throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Jingling Car Keys
- 03/11/26 04:29 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Jingling Car Keys
Dorie Dillard Austin TX wrote a post this week about her family’s Sunday drives after church. Her post took me back to my own childhood and the many car trips we took.
Weekend trips to the bay:
We’d head out to Kemah early enough to watch the sun rise as we approached the bay. My uncle, grandmother, and grandfather—along with my cousins and me—would all pile into the station wagon. The other adults were smart and slept in! Our goal…catch as many blue crabs as we could for Sunday dinner.
Sunday car caravans to our beach property:
In the summer, we had … (16 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…The ActiveRain WayBack Machine
- 01/28/26 05:00 PM
Throwback Thursdays…The ActiveRain WayBack Machine
Seeing a post from Dick Greenberg brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of all the fun times I’ve had through the eighteen years I’ve been a member.
So…if you will, step into the ActiveRain Wayback Machine with me.
~Do you remember when you’d see the number of members listed at or near the top of the web page? It was fun watching it grow.
~Do you remember when membership was free?
Oh yes, when I started, it was free. Then one day, there was a message… if you’ve posted within the last X days, your account will … (21 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Thankful Thursdays…Once Again, Santa Comes Through
- 12/18/24 05:52 PM
Thankful Thursdays…Once Again, Santa Comes Through
Earlier in the month I wrote about a special Christmas memory that involved a visit from Santa Claus.
When I see Santa or recall memories of him, my heart fills with joy. I’ve watched The Santa Claus starring Tim Allen well over a dozen times.
I mentioned having to recruit another Santa for our family Christmas Brunch because our neighbor, who has been Santa since 2020, is ill. *
My thoughts went back to 2020 when he first came to our house on Christmas Day.
You remember 2020, don’t you?! We were fortunate that Texas and Governor Greg Abbott began … (18 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Market Reports, Listings, and Comments.
- 11/29/23 04:53 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Market Reports, Listings, and Comments.
Several years ago I wrote a post that was inspired by one from our Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
It had to do with being courteous and professional with our comments on consumer-focused posts of fellow members.
For example, someone posts about a new listing…
Supportive: “Congratulations on your new listing. Best of luck for a quick sale.”
Not so much: “The seller should update the appliances in the kitchen.”
Listing and market reports are consumer-driven or focused… the ones that you hope will gain good SEO and attract consumers (those who will hopefully help keep your boats afloat.)
Because … (24 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Finding a Way
- 10/25/23 01:23 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Finding a Way
Before I totally migrate everything to my new laptop, I’ve been viewing old photos to see which ones can be deleted. I came across a fun one from October of 2020.
You remember 2020, don’t you? Stifling though it was organizations, businesses, and people found a way to keep
going.
That’s Thatcher…three rows up and in the middle.
Because large gatherings were not allowed, my Houston Astros found a way to have a fan experience and raise funds for the Houston Astros Foundation.
We sent in our grandson Thatcher’s picture and a cutout was made. “He” sat in the stands for … (17 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…A Far Cry From Air Mattresses
- 08/23/23 02:12 PM
Throwback Thursdays…A Far Cry From Air Mattresses
When I started staging homes for sale in 2007, the concept of home staging was still relatively new, especially in Florida. If I asked a homeowner or agent if they were familiar with home staging, there was a 50/50 chance they’d heard of it.
Unlike today where some staging companies own a warehouse full of inventory or stagers rent from large companies like Cort Furniture Rental or use virtual staging, the course I took taught us to improvise.
Keep in mind, we were still trying to convince sellers and agents of the advantages of staging at a … (22 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Yep…I Went Down That Hole
- 03/15/23 05:16 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Yep…I Went Down That Hole
It all began with an innocent post from Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker, inspired by Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. But it didn’t stop there.
I wrote a post about almost going down the hole and then Dorie Dillard Austin TX did go down the hole!!!
I couldn’t resist, so yesterday, I put on my bunny shoes and took the trip down the Hole of Statistics. I decided to see what my most viewed posts were for 2010.
Below are my top 10 posts by # of views from 2010.
The number after the date represents the number of views.
What … (20 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Finding the New from the Old.
- 03/08/23 01:11 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Finding the New from the Old.
Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 had some fun looking back at their Top 10 Posts from 2010 and 2022 respectively.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of going down the proverbial rabbit hole and began surfing the statistical View and Comments waves.
I began by looking at posts that had the fewest number of views. However, after closer inspection, I realized that these were for the most part Members Only posts that I’d written. It stands to reason that their views would be fewer.
My surfing did not stop there and I continued to … (18 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Thankful/Throwback Thursdays...So Grateful It’s Not 2021
- 02/22/23 02:59 PM
Thankful/Throwback Thursdays...So Grateful It’s Not 2021
We have temperatures in the low 80s this week and are incredibly grateful for that. Just over two years ago, our state had snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
South Texas is always prepared for hurricanes and floods but if it snows or there is ice on the roads, we drive as if we’ve never driven a car before.
I’m a huge believer in learning from experiences…good and bad. I’m almost obsessive about it. For example, after each hurricane, I’d make a list of what to do or have for the next hurricane.
What did I learn from our … (22 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Plunder Party
- 12/28/22 03:44 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Plunder Party
As much as I love Christmas trees, there is one thing I’ve never enjoyed…taking down the tree after the holidays!
Dorie Dillard Austin TX wrote a fun post…And the Pickle Winners Are…and it reminded me of what Larry’s mother did when they were children.
