Small Business Holiday Gift Results

Here are the results of the Small Business Holiday Gift. To my surprise it was not what I had expected. Did I mention it was free? It was intended for all small business? You guys have some pretty amazing products and services. How are you letting people know?

I really liked the purses that were made from zippers. They are so cool. As I mentioned you also had a great bottle bag made from zippers which I think would have been great for the Holidays. Today is December 29th and your web site is still "coming soon"(I did e-mail you but perhaps I was sent to the spam folder).

Another favorite the Bonsai Tree-Artificial Manufactured Trees. They look wonderful. Very hard to believe they are artificial. Again, I still can't find your web site.

Anyway Congratulations to the participants. And for those of you who didn't participate I'm still looking for you.

From my friends Jack and Sofia:


Vintage Vogue Designs Jewelry By Jack & Sofia
848-250-1056
http://www.myspace.com/jckhndy
jckhndy@aol.com







if you like vintage style that's what we have, necklaces we use only the best of quality in bead work vintage swarovski crystals venetian glass murano glass natural not dyed gemstones, ivory, bone, hematite, abalone mother of pearl freshwater pearls, also swarovski crystal pearls we makes all sets necklace earrings pierced or clip on belly button drops bracelets ankle and wrist or both best high end quality, even though i have pictures it doesn't do any justice to the beads if you aren't happy full money back guarantee these beads are were never for public market, they were brought when Vogue jewelry went out of business in 1975 all crystal necklaces will have a vogue tag take to any jewelry store will tell u its authentic as well as the beads themselves hhousehold collectable if you like limoge, nippon, noritake, German English we can find for you or have it here, we have art glass in many styles such as: vases compote some small trinkets also cloisonne' vases (Japanese & Chinese) satsuma hand blown vases and water pitchers decanters venetian murano and bohemian hand painted American glass hand cut American also chechosolvocian, milk glass fenton, Westmoreland and much more take a peek don't cost to browse will give you a better price than the stores 10% discount if you bring or mention this add the more u buy the better the price if we get it for a good price we reflect it back on you

thanks for browsing jack & Sofia

fruit pie - take a few apples,pears,peaches peel and cut into pieces the size is as u desire, add raisins, dried cranberry & dates a tablespoon of lemon to keep apples from turning u can add a few teaspoons of flower to thicken regular apple spices before putting top crust on dribble honey no sugar needed great for no sugar diets cook at 350 until u have golden crust


Tom DeSena:

I have a process that can eliminate credit card debt to "Zero"

No gimmicks... zero!Since cc debt is a real problem these days I find that most of the people I contact are at least curious..

check out my video on how this process works.. http://www.zeromydebtnow.com/


Karen Borden: Real Estate Appraiser/Agent - Massachusetts
508-990-7444
larriveerpa@verizon.net


Here's to you! Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Lisa Glowacki

Real Estate Broker RI & MA

401-369-1766 lgtiv@aol.com

disclaimer: Please be advised I am not referring any of these businesses. I am providing you with information. Please do your own due diligence and make your own decision.

If you are looking to buy or sell property please call me at (401) 369-1766 or e-mail lgtiv@aol.com . If you are currently in a contract with a real estate agent, broker, or real estate agency this is not a solicitation.

Happy Holidays Small Business

Hello,

I am glad you decided to claim your gift. In an effort to promote your business a little participation is required. Here is the gift. For the next few weeks I will be posting your business information on my site at no cost to you except time. If you have ten minutes I think it will be worth your time. Please forward to me by e-mail a picture, a favorite recipe, or information you would like to share along with your business information.

Business Name, Location, Telephone Number, Your Name, e-mail Address and a short description of your business (please try to limit to approximately 250 characters). I will do the rest.

Here is what your ad will look like:

WATERHOUSE ANTIQUES
845 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
401-245-0142

Specializing in Period Furniture.

I believe this is an effective form of advertising and I think you will also if you give it a chance. I look forward to receiving your information. Please e-mail to lgtiv@aol.com and I will be sure to include your business ad on my site.

One last request promise. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below.

Thank you for your participation. Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.

Lisa Glowacki
Real Estate Broker RI & MA
401-369-1766

House Hunting - Let's Go

The past two weeks I have been doing some serious House Hunting and research. I have been looking at Bank Owned homes and keeping up on homes that I though were a good deal. The results were surprising.

