The Northwest Life!

Snow in the Northwest

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:33 -0600

There is magic to be found in the still of the night

When the Sapphire sky lends its breath

and the stars above blink to life

Bathed in mystic and charmed by the moon

a new world awakes.

Like crystals they shimmer reflecting the glory of the stars

beneath a shall of icy jewels

the earth is renewed both near and far

A secret society found yet always known

only in evening's garden

What brilliant breath has blessed this world

That forgives the dull in hopes of new

A white flag of peace unfurled

the hopes of dreams on gossamer wings

Surrendering to new possibilities

The Tree of Knowledge

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:39:26 -0600

The tree of Knowledge stretches up righteously from the ground.

Releasing her branches to strive for the gold of the sun.

Roots grabbing through the stony earth sipping its secret nourishment

Over time the rough bark has built upon itself. Layer by layer the knowledge grows.

Flailing in all directions the wind has shaped her course.

The sun has guided the thoughts of her limbs.

And the rains have gathered and grown her image.

She is lifetimes of strength and beauty.

She has witnessed birth and death. And in her lifetime she is the living past.

Jobs: Is Working Online At Home The Next Gold Rush?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:26:21 -0600

We may be getting ready for the next big Boom here in Allyn Washington. Working from home has many benefits, and small village communities like Allyn, Washington are a perfect fit.

We have everything you need in this quiet community. We have parks and golf courses, lakes, rivers, and saltwater to play in. All of the amenities you have come to expect in a urban setting are here too. Many people choose to walk to the local store, and it also qualifies as exercise.-LOL

The point of this post is simple...Allyn, Washington has it all. Or so might a little town in your community. Telecommuting is the wave of our future, get on board!

Many sites showcase people making as much as $300 a day working online from home on their computer.

Are online jobs the next big thing? For Maria González it sure is. Maria, a mother from Allyn WA is thriving, in the middle of an economic recession working in the comfort of her own home.

From her website: "I get paid about $25 for every link I post on Google and I get paid every week... I make around $5500 a month right now"

Maria's story is a very familiar one in these tough times. She lost her job as an account rep for a manufacturing company and a few days later her husband also was laid off from his job as part of cutbacks due to the bad economy.

"We knew we had to do something, so we put our heads together and started trying online job opportunities." Maria and her husband Kevin wound up getting caught up in a few quick rich business opportunities that were nothing more than pyramid schemes before finding something that really worked.

"I realized the best thing to do is instead of hoping that a company that you are looking at is going last, why not go with a big, reputable company. After looking at several different companies, I picked the safest bet... Google."

Online giant Google is a publicly traded company and is worth an estimated $100 Billion (with a b). The company has pioneered online search and has changed the way we use the internet.

This Letter tells me it is time to Address Education...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:11:19 -0600

This past month my daughter enrolled in an online program. I was not thrilled with the idea, but she made a very good case. I thought I would share her letter to her new school with you.

She opened my eyes to realities I never knew existed in education today. Below is a portion of what she wrote. I am gad that we have so many options available to us today. It used to be that people would research a school extensively before selecting the neighborhood they chose to live in. Now we can choose any home, anywhere we want, and know that our children have a lot of options for a great education. Megan is happy and excelling.

Dear, teachers

My name is Megan, Griffey I am a 15 yr old living in Allyn Washington.

I chose this program because I was severely bullied at my school,and didn't feel like I was learning the material I should be. I knew this was my only option to insure that I would receive a good education.

When I moved, I just didn't seem to fit in, whereas at my other school I was known as "top dog" I never understood and I don't think I ever will understand why I was treated the way I was. But in finding this program I'm sure that I will successfully be able to complete High School in a positive encouraging fashion.

At North Mason I didn't feel like I was learning what I should be. Most days seemed almost like we did nothing at all; It was a waste of my time even going to class each day. Math class we would sit there for an hour not doing a thing, and when we did the teachers teaching style were slow and boring and everything he said just seemed to go in one ear, and out the other. Most of my classes over there the teachers didn't care enough to even notice when you left, there were times when half the class would leave and the teacher would just sit there playing solitaire not even noticing.

This was not a good learning environment for me. It was an easy A and I know that but why should I bother, when the teachers didn't even bother them self's? Not to mention the fact even if it's an "easy A" I'm not learning the skills that I acquire for a job in the really world. Who is going to hire a doctor that aced math but doesn't know a^2 + b^2= c^2?

