 06/03/09 10:00 AM
Here's some great advice posted originally by Alice Linehan.  I thought it was so good it need to be re-blogged.

Via Alice Linahan (Keller Williams):
I just got an email with the below advice from one of my favorite Texans and I thought I would share it with all of you.
ENJOY!!
 
An Old  Rancher's Advice

*
Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight
 And bull-strong.
*Keep skunks and bankers at
 a Distance.
*Life is simpler when you just plow around the
 stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than 
  a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears
  are whispered...not yelled.
* Meanness don't … (4 comments)

Is This REALLY What You Meant To Say? - 06/01/09 12:57 PM
On the way home after enjoying the fantastic scenery at the Indiana Dunes State Park, I came across a small church.  Taking a quick glance at their sign, I did a double take and asked my daughter "Did that marquee really say what I think it said?."  Well, we just had to make a u-turn and take another look.  (Yes, u-turns are legal in Porter Counter, IN.)  I knew I had to take a picture of it for anyone to believe me.  So here it is:

I wonder if that's really what they meant to say.
Irene TronMaking Real Estate Enjoyable in … (9 comments)