Who Said You Can't Get Anything For FREE? - 04/28/10 08:41 PM
Who said you can't get anything for free?
Well, whoever said it was wrong and I have proof.  Just take a look...

Our local Wal-Mart in Valparaiso, Indiana is in the process of getting remodeled.  This means that everything is getting moved around.  It seems that their prices have also been cut....tremendously!   I wonder if anyone took advantage of the free Hostess and Little Debbie goodies.
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Troon Subdivision in Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/26/10 06:37 PM
Troon Subdivision in Valparaiso, Indiana was established in 2005 and a few lots are still available.  The entrance to the Troon subdivision is, of course, on Troon Drive! 
Oh, I am so tempted to have a home built in this subdivision.  How confusing would that be? 
"Hello, my name is Irene Tron and I live in Troon subdivision on Troon Drive in Valparaiso, Indiana."
Well, enough fun with my name and let me tell you about the beautiful neighborhood and the other reasons it'd be great to live here.  These are custom homes designed and built by Sunshine Homes with … (5 comments)

Villas at Vale Park in Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/25/10 10:51 PM
Villas at Vale Park in Valparaiso, Indiana offers resort style living on the northside of Valparaiso at 1902 Vale Park Road.  The beautiful villas in Vale Park have a choice of 2 and 3 bedroom homes starting at $189,900.  Depending on the floor plan, square footage can range from 1300 - 1900 square feet.  Most of the homes are single story but 2 story homes are also an option with the larger floor plans.
Convenience of location is another big plus for the Villas at Vale Park.  The Valparaiso YMCA, grocery stores, restaurants, and K Mart are all within walking distance.  … (0 comments)

Lady Viking Soccer Help A Local Food Pantry - 04/25/10 09:48 PM
Lady Viking Soccer Help a Local Food Pantry
As you go through my blog it doesn't take long to realize that I think that Valparaiso, Indiana is a great place to live!  It's a charming town with many things to do in and around Valparaiso.  But the thing that makes Valparaiso really great are the people that live here.  Here's one story about a group of girls that managed to make a rainy, cloudy day brighter for a group from Faith Evangelical Bible Church! 
The Lady Viking Soccer Teams of Valparaiso, Indiana include girls from grades 1 through 12.  During their … (0 comments)

San Francisco Video Era 1905 - Interesting! - 04/25/10 07:55 PM
San Franciso Video Era 1905
A friend sent me a link to this video and I thought it was so interesting that I just had to share it on my blog.  This is taken from a street car in San Francisco around 1905 before a major earthquake in 1906 destroyed most of the area. 
It's amazing how cars, people walking, bicycles, and horse & buggies just cross right in between trollies.  Watch and enjoy an era way before our time!
 
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Elmo At Star Plaza Theatre! - 04/25/10 05:53 AM
Elmo at Star Plaza Theatre!  Yes, and not just Elmo but the rest of Sesame Street too!
From April 28 through May 2, 2010, Sesame Street Live will be at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana!  Who in the world doesn't love adorable Elmo! 
For a child (and parents) it can be such a fun and magical time to actually see those lovable characters dancing around and singing on stage! So if you have kids or grandkids, don't miss out on a great excuse to go enjoy Sesame Street Live  in Merrillville, Indiana.  Star Plaza Theatre is located at 8001 … (3 comments)

Home Values in Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/25/10 05:35 AM
Home Values in Valparaiso, Indiana
The real estate market all over is in a constant state of change.  If you are considering selling your home, listing price is the most important factor in how quickly your home will sell.  It can make the difference in having an accepted offer in 36 days as opposed to 360 days!
What is the market doing in Valparaiso, Indiana?  Here is a chart of the median list price as of today.  Keep in mind that this pricing varies according to subdivisions and also may change by next month.  For the latest up-to-date information on homes … (2 comments)

