Diversity in plants.... - 03/31/12 06:29 PM
As I have frequently illustrated,  I love plants!
 
Flowering plants, ivy's, prickly, tall, short,  I can find places for all of them in my yard.
 
In most cases I have enjoyed marvelous success with them.  
 
A few years ago we had purchased a Bougainville in a hanging basket.  It got the same tender loving care given all our other plants, but it steadfastly refused to bloom.
 
We went back to the nursery from which we purchased it to inquire about how to encourage it to bloom.
 
We were told to withhold water for a while … (5 comments)

Siblings bring a whole other dimension to the ball park! - 03/31/12 06:03 PM
Young ball players usually have siblings and parents along for the experience.
 
Since the last time we spent considerable time at the ball park,  it was as parents.
 
My how things have changed in the past fifteen years!
 
Our perspective is totally different now.  So are the siblings and the basic parental thought processes.
 
Several of the children who travel with the team come equipped with advanced playing equipment (toys) and a backpack full of snacks.
 
In an average game time of about an hour and a half many of these smaller gulden go thru packages … (1 comments)

What's in a name? - 03/31/12 03:32 PM
The days where little league teams are named after the big league teams are over!
 
Today some of the teams have been named things like, "diamond cutters,  "surge" and battastic.  Sort of a departure from what we were accustomed to.  We can adapt to that.
 
The rules have changed in some of the leagues too.
 
A great deal of confusion was evident last week when a young umpire decided to enforce a rule whereby if the runner over shoots the base going to first and turns right to return,  he is safe.  If he turns left and approaches … (0 comments)

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE - 03/30/12 09:30 AM
My friend Richie has written a blog about that adresses the issue of worthiness.  There are far too many people out there in our world that this will hit squarely between the eyes.  They will read it and go wow.... that's me.  Perhaps if we spread this far and wide we can make a real impact in the life of someone who feels unworthy for no reason.
Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:
I have a friend who is constantly apologizing for just about anything. Usually, if someone disagrees with this person, rather than argue, defend or stand, they apologize. This … (1 comments)

What can we learn from this? - 03/27/12 07:01 PM
A new twist on just taking your ball and going home!
 
Sadly our season of observing grandsons playing little league has been plagued with some dismal displays of poor sportsmanship.
 
The poor conduct is not from the young players, but  from one of the coaches from the opposing team (now granted our coach did not take the high road on this one either!)  What sort of example is that setting?
 
Last weeks game was a second contest between our team and an opposition who had played poorly a few weeks ago.  The result was that we won the … (12 comments)

Google's New Algorithm is Penalizing Over-Optimized Websites - 03/27/12 05:56 AM
For those of us who are interested in SEO this article provides some solid info and advice.  I think the best idea is to write good content and optimize properly and then let Google do its work while you just go on and write some more good content.  Think about it..... cheaters who try and game the system might win for a little while but will get clobbered in the long run.
Via Tammy Emineth (Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing):
This month Google released a new algorithm (the way they measure and track websites) that will actually penalize you … (3 comments)

Out of context.... - 03/20/12 08:47 AM
Seagulls are common along the gulf coast.  There are always lots of them around the galveston beaches.  Fun to watch as they soar and dive.
 
There was the huge drought experienced by the area last year to consider, however sighting a large number of gulls in a lightly trafficked parking lot this afternoon was a surprise 
 
No logical explanation.  No fish, no water ( the lake is about thirty miles and the coast is about 80 miles) yet here they are.  They seemed to be settling into the space.  Guess this is an example of making the best of … (18 comments)

100+ Places that offer Senior Discounts - 03/20/12 07:19 AM
Being among the Senior Citizen crowd I think it's important to share a list that my friend Mimi Foster over in Colorado has posted.  In these days of escalating prices and outrageous government we Seniors (well.... actually everyone) need all the help we can get to make those dollars stretch as far as we can.  You might want to actually print out the PDF at the bottom and carry it wherever you.
Via Mimi Foster - Colorado Springs Realtor Managing Broker (EPIC Real Estate Group Colorado Springs Real Estate):
It is often hard for me to believe that I will be (gasp!) … (1 comments)