I argued for quite some time over doing this school, my mother always said that, that school was an "easy A" so why would I want to leave? I finally made the point to her that I just made to you, what's the point of an "easy a" without any knowledge to apply it to. When I had my mother's attention on this she was able to persuade my father into it, and if it weren't for convincing her I would never have made it this far.

In this school I plan to put as much time an energy as I can so that I will be able to attend running start, and be an R.N by the age of 19. I plan to work ahead and to prove to my parents that putting me into this school and taking me out of the environment was not only a smart choice but a start to a better life for me.

Where Are Your Real Estate Buyers Actually Coming From?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:49:13 -0600

Richard has some great information here that is a terrific value not only to client, but their Agents.

Via Richard Bell - Windermere Peninsula Properties:

Do think it is important for Real Estate Agents and Offices to know where their real estate buyers are coming from? Answer is obviously "Yes" and for numerous reasons. However, that's subject for another time.

Many home sellers, in our market, believe that most of the real estate buyers come to our region from Metropolitan areas like Seattle, Tacoma or from States like California.

But they might be surprised by the actual data.

In 2009 there have been 864 sales in the Mason County, Washington Real Estate Market.

Washington State buyers represented 814 of those sales while 50 of the sales came from out of State buyers.

Where, within the State of Washington, did Mason County buyers come from? Here is the breakdown by zip-code:

536 buyers were "Local"... From Mason County zip code...985xx.

98 buyers were from zip code... 983xx

77 buyers were from zip code... 980xx

50 buyers from zip code...          981xx

21 buyers from zip code ...         984xx

13 buyers from zip code ...         986xx

12 buyers from zip code...          982xx

3 buyers from zip code...           989xx

2 buyers from zip code...           992xx

1 buyer from zip code...            990xx

1 buyer from zip code...             988xx

As mentioned above, 50 Real Estate buyers who bought Real Estate in Mason County came from out of state.

14...California

11...Oregon

5....Arizona

3....Montana

3...Texas

3...Colorado

2...Louisiana

9...From other states

Now that I look over these numbers, we do business from all over the Country. Perhaps my fellow AR peers would consider calling on me and my office for future referrals to the Pacific Northwest.

How to Be Happy

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:05:53 -0600

What a great attitude Maya! I just had to spread it!

Via maya garg (Royal Lepage Kingsbury):

We all get so busy in our lives as Realtors that we often forget simple things in our lives which bring us happiness. Only if we can cherish those wonderful moments, not only we will be positive and bring joy to ourselves but to our clients,friends and associates.

Hope you like this reading. We all need this over and over - until it becomes part of who we are!

1. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches)

2. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

3. Enjoy the simple things.

4. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

5. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

6. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

7. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

8. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

9. Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity. I love you, my special friend.

10. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

Maya Garg,Broker

Royal Lepage kingsbury realty

www.gtawesthomes.com

www.mayag.com

Great people

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:17:13 -0600

I could not have said it better myself...

Via Kevin "Flag" Robinson Doing a fractional right now (Crownline Home Builders):

Work sucks. I have too much to do. I wish things would just slow down. My customers are jerks. I should have picked a different profession.

Most of us have complained about work before. It seems to be the human thing to do. But lets all remember a few things. For most of us, we do our work and then we get to go home. If we make a mistake at our work, we can probably fix it tomorrow. If we can't fix it, it simply costs us money. No one is trying to kill us. We do not have bullets coming at us from all directions. When we walk down a road, we don't worry about blowing ourselves up. Our friends lives do not depend on what we do at every turn. We get to eat real food at night. We get to take a real shower at night. Our loved ones are close by.

We take a lot for granted. Stuff that our fighting women and men do not get to have. But yet, they do it. They do it for their families and for all of us. They put up with stuff that most of us would not. We live like we do, because of them. I am free to write this because a solder from this country fought for my right to do so.

A lot of times we see some old guy wearing a military ball cap. We think about it for a split second. Or we see some young man in a wheelchair with a military shirt on. We think about it for a split second. Today is the day to think a little more. And then, tell them thanks.

America is great because of our veterans.

