Super Bowl Guacamole Dip ~ Yum - 01/31/09 09:55 PM
Guacamole Dip
Makes 1 1/2 cups
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 1/4 teaspoons jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, plus more for seasoning if desired 1 ripe Hass avocado, pitted, peeled, and coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons tomato, seeded, and finely chopped Directions
Mash the onion, 1 tablespoon cilantro, jalapeno, and salt until smooth. Add the avocado and mash slightly (keep the avocado a little bit chunky). Stir in tomato and remaining 2 teaspoons cilantro. Season with salt, if desired. Use immediately.
I personally can't eat jalapeno … (32 comments)

San Antonio ~ Buckhorn Saloon and Museum - 01/31/09 09:01 PM
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
The Buckhorn is an experience to remember.  Providing fun for the entire family, it is actually five museums rolled into one, featuring Horns, Fins, Feathers, The Hall of Texas History Wax Museum.  There are also several temporary and special exhibits throughout the year.  Step into the saloon for food and drinks and visit "The World's Oddest Store."
A couple of interesting facts among many are that some of the largest cattle deals in the southwest were made at the Buckhorn.  Also, Pancho Villa discussed plans for the Mexican Revolution of 1910 at the Buckhorn.
318 E. Houston Street, (210) 247-4000
www.shirleyparks.com
… (0 comments)

Getting Your Home Ready to List ~ Freshness Counts - 01/31/09 07:46 PM
~1 Cleaning - You house should look fresh and clean and detailed.  Clean every nook and cranny.  Make sure your house smells as fresh as it looks.  If you don't have time or just don't want to clean, hire a professional cleaner.
 ~2 Declutter - An overused word, maybe, but decluttering will make the space look larger and  neater, fresher, cleaner.
 ~3 Curb Appeal - Creates an all important first impression.  Have your lawn freshly manicured and looking as green as possible.  Flowers are probably a must.  And if your front door doesn't look so great, replace it with a fresh, new … (1 comments)

Military Relocation ~ PCS ~ Ft. Sam Houston ~ BAMC ~ Randolph AFB ~ Lackland AFB - 01/31/09 06:56 PM
San Antonio is home to the military installations of Ft. Sam Houston, Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB.  Approximately every three years or so, depending on a person's Military Occupational Specialty, a Permanent Change of Station or PCS, occurs.
Whether you are transferring to San Antonio from stateside or overseas, it is a good idea to start planning your move early.  If you are considering using USAA or NFCU moving benefits, call me first.  I offer comparable benefits and will be happy to provide you with the very best in personal service and help you with any … (4 comments)

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa getting closer to reality. - 01/29/09 09:47 PM
This is going to be simply Fabulous!
Via Matt Stigliano (Exit Realty North-San Antonio):
photo courtesy of Brian Struble
(photo is of JW Marriott in Las Vegas, NV as I don't have permission to use photos from the San Antonio site)
If you've never been to a JW Marriott, prepare yourself.
I've had the pleasure of staying at a few of the JW Marriott hotels in my life and they are always gorgeous.  Taking their hotel brand to the luxury level, JW Marriott is a cut above your average hotel.  Spas, gorgeous grounds, luxury rooms, high end service and absolutely amazing restaurants … (15 comments)

Thankful Thursdays ~ Top Ten - 01/29/09 03:54 PM
This week I have been sick in bed.  I really hate being confined to bed. So my list of Top Ten Things I Am Thankful for this Thursday include but are not limited to:

1.  An attentive husband.
2.  Chicken soup served in bed on a tray.
3.  Thermometer
4.  Aspirin
5.  Tissues
6.  Music
7.  The TV Remote on and off button
8.  My daughter who calls to check on me.
9.  My wonderful doctor who never makes me wait.
10. Z-Pak (Azithromycin)
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San Antonio Neighborhoods ~ Steubing Ranch - 01/29/09 11:03 AM
Steubing Ranch is a beautifully planned community of newer homes in N/NE San Antonio.  Steubing Ranch offers quick access to major highways, shopping, entertainment, and excellent NEISD schools. Neighborhood amenities include a community pool and recreation facility, a park and an abundance of trees.
Location: Loop 1604 East, between US 281 and IH-35, exit O'Connor Road. South on O'Connor approximately 1 mile to the Steubing Ranch entrance.  Convenient to Randolph Air Force Base and Ft. Sam Houston.
There are 9 homes currently for sale in Steubing Ranch in the $150,000 - $200,000 price range.  These homes have 1576 - 3217 square feet.

