Oliva - Series G Maduro Special G A review - 08/30/09 10:38 AM
The Oliva Series G, can be considered all things to all people in that it can be enjoyed by all smokers.  Blended to deliver a firm, medium smoke from its Nicaraguan long fillers, and the unique taste that can only be found in true African grown Cameroon wrapper. 
With a size of 3 ¾" is perfect when you have only a few minutes to enjoy a great smoke.  Sell for less then $3.50 per stick and comes in a box of 48. Available in maduro or natural color.
… (2 comments)

Corn and Avocado Gazpacho - 08/25/09 08:28 AM
Corn and Avocado Gazpacho.
Do you like guacamole so much that all you need is a spoon?
Here is a great simple way to enjoy avocados:
1 small zucchini
2 small yellow squash
1 yellow onion
½ red pepper
Cut these and place in food processor.  Pulse until chopped but not liquefied.
Transfer to mixing bowl.
1 can of corn drained and add to mixing bowl
1 avocado and tomato into food processor, again you want this chunky but not a paste.
Add to mixing bowl with juice of 1 lemon or lime, and a pinch of salt.
Add 2 avocados … (12 comments)

Our new cat - 08/25/09 07:33 AM

Our neighborhood (Bryan Place) has recently experienced a rash of dead animals.  Animal control experts believe people are letting their dogs out at night to roam.  The form packs, become aggressive and kill cats.  The experts base this on the fact the animals are killed but not eaten so the dogs are being feed. 
We recently lost one of our cats and suspect this is what happened. 
Yesterday we visited the SPCA in McKinney, and adopted what we think is a great cat.  We were looking for an older cat that was de clawed as we will not be letting … (12 comments)

Avila's Mexican Restaurant - 08/24/09 08:42 AM
Avila's Mexican Restaurant was recently featured on Diners, Drive-In's and Dives.  So I told Sharon we had to check it out.  Last Friday we were in the area so thought this was the perfect day.  
The restaurant had just opened so it was not crowded.  We both ordered the same thing and must say we were a bit disappointed.  By the time we left the place was packed.  Service also left something to be desired.    
The owner did walk through the restaurant and I took the opportunity to talk to him about his appearance on the TV show.  He said it … (6 comments)

Free Food in Uptown Dallas - 08/22/09 11:05 AM
Free Food in Uptown Dallas 
Yes free food, not buy one get one free we are talking completely free here. 
Italian Villa-O and Mexican Trece Mexican is offering free entrée and appetizers on Monday nights.  
In hopes of getting more people into their restaurants who will become regular customers, increase sales on drinks and desserts. 
The free food is good on Monday with a few restrictions.  First the menu selection is limited.  You must have a reservation, walk in's pay regular price.  Party cannot be greater the six.  Dine in no carry out.  You pay for drinks, desserts and are asked … (9 comments)

Military Intelligence an Oxymoron - 08/21/09 05:57 AM
I had an interesting conversation with an individual at my favorite cigar shop.  His name is David and he is a professional magician.  He just returned from a magician seminar in Beijing China of all places.  He has performed all over the world and had some interesting stories to tell. 
David had spent several years in the Navy and has a true love for America and support of our members of the armed services.  When David left the Navy he had reached the level of E6.  He decided he would like to continue to serve his country and join the reserves.  … (4 comments)

Texas Association of Realtors® Convention - 08/19/09 01:09 PM
Just a reminder that the Texas Association of Realtors® convention will begin in Dallas on September 13th. 
If you can not attend the entire show it is strongly suggested that you at least try to be there on Sunday the 13th for the opening session which will include a panel of Lawerence Yun, Mark Dotzour and Cerita Battles. 
The one day ticket cost in $25 which includes the opening session, trade expo, vendor demonstrations and the convention welcome party.
Hope to see you in Dallas.
… (5 comments)

Sorry I took that listing. - 08/19/09 11:04 AM
Years ago a received a referral from a friend who managed a high end apartment complex.  An individual had visited her facility and thought she might wish to sell her current home and buy a house in the area. 
I was happy to receive the referral and contacted the individual about listing her home and assisting her with finding a home.  Once I got her address and pulled some comps I noticed her house had been previously listed, by several different agents.  That it had gone under contract, back on the market, listing cancelled, re listed, expired, back on the market, … (14 comments)

Greg Nino's question got me to re read a great article. - 08/19/09 10:48 AM
Greg Nino writes some very interesting blogs, and recently posed the question "An End To Free Speech Online?"   I strongly suggest you read this blog and make a comment.  Here is a link for you:  
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1201670/an-end-to-free-speech-online-  
In the August 2008 issue of Texas Realtor® Magazine, Tom Morgan (Vice President for legal affairs for the Texas Association of Realtors®)  Wrote a great article called "Watch Your Language",  in which he provides some great information on how to protect  yourself based on what you blog about.  
This is also a very good read, and I have included a link to this article:  
http://www.texasrealtors.com/mr/pubs/magazine/issues/2008/0808/language.pdf  
… (2 comments)

