Sondra's Snapshots

People versus the Elements

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:33:31 -0500

Hurricane Ike has served to remind me how little control people really have.

Last night, I was able to witness a stunningly beautiful sunset. (This picture was taken last night at the Flying Ace Ranch, which is on Rock Prarie Road East, in College Station, Texas. )

This morning, I awoke to the sound of pelting rain and hurricane force winds.

The Houston area, East Texas, and so many others are dealing with flooding, downed trees, power outages, and potential tornadoes. It is humbling to realize that although we have figured out how to travel in space, we can not stop the weather. We can try to minimize damage, but we can not prevent the damage.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected by the devestation from the hurricane. Ialso pray for the safety of those who are still in Ike's path. Just remember, people are more important than things.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,.....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

How did you spend 9-11-2008?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:25:12 -0500

Dear Real Estate Diary,

Today is September 11, 2008 - the 7^th anniversary of 9-11. Many of us that live in Texas are watching Hurricane Ike's path. It appears that Ike, which is almost as big as Texas itself, may hit Galveston. I find myself worrying about my friends and fellow bloggers, Deb, Marchel, Liz and my sister.

Marchel, Liz, and my sister live in the Houston area. They are likely to deal with flooding and some wind damage. Deb lives North East of Houston, in an area surrounded by pine trees. With strong winds, those trees tend to fall over and knock out power lines. In addition, Deb's area is likely to be hit by tornadoes. My prayers are with Deb, because her husband wants to stay and ride out the storm.

In the Bryan College Station area, we are expecting rain and winds. For once in my life, I haven't procrastinated.

I've already removed my real estate signs from my seller's houses. I don't want them to become flying projectiles. The truck is full of gas. I have plenty of water, oil lamps, non-perishable food, horse feed and wood shavings. I also have a phone that will still work in the event electricity goes out. I am prepared as I can be.

So, what did I do this evening? I enjoyed a beautiful sunset out at Lake Somerville from Overlook Park.

What about you, how did you spend 9-11-2008?

As I watched the sun set, I realized how quickly things in life come and go.

May you enjoy each and every moment that you have been blessed with.

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

For professional real estate advisory services,

Call or email Sondra Meyer at

sondra77845@yahoo.com

Road trip to Notre Dame

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:37:56 -0500

I always try to encourage my children and others to follow their hopes and dreams. In doing so, my son, Sean, chose to attend Notre Dame, a school know for academic excellence AND sports.

I am just now recovering from my 7 day road trip to Notre Dame, Indiana. While I was gone, Gary Woltal decided to me-me me. He inspires me most of the time, but this me-me was a challenge because this trip was REALLY long since

I don't always choose to go the quickest route on a trip. 3 of the 7 days were used for dorm check in and orientations - that included parents. By the way,

I never plan my trips months in advance. On the day we left, I decided to avoid the thunderstorms that were going through Texas, OK, MO and AK. Coming back, I decided to avoid the rain from Tropical Storm Faye that was soaking Louisiana and Mississippi.

I have been awed at many of the sites that I saw along the way.

I think many of us take for granted how blessed we are to live in the United States. In fact,

I sing America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner in my head whenever I find myself reflecting upon all the wonderful things that that I saw as I drove through 9 different states in the 7 days.

I wish that I had had more time to stop and take pictures along the way.

I want spend more time in many of the places that I drove through on the way.

I smell the fresh cut grass in the farm fields of Indiana.

I search for more pictures of Meridian Street in Indianapolis. I think it probably the most beautiful residential street along a main road that I've ever driven down.

I regret I didn't have time to stop and take pictures of the amber waves of grain in the fields of Indiana. I regret that I didn't have time to tour the Churchhill Down's Race Track in Kentucky. I regret that we had to skip touring the caves in Kentucky. I regret that I didn't have time to look up some of the people that I've met on AR that live in the states that I went through.

I hate that I didn't have time to stop and take pictures along the way. Had we done so, we never would have gotten to the Notre Dame campus.

I just admire the fact that Notre Dame's new buildings match their old buildings.

I believe there is a story behind every building.

I read that the Main Building at Notre Dame, with it's golden dome, is the "world's most recognized campus landmark."

I win whenever I take the time to stop and smell the roses.

I forget that Texas A&M is not the only university that LOVES their band.

I feel very blessed that my son chose Notre Dame, a private Catholic university.

I hear that every dorm at Notre Dame has a chapel in it.

I'm happy about Sean being at a school that is NOT known for partying.

I'm scared of something bad happening to one of my children or family members. However, the Christian/Catholic spirit that was so pervasive on the Notre Dame campus makes me feel like my son is as safe as can be.

I listen to the sounds of the birds and the leaves dancing in the wind.

I dance with joy when I think about the fact that Notre Dame students enjoy living on campus so much, that 80% of the purportedly live in the dorms all four years. At the same time, as a Realtor, I'm glad that Texas A&M isn't like that.

I lose my sense of direction sometimes.

I missed having my son serving as the navigator on the way back. He did a great job of getting us there. On the way back, I did miss my turn on several occasions. However,

I can usually be found with a smile on my face.

I can laugh at my mistakes. And,

I am not too proud to stop and ask for directions.

I fear that I won't be willing to drive that distance again - thus cheating myself on the sights.

I care about other people's feelings, hopes and desires.

I write my best when I feel passionate about the subject.

I love the adventure called life, my children, my family, my friends, and of course my Lord.

In case you haven't already figured out, this is my attempt to respond to Gary Woltal's me-me. Gary is an inspiration to so many of us. http://activerain.com/blogs/woltal

I'm tagging Liz Carter, Raylene Lewis, Karen Anne Stone, and Beth Ann Long.

Those most faithful

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:33:32 -0500

How do you reward those who are most faithful to you?

Do you tell your clients thank you?

Are you willing to gently tell a co-worker that they missed a button or forgot to zip the zipper?

Will you take the time to call or email someone if you saw a comment on their post that would upset them?

Do you allow yourself to have a bad hair, no make up day?

Would you let your dog go swimming knowing that you have to ride in the same car with him/her for the next 12 hours?

How do you reward those who are most faithful to you?

Seeking proposals for FUN in College Station

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:08:17 -0500

What do Austin City Limits, Fiesta, the Houston Live Stock Show & Rodeo, Bryan's Texas Reds Festival, and Chili Fest in Snook have in common?

They are all super fun, annual events that people look forward to. They also all have an economic impact on the cities they are located in. It could be argued that they are all signature events for those cities.

The exciting news is that yesterday at the City of College Station's City Council Workshop, David Gwin, the Director of Economic and Community Development, was authorized to put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a signature event in College Station.

He told council members that a signature event would be in line with the city's strategic plan to make College Station a fun place to be - a destination place. The economic impact could also be substantial. Signature events can have themes related to:

Music

Art

Sports

Nature,

Cultural type of interests

Imagine the possibilities. This is a really exciting idea for the City of College Station to pursue.

For more information on submitting an RFP, contact

David Gwin
Director, Economic & Community Development
(979) 764-3753
dgwin@cstx.gov

Rain Drops Falling on My Head

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:17:43 -0500

Dear Real Estate Diary,

College Station and much of Texas has been in a moderate drought. So, the rain that we are currently getting is a welcome sight. The grass is turning green. It is growing. The Crepe Myrtles trees along the roads are finally blooming. The temperatures outside are actually bearable.

If you think about it, Active Rain can does the same thing for us. Friendships are blooming. Our challenges become bearable when we can share them with other people in the business. AR helps our businesses grow and thrive. I hope that everyone is enjoying the Rain as much as I am.

I decided for the first time ever, to try to take pictures of this beautiful rain with my little HP camera. Although the result was unexpected, I found the result to be kind of fun. Just like Active Rain:

Well, I'm about to emark on my trip to Notre Dame with my son. I'm hoping to meet some REALTORS in South Bend, IN. Maybe I can pursuade them to join AR. Maybe they will do some posts to Localism, so that I can get to know the area where my son will be living for the next four years. Who knows, I may invest in a house there next year.

Have you discovered Snook yet?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:23:32 -0500

What goes through your mind when you pull into the parking lot of the restaurant that you picked out, only to see that the line of people waiting on tables has gone out the door? Are you willing to wait?

In College Station it is not uncommon to have long waits in the evenings and on weekends. This morning, it occurred to me that it would take less time to drive to Snook for a mouth watering steak, than it would to wait in line for a table at a popular College Station restaurant.

Have you discovered Snook yet?

Snook is a friendly farming community located 12 miles west of College Station on Highway 60.