1. Somebody must be lending because these homes are selling.


2. Homes are selling at good prices.


3. Homes that are priced well are selling quickly.

The week started looking at three family bank owned homes. My first thought is these homes are empty. It is getting cold and people are going to start moving in for the winter. I image it is much the same for areas that are extremely hot but our area happens to be cold. Cautiously we enter the houses and another surprise most homes didn't have any quests yet although some showed signs.

Most of the properties had a lot to offer. Vinyl siding, replacement windows, separate utilities for each unit, dry basements, laundry hook-ups, some new ceilings and fresh paint. Was there work to be done absolutely but if you are looking to have additional income to pay for the mortgage or if you are investing there was value.

Being the research hound I am I had to investigate further. I was surprised to see that the rents were good, the prices were good, and they were selling rather quickly.

Now I'm interested and I am researching anyway so I figure lets look into the properties I have been keeping an eye on. Again pending, pending, pending, sold. Two of them I was quite happy to see in pending status. Two nice homes in my home town. One pending in 14 days. Good, at least two happy families starting a new year.



Right now the news media seems to be pessimistic.

1. Banks aren't Lending.


2. Prices will fall.


3. Foreclosures will increase.

The Real Estate Perspective.

1. 1. There is Financing.
2. 2. Negotiations happen every day.
3. 3. Interest Rates are good.
   

We all realize this conflict will continue for some time to come. However, if you are thinking about buying now is the time to start. There are good values no matter what price range. Get pre-approved to see how much house you can afford. Re-evaluate your portfolio to confirm that properties are still a good investment. Then call me and let's go house hunting.

Happy Holidays,

Lisa 401-369-1766

Tiverton, RI - Going Back while Moving Forward

FIRST SNOW FALL 12/7/09- TIVERTON, RI
We woke to snow this morning. So my plan was to bring my camera while doing errands and get pictures of the first snow fall. Off and on my way when I thought the picture above would be nice. However, I had forgotten my camera. Sometimes a simple change of plans turns out to be a great adventure.

I finished the errands and decided I would take pictures in our neighbor. On the way back I wanted to look at a property which happened to be in my old, actually first neighborhood. Along the way I saw a man and his children building a snow man. I wish I had my camera but things happen for a reason. Driving home I noticed how nice everything looked with the freshly fallen snow - back home for the camera.

This is my first neighborhood: GARDEN HEIGHTS
As I was driving around I thought what a nice place for a child to grow up or maybe it was only my nice memories.
As much as the neighborhood changed it stayed the same. Cozy 2-3 bedroom homes with well kept yards. Neighborhood was as clean as a whistle.
I saw a person I recognized as a former neighborhood. I should have said hi but it has been a long time.



Then I remembered there was a path on the street over. There it was the gateway to the outside. How many times I walked that path to school, ice skating. and the carnival. Beyond the path is the school yard (I wonder if the children still walk to school and if they are referred to as walkers) where in the summer there was a carnival. I use to watch the fireworks from my bedroom window. There is also the basketball court and in the winter they would fill it with water so we could ice skate (wonder if they still do that?). FYI -the house next to the path, the infamous gateway, is for sale.


Moving on. Driving home I'm thinking there are a lot of nice neighborhoods in Tiverton I need to revisit. I decided to take Highland Road on my way home and get some pictures of that neighborhood. The Highland Road Neighborhood offers a traditional and historic feel. It is a pretty tree lined road where you can find the Town Hall, Fort Barton, Hilltop Tree Farm, and the Essex Library.

The reason for this post is because I've been looking and watching. I am seeing buyers becoming homeowners and watching the transformation of the properties. You are doing some pretty great things with your new homes. If your thinking about buying maybe it is time you took the next step. Determine your wants and needs, see how much home you can afford, and look around you might be surprised. There are different styles, prices, and neighborhoods to choose from.

Lastly consult a real estate agent. I know your saying "Well Lisa that is because your one. I can do it myself." It is true I am a real estate agent and I don't question your ability to buy a home on your own. However I do believe in my profession and feel we offer a valuable service. While your busy working, picking up your children, shopping, and in general living your life which can be very busy, we are making sure things are moving along, your are meeting all deadlines, and constantly keeping informed of the situation. Sometimes when life gets hectic we just simply forget and most of the time it comes with a penalty. Next you probably will say "Well it's Christmas. I'm to busy." Just as all good things come they also pass.

