Sal & Barb's Site

the blinking Red light...on your home phone

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Mon, 06 May 2013 09:43:36 -0700

This is really just for those of you who still have a 'land line' connection within your home.

As I sit here at my desk area, on my left is a Land line phone.

When we changed our phones over to Comcast / Xfiniity [which is very good AND fast] we were unaware that there was [ is ] a
Trick to utilizing the "Red Light signal[s]".

Previously, we would enter a room with one of our three land line phones and check for that 'flashing red light'

Can you 'see' the Red Circle?. that is where the small red light always blinks [ on this photo, naturally, the light appears Black]

NOW, you must click the right hand size "cid" button to see IF this red light means Actual calls.

Should that be the case, then you must move to the Left bottom "Menu select" button. Then on & on through the selections

One would think that in this day & age this type of communication system would be a litle easier.
I have discovered that if you move your fingers in a certain rhythm, you can fly through the choices.

I particularily like the main selection window or Choice window.
If you are a quick reader, you can pattern both hands to let you move through this process at a great speed.
In fact, at times, you can actually find that you have deleted ALL your calls without not actually mentally register "from whom"
they came.

Shucks!
My balanced point remains--'if it was important' you can walk upstairs & use one of the other two phones.
Should you delete those [or should your spouse have already done so ] then 'Game Over'.

We believe that IF it is important, the call will come again. {Hopefully]

Now that our Home is close to:
...hearing from the one remaining person who will assess or appraise [ they have already had 8 days to so do ]
...actually moving forward to "Closing", we really don't want to play with records of calls received.

Soon, soon, we will find this to be totally funny--
Not Now!

Not Yet!

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

When the "stars are aligned"

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:58:35 -0700

As you know , we are in the final processes of selling our Home here in Macomb Twp, MI;
...at times [ of listing or selling...] time seems to pass slowly
...at times the speed of the entire process can be breathtaking
...at times the process can feel "stalled"

During our ownership[s] of various places, we have experienced all three of the situations above.
This Home in which we now reside was one of speed. We had 4 [four] days in which find our new place. You see, those buying our then home gave us the weekend, plus Monday to find a place for us. {Do know that they had seen the 'then' home during proceeding weeks.
They did not proceed until their deadline was into it's last week--thus the 4 days.

We laughed & looked around for our then "new" Home.
Did find one & since owners had moved most items to Cyprus, we were assisted by a relative.
Not having 'extra' hours to waste--we decided that this could be The home for us and proceeded with a quick inspection.
Long story made short--did purchase and sell by the following Wednesday.
Because we had already packed many items, the actual move was speedy for us.
Naturally, items of "interest" were discovered after we moved. Some were fixed by male owner. We loved it for 16 years [this August]

It must be this Home--
You see...We signed to sell--[this time]
Home was listed on Realtor site with only 2 [two] pictures [never did place others]
Out on road & received call from Office
Returned home to discover that 4[four] clients wanted to see home, starting in 1 hour
Did quick spruceing and by 5:00 p.m., the clients arrirve [almost every 1/2 hour]

The soon to be owner was #3 that day.

Second day: they had scheduled 5[five] more viewers--only 4[four] actually showed.
The third day had 4[four] more showings scheduled

The next owner [ should all work out] is the 3rd client from the first date. We agreed on day 3. [Realtor cancelled showings]

Received call last night [ Wednesday} that his home closed. Almost time to jump with Joy.

Still waiting for the final appraiser to show up here AND for the Bank to do what it is that they do.
Now here is where we sympathize with the hopeful owner, but we can also utilize all the days that we can get without having to Pay $$$$ to new owner. [Not nice! I know}

Through all of this, we have been discussing what we will move to Florida, what to donate & what to put outside for anyone.
Today Sal took some photos of our china & display curio to local Churches--we received a phone call from a retired, but still active Priest who said that he would really appreciate these items.
Sal called him back and it is sealed.

this is a photo of just what we are so happy to give to him"

How neat to know that Sal's Mom's dishes will be in a new home soon, but we too are happy to know just where this chest will be spending it's new days, {years} too.
Also included are some of my Mon's glasses, glass plates & glass small dishes.

What a great two days we have had.
What a speedy resolution to our move.
What a fun feeling to know that these items will be in a new Home soon.
So great to know where they will be "living".

I only wish that we had sound on this site. If you could have heard just how Father spoke on the phone.
What a beautiful sounding voice.
What wonderful excitement in his voice....almost made me cry.

Love to know that Mom's dishes will be in such loving hands--soon and for the rest of their days will be living in their same place.

Just had to share!

Perhaps it is OK to start getting excited, even though our plan of action is to not do so until we leave The Office holding
"paper work and, of course, The check".

Thanks for sharing our very quick experience.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Rain is gone...Time to finish outside work...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:22:53 -0700

Today is really an exciting day;
A need to move type day [no pun intended];
Time to finish Job stopped by rainy weather.

You see---it appears that our Home is sold--
..saying 'appears' because until you are holding those 'Special Papers' nothing is final in this business.

Today I went back to an earlier posting that I had not acknowledged due to step walking difficulties and the greater news of last week.

Now the time is available for me to work on this computer and read/comment, & it is Time to post.

Selling a Home is great for the owners and possibly more so for the Realtor[s].
Strange as it seems to Not be the Realtor, it is somehow even more fun to be in this position as Seller.

Since we first listed, we have had some time to uncover, remove ; and quickly place some items on display.
Have NOT had time due to rains, to completely remove growth [?] from the winter months on two planters and will get to that when the sun is finally out. It is looking good right now out there.

When this posting is complete, I am going to see if it is truly rain-free out there and get to work.
First, would like to show you some of the "Items" out on display.
[Must explain--possible new owner stated that growing flowers does not 'take' around him; "They die on me"; these won't.]

Cannot move outdoor statues-little ones--to new Home in Florida [Hurricanes!!!!}
Therefore, what to do with all our little guys hanging around us for years???

Solution::
Let me show you now:

Usually has growing flowers Two pals on side proch

Just sitting around--side of house--near Front street

Front porch--Notice Red containers

Pal on the right side

On the Left side

AND::::::

Naturally, had to give our Agency Sign a placement too in this posting.

Though we are no longer working there --in Sal's case or on computer work --My area--
they are still top of the Line.

If you are so inclined, would you join us in a heartfelt plea to the powers out there---
for a quick, and fruitful conclusion.
Thanks

[please excuse type placement on final--cannot fix]

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Rain, Rain...Go Away--Can you say "Flooding"?

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:49:53 -0700

Over the years that we have lived here in Michigan--[for Sal = all his time out of the Coast Guard
& for me = all but teaching in OH & IL]
We have had our share of storms.
Storms that run the scale of mild to strong.

Last evening and most of the night, to be accurate, our storms combined lightning, thunder,heavy rain fall and Noise.
During these 'Spring Showers that will bring May Flowers' the house seemed to shake & vibrate.
Actually, this was just the effect of the fact that I was sitting in the great room under 16'-18' center heigh ceiling..
Almost decided to go down into the basement, then I remembered that this type storm usually ends with our losing power.
Believe me you don't want to be down there in that blackness.

This time---did NOT lose power at all.
This is very good thing.

The storms did cause some situations around this part of Macomb County.
The water is standing in areas around our home where one doesn't want water to stand. Infact, the ducks who come to eat did not appear to like the puddles either. They do live East of our area near a stream &/or by the lake farther East.

Each time the rains come this hard, 21 Mile Rd just East of Romeo Plank Rd. floods.
Now normally this would not be anything more than a nuisance. However, as this is a main road to numerous schools that are East of here, it can be a problem.
Previously, the waters would flood over 21 Mile Road so heavily that the Road commission would close it until waters receded.
Now those of you who have Junior High & High School Students are aware of the mixed feelings of these age groups. If the parent is doing the driving or the kids are on the buses, the trip will continue.
We have zero school aged off spring, so usually do not take this roadway during & after the storms. However, as we are not always on this road we can come up upon the residual waters. A fun ride in Sal's low to the roadways Caddie.

