shirley parks: Gardening with Native Texas Plants~Possumhaw - 04/04/09 04:18 PM
The POSSUMHAW (Ilex decidua) is well known for it's red-orange berries that can be seen in San Antonio and the Hill Country in the wintertime.  Also known as a Yaupon Holly, this shrub has little white blooms in the spring and then clusters of spectacular red or orange berries appear on the stems in fall and winter after the leaves have fallen.
The Possumhaw or Yaupon Holly is easy to grow in any type of soil and is drought resistant.  It can be planted in full sun or half day sun.  Great for birdwatchers: The plant will attract birds to your yard … (9 comments)

shirley parks: Gardening with Native Texas Plants~Texas Betony - 04/04/09 04:14 PM
TEXAS BETONY (Stachys coccinea) is a wonderful plant for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard.  Although it grows wild in moist conditions in the mountain crevices of the Trans-Pecos, it also grows well in dry, or even drought, conditions once it is established.  Texas Betony makes a great border plant.  Reddish orange tubular shaped flowers bloom profusely in Spring but once the hot days of Summer are underway, it goes away until Fall when it blooms once again.
Texas Betony is known as a favorite nectar plant for hummingbirds and Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies. It also has pungently scented leaves that deer will … (5 comments)

shirley parks: Gardening with Native Texas Plants~Pyramid Bush - 04/04/09 04:09 PM
Gardening with Native Texas Plants
~The PYRAMID BUSH (Melochia tomentosa) can add a lot to the curb appeal of a home.  A member of the  Chocolate family, the plant is a small, slender, compact shrub, best used as a border plant in flower beds where they add color. In nature, the Pyramid Bush is found growing in  sandy or rocky soil in the mesquite thickets and dry stream beds of South Texas.  If you are looking for a plant to use in xeriscaping this is an excellent choice. It grows quickly and provides lots of color in the summertime.  
It only takes the Pyramid Bush … (5 comments)

shirley parks: Gardening with Native Texas Plants~Chomonque - 04/04/09 03:05 PM
The lightly fragrant Winter blossoms of the CHOMONQUE (Gochnatia hypoleuca) attract honeybees and butterflies.  This native Texas plant is little-known and grows to a height of 6 - 8 feet tall.  The leaves are a deep green color on the outer surface but underneath they are a contrasting white color and feltlike.  In the wild it grows on caliche and gravel and is extremely drought and heat tolerant.  It is also freeze resistant and doesn't require a lot of care. 
If you want a serious butterfly garden the Chomonque plant is a must.  Butterflies that are attracted to this plant include the Painted Lady, Red … (3 comments)

shirley parks: ~Do you get a kiss every day?~ - 04/04/09 08:06 AM
Today's Oprah show was about men and women, relationships and attraction.  I tuned in about halfway through at my daughter's urging.  She is interested in stuff like this since she isn't married and likes discussing it with me. 
Toward the end, the guest on the show, a doctor, made the statement that "kissing frequency is a direct indicator of happiness." And "It turns out that couples who kiss and cuddle regularly are eight times less likely to be stressed and depressed than couples who don't get that," she says. "You have to have a minimum of a 10-second kiss every day." … (19 comments)

shirley parks: San Antonio Home Sales Report - 04/03/09 09:41 AM



-courtesy San Antonio Board of Realtors
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is important that each client receives the best service possible.  I am passionate about my profession and am totally committed to my clients.  Specializing in north San Antonio's most in-demand neighborhoods, I stay current on trends and what's going on in the market.   www.shirleyparks.com
 


(1 comments)

shirley parks: ~Camp Medicine~ - 04/02/09 03:05 PM
Via the grapevine is the usual way I learn about the comings and goings of my extended family.  But yesterday I read in my hometown's online newspaper that this summer a niece of mine, a high school sophomore, will be attending an interesting sounding camp that I have never heard of.  The name of the camp is Camp Medicine. I thought I would pass the information along in case anyone else is interested.
Camp Medicine is a 10 day pre-medical or pre-veterinary program for high school students at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies.  It is for students who are … (10 comments)