Steubing … (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday~Whale Watching with Flat Stanley~Mo's Restaurant~Cannon Beach, Oregon - 01/28/09 12:02 PM

… (23 comments)

Everyone is Welcome! ~ New Caregiver Support Group in San Antonio - 01/27/09 06:02 PM
Being a caregiver myself I have often felt discouraged by the lack of support and information available for caregivers.  So I was excited to learn that a caregiver life group was being formed at my very own church.
If you are a caregiver for a parent, spouse, child, etc., or expect to be one in the future, you may be interested in this newly formed Caregivers Life Group.  The meetings will be held every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Community Bible Church, 1604 West & Gold Canyon, between Hwy. 281 & Redland Rd.  You are not required to be a member of … (12 comments)

Hey Shaquille, If You Read This..... - 01/26/09 09:30 PM
At least 3 or 4 times a month I get calls and emails from people asking me to provide information on all sorts of information related to San Antonio.  They must have found me on Active Rain! :-) I always make an effort to find the information for them and so far have been successful but this one has me stumped.  Today I got this email:
"Shirley, Could you please e-mail me back what address Shaquille's residence was at Fort Sam Houston. If I remember right it was 363 Clem. I lived at 359 Clem. But that was in 1993 so I can't quite remember. I … (16 comments)

Tired of Hearing Bad News? Here's Good News for Texas - 01/26/09 06:45 PM
Forbes has published America's 25 Strongest Housing Markets and 7 Texas cities are included in the top 25.  They are
#1 McAllen
#5 El Paso
#7 Houston
#11 Ft. Worth
#13 Dallas
#14 Austin
#16 San Antonio
 
Forbes magazine recently asked Moody's Economy.com to compile a list of the country's real estate markets that are nearest to recovery.
According to Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com, not one metro area will see prices increase before the end of this year. At best, the strongest metro areas will be flat and Moody's expects a 15% decline on average in the U.S. … (6 comments)

With Whom Do You Associate? - 01/25/09 10:44 PM
Chuck Miller offers some good advice.  I think this is very good advice to pass on to our children. 
Via Chuck Miller GMB CGB CGP MIRM CMP MCSP CSP (Chuck Miller Construction Inc.):
"Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company."- George Washington - First President of the United States
I consider this quote from our first president good advice.  I have always believed that one of our most valuable assets is our reputation.  When I read this quote after our first day of meetings at the International … (1 comments)

San Antonio ~ Wild West Rodeo ~ January 31 - 01/24/09 10:23 PM
The Houston Street Fair & Market is a FREE event held the last Saturday of every month from noon until 6:00 a.m. 
This month the theme is "Wild West Rodeo."  A cattle drive will start at 11 a.m. along downtown Houston Street, Saturday, January 31,2009.
Features include:
A Longhorn Cattle Drive Buffalo Show Chuck Wagon Cooking Pony Rides Also:
Arts & Crafts Food Booths Pets In The Park Live Entertainment Poteet Country Winery FREE Parking at St. Mary's Parking Garage
For more information visit the website: www.houstonstreetfair.com or call 210-207-7258.

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… (1 comments)

Texas Real Estate 2009 ~ New Construction - 01/24/09 09:22 PM
New construction will be down in 2009, according to the Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.  This will keep inventory down and temper price declines.  Builder price concessions will be somewhat impacted and will vary depending on the local market.  Construction costs will show some decline as commodity prices come down and this will help builders with their profit margins. Statewide there will be a small effect on excess inventory but this may not be true on a local level.  If there is an excess of inventory in particular subdivisions, excess inventory may continue to be a factor.
 