Happy Holidays,

Lisa

Amazing things People do In and Outside of their Homes

Ever visit with someone and you are blown away by what that have done? While visiting with friends this summer that is exactly what happened to me. This post has been a long time coming due to complications with e-mailing photos. So last night again we were visiting with the same friends and I loaded the pictures to my computer from his camera. I hope you are as impressed as I am.

THE BEAUTIFUL POND

Pictures don't do this project justice. The couple who made this pond are just like you and I. They get up every day and go to their respective jobs and simply enjoy live and each other. They do not do this as a professional career but who would know? It is that good. Not only have they created a healthy pond for their fish but they have also created a environment full of life and a home to many species.

Here is one of the tenants. What a life. A wonderful place to live rent free. His or her only worry is where his/her next meal is coming from. Now a days we all wonder that from time to time. I hear he/she is quite aggressive and likes to try and catch birds. Yes I said birds. Imagine the ambition and desire this little fellow has to keep trying day after day to catch birds. I believe they have told me he/she is successful since sometimes there is evidence to support that fact. Not so nice part of life but life as it is and will be.





Here is the pond at night. Pretty cool how the lights are under water. It looks really nice and it is so relaxing. Can you see all the fish?






Here is a better view of the fish. There are so many they must be well fed. These are only the big fish there are thousands of little fish along the edges of the pond and under the lily pads.

This is Rocco their grandson enjoying the pond.

Everyone enjoys the pond whether you live in or around it or whether you just are exploring the life on a beautiful sunny day. Nice job you guys. Big things from the littlilest state in the Union. Were the last two sentences enough of a clue as to where this pond is located?

Bad Credit Card Companies Bad - Watch how they effect your Credit Score

Does anyone watch Carmen on CNBC? For those of you who don't she has a show advising people how to manage their finances. For you who don't know me I am not much of a TV fan. Actually I think it turns your mind into mush. However I do watch informative TV the history channel, CNBC, News, and yes I hate to admit it those House shows on HGTV (sometimes you can pull some worthy information from those shows).

Well last night the show was about credit card companies jacking interest rates, cutting your credit limit, and canceling cards for lack of use or having a zero balance. What got me angry was that while the credit card cuts your credit limit and cancel your card for not using it and you have a balance on another card your Credit Score is also hit.

So here we go again good customers paying there credit cards on time paying more than the minimum due are getting punished again. Now not only are they increasing your interest rate ridiculously they are also reducing your credit score.

THE THEORY BEHIND THE MADNESS - your debt to available funds ratio has busted your credit score. I am mad as hell and you should be also.

So what does this mean. Now more good customers in this country will have a lower credit score. People who actually have great credit will be denied loans because of their credit score. This is only proving to me what I have been taught numbers lie and liers use numbers. How do we get our customers qualified for a home loan when the credit card companies are not only wacking us with unaffordable interest rates but now they are affecting our credit scores. Oh and by the way this is all ok because there is no regulation to prevent this from happening. Well you know what something has to happen and something has to change.

I just wanted to provide you with the information so if possible you can fight back. Pay them off as quickly as you can. If you can't pay them quickly start looking now for a credit card with a better interest rate even if it is 8% because no one seems to know hold long that will be available. Carmen's Buzz says in this time 8% isn't a bad rate.

This sucks!

Lisa

Supporting Local Businesses. Craft Show Tiverton Middle School

Do you support your local and community businesses. I try to make a point of supporting them. They contribute greatly to our towns and cities. I do most of my business in Tiverton and Warren. I live in Tiverton and our Antique Store and my office are located in Warren.

I like when I go to Bank Newport and they know who I am. I try to share my transactions between Tiverton and Warren branches. My insurance company is Allstate located in Tiverton. Colleen Desrosier and her staff do a great job. When I call for an insurance binder within fifteen minutes it is on my fax machine.

I gas up at the local Gas Station "George's Gas". They pump it for you-really important to me. Heating fuel comes from Phil's Propane. Septic System pumped by A&D Sanitation. Anyway you get my point.

