texas: It All Started In The Cayman Islands - 10/05/08 11:36 AM
It all started in the Cayman Islands. My daughter Jess was on vacation for a week in the Caymans, her first trip there - she loves diving and fell in love with the islands. While there, she met a young man, Chad, a couple of times. They exchanged internet contact information, … (8 comments)
texas: In Mourning For Las Manitas - 09/04/08 03:13 PM
Las Manitas is - was - is - a downtown Austin landmark for the last 25 yeras. "Was" because it closed its doors yesterday to make way for an oh-so-Austin Marriott. "Is" for two reasons - one, we don't know yet for sure that they won't re-open in a new location, … (2 comments)
texas: Austin Museums - For Free! - 09/03/08 10:43 AM
Every year (this will be the 11th), the Austin Museum Partnership and member museum in the Austin area hold a city-wide, discover (or rediscover) Austin Museums Day - for free!
This is a great chance to get out and explore the numerous museums in the Austin area, ones you've seen before, … (1 comments)
texas: Back to Basics - Garbage - 08/30/08 12:53 PM
We love to talk on here about the beauties of our communities, the parks, the businesses, the homes. We introduce you to the pretty side of where we live, and that's as it should be.
However, when moving into a community, there are some things that are not so pretty, that … (2 comments)
texas: Eggs In My Pocket - Stories of Country Life - 08/07/08 09:45 AM
Our local newspaper here in Georgetown, Texas, is the Williamson County Sun. It has news about the area (rarely national news, unless it pertains to a local), when and where the next fundraiser with good food is going to be, news about local businesses - your typical small town newspaper.
For … (3 comments)
texas: How To Be A Good Driver - In TEXAS - 08/01/08 09:41 AM
Here in Austin, sometimes traffic gets - interesting. It's not that Austin drivers are particularly bad, or that traffic jams are bad in the overall scheme of things (though sometimes locals bemoan how horrible the traffic is, it's not comparable at all to the places where traffic jams are a 24/7 … (5 comments)
texas: Friendly Computers To the Rescue! - 07/12/08 09:50 AM
As those who have been around a while may know, my new name, after frying two hard drives (and making an external backup hard drive not work) within five months, is "Dances on Hard Drives". So you can imagine my chagrin when I went to turn on my computer yesterday morning, … (1 comments)
texas: Mariachis de Jalisco - Muy Delicioso! - 05/04/08 11:33 AM
A few weeks back, one of the agents in our office introduced me to this little jewel tucked into a strip center on Williams Drive in Georgetown, Texas. When we first moved here, this location was a Chinese restaurant at which we ate a couple of times, but that closed long … (2 comments)
We may sometimes seem like a sleepy little Texas town to some, but there's a lot going on underneath the surface! Fortune has named Georgetown #2 in its list of Best Places to Live and Launch because they've discovered what's going on here.
Georgetown is a great place to live because … (2 comments)
texas: KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD - The Original - 03/14/08 02:06 PM
Just about everybody who's heard of Austin has also heard the refrain, "Keep Austin Weird". While that's now been trademarked by latecomers (and NOT by Red Wassenich, the person who came up with it, for whom trademarking is is the antithesis of the meaning of the phrase, and who has a … (0 comments)
texas: Applying For Your Texas Homestead Tax Exemption - No, You Don't Have to Pay! - 03/02/08 12:50 PM
If you've recently bought a home in Texas, or haven't applied for your Homestead Exemption in past and own and live in a home, the deadline for applying for the Homestead Exemption for 2007 is fast approaching. You need to get your application in by April 30. You may find yourself approached … (3 comments)
texas: Happy Birthday, Texas! - 03/02/08 12:08 PM
Today, March 2, is Texas Independence Day. On this day in 1836, at Washington-On-The-Brazos, the Texas Declaration of Independence (written in one day - imagine that happening today!) was signed at the Convention of 1836. As is our wont, this means that it's time for a fiesta! (Throw a rock … (10 comments)
texas: Oh, Go Fly A Kite! - 02/28/08 04:46 PM
No, really. You might get a prize, you never know. It's that time of year again. This Sunday, March 2, is the 80th Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival, a festival that's been going on in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, for far longer than I've been alive. I was going to … (0 comments)
texas: STAR OF TEXAS FAIR & RODEO - February 29-March 15, 2008 - 02/16/08 11:11 AM
Late winter/early spring is rodeo time in Texas. We go see the events, listen to live music, look at the animals being judged for the livestock show and horse show, eat way more than is good for us, and generally have a good old time. This year, the dates for the Star … (2 comments)