Although residents are very proud of their high school football and basketball teams, they know that Snook is home to some of the best kolaches, steaks, sausage and chicken fried bacon around. Whether you are coming from Bryan, College Station, Lake Sommerville or Caldwell, the Czech-Tex Steak House and Bakery, Sodolak's Original Country Inn and Slovacek's are all well worth the 15 minute drive. (If you can't make the drive, Slovacek Sausage can be found in grocery stores across Texas.)

Just a little hint....Snook may not be the best town to visit if you are serious about sticking to your diet.

Snook is also home to what has been described as "the Brazos Valley area's most anticipated event," Chilifest. It is held every April at the Snook Rodeo Arena grounds. The charitable fundraiser has donated over $700,000 to a numerous charities since 2000.

Basically, Chilifest is a HUGE party in a pasture that benefits a number of great causes.

It features two days of musical entertainment and a chili cook-off. Headliners have included Willie Nelson, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Sammy Kershaw, Mark Chestnut, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Tracy Lawrence, Robert Earl Keen, and many others.

This is a picture of cotton that is about ready to be harvested from a pasture in Snook,

http://www.slovacek.com/

http://www.czech-tex.com/index.php

http://www.chilifest.org

In the You Tube video below, The Texas Country Reporter visits Sodolak's and tell everyone about Chicken Fried Bacon - the food that gives meaning to the term of "personal responsibility."

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

MSC Forsyth Center Gallery

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:49:57 -0500

Last Day for exhibit: Pressed Glass: An American Art and Industry

Today, August 15^th is the last day to visit the Pressed Glass exhibit at the MSC Forsyth Center Gallery which is located on the Texas A&M Campus. Hours are from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

In addition to the special exhibit, the following types of works are on permanent display:

American Brilliant Period Cut Glass (1876 -1917

English Cameo Glass

D.C. Smith Paperweight Collection

American Paintings from the Bill and Irma Runyon Art Collections

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

For professional real estate advisory services,

Call or email Sondra Meyer at

sondra77845@yahoo.com

Rewind back in time

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:48:56 -0500

Dear Real Estate Diary, It is hard to believe that it is already August 13, soon to be August 14. My where did the time go?

Today, did a rewind in time. I rewound back to:

January. Good bye to the old year.

The New Years Resolutions.

February - Valentines Day. The month of love, renewed love, and dreams of love to be.

March and April: Buyers and sellers with their real estate hopes and dreams. Find the new home. Sell the existing home. Move.

May: Students graduating, preparing to embark on a new journey.

June and July: In the real estate world, this is our busy time.

August: A time to briefly reflect. How many of those News Years Resolutions have been fulfilled. Are the buyers and sellers unpacked yet? What is the fall going to hold in store. What is the status of relationships with loved ones?

I find myself somewhat wistful as I write this. It is always hard to part with those who move away.

And as far as those New Years Resolutions go,

I remind myself of Tom Hopkin's Creed of Champions:

"I am not judged by the number of times I fail

but by the number of times I succeed,

and the number of times I succeed is

in direct proportion to the number of times

that I can fail and

keep on trying."

Tomorrow is a new day. Will you choose to fly? Will I?

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

Pride and Spirit – the glue that binds us together?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:39:54 -0500

When you live in a university town, such as Bryan and College Station (B-CS), everyone notices when school is about to start, even if you don't have kids. U-Hauls, pick-up trucks with filled with household belongings, and increasing traffic are hard to miss signs that the students are coming back for the start of a new school year. In the last 24 hours, I've lost count of the number of U-Hauls that I've seen. A bunch.

Along with the new school year, comes FOOTBALL season! Here in B-CS, we have Texas A&M football. We also currently have two public high school football teams: the Bryan Vikings and the A&M Consolidated Tigers. The private schools also have football teams, as well as the schools in the surrounding counties. That is a lot of football.

Now, many of us girls are not really that much into football for the football game. That is unless, we know and really like someone that is playing. However, we do enjoy the camaraderie and the various things associated with school pride, spirit, and the traditions that can be found at football games.

Football... School Pride....School Spirit.

School pride and spirit seem to be glue that binds everyone together. The greater the spirit; the stronger the pride. The greater the pride; the stronger the glue that binds the students AND the former students. The Aggies are a perfect example. If you get the opportunity, ask an Aggie why they love Texas A&M. I promise that you will hear about the Aggie spirit and traditions.

If you think about it, pride and spirit is the glue that binds people together in all sorts of "organizations." Think about your real estate company. Think about your city or town. Think about other businesses. Think about churches.