shirley parks: ~Emerald Forest~ - 03/29/09 05:38 AM
Emerald Forest is a community of custom built homes on treed lots and located just outside Loop 1604 at Bulverde Road.  Neighborhood amenities include a 24 hour staffed security entrance, pool, tennis, clubhouse, park and playground, and trails for walking or jogging.  Emerald Forest is convenient to Loop 1604, Hwy. 281, and IH-35 for easy access to shopping, entertainment, Randolph AFB, and Ft. Sam Houston.
Children in Emerald Forest attend schools in the North East Independent School District.  Students attend Bulverde Creek Elementary School, Tejeda Middle School, and the brand new state-of-the-art Lady Bird Johnson High School.  School attendance boundaries are subject to change, so verify schools.  Schools are … (6 comments)

shirley parks: Don't Mess With Texas! - 03/28/09 04:28 PM
One of my biggest pet peeves is littering.  It really irks me.  I really don't understand how someone can toss an empty Whataburger soda container out the window!  aargh.  I checked the website www.dontmesswithtexas.org and read up on how to report a litterbug.  The website recommended turning them in through the Texas Department of Transportation's Report a Litterer Program.  First get the the following information:
Texas license plate number (Texas plates only) Make of vehicle Time of day Location Date Who tossed (driver, passenger or accidental) What was tossed and then follow the instructions on the website.  "TxDOT compares the information … (7 comments)

shirley parks: The San Antonio Zoo - 03/28/09 04:16 PM
The San Antonio Zoo is one of the best in the nation but I was very surprised to learn that San Antonio's first zoo dates back to the 1800's!  The first zoo contained a collection of animals open to the public in San Pedro Park.  In 1914, one of the prominent citizens of San Antonio and founder of the San Antonio Express-News, deeded land to the city in what is now known as Brackenridge Park.  In this location he placed buffalo, elk, deer, monkeys, a pair of lions, and four bears.  This collection of animals became known as the San Antonio … (0 comments)

shirley parks: ~Hummingbird Feeding~ - 03/28/09 03:56 PM
Although the hummingbird feeder hanging in our back yard has been empty for a few months, it's time to fill it up and watch the tiny birds feed once again.  Many Texans enjoy the hobby of hummingbird feeding and watching, but the best feeders are actually nectar from plants the birds would naturally use in their native environments. Planting native hummingbird friendly plants around your garden will definitely attract hummingbirds to your back yard. Click here for plant information: Texas Wildscapes; Gardening for Wildlife or Hummingbirds of Texas.
Plants that attract hummingbirds are:
Trumpet shaped Long necked Good nectar producers Bright colored, … (0 comments)

shirley parks: Cibolo Canyons Master Planned Community - 03/28/09 03:39 PM
Aside that Cibolo Canyons is the home of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, opening in March 2010, there are so many things to like about the master planned community.  All Cibolo Canyons homes are SAWS-Certified WaterSaver Homes and come with dual flush toilets, high-efficiency showerheads, hot-water-on-demand, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Specialized irrigation controllers help save an estimated 60,000 gallons of water per year per home according to San Antonio Water System.  Over 800 acres of Cibolo Canyons is open space. But at the top of the list of things to like is the Amentity Center.  There are so … (0 comments)

shirley parks: ~Pulte Homes in Alamo Ranch~ - 03/28/09 02:36 PM
Pulte Homes has announced their new addition, Williams Grant, in the master planned community of Alamo Ranch.  Alamo Ranch is the largest master planned community in San Antonio and has a wide variety of housing set it natural landscapes.  It is convenient to major thoroughfares, great schools, shopping, and entertainment, including Sea World of Texas.
Williams Grant in Alamo Ranch offers a state of the art pool and aquatics center, playgrounds, and onsite elementary and middle school.  Model homes are now open for viewing.
To search homes on the MLS click here:www.shirleyparks.com
-photos, Pulte Homes
(0 comments)

shirley parks: ~Downtown San Antonio Highrise~Vidorra Condos~ - 03/28/09 09:16 AM
The much anticipated luxury downtown highrise condo tower, The Vidorra, had it's ribbon cutting ceremony this week.  Located at 215 N. Center Street near Sunset Station, the 20 story building has townhomes, penthouses, and 146 condos.  The development has everything you could want:  A day porter service, fully equipped fitness center, swimming pool with grilling area, spa services room, meeting room with a flat screen tv, lounge, business center, guest suites for your visitors, and a self-service coffee bar.  The top floor sky room is available to all residents for entertaining. 
The professional conceirge service at the Vidorra provides services ranging from arranging … (3 comments)