Battered and Abused? You Are Worthy! - 03/20/12 07:05 AM
My friend John has presented some information on a problem that I believe is far too prevalent in society today.  My personal opinion is that there is NO EXCUSE for behavior like that.  Neither Verbally or Physically.  If you find yourself in the situation take the steps necessary to get out.  If you feel a need to abuse someone..... DON'T.  Seek out professionals to help you get over it and perhaps change the situation for yourself too. If you want to leave a comment hop on over to John's blog and leave a note.
 
Via John McCormack- Owner/Broker REALTOR, e-PRO … (0 comments)

The THAI Restaurant, Houston Galleria area - 03/20/12 05:56 AM

We had a taste for some Vietnamese or Thai food over the weekend so while on a trip into Houston to visit an Elderly friend we found some In the shadow of the Galleria Mall area at a place cleverly named "The THAI Restaurant (shrewd marketing I think)  You search for Thai Restaurant and they would come up first.  This one was an unexpected pleasure!
 
Driving down Westheimer Rd this secluded spot is easy to miss!  It is in a strip center that has been beautifully refurbished.
 
When the appetizer arrived we knew we had found something that … (3 comments)

In the beginning... - 03/20/12 05:22 AM
While out visiting an elderly relative, we found ourselves a few blocks from the first Real Estate office I ever worked in.
 
The area has changed a lot but it is still one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the  greater Houston area.
 
The little two story building where Real estate began for me in 1978, is still there albeit a different kind of office.
 
The office sits on the edge of the good area , on an exceptionally busy curve.
 
Memories of good times and lots of positive learning experiences came flooding back as we navigated … (2 comments)

When was the last time that you had a FULL day off? - 03/19/12 06:38 AM
Like our old pal Dr. Stephen Covey says you have to take time to sharpen the saw.  Otherwise you will do far more work necessary to get your work done.  Part of sharpening the saw includes taking the time to rest and renew yourself so your body can repair itself so you don't catch every little bug that drifts by and you have to relax your mind occasionally too.  Give it what Jeanne calls "bubble gum for the mind".... You'll be all the better for it.
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:
Many people are drawn to the real estate profession because … (4 comments)

When you "Hit the Wall", Gather your Dignity before THIS Happens! - 03/18/12 03:15 PM
Do our pal Paula a favor and stop by her 2 Facebook pages and hit the like button.  It only takes a minute and you'll be helping her by helping to boost her SEO rating.  I did it and you can too!  Make today a fabulous day and a tremendous start to a new week!
Via Paula Bradfield Realtor® Real Estate in Salida CO 719.221.6108 (Keller Williams Colorado Real Estate Group):
This post is evidence that I have HIT THE WALL. I am done and out the door to take a long, much needed walk!
I worked all day yesterday on my … (0 comments)

Plants have always been a source of joy for me - 03/18/12 03:04 PM

Even as a small child I was fascinated with the beauty and delicate construction.
 
The plant that is pictured is one I used to see outside the homes of elder folks around the Houston area.  I have never known what the name of this plant is.  I have never seen one at a nursery...  If you know it's name I would like to know!
 
I used to call it a "grandma bush.". Odd that now that I am a "gramma" there are several of these in my yard.
 
Today we watched as a butterfly touched down on … (4 comments)

Unique vinyl storage... - 03/17/12 06:49 PM
As we have shared many of the different treasures found in the backyard,  this one had not yet been noted or shared.
 
Whether the  addition was designed to add visual interest to the fence,  or to be a quick lesson in shapes, or it's most obvious use as vinyl storage, we are not sure.
 
The original thought goes right along with so many of the other treasures found.  It goes right up there with the ever popular recycling process of today.
 
Think about it,  If you have boxes of warped historic records,  this is one way to get … (5 comments)

Some reptiles are downright cute... - 03/17/12 05:24 PM
Probably due to the healthy flora and fauna found in our backyard,  we also have a healthy lizard population.
 