So this year for Christmas I was thinking I would try to purchase my gifts from local businesses. There are many great gift ideas, lots of local artists, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, ect. Sorry big retail stores I might not make it to you this year. Trust me I don't want to think about Christmas yet but there is a lot of ground to cover to make this happen.
So today I started at the Craft Fair being held at the Tiverton Middle School.

There were some pretty talented people there. Here are few.

RICHARD M. SOUSA
Woodturner
Furniture Parts-Finials-Bowls
Phone (401) 816-0365
Cell Phone - (401) 235-4511



It was pretty cool to watch them at work. They offered wood turned bowls, pens, wine stoppers, desk sets, to mention a few.

When attending an Open House at Christmans the platters would be great for crackers and cheese. You could fill the bowls with nuts. Then you can leave the item with your host as an extra gift. I'm sure you are more creative than I am and can come up with some great ideas. I thought the desk set was nice as well as the pens.

The bottle stoppers were very nice and would be even better accompanied by a bottle of your choice of fine spirits. This team does some fine work.

Another Artisan at the show was this man with his amazing pottery. I am so disappointed in myself for not getting his name. He only sells his pottery at shows. You will find him at the 18th Annual Holiday Crafts Festival at CCRI Knight Campus, Warwick RI on Friday November 28th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday November 29th 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is $2.00 if you bring a non-perishable food item admission is $1.00.
He will also be at Durfee High School in Fall River, MA on December 6th & 7th.


His workmanship is wonderful. The painted flowers are delicate and beautiful. He had sponge holders, plates, bowls, baskets, and shrimp cocktail plate. How nice a present that would be- shrimp cocktail proudly served on this fine hand made stoneware. By the way he told me the CCRI Show is a really good show it has 80 Artisans & Crafters. He also told me there is a lot of quality merchandise at that show.



I love these. They are Plant Pals to keep your plants company. They are so whimsical and fun. Ever try to find a gift with a price limit or need a gift for your child's teacher. For $6.00 or 2 for $10.00 you would be hard pressed to find anything close to these Plant Pals. I'm wondering why I didn't buy some. Probably because I didn't get this gentleman's name and I will see him at the Durfee High School Show.


Here are some great gift for our fine four legged friends.
Offered by:
PET SITTERS in Tiverton, RI.
"ONE FAMILY AT A TIME"
CARE GIVERS: Tanya & Joe Beaulieu
(401) 624-4184 or 297-6030

Tanya is a little camera shy. Look at these tasty treats bake from pure love. There are black & white cookies, cup cakes, fortune cookies that are finer than any human bakery. I bought some for Isabel and had a hard time not eating them myself they looked so delicious.

Don't plan on giving your dog treats right away. Buy some Buddy Biscuits Bake at Home Dog Treats. What a good idea. I want to come back as Tanya's dog in my next life. Their logo says it all "ONE FAMILY AT A TIME".
Tanya & Joe offer day care and they assure "Your pet(s) will be in a caring and fun loving environment".

Being in the Antique Business I have done many of these shows. These people work hard. So go find your local business people and give them the support they deserve. It would be sad to them go away.

Next I am off to find Mr. John Dixon. Mr. Dixon is an Artificial Tree Manufacturer of Bonsai trees. I saw them displayed at Bank Newport and they were very good. I had to touch one to be sure they were Manufactured and not real. He will be opening in Tiverton, RI on November 20th. His web site will be Bonsaibydixon.com. I keep looking for it but haven't seen it yet so I am off to find him. These could be really nice gifts also.

Election Day Rhode Island. MUST SEE. Everyone Person has a Right to His/Her Choice. No Matter What Age.

Today from the store window of our Antique Store I watched this young man campaign for Obama harder than any individual I have seen all this election.










Joe Burns - Obama Supporter
Warren, RI

This young man was relentless waving and pointing at his sign at every car that passed rallying for support. Some people even flipped him off. No matter who you like for President this young man didn't deserve that response for his effort. He was out there for hours. A Jack Reed supporter or representative must have been pretty impressed because he stopped and gave him the sign above. This is America people so if this young man likes Obama and you disagree then don't blow your horn, don't wave but give him the respect he deserves for his choice. Don't flip him off. People have the right of choice in this Country. That is what makes this Country great. Look at the pride in his face. This is not an emotion we should discourage.