Makes you want to lift your feet. Just in Case.
Only if you are riding shotgun, that is. Driver must keep feet upon the gas pedal and readt to hit the brake.

Just heard more thunder but have zero knowledge of actual weather conditions outside.
With glass block windows one can only see shadows.
With zero sunshine--not too many shadows are visible.

The greenness of the grass out there is a very good thing,
One can also see the brownness of too many areas- Hopefully, these rains will help.
Not a very good look when one is putting the home on the market.

That is our plan of action planned for the middle ot April.
We are committed to this program.
We are so ready to make the move to Florida--Vero Beach area.
Once it is on the market, then our Fl. Realtor will become one of our 'Best Friends'.

[Then the nerves may kick in as well].

As we become 'the seller[s]' and not the agent[s] the entire situation changes focus.
Have done this three times already, but this is a Real move out of the area.
The local Realtor that we will be using is unaware at this time of our choice of him.
Soon! Soon!

Those of you who are living in the sunshine this day--Enjoy your time there.

Those of you who also are sloshing around in the rains--do know that you are not alone.

Those of you who are still experiencing the snow & coldness of Winter--take care! You are in our thoughts / prayers--stay Safe.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Still inside on a Saturday in April...oh well

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:30:20 -0700

One thing about our weather this year is the maddening changes from warm, to cool to really cold for an April date. We have lived long enough in Michigan [actually very long Ha!] to know that spring here is simply a word in conversation.

When that poor creature was lifted out of his winter-sleep by those gentlemen in top hats, it was a 'Given' that this year he would turn the tables on THEM and show them--whatever it is that they actually see--that an early Spring was going to be the result for 2013. Perhaps, he was aware of the number '13'. don't know, but this is Not an early Spring around here. Not at all even an early Spring.

We have had some 50's. here and there. then and now, once in a while.
Not at all enything that actually begins the Spring buddings.
One year [ 10 years ago or something like it] we actually had an April that bloomed warm and never looked back. Oh the memories.
To be truthful in the telling, that was the year that had early allergy like reactions to the wonderful growths outside. All in all though it turned warm in early April and never looked back.

Really, really want to get out there and start the final cleanups needed to present a good looking yard.
So ready to remove the winter doldrums that become part of outside areas due to snows,rains, wind and cold.
This is a good time for me to actually get in action as now am able to walk on flat surfaces and these gardens have only a slight rise to them.

Have practiced the speech to the winged-friends that visit our yard concentrating on ' please do your dropping on the grass that is mowed'. So much better than to see them on the Black wrought iron feeding stations. {Do this every year.]
[[Every year we get the same results--totally ignored]]

Even am looking forward to the 'replacement' bags of deco stones to fill in those areas that are removed each and every year. However, this is totally an upgrade from shoveling and wheeling the 'wood chips'.

Just looked up the the outside window to my left and it looks as if it has become darker out there. Can't really se as we had glass block windows put in so everything appears in waves of dark and light. Much more preferred to a curtain. Totally better than being on display to anyone who likes to look into one's basement.
Ok so I'm a tad uneasy about having a view into this area. Have discovered that I work better when I know that I am not visible to the unexpected viewer.
Didn't really cost that much either and was placed into the wells before office items were placed.

While crusin' in the Rain, it is fun to read about those of you who actually have spring flowers, warm weather & 'house hunters'.
Since we are no longer the agents but the owner-sellers we are so ready for sunny, warm weather.

To all of you enjoying true Spring weather [as in actual warmth & sun shine], please send a notice to the weather controller that we need similar weather.
OK, am aware of the verse / words of "Spring showrers bring May flowers" and the other such , but for now we are so ready here for warm sunshine and all that implies.

Have a good rest of this weekend.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

To Blog or Not....Now or later

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:01:43 -0700

Interesting phenomenon! Think that I read 'in the Rain' that only those blogs written during certain hours of the day were awarded points.

Couldn't find that info no matter how hard I tried
Decided that it really makes no difference....yet.
You understand that with this goofy left ankle determining when I make it down here, it hardly matters anyway
These postings are decided based on going up and down the basement steps.

Usually, this is a daytime process...which more than likely fits within the parameters of "time to post & reap points.
Lately, as we are cleaning, packing, or establishing priorities of "what goes, what moves, what can be donated", our working
hours have changed.
Today, Sunday 3/24/13 for example has determined the times spent up or down within this Home.
...getting ready to move is a 'repeat' process for us.
...last time it happened was 16 yrs ago.
...in those 16 years it appears that we have accumulated "Things"
...Things that can be treasures, items to donate, or things to be given to others---new owners?, .

we [wisely] decided that there are two reasons fo leaving these items here:
...the Weight of the marble table & side table makes for very "heavy" manuevering.
...and asking 'will a Florida Home need two dining areas or rather 'will that home have two such areas?'

Must state here that the marble dining table and side serving table will be missed [more by me than Sal]

Should new owners not want then we call a Donation place.
Once this decision was spoken aloud, the 'fact' was easier to swallow.
Someone will love it as we did these past 15 years.

Other items to consider in this pre-move packing is:
...what can be placed into areas or corners in basement.
...being careful of leaving items needed by us accessible.
...knowing that the movers will "pack items" in their own containers, not our boxes.
...once ready, choosing those items that can sit in a storage area as well as packing those items needed by us.

All our other moves, including those made by me alone, only needed boxes that fit & were identified in my writing.
Have Never had others pack items, much less store them until a Home has been purchased.

It will be just the two of us, but still letting our things be packed by others [no matter how great] it just so hard to grasp.

Interestingly, I think that only applies to personal items;
...dishes are just dishes
,,,cooking items, the same
...towels, and such items
...as well as all furniture
these items are fine and will be ok for others to pack.

Our new problem is that we have sold the Buick big car-Rendevous and only have the smaller Cadillac. This will be very interesting
as to what each of us is allowed to bring & what must be placed upon the Moving Van after being packed by movers.
I can 'see' a situation where I take all undies with us & hopefully some clothes Ha1 Ha1.
I do have the largest suitcase come to think of it.
As long as I am not around while the packing is happening, I'll be fine.

My computer will be packed & Sal's being a laptop will take the drive.

Now all that needs to be done here is :
...our son needs to get his ducks in a row [have promised to help]--and move out.
...areas that need repairs [very few, Yah] need to be taken care of
...the weather needs to be much more Spring/Summer like before potentials come inside
...Realtor needs to be the last item--that sounds very wrong, before Home on market.

Our area of Macomb Township in Macomb County, Michigan is seeing some action.
we are helpful that this Home will see New Owners and we can move SouthEast to warmer temps.

The Doors outside the fenced area are waiting for new owners to enter.
in the fenced area--back of Home--are the Doors that open into the back of Home.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

3-13-'13...One day ago........

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:29:02 -0700

3-13-'13...
--on the World stage we saw the election of the new Pope---Francis 1.
watched the news reports
saw his first appearance at the "window"
loved his silent appreciation of the people gathered before him and FOR him.
so impressed by that crowd
very moved by the Pope's actions of "his appreciation" of all who gathered.
One great day.

3-13-'13...
...on a stage much, much closer to us---on Napoli Lane, Macomb MI
nothing dramatic except for our 'pre-move' preps
going through closet by closet, Ha! [haven't even touched most ]
discovering items found on or in areas unexplored for numerous years [ seen, but not actually touched unless cleaning]
remembered how much I dislike the actual work involved
reminded myself that this is not a TV show nor a Movie where all these things happen in swift time
home not yet on the market, This is simply prep for bringing in the Realtor.
can totally appreciate those owners with whom we spoke when in the business
can honestly state that this process is not one of my favorite experiences
Could, but won't hire anyone to come in to 'work the place'-have a thing about our things being man-handled by strangeers

Gee, do I totally need a mental shake up.
You see, I have this strange belief that others only come onto the scene when One-is-Gone [physically, actually, dead]
That is not the scene here.
Actually, I suspect that if that was the situation--
...I would still be directing from 'there'

So it does appear that:
...we will be going through closets, cupboards, cubby-holes & all storage places around this home [spell check did place a red-line
...Under the word 'cubby' but gave no sub-word that I saw, so...left it as is
...one does not remember how many places one has until...until one has to remove items of personal nature from all areas
...and one around here is defined as "US"
...once the areas are cleared, then the saved items must be "placed" somewhere

Oh well, will cover that when the time is here
Actually, we want to have a Spring on the market time

Spring, the time of:
...the new,
...the clean,
...the growth
...the freshness

Oh, gee, even the words do not help now.