Lizards have never been a joyful find as far as I was concerned.  They move too quickly for my taste and their taste for bugs further has reinforced my dislike.
 
Having grandsons who find them to be fascinating has caused me to stop and take a closer look.
 



Here we have a study of two sunning lizards.  One brown one and one green one both on the same green netting. The Brown one is a little … (1 comments)

Grandparents day at Salem - 03/16/12 02:12 PM



One of the advantages of getting on in years is the privilege of having Grandchildren.
 
There was a school day designed to honor grandparents last week.  
 
We got a complete tour of the school from our grandsons perspectives,  a visit to his classroom where we met his teacher and friends, and a well orchestrated performance in the school chapel.
 
It was an interesting event.  The highlight of the day was in getting to spend the remainder of the day with said Grandson.
 
Considering how swiftly kids grow up these days,  getting an up … (6 comments)

Amazing ride! - 03/15/12 03:48 PM
One of the highlights of our attendance at one of this years Houston Rodeo was the Patriotic display of the presentation of the American Flag during the National Anthem just after the Grand Entry parade.
 
A beautiful girl riding bare back and without a bridal carried an American Flag.  While the Star Spangled Banner was being played and a choir was singing,  she did some impressive patterns around the arena at full speed.  
 
At the end the flag she was carrying erupted with fireworks and the accompanying loud Fireworks noises.
 
It was an  amazing performance with the horse … (4 comments)

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!! - 03/15/12 02:46 PM
This year marks the eightieth year of the Houston event formerly known as the Fatstock Show and Rodeo.
 
In my lifetime it has gone from being a parade and a week or so of exhibits , auctions and rodeo performances to almost a month of shows by big name performers, animal sales and exhibits and general merchandise exhibits from trucks and tractors to clothing to food.  My how it has grown!
 
It now takes over a month to be completed.  The number of exhibits, opportunities to buy and sell and the rodeo events are impressive to say the least. … (0 comments)

The importance of a spare. - 03/15/12 06:39 AM
In this day and time it is highly unlikely that any one would venture out into the world of transportation without a spare tire.
 
It is the "be prepared" admonishing we were all taught as we were growing up.
 
In the western  world of days gone by,  it was probably important to have auxiliary transportation along for the ride!
 
We witnessed this as we watched the warm up to the Grand Entry to the Rodeo last night.  
 
Having a spare horse around is a great idea.  One of the horses in the Grand Entry parade suddenly … (2 comments)

Like?!! What an overused word.... - 03/13/12 10:04 PM
I admit that crowds are not one of my favorite things.  I also do not enjoy listening to the conversations of others.
 
Last night we were in Reliant Stadium to see one of this years rodeo performances.
 
Behind us sat four twenty something ladies who talked loudly during the entire performance.
 
They chatted on and on usually at the same time.  It was difficult to hear the announcer over the bantering.
 
One of the things I noticed was that the English language has changed a lot since I was twenty something.
 
The word "like" is used … (6 comments)

Enhancements - 03/12/12 02:11 PM
One of the truly priceless additions to the house we now call home, is the backyard.
 
Yes, most homes have yards.  This one however comes with all manner of artful flower beds and unique sculpture.  Many of the sculptures were not apparent when we purchased the house.
 
Finding these little treasures has provided us with an ongoing treasure hunt.
 
The pictured tree appears to be made out of peacock feathers.  It isn't!  Each of those is a wire creation.  It is difficult to move around.  In fact moving it is not recommended for your general hand health.
 
… (6 comments)

Sign of the Times.... - 03/12/12 02:01 PM

There are all sorts of advertising techniques.  One of the most frequently used over the years is "the sign".  
 
This one is ancient!  Found on a very well weathered part of our back fence,  it would probably disintegrate if relocated.
 
How lovely it would be to salvage it to a more prominent place.  It is art at its finest!  From the color to the wearer sculpted edges it has character!  
 
