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It's all about family

By
Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

My goal on Wednesday: Prepare for a family gathering at my house over the weekend, including children, grandchildren, brothers, nephews, daughters and sisters-in-law.  As bedtime approached, however, I realized that I was thinking more about my Activerain family.

 

Activerain.com is still the screen that pops up in front of my face every time I turn on my computer, even though I've rarely posted lately. I do read a few posts every day and comment occasionally, and last week I was specifically looking for storm updates from my Activerain friends who were threatened by Hurricane Matthew.

 

The first post that grabbed my eye on Thursday, however, was one by Steve Shatsky announcing that Karen Anne Stone had passed away. Karen Anne and I made it a point to get together for dinner when I was in the Dallas-Fort Worth area a few years ago. She was looking forward to her 65th birthday so that she would be eligible for Medicare, because she was uninsured and had health problems that she couldn't afford to address. After that conversation, I never took my health care for granted again and I've literally thought about her every single time I've gone to the doctor since that day.

 

Then I scrolled down to see Margaret Rome's announcement of posting 3,000 blogs to Activerain. She puts me to shame, since I was ahead of her in Maryland rankings at one point, and she long ago left me far behind. For most of our friendship, we shared the title "Margaret in Maryland" - but that doesn't fit me any more, as I am now "Margaret in Delaware but still working with former clients and referrals in Maryland." LOL. TOM (The Other Margaret) and I do talk from time to time, but not often enough.

 

The family gathering at my house over the weekend was a huge success, but I'm also glad that I stopped in to Activerain for a visit. It reminded me of how much I treasure the Activerain friendships formed over the past ten years. You taught me how to use technology in my business, you introduced me to many different areas of the country through posts about your markets, you shared with me your opinions, knowledge, and even personal lives. Thank you!  

 

The Activerain community truly is a second family.

Posted by

This infoMargaret Wodarmation was provided to you by Margaret Woda, an Associate Broker with Long & Foster Real Estate in Crofton Maryland. Contact Margaret today for general real estate information or to learn how she can help you buy or sell a home in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, Davidsonville, Gambrills, and Odenton. 

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Comments (13)

Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Margaret Woda  I remember meeting you many many years ago at with Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland  when you came to Philadelphia  I think it was a ReBarCamp and Sheldon Neal  was there also   ... What sad news about Karen Anne Stone ... she will be missed by all ...   Please so not be a stanger in the Rain you are missed .

Oct 10, 2016 09:39 AM
Margaret Woda

Thanks, Hannah, I remember that, too. That was a really fun event and we met so many great people. 


Ever since moving to Delaware, it takes me 2 hours each way to just go to my office, let alone work with clients or do anything else. 'Just 2 more closings this month and I might be able to actually retire. Then I'll have time to get back to blogging, without so many of my waking hours being spent in the car. I look forward to that!


 

Oct 15, 2016 06:00 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Margaret Woda aka TOM.... I was delighted to see your post today.  Oh my, you are so missed.

Let's  plan to get together soon. Maybe we can meet half way somewhere. Maybe even invite our mutual friend, Linda. 

Welcome back to the AR Family!

Oct 10, 2016 11:37 AM
Margaret Woda

Sounds good to me! I actually get to Maryland once or twice a week, but my hours there are always packed - especially since my 94-year old mother fell and broke her shoulder.  We have to plan in advance!

Oct 15, 2016 05:58 AM
Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee
SWBC Mortgage 410-960-2061 - Baltimore, MD
Maryland Mortgage Mama NMLS#196068

Margaret Woda You were one of the first Active Rainer's I met in person, always so welcoming and supportive!  I am finally back on board and it is so good to see that so many have kept Actively dancing.  You sure have a lot on  your plate, sending prayers to you and your mother!  I would love to reconnect!

Jan 12, 2017 02:05 PM
Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee
SWBC Mortgage 410-960-2061 - Baltimore, MD
Maryland Mortgage Mama NMLS#196068

By the way, your next post should get you to the MILLION!!!

 

Jan 12, 2017 02:06 PM
Margaret Woda

Love hearing about you and your family on Facebook.. Next time you head down to the beach, let me know and maybe we can get together for a bagel or something.

Oct 07, 2018 05:10 AM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

How did that happen, Bridget McGee ? They must give some points for all the countless drafts I've never finished, or perhaps just for logging in and commenting. LOL.

Jan 25, 2017 06:57 AM
Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee
SWBC Mortgage 410-960-2061 - Baltimore, MD
Maryland Mortgage Mama NMLS#196068

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  YOU ARE A MILLIONAIRE!!

 

http://activerain.com/blogsview/5013245/active-rain-s-newest-millionaire----margaret-woda

Jan 25, 2017 03:19 PM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It is such a lovely post. 

We do become well connected in here and it does feels like a family. 

Jan 25, 2017 06:46 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Just popped over to see how you are doing - I hope well! Your ActiveRain family misses you, Margaret!

May 29, 2018 02:47 PM
Margaret Woda

Oh my goodness, I can't believe I missed this comment. Thanks, Debe. I do still check into Activerain, but I'm enjoying a real estate free life, after 45 years in the business.  My life today is consumed with garden club at the local, state, and regional level.

Oct 07, 2018 05:08 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Margaret, I just had a call from Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland and through the course of our conversation, we looked at the leaderboard for Maryland. Haven't heard much from you lately and I hope all is well.

Sep 16, 2018 02:40 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Margaret Woda After speaking with Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty  I am also wondering how you are.  Let's touch base soon.

Sep 16, 2018 02:47 PM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Hello, Ladies - So nice to hear from you!

My busy life as a Maryland REALTOR has turned into a busier life as a retiree in Delaware.  My real estate profile picture is ten years old now, and so am I - but busier than ever. For about 5 people on Activerain, it might make an interesting blog post, but probably not for anyone else. 

To make a long story short, I started a garden club in my community in January 2016 and now I am on the State and Regional Boards and webmaster for all three organizations. I am teaching other garden clubs how to build a website and working on creating a video series for distribution to other garden clubs nationwide.  In case you want to check our my websites...

  • PlantationLakesGardenClub.org
  • DelawareGardenClubs.org
  • CAR-SGC.org

I did renew my Maryland real estate license (just in case I wnat to earn any referral fees), but I have no desire to learn Delaware laws, communities, etc. I enjoyed 45 years as a full-time Maryland REALTOR, but don't miss it at all! (Except for the commission checks, of course)

'Can't let go of Activerain, however. I do enjoy checking in on my friends there and think of you, Margaret, every time I go to Maryland. Unfortunately, it's a 3-hour drive each way every time I go to visit my mother in Olney and the thought of detouring to Baltimore... well, it's exhausting to just consider. If you ever have reason to go to Annapolis, let me know and I'll try to arrange my schedule accordingly.

M.

Oct 07, 2018 05:05 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Margaret Woda It is so good to hear from you and your busy life ... making the world more beautiful through your involvement with the garden clubs. Continue to enjoy your retirement and know we are all here for you. 

All the best to you.

Oct 07, 2018 08:14 AM
Margaret Woda

Funny thing happened at breakfast this morning, after reading your comment. I found myself identifying two potential blog topics while leafing through a free local newspaper. I might have to write on at least one of them! 

Oct 07, 2018 10:18 AM