The opening words of Ernest Hemmingway's "Old Man and the Sea," begin as follows, "There is an old fisherman, Santiago, in Cuba who has gone eighty-four days without a catch. He is "thin and gaunt with deep wrinkles in the back of his neck,...and his hands had deep-creased scars from handling he
...
02/16/2010
There were a couple of things acting as catalyst for my making this trip to Florida and Florida Keys. But primarily it was the extraordinary and relentlessly gloomy winter in Sacramento. Other than a couple of days where we had a few minutes of sun, it had been weeks of fog, rain, and overcast
...
02/15/2010
One of the more wonderful things about being in the Florida Keys, is the ability to be in a place which produces gorgeous sunsets, as well as equally spectacular sunrises.The Keys are islands connected by bridge. Depending on whether you are looking east at dawn, or west at dusk, will produce co
...
02/14/2010
Somewhere along the Florida Keys, but before you get to Key West, the southern-most key, is the amazingly beautiful key, Islamorada - the fishing capital of the world. Some scenes above are from my hotel deck, others, are on the grounds of the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, and the very wel
...
02/09/2010
Not long ago, I wrote about the California Happy Cows, which help promote our state's dairy industry. I make no secret I love the exploitation of our cows who in their daily routine, actually talk, have opinions and thoughts about things - especially relating to their wonderful existence wh
...
02/07/2010
Before the clock had struck 7:00 am this morning, I received a call from a troubled acquaintance, who is hoping to get a better mortgage, or take advantage of the lower interest rates currently available.Because the news media has provided many reports about foreclosure scams, and many folks are
...
02/05/2010
Every year at this time, folks have the feeling there is a little more in the air than love.It originates with anticipation of another sharp pointed object aimed their direction. This ‘other' feeling isn't coming from the warm caring feelings of one near and dear to us with the aid of Cupid
...
02/04/2010
Because I believe that good food helps make a house a home, a couple of weeks ago I posted a recipe titled Beef Steak Chili with Mangos. The caribbean inspired recipe is a favorite of my family. But, I have another more South of the Border recipe which we also enjoy - It's for Chili Verde. T
...
02/03/2010
Awhile back I was brainstorming with another real estate professional. Both of us agreed that in addition to helping buyers purchase property, and sellers to sell their homes, we had voluntarily been helping a few past clients, friends and family, to stay in their economically challenged homes d
...
02/02/2010
Tomorrow is Ground Hog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil suggests if you are a troubled homeowner, to not be afraid to come out and see your shadow. And if you see your shadow, don't go back into your hole and hibernate for another six weeks.Fighting your instincts may be difficult, BUT ignoring t
...
02/01/2010