Since the fence is about 39 years old we are guessing that is the signs age.  There it sits making us thirsty on a hot … (0 comments)

You gotta do what it takes to get cranked up!! - 03/09/12 05:43 PM
Just in case you have a hard time getting revved up in the morning maybe you need one of these!!
I think this thing holds something like a half gallon!  
A friend told me that one of her friends went to the doctor who told him to cut back to one cup of coffee a day so he went out and got one of these  things.... Problem solved!!
Some day I'll probably buy one of these things!

… (11 comments)

Bam! Another goal crossed and onward to another!! - 03/08/12 07:07 AM
Yesterday was another BIG day!  We crossed the 200,000 point goal!  Now we're gunning for 300,000.  A sincere thanks to all of you who have read and commented on our writings to help us along the way!  Another year and more new friends and acquaintances to make AND lots of new information to glean from all of you wonderful AR buddies!  Write on!!
… (7 comments)

Galvanizing facts.... - 03/07/12 03:22 PM
Two weeks ago the purchase agreement on our personal house was terminated .
 
The reason given was that it would cost $24k to bring the house up to "code!"  They would continue the purchase if we would come down 12k to help with those costs...
 
After already discounting the price 10k from what we paid and putting around 19k into updates,  we were not interested.
 
The fact that the house was built in 1973 and has galvanized piping and a "Federal" breaker box were two of the major objections cited by the potential buyers inspector.
 
Last time … (4 comments)

Winning or Losing!! - 03/07/12 01:03 PM

Once upon a time, someone once said "it is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game."
 


If that was ever really anything people believed or not, it is definately not true of the teams in "Select" little league.
 
The members of these teams are selected based upon their  ability to play the sport.
 
Up until last night, this team had not had a losing game.  Last night they learned all about it.
 
The other team was on their game.  They hit well, they fetched balls out of the … (0 comments)

Natural art.... - 03/07/12 07:54 AM


Natural art is always such a treat!  This is another example of that which was left us with the yard that came with our current house.
 
Ralph thinks it looks like a water bird.  To me it looks like a dinosaur.
 
The previous owner carefully affixed this elegant piece of wood to the ground accenting the planting space and adding visual interest.
 
The sculpture has taken on personality over the years.  The more I study the lines,  the more realistic it becomes.
 
We could look around for something else to add drama to the yard, … (0 comments)

Tonight it feels like spring! - 03/06/12 07:59 PM
Tonight it feels like Spring!  Chill in the air makes the sitting on  bleachers a little more comfy!  Very little!
 
Under overcast skies with every tree within miles in full fluff , with the sneezy stuff, we anticipated the beginning of tonight's main event .
 
Watching the kids warm up is always a fun feature.  Such a lot of energy being expended at 5:45pm!  Did we ever have that much?
 
Do these youngsters realize what impact this sport will have on who they ultimately become?  Probably not!  Do they understand the hours their folks have sacrificed so they … (3 comments)

Another runner finishes the race!! Home Free at last! - 03/06/12 07:15 PM
A few years ago I had the privilege of meeting my husbands sixth grade teacher.  She was Joann Wunderlich.
 
As this group of Klein High School graduates from years ago met repeatedly to put together a class reunion,  we met with one dynamic, high spirited lady who had successfully taught them all about the English language.  She not only taught them how to use the language to communicate, she instilled a love for reading too.
 
One of the first things I noticed about this gracious lady was her ability to make everyone feel accepted.  She also showed great caring … (0 comments)

Consider the comfort of your pet during home selling.... - 03/05/12 07:12 PM
When we set up our house for showing,  we really did not take into account the comfort of our pet cat.
 
I admit we should have spent more time and effort to accommodate her needs.  I am truly ashamed at the oversight.
 
Many of her favorite nap spots had to be eliminated in the staging.  Her blanket on the back of the den chair had to go due to its unsightly appearance.  The scratching post was relegated to a hall closet.  Poor kitty!
 
She never complained to either of us about our negligence .
 