Baked Cucumbers - 08/17/09 02:27 PM
Baked cucumbers are a great unexpected treat.
4 cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into about 2" pieces
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup either fresh mint, basil or cilantro
3 tablespoons black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Combine cucumbers, vinegar, salt and sugar in a bowl, toss and marinate for about 30 minutes.
Heat oven to 375.  Drain the cucumbers, place in baking dish, add the oil, herb, scallions and black pepper.  Bake for 30 minutes stirring every 10 minutes.  Stir in the cheese and bake an … (11 comments)

Simply the best corn casserole - 08/16/09 06:07 AM
This is the best corn casserole you will ever have.
Ingredients:
•·                          2 eggs
•·                          1 can cream-style corn, (14 3/4-ounce)
•·                          1 pint sour cream
•·                          1 small box cornbread mix (approx. 8 ounces)
•·                          6 tablespoons melted butter
•·                          1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
•·                          1 small chopped onion
•·                          1 tablespoon olive oil
•·                          1 poblano pepper
•·                          Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation:
Cook onion and poblano in olive oil until tender. 
Grease a 9-inch square baking dish. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl. Stir in cream-style corn and sour cream until well blended. Add salt … (11 comments)

First time homebuyers 101 - 08/15/09 12:01 PM
Now is a great time to purchase your first home.  We are seeing very attractive interest rates, tax credits, and a good supply of homes to pick from. 
This can be an easy process if you make the right choices.  Your first choice should be the REALTOR® you wish to work for.  If no one is contacting you then you might need to make some calls.  It is not a bad idea to interview several REALTORS® before you pick one.  
The REALTOR® you choose can provide you the name of a good loan officer.  Before you even start looking at homes … (4 comments)

Dallas Public Library Book Sale Aug 15-16. - 08/15/09 04:37 AM
Dallas Public Library will hold its monthly book sale this weekend at the J Erik Jonsson central library located at 1515 Young Street (north side of Young, between Ervay and Akard. 
The central library gathers books from all branches and sales them at great prices. 
The sale takes place today from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
… (6 comments)

Mike Anderson BBQ - 08/14/09 08:15 AM
A friend recently recommended we try Mike Anderson's BBQ.  So this week we gave it a try and we were not disappointed.  
Located near Parkland hospital at 5410 Harry Hines,  we had seen this place many times as it is near our favorite Mexican restaurant Escondido's.    
They open at 10:30 and are only open for lunch.  Their meat selections are beef brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, polish sausage, turkey breast, hot links, and ham.    
I went for the three meat combo, which comes with two sides.  You place  your order and then serve your own sides.  There are 13 sides to … (4 comments)

Mojito party Friday August 14th - 08/14/09 05:32 AM
There will be a Mojito party at City Cigars located at 3001 Knox, Dallas Texas, this evening starting at 6:00.  In addition to fabulous Mojitos I will be cooking traditional Cuban food (pacidillo, black beans and rice). 
A big crown is expected so get there early.  You can be assured there will be great food, drinks, conversation and smokes. 
Hope to see you there.
… (7 comments)

Getting into divinity school - 08/07/09 09:16 AM
There once was a young man who wanted to go to divinity school.
The first school he applied he did well on his interview until he was asked the question "where did Jesus live".  The young man had no clue so he answered "Tyler".  He was told no that is not the correct answer we can not let you attend school here.
He applied at a second school again things went well until at the end he was asked where did Jesus live".  Still no answer so he replied "Longview".  He was again rejected.
He applied at a third school and … (7 comments)

Home Valuation Code of Conduct - 08/07/09 08:53 AM
Are you confused about the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC)?  Currently there is much misinformation about the impact HVCC is having on the real estate industry. 
The National Association of REALTORS®, has done an outstanding job in keeping it members up to date on HVCC. 
There is some excellent information at www.realtors.org.  Here is a link to a list of frequently asked questions.  Here is a link to that information: 
https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/guides/ssg/relatedsellinginfo/appcode/pdf/hvccfaqs.pdf
… (4 comments)

Home made BBQ sauce - 08/05/09 11:15 AM
I am always looking for new BBQ sauce to make at home.  So much better then the stuff you buy in a bottle. 
Here is one I hope you will like. 
1 ½ cup ketchup
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
½ cup water
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
The juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon minced ginger
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
¼ teaspoon allspice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 minced onion
… (8 comments)

What was in the Metro section of today's paper. - 08/02/09 12:58 PM
I always enjoy reading the Dallas Morning News every day.  The Metro section is one of my favorite parts of the paper. 
Here were some of the news items today. 
Good news about a Good Kid.  Katlin Chandler.  A recent graduate of Ursuline Academtn.  She will be attending Boston University as a history major.  I'm thinking she has a very bright future. 
Jorge Leis, Anthone Palandro, Brent Bono and Alex Herbelin recently became Eagle Scouts.  All four look like great kids. 
Holocaust survivor Max Glauben accompanies students on Auschwitz trip. 
Then a very sad item.  Boy 11 charged with sex assault … (8 comments)

Do you do what you say you do? - 08/02/09 12:42 PM
I recently read a blog having to do with the subject of real estate commissions and what were we really worth. 
It was a good blog, and several individuals responded.  One of the individuals who responded made statements to the effect that their business model would not allow them to accept a listing under a value of X.  Explained the economics and cost involved and that they would be better off referring those listings under a value of X to another agent and collecting a referral fee. 
Well my curiosity got the best of me so I went to this individual's … (6 comments)

 

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