Memories of Vietnam...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:40:27 -0600

My Dad loves to write. I wish I could say that we get along perfectly but we don't any more. Even though we do not see eye to eye, I am in awe of his sacrifice in Vietnam. I wanted to share a poem with you that he wrote shortly after he came home. The words show a man struggling with coming to grips with his experiences. As I googled Dad's name I found these pictures...not the poem yet. He never really shared all that much with me, as to what happened over there. But I have to say these photos brought tears to my eyes. I think about his days and I wonder how his mind ever fought through the actions he had to take to survive. If you wish to view them here is a link. PHU LOI PATROL

Thanks Dad.

Here is the poem:

I visited the wall today and posted a message by the name of Earl Aiko Okumura, he died in my arms Aug. 1, 1968. I left part of a poem I wrote about 25 years ago (just the last part of it). This is the entire poem.

The Other Side

(Refer to as Prose)

I*ve been told from time to time, *Try to see it my way.* Look at the other side. I know there*s the other side of day, the other side of right. Somewhere, the two sides must meet*somewhere in time, in space. If you go far enough east, do you find yourself west? Does the same thing happen to love, to hurt, to caring? Why can*t we stop before we venture too far? Could it be that we don*t know ourselves? Are we overwhelmed on the idea of fulfilling our own needs, without thinking of the other side?

Do we move too fast, too slow, or in the wrong direction? Are we afraid of disapproval, hurt or just finding the truth within ourselves? Can we really find this truth? We may ask others. We search our past, plan our future, and seek the answer from the still small voice from within.

I believe it is best to plan for the future. Don*t regret misfortunes in the past. (It is best not to live in the past either.) Enjoy today, help others and accept their help when it*s offered.

We all have the same feelings: love, hurt, anger, and anxiety. We have different levels of these emotions, and for different reasons. We can all relate to them. Only within ourselves do we know what degree of pleasure or pain these feelings bring; from our own past experiences. So love one another with understanding. For the other side is really ourselves, at another level at another time.

Arne O. Espedal, Jr.

What is in a word...Socialism?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:38:09 -0600

Lets look at the definition of Socialism:

so⋅cial⋅ism

/ˈsoʊʃəˌlɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation[soh-shuh-liz-uhm] Show IPA Use socialismin a Sentence See web results for socialismSee images of socialism-noun

1.	a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

2.	procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.

3.	(in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.

On the surface it never looks bad. The intentions were never evil. The implications of enacting Socialism have lead to the word taking on a globally derogatory connotation. Socialism brought this on itself.

Unfortunately in our demanding society the definition of Socialism looks like a refreshing glass of cool water to the parched public. They are so thirsty that they can not see it for the poison it is.

Imagine you were a teacher and you offered the entire class an "A" regardless of their efforts. You told them this up front. They knew that no matter how hard they worked or how little effort they put into it they would all be recognized by the same grade...an "A".

Do you honestly think they would put all they had into it? Some might. But after time and time again they realized their efforts were wasted they would join the group who never cared at all and just took the unearned grade.

This is Socialism. It is here now, and it is pushing it's way through each and every one of our lives. It is the perfect example of effective marketing. No one will know what they actually bought until it is time to pay the bill.

LakeLand Village History in the Making....A Dream Fulfilled

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:51:32 -0600

The Beginnings of a new day haunts me as I wander past the old barn.

Weathered in time, the sun glazed wood recalls a day when it was fresh and new.

Beams as old bones hold her up for all to see. The wind whistles through her gates, as the birds perch along her walls.

Tales have been told here, dreams have been birthed here and time rests here among her singing creaking rafters.

No one can pass with out pondering her days.

Warm and safe, a haven of rest the outside world peers wantonly in.

The day's light breaks through the walls illuminating her historic values.

Soft golden straw spills across the floor lending comfort and welcoming her limited visitors.

Memories like the spiders webs, stretch across every corner reflecting on their moment in time.

A dream fulfilled. A promise kept. A Day Remembered.

For more information on LakeLand Village or to visit the old Barn call Dinah at 360-551-8888 www.TheNorthwestLife.com

or visit www.LakeLandLiving.com

The Health care Victory...