We really did … (5 comments)

Recycling - 03/05/12 05:27 PM
Recycling
 
In recent years there has been a popular movement toward recycling.
 
The former owner of this house had found unique articles for recycling.  He also showed some creativity in the methods.
 
When we first moved in, we continued to find amusing things such as the pictured skull on the tree...
 
It took weeks of living and enjoying the yard to find an answer to why someone would decorate a tree in such a strange way.
 
One of the squirrels who had lived here for a lot longer than we had, was kind enough to illustrate … (0 comments)

Up, Up and Away! - 03/05/12 05:20 PM
Up up and away!
 
One of the oddest things I have ever encountered is the pole in the attached photo.
 
What in the world does this represent?  Beside the obvious extra shoe storage, this free form sculpture baffled us.
 
It is carefully crafted around a power pole at the edge of our back yard.
 
Making the pole difficult if not impossible to climb is one of the things that has been accomplished.  It also no doubt provides shelter for a plethora of insects and lizards.
 
Attractive?  Definately not!  Worthy of affirmative action or maintenance?  Not!  Truly … (1 comments)

Gates.... feel like an invitation... - 03/04/12 04:20 PM
Gates sometimes feel like an invitation.
 
They are almost an enticement to go through and discover what is on the other side.
 
Obviously there is something worth accessing or the fence builder would not have gone to the trouble to  create access.
 
Fences create privacy.  Gates create opportunities.  How many times do we defy the natural curiosity to explore what appears to be inaccessible  simply because we do not exercise our sense of wonder and open the gate?
 
In this case the gate is between us and a church parking lot.  If we belonged to that church, … (5 comments)

Game Time! - 03/04/12 11:42 AM
Under a grey blue and white macarel sky, with a gentle breeze the kids took to the field. 
Everyone was "baseball ready" and the first two hits resulted in base hits for the opposing team.  Then came the inevitable outs.
The last two contests have been little if any challenge for this well practiced team.  
Tonight was different.  The other team may have been older... Many were much larger.  Whatever the difference they appeared to have more command of the plays.
The basics were all still in play but it was the first real work at scoring we have seen … (1 comments)

Top 10 Worst Eating Habits - 03/04/12 06:35 AM
My buddy Jason offers sound advice for eating that will definitely aid you in your quest for weight loss and better health.  Knock off the bad stuff or at least severly cut them back and you'll be amazed at how quickly your health will improve.
Via Jason Stewart (Stewart Estates):
No one eats perfectly all the time – even dietitians! But when bad habits become common practice, you can end up with weight gain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a host of other potential health problems. So which lousy habits are getting folks into trouble? Here are the top 10 faux pas … (3 comments)

The importance of sportsmanship - 03/03/12 09:10 AM
Soooo... shall we discuss the importance of sportsmanship?  When you sign a kid on to play a sport it is sort of a given that you will subscribe to the rules and support others right to do the same.
 
Unfortunately,  there are adults in this wide wonderful world of opportunities who do not see things that way.
 
The coach of the opposing team was alive with negative attitude.  He was the picture of nastiness.  His players were good at what they did.  They also gave the pursuit of every part of the sport their complete attention!  
 
Mr … (2 comments)

Duck.... duck..... GO - 03/01/12 07:03 PM
For what it's worth there is a new search engine on the block.  They say they don't store and accumulate tracking data on your travels around the internet.  That would be innovate wouldn't it.  With all the hoopla about Google lately storing all your movements and the ideat that you had until today to delete your surfing history for a fresh start..... how many of us believe that.
Take a look at duckduckgo.com and see what you think.  I've looked at it a little but I'm not techy enough to tell if they really dont track.  But they do look promising. … (8 comments)

 
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Jeanne and Ralph Janisch CRS, Brokers Your Home Team

Durango, CO

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Durango Home Team

Address: We are always mobile to serve you!, Durango, CO, 81301

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Author Bio: Ralph and Jeanne are long time Real Estate BROKERS dedicated to helping good folks buy homes and land.

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