… (2 comments)

Texas Real Estate 2009 ~ The Economy - 01/23/09 06:34 PM
Today it was reported that unemployment is down in San Antonio.  That is very good news! The state of Texas leads the nation in job growth.
The economy in Texas has fared very well compared to most of the country during the past year.  2009 should continue to see more of the same for our state.  However, the Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University says that a downturn in the energy markets, if it occurs, could slow our real estate market. 
Household income will experience slower growth but that will not contribute to higher home prices.  Moderate rent increases will be … (7 comments)

Texas Real Estate 2009 ~ Market Conditions - 01/23/09 12:01 PM
Looking ahead to 2009, the Texas Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University includes some predictions for market conditions in their January issue.
Actual home prices are predicted to possibly increase slightly but this will have no effect on buyers.  Texas Housing will remain highly affordable, but national declines in the housing news will add to negative market perception by the public. Actually, this has been true in 2008 as well.
There will be a lagging demand for second homes and resort homes in Texas due to Alt-A loans and recent hurricane effects on coastal properties.
There is and will be an … (3 comments)

Texas Real Estate 2009 ~ Demographics, Financing - 01/23/09 11:37 AM
The January 2009 issue of Tierra Grande, Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University arrived in my mailbox today.  The cover features beautiful pink roses with a dusting of December unexpected College Station snow on them.  Inside an interesting article about Factors Influencing Texas Home Sales, Prices, and Construction caught my eye.
Regarding Demographics/New Households in Texas, the Journal predicts rapid growth in population and households as well as strong growth in households moving to Texas from other states.
Regarding Financing, the Journal predicts interest rates will most likely change little.  Higher minimum credit scores will be required to qualify for mortgages. … (2 comments)

Top Ten Everyday Things to be Happy About - 01/22/09 12:50 PM
Michael Johnson of Goose Creek, South Carolina has started a new group on Active Rain, Top Ten.  So I thought I would compile a list of "Top Ten Things in Everyday Life to be Happy About."  It is harder to do than I thought.... there seems to be a lot of everyday things I am happy about and thankful for.
I just realized this post fits Mike Saunders' Thankful Thursdays group as well.
1. Babies
2. Little Kids
3. Dogs
4. Coffee
5. Love
6. Books
7. Music
8. Ice Cream
9. Flowers & Trees
10. Sleep
(I kind of cheated on #9)
 
… (20 comments)

Realty Executives Alamo ~ FREE Homebuyer Seminar ~ Jan. 24 - 01/22/09 12:19 PM

Don't miss our FREE home buyer seminar coming up on Saturday!  If you have been thinking about buying a home, now is a great time to get excited about finding the home you have been wanting.  Interest rates have dropped recently, making your home purchase more affordable.  This a true buyer's market.  Whether you're a first time home buyer, a move-up buyer, or helping someone else with a home purchase, you will learn all about it from financial professionals and realtors.  
Saturday January 24th, 10 a.m.
Realty Executives Alamo
2815 N Loop 1604, Suite #104
1604 at Redland Road, east of Hwy 281
210-414-0966
I hope … (4 comments)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Oregon Coast - 01/21/09 09:57 PM

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What Are Clients? - 01/21/09 08:24 PM
Clients are the most important part of our business. Clients are not outsiders to our business; they are our business. Clients are not dependent on us; we are dependent on them. Clients are not an interruption of our work; they are tue purpose of it. Clients are not statistics; they are peole. Clients have needs, preferences, & dreams. It is our purpose to satisfy them.
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...my invitation to the Inaugural Ball... - 01/20/09 10:47 PM
I'm really not political at all.  I don't remember which Republican candidate ran against Jimmy Carter in 1976 and I don't remember who I voted for in that election.  But I did get an invitation to a Carter Inaugural Ball; the one held at the Mayflower Hotel. 
My husband was stationed at Walter Reed during that time, along with another officer we had become friends with at Brooke Army Medical Center.  They were both chiefs of small clinics awaiting the beginning of their residency programs.  Our friend, Tom, somehow was able to get invitations or tickets to all kinds of fancy events in Washington. … (13 comments)

Speechless Sunday ~ Spring Tulip Memories ~ Silver Spring, Maryland - 01/18/09 12:18 PM


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FHA can help first time homebuyers who think that they'd never get in a home. - 01/17/09 09:46 PM
Larry Bettag always has great information to share.
Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:
FHA has had some major changes this past year.  The most negative one is that the downpayment has changed from 3 to 3.5%.  But really that's the extent of negative changes.  The rest of FHA and it's changes have been lateral or better.
FHA is the best thing out there.  Really, as a program, FHA has single handedly saved real estate lending.  You really can't go wrong with FHA. 
First Time Home Buyers can still:
1)  Get a gift for the entire downpayment;
2)  Allow people who … (2 comments)