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:39:58 -0600

We proctorybably just had the most important vote of this Congress at least as far as the 2010 elections are concerned. The health insurance government takeover bill passed 220-215. One Republican from New Orleans voted for the bill. He represents a district McCain and Bush got 23 and 24% of the vote in respectively. He's obviously voting for political survival. He made a serious mistake. I think the circumstances of his election are such that he is unlikely to survive anyway and it would have been far better if he stayed home and voted on principle. (He beat the $90,000-in-a-freezer congressman in an election delayed due to Hurricane Ike that had very low turnout). It hurts we can't have absolute unanimity--all 7 of the Cap-and-Trade Republicans still in Congress voted right this time.

Far more important though are the 39 Democrats who voted against the takeover bill. They are also voting their political interests. 37 of them represent districts Bush won in 2004. One of the two who does not is Artur Davis from Alabama who is running for Governor and he voted consistently with the wishes of the statewide Alabama electorate--heavy McCain and Bush. The other "no" Democrat from an Obama and Kerry district is Dennis Kucinich who probably voted for it because it is not more radical than it is, i.e., it does not directly impose a single-payer system.

Obama carried 8 of the districts held by "no" vote Democrats, but McCain managed at least 45% in the six that Bush carried. In a more normal political cycle, these districts would be expected to go Republican again. (Two of them already have, one casting over 60% for Republican Governor-elect Bob McDonnell last Tuesday and another New Jersey district going handily for Chris Christie as well).

The 39 Democrats may have helped themselves in 2010, but the vast majority remain in deep trouble. Pelosi probably gave them a license to vote "no", to protect their re-election prospects. She handed out as many licenses as she thought she could and still pass the bill. But they are still are voting for the leadership of the most unpopular politician in America. The charade of voting against her bill will not save a lot of them.

In addition, there are about 55 Democrats who represent McCain or Bush districts or who tookover Republican seats in 2006 or 2008 and who voted for the takeover. These Democrats are more vulnerable now than they were yesterday. In addition there about twenty Democrats representing districts that neither Bush or McCain carried but were close enough that in the environment we have now could be vulnerable. Adding these categories of districts together yields well over 100 vulnerable or potentially vulnerable Democrat seats.

Below are the 40 Members of Congress who crossed partylines and the presidential vote in their districts.

MC	State	First Elected	McCain 08	Bush 04

Democrats
Adler	NJ	2008	47%	51%
Altmire	PA	2006	55%	54%
Baird	WA	1998	45%	50%
Barrow	GA	2002	45%	50%
Boccieri	OH	2008	50%	54%
Boren	OK	2000	66%	52%
Boucher	VA	1982	59%	59%
Boyd	FL	1990	54%	54%
Bright	AL	2008	63%	67%
Chandler	KY	2004	55%	58%
Childers	MS	2008	62%	62%
Davis	AL	2002	29%	35%
Davis	TN	2002	64%	58%
Edwards	TX	1990	67%	70%
Gordon	TN	1984	62%	60%
Griffith	AL	2008	61%	60%
Herseth Sandlin	SD	2004	53%	60%
Holden	PA	1992	51%	58%
Kissell	NC	2008	47%	54%
Kosmas	FL	2008	51%	55%
Kratovil	MD	2008	58%	62%
Kucinich	OH	1996	39%	41%
Markey	CO	1998	50%	58%
Marshall	GA	2002	56%	61%
Massa	NY	2008	50%	56%
Matheson	UT	2000	58%	66%
McIntyre	NC	1996	52%	54%
McMahon	NY	2008	51%	55%
Melancon	LA	2004	61%	58%
Minnick	ID	2008	62%	69%
Murphy	NY	2009	48%	54%
Nye	VA	2008	48%	58%
Peterson	MN	1990	50%	55%
Ross	AR	2000	58%	51%
Shuler	NC	2006	52%	57%
Skelton	MO	1976	61%	64%
Tanner	TN	1988	56%	53%
Taylor	MS	1989	67%	68%
Teague	NM	2008	50%	58%

Republican
Cao	LA	2008	23%	24%

--I thought this was important information to post. It gives me hope that we have not seen the end to our freedoms concerning health care and other major issues in the United States. We still have the hope of the Senate, but even if we fail there we have 2010 and 2012 to get back on track. Yes it is a down day, but I see rays of light piercing through the clouds. We have a voice and we have a nation that is waking up to a new reality and leadership that they are not enamored with any longer. This is going to set the stage for electing leadership that truly represents the Nation not a socialist agenda.