texas: What Is Due Diligence? - 01/25/08 12:38 PM
In Texas, when a home goes under contract, it usually has what's called the option period. The buyer pays a small fee (in the neighborhood of $100, but it's negotiable) for the right to walk during a period of (usually, but negotiable) 10 days, during which time the buyer can do … (8 comments)
texas: Drive a Green Machine in Texas! - 01/12/08 08:47 AM
The State of Texas has just released a new program that will make it easier for some folks to drive clean and green (in more sense than one). Currently available in just a few participating counties (including Travis and Williamson in Central Texas), this program gives a voucher worth $3,000-$3,500 to … (7 comments)
texas: Highly Rated Georgetown Fire Department Puts Money In YOUR Pocket! - 01/11/08 04:12 PM
In a rating audit by the Insurance Service Office which rated them on such things as staffing levels, training, equipment, building code enforcement, and more, the Georgetown Fire Department raised their rating from 65 to 87 and, with the addition of equipment, personnel, and other upgrades, achieved a Class 2 rating. … (4 comments)
texas: Not All Rural Property Is Horse Property - 01/04/08 01:25 PM
Take one of our neighbors across the road, for example. No horses on his place (one of the few that doesn't have at least a couple). But he does love his sheep! I was driving into Georgetown the other day, pulled out of my drive, and had to pull over and … (10 comments)
texas: Blogging For Grades! - 12/26/07 08:09 AM
An interesting article in this morning's Austin American-Statesman tells of a professor at ACC (Austin Community College) who requires, not lengthy papers, but that his students in his Texas and national government classes write their papers online, as blogs. More fun for them to write, and for him to grade, he … (5 comments)
texas: It's Time Again For the 37th Street Lights! Huzzah! - 12/22/07 01:36 PM
I haven't managed to make it down there yet this year, but it's once again time for the famous 37th Street Christmas lights. This is something I try to make every year - it's the most amazing experience, world-famous, and all put together by neighbors (not a neighborhood association, but each … (3 comments)
texas: D'Vine Wine is Divine! - 12/17/07 09:57 AM
Last week my sales manager, one of the other agents, and I decided we needed a girls' night out (or at least a girls' evening out). A new place had opened up in Georgetown, Texas, just off the Square, and we thought we'd give them a try. D'Vine Wine is more … (6 comments)
texas: Apparently the Food Really IS That Good! - 12/07/07 05:49 PM
John Kelso has long contributed humor, and the voice of the common man, to the Austin American-Statesman. In fact, I'm having a hard time remembering a time when he wasn't holding forth on things Austin, finding the little stories that make Austin what it is, being the court jester to the … (2 comments)
texas: Fire In the Sky - 11/26/07 05:56 PM
It finally got cold and rainy here this past weekend (it was in the 80's last week, and it will be in the 70's later this week). Weather in Central Texas is nothing if not quixotic (it's one of those places where, if you don't like the weather, wait a minute, … (6 comments)
texas: Citywide Garage Sale, Austin, Texas - 11/25/07 11:52 AM
The last 2007 Citywide Garage Sale, a huge event that's been going on for decades now in Austin, Texas (it predates the building that currently houses it), is this weekend at the Parmer Events Center - if you hurry, you can make the last day today! You can go in search … (5 comments)
texas: Drive Friendly, the Texas Way - 11/22/07 10:13 AM
This has been the motto of the Texas Department of Safety almost as long as I can remember, and before it was official, it was the unofficial motto of Texas drivers all across the state. Of late, I've noticed that with the influx of out of state transplants from more harried … (4 comments)
texas: Here's Your Sign! - 11/22/07 09:04 AM
While doing some research for a blog on another topic entirely, I ran across this wonderful website of signs found while the photographers were wandering around Texas looking at wildflowers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did (bein' from around here). … (3 comments)
texas: Life and Death Living In The Country - 09/30/07 11:27 AM
So often, people comment to me, "It must be peaceful living in the country where nothing ever happens." That's when I know that, if they ever think of moving out of the city, they need to do their due diligence. This morning was just such an example. A few days ago … (16 comments)
texas: Want to Work In Real Estate? How Do You Feel About Herding Cats? - 09/24/07 10:35 AM
On an assignment from our sales manager, I've been thinking about how to describe what I do concisely. I ponder it consciously, but also the pondering goes on in the back of my mind while I'm doing other things. Finally, driving down the street the other day, how to describe what real … (4 comments)
texas: Turn Right Where The Horse Is Standing In The Pasture - 09/21/07 11:01 AM
