Kentlands Photowalk: Blue Clematis IMG 4238 You can find clematis blooms in many colors when out and about on photowalks.  This blue clematis is a very nice addition for a flowering vine on a garden fence. This photograph was taken in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. Clematis, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA IMG 4238Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/160 sec., ISO-320, 30 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 08/17/2015

Book Recommendation: Eyes of Prey by John Sandford Eyes of Prey (1991) is book number three in the Lucas Davenport series by New York Times bestselling author John Sandford. If you enjoy crime thrillers, you will certainly want to read this series. Use the links to learn more about the author and his books.Books by John SandfordThe death of the doctor's wife horrifies the Twin Cities, especially what the killer did to her eyes. A report comes in of a troll-like man near the murder scene, his face a patchwork of scars, but that bizarre clue is all Lieutenant Lucas Davenport has to go on as he attempts to sort out the murder. Still trying to recover from a pair of particularly brutal cases, bone-weary, his nerves fraying, Davenport isn't sure he's up to it — until it happens again, the sa... 08/16/2015

Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland: Daylily IMG 4691 The name of this daylily is 'Indian Giver'. We have several of these plants in our home garden in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. Daylily, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA IMG 4691Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/160 sec., ISO-125, 30 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 08/16/2015

Real Estate Industry Ice Cream Social This Wednesday, August 19, 2015 is the date for the monthly Ice Cream Social sponsored by Confidence Title & Escrow. This event provides an opportunity to network with real estate professionals and loan officers who work in Montgomery County, Maryland.The ice cream at Bruster's is wonderful. One of my favorite combinations is Death by Chocolate and Butter Pecan. Dolores usually attends with me if she is not on the golf course. 08/16/2015

Gaithersburg is Growing As of July, the estimated population in the City of Gaithersburg stands at 67,099. That represents a 3.6% increase over last year, and a 5.1% increase from July, 2013. You'll find more details in the recently issued Dwelling Unit and Population Report, which includes City-specific demographic and housing information, region wide Census information, housing trends, and future forecasts.  This is a City of Gaithersburg announcement.For out of the area readers, the City of Gaithersburg is located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland in the north west suburbs of Washington, DC.  Primrose, Kentlands Photowalk IMG 4346Photograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 08/15/2015

Kentlands Photowalk: Gooseneck Loosestrife IMG 4385 Each time I take a photowalk through Kentlands, in Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, I have the opportunity to photograph and learn more about the flowers and plants that grow in the neighborhood. Subhash Sharma These lovely Lysimachia clethroides also known as or Gooseneck flowers or Loosestrife, are native to China and Japan but are also found in Russia, Korea and North America. Their specific epithet of clethroides means "like alder" (Clethra) which is another flowering shrub. This plant has a reasonably resistant to pests & diseases and therefore a good to grow in the garden.Mr. Sharma is from India and lives in Ireland. He frequently comments on photographs that I post on Facebook. Gooseneck Loosestrife, Lysimachia clethorides, Kentla... 08/15/2015

Accessing Healthy Foods in Gaithersburg In partnership with the Let's Move! campaign and several social service agencies, the City of Gaithersburg has produced a brochure highlighting the variety of food and nutrition programs available to individuals and families in the Gaithersburg area. It details year round and seasonal farmers markets, food pantries, soup kitchens, and free meal programs for young people. Find it online or pick one up at City facilities and select social service agencies. This is a City of Gaithersburg announcement. Blanket Flower, Gaillardia, Kentlands Photowalk IMG 4340Photograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 08/14/2015

Kentlands Photowalk: Lily IMG 4753 This photograph was taken in our home garden in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. The walkability of Kentlands is one of the factors that attracts families to this neighborhood when they are relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC. Photography tip: Use a sheet of paper if you wish to have a solid color as the background when you photograph a flower. Subhash Sharma This exquisite looking Asiatic lily belongs to a group of flowers which come in a blend of colours ranging from white, yellow, orange, pink to red. White typically symbolizes peace, innocence, marriage and purity throughout both the Eastern and Western civilizations.Mr. Sharma is a Facebook friend from India. He lives in Ireland and frequently comments on my photo... 08/14/2015

514 WHITE SURF TERRACE, GAITHERSBURG, MD Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure My Reviews $ 260,0002 BEDROOMS | 1.5 BATHROOMS | Follow This Home! Search All Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Avoid Foreclosure What is Your Home Worth? Presented By: The Lise Howe Group Keller Williams Capital Properties 240-343-4693   Schedule a Showing/Request Info Property Description Truly Perfect Townhouse with deck. Spacious open plan with large kitchen, Living & dining. Slider to fenced yard. 2 large bedrooms up. Great townhome off Muddy Branch. Minutes to Rio, 270, Kentlands & the new Crown Development.   08/14/2015

Washington, DC Metro Area Home Prices by Jurisdiction, July, 2015 Families being relocated to the Metro Area of Washington, DC need to decide where they want to live. There are many jurisdictions and a wide range of housing prices. The usual decisions are driven by the commute time and distance to the workplace, the quality of the schools and the quality of life in the community. We recommend the use of an exclusive buyer agent to advise you on the factors that will help you make the best decisions. Prospective home buyers who plan to use mortgage financing will need to have a pre-approval letter from a lender. Your buyer agent will be happy to recommend loan officers who have a record of providing excellent service. Best July in a decade, all segments exhibit year-over-year growth for ... 08/13/2015