You can teach an old Rooster a new trick!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:07:03 -0600

A lesson learned from Old Butch the Rooster John was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), called 'pullets,' and ten roosters to fertilize the eggs. He kept records, and any rooster not performing went into the soup pot and was replaced.

This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone so he could tell from a distance which rooster was performing. Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by just listening to the bells.

John's favorite rooster, old Butch, was a very fine specimen, but this morning he noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all! When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover. To John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.

John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County Fair and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.The result was the judges not only awarded old Butch the No Bell Piece Prize but, they also awarded him the Pulletsurprise as well.Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making.

Who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention. Vote carefully next time, the bells are not always audible.

I copied this post for your enjoyment. I found it quite funny and very creative!

The average, dumb-as-a-bag-of-hammers, HOME INSPECTOR will never notice!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:52:06 -0600

OK, I did not get this one right away and maybe you won't either. If you have a hard time passing this test...Use a home Inspector when making a home purchase. This is a new home and they need to have inspections too!

Via Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector (Charles Buell Inspections.com):

     I often wonder, about some of the things I find wrong in homes.

     Is it really only home inspectors that would ever notice these things?

     I wish that I could take a poll of everyone that sees this post to find out how many of my readers recognize the problem before I “enlightened” them.

     So---be honest----before scrolling down----what is the defect?

     I just tested my sweetie with the picture and she didn’t pick out the defect without a little coaching. I said, “The drain has no trap---you know that thing that gets in the way of the garbage can?” So perhaps it is not as “obvious” as I would like to think.

     While this defect would be great for the jumbo trash can, it might not be what anyone would consider a very desirable “air freshener.”

Charles Buell

Click on the Rose to check out: AHA!---A Forum of Landmark Proportions---your Group

PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.

DeCroe, is my "ethereal" home inspector assistant and occasionally flies into my blog and other people's blogs to offer assistance. To find out more about her beginnings just click on Raven.

From Allyn I can See...

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:31:02 -0600

The deep waters hide her colors and the sky simply melts away.

Whispering shimmering swirls of ancient magical gray.

Unfurling themselves as they wind in and again though black trees

Beneath the surface the fish are in mime of creation's lead.

As the sun's limited hours were only for this day borrowed.

Fall has come to Allyn - cloaking light's breath, unconcerned, & shadowed.

A bright bird calls and through the ghostly vapors land makes it's way

Dark and light meet up with the night and swallow the day away.

The best Home Made Beef Jerky in the World...

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:02:08 -0500

2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

2/3 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon liquid smoke

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

2 tablespoons crushed garlic

Tabasco to taste

I tablespoon tomato sauce

Slice 2 pounds of steak about 1/4 of an inch thick. Trim off as much of the fat as you can.Freezing steak partially first will help with slicing.I have also used a roast instead of steak.Place in marinade for about 6 hours. I prefer overnight. Place in food dehydrator for about 12 hours or until no longer soft. The thinner you slice the steak the sooner it will be done. You can also dry in your oven if you set the temp at 200 and bake for about 2 hours.If you dry it in the oven make sure to keep an eye on it- it will get done much faster than you think.

You can adjust the recipe any way you want. I have used Yoshida sauce from Costco. Some people omit the pepper and make it sweeter instead of spicy.You might try mango and pineapple juices. It is hard to get this one wrong.

WARNING- This will not last unless you hide it from others in the house. The aroma is intoxicating. One recipe lasts our family about 24 hours. I have also given it away as a Christmas gift. My brother's favorite! I usually pair it with good beer and roasted salted almonds, peanut brittle,white chocolate dipped pretzels, and a smoked cheese ball. The cheese ball is another great recipe that takes only minutes!

Falling in Shelton Washington...

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:34:17 -0500

I want to Fly

To drift through the air. The wind choosing my direction as my heart finds my destiny.

Above me the glorious sun and far below me the thoughts of yesterday.

To look beyond my time into the whole of eternity.

Living for a moment my dream of freedom. Untethered to the course of mankind.

To Fall with grace until my feet find the hard earth once again.

Touching the clouds and watching the sun etch the rounded horizon from memory.

This is my day. This is my time and this is my unstolen moment.

Spell Check can't Help You Now!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:50:44 -0500

For a little self improvement I enrolled in an English class. It is being taught by an individual that will not divulge her political opinion but tends to have plenty of them.