Mimosa, Anyone? - 01/17/09 11:11 AM
Pantone Selects Color of the Year for 2009: PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa
"Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness and Reassurance in a Climate of Change"
When I hear the word "Mimosa" I think of the drink Mimosa, made from champagne and orange juice, which is often served at brunches or weddings.  Sometimes I may think of the mimosa flower or tree but I never think of "mimosa" as a color, at least not until now.
The Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on color that provides professional color standards for the design industries, has now named a color "Mimosa." Pantone, Pantone.com, states that we are in a time … (15 comments)

Home For Sale San Antonio, TX 4823 Casa Corona St, 78233 - 01/17/09 09:36 AM

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Price Reduction on Rental - 14510 Sacred - 01/17/09 09:32 AM

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Continued Good News for San Antonio - 01/17/09 09:26 AM
This morning I was reading a news story regarding a report by PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance Co) which predicts that 97 percent of the 381 Metropolitian Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the U.S. are at risk to have lower home values two years from now and 12 MSAs are at minimal risk.   
San Antonio is one of the 12 MSAs at minimal risk.  The 10 most stable markets include the Texas cities of San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.  The 10 riskiest markets include cities in California and Florida, as well as the city of Las Vegas.
In the 50 largest MSAs, … (4 comments)

San Antonio Builder Focus - 01/17/09 09:06 AM
For the seond year in a row, San Antonio based FieldStone Homes has received a service award from the San Antonio Board of Realtors for their contribution to the Realtor community in 2008. 
Fieldstone builds energy efficient new homes in California, Utah, and Texas, including San Antonio, Cibolo, and New Braunfels.  Their homes in San Antonio range in price from the $80s to the $200s and in size from 900 to more than 3600 square feet.  FieldStone Homes has great programs to help families get into new homes in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Cibolo. For more information about these programs, call Shirley at 414-0966 or … (6 comments)

Foreign Investors Like U.S. Real Estate - 01/17/09 08:41 AM
The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate reports that the U.S. has been voted as the country with the best opportunity for real estate appreciation.  A survey of the foreign real estate industry found that lenders plan to increase lending by 58% and investors plan to increase investment activity by 73% in the U.S. in 2009.  Two hundred respondantss to the survey reported holdings of $371 billion of real estate assets in the U.S.
An AFIRE news release stated that foreign investors expect favorable investment fundamentals to return this year. Washington D.C. is the top city in the world for … (0 comments)

First Time Homebuyer $7,500 Tax Credit Information - With IRS Form 5405 - 01/17/09 07:53 AM

Via Tom Burris | FHA VA & Conv. Texas Mortgage Loans (DallasLoanGuy.com):
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Information     <= Link to pdf with FAQ and IRS Form.
 
I am getting lots of questions about the $7,500 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit authorized by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
Seems that many believe to be a Down Payment Assistance Program. And it is not.....
But, it could be used to pay closing costs on a FHA Streamline Refinance of a recently closed FHA loan!!! I have a borrower doing that now.
 
REALTORS: Please feel free to share the above document. I … (5 comments)

Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home - 01/15/09 08:31 AM
Now is a great time to buy a home.  Low interest rates, a buyer's market, and a Tax Credit from the Government Up to $7,500.
A First-Time Homebuyer is any U.S. citizen who has not owned a principal residence during the past three years. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes up to a $7,500 tax credit for qualified First-Time Homebuyers purchasing a home on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Homebuyers will be required to repay the credit to the government, without interest, over 15 years or when they sell the home. To qualify … (10 comments)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Mount Bonnell, Austin TX - 01/14/09 09:43 AM

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Jobs In Texas - 01/13/09 06:13 PM
Once again, news that Texas fared better than most of the country in 2008.
The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University says that between November 2007 and November 2008, the Texas economy gained 222,900 jobs, a gain of 2.1 percent, while the national economy lost 1.5 percent of its jobs.
The construction industry added 15,600 jobs during the one year time period in Texas.  4600 of the jobs were in heavy and civil engineering construction, 9500 jobs were in specialty trade contracting, and 1500 jobs were in the construction of buildings.
                                                                                                                                                                      
