Southeast Georgia Real Estate

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called "Theobromine".

It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Just a word of caution - check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.

Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate - especially dark or baker's chocolate - which is toxic to dogs.

Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) confirms the potential effects of theobromine and caffeine on dogs: Cocoa beans contain the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these chemicals, called methylxanthines. In dogs, low doses of methylxanthine can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain); higher doses can cause rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and death.

Eaten by a 50-pound dog, about 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death. (In contrast, a 50-pound dog can eat up to about 7.5 ounces of milk chocolate without gastrointestinal upset and up to about a pound of milk chocolate without increased heart rate.

This is from an email I received this morning.....

Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso, decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the companies web site, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual do g). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.

Please email the manufacturer at michellemessick@hersheys.com and request that accurate information about this product be posted on the packaging to avoid further tragedy.

Blueberry Banana Biscotti for doggies

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:37:23 -0500

Another blueberry-banana recipe from Recipezaar...

Blueberry Banana Biscotti for doggies

Makes about 1 lb of Biscotti

- Preheat oven to 350 F

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup chopped peeled banana
1/2 cup blueberries, thawed if frozen
2 tbsp each canola oil and water
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and baking soda. In a food processor, combine banana, blueberries, oil, water, egg and vanilla. Puree until smooth. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well.

2. In the bowl and using hands, knead until dough holds together. Transfer to lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a log. Flatten the logs to make about 4 inches wide.

3. With a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the logs. Place about 4 inches apart on baking sheet.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until firm. Place pan on a rack and let cool for 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 F.

5. With a sharp knife, cut each log into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place, cut side down, about 1/2 inch apart on baking sheets. Bake for 30 minutes longer or until hard. Transfer cookies to a rack and let cool completely. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 30 days.

Blueberry Frosty Paws Recipe

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:44:25 -0500

My dogs, Sophie & Dakota, love blueberries. They will eat them as fast as I can pick them. They also love peanut butter, yogurt and bananas. So I'm going to make this recipe for them. Sounds like a winning combination!

I found this on the Recipezaar website.

Blueberry Frosty Paws Recipe

Here's a spin!!! You can also use 1 jar of baby food bananas to replace the banana. You can also use baby food fruit in any flavor.

18 Servings

32	ounces plain yogurt
2	tablespoons natural-style peanut butter
1	banana, peeled & mashed
2	tablespoons blueberries
2	tablespoons honey

•1. Place all ingredients in a blender, and mix well.

•2. Pour in ice cube tray or disposable plastic cups and freeze until solid.

•3. You can feed them to your dog in the cup or unmold and then serve.

•4. Just supervise while they eat -- besides it's fun to watch!

SOPHIE

DAKOTA

Planning on moving to Pierce County?

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:58:36 -0500

NEWCOMER INFORMATION

To establish water service in Blackshear:
Blackshear City Hall
318 Taylor Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-7000
http://www.blackshearga.com

To establish water service in Patterson
Patterson City Hall
5535 Gardner Street, Patterson, GA 31557
(912) 647-5776

Pierce County Tax Commissioner & Tag Office
Courthouse Annex - 312 Nichols Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2026
http://www.piercecountyga.org

Pierce County Tax Assessors Office
Courthouse Annex - 114 Strickland Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2025
http://www.qpublic.net/ga/pierce
http://www.piercecountyga.org

Pierce County Voter Registrar
Courthouse Annex - 312 Nichols Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2028
http://www.piercecountyga.org

Post Office - Blackshear
327 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(800) ASK-USPS

Post Office - Patterson
6469 U.S. Highway 84, Patterson, GA 31557
(800) ASK-USPS

Post Office -Offerman
7203 U.S. Highway 84, Offerman, GA 31556
(800) ASK-USPS

Post Office - Bristol
1983 GA Highway 121, Bristol, GA 31518
(800) ASK-USPS

Post Office - Mershon
2547 GA Highway 32, Mershon, GA 31551
(800) ASK-USPS

Pierce County Board of Education Office
834 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2044
http://www.pierce.k12.ga.us

Pierce County High School
4850 County Farm Road, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2055
http://pchs.pierce.k12.ga.us

Pierce County Middle School
834 County Farm Road, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2077
http://pcms.pierce.k12.ga.us

Blackshear Elementary School
5217 Ga Highway 121, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2088
http://bes.pierce.k12.ga.us

Patterson Elementary School
3414 Drawdy Street, Patterson, GA 31557
(912) 449-2044
http://pes.pierce.k12.ga.us

Blackshear Pre-K
619 Grady Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2092

Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
200 S. Central Avenue, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-7044

Pierce County Code Department & Planning Commission
Courthouse Annex - 312 Nichols Street, Blackshear, GA 31516
(912) 449-2037

You can also view a map of Pierce County locations here.

Some garden favorites can actually be harmful to pets

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:04:19 -0500

Make a plant inventory of each plant you have in or around your house. If you don't know what they are, take a piece of the plant to a nursery to find out.