She is a great lady, however I do not agree with most of her comments. It has been a real eye opener to know what they are saying in our schools from first hand experience.

Today was typical. We were told of how our nation wanted to have Pearl Harbor attacked- just so we could join in WW2. We had advanced knowledge and we were drooling at the chance to be attacked just so we could join the bloody battle.

As usual my blood began to boil and I was outraged that she would share this with the class as a fact not an opinion. So I whipped out my blackberry and posted to Facebook what was being said. I ended it with my opinion- what a "CROCK."

Unfortunately I forgot the "R". I was not aware of this until my husband wanted to know what all of the name calling was about. Spell check does not catch this sort of oops. Beware, and enjoy a laugh at my expense.

Fun with Short Sales...LOL

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:39:51 -0500

I have yet to find the "fun" in short sales. I love being a Realtor and I enjoy the opportunities that arise everyday, with one exception...The Short Sale.

Why is it so hard to give these companies offers. The one I am in the middle of right now keeps hanging up on me. I was so frustrated trying to find the right number I finally googled the question.

You won't believe what I found...Active Rain. Yes, there was -Active Rain with a post including the exact number I needed from someone else who had needed it to. What a life saver. I love how we so freely share information here. There is always someone willing to help. I will have to look him up and make sure he knows what a help he was for me today!

So , I have the number and I have faxed off the offer. Again and again and again. I now have it memorized. Convenient I guess?

Active Rain can you take it one step further next time and just approve the Short Sale!

So you want to buy a Grocery Store?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:19:51 -0500

There is a lot involved with running your own business. Some are more challenging than others. One business that is often considered is the little local grocery store. They can be a great avenue for those not particularly advanced in their business knowledge but are willing to put in the hard work it takes to get up and running. This can be a great family business.

I stumbled upon an article that I thought pointed out some of the basics to look for when considering a grocery store purchase.The financial criteria used to evaluate a prospective purchase in this business should include the industry's standard cost factors. If the cost of goods, for example, is below 70% of the gross revenue figure, the store owner is either very smart about purchasing, is able to collect above-average markups, or both. Another reason for a gross profit above 30% might be that some of the revenue represents sales of, for example, sandwiches and soups made to order, with cost of goods factors in the 30% to 40% range.

Occupancy cost--rent, utilities, maintenance, and insurance--should not exceed 7% of gross sales, if the company is to be profitable. And if payroll costs are more than 20% of gross revenues, it may be a sign the owner is not putting in the long hours commonly worked by most operators in this business. That also might suggest that he, or she is not collecting earnings of 10% or more--the minimum figure that many operators hope to achieve. For more detailed information click on buying a grocery store.

If you are considering a grocery store purchase you can contact Dinah at TheNorthwestLife.com we have opportunities available. Please remember that when considering a Business purchase it is important to keep it low key. Many owners do not want the general public aware that they are selling. Contact your Agent for more specifics.

What is in a Name Mason County Washington?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:32:11 -0500

I found these facts really interesting. Have you ever wondered why places were named what they were named? Sometimes we see the names stay the same and the meanings change. For instance King County was not named for Martin Luther King Jr. But now the County's seal bears his image. Where did you home town get it's name?

Shelton was named for David Shelton, who homesteaded the area in 1853. A former fur trapper, Indian fighter, and gold prospector, Shelton was a member of the first territorial legislature and succeeded in having his home area organized as Sawamish County. At a later session he sponsored a bill to change the county name to Mason.

Allyn was named for Judge Frank Allyn of Tacoma, who was involved in the formation of the town about 1889.

Belfairwas originally called Clifton, as were several other WA towns. To avoid confusion, it was renamed in 1925 by Mrs. Murray, the postmistress, who submitted the name Belfair from a book that she was then reading.

Dewatto is a Hood Canal community that bears an adaptation of the Indian place name du-a-to,meaning "home of evil spirits who make men crazy." In Indian legend, spirits emerged from the bowels of the earth in the Dewatto Bay area and attempted to enter the bodies of normal warriors.

Grapeview was platted in 1891 as Detroit. The town was later renamed, as it faces the vineyards of the Isle of Grapes (Stretch Island)

The island community of Harstine Islandwas named for Lt. Henry J. Harstine, of the Wilkes expedition.