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The Forest of Garden Ridge - 01/13/09 12:08 PM
I love this new community with its beautiful homes set amidst mature live oak trees on large lots. Located in Comal County in the city of Garden Ridge, The Forest of Garden Ridge is just four quick miles outside Loop 1604 off Nacogdoches Road.  When completed, the community will have a total of only 50 homes... great for buyers who are looking for privacy and serenity.
Currently there are 6 homes listed for sale on the San Antonio Board of Realtors MLS in The Forest of Garden Ridge. Timmerman Cove         2946sf              $461,113 Seminole Pass              3960sf                512,461 Comanche Path            3448sf                520,037 Seminole Pass              4708sf                520,929 Comanche Path            … (1 comments)

~a post for no reason except that I hope you like this as much as I do... - 01/12/09 06:28 PM
When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted by Rudyard Kipling
When Earth's last picture is paintedAnd the tubes are twisted and driedWhen the oldest colors have fadedAnd the youngest critic has diedWe shall rest, and faith, we shall need itLie down for an aeon or two'Till the Master of all good workmenShall put us to work anewAnd those that were good shall be happyThey'll sit in a golden chairThey'll splash at a ten league canvasWith brushes of comet's hairThey'll find real saints to draw fromMagdalene, Peter, and PaulThey'll work for an age at a sittingAnd never be tired at allAnd only the … (12 comments)

Destination Texas - 01/11/09 10:09 AM
Allied Van Lines' 41st Annual Magnet States Report has just been released, announcing that Texas is the top destination state in the country once again.  The report tracks not only the people moving into a state, it tracks people moving into a state minus people moving out of a state, or net migration. 
This is the fourth year that Allied Van Lines has moved more people to Texas than any other state. North Carolina was second, Virginia was third, Colorado was fourth and Oregon was fifth.
The states that have the most people moving out are Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois. 
What are the reasons … (13 comments)

Minimum Credit Standards for VA Financing - 01/10/09 10:22 PM

Via Flagship Mortgage Corporation:
Minimum Credit Standards for VA Financing
 
While the Veterans' Administration does not set a minimum credit score standard for VA Home Loans, the mortgage industry does.  In the wake of the subprime meltdown, many of the secondary market mortgage investors (companies that buy bundles of mortgages) have tightened credit criteria. 
 
The minimum credit standard for lending on VA Home Mortgages is set at a minimum credit score of 580.  Credit Rescoring products are available to permanently increase credit scores.  Ask your Loan Originator for more information.
 
Other criteria than just credit score are also considered … (2 comments)

Everyday Sayings, Do You Know Their Origin? - 01/10/09 10:07 PM
Now and then we all use a few timeless sayings in our everyday speech without known the source of the sayings.  Here is the surprising source of some sayings I have heard or have used myself.
By the skin of my teeth.  (Job 19:20)
A house divided against it's self cannot stand. (Matthew 12:25) This statement is well known for its adaptation by Abraham Lincoln in June of 1858.
At their wits' end. (Psalm 107:27)
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. (John 8:32)
Can the leopard change his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23)
My brother's keeper (Genesis 4:9) … (18 comments)

I Found Money and You Can, Too! - 01/09/09 08:40 PM
YAY!
For some reason today, out of the blue, I logged on to the Texas Unclaimed Property website.  I already knew that I have less than a dollar listed there but have never bothered to claim such a minute sum and really didn't think about doing so.
But today I did a search for my daughter and found that she has a $507 Refund/Rebate Due from The University of Texas.
Then I checked my husband's name and he has a $45 Customer Overpayment from a Medical Organization.
Finally I checked for myself and I still have $0.98 Royalties from 3 separate checks.
If you … (14 comments)

San Antonio ~ FREE Homebuyer's Seminar ~ Jan. 17 - 01/09/09 11:56 AM
Reserve your seat now.  Call Shirley at 414-0966.
You have probably heard about the current low interest rates. You have probably heard the market is now a buyer's market.  And... you have probably been thinking about buying a home, but don't know where to start. 
Now is a great time to buy a home! You are cordially invited to attend our FREE Homebuyer's Seminar on January 24. 
The home buying process can seem complicated so here is your opportunity to learn all about it.  Learn what to do and what not to do... We will help you:
•     Find out how much you … (12 comments)