Country directions - aren't they fascinating? As a real estate agent specializing in horse property, they can be a real challenge sometimes, but they're always entertaining. Nothing so boring as "Take a right on Maple Street. Go left at the stop light at Elm, go three blocks, then take another left on … (4 comments)
texas: Art and Chocolate Benefits Georgetown Animal Shelter - Mark Your Calendar! - 09/19/07 10:54 AM
On September 30, 2007, the Georgetown Animal Shelter and Georgetown Animal Outreach will put on Art for Animals, a fundraiser for the animal shelter. Desserts from local restaurants Chantal's Bistro, Down the Alley Bistro, Laurie's Too, McAllister's Deli, Monument Cafe, Nonna's Cucina, Village Inn, and Wildfire, music by a quartet from … (5 comments)
texas: Getting Back In The Saddle - 08/22/07 11:28 AM
Tomorrow, I'm doing something that I should have done years ago. A little background: a few years ago, I was knocked down by a yearling filly back in the pasture. Simple enough, except that there's an entire hour missing from my life, during which time I traversed 500 yards, through two … (6 comments)
texas: An Eco-Friendly Way Of Dealing With Mosquitos in Texas - 08/12/07 01:10 PM
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. - Dalai Lama Here in Texas, we're in the middle of the time of year (and of the wettest year on record) when the above maeks all sorts of sense to us. Mosquitos abound, and we … (13 comments)
texas: What Is a Horse Property Specialist? - 08/05/07 12:02 PM
Many agents handle horse property. But what makes an agent a horse property specialist? First, the agent should understand one very basic thing. "Acres" does not equal "suitable for horses". Yes, acres are important, but what matters most is the kind of acres that they are. Straight up and down acres … (5 comments)
texas: Farewell, Lady Bird - 07/11/07 05:17 PM
Living in Austin, we heard within minutes when Lady Bird passed (4:18 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at age 94). She was a true and gracious Texas lady, devoted to her state, its natural beauty, the beauty of our country, and LBJ. (Not necessarily in that order.) She managed, while being … (5 comments)
texas: Boy, What a Day! (blub, blub) - 06/27/07 07:30 PM
We had rain last night. All night. Woke up periodically, heard the nice rain, thought, "How nice!" (we have had a drought in recent memory), turned over, went back to sleep. Last night, we'd heard that this afternoon there might be considerable rain, with perhaps flooding, and my husband had said … (6 comments)
texas: The Day The F5 Came to Town - 05/27/07 10:36 PM
It was a quiet, oddly still May afternoon in 1997 when I was walking down the drive to get the mail and noticed what looked like a Blue Norther on the horizon. Odd . . . very odd for this time of year, unheard of, in fact. But I decided that … (6 comments)
texas: ROT Rally! - 05/03/07 09:51 AM
What is a ROT Rally, you ask? Well, let me tell you. A few years ago (a LOT of years ago), my daughter and I were returning from a horse club meeting at a farm north of Elgin. We came the back way. As we were driving the beautiful, twisty, turny back … (0 comments)
texas: Eeyore's Keeping Austin Weird 2007 Report - 05/03/07 09:28 AM
Since this year I had to miss Eeyore's (can't be a show secretary at a horse show in Seguin AND dancing at Eeyore's party at the same time - I'm good, but not THAT good), I thought I'd let a local blogger's report on the 2007 event tell the tale. Keep … (0 comments)
texas: Red, Red, Red, Red, RED Poppy Festival - 04/25/07 07:30 PM
April 28th and 29th, Georgetown, Texas, celebrates the coming of Spring with their annual Red Poppy Festival. In anticipation, poppy seeds are planted all over town, by city officials and townsfolk alike. In addition to admiring the flowers, the festival will have (big surprise, this being Central Texas) live music, the … (0 comments)
texas: I Want To Sell My Home - But Where Do I Start? - 03/19/07 11:01 AM
So, you want (or need) to move, and you have a home to sell first. But it's a big process, and you've never done it before (or did it long ago), and you're not sure what all is involved. Well, never fear! Here's something to get you started. Step 1: It's … (1 comments)
texas: Keeping Austin Weird - Eeyore's Birthday Party - 03/08/07 12:55 PM
Back in 1963, University of Austin Professor Lloyd Birdwell's English class needed a break due to spring fever. So, they had a party for a fictional character - Eeyore, the perpetually depressed donkey from A.A. Milne's "Pooh" series. It was a small affair, held in Eastwoods Park on the east side … (4 comments)
texas: Keeping Austin Weird: It's a Bird! It's a Plane! No, It's SUPERKITE! - 03/08/07 10:18 AM
Go fly a kite! Every March, in a demonstration of Austin weirdness and community, Austinites and Central Texans take this seriously and thousands of us get together and fly a kite. Last weekend, Austin celebrated the 79th annual Zilker Kite Festival (aka the Zilker Kite Flying Contest) in Zilker Park. Kites of … (0 comments)