Have you ever thought about how people communicate their pride and spirit? They find something that symbolizes it.

Consider this statute located at the front entrance to Bryan High School.

What does the Viking symbolize?

"Viking Spirit" was created by Lynn Haste and presented as gift to the school by the Class of 2001.

For more information about Lynn Haste and her other works please visit: http://www.lynnhaste.com/

This viking:

He looks so strong. So Proud. Ready for battle. Is he a leader? Who is he calling?

The sculptor, Lynn Haste, lives in Bryan. She has two other works on display in the Historic Down Town Bryan.

I'll share pictures of those in a future post.

They can also be viewed on her website:

http://www.lynnhaste.com/

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

What is the "RE BLOG" Function on Active Rain?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 08:11:53 -0500

Kay, it says it is for optional commentary on this post. I wonder what optional commentary is? Sondra

The following is the reblogged post from Kay Perry:

This morning when I logged on, I noticed something new to me. What is the 'Re Blog" image inside our blogs?

It may have been there for a while, I don't know. But I just now noticed it. Why would we want to re-blog our own blog?

Could someone please explain?

Have a great weekend.

Did you purchase that painting because it matched your couch?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:58:35 -0500

Why do people purchase art?

As a residential Realtor ® in College Station, I have the opportunity to view artwork on a regular basis when showing different homes. I've also come to love viewing the original artwork that can be different galleries and shops around the College Station and Bryan areas. Lately, I find myself asking, "Why do people choose the artwork that they choose for their home or office?"

(The following artwork can currently be found in College Station, TX.)

Did it match your furniture?

< Painting by Frederic Remington on display at the MSC Forsyth Center Galleries on the Texas A&M campus.

Was it a picture of a place that you visited?

Manhatan Beach, CA ,,,,by Benjamin Knox. Note the picture is somewhat distorted due to the flash and photography. Benjamin's studio is in College Station. He is best know for his paintings that depict the spirit of Texas A&M Univeristy

Did the painting speak to you?

< Painting by Frieda Isbell, College Station artist, school teacher.

Where you the artist? Did you know the artist?

Painting by my mom, Barbara Meyer ....again, the flash has distorted the picture somewhat.

Was it an investment?

Monet print - private collection

Did you purchase that painting in your house because it matched the couch?

Having Problems Today?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:04:09 -0500

We all have problems. Problems are a part of life. Think about the biggest problem you are dealing with. Now imagine yourself telling Bill Gates about your problem.

How would he react? What would he say? Would he even view your problem as a problem?

-----------------------------

Remember:

At the heart of every problem lies a seed of opportunity.

Today, will you choose to focus on the problem or the opportunity?

Will you choose to look at the thorns or will you focus on the rose?

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

Can just anyone participate?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:20:45 -0500

Last Saturday, I visited the Holistic Gardens that are located on the West side of the Texas A&M campus.

I found myself thinking about gardens and the idea that "anyone can participate."

Can just "anyone" participate in gardening? Well, most of us can enjoy the beauty and the fragrant smells associated with gardens.

But, what about those that have disabilities?

Well, the Holistic Gardens have a special section called the Enabling Gardens. The Enabling Gardens are used to demonstrate special gardening techniques that allow those with handicaps or disabilities to enjoy gardening.

For example, different heights of raised beds can be utilized for - for people that can not bend over. Maybe they require a walker or a wheel chair.

They also had a wheel chair assessable A frame bed for plants that grow on a vine.

Another concept demonstrated was a wheel chair accessible bed. With this type of flowerbed, the person can get closer to the garden by rolling their wheel chair under the bed - almost like a table. Each bed is designed to drain towards the back, so that the person doesn't have water dripping on them.

I was also able to visit with Louis Castillo who explained horticulture therapy. In his position prior to joining the TAMU staff, he developed and implemented a therapy program for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Downs Syndrome. It sounded very rewarding for everyone that was involved.

He has some really interesting plans to develop a workshop to teach others how to conduct similar types of programs. (Look for upcoming posts for additional information about Louis's work)

Today, my visit of the Holistic Teaching Gardens also made me really question - just what is the impact of flowers and plants in various people's lives?

For more information, go to:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/holisticgarden/

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

Nation's Largest Beef Cattle Short Course

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:02:30 -0500

This week, the nation's largest beef cattle short course is currently being held in College Station, Texas through Wed, August 4-6. In 2007, almost 1,500 beef producers were in attendance. In addition, over 100 agri-related businesses and trade show exhibitors annually attend the course.