shirley parks: Removing Odors in Your Home With Ozone - 03/27/09 08:18 AM
 If any of you have used one of these machines in your home or any of your listings, I would be interested in what your experience has been.
Recently, I sold a home in Medway Massachusetts where the previous owner had a couple of cats. When showing this home to my buyer clients, there was a very strong odor present.
We figured it was the cat box and that the cats may have gone to the bathroom on the carpets at one point or another. The buyers figured that with the cat boxes gone and the carpets cleaned the home would … (5 comments)

shirley parks: North San Antonio Neighborhoods ~Green Spring Valley~ - 03/27/09 07:42 AM
Want to live in an established neighborhood with homes set on wooded lots along peaceful winding streets?  In Green Spring Valley, most homes are set on larger lots and have plenty of mature live oak trees that provide abundant shade.  Located in north/northeast San Antonio, this neighborhood is just a mile inside 1604 off Bulverde Rd. in the desired North East Independent School District (NEISD). Green Spring Valley is convenient to great shopping, entertainment, schools, and churches, as well as to Ft. Sam Houston and Randolph AFB.
Here you'll find a beautiful recreation area complete with swimming pool, separate wading pool, and a cabana sheltered under giant trees. There are also lighted tennis courts, … (3 comments)

shirley parks: ~I Should be Living in the UK?~ - 03/25/09 03:07 PM
When I read Mary's Blog from Red Feather Lakes, CO the other day, Mary Fisher said she had taken the online quiz, "Where should you be living?"  and was surprised to find that she should be living in Australia.  I clicked on the link she provided, took the quiz, and found that I should be living in the United Kingdom.
Unlike Mary, I wasn't a bit surprised.  But I was surprised at how they figured me out!  The site said, "You have pride in yourself and pride in your country. You believe that history and culture is an important factor to the future of your country, … (22 comments)

shirley parks: San Antonio Dog Parks - 03/22/09 03:20 AM
City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation: Dog Parks
San Antonio now has two dog parks, Pearsall Park, 4700 Old Pearsall Road, and the newly completed McAllister Park dog park, 13102 Jones-Maltsberger. Both parks have an abundance of fire hydrants and water fountains just off the ground for your dog's enjoyment.    
The McAllister Dog Park is built on approximately1.5 acres of fenced land with exercise equipment, a covered picnic area, benches, and a walking trail.
Pearsall Park's dog park also has 1.5 acres. Decorated in primary colors of greens, reds and yellows, the fenced-in area is easy to locate.  It … (25 comments)

shirley parks: ~Christian Summer Camp~ - 03/21/09 04:11 PM
Looking for an uplifting summer camp experience for your child this summer?  Check out Community Bible Church's Next+Gen Events Ministry
This summer the Word of God will come alive through powerful worship,life changing Bible studies, intimate times of prayer & that's just the beginning!
Make new friendsHang out in the lazy riverSwing across camp on the zip lineSpend the afternoon on a paddleboatChallenge yourself on the climbing wall
MAKE THIS A SUMMER TO REMEMBER AT CAMP TEJASCommunity Bible Church Next+Gen Summer Camps
Session 1 - 3rd & 4th grade - June 6-9* - Cost: $295Session 2 - 5th & 6th grade … (4 comments)

shirley parks: ~San Antonio Military Construction Projects~ - 03/21/09 03:27 PM
Texas military construction projects will receive $726.5 million, including $27.1 million for San Antonio bases, funded by the stimulus bill by signed the President.  More than $7.4 billion in defense-related spending was in the bill, including $5.9 billion for military construction projects to improve facilities.
In San Antonio, Randolph AFB will be the recipient of  the largest number of projects and funds with a total of  $18.4 million.  Lackland AFB will receive $6 million and the Kelly Field Annex, $2.7 million.  This will mean more jobs and will create growth for San Antonio.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who voted against … (2 comments)

 
Shirley Parks, Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate (Sands Realty 210-414-0966)

Shirley Parks

Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

San Antonio, TX

More about me…

Sands Realty 210-414-0966

Address: San Antonio, TX

Office: (210) 414-0966

We serve all areas of San Antonio, including Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Boerne, Bulverde, Castle Hills, Champions, Cibolo, Converse, Deerfield, The Dominion, Encino Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Inwood, Leon Springs, Monte Vista, Northwest San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Northwood, Olmos Park, Rogers Ranch, Schertz, Shavano Creek, Shavano Park, Sonterra, Stone Oak, Terrell Hills, Universal City, Ft. Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB. We proudly assist clients in every price range throughout the greater San Antonio metropolitan area as well as across the nation.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog