Holiday Tree Collection in Alexandria, VA - 12/31/09 12:22 PM
The City of Alexandria has set aside two days,  January 9 and January 15 for holiday tree collection.  The city then uses the trees to create wood mulch which is available to residents in the spring.
To prepare trees for collection, residents are reminded to:
Remove all ornaments, tinsel and stands. NOT place in plastic bags. Place the tree at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. on Friday and no later than 6 a.m. on Saturday City residents using a private collection service (like Park Fairfax residents) should check with their home owners association, resident manager or property manager.
Holiday … (8 comments)

First Night Alexandria 2009 - It's the Place to Be - 12/31/09 09:45 AM
First Night Alexandria 2009 is definitely the place to be as we head into  - can it really be true? - 2010.  Get an early start this afternoon at 2:30pm with the Fun Hunt (check out the great prizes) and then move on to over 19 indoor venues hosting some 100 performances.
Virginia Coalition is the big draw at the George Washington Masonic Temple along with tempting treats from our favorite Pork Barrel Barbeque.

Online ticket sales are closed but admission badges can be purchased at any of the following locations starting at 12 noon:
Embassy Suites Hotel, 1900 Diagonal … (0 comments)

Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria Celebrates Rennovation with Neighborhood Gathering - 12/29/09 08:33 PM
The Dunbar Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club recently celebrated the renovation of its seventy year old property with a grand neighborhood gathering including special guests U.S. Representative Jim Moran and Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille.

Charlie Collum, Pandit Wright, Martin Alloy
Also on hand were Pandit Wright, the new CEO and President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; Martin Alloy, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; and Charlie Collum, Chair of the Board of Directors for Burke and Herbert Bank and co-chair of the capital campaign committee.
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Making My List and Checking It Twice - GIFT Books for Holiday Giving - 12/21/09 08:26 PM
Ok folks, we are down to the final 'do or die' days for holiday shopping.  So today I am making my list and checking it twice for GIFT books:

Herblock: The Life and Work of the Great Political Cartoonist by Haines Johnson  - With a career spanning 72 years and 13 American presidents, his cartoons made complex issues seem simple and moral choices clear.  An amazing work.
Boy Scouts of America, A Centennial History by Chuck Wills - The official and definitive history of one of our nation's most influential and cherished organizations, packed with stories and images of service … (8 comments)

19 Inches of Snow - 12/20/09 03:44 PM

19 inches of snow on a table in our backyard. December 09
 
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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow . . . . - 12/19/09 08:57 AM
Starting late last night, Alexandria got hit with the first big snow storm of the season.  In fact, it's been a good ten years since we've had this much snow.  (Last year it was just a 'dusting').  What can I say, growing up in Minnesota, New York and West Virginia is great preparation . . .

Our neighbors, Sharon and Gabriel out for an early morning sledding session.
 

A Realtor's work is never done.
 

Picture perfect.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . . .
 
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Eclectic Nature Gift and Garden in Del Ray is Perfect for Last Minute Holiday Ideas - 12/18/09 09:12 AM
Our favorite Eclectic Nature Gift and Garden on Monroe Avenue in Del Ray is just perfect for last minute holiday ideas.  The owner, Christy Beal, a trained landscape designer, has turned her talents to the interior of her shop.

Decorated from floor to ceiling, the shop has a great array of holiday tea or hand towels, candles, ornaments, coasters, soaps, and other decorative items.  Eclectic Nature also specializes in great handbags and jewelry for women, both practical and with a touch of whimsy.

My favorite spot is in one of the back rooms where a plain white canvas beach … (0 comments)

Alexandria and Northern Virginia Market Watch for November 2009 - 12/17/09 08:58 AM

 
The November 2009 Market Watch for Alexandria and Northern Virginia reflects the full range of enhancements promised to you earlier.  Look for month-to-month, three month and prior year to month comparisons in this comprehensive overview. 
Alexandria Arlington Fairfax County For information on another twenty-five other counties in Virginia and Maryland as well as Washington, DC, click here.  And when you're ready to make your next move, give me a call at 703.927.4554. … (0 comments)

Making My List and Checking It Twice- BIOGRAPHIES for Holiday Giving - 12/16/09 07:36 PM
Ok, I've fallen behind in my promised series on great books for holiday giving so we're going to do a quick catch up with a diverse group of biographies:
Queen Mother by William Shawcross - For the Anglophile's in your life what could be more perfect that this extensive look at the life of the Queen "Mum".
Last Founding Father by Harlow Giles Unger - James Monroe is presented as a man of initiative and independence rather than a lackluster follower of Jefferson and Madison. Abigail Adams by Woody Holton - The best friend and wife of husband John, Abigail … (2 comments)