The 54^th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is bringing together the top beef cattle researchers, educators, and industry leaders "to address the most current issues," as well as to provide attendees "with cutting edge information" for use in beef cattle operations.

Yesterday, I heard the following useful tidbits of information that really stuck in my mind:

---- Instead of complaining about the things we can't control, such as the price of fuel, we need to focus on the things we can control. (This certainly applies to the Real Estate Industry also. )

Hay stored in barns will last for years.
Hay barns should be considered an insurance policy.
Use of clovers and legumes can help save on fertilizer costs.
Ethanol isn't hurting the beef industry as much as some people worry that it is.
Treat the business as a business. Plan, montitor, and adjust accordingly.

If you can't make it to the course, you can purchase a copy of the Proceedings - which is a copy of the notes from all of the sessions being offered.

More information can be found at http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/BCSC/index.html

Source of data: 54^th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Proceedings.

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

For professional real estate advisory services,

Call or email Sondra Meyer at

sondra77845@yahoo.com

Did you know?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:24:45 -0500

Texas has over 130,000 beef cattle operations.

The beef industry in Texas is a 7.1 billion dollar business.

Within the last year, fuel, fertilizer, and feed costs have doubled.

-----------------------

This week, the nation's largest beef cattle short course is being held in College Station, Texas from August 4-6. In 2007, almost 1,500 beef producers were in attendance. In addition, over 100 agri-related businesses and trade show exhibitors annually attend the course.

The 54^th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course will bring together the top beef cattle researchers, educators, and industry leaders "to address the most current issues," as well as to provide attendees "with cutting edge information" for use in beef cattle operations.

Personally, I am looking forward to the sessions that will be covering land owner issues, forage management, brush management, wild life management, grazing management, and of course beef cattle business management.

If you can't make it to the course, you can purchase a copy of the Proceedings - which is a copy of the notes from all of the sessions being offered. More information can be found at http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/BCSC/index.html

Source of data: 54^th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Proceedings.

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

For professional real estate advisory services,

Call or email Sondra Meyer at

sondra77845@yahoo.com

Getting squashed while taking pictures of the Brazos River

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:24:21 -0500

Dear Real Estate Diary: I've been thinking about places to cool off in Texas. Almost any body of water has crossed my mind. Here in the Bryan College Station area, we are part of an area known as the Brazos Valley. We have a river called the Brazos River. It marks the boundary of one side of our county.

I've also felt like the Brazos River would make a good Localism topic.

At this point down stream, the Brazos River is not commonly thought of as a recreational amenity. For most of us, it just seems to be there. As we go over the bridges, we might notice the water level, but for most of us, that is about it. I've heard that some people canoe in the river. I've heard about people that have drowned trying to swim in it. And, as I discovered this morning, some people actually fish in the Brazos.)

In contrast, I've heard that in Weatherford, Texas, people buy homes along the Brazos and launch boats onto the Brazos.....If that is true, it is really hard to imagine. Most places along the river here is farm land. Cotton and corn primarily.

Today, as I was taking pictures of the river, I noticed that it is actually pretty.

I've never really taken the time to stop and just look at the river.

But, then again...it may be safer to actually keep driving. Taking pictures on a bridge was a test of how daring I was. By the time I finished, I was not engaging in a turtle run.....I ran. Cheetah like. As fast as I could. My little two or three foot strip on side of the bridge didn't give me the comfort level I needed. Although most vehicles would go into the other lane to make me feel more comfortable, one car did not. That one car that choose to stay in it's lane did me in. Taking pictures of a river from a bridge is not worth getting squashed. No more taking pictures on bridges for Sondra.

The last two pictures of the River were taken in Brazos County. I discovered that the State owns the land around the bridges and you can acccess the river from a side "road." It was much safer way to photograph the river.

First Friday

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:50:50 -0500

Have you ever attended the First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan?

We went last night for the first time and I ended up feeling somewhat like a tourist. I was awed. Granted, we did run into a number of friends, but I found myself viewing the downtown area differently.

Varisco Building

Right about sunset, the buildings looked especially beautiful.

Even though I remember shopping in down town as a little girl, long before the mall was ever built, I noticed details that I've never noticed before.