Days on the Market (DOM), Washington, DC Metro Area, July, 2015 When you are searching for a home in the Metro Area of Washington, DC, there are thousands of homes listed for sale and it is easy to assume there will be a good selection and there is little sense of urgency. The reality is that this a very large and a very fast moving market. During July, the median days on the market increased from 15 to 19 days. This factor creates urgency because the best selections are quickly selling and some homes will attract multiple contract competition.We recommend the use of an exclusive buyer agent who will provide the market data and support that you will need to make the best decisions on a home purchase. At 19 days, the median days-on-market (DOM) increased by two days year-over-year and fo... 08/13/2015

Washington, DC Metro Area Housing Trends, July, 2015 If you and your family are planning to move to the Metro Area of Washington, DC, you will want to learn about the housing market. This chart will provide some helpful basic information. This is a very active market and home buyers need to be well prepared. The median days on the market did increase from 15 to 19 days in July but that does not provide much of a break for prospective purchasers.Our advice is to use the services of an exclusive buyer agent who is very familiar with the market. Those who plan to use mortgage financing should obtain a pre-approval letter as one of the initial steps in the home buying process. Your buyer agent will be able to recommend local officers who will provide great service. The Washington, D.C. Metr... 08/12/2015

Gaithersburg Boards, Commissions and Committees Vacancies The Mayor and City Council are seeking members to serve on a number of City Boards, Commissions and Committees. Joining is a way to get involved and help your community.The following have vacancies: Animal Control Board (One Alternate Public-at-Large/Business Community, One Representative of the Montgomery County Veterinary Medical Association or shall have training and/or experience in the proper training or care of animals and One Alternate Representative of the Montgomery County Veterinary Medical Association or shall have training and/or experience in the proper training or care of animals; Open until filled) Commission on Landlord – Tenant Affairs (One Full Tenant Representative and One Alternate Tenant; open until filled) C... 08/12/2015

Gaithersburg Chorus Selects Cory Davis as New Choral Director Cory Davis has been selected as the new Choral Director of the Gaithersburg Chorus, now in its 28th year. Prospective members are invited to meet Davis and register for the Chorus at the first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, located at 506 South Frederick Avenue next to Gaithersburg High School.Davis, a 2008 graduate of George Washington University, arrives in Gaithersburg having previously served as Choral Director for the Runnymede Singers for four years. He also has extensive professional chorus experience as a singer and a piano accompanist.“I am honored and excited to join the Gaithersburg Chorus as music director and conductor,” says Davis. “I am putting together a f... 08/11/2015

Book Recommendation: Dead Man's Grip by Peter James Dead  Man's Grip (2011) is novel number seven of the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series by Peter James, an international best selling writer of crime fiction. If you read this book, you will be anxious to read all of the novels in this series. Use the links to learn more about the author and his books.Books by Peter James Goodreads Review: Dead Man’s GripCarly Chase is still traumatized ten days after being in a fatal traffic accident that kills a teenage American student from Brighton University. Then she receives news that turns her entire world into a living nightmare. The drivers of the other two vehicles involved have been found tortured and murdered. Now Detective Superintendent Roy Grace of the Sussex Police Force issues ... 08/10/2015

Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT. A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.  C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine. T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.This summertime reminder was provided by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Montgomery C... 08/10/2015

Maryland’s tax-free shopping week Maryland’s tax-free shopping week started on Sunday, giving parents a break on all the essential clothing and footwear kids might need for back-to-school without having to pay state sales tax.During the tax-free period, qualifying clothing and footwear that costs $100 or less, per item, is exempt from the state sales tax. Accessories are not included. The tax-free period ends on Saturday. Use the following link for a list of tax-free items.Shop Maryland Week’s list of taxable and exempt items.  Clematis Seed Pod + Imagination, Kentlands PhotowalkPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 08/10/2015

Kentlands Photowalk, Dahlia IMG 4556 I did not have to walk very far to photograph this Dahlia in the planter at the front of our home in the Kentlands community in Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. One of the benefits of this very walkable community is that you will enjoy the flowers that accent the white picket fences throughout the neighborhood.When I posted the photograph on Facebook, one of my Facebooks friends in Ireland left the following comments. Subhash Sharma This lovely Dahlia is a spicy flower and its significance ranges from a sign of warning, to change, to travel, to even a portent of betrayal. The varied symbolic meanings of the dahlia makes this flower a wild card. Give to that unique, eclectic person whom you wish to compliment his/her wild side. Combine them with slender ... 08/09/2015

Kentlands Photowalk, Coneflower IMG 4723 Many of the home gardens in Kentlands include coneflowers. It is fun to photograph them when the light shows them at their best.If you need a blog topic, take a photowalk through your home community. Every photograph can provide the idea you need for a blog.Kentlands is located within the City of Gaithersburg in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. This is one of the favorite communities for families moving to the Metro Area of Washington, DC. Coneflower, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA IMG 4723Canon PowerShot G11 Camera, f/4.5, 1/160 sec., ISO-80, 30 mm, No FlashPhotograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 08/09/2015

Perseids Meteor Shower Stargazing Event in Gaithersburg The Perseids meteor shower is an annual astronomical event, so called because it appears as if the meteors are coming from the constellation Perseus. This year it peaks on August 13, when 50 to 100 meteors will cross the night sky every hour. The Gaithersburg Community Museum is hosting a free Stargazing event to watch the meteors at Observatory Park on Thursday, August 13 from 9:30 to 11 p.m. No telescopes are needed, just a comfortable blanket or lawn chair so you can relax while watching the meteors streak past. Observatory Park is located at 100 DeSellum Avenue.Although the park will be dark, we ask that you please not bring a bright flashlight. Red light is less intrusive to other watchers, and red cellophane will be available... 08/08/2015