By the way, you should see the area [down here] that are set up as
...donations
...keeps
...discard
..."don't know yet"
...clear off for son to take with

This is not a fun thing to schedule on one's calendar of life
This is nothing I would suggest as a relaxing experience for all to undertake
This is not a thing that even qualifies as "Spring cleaning"

This is a time when if it must snow then 'do it now", then working down here [or around the rest of the home] will not be so bad.

Ha! Ha! nothing written on that line of thought can ever be true.

To make this all the more unsettling is the thought that
all this may be "for nothing"

It is so different when one is the potential seller

Well, time to stop avoiding the reality.
Time to pick up and [shut up] and
"Get Back To Work"

Before I close this today.....just received a phone call from the 'lawn service'
did not answer
you see, NOT My Job Ha! Ha!

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Signs of Spring...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:56:08 -0800

Here we are almost the 10th day of March.
Tonight or rather tomorrow at 2:00 AM
2:00 A.M.---Really!

All of you who are affected will be up...

...running around your various domain areas doing the 'yearly' switch /es
...trying to get your fingers to actually maneuver various knobs, switches, or dials
...so ready to welcome Spring by resetting all, ALL time machines [ as in keeping time]
...after all are ready for the Big Switch to "daylight time"

...you can retreat to your sleeping areas safe and sound.
...knowing that on the morn of 3/10/13 YOUR home will be in sync with the great London clock.

Really?!?
Not in this Home.
Never staying up to make that switch in clock workings.
Two of our actual clocks [that are somehow connected to "The Big Time Keeper in London??]
And the four TVs connected to the [in our case] "Great Infinity"

Even if I somehow am up at that Hour, by choice-no clock / time changes will be made in this home.

Love the Signs of Spring
...even those made by decree
...actual changes in the weather
...changing from snow falls to rain storms
...seeing the return of a group of Brownish-Black birds to our feeders.
...all these signs of weather /seasonal changes coming here to Michigan

Every snowfall from this time onward can be made less bad [except for those in the winter recreation business]

As we move around our neighborhood, should we be so inclined, visible signs of Spring growth can be seen.

On that note---that announcement---that sweet feeling of warmer temps
Let me share with you pictures of "Our Spring-like growth"

Now.....I ask you, are these not true signs of spring!

As you can see, we have two [2] such examples of early Spring growing in our garage.
Did bring them inside on Monday this week....but with the warmer temps within our Home [71]
the wonderful "Signs of Spring" were quickly returned to the garage.
...did place them in a bigger plastic tray
...did add water to this tray
...did discover the smaller onion also expressing itself in "spring growth"
...did remove all the "smells" of Spring as well.

Have fun discovering your own "Signs of Spring"

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Snow and Cold...but not Bad...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:17 -0800

Friday has come and so has the snow which started early this morning.

At this time we have had about 2-2.5 ".
After all the amounts in the news lately--this is not only manageable, but also is a non-issue.
May this be the total result of this storm. But....don't hold your breath just yet.
The best news of this storm is that with many schools having "Winter Break" or whatever they call it, many buses, cars & walkers have not been out on the school routes.

One thing that these storms have brought to view in our area is the actual number of Homes that have almost perfectly clear [of snow] roofs. That is something that does not bode well for the insulation within these Homes.

Many of our Homes,in the immediate viewing area, still have some snow upon the roofs.
Though it has been melting or leaving during the day light hours, it is still cold outside.
For those Homes without any snow visible upon their roofs I suspect that these Homes are hot during the summer.
This is a situation that can be remedied even in the winter by the addition of needed insulation within the attic spaces.

This coming week our area is predicted to have 30's to upper 30's outside temps. A perfect time to have those insulation companies come to examine, inspect and repair the insulation within the roof spaces.

One can choose the type of insulation, based upon installation-of said, that can be used within their spaces. For example, in our Home all such must be blown in or rolls passed to worker to individually put in place. During some earlier "looking for the leak-area' in our roof, we discovered that the access in the garage only allows SOME roof / attic ?? access. All the rest of possible access is found within a bedroom/ room in the North section of the Home. This area is on the total-footage of the 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms along the North/East portion of total Home. The poor gentleman who discovered this was attempting to install ceiling lights in the Master bathroom.

This is the area reached
through the garage.
It includes the garage itself [right hand area] the side entrance / laundry [middle roofing] and the Kitchen /Dining room [shown in the lowest roofing].

The rest of the roof/Home is accessible through the North-East smallest bedroom closet.

In this view, the Dining Room is seen on the right hand side.
The front area over the porch is not open inside while the remaining total left hand side [bedrooms / baths] is the area accessible through a second bedroom [ the front windows on the left-had side are the Master]

If you can see the chimney, you can see the "points" on the chimney; we call these the "portals" since they look to very interesting and strange. They serve only one purpose and that is to keep 'strange beings' from entrance into this Home.

The skies still look as if there is a promise of more snow, but the temps are not to be too cold for the weekend and the week ahead.

I wish good weather for all in the AR.

Remember: the Groundhog--Pete promised an eaarly Spring.

Waiting is hard.

Waiting is Promise.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Sun is out and BRIGHT...rain, snow, sleet and wind are on the horizon...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:09:37 -0800

Hopefully we will not be the recipients this time ! Must state that it is cold with a capital C. but thus far the predicted weather changes have not happened in our area of Michigan.

The above fact will make driving in & out of our sub. much easier;
This Home is a corner lot with the side street [E / W] being a short connector between two N / S streets. In fact that street is so short that it only has eight homes' garages / driveways that it serves. Because it does connect two N/S street-lets however, it is quite busy.

It is funny as both of the two Main streets [Garfield & Stephanie..N / S] have access to 21 Ml & 22 Mi. [E /W] with one side street [Heydenrick] that is also E / W. [about half way between 21 & 22 mi. rds]

Just try and give verbal directions to drivers who are 'turned around' inside this sub.
The main rule is to not make 'eye contact' and pray that drivers try to look knowledgable most of the time.

ANY W A Y ...the reason for the road mapping above is IF it does present us with a large, heavy snowfall our sub -- or our section of said-- will not get plowed quickly, if at all, The busses run the Main E/W roads only with a very few routes within the sub for Kindergarten students.

This is a very good and much safer routing of the busses in all weatther and expecially in bad weather.
When we had a Firefighter/ & a Policeman living on our street, it always got plowed.
We all noticed it when they moved from our area. We do wish thim well and we do MISS them in Winter--Ha.

Having kept up with our Nations weather this season I do hold many of you in my prayers. the reports on the TV are not very promising. I suspect even the hardiest of our young are staying indoors during this storm.
Those who must be outside both working & driving do need our special thoughts . In fact, they should be in our thoughts during each & every day no matter what the weather--however, this is not the norm at least around our area.
Also, one other area that needs to be mentioned is that of the 'working-outside-the-Home-Parent' who suddenly discovers that the school has closed and their children are going to be Home with?????

So stay safe, stay warm and enjoy your snow-vacation should you experience another one.

As this is finished i do notice that the sun is still shining outside very brightly and although very cold, it still does not look to be moving toward 'bad' weather.

Hopefully these views will always stay 'in our memory books'

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

February...you know what this means....Hearts & Flowers

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:18:29 -0800

Ah Yes, Hearts, Flowers, and SWEETS.
...What a wonderful concept!
...What a great experience

The Guru shows you just what fun this can be:

Meet Alf the Guru of Sweetness....

How can you not agree with ALF? !
He is the symbol of "selflessness", "giving", "sweetness".

Well, he does like to eat.
...he does like to be 'loved'
...he does like to be the 'center of attention'

What more could you ask for from such a sweet-looking, fun-loving, all-around-good-guy.

Though it is still snowing here in Michigan, Alf joins us in wishing you all a great Valentine's Day to Come.
Sending this wish early assures you of a great Day on the 14th of this Month.

Alf, of course, would appreciate your sending him his favorite food treat on this same day---
....Cats.

If you know about Alf, you do know that on his planet they EAT Cats. We won't allow him to 'knosh down" on any local cats so he does need your help. Should you be so inclined please send him photos of cats and he
can pretend to his heart's content.

Maybe then he will be happy to be hanging around our domain a little longer.
However, should he move with our son, he will be living with lots of "Cats"--as in that home little, hairless, expensive cats are bred,

Alf is having sweet dreams of "moving Day".

Interestingly---SO ARE WE--Ha Ha

A very early Happy Valentines Day to you and yours

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

It is the 31st day of January...Where is the time going...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:19:50 -0800

Cannot believe the passage of time here.
Suddenly it is the End of January and personally do not know where the days have gone...
Well...that is not entirely true..do know where they have gone, just not happy about the passing.

So to speak... This first month of 2013, we have had Winter...Fall...a few days of Spring and Now Winter once more.

The saying that Michiganders or Michiganians [pick your choice] have floated around for as long as I can remember of 'It's Michigan--today at this time it is ________ degrees; Stick around & it will change' .

It can be fun living through these weather movements and all the other States who do the same thing, can attest that at least our winter months are usually never boring. However, I personally have had enough and am ready for Florida.

Florida at least in the area of Vero Beach [non-water area].
That part of the State has [usually has] great breezes and warm, WARM temps. I am so ready for that.

As I find myself as a shut-in of sorts due to the wet, slippery walks I can only dream of being able to savely move around outside. By the time that we probably will place this Home on the Market, this left foot mess will be closest to the walk-ability stage.

Really don't think that the MI Spring /Summer will do the trick this year.
Am so tired of the cold, wetness and the snows of our area.

Now of course the trick to all of this is:
...should we actually get our price for this Home [ not set yet, but soon]
...should we locate through our Florida Realtor a non-Ocean side new to us Home
...should we live through the "what do we take, store, & or give away --donate or family"
...should the day actually arrive when we say good-bye to this great place
...should we have a great--well, good--drive ahead of us

Then:
Florida, here we come.
We will gladly wish the new Owners of this Home "a great experience in their new area" And a
"Don't call us---" notice
[this is due to the first home sale where we got a nighttime phone call from the new lady of the house telling us that the heat is off--"...can you come over and fix it now"
We did tell her about the sticker on the furnace that gave her all the numbers that she would need]

It is much easier to plan a sale while knowing the ins & outs of the Market.
And one does look so 'Informed" while so doing the steps involved.

At least here is a time when Age does work in one's favor.

As I conclude this Blog, let me show yu a photo [in sunny weather of this Home]:

This is a summer view as you can tell by the Bushes that actually have Red leaves when the weather is a tad cooler.

A great Home and a fun, fun place to live.

..it just is NOT in Florida by Vero Beach Area Ha Ha

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Happy Birthday Michigan...176 years old

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 09:59:19 -0800

January 26, 2013 is our birthday. well. ok ..Our State's Birthday!

176 years ago or more correctly in 1837--President Andrew Jackson, signed into Law that Michigan was the 26th State in the Nation.
Thus ended the "skirmish" between Ohio and Michigan over boundaries.
The conclusion [that ended this dispute] involved the following 'changes' to State boundaries:
...giving Ohio the "Toledo Strip"
...& Michigan the "Upper Peninsula"

Thus began the statehood of Michigan with the 2[two] peninsulas.
Thus began the fun known as the "Uppers" and the "..rest of the State-rs" [Lower Peninsula].

Over the years since there has been much joking back & forth between these two lands joined by a body of Water & a Bridge. The upper Peninsula is joined by land at other States, but to Michigan it is accessible via a long, high bridge, called "Big Mac Bridge" or "Blue Water Bridge".

By any name this Bridge is a very long, suspension Bridge, with the actual upper curved area being girded with open metal areas that allow viewers to see into the Lake Waters below. What a SIGHT!

In this map of Michigan, one can see the areas where the Upper & Lower parts of Michigan are accessible to each other

In actuality, the Upper peninsula is attached to the rest of the Lower States at the upper left area of the upper Peninsula of Michigan.

In this presentation, one can see where the Upper P. of MI is also attached to the other States.

When looking at this map, one may wonder how it was the the Upper P. was awarded to Michigan rather than than two States to the West of Michigan.
However it happened [ more than likely didn't come up except with MI. & OH.

Interesting.

However it happened. Let's give Michigan --both Peninsulas a very Happy Birthday call this January 26, 2013.

This State of ours has other names by which it is known:
...the "Mitten"
...America's High Five"
...The "Wolverine State" --[for the actual animal, not the College Mascot]
...The Great Lakes State"

Some of the "above names" are interesting while some are widely used; however this state is called, it IS the only "Dual-Peninsula" state in the Nation.

However it is viewed; it still has a 'Birthday" today.

Happy Birthday Michigan!

Happy, Happy Birthday Micigan--State of.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

...But the price was only &4.95...didn't see that website...no, order on [this] site

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:06:24 -0800

The words above were spoken this p.m...

Spoken by me. An intelligent human being1 Trying to explain a situation.

Well, let me tell you this was not an intelligent conversation , nor did it end well.

In fact, I or we as the case actually is are now in the position of having ordered a product that is priced
as $106.00 total [including shipping & handling]

Good grief! this is the result of my ordering two [2] free samples of two [2] products from two [2] different companies--that actually appeared upon the one[1] order-info-page on the Net.

OK, Now I do understand the dangers involved in ordering from the Net. Really have not done so in many a Moon. Sorry that on December 19, 2012 the Moon did something to my brain, I guess.

Let me explain: today a second order from one [1] of the two[2] companies arrived. .
Sal looks up the December CCBilling and we discovered that the product that stated on the web page as
"Get a free Trial Today" use our link to get a $4.95 shipping---[follow the arrow}

I read this page & the other two pages just to make sure that it really was a free trial.
NEVER once did it indicate that I was not on the two [2] individual co's. actual web pages.

Nor did they indicate a 'link' to a disclaimer statement. as did one of the individual Co. web pages

So today I, feeling quite justified gathered the info on both companies;
Pulled the pages I had printed from the one[1] web order page;
Also, the two printed receipts that indicated the price was $4.95 they called it'shipping for the Free trail.

WRONG! First of all, the page[s] from which I found the products,
read about the products,
& actually from which I ordered the two[2] different products,was another company.

Here was 'my' proof, the actual pages that I carefully printed and SAVED. The pages that had the color Orange as the main color.

Turns out that the orders went to the company pages [which I never saw] and from whom the product was shipped.
One [1] from UT & one[1] from NV
The first company I called was from UT--"Let the fun begin"
...the young man [not a very gentle-man] proceeded to tell me that I didn't have the story correct;
he gave me tha address for his company & I told him that was NOT the page from which I ordered
...the page upon which I found the product clearly stated that IF I didn't call within 14 days and cancel,
...not only that was NOT on the page that I had, but I told him I had never seen his company page prior
...he stated, later in the back & forth 'I will cancel the future product mailings' [Gee, thanks]

This conversation went from not so good to very very bad and I was the wrong party all over the place.
Yes I did see that by using another order page and not going to the company page [which I didn't know at the time was different from what I was using], I did not see the notice of the 14 days after which the full price would be charged. Blah Blah blah

He was very unprofessional, rude and in a way funny--when I mentioned that he was difficult to understand due to voice going in & out or weather problems--he began speaking each word 'lets...go...over"
At this point I stated that was unnecessary & to please just speak into the phone directly and clearly.
At some point he stated "as I told you before, I cancelled any further product, sent you an email which if you would stop talking you would have understood" [OK OK]

At this point I knew that this was nonsense and I simply had to eat it and I was out $200.00
when I thought that the product was " Special Trial offer" of $4.95"

I said that this was futile and did thank him and said goodbye.

When I heard him state "Yeah right--waste of time"
I said "very nice comment"
He hung up on me.

The second phone call to the no. two[2] company almost did me in:
however. the female began the same spiel about my not answering within the magical 14 days; I said yes I now know but since I did not use the company web page we will eat the first charge. I did then ask her "will I be getting a second order from the company that will be charged..?"
She answered: "Oh no, you only ordered one[1] time and we would never do that to you"

I could have kissed her except she is in VT.

Talk about "Live and Learn"

So, though this has been a Learning Experience for me--may any of you who see the page for Special Time-Offer that is $[low price] that with "No strings attached" ....
MOVE Away quickly!
Erase it from your computer!
Don't even click upon the first page!

I offer this to only those who may find themselves in the same of similar situation.

UPDATE: Thought that I would post the actual conclusion. [2 emails from company]
Sal DID contact via phone the one company who considered this a 'continual' order. The one company who stated that the No. 2 Order will stand and that the product may not be returned.

During the phone call from Sal [who told the person on the other end of call] "This conversation is being taped" and then continued with the problem at hand.
Presenting the situation to this gentleman was successful in that he stated 'when the company receives the second [unordered] box of product-- they would take the billing OFF our charge. The following two days we received two [2] emails from said company reporting their promise.

Now, all we have to do is wait for the end of "The Billing Period" to see if that story is true.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Sunday...a 'balmy' 26--Twenty-Six...Baby it's Cold outside..

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:57:00 -0800

When the forecast is provided, one tends to say OK that is today, but what will the weather actually be on the day{predicted]?
...let me explain...is now cold and expected to get colder.

Personally, since I'm not driving [sob--sob] any longer this should not matter in the realm of things.
Right? Wrong.
It IS cold outside and with the winds doing their 'thing', it is feeling mighty colder.

The sun is out and it is bright. It says "look at me--trust in me...it will all pass"

Yeah--yeah.
This is why Florida around Vero Beach area --not on the Ocean--is so appealing.
We have been getting updates from the Realtor that we met down there two years ago now.
He is very faithful even though the Bottom fell out of our market in Macomb MI. when first we met him.

Now, if the news is to be believed--that at times can be very 'iffy', our area of Macomb County, MI is in a rebound. Though I do not get out much [sob--sob], the area around Macomb Township IS showing a positive trend.
The problem is that prices and value? are still lower than desired in many of the local areas.

Within our immediate area N. of 21 mi. rd. / E. of Garfield / S. of 22 mi. rd. / W. of Romeo Plank the housing is and has been stable.
The area--generally stated as: N. of Hall Rd. between Garfield and Romeo Plank has seen it's share of:
...S.Sales
...Foreclosures
...Vacant homes
...For Sale by Owner
...For Sale by Agency.

Some of these prices are below what was considered 'Market Value" 3-4 years ago. However, and this is the vital point for those living within the area--prices are moving upwards for existing Homes.
Bargains are still available in some of the Market, but generally NO price --sales price--looks to be returning to pre-Market-breakdown of the last years.

One noticeable money-event however, has been seen in the last few Mo. of 2012 and continues in January 2013.
...the Market for Macomb Township, MI is rebounding faster than some near-by areas.
...more Realtor signs are seen
...prices seem to be 'moving up' hopefully closer to actual Value.
...still "Market Price" may not reflect:
---'builder's Price,
---Previous pre-2008 price
---Homeowner desired price
Buyer or Seller
...more owners are keeping properties updated & presentable
...vacant Homes have either an individual family- member or hired company-keeping up the outside
...vacant properties are also being secured against break ins

Generally,, though actual Price of Home IS lower than pre-2008, the atmosphere or "Feeling" considering properties For Sale is more Positive than Negative

To drive around the neighborhoods within Macomb Township,MI area one can see personally just what the various areas are doing to keep the Visual appearance updated and Clean.
One good item in the Winter time is that very little weekly [or daily] outside work is required to keep the 'View" presentable. However, when the snows do come, then that is a different experience altogether as some home owners do NOT clean the walkways or drives of snow. [normally,these same folks do not keep the lawns, greenery,& / or drive clean during the warmer months]

Macomb Township, MI is generally very up-to-date with municipal workers checking that homeowners are following posted, printed rules. Naturally this is harder to do in the cold, snowy & wet weather.

Please enjoy this earlier today map:

[The temps have dropped sinnce this was posted at site--it is lower at 3:45 pm, but with all the problems of actually being able to place on site I will accept this as a "Now" picture.}

In reality, we here in Macomb County-Macomb Twp MI are always lower than in Detroit.
Hardly matters since we are NOT going outside.

Tomorrow it appears that we will be colder--around 16 degrees. Am certaintly pryaing that is the "Wind-Chill" not the actual temp. predicted. Can you tell that I am no longer a winter-person. Though must state for the record that the view outside is quite nice.

Hoping that your areas are Just as you desire temperature wise.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Wind is blowing...it is 'speaking' to those who would listen....

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:20:49 -0800

Wow! Saturday already...how time flies....
...when one is not keeping track
...when daily acts block out the 'passage of time'
...when, due to NOT working in the outer world, time is simply another factor in your daily life
...when time gone past or not yet arrived is generally an opportunity to see clearly just how important you are

When you add to all the above the fact that walking is slower these days, thus life is a fuller tablet to review & plan. "Doing" slower is part of the life I'm living for the last almost 7 months. This is a almost unbelievable to one who generally was moving here & there, or hither and yon throughout the years. [hither & yon--what's that?]

This takes me up short as the thought strikes...just what did I think was so important pre-June 2012???
Had anyone suggested to me that my life's doings were mainly that which fulfilled my belief system that what I accomplished was important, or at least considered an accomplishment, chances are that would have caused a furrow in the forehead as I considered just how to answer or refute it.

My, My how a few months of not being able to continue these vital [ to all] actions the truth that other than caring for family I did not actually do anything that any other person could do. [perhaps even better!!!}

Reality does have a way of clarifying the misconstrued importance of one's actions.

This reality reminds me of a statement made 'of' me not 'to' me when starting teaching in the Grade School.
Reported to me were the words: "just what is it that she does?"
Do I need to clarify that Art was my field of study and that I had a great room once the new school opened. {Need I state that said room was open to viewing due to the fact that one wall was entirely glass that overlooked the library & the ways to the entire rest of the school}

Nah, didn't think so.

You would think that had cured me of thinking that what work I was doing was important. Not so...in fact during that passage of time the teachers union & school board were clacking horns or thoughts. Guess what the conclusion was....The Fine Arts Program was terminatd. Our Art positions were terminated.

So just who was important here...definitely not I. In fact because I was an Art major and not a Grade School teacher almost ended up with zero job. Not fired...,just not needed.

Long story, but a memory.
Did I learn from that to be more aware of just who I was & what it was that I brought to the 'room'?

Nah! Naturally not!

Now the 'Wind' is blowing strongly and am wondering just what will be done by me in the years to come.
Heck, in the days to come...
Won't be driving--yikes--foot not ready and Jan. 29th date is way too close.
Won't be working with folks on finding and securing their Dream Home.
Won't be moving with the 'shakers' of the RE World. [now that brings a great mental picture]
Won't be out & about with those who are keeping the Business alive..[heck, not with anyone else]

I love coming to this site and reading about all of you--your comings & goings are fun to "see" in print.
To see again what is happening across this nation of ours through RE & related activities is fun.
Soon, the scene will change and going up & down stairs will be 'as before'--just Slower!

The Wind in life is working very hard to clear the sight-line.
May I have the willingness to notice and take action.

To simply 'take the time' to learn from others...to sit and watch how others move and shake the world around them.

to be more like ALF
...to put on the big Blue Hat and look so Very, very Wise.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Met a most delightful woman..in the out patient area...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:31:15 -0800

Today, while fulfilling a late November notice to have a bone density x-ray, the most delightful woman chose the seat to my right.

Yes, yes I know--this was to have been done in Nov. & /or Dec. but if that had happened, never would this great person have come into my life for the moments that she did today.
Had I not had an arm rash over my left arm & part of the right, more than likely this would have been over at least by mid-December.