Carnegie Library

Most people gathered around the LaSalle Hotel to listen to Razz. The band was set up on the sidewalk and treated everyone to jazz and soul music. They were really good.

At the Frame Gallery, visitors were also treated to live jazz and blues music, cheese & crackers, and a cash wine bar. Various types of original art and jewelry were on display. There was plenty of room for everyone to mingle and relax. .

We also visited a couple of antique stores - just because.

For dinner, a choice of restaurants was available. It was a tough, tough decision. We opted for Mexican food at Casa Rodriquez because they had the shortest wait since they were not located practically in the center of all of the activity. Other choices were Los Nortenos, Papa Perez Mexican Cuisine, Mr. G.s Pizzeria, Madden's Causal Gourmet, River Bridge Bar & Grill, and Caffe Capri - one of my family's most favorite places to eat. However, any one of these restaurants would be an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.

This is just a sampling of the activities that were going on. If you are in the Bryan College Station area, I recommend attending the First Friday next month. I hope to see you there.

Howell Building

-----------------------------

The First Friday program is "made possible in part through the City of Bryan and the Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of College Station through the Arts Council of Brazos Valley."

Fountain between La Salle Hotel and the Howell Building

Historic Down Town Bryan.

In front of what used to be Woolworth's.

Sales, sales, sales

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:50:28 -0500

A summer plant sale? Is that the only reason for you to visit the Holistic Teaching Gardens located on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station? NO, but plants being reduced from 20 - 50 percent does provide a excuse for those of us that need to find motivation to get out in this sweltering heat. They will have house plants, herbs, hanging baskets, and landscape ornamentals (If you can't make it, I'll share a few pictures of the beautiful gardens that I have taken on past visits below.)

The proceeds from the plant sales are the primary source of funding for the Holistic Teaching Garden. All profits go to support student workers and buy supplies for the garden. The Teaching Gardens may very well one of the best kept secrets in College Station but I'm trying, in my little way, to help change that.

Details about the sale:

Friday - Aug. 1 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday - Aug. 2 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

It will be held at the West Campus in back of Horticulture - Forest Science Bldg (HFSB) and back hallway inside the building; See map at this internet site: http://campusmaps.tamu.edu/

These pictures below were taken at their Open House in June.

Morning Glories?

Christmas in July?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:11:42 -0500

Dear Real Estate Diary:

Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?

As I sipped my coffee this morning, these words kept crossing through my mind. "Said the lamb to the little Shepard boy. Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song, high above the tree."

Oh my, I've got a Christmas song running through my mind. I've got a Christmas song running through my head in July.

Why?

Is it because I am thankful for my end of month closings? Could be. I am very thankful that the real estate business has still been good in this part of Texas. It is wonderful seeing buyers get the keys to their new homes. And, sellers being relieved that the market isn't really as bad as the media has made it out to be.

Am I thankful that my family and friends are all enjoying their health right now? You bet. Lord...Thank you for looking out over my family and friends. Please share your grace , comfort, and healing powers with those who have not been so fortunate.

Am I thankful for all of the friendship and beauty that fills my life? YES.

As I run through this list of things that I'm thankful for, the words are still running through my mind...Do you hear what I hear?

I am thankful for those that that I have met on AR that take the time to listen. To hear what I had to say.

You've listened and comforted me in times of pain. You've inspired me. You've made me laugh. You've made me look at the world in new ways. And you have shared my "new discoveries" with me.

Thank you! Thank you for listening. Thank you for all of your comments on my past posts. AND... Thank you for sharing a part of your world in whenever you write truly meaningful or fun posts.

Thanks to those at AR who have made this experience possible.

The following link is Whitney Houston singing "Do you hear what I hear."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bwjuV-QbBA

Good news or bad news?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:07:01 -0500

All across Texas, and in College Station in particular, we are asking ourselves, "Is growth a good thing or a bad thing?"

In June, 2008, the City of College Station reported that they issued 41 permits for new single family homes and 9 permits for new commercial construction. Year to date (June) numbers are 341 homes and 52 new commercial permits.

Last year, 952 new homes were built in the Bryan College Station area - that includes Robertson and Burelseon counties. Due to the ripple effects, these new homes will have paid for themselves and the associated infrastructure within two years. The economic impact on from the ripple effect on these homes is expected to continue another 8 years. To the tune of over 30 million dollars in local income and 11 million in local taxes per year. That is very good news.

However, there are still fears that College Station is growing too fast and the city needs to take measures to prevent sprawl.