Avtech Signs P&S for Culter Mills Located in Warren, RI

AVTECH Software, Inc. is a multi-million dollar computer technology company currently located in Newport, RI. Founder and CEO Michael Sigourney is in the preliminary stage of relocating his company to Warren, RI in the Culter Millers . The Purchase and Sales Agreement has been signed and if the sale goes through they should be here sometime in March. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sigourney and his wife. They have some pretty exciting plans and would be a great asset to the town of Warren.


AVTECH currently employs 25 people and expects to hire an additional 10. Avtech is a family-oriented business which employs professionals who give back to their community. Mr. Sigourney started this business with a small budget and has grown into one of the largest worldwide manufacturers of environmental computer and network monitoring equipment.


Fab Goldberg owner of Basically British Tea Roomis located at the Culter Mills. My understanding is Fab had a lot to do with Mr. Sigourney's decision to look into this property for the future home of Avtech.

Fab has many accomplishments herself. She grew her Tea Room into a thriving business and is also a noted designer. Fab will contribute greatly to the design of the mill space. Way to go Fab!

I have known Fab for some time now and can remember when her space in the mill was just bare bones. You can expect great things from her and I can't wait to see the final results of this project.

The successful purchase of the Culter Mill and relocation of AVTECH Software, Inc. would be hugh benefit to the Town of Warren , RI.

Warren Town Hall
Form of government: Council-Manager with five-member and appointed town manager.

Established in: 1620
Incorporated in: 1747


Statistics:

Area: 5.8 sq. mi. (37th)
Population: 11,360 (27th)
Population density: 1,958.6/ sq.mi (12th)
Median age: 39.8
Median household income: $41,285 (31st)
Tax rate: $15.62 per $1,000 (13th) (Residential)
$26.00 per $1,000 (20th) (Vehicles)

Bristol Warren Regional School District

Hugh Cole School
Grades: Pre-School - 3
Asylum Road
Warren, RI 02885

Kickemuit Middle School
Grades: 6 - 8
Child Street
Warren, RI 02885

Our Lady of Fatima High School
Grades: 7 - 12
360 Market St
Warren, RI 02885

Mt Hope High School
Grades: 9 - 12
199 Chestnut Street
Bristol, RI 02809

Current Listings (RI MLS - Single Family Homes)

6 - $149,900-$250,000
23 - $250,00-$350,000
6 - $350,000-$450,000
4 - $450,000-$550,000
4 - $550,000-$750,000
6 - $750,000+


(RI MLS - Multi Family 2-4 units)

8 - $199,900-$330,000
1 - $450,000
1 - $619,000

East Providence - Two 3 Bedroom Units Available

FOR RENT OR LEASE

East Providence, RI

2nd Floor Rented

1st Floor Available














TWO FAMILY HOME

1st Floor Handicap Accessible
Fully Equipment Kitchen
3 Bedrooms w/generous closet space
1 Bathroom
Private Laundry & Storage Room
Spacious Floor Plans
Ample Parking
Garage Available
Conveniently Located to Shopping& Schools

Offered by: DeMelo Construction
Available: Now
Contact: Lisa Glowacki (401) 369-1766
e-mail: lgtiv@aol.com

East Providence Videos : (6 nice informational videos about East Providence)

Me and Brie - My Favorite Cheese - Not What Your Thinking

I made it through a closing (hurray), joined two great groups on ActiveRain "Club Chaos" and Fraiche-Aire" so I thought I would spend a day with my favorite little cheese Brie. Brianna that is she is my grand baby and best friend.

Please meet Brianna:

We started our day at Frerichs Farm for the great pumpkin weigh off. Sorry I don't have any photos of the great big pumpkins I was a little busy chasing this little one around. It was fun. The people at the farm offered lots for everyone to do. They gave free pumpkins, offered mazes, a western town, pumpkin painting, hay to climb on, and the pumpkin weigh in which I don't know the results because Brianna had to many other things to explore.

Brianna in the Corn Maze - She's quick. She turned her head before the photo was clicked. I tried to get a picture of her holding her pumpkin by the time I focused the camera she threw her pumpkin - oh well.