Welcome home soldier! - 01/08/09 10:35 PM
Although he posted it last month, I just now saw this wonderful video on Simon's blog.  Thanks Simon!
Via Simon Conway (Picket Fence Realty):
I just love this - and I know you will too. This is how a couple of dogs greeted "daddy" after he had been away from home for 14 months!
What a wonderful piece just in time for the Holidays! I have to confess that I'm a little surprised that they remembered him in this way after he had been away for so long, but I do know that this will put a huge smile on your … (12 comments)

Jesus Christ Superstar at the Majestic Theatre - 01/08/09 04:58 PM
Jesus Christ Superstar
January 16th - 8 PM in the Majestic Theatre Show runs January 16th thru January 18th.Tickets: $20.50-$60.50
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the first masterpiece from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971, introducing a new kind of musical theatre. With a score of songs that should be familiar to almost everone, "I Don't Know How to Love Him", "Hosanna", "Everything's Alright", "What's the Buzz", "Superstar", and "Heaven on Their Mind", this original production seems to be as popular as ever. 
Jesus Christ Superstar focuses on the last seven days of the life of Christ, especially the personalities and humanity of … (5 comments)

Quick 'n' Easy King Ranch Casserole - 01/07/09 07:39 PM
Here is another recipe for King Ranch Casserole.  This is the most commonly used recipe (or similar to it)since it is so easy to make.
Quick 'n' Easy King Ranch Casserole Ingredients:Boil 2.5 pounds chicken (with cumin, onion, celery and garlic) then shred10 corn tortillas1 onion, chopped1 bell pepper, seeds and stem removed & diced2 cups grated cheddar cheese1 can cream of mushroom soup1 can cream of chicken soup1 cup chicken broth1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes1 tsp. chili powderMethod:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Combine the soups, broth, Ro-Tel tomatoes and chili powder & blend until smooth.3. Place a layer of chicken in a greased … (17 comments)

King Ranch Casserole - 01/07/09 07:35 PM
I don't know if King Ranch Casserole originated on the King Ranch or not but it is a 'comfort food' here in Texas.  We had it at lunch today.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole ~Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of chicken, without skin and bones4 teaspoons of lime juice1/4 cup of olive oil3 cloves of garlic, minced4 tablespoons of butter1/2 an onion, diced1 red bell pepper, diced1 poblano pepper, diced1 10oz. can of Ro-Tel tomatoes (or you can use a can of regular diced tomatoes and a 4 oz. can of diced green chiles, or if tomatoes are in season, can use two cups of … (7 comments)

100 Subscribers ~ Congratulations Larry Bettag! - 01/05/09 10:58 AM
Larry Bettag is one of my favorite bloggers. I would say he's definitely in my Top 5 or better.  I have often been tempted to give him a shout-out and actually have a post still in draft mode about Larry.  Since I didn't know how many other rainers had discovered him, I wondered if he was a "Hidden Gem in the Rain". It looks as if he is not hidden at all...  This morning I clicked on Larry's blog and see that he achieved a milestone of 100 subscribers!  Congratulations Larry! 
If you haven't read Larry's blog yet, here it is: Lending and everything Midwest - Larry's … (4 comments)

Speechless Sunday ~ Olympic Rain Forest ~ Washington State ~ 2003 - 01/04/09 06:35 PM

 

 
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The Inspiring Story of a Legendary Texan ~ Audie Murphy - 01/04/09 03:06 PM
 
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Wedding Venues in San Antonio - 01/03/09 10:51 PM
There has been some talk of weddings on ActiveRain lately... one in particular. And today I attended a lovely wedding at Oak Hills Country Club.  I just blogged about it.  Oak Hills is a beautiful place to have a wedding and there are other great places to be wed in San antonio.
The Women's Club of San Antonio at 1717 San Pedro.  I have never been inside this lovely old mansion but our fellow ActiveRainer, Judi Morgan, is a vice president of this organization and has pictures of the mansion on her ActiveRain page.
(The historic) Little Church of La Villita.  The cornerstone was laid … (17 comments)