What do you think about the following statements?

--- Growth doesn't bother most people, unless it is in their backyard.

----Growth doesn't bother people unless something they care about is endangered.

---Those involved with real estate love it when new homes are built and sold. Are they the only ones that should be appreciating new construction?

Sources of Data: City of College Station Planning & Development Services June 2008 Newsletter http://www.cstx.gov/home/index.asp?page=2782 and Dr. Elliot F. Esienberg, Ph.D, economist for the National Association of Home Builders. http://www.bcsbuilders.org/associations/1024/files/Bryan-CollegeStationTX08Slides.ppt

As the author, I would like to note that I am currently serving on a Realtor/Builder Task force that is working to educate ourselves, the real estate community, various representatives within the City of College Station and the public about the various growth management issues that are being faced by the City of College Station.

It is a learning process for all parties involved. I believe that if the various parties can learn to work together as a team rather than considering each other adversaries, our collective efforts can be focused on keeping College Station a thriving community in which we all can be proud to live in and work in.

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

What do you see?

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:09:07 -0500

Open your eyes. Look around you. What do you see? Have you taken the time to really appreciate the people and the beauty that surrounds you? As a native of College Station, an Aggie, and a person that worked in the Administration Building for three years, it still amazes me that I notice new things about this beautiful building every time I open my eyes and really look at it.

Earnest Langford described the Administration Building, which was built in 1932, as "the most grandiosely conceived structure ever erected on the campus."

The Administration building, facing the East entrance to the Texas A&M University campus, has been known by several names.

It has been called the Systems Building, the System Administration Building. Now days, it officially goes by the J.K. Williams Administration Building.

The building was designed in a classical mode by Professor C.S.P Vosper and was built by the college architect, Frederick Ernst Gieske.

The capitals on the 14 columns across the front of the building has portraits of A&M students worked into them.

Although A&M was an all male school at the time, one female's face was included. She was Sarah Orth, the daughter of William A Orth, the superintendent of construction on the building.

Above the front doors are cast stones portraying the father of Texas and the father of Texas Education; Stephen F. Austin and Mirabeu B. Lamar, respectively.

Bronze doors with ornate A&M emblems and Greek figures are backed by beautiful stained glass windows.

Notice the A&M emblems to the right?

Notice the colored glass?

At some point, I'll share inside pictures. The inside is just as ornate, but a little more difficult to photograph due to lighting.

Source of technical facts: Cooper and Dethloff, Footsteps (College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, 1991)

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

For professional real estate advisory services,

Call or email Sondra Meyer at sondra77845@yahoo.com

New Homes, Porta-Potties, Localism, Art, & Perspectives…

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:47:05 -0500

Dear Real Estate Diary,

This evening, I planned to go on a turtle run....but I spent most of my time exploring a a few houses in Williams Creek, a newer College Station subdivision. I was taking pictures for a future post on the costs and benefits of new residential construction. The price of homes in this subdivision that are currently available for sale start out at $475,000.

Although I was in running clothes, I ended up walking and doing some thinking.

Did you know that in College Station there are at least three different companies that provide porta-potties? Who would have thought: "Would you like a blue porta potty or a white one or look, here is another style of a blue one?"

In addition to the various brands of porta potties that I found, I was amazed at the array of different heavy equipment machinery that are required to set up a new subdivision.

When my kids were little, they would have loved seeing the different equipment.....that was way back in the days that they got excited over seeing the garbage man come. Hmmm. It take a little more than that to capture their attention now. And, me....what has happened to me?....I'm out taking pictures of porta potties and construction equipment.

The machine below can do 4 different jobs - that I noticed.

Oh....the effort that goes into making a good Localism post that people might actually read.

Over the last week, I've actually started thinking that the Localism might really be a great idea....if we can write posts that will actually engage readers. To do so, we must actually create the online community that is envisioned.

However, I'm wondering of communities should be defined by interests rather than neighborhoods.

One such interest community in my area is the people that are interested in Growth Management Issues. The B-CS Chamber of Commerce luncheon that had a record smashing attendance demonstrates in this topic. How would you catagorize these people into one subdivision. How would they find what they are interested in if they have to sort through everything.

Ask me more about the Growth Management Issue topic......I LOVE to talk about it..

Another potential "interest community" is the arts. Since the primary source of my income is from real estate sales....and this was a busy week, I've gotten behind on my blogs about the different artists I have met within the last week.