Hoodsport took its name from Hood Canal, which was named for Lord Samuel Hood by the Vancouver expedition.

Kamilche is a corruption of an Indian word meaning "valley."

Lilliwaup took its name from an Indian word meaning "inlet." Matlockwas first called Mason. It was renamed in the late 1890s by early settler James Hodkinson for his home town in England.

Oakland was the original county seat. It was named in 1852 by pioneer settler William T. Morrow for a scattering of oak trees in the area.

Potlatchis named for its location at the site of a former Skokomish Indian potlatch house.

Squaxin Island, the reservation on it, and the present tribal name are derived from the Indians' original name for themselves.

Stretch Islandis a small island in Case Inlet. It was named by the Wilkes Expedition for gunner's mate Samuel Stretch. In 1878 Walter Eckert established a vineyard on the island. The place became known locally as the Isle of Grapes.

Tahuya derives its name from Indian words meaning "that done," in reference to some now unknown event at that place.

Union was originally a logging center on Hood Canal, and the town was named Union City in 1858. The latter word was dropped by the post office in 1904, and by the town fathers some years later.

Victor was named in 1892, but the source of the name is unknown.
(From Washington State Placenames, by James W. Phillips, Univ. of WA Press.)

Beautiful Belfair Washington...

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:34:07 -0500

Tall evergreens dip their branches down to the cool Hood Canal waters.

An Eagle spies his first meal of the day.

The gentle waters rock the anchored boats to and fro.

A cloud drifts by to take a look.

The skies melt into the waters and the crickets chirp. A salmon sounds with a splash,as the cat finds my lap.

Life is simple here.There is day and there is night. The Seasons find their voices and all is well.

Welcome to Belfair. Minutes from everything ...yet a world away.

Mason County, Washington residents are Making Money on their Power Bills!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:55:17 -0500

I wanted to share with you an exciting program that is being offered by our local power company. If you are anything like me, my power bill last year after the snow storms was a bit of a shocker. How would you feel if you did not get a bill at all but recieved a credit instead?

Senior Power Supply Analyst Matt Samuelson reported that there are seven customers participating in PUD 3's "net metering" program. Six of the customers are producing electricity with solar panels while another is experimenting with a small wind turbine. If these customers produce more electricity from their renewable energy systems than they consume in any given month, they are provided a credit toward future consumption.

In addition, participants may benefit from the Washington State Renewable Energy System Cost Recovery Incentive Program, which is administered by the state Department of Revenue. Four of the seven net metering customers participated in the program for F.Y. 08-09, generating approximately 9,000 kWh of electricity, for a combined compensation of $1,350.

While the payments are made by PUD 3, the utility is credited for its outlay by a corresponding decrease in PUD excise taxes. More details on the program may be found at the link below.

http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Pubs/SpecialNotices/2009/sn_09_RenewableEnergy.pdf

As a Realtor I would like to know how important solar and wind energy is to you. Would you consider a home with solar power over one that does not have the option? Please feel free to share your comments. Your opinion may make a big difference in the housing you see offered in your neighborhood in the future.

Parents Beware of your Local Schools Policies

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:27 -0500

If you have scanned the headlines this morning you probably saw a story about 6 year old Zachery,a cub scout forced to be home schooled for 45 days because he brought his cub scout silverware to school.

I know there are many sides to this story. Although I do not think that the school used their best judgment here. What message are they really sending to Zachery. Slip up even innocently and we gotcha...

Then there is my daughters experience. It was her first year to sit in the back of the bus. It was one of those little things that said you are now in high school- congrats.

On nearly the first day she started being bothered by a couple of boys on the bus. They said crude things to her and telling her she should kill herself and told her how to do it.

I told her to stand up for herself. She was afraid that SHE would be the one in trouble then. So I told her to sit somewhere else. She said why should I? I haven't done anything wrong. She was right. All she did was ride on the bus 10 minutes to get home every afternoon.I suggested that we talk to someone at the school. She was adamant that that was a BAD idea. We had been that route before it had never failed to make EVERYTHING worse than it already was.

Up to this point I did not know they had been telling her to commit suicide. I found that in a note on the counter one morning. So I called the school.

How can we keep my daughter anonymous and get these guys to stop? They said talk to the counselor. So I convinced my daughter that we should. That was my mistake. The school principal got involved. At first I felt relieved then He started insisting that we address the boys in a meeting and ask them if they were doing this. EXACTLY what my daughter was afraid of...Confrontation. We have learned this only makes it worse.