"Winter" in San Antonio - 01/03/09 10:11 PM
The high temperature today in San Antonio was 77 degrees.  The low tonight will be 54 degrees. ummm nice.
Sure, we have had some sweater weather lately.  We even had a fire in the fireplace one night.
But when I look at other areas of the country, I feel pretty lucky to be planted where I am.  I can't imagine my beagle, Snoopy, wanting to go out in 3 feet of snow.  I can't imagine my tuxedo cat, Fluffy, navigating snow, either.  I also can't imagine myself going out in it, except to throw snowballs or build a snowman.
I guess that … (12 comments)

An elegant wedding at Oak Hills Country Club - 01/03/09 09:59 PM
Today we attended a small (about 150 guests) but elegant wedding held at the Oak Hills Country Club.  This was the first time I had been on the grounds of this country club; it is a wonderful place to hold a wedding.
Founded in 1922 as the Alamo Country Club, Oak Hills Country Club was designed by a premier architect of the day, A. W. Tillinghast, "perhaps the most noted golf course designer of his time." Oak Hills Country Club is one of the oldest and most respected private member-owned country clubs in the country.  Arnold Palmer won the first two Texas Opens at Oak … (3 comments)

San Antonio: December's Most Expensive Homes Sold - 01/02/09 08:49 PM
During the month of December, 4 beautiful houses listed on MLS sold at prices in excess of one million dollars. 
1. MLS 731316 - Located in Cordillera Ranch on 4.16 acres, this 4 bedroom, 5 and 1/2 bath, 3 car garage home with 4794 square feet sold for $1,010,000.  The listing price was $1,110,000.  Built in 2005.
2. MLS 738657 - This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 4479 square foot home in Alamo Heights set on .45 acres sold for $1,075,000.  Listing price:  $1,195,000. Built in 1959.
3. MLS 730447 - Anaqua Springs Ranch is the location of this 4 bedroom, … (7 comments)

Hi Everybody... Please Welcome New ActiveRain Member, Alan Langhoff! - 01/02/09 12:03 PM
Please join me in welcoming a really great guy to ActiveRain.  Alan Langhoff is sales manager with Remax Realty Advantage here in San Antonio.  Although I met Alan through real estate, I know him outside of real estate as well. 
I took on Brad Andersohn's challenge to invite someone to ActiveRain on January 1.  I have invited several people in the past but only 2 of them signed up and neither of those blog... despite my nagging encouragement. 
When I read Brad's challenge, one person came to mind and that was Alan; I invited him and he signed up right away.  I … (14 comments)

My First Day of 2009 - 01/01/09 09:32 PM
I just finished reading Huiting Zhuang's latest post on his blog, Huiting Zhuang,Sell your business overseas.  The title of his post is the same as mine, "my first day of 2009."  Huiting relates that he did something today that he dislikes doing and that is cooking.  He cooked for his family today to show how much he cares about them.  Huiting's advice is to do something each day that you do not like doing and that you will feel the difference.  Good advice.
I also did something today that I really did not want to do but I did it anyway and I'm … (7 comments)

Happy New Year Black Eyed Peas - 01/01/09 10:32 AM
In the South it is a tradition to have black eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year.  Although I descend from a long line of Southerners dating back to the early 1600's, I find it a little curious that this tradition was never observed in our household while I was growing up. However, our family often enjoyed my mother's black eyed peas, whether prepared from fresh peas or dried peas.  Here is a black eyed pea recipe that is probably similar to the one my mother used, although I don't remember hers including chopped onion.
1 pound of dried … (13 comments)

 
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Shirley Parks Broker 210-414-0966 San Antonio TX Homes for Sale

San Antonio, TX

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Sands Realty 210-414-0966

Address: San Antonio, TX

Office Phone: (210) 414-0966

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Sands Realty is a San Antonio-based independent residential real estate company committed to excellent service and exacting standards of honesty and integrity in conducting business. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We serve all areas of San Antonio, including Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Boerne, Bulverde, Castle Hills, Champions, Cibolo, Converse, Deerfield, The Dominion, Encino Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Inwood, Leon Springs, Monte Vista, Northwest San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Northwood, Olmos Park, Rogers Ranch, Schertz, Shavano Creek, Shavano Park, Sonterra, Stone Oak, Terrell Hills, Universal City, Ft. Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB. We proudly assist clients in every price range throughout the greater San Antonio metropolitan area as well as across the nation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Through our real estate web site, www.shirleyparks.com, you have the ability to search virtually every home for sale in the San Antonio area.


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