Had that happened, never would a most delightful woman have come into my life's experiences.

I chose a seat in the farthest and most empty area [don't want to play with the chance of flu and there was a lot of coughing happening in that room]
Never having been there before and knowing that my appointment was set for 1:00pm, arrived early to do the 'check in' items. Settled into the chair which was quite comfy and soon thereafter a young woman came over and sat in the second chair. We were separated by a table and the chairs were set into a small alcove. Naturally, I had to mention "you are sitting where they really cannot see you--on purpose?" To which she answered, "yes. I was here last week for this same x-ray and found out on Friday last that the film was blurry and needed to be redone. Of course I was told 'there will be no charge for this'.[we bpth chuckled]

She laughed and stated that she had never given that a thought, was just peeved that now she had to wait another week for the results. And worse, the same tech would probably take the pictures again.

As we spoke, this wonderful female told a story that took my breath away and entertained as well.
You see:
...both her Mother & sister [not certain of the age] both had died from breast cancer and she has been dealing with growths [some that had been removed once] over the last 8 months. Her game plan was to get to the bottom of this and move onto the next steps.
...she has three children; well technically only the 13y rold qualifies by age. The boy is a man of 21yrs and the older daughter is 17 yrs. old. She went on to explain that she is "it" for these three and really needs to get this moving along.
...the 17 yr old is mentally-challenged through by-polar & educational slowness. {I taught this age group and know the other problems it is for some young women just to be in their late teen-let alone having further documented difficulties]. She named the School District and the problems with the 'New thoughts Age" concerning students who find themselves placed within the "Special Education Programs". It seems that this school feels that 'the world is not going to make any 'ease' for these folks, so the District feels that it is a dis-service to them to step in and handle challenges faced. It appears that this young woman has been physically touched as well as the 'verbal attacks'. The daughter is with it enough to understand what is happening & that makes the experiences that much harder. Mom was told that she 'could stay with the daughter during classes if that would make it better.' All parents out there in the Rain know that to do that would NOT make anything better for anyone
...I know of that School District and must state that this was shocking. The District has become an .
"Open Enrollment District" where any student can enroll; To date the number of out-of-district students is as great as or greater than the local district. .The concept is good and I believe could work too. However!!!
...As she was talking, the story unfolded concerning her situation. She further stated that these three young persons are her life and she is NOT going anywhere until they are old enough to care for themselves.
She stated that she & God discuss this each day and sometimes more than once a day.
...we did not get into How her kids are handling her situation, but through her laughter and 'serene calm' if you looked deep into her eyes, she is so totally cognizant as to what the future could bring.
...she shone with a calm awareness of just who she is and what she is expecting from herself these days and months to come.

I saw her once again in the x-ray waiting room and we chatted a little longer.

As I was called into the actual room with the machine, I did recall that the reason she was here today was because the woman who was doing the x-rays messed up last week; so perhaps I too will also need to return. Oh joy.
As I was finished, she came down the hall to go into the same area. We both smiled and I said a silent 'Thank YOU God" for letting me meet someone with such a great outlook.

Have thought about her often during these past hours.

Interestingly, after we left the Hospital area, we noticed:
...the winds had kicked up..
...the sun seemed a little lower in the sky.
...the cars on the roadway appeared to be a tad more aggressive.

Was this really what was happening or was her "Shine" simply missing?

My hopes for each of you is that you too have a chance to rub spaces with someone you do not know, and probably will never see again. Someone who changes the space in which she/he appears. someone who is a treasure at the moment who can change you forever.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Snow now----gone this weekend..ahh Michigan

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:05:30 -0800

It seems that many days [weeks] have passed surrounded by snow;

actuality: since Christmas. but it seems so much longer to me this year [compared to..??? memory issues Ha]
Because outside walking is a tad "iffy"-- this snow does seem to be very confining [and slippery, too].

Watching the drivers in our area drive around the corner I am joining the ranks of those who watch rather than do.
It is an interesting experience to move to that side of the spectrum-[Spectrum...????--interesting concept.]

How quickly our perspective on life--living--OK--being basically confined to the inside of home--can alter our entire perspective on normal life experiences:
...the view of events is confined to a minimum of 2 window areas; kitchen & dining room
...the views entailed are further confined by the presence of horizontal blinds--[really great items]
...the additional difficulty of not moving as quickly as previously to 'outside views' in the two rooms
...the need to peak through the horizontal slats can give an incorrect impression of the one looking
...the danger of moving quickly on the ceramic floors add difficulty to the 'job' of keeping our area safe, Ha!
...the additional sound of the melting snow sliding off the house roof can be confused with outside 'trouble'
that needs one's immediate action. [usually happens in the early morning hours--ugh]
...the further awareness that my 'signigicant other' addresses my problem as being nosy--[how rude!]

OK, topic is over for the day...the moment...until something else appears on the horizon.

One thing this ankle & walking thing has highlighted is that apparently I am really a very nosy person at heart.
I always thought of myself as being involved with, interested in, and never, NEVER judging others. What a shock to discover that the limited views our windows allow are so interesting. Further more this interest is enlarged by the fact that our home is on a corner lot of the main [my call] roadway into the rest of the sub. Now really, can one find blame with these latest activities of mine.

Am certain it does follow the train of thought [or is it a tricycle] that for 15+ years I, too, was one of the movers and ??? [was prompted to say 'shakers'--yeah Ha] living in one of the two homes on the corner. Any moving vehicle driving on the main street--Napoli Lane--who desired to go East HAD to turn at the corner. Thus each and every such moving vehicle did indeed pass the two homesteads--one of which is ours.
Now I ask you ???is that not power ???. Really ned to master walking in wet, snowy,, or slippery weather and get outside more.

One last [I know..I know] item on this subject is that we are selling my car in the Spring. However I am still supposed to go and get my license renewed????
I ask you??

The good news [to me anyway] is that we are slated for a big snow-melt the rest of the week. Even a proposed 50 [who knows how to find that little 0 thingie that indicates 'degrees'] by this coming weekend.

Spring is looking good--har, har.

For any of you who are being inundated with the wet, cold flakes- sympathies are sent your way.
For those of you who think my kind of human is totally 'nuts', that's OK too.
For all of our outdoor sports people I state "Good for you", just keep the snow & cold by your area.
For all the children and students who really desire the 'no school' time to enjoy the outside I say; pray harder.

One final thought on this bright, sunny, cold but changing day--Have a great rest of this Winter season. Remember those others who dislike the cold, wet, white, frozen droplets and look upon its a really not so nice event.

Enjoy your snow and unless you live directly across the corner of Napoli Lane and Nocera do know that your joy will never be seen by me. Sal for whatever reason is NOT at all concerned. Go figure!

See:

Front, right side by Nocera The Napoli Ln. view of left front of home--no prints

As you can see. only the Ducks, squirrels and Birds like the snow around our yard

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

2013 came too fast: lost an entire year

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:05:35 -0800

It is true! An entire year has passed--in fact it appears to be more than a full year.
Should mean that fun is on the plate.

RIGHT?

WHAT to show for more than a full year?
...well, now own:
a set of crutches--metal, very nice looking--[only one used] [[don't ask me to explain]]
a non-wheeled walker--not so nice
one -yes that is right ONE black hard wooden? sole Velcro-closing footwear
a two-sided, white plastic ankle brace--interesting apparatus..does have Velcro straps--very modern. Ha
stretch-ie wraps--that can be used for most other injuries--[yea]
a 5mo. inability to use stairs--[not so good on the 'Down' part yet]
a two-time experience with re-hab, resulting in an additional 2 mo. stint with opened-stitches repair
a FINAL meeting with surgeon on November 13, 2012--[so Good]
a much fuller appreciation of the ability to walk, climb up & go down stairs,--[learning the hard way]

No longer have the wheelchair. My hair turned white, [Not in a bun]

Sal's hair is not white--in fact, he has it cut very short [much like below]

AND:
...a greater understanding of those of us who are always in a wheelchair with little or no expectation of
being able to leave their wheels behind.
...the chagrin when realizing that previous "understandings" were nothing more than making 'the self'
appear, or worse, Feeling empathy for those around who are not 'walking'
...an appreciation of the 'visual' discrepency of standing compared to sitting.
...the difficulty of getting in and out of the front seat of a car--[forget the 2nd or 3rd seats].
...the interesting reaction of fellow shoppers, [or walkers around you]
...the necessity of depending on another for so many things-[things that seemed so vital before]
...the necessity of realigning the "Need to drive" and to "do it myself".