Unusual Friends - A Cat and A Panda - 04/22/10 03:22 PM
Unusual Friends - A Cat and a Panda Bear!
Sometimes animals seem to develop attachments with the most unusual things.  One of our 3 cats (Micah) has decided that my daughter's very large Panda bear (Kirby) is his best buddy. 
Whenever it's time for a nap in the middle of the day, Micah searches for our panda bear, Kirby since Kirby tends to move around our house.  Once Kirby is found, Micah will curl up between Kirby's paws, on top of his head, or even snuggle up on his tummy.  We've tried moving Micah but he'll just jump right back and … (9 comments)

April in Paris - 04/22/10 12:03 PM
April in Paris and you don't even have to travel all the way to Paris, France! Just a stroll down the charming streets of downtown Valparaiso, Indiana willl bring to the annual celebration of Paris in France at Old World Market.
On Saturday, April 24th from 11:00 - 3:00, you can get a taste of Paris.  Don't worry about digging up that passport because you won't need it. What will be some of the yummy flavors you may experience at Old World Market?  Well, there's:
Artisan Breads Cheeses Boutique Wines Pates Confit Olives Cured Meats Cornichons Wine tastings all day! Located … (8 comments)

Regal Rabbit - Gourmet Kitchen and Home - 04/18/10 07:19 PM
Regal Rabbit, Gourmet Kitchen and Home, is offering something for everyone during the month of May in Chesterton, Indiana. 
Whether you are a meat lover, vegetarian, cooking for a couple or a party, or a pizza lover, Regal Rabbit has a class for you!  Just look at this list and pick one or go to all.
Tough Meats Made Tender on Wednesday, May 5 Easy Gourmet for Couples on Friday, May 7 Meatless Miracles on Tuesday, May 11 Gourmet Party Platters on Monday, May 17 Pizza Perfect on Friday, May 21 Don't those classes sound like fun?  The hardest part is … (4 comments)

Getting Prepared for Seminary! - 04/17/10 06:01 AM
Getting Prepared for Seminary!  Raising funds, having bake sales, finding an apartment, looking for a job in another state are just a few of the things necessary in the process.  Oh, no!  Not me. My daughter is getting ready for seminary.
Dallas Theological Institute has accepted my daughter into their masters program.  She'll be back in Texas in August starting her training for Wycliff Bible Translators.  Plans are in the works for her work as a missionary.
People often ask me about how I feel about this.  They want to know if I am worried about where she may end up … (11 comments)

Valparaiso, Indiana is a Great Place to Live - CONFIRMED! - 04/16/10 08:32 PM
Valparaiso, Indiana  is a Great Pace to Live - CONFIRMED!
I have written many, many Localism posts on why Valparaiso, Indiana is such a great place to live.  I have told you about downtown, neighborhoods, restaurants, parks, and even posted pictures.  Today, I found this professional video done by Roaring Video Tours that shows a lot of the places I've told you about in a very well done video. 
So watch the video and enjoy!  It's confirmed - Valparaiso Indiana is a Great Place to Live!
 
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Valparaiso, Indiana of the Past - 04/16/10 07:40 PM
Valparaiso, Indiana of the Past  - Just how far in the past?  Well, circa 1950!
It's amazing what you find on the internet!  Today I looked up Valparaiso, Indiana on YouTube and came across this video with pictures of Valparaiso, Indiana in the 50s.  Since my first time in Valparaiso was in 2005, I was intrigued by what I saw. 
I recognized some of the buildings in downtown Valparaiso but now they have different store names.  Two buildings that amazed me were the Old Jailhouse and the Memorial Opera House.  I recently wrote posts about both places with pictures that I … (2 comments)

My Patio is Pink - 04/16/10 04:52 PM
My Patio is Pink! 
Well, not really.  It looks pink from all the pink magnolia blossoms that have fallen. 
When we lived in Houston, I always said I wanted a magnolia tree in my yard.  Never got one there but I have a beautiful one now in Valparaiso, Indiana.  It's quite different from the ones in Houston, TX but it's mine and I love the blossoms every spring. 
Once the blossoms fall off, it quickly gets full of green leaves providing us with lots of shade on our patio.  The magnolia tree is easily visible from our family room and … (6 comments)