For example, I spoke with Frieda Isbell...the up and coming College Station artist that a very unique, expressive style of painting. She shared some of her newest pieces with me and welcomed any assistance that I could provide in helping her showcase her work. This particular painting, titled "Young Lovers" had been on display at the Texas Gallery, which is part of the Arts Center, back in June.

As the sun was setting, I decided it was time to head home. On my way, I saw the most interesting sunset.

Although the captivating view lasted for a few minutes, I was able to get a couple more pictures and another idea for a future post.

I was wondering, is Active Rain getting you to look at the world from a slightly different perspective?

Photographed,

written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

CALL ME!!!!!

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:08:46 -0500

"Call me. Call me any day and any time. Call me. You can call me any day or night." If you've got a problem, call me! TALK TO ME. We can't take care of the problem if you don't let me know about it.

Ignoring problems doesn't make them go away - especially in real estate. Communication is so, so, so important. If you are a real estate agent, and you are having problems on you end, make sure that I (the listing agent or buyer's agent) know about it as soon as possible. I'll call my client and who ever else is appropriate and let them know about it. We can work through the issues or at least prevent them from getting worse. And, for those of you that are new agents...don't worry...problems come up. It is part of the business. CALL ME

People are remarkably understanding if they know that: a) there is a problem and b) what can be done, if anything, to address the problem. It is never fun to be the bearer of bad news...but most problems can be worked through if all of the relevant parties are made aware of the problems in a timely and forthcoming manner. CALL ME.

If you are my buyer or seller and you have concerns or problems, CALL ME. I can't help you if you are not talking to me.

The same applies to family, friends and loved ones.... CALL ME. Let me know what is going on, whether it is good or bad. Communication is so important. If something is bothering you, lets get it out in the open. CALL ME. TALK TO ME.

----------I'm thinking this might be a handy letter to give out to every one that I start working with...

The lyrics rom the first paragraph above and the the following video clip is Blondie - "Call Me."

Written and posted by

Sondra Meyer CPA/Real Estate Broker

United Country Brazos Valley Realty

1275 Flying Ace Ranch Circle

College Station TX 77845

979-575-2700

For professional real estate advisory services,

Call or email Sondra Meyer at

sondra77845@yahoo.com

Record breaking attendance to listen to an economist????

Sondra Meyer (United Country Brazos Valley Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:58:57 -0500

"Can new construction pay for itself?" Does new construction pay for itself? What is the economic impact of residential development in the Brazos Valley? These questions have come up over and over again in recent months.

Yesterday, the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon featuring guest speaker Dr. Elliot F. Eisenberg, Ph.D, Senior Economist of the National Association of Home Builders. He was presenting his findings of a study on the impact of residential construction in the Bryan College Station area.

Due to space limitations, attendance had to be capped at 400 people. (To put it in perspective, about 120 attendees is reportedly the average attendance for the Chamber luncheons.) People were interested in hearing what this economist had to say.

Dr. Eisenberg, wearing a pinstriped sheer sucker suit with a green bow tie, this geeky looking economist quickly surprised the crowd in two ways.

As a speaker, he was FUNNY and engaging.....I left feeling like that my $10 ticket was best $10 that I've spent in years. As he was teaching us the underlying concepts of how his study was done, he left us all laughing and laughing. The people that organized the event had no clue that he was such a talented entertainer. He is an economist after all.

To quickly summarize the findings of his study. Yes, new residential construction in the Bryan College Station area pays for itself. In TWO years!!! That is better than the national average. That statement factors in the fact that new homes require new infrastructure- fire, police, roads, utilities, education etc.

The study showed that within the first 10 years, the 952 new homes that have already been built in the area will increase local income by $442 million and local tax revenue by $123 million. Those homes will have created 3,622 temporary jobs and 839 permanent ones.

It was also emphasized that more money that we spend locally, the better it is for our economy.

To see the report comparing the costs to revenues for local governments: http://www.bcsbuilders.org/associations/1024/files/BCS%20Net%20Benefits%20Study%20final.pdf

To see the power point slides from his presentation - which are dry.....you had to be there in person to get to witness the humor,

http://www.bcsbuilders.org/associations/1024/files/Bryan-CollegeStationTX08Slides.ppt

Here is a BIG THANK YOU to the B/CS Chamber of Commerce and all of the sponsors for hosting this educational and entertaining luncheon.