I had asked the bus garage and now I was begging the principal to just observe one day. If they heard it they could say that they noticed it. All we wanted was our daughter ( the victim) to remain out of the picture. The Principal was indignant and pursued the issue. I was told if you tell a school counselor anything that involves harm to someone of threat of harm they have to report it. IT IS NOT CONFIDENTIAL- even if the victim wants it to be.

I begged him to allow my daughter to switch buses. He reluctantly allowed it. All the while my daughter is terrified that the boys will figure it out. This has killed her trust in me and certainly the school. She will NEVER trust a school counselor again.

So who wins here- The school who won't be bothered by my daughter's needs again, the bullies who got away with it...or My daughter who has no way to resolve her issues unless it is their way regardless of how it effects her.

As a Realtor how do I answer the question...How are your schools? I tell them they are like any other public school. We have a lot of options here for education. ( take it or leave it) We are in a debate now as to how to help our daughter and we are looking into online education with sports for socializing and P.E. After all we may fix the schools, but will we in time for my daughter to be successful now.She sleeps as much as she can she doesn't want to eat and she gets headaches Sunday night before school. In a nut shell she hates it. How is that going to help her become successful?

Parents keep in mind that what your kids tell a couselor is rarely confidential!

We don't need a Civil War...Or Health Care Reform?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:59:51 -0500

The debate over Health care today is not about health care. While many on both sides are able to paint a grim picture of the outcome if we do not fix the issue, one way or another. This is not the issue.

We can all agree that things are not going the way that they should. That costs are out of control and that no one should be denied needed care.

But this argument is as much about health care as the civil war was about slavery. Neither side is fighting for or against anyone to have or not have medical care.

The battle is over rights. Just as it was during the civil war and if you think about it any war.

The real decision or choice is how much power are you personally willing to hand over to the government for safe keeping? Do you trust them? Who are they?

The Government that is frequently called "them" and "they" is "You and me." We elect them and we can unelect them. When we complain about the "system" we are admitting failure on our part to act.

It is a big job. This is a large nation with an enormous debt and choices made today will carry through for generations to come. For as long as we have a Nation of the people, by the people and for the people we will be personally charting our Nations course.

So lets ask the question. Do you want to be personally responsible for John Doe's health care? Do you want to find the money to provide it? Do you want to make the call deciding what is next for Mr. Doe? Do you want that responsibility?

Or do you want to put the power back in Mr. Doe's hands. Let him decide the next step either with the advice from his doctors or not. Isn't it his call?

When it comes down to it we are really in a battle to retain our rights. To be the one who makes the call in our own lives. To have the powers that were granted to us in the constitution. The only thing proposed to be denied are the rights of the American People.

Just as in the Civil War we are in the fight for our Nation, our rights, and the continuance of democracy. Do not allow those in power to let you think this is about health care. It is about retaining a right you have or letting another hold all the power. Once you hand over your rights, It will be a battle to get them back.

Lets make the call now. Lets fight to retain our rights as American citizens and not be fooled by the talk of politicians. Lets see this issue for what it is and what it is capable of stealing. You may not realize it until it is past, so take a good hard look now.

Is the debate really about your health care or about your rights? Your voice is free...share it!

Active Rain showered Washington Realtors with Inspirations today!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:08:22 -0500

As you can see the cloud hovering just above us at Rain Camp today was letting loose with a pretty big deluge. I have seldom in my career been as inspired as I was today.

A group of us from Windermere Peninsula Properties attended this not to miss event. We came away in awe of all the possibilities when it came to enhancing our businesses.

There are a ton of free tools just waiting to be used on the web. From photo enhancing, to web conferencing. The tech world has arrived to real estate and it is going to simplify and enhance our lives in dramatic ways.

The tools of the future do not include personal websites, but they will utilize your phone for just about any task. Real Estate live will be just a click away and transactions will be a much more interactive responsive experience.

I can't wait to see what they have in store next. After attending Rebar camp just this last February and September I was truly inspired, but what I saw today was amazing. The possibilities are endless and Active Rain will be there every step of the way.Just ask Brad Andersohn ( really ask him) I can't wait to implement these strategies for my Sellers. They are going to love the attention!