Carnations and green tomatoes are both hardy, common plants that can give dogs an upset stomach if they eat either of them.

Morning-glory seeds can cause a pet to hallucinate, so keep them out of reach.

Green tomatoes can be harmful to dogs if eaten.

If you suspect your pet has ingested an offending plant, take your pet and a piece of the plant to your veterinarian immediately.

English ivy can be irritating to the mouth and intestines. If a pet chews on this ivy, it will salivate profusely.

The fruit of a nightshade (or blue potato) plant can cause neurological problems.

There are plants that can be fatal. Lily of the valley, azalea, foxglove and oleander are among them. It's always a good idea to keep these types out of the yard if your pets go outside.

If a cat ingests even part of a daylily, it could cause permanent kidney damage.

If you have plants that could pose a threat, bird netting is a good solution for shielding the offending plants. Another solution is to hang plants from the ceiling.

Spray plants with a solution of cayenne pepper and water to prevent pets from licking or tasting them.

Hurricane Preparedness

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:02:55 -0500

With Hurricane season officially underway, here are some tips and reminders from Ware County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and GEMA about hurricane preparation. For brevity, these are only pertinent excerpts from the full newsletter.

THE HURRICANE WATCH
A weekly e-newsletter from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).

June 19, 2008

Is Your Insurance Coverage Adequate? Review, Update NOW
Hurricane season is barely three weeks old. Many of us have reviewed our agency's emergency/disaster plans. Some have even taken a look at their family disaster plan and supplies kit. But, have you taken a close look at your homeowners and flood insurance policies as well? If you need a new insurance policy or any additional coverage, please contact your insurer today. If you live on or near the coast, your homeowners coverage may have changed. Both commercial and personal insurance policies exclude flood coverage. A separate policy is necessary to properly insure your property for flooding. If you don't have flood insurance or if you have flood coverage but need higher limits of coverage, remember there is a 30-day waiting period when increasing flood limits or purchasing a new policy. Another important point to remember is that when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches within certain coordinates, insurers (including the National Flood Insurance Program) are prohibited from increasing coverage, adding new coverage, or building new policies. The bottom line is you can run out and buy an insurance policy or increase insurance coverage anytime, but you will not be covered for at least a month. It takes at least a month (after purchase) for your coverage to be valid.

Hurricane Survival: How To Prepare
Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes and flooding. The key to hurricane protection in all of these areas is preparation. By taking sensible measures before, during and after a hurricane, many lives can be saved, more injuries can be avoided, and property damage can be averted or reduced. Preparing in advance is the key to surviving a hurricane. To be ready and to stay ready, you must always have certain "essentials"-- a family disaster plan, emergency supplies kit, first-aid items, water storage, pet safety items, etc.

Getting prepared should begin well before the hurricane season starts. Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high winds. Experts agree that structures built to meet or exceed current building code high-wind provisions have a much better chance of surviving violent windstorms. If you do not live in an evacuation zone or a mobile home, designate an interior room with no windows or external doors as the family's meeting place.

Be aware of streams, drainage channels, and areas known to flood so you can plan an evacuation route.

Stock up on nonperishable foods, water, medicines, first-aid supplies, hygiene items, gasoline, emergency supplies, and cash. At a minimum, assembly a three-day supply of all basic items your family will need. Optimally, a two-week supply of nonperishable food is recommended. Although it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for that long, such a stockpile can relieve a great deal of inconvenience and uncertainty until services are restored. You should have been saving your empty water bottles, and this is the time to wash them out, rinse them thoroughly, and fill them with clean tap water (which can be stored for up to a year).

Prepare an emergency kit for your home and a second for your vehicle, even if you plan to ride out the storm at home. Store all of these items in unbreakable, waterproof containers. At least one family member should take a first-aid and CPR class, but it would be even better if everyone that is old enough does so. Post emergency telephone numbers by the telephones, and teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1 for help.

Preparing your home and yard is also important. Some important preparations you can make include keeping trees and shrubbery trimmed to prevent breakage and to keep loose limbs from becoming airborne in a storm, and remove limbs that could damage your house or utility lines if blown loose. Purchasing window shutters, door shutters, storm shutters, plywood, shovels, sandbags, hammer and nails, and plastic sheeting in advance is good planning and should be less expensive than during the approach of a tropical storm or hurricane. Plastic garbage bags, work boots, and gloves will come in handy also. Call your local emergency management agency (EMA) to learn how to construct proper protective measures around your home. Find out how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.

For more information on how to prepare, visit www.ready.ga.gov.

Words To The Wise: Watch Your Fuel Levels
This year, fill your vehicles fuel tanks immediately and keep them as full as possible when tropical storms develop in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean (I'll add the Caribbean Sea, as well, for good measure). Why? Many gas stations are not keeping as much supply on hand now because of the high cost to retailers. The retailers aren't buying as much fuel because their customers aren't buying as much as before due to high prices. Add to that the fact that tropical storms and hurricanes in the Gulf reduce oil and gas production nationwide and you could have a situation where the fuel supply will be low when a storm first begins to brew. If a major evacuation becomes necessary, people will be stranded on the roads because there won't be enough fuel.