FURTHER:
On the Business side of 2dragottas--etc-- leaving the RE Business has taken place here in our small
section of Michigan. It is a natural result for us.
It is or will be strange as the year moves forward.
Do suspect that Sal will have stronger feelings about this than I, as he spent more time in the actual
steps taken to build a Business.
Don't know if he is saddened about this change.--[those are personal feelings that stay just that]
Do feel somewhat guilty---O.K.--a lot guilty--as he is The Driver everywhere since 6/25/2012...[tho'
I suspect that is giving him new 'spring' to his steps. [fine with me--he deserves this "Spring"]

The only concern for me is not moving along with the rest of you within the Business of RE.

The fall--that caused the ankle break/shatter ??--was because I did my usual maneuver of moving at a rapid pace down the basement stairs. Taking the landing step as incidental rather than necessary or something.

Most of me made it down 3 steps below the landing while the left foot appears to have hooked the rug and did not make the move with most of me. Thus the appearance of the bone-shaped protrusion on the right side--who knew.
Did not plan this.
Did not even think that my speed was so dangerous.
Have discovered that once you pass a certain age--and I have--the 'go slow' sign must be front and center
[or, just the necessity of 'being present' in one's daily life.]

For those of you in the Medical fields, or who's spouses or children are so involved--I applaud you.
You are not to take this wrong.

The hard part of growing old, or worse being told that you are. is that "Look" or "virtual-clicking-tsk,tsk"
sound that accompanies so much of the attention.
I am old as far as years go, but not in anything else. [well, dancing may be out now--ha]

Have an xray that I will do [next week] simply because this new Doctor received the BC-BS notice.
That is all that I will do--this is an ankle that has been twisted, banged, having-tripped over all 5 dogs and any of the 4 cats who was slow. It has been stressed in other ways over the years.
I am left-handed, so it follows that my left ankle is the one that is always involved first.
So be it.

Now that you have heard that I am not old, nor moving toward senility --truly;
it is time for my meds--Ha.ha
Nope!

Wishing all of you a grate 2013.
Hopefully, we can continue meeting this way. If not, then it has been a great experience for me these days.

This is a recent product --now a tribute to Sal's work and years in the RE Business.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

A Slurp...A Swallow...A Sigh...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:03:01 -0700

Do you hear it;
Do you see it;
Did you get it;

No, no ...not speaking to the congressional 'dance' ongoing;
Not indicating any local & state items up for discussion;
Never intending to make this a political posting.

Am speaking of the recent almost all night-time "Rains".
With more predicted for today, tonight & into Friday / Saturday.

What then, might be the problem around here ?

Let me first explain--we--here in our part of Macomb County, Michigan--are under a watering-ban-rule..more accurately, we CAN water via sprinklers of the automatic type as long as we follow the Odd-Even [we are Even] days; water only between 12:00 am and 6:00am. The truth I swear--boy do I swear!

We have been following the ban as to days and almost to time of night; due to the fact that we don't let the sprinklers do their 'thing' unattended--thus we start after 10:30 pm.
How's that working out for us, well/...
Let me illustrate:

We do have some real green lawn; it is one the side street area;
Let me illustrate:

OK, with enough RAIN our lawn can look just like those across the street..
WHO do not follow the RULES:

Let me illustrate:

[mailbox from next door]
[Eagle is ours]

Now, I ask you, is this fair?
And, to make matters worse, just got a glimpse of my hair from taking these photos for your enlightenment;

You know Richard Simmonds right--well that is the look.

Not only could you feel the humidity, really FEEL it;
It was palpable, a living, breathing entity [oh wait that is the theme of the New ATT];
Got stung by some flying insect standing outside.
And ended up looking like Simmonds or possibly that "fight promoter" Name?

SOB !!!! LOL !!!!

One final note: the lawn-service did come and took samples;
It might actually be an insect investation...DUE to the lack of water !
O.K. so what is the difference--don't see that happening to the:
Lawns Across the Street!!!!
Who Don't Follow the Rules

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

After the Rain Storm...Michigan Style

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:54:08 -0700

We finally had a measurable rain fall today;
it was during the 5:00 to 6:30 pm time slot;
It was very welcome to the grass, flowers, birds & humans;

Around 8:00 pm I noticed some very interesting cloud formations;
Thought " Camera";
Followed through even as the sun set lower and the colors changed.

At the first there was a palpable feeling of humidity and the photos show that :

... I thought it might be a blotch on the lens--not so;

One special formation appeared over the House directly across from our Home; two houses to the left of the tree in the above photo. When cropping those photos, I see the 'Ghost riders in the sky' heading to the North;

Turning to the South or West [lines are blurred on the directions; a little of both]

Looking back to the North one last time:

Finally--our two Grilling-folks say goodnight;

It is 10:40 p.m. and quite foggy or hazy out there now

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Did YOU SEE that New Febreze AD ?????...

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:06:56 -0700

Now, you may question this topic--that is OK.

This ad--which is potentially a SyFy movie-set--brings 'regular people from the street' blindfolded into a Room that has been liberally doused with Febreze products.
[Fabreeze products that we like & use];
...the regular people are asked a series of questions about 'what do you smell'
...then these regular folks, take off their blindfolds and SEE that room;

Silly ad ? ; sillier 'regualar' people; or just a fun moment????

Watching it over & over during the night-time local news, both of us here recall 'that room'.

Years ago, when "House staging" was not as prominent as it is today, we were searching houses for sale; We actually drove to an office;
spoke with an agent;
rode in his car--Yikes NASCAR had nothing on him--;
saw various houses, some of which did seem to fit our choices / others NOT so much.

As I recall all these houses were on a man-made semi-large lake.
The Lake is all-sports, with lake-fronts, lake-views. & those who have lake access [meaning-YOU cannot afford to live on this lake, but we allow you access]

We pulled up to this house with lake-frontage--on the smaller part of the lake;
-It had a 1-car garage--too packed with items to fully determine.
-The road-side [considered the back on lake front homes] indicated this home was a deep 2 story, home with garage and access door [front to us] into house with a window to the right of this door.
-Ignoring that garage-turned storage shed, we all entered with the Realtor{R] remarks resounding in our ears--"This is a case of imagine what this could look like"

The large main room was entered through the door [possible hall, don't recall] in the actual center of the room with very high ceilings;
--to the left was a very neat loft area that went across the full width of the room
[18' X 35' ] & was accessed by a stairway with a very nice railing that continued
   across the width of the loft--great windows; great potential.
--Turning to the right, the ceiling area dropped  to normal heights & the kitchen area,
stairway to 2nd floor & outside access door -which we did not utilized as 2 loud
& large dogs had previous staked out their turf.
--the kitchen was there, dirty dishes, food items & home owner [woman] as well.
--we went up the steps to the second floor;
--greeted by strong smells, and 'darkness'
--probably three bedrooms & full bath were up there, couldn't prove it by us;

--remember only ONE room up there;
...the source of all the smells [smokes of some origin]
...the walls, ceiling & Floor all painted solid Black;
...mattresses on floor, no bed frame [resorted to that ourselves-stopped junk
     under the bed.]
...naturally, bedding not straightened --actually, they appeared black too;
...on each wall AND the ceiling was a cacophony of posters;
  ...each one precisely angled to one side of another;
...none of them placed parallel to the floor or ceiling [which you couldn't see]
...vertigo-potential and bad smells drove us out of the house.

We did get the message that these folks really were not interested in 'selling' and really did not know about or care to employ any semblance of "Staging".