After the holidays when it was time to take down the tree, they had what he called a “plunder party.” (there is something similar called St. Knuts’s Day.)
His mother hid small wrapped gifts tucked away in the branches of the tree. These were meant to encourage/bribe Larry and his sister to help with removing the ornaments.
It … (19 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Christmas Memories
- 12/21/22 06:55 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Christmas Memories
When I think of Christmas memories, all sorts of wonderful things…like our Christmas trees, family, my Uncle Charlie’s egg nog (with scotch), and most of all the holiday spirit that seemed to exist in everyone!
Recently when I was taking part in Rocky Dickerson ’s Las Vegas Vantage podcasts, he warned me that at the end, he was going to ask a surprise question. He asked the same question of every podcast guest. Rocky then compiled it and shared it here and on other social media sites.
If you haven’t seen it (and I really hope you’ll watch it and subscribe … (23 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Remembering My First Time
- 11/09/22 04:45 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Remembering My First Time
While waiting in line to vote this past Tuesday, Larry and I noticed some parents and grandparents with their young children with them. Harris County schools were closed on Election Day so I’m sure that some parents had no other choice but to bring their young ones with them.
We also listened as a few adults used this as a wonderful teaching moment for their children. Of course, some of the children wanted to play on the nearby swings, but some did ask questions.
I was reminded of the very first time I voted. It was 1970 and … (27 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursday…In the Blink of An Eye
- 10/12/22 01:56 PM
Throwback Thursday…In the Blink of An Eye
While I was never blessed with children of my own, life gifted me with many wonderful children in my life.
Unfortunately, they grow up far too quickly.
This young man, pictured below (with his baby brother) in 2009, will soon attend his Homecoming Dance.
Every morning before school, I send him a motivational quote. Lately, he has been sending quotes back to me. His source? The movies!
DON'T BLINK!
While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about. Angelia Schwindt
… (26 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Better With Age
- 03/23/22 01:49 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Better With Age
Larry and I love classic car shows. Last weekend we happened upon one in the parking lot at one of our walking trails.
We both appreciate all of the care that goes into them. And for Larry, like many his age, it brings back memories of their first cars.
Classic cars aren’t dead cars, they are the DAD of all cars. Unknown
What was your first car??
… (34 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…Stagers Love to Hear This
- 02/02/22 03:22 PM
Throwback Thursdays…Stagers Love to Hear This
When I was reviewing some of my old posts I thought about how much more staging is accepted than it was when I began back in 2007.
Many things have changed over the years, and yet there are some things that remain constant…we all love to hear the following words…
My agent suggested I call you and get my home staged.Back in 2007, many sellers and agents had no idea what staging was.
I waited to paint until I got your recommendations.Years ago, a seller didn’t wait to paint and it was all so wrong. However, … (23 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursday…My UPS Man Likes It
- 01/19/22 05:10 PM
Throwback Thursday…My UPS Man Likes It
One of my favorite staging consultations was with a seller who was every stager’s dream. When I walked in, he told me to tell him what he needed to do.
He was eager to sell and open to suggestions.
Only one thing…he’d just repainted his home and was not eager to paint again. I didn’t often ask sellers to repaint unless necessary. In 2008, money was an issue for many, however, my client had a bright chartreuse family room wall, next to a royal blue dining area, and bright yellow kitchen area.
The two secondary bathrooms were in navy … (32 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays…New Year’s Traditions
- 12/29/21 04:58 PM
Throwback Thursdays…New Year’s Traditions
It’s hard to believe that another year is about to pass and once again, we’ll struggle for a few months trying to say and write 2022 instead of 2021.
It’s fun to learn what traditions others have for New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day.
Ours have changed over the years in part because we…my Florida extended family…got older and wiser. In the past, we didn’t go out for dinner until around 9 PM and were there to welcome in the New Year.
This morphed into having an early dinner and coming back to our home for dessert.
Our tradition now … (26 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Christmas Memories…
- 12/22/21 03:46 PM
Christmas Memories…
Christmas trees, baking cookies, packages under the tree…so many wonderful memories I have of Christmas. And hopefully, we’re creating new memories every year not only for ourselves but for our loved ones and family members as well.
One of my favorite memories was being the first one in our household to wake up on Christmas morning. I would head to the fireplace where the stocking and gifts from Santa waited.
And…I would take my brother’s stocking and peek to see what he got!!! Truth! He’s 8 years younger so it’s not like I wanted what he had…I was just curious. And what … (38 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays...Different and Not-So-Different
- 11/03/21 05:03 PM
Throwback Thursdays...Different and Not-So-Different
Larry and I moved back to Houston in January 2019 and while we miss many things about Florida, we have never looked back.
I was looking at photos from October 2018 when we were still in Delray Beach and planning our move. There is still much that I miss about our walks along the beach...the sunrises, clouds, seashells, waves, and so much more.
Delray 2018
… (27 comments)
|
throwback thursdays: Throwback Thursdays...Express Yourself
- 10/20/21 04:44 PM
Throwback Thursdays...Express Yourself
As much as I love being back in Texas and with my family, I do miss the beach. Every day there was something different to see.
On Mondays, there were leftover sandcastles and sculptures from the weekend. Always it was fun searching for seashells.
I loved coming upon the beach version of texting.
We met a fellow beach walker who comes out when he can on weekends and draws hearts and smiley faces in the sand to honor his young sister who had recently passed away...
Humans have a need to communicate with others and express what they feel whether … (34 comments)
|
Throwback Thursdays…Jingling Car Keys
;)
;)
;)