texas: Happy Texas Independence Day! - 03/02/07 02:02 PM
On March 1, 1836, during the seige of the Alamo by Santa Anna, the Convention of 1836 was held at Washington-On-The-Brazos. Acting quickly, a Declaration of Independence was written and was signed on March 2, and the Republic of Texas was born. (Imagine that happening that quickly now, internet or no … (3 comments)
texas: Georgetown Sees "Good" Growth Coming - 02/24/07 09:07 AM
Georgetown is growing by leaps and bounds. In an attempt to guide that growth for the good of the city, the city has put certain parameters in place. And now we're seeing the results of that effort. A new subdivision is coming to town - Water Oak at San Gabriel, a … (1 comments)
texas: Austin, Texas, A Market to Watch for Luxury Real Estate - 02/06/07 03:01 PM
According to Unique Homes' list of 25 markets to watch in luxury real estate, Austin, Texas, due to such factors as last year's record home sales gains, the University of Texas, two lakes, and the bragging rights to the "music capitol of the world", is number five on the list, behind Annapolis, … (2 comments)
texas: Alternative Fuels May Be The Salvation of Texas Agriculture! - 02/06/07 02:07 PM
Interesting editorial at Country World News regarding alternative fuels and the impact they can have on Texas agriculture. We're not only leading the pack in biodiesel, but we've got several ethanol plants developing, some of which are owned by farm co-ops, a great way of helping the planet and at the same … (0 comments)
texas: The NAIS (National Animal Identification System) and Texas - 02/06/07 01:13 PM
As real estate agents, we need to be familiar with issues that might impact our clients. One of those issues, for people who have animals or who are buying land with the intent of raising animals, is NAIS. There has been much furor since the USDA introduced this idea - the trick … (7 comments)
texas: Austin Single-Family Home Market Still Strong - 02/03/07 04:27 PM
According to the Austin Board of Realtors December MLS report, single-family home sales are strong. December 2006 showed a 3% increase over December 2005, with the median price of a single-family home over the same period rising 4% to $177,500. The year-end statistics showed a 10% increase over 2005, with a … (0 comments)
texas: Biodiesel, Biodiesel, Wherefore Art Thou, Biodiesel? - 02/01/07 11:02 AM
Alternative fuels are a hot topic right now. Well, heck, with first Willie and his BioWillie, and then the President, talking them up, how could they not be? One major problem remaining, however, is how to get them distributed in the same widespread fashion as fossil fuels. An infrastructure is needed … (6 comments)
texas: The Building of the Austin Aura - Bedichek, Dobie, and Webb, The Philosophers - 01/26/07 05:44 PM
Many things in the past have come together to make Austin the city it is today. In a series of blogs, I'm going to revisit them. Bedichek. Dobie. Webb. Three friends whose names ring in Austin history. A naturalist, a writer and folklorist, an historian. They are remembered by Austin in … (0 comments)
texas: Georgetown, Texas, Public Library Has Grand Opening - 01/20/07 10:31 AM
After what seems like a Very Long Time, for those of us waiting with anticipation, the new Georgetown Public Library, in Georgetown, Texas, is having its grand opening today! The event, complete with dancers, singers, puppets, face painters, and more (any excuse for a party!) celebrates the culmination of many hours of work, … (1 comments)
texas: Yet Another Alternative to Toll Roads in Austin - 01/14/07 09:45 PM
In the Austin American-Statesman, there's an article on "Managed Tolls" as a possible alternative to full-fledged toll roads proposed for Mopac and other major routes in Austin, Texas. What the article describes sounds similar to the HOV lanes in Houston and other cities. An advantage would be that Mopac would remain a … (3 comments)
texas: Free Concert Series Returns to Austin - 12/27/06 03:58 PM
In celebration of their centennial this year, the Austin Federation of Musicians is bringing back their Free Concert Series in Austin, Texas, at Ruta Maya and, when the weather turns warm(er), at the Zilker Hillside Theater. This year the series will consist of 20 concerts, two bands each, every Monday evening. Free … (0 comments)
texas: Save the Trees! - 12/19/06 07:57 PM
Georgetown, Texas, has been taking some action to help keep the inevitable growth at our doorstep from destroying the very ambiance that draws people to move here in the first place. Latest in this effort tree protection rules, intended to apply to "heritage trees" of a 26-inch or greater diameter of species … (4 comments)
texas: Beautiful Georgetown Home On One Acre - 12/18/06 11:50 AM
This lovely 3/2 on one acre, with a privacy fenced yard including a swimming pool that is 9 feet deep at the deep end (per the owner), has a sunroom overlooking the deck and pool that is perfect for an office, playroom, sitting room, entertainment area, whatever you wish.