1489 Gorman Road, Waycross, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:00:51 -0500

6201 Hollye Lane, Millwood, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:34:10 -0500

Local Realtor® Earns Prestigious e-PRO® Certification

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:34:51 -0500

Local Realtor^® Earns Prestigious e-PRO^®Certification

May 22, 2008

Lana Minchew of Cobblestone Realty has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO^® course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.^®

The REALTOR e-PRO^®certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today's buyer and seller.

The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORS^®stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade^®.The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

Lana Minchew with Cobblestone Realty
is the first and currently the only e-PRO®
in the Waycross / Blackshear, Georgia market place.

621 Tebeau Street

Waycross, GA 31501

Phone: 912-614-1353

Email: realtor31501@yahoo.com

Website: www.lanaminchew.com

Visual logo directory - AllMyFaves

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:31:28 -0500

Allfaves.com brings you the best of the web!

How often have you visited search engines and couldn't find exactly what you wanted?

Why search? A team of experts has done the job for you.

http://www.allmyfaves.com/

Free Task Manager

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 May 2008 23:21:29 -0500

With Remember The Milk you no longer have to write your to-do lists on sticky notes, whiteboards, random scraps of paper, or the back of your hand.

Access your tasks on your web-enabled mobile device. Print your entire list or a handy weekly planner which shows upcoming tasks.

Receive reminders via email, SMS, and instant messenger.

Share, send and publish tasks and lists with your contacts.

http://www.rememberthemilk.com/

Real Estate Agent Safety Brochure Download

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 May 2008 20:24:17 -0500

http://www.warealtor.org/safety/Safety%20tips/SafetyGuide.PDF

Realtor Safety - Client Safety Form & Bookmarks

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:02:40 -0500

Free bookmarks for real estate professionals.

At the bottom of the page is a Client Safety Form you can download. This form contains personal identification information for clients that you work with. At the bottom of the form you can copy a client's drivers license. Having this information on file provides important information about a client you are working with and provides a great deterent to a would be attacker. This form is simple and easy to complete by a client and can be filed with your office staff.

http://realguard.com/freesafety.htm

2007 El Josa Street, Waycross, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:56:04 -0500

Reade Street, Nahunta, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:42:35 -0500

Holly Drive, Blackshear, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:34:29 -0500

Free e-cards for real estate agents

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:51:59 -0500

E-cards can increase hits to your website and promote your services, in addition to being a convenient way to stay in touch with past, present, or potential customers.

http://www.erealtycards.com/

Free printables websites

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:26:22 -0500

Here are a few sites for free printables. ePrintable.com is a website where you can generate printable weekly planners and monthly and yearly calendars for free. With just a few clicks you will be able to personalize these calendars by adding an image and any text you'd like. Just select the calendar type and choose from a collection of pre-selected images and quotes, click the button, and your printable 2008 calendar is ready to be printed out.

http://www.myfreecalendarmaker.com/

http://www.eprintable.com/

http://www.mintprintables.com/

http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/index.asp

http://alenkasprintables.com/free_printables.shtml

http://www.printfree.com/

http://www.freebies4ya.com/freebies/printables.asp

http://pinkwool.com/

http://www.allfreeprintables.com/

http://www.kidsafeid.com/partner_start.asp?partner=cybersearch

http://www.stopsexoffenders.com/childsafety/childid2.shtml

Special offer at Lowe's for Visa cardholders

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:13:50 -0500

Receive $10.00 off a purchase of $25.00 or more at Lowe's when you use your Visa® card.

Coupon valid when you use your Visa card at any Lowe's Home Improvement location between April 5, 2008, and July 30, 2008.

Simply click on the link for a coupon to redeem at your nearest Lowe's store.

http://www.lifetakesvisa.com/?id=lawn_editorial2

Seeking the perfect blend of southern charm, a growing economy and mild climate?

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:42:55 -0500

Perhaps you should consider Waycross, Georgia, a quiet, clean community located just 60 miles from the Georgia coast and 77 miles from Jacksonville, Florida. Waycross is a city filled with Southern hospitality and charm. Beneath its rural ambience beats the heart of a progressive community. Our mild climate and great location make outdoor activities a way of life.

Whether you prefer a farmhouse in the country or a contemporary home, the real estate market in our area is best categorized by its diversity. If you are contemplating a move and need real estate assistance I can help you locate the home or other property that's just right for you.

I invite you to explore the possibility of living in Waycross, Georgia!

621 Tebeau Street

Waycross, GA 31501

912-614-1353 cell

912-283-9595 office

www.lanaminchew.com/

Mobile Home For Sale - Waycross, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:16:38 -0500

Home For Sale - Waycross, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:11:57 -0500

House For Sale - Waycross, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:08:26 -0500

Commercial Property For Sale Near Mall in Waycross, Georgia

Lana Minchew (Cobblestone Realty, Inc.) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:54:17 -0500