Flatbread Pizza at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company - 04/15/10 10:15 PM
Flatbread pizza at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company is being introduced on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. 
Don't miss it!  Evelyn Bay Coffee Company in Valparaiso, Indiana is better than ever with new items on the menu.  Besides, since it's Friday, what could be better than not having to cook after a long week?  If you still have some work to do, then bring along your laptop and take advantage of their wireless internet. 
Evelyn Bay Coffee Company is a great place to relax while enjoying some coffee or tea.  If you don't have time to stop then pick … (2 comments)

Is Your Deadbolt Sloppy? - 04/14/10 10:53 PM
Al and Peggy Cunningham posted this great reminder on the security of deadbolts.
Comments have been disabled so you can leave them on the Cunningham's site.  Have a great day!

Via Al and Peggy Cunningham, Brokers Voted Best Real Estate People Brampton (RE/MAX Realty Services Inc. Buying or Selling):
Is Your Deadbolt Sloppy?

How's your deadbolt, is it getting a little sloppy?  Most police forces recommend that you install a deadbolt on all of your exterior doors, especially that door inside your garage that gives easy access into the house. 
The bad guys love to get into your garage and … (0 comments)

Why Live in Valparaiso, Indiana? - 04/14/10 09:24 PM
Why live in Valparaiso, Indiana?  This is a question I get often from many friends and family who have never been to Indiana.  After living here for the past 4 years, I now realize that there are many good reasons to live in Valparaiso, Indiana, our Vale of Paradise.  Here are just a few:
Voted the 2009 Community of the Year by the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce Below the national average in property and violent crimes Population of about 37,000 people Many parks and lakes for picnics, hikes, and other outdoor activities Housing to fit any budget from loft apartments to estate … (5 comments)

Praises to the Great I AM - 04/13/10 02:07 PM
Praises to the Great I AM
This is the day I look forward to!  
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Valpo Velvet Ice Cream - 04/11/10 11:26 PM
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream
How many cities have their very own ice cream - not only homemade but with the city's name?  Well, we do in Valparaiso, Indiana and it's Valpo Velvet Ice Cream.  The company has been around since 1920 and is still going strong. 
It's even easily available at the Valpo Velvet Shoppe in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana at 55 Monroe St.  At the ice cream shoppe, you can even pick up lunch first and then have dessert.  Grocery stores in Northwest Indiana also carry Valpo Velvet Ice Cream for your convenience.
 
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Here I Am to Worship - 04/11/10 11:10 PM
Here I Am to Worship
Some days are tough!  How do you keep your focus on Jesus Christ?  What helps you?  For me, when my day starts falling apart, listening to praise and worship music is what helps.  After listening to music for awhile, my attitude starts to change for the better.  My focus gets back to where it should be and that is worship. 
 
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Food is Better in Texas! - 04/11/10 10:53 PM
Food is Better in Texas!
Well, maybe not ALL food is better in Texas but I have to tell you that Texas has the best TexMex and the best barbecue anywhere. 
Since I grew up in Texas, I also grew up with Mexican food.  So much of it that even though I love to cook, I would not cook Mexican food.  That is, I never cooked it until we moved away from Texas!  After about 6 months of being away from the easy access to the best TexMex food, I finally broke down and started cooking it myself! 
Then there is … (16 comments)

Mayor Costas of Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/11/10 10:29 PM
Mayor Costas of Valparaiso, Indiana was first elected in 2003.  Jonathan Costas set a goal of making Valparaiso one of the most vibrant and progressive cities in the entire Midwest.  The motion toward that goal continues and the improvements can be seen throughout the city.
Events throughout the year take place year round in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana.  From the Popcorn Festival in September, Winter Fest and Ice Sculptures in December, to the free movie nights at Central Park Plaza during the summer months, fun can be enjoyed by all. 
Here is Mayor John Costas, himself to tell you about the state … (0 comments)

Quail Ridge in Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/11/10 10:09 PM
Quail Ridge in Valparaiso, Indiana is a subdivision of beautiful brick homes within walking distance of the Valparaiso Club House and Golf Course.   With ranch homes, 2 story homes, and paired villas the neighborhood offers beautiful yards with landscaping throughout. 
Most of the homes offer a sun room, open living room and dining room floor plan, 3 - 4 bedrooms with lots of privacy.  A couple of the paired villas have an entire separate suite on an upper level which works as a guest suite or mother-in-law suite. 
Homes in Quail Ridge were built from 1988 - 1993 and are current … (0 comments)

Summer on the Square - May Savings Month - 04/11/10 09:06 PM
Summer on the Square - May Savings Month
Who doesn't like to save money?  Well, DUH!  We all feel we work hard for the money we earn and spending less is always a good thing.  During the month of May, 27 merchants in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana are rewarding customers for their repeat business. 
What does a person have to do to receive their savings?  Well, it's simple.  All you have to do is bring in a receipt from a merchant on the square and receive special savings at participating restaurants and retailers that display the green "Summer on the Square" sign.  … (2 comments)

Precept Ministries in Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/11/10 08:05 PM
Precept Ministries in Valparaiso, Indiana
A new Ladies Precept upon Precept Bible Study will be starting in Valparaiso, Indiana!   The class will be held on Wednesdays starting on June 9, 2010.  There is even a choice of times to attend since there will be 2 classes over the same material each Wednesday at 9:15 AM and 6:30 PM.  Pick the time that is most convenient with your schedule and join us.
Everyone is invited and bring a friend along with you if you'd like.  The Precept Bible Study will be held at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company located at 3800 North Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso, … (0 comments)

Old Jail Museum in Valparaiso, Indiana - 04/11/10 07:37 PM
The Old Jail Museum in Valparaiso, Indiana is one place to take your kids to visit as you plan fun adventures for the spring and summer. 
The Old Jail and Sheriff's residence are named in the National Registry of Historic Places and all the period furniture and exhibits belong to the Historical Society of Porter County.  The Old Jail Museum is open to the public on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 1 - 5 PM and its FREE! Donations are accepted and are used to support the museum.
Group and educational tours are available if scheduled in advance by calling 219-465-3595.  Located … (0 comments)

What's In A Name? - 04/11/10 07:16 PM
What's In A Name?
Well, we all know that for a business a name is important.  Just like the title of a post, a name should catch the attention of people. 
Names for churches are important too.  One of the pastors at our church home in Houston started the church as a mission 40 years ago.  He told us often that many people advised him to name the church ??? First Baptist Church.  Apparently, there's some importance that gets attached with having "First" in the name.  He didn't follow their advice and went with just the name of the subdivision instead … (6 comments)

A Nontraditional New Tradition - 04/04/10 10:42 PM
A nontraditional new tradition is what we seem to have started in my family.  Holidays tend to be very different for us.  Since we live in a different state than any other extended family, we are not always able to get together on those special holidays like Easter.
Another factor for us is that Mark, my husband, is often away for holidays because of his job.  So we adjust each time.  For some holidays, we just decide to celebrate on another day when we are all home together. 
On other holidays such as today, we sometimes decide to go out to … (15 comments)

Easter Egg Hunt in Chesterton, Indiana - 04/02/10 09:43 PM
Easter Egg Hunt in downtown Chesterton, Indiana
Don't miss it!
Who doesn't enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt?  That's one of the many fun things we used to look forward to when my daughter was young. 
If you are anywhere near Chesterton, Indiana on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM, then stop at Thomas Centennial Park.  That's when the fun begins.  Yes, an Easter Egg Hunt.  It FREE for kids 0 - 12 years of age.  So if you claim to be 29 (like me) you are out of luck.  Actually for the really little kids, the Easter Egg Hunt will … (12 comments)

Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana - Much More Than Just a Building! - 04/02/10 07:44 PM
Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana - Much More Than Just a Building!
The Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana has an interesting history!  Built by the Grand Army of the Republic in 1893, the 363 seat building is still in use today as a stage for live theatre.
Over the years, Memorial Opera House has been used for weddings, concerts, public meetings, funerals, school plays, and graduations.  There are even some famous names tied to the Memorial Opera House.  In 1898, the "March King" himself, John Philip Sousa, led a concert at the Opera House.  During vaudeville, the Marx Brothers … (7 comments)