The Realtor[R] led us to his car where we pealed out of that neighborhood;
Back at the office all we could do was laugh.
It was the understatement of the day-week-year when he [agent] said that;
...'was quite an experience--don't think I'll show it again'

A LOL statement before we even used that phrase.
I can still get the 'creepy-crawlies' today just thinking about that room AND
the new Ad for Febreze doe not help.

If you do see that room in the ad, picture it as all Black and you will have the same experience--give thanks that we don't have "smell-a-vision" YET.

Just some Friday Fun Memories to share.

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Michigan-- Macomb Co's Mixed Moments....Stranger than Fiction

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:08:12 -0700

If you rely on Local News papers for information- as the only source- the facts found therein would seem contradictory at best & oppositional at the worst.

Just reading the "Large Type-setting-font choices", Macomb County headlines say:
...economic 'double-dip' recession possible;
...drops in unemployment;
...loss of actual workers;
...housing sales rebound;
...over 1600 foreclosures county wide.

These types of 'information' go on & on, depending upon the day, hour of, or the movements / lack there of in state legislature or in Washington.

Macomb County, Michigan is still Automotive dependent or related as per the job market.
Splinter auto-related businesses are in the position of 'wait-&-see' as per large hiring. There are some auto-related jobs posted--majority of which involve skill levels, thus perhaps, leaving out 'newbies to the field'.
UAW is scheduling the "talks" with the auto companies with expectations set.

Housing and small business [even some mid-large businesses] are affected by the totality of the automotive industry.
Coupling that with the other state-wide or local issues and you potentially have volatile, vitriolic, & sometimes violent-tendencies.

That all this is happening within the weather-hike in temps. and this state [probably all 38 others so affected] now seeing a;
...shortage of human-control of temper;
...negativity in some printed material;
...interesting, but oft confusing 'letters to the Editor';
...inaccurate & divisive TV ads from AARP;
...phone calls from Blue Cross-Blue Shield;

Drivers are seeming to use their cars as the 'weapons-on-wheels' that they can be.
Digits-fingers are widely used to indicate the driving ability - inability of others on the shared roadways.

Could go on listing items serious to hilarious that we humans employ on a daily basis, but that would only add to the nonsense or contradictions out there.

Not to promote a 'Pollyanna' type of presence in public--all the above other than the weather temps. are under the control of the individual person. No one should ever allow others, events, or interactions between __ to dictate personal behaviors.

One can, via research online to trusted sites, discover the facts from or about any side of the question / situation;
One can, through personal study / exploration, become employable in a different job or field;
One can refuse to believe everything they read, hear, or see without considering the source[s] personal belief system or 'bent' . This is vital to the true facts.

All the above anticipates the time and effort, by us, that needs to be taken.

Naturally, it is wonderful to read that all if moving forward to good endings.
Talk the Talk may work in personal encouragement when striving for a goal.

The truth is expected to "Set you free"-- it is "The Getting to the truth" that is hard.
OR you could just cancel the papers: turn off the radio & TV; & proverbially 'stick your head in the sand' .

[note: earlier today Sen H. Reid solved the Senate's problem with the 'cap,cut,---' option--He simply refused to bring it to the floor.
That is one way to handle these problems with which we all live:
. Don't Deal with them !!! ]

  [[must apologize for any spelling errors; can no longer use the tool bar SC; and cannot--with my eyes--always see ARs spell-check's "Red" line]]

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

The fifth Great Lake..Lake Ontario..

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:41:44 -0700

The fifth Great Lake has international borders--Canada & Northern New York.
The 14th largest lake in the world.

It would be remiss of me to ignore this fifth Great Lake simply because it has no Michigan 'side'; but many Michiganders have traveled through Canada to cross this Lake over to upper New York.

Simultaneously many here in Michigan have crossed that ferry by the 1,000 Islands; or perhaps visited Niagara Falls both the American Falls & "The FALLS--the Horseshoe Falls--Ontario".

Named Lac Ontario from the French; Canada's most populous province--Ontario--was named for the lake.

As the second map above indicated--it is bordered on the north & southwest by the province Ontario, Canada;
It is bordered on the south by the state of New York--northern coast;
The name Ontario is from the Wyandot [Huron] language meaning
"the Shining Waters".

This fifth Great Lake is the last lake in the chain of lakes, and serves as the outlet to the St. Lawrence River.

Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the Great Lakes and the smallest in surface area.
Having the lowest mean surface elevation--Ontario drains from Lake Erie;
the St. Lawrence River serves as the outlet. The Niagara River is the primary source.
Other major rivers that drain into Lake Ontario are:
..Don River; Humber River; Trent River; Cataraqui River; Genesee river; Oswego River; Black River; & the Salmon River. {Those Rainers who are from this Province may know these particular rivers; Any having photos are welcome to offer them in a comment]

On the Canadian side--the cities of Toronto and Hamilton anchor the area called
'the Golden Horseshoe'; while on the American side, the shore is basically rural with the exception of Rochester.

The ports on the Canadian side include:St. Catherines, Oshawa, Cobourg and Kingston, near the St. Lawrence River outlet.
American ports are much smaller and are: Oswego and Sacket's Harbor. The city of
Syracuse is 40 miles inland and connected to Lake Ontario by the NY State Canal System.Z

Personal experiences revolve around Canadian cities of Kingston, Toronto, Hamilton and where ever the ferry docked from the crossing by the 'Thousand Islands' situated within the St. Lawrence River. Time constraints did not allow for a visit to
"Wolfe Island" which is accessible from both sides--Canada & the U.S.

The above information is gleaned from Wikipedia's 12 page report.
visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ontario

A fun web site: http://www.GreatLakesPirateFest.com has this info page; it is for children, but adults can learn from it also:

To see more about the Niagara Falls visit: http://www.niagarafallslive.com

There is an area where you can click on the 'live cam' as well as information on the three set of Falls:
..American Falls
...Bridal Veil Falls --American Falls;
...the Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls;

[stretched this map to enlarge some areas; note Buffalo on the right and some areas on the Canadian side--the toll bridge is in the upper right side]
Clearly marked are the Niagara Falls on the left side of Goat Island.

There is a web site that promotes recreational & charter fishing from Rochester, NY: visit: http://www.lakeontario.org/

As this series draws to a close there is one final site where you can discover facts about all 5 of the Great Lakes; Lake St Clair; St Lawrence River; & States & Provinces involved;
...once on the site, Navigate via the left side listings:
visit: http://www.great-lakes.net/

Plan a trip to a Lake;
See a Great Lake;

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal

Talking about the Diesel Chevy...2013 ?

Barb & Sal Dragotta Macomb County Michigan — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:41:29 -0700

When Sal worked at the OLD General Motors; there was a time, or a place in time when he drove all types of 'trial-types of cars'; through this process, we purchased one of those delightful Serviles with the wonderful design of the Back section.

The present-day PT Cruiser recalls that specific design of the 'diesel Seville'

Ours was two-toned Silvered-Blue;
Had that distinctive back comprised of 2 slanted areas;
...one was the back window &;
...the second slant was the actual trunk area. It was so great.

Loved to drive that car;
Loved the way it handled;
Loved the effect it had on 'rude' drivers behind.

Because those first diesel cars did have that "Cloud" of black smoke upon fast accelerations;
when driving it felt it was polite to pull away from stops of any kind
in a steady, deliberate & slowly accelerating manner.

Many times, the drivers behind would get impatient;
They discovered their horns;
They USED their horns.

So---
If that same driver remained behind me for 3 lights and used his/her car horn;
Then--
at the very next light that turned Green,
I would pull away with the speed that they desired;

As they came out of the Noxious Cloud of Diesel Fumes, they had some very interesting reactions.
If it was possible, I would then change into the right hand lane letting them continue in the left one;
Most of those drivers, upon coming along side of me, would smile & indicate that they understood the "WHY" of my driving approach.

Some were so happy to get away that they would give me the "one-finger" wave.

All got the message.

How I hope that this new GM Diesel Chevy has that same 'capability';

Sal claims that GM & the other automakers have fixed that problem;
I, however, LOVED that particular Problem.

Just a laugh to share on a Wednesday Evening

Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE

Barb & Sal