Relax in … (0 comments)
texas: Drive Friendly? - 12/17/06 12:41 PM
For decades, Texas' rule of the road has been Drive Friendly. We even had it on signs on all our highways for a long, long time. And, for the most part, we practiced this, allowing other drivers to merge, not tailgating, not cutting people off, being courteous at four way stops, … (0 comments)
texas: To Smoke Or Not To Smoke - That Is The Question - 12/16/06 11:40 AM
Georgetown, Texas, has a new smoking ordinance (or, more accurately, no-smoking ordinance) that went into effect on December 13, 2006. First, a caveat. I don't smoke, don't plan to smoke, have no interest in smoking, though I did smoke once, about 35 years or so ago, for a month, when I was … (9 comments)
texas: The World Gets Smaller and Smaller - 12/14/06 09:25 PM
Our local world, anyway. State Highway 130 opened yesterday. Another of the new toll roads in Central Texas, this one bypasses Austin to the east, but provides quicker access to East Austin by avoiding IH35 from north of Georgetown down, thusfar, to U.S. 290, with access in Williamson County at State … (3 comments)
texas: Horsin' Around In Texas - Where to Do It - 11/26/06 06:06 PM
So, you're in Texas, you've got a horse, and you want to get out and DO something with your best buddy. Or you don't have a horse, but you'd love to go trail riding on one. But where to go? Here's just a few suggestions. For trailing riding, there are quite a few … (3 comments)
texas: Thanksgiving Traditions - What's Yours? - 11/21/06 07:34 PM
Every family has their own Thanksgiving traditions, grown carefully,bit by bit, over time, a combination of a blending of traditions that people bring from their families of origin and those that they develop themselves. I find these interesting. For example: we have a "traditional" Thanksgiving dinner, that includes turkey, smoked or … (1 comments)
texas: On the Goodwater Trail - 11/13/06 10:50 AM
This is a great time of year to take advantage of one of Georgetown, Texas', beautiful outdoor amenities - the Goodwater Trail, 26 recently completed and connected miles of varied beauty (see photos at the linked site) winding its way around Lake Georgetown. Not too not, not too cold - it's … (1 comments)
texas: Buyers' Market? Sellers' Market? How About Both? - 10/31/06 11:41 AM
I get asked this question often, as I'm sure most of you do. And when I'm asked it, the answer is, "Yes." Or, "It depends." On what? On the price range. Our market here in Central Texas has both a buyers' market and a sellers' market - and what that is … (3 comments)
texas: Who Are We Really? - 10/19/06 12:28 PM
We're all here professionals in some area or other of real estate. But what else do we do? What do we do in the rest of our lives that we bring to our professional lives that gives us an edge in certain areas of real estate, that helps us understand our … (1 comments)
texas: Starry, Starry Night - 10/16/06 02:00 PM
She walks in beauty, like the nightOf cloudless climes and starry skies;And all that's best of dark and brightMeet in her aspect and her eyes:Thus mellowed to that tender lightWhich heaven to gaudy day denies. -Lord Byron Ten years ago we moved from about 5 minutes away from downtown Austin (albeit next to … (3 comments)
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It all started in the Cayman Islands. My daughter Jess was on vacation for a week in the Caymans, her first trip there - she loves diving and fell in love with the islands. While there, she met a young man, Chad, a couple of times. They exchanged internet contact information, … (8 comments)