Old Town Alexandria, VA - St. Asaph Square One Bedroom Condominium - 12/14/09 11:47 AM
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Alexandria, VA Tops List of America's Most Charitable Cities in 2009 - 12/14/09 09:52 AM
Alexandria, VA tops the list of America's Most Charitable Cities in 2009 according to a recent report from Convio, Inc., leading provider of software and services to nonprofit organizations. Alexandria also took the top position in 2008.The report from Convio noted that Alexandria citizens made 25,143 donations, adding up to a whopping $1.8 million. The average donation was $74.36, and the donation amount per 1000 people in the town comes out to a remarkable $12,993.
Overall, Northern Virginia claimed three of the top ten spots with Arlington coming in at number three and Fairfax at number ten.Thanks to all my friends, … (0 comments)

Arlington National Cemetery at Christmas - 12/12/09 07:28 PM
This morning at 7:30am I joined thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery to honor our veterans in this Christmas season.  From moving giant boxes of wreaths to tying bows to actually placing the wreaths, it was a time to remember and reflect on those who have given so much.





A day to remember . . .
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Christmas Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery - 12/11/09 11:05 AM
Tomorrow will mark the annual laying of Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.  Arlington  has many traditions.  The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Changing of the Guard, caskets carried by horse and caisson, the Flags In ceremony on Memorial Day weekend and now Christmas wreaths.

Started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreaths because he had a surplus of greenery, the Christmas wreaths have become an important part of Arlington's lore.  Mr. Worcester had visited Arlington as a young boy and it had left an indelible impression - he wanted to do something.
He sought help from Maine … (9 comments)

Alexandria Seaport Foundation Makes A Difference in Young Lives - 12/10/09 06:33 PM
The Alexandria Seaport Foundation, a fixture in Founders Park on the Alexandria waterfront, is in the business of making a difference in the lives of at-risk-youth.
Using the slogan "Doing Big Things with Small Boats!", the Foundation, through the building and use of wooden boats, has developed educational, social and recreational programs for at-risk-youth and their families.

Full time apprentices can earn their GED and prepare for careers in the building trades, including green construction.  
The program is just 17 years old but has gathered a number of accolades including a visit last night from NBC News.
Joe Youcha, a … (2 comments)

A Sunny Sunday in Southern California - 12/06/09 09:14 AM
 
This time last week we were still in sunny southern California with our daughter and taking in the pleasures of the Sherman Oaks Library and Garden in Corona del Mar.  Run entirely by volunteers, the garden is a museum of living plants with wonderful sculptural pieces, a research library, gift shop and cafe.





A nice remembrance on a bitterly cold day here in the Commonwealth.
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39th Annual Scottish Walk Kicks Off the Holiday Season in Old Town Alexandria - 12/05/09 06:13 PM
The 39th Annual Scottish Walk kicked off the holiday season today in Old Town Alexandria with the scent of heather and the sound of bagpipes. 

Despite a bitterly cold/rainy/snowy day, crowds lined the streets of Old Town to cheer tartan clad residents, tartan clad Scottish dogs - Collies, Wolfhounds, Scotties, Westies, and Cairin Terriers - drum and bugle corps, Scottish folk dancers, elected officials, etc.  Basically, if it was Scottish it was in the parade!

Sponsored annually by the Campanga Center, the Scottish Walk Weekend is one of the center's largest fund raising activities and a major … (4 comments)

Santa Claus Drops In for Del Ray's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting - 12/04/09 09:15 PM

Santa Claus made an early appearance tonight at Del Ray's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Luminaria lined Mt. Vernon Avenue as toddlers, strollers, parents and grandparents filled the Del Ray Farmer's Market for cookies and hot chocolate provided by the the Mt. Jefferson and Del Ray Citizens Associations.
Neighbors Darlene Vanderbush & Sharon Pearce led the crowd in carols and a specially commissioned police cruiser delivered Mr. Claus to the strains of "Here Comes Santa Claus".

After the community holiday tree was officially lighted, Santa led the crowd down the block to Mind the Mat where he listened to gift … (2 comments)

New Market Reports for Alexandria and Northern Virginia Coming Your Way - 12/02/09 05:58 PM
New market reports for Alexandria and Northern Virginia will soon be coming your way thanks to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.  As part of their continual effort to bring consumers the best and most up-to-date information on regional housing markets, Coldwell Banker has completely revamped its monthly market reports. 
The reports will now be published on the 5th of the month instead of the 1st to capture the most accurate reflection of sales and inventory.  The report narrative will be more extensive and will offer last month, last 3 months and prior year/same month comparisons.Click here for a preview.
I … (0 comments)

Alexandria's Waterfront Parks - Oronoco Bay Park - 12/02/09 05:07 PM
Oronoco Bay Park is next in our series on Alexandria's Waterfront Parks.  Situated just south of the aptly named Waterfront Park, Oronoco is one of the largest waterfront parks at 4.5 acres.


Home to many local festivals, Oronoco Bay Park is perhaps best know for the annual "Red Cross Waterfront Festival" which is the largest Red Cross fundraiser in the country.
The park was once known as “Texaco Bay” and before that it was owned by John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company. The City acquired the property in the early 1980's, developed the park into its present design and … (0 comments)