Brianna digging for worms in the Western Town. I thought this was very clever. They had two troughs one filled with Buck Wheat Husks and pipe cleaners (the worms) and the other "Panning for Gold" was filled with sand and corn kernels.

Here is Brianna's painted pumpkin. Not bad for 21 months - okay she had little help with the face. The absolute best part of the day were the hugs and kisses I received on the way back to the car.

Pa-pop had to work so he couldn't join us at the farm. But never fear he wasn't missing out on this day. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day. Pa-pop heard they just stocked his favorite fishing hole so off for some fishing to end the day.

I love this child she gives me the drive to work so hard everyday. So that was our simply day filled with joy and hugh rewards.

Excuse Me I am Pissed Off! Advanta Sucks! Consumer Beware!

Here we go just another way that the good consumer is getting screwed. I am so pissed off that this post just may end up being a constant rant.

I have been doing business with Advanta Credit Card for years now and many other credit cards. I always pay on time, always pay double or triple my minimum due. On some great advise given by someone very close to me I will not comment on my credit or credit limit.

So here is the story. After years of a good relationship I missed one payment. I can't even say I missed a payment. The date due was 9/7/08 and I really thought it was 9/15/08. Mind you this was the same week as Brimfield a huge outdoor antique show that runs for a week. I came home and notice the bill was due on the 7th I paid it on the 10th. I immediately notified them through e-mail of my error and requested that the late charge be remove. Two days later I received an e-mail that they had honor my request. Yeah they honored that request and increased my interest rate to over 25%. I immediately communicated again through e-mail that this was a totally unacceptable rate. Now tonight I received an e-mail from Advanta informing me that I was a credit risk! Can you believe this crap. Let me tell you I was not not very happy. I told them I have always been a good, no great customer and I feel that I am being robbed and punished.

I know of other people who have this credit card and they are over limit, notoriously late, paying hugh interest rates and late fees. I am there when the credit card company calls and tells them that if they pay the minimum due they would reduce their interest rate. Not by 1%, 5% but sometimes by at least 10% or 12%.

I am sick and tired of the BS. I am sick and tired for paying for everybody else defaulting on their obligations. Needless to say I canceled my account and will be paying off my balance. To think I have referred this company to many people. Now I know they entice you with low rates promising you great service and customer relations just waiting for one human error.
Does this sound familiar (big bail out). Let me know. I strongly request that if anyone is using this credit card - don't be late because no matter how great of a customer your are you are going to get F**K**. Please excuse my language but I am so pissed it isn't even funny. Yea know what cancel your account and tell them Lisa sent you.

Thanks for the rant. The next post will be more upbeat. Promise.

Visit: http://oceanviews.activerain.com to see comments about this post.

Thanks

Lisa

CALL TO ACTION - Attention all Real Estate Professional & Consumers. Simple statements can result in Big Ideas

This morning I was reading a post by Michael Klijanowicz titled "HALLOWEEN IS GOING TO SUCK THIS YEAR". It was a cartoon about children trick or treating in a neighborhood of foreclosed homes. There was a comment made by Renee Burrows on how she was going to use this opportunity to place flyers at these properties which got me thinking. Sometimes the simple statements result in Big Ideas.

The post by Michael made me realize how we get so wrapped up in all this mess that we sometimes forget about the children. In my comment I suggested that maybe as real estate professionals who have listing where the property is empty wouldn't it be cool if someone was on the porch handing out candy to children.

My Call to Action: Do you as real estate professionals think that we could get together and accomplish something like this is a short amount of time?

Would you be willing to participate?

Do you have friends, relatives, or such that would be willing to participate?

How about a Halloween party sponsored by real estate professional in your area?

I am fairly new to real estate and unfortunately don't know many of you but I think this is a great contribution to our communities. Maybe our children won't be so afraid unless it is in the usual manor attributed to Halloween. The fun scary stuff.

We could demonstrate what we always claim as professionals - that we care, that we can accomplish anything in a timely fashion, that real estate is so much more than just selling houses.
How would you accomplish this? Send e-mails to location real estate agents. Post an ad on your Local Board's Blog, Post an ad in your local paper. Contact your SOI. Any ideas? Or do you think this is just a stupid idea?

Please let me know what you think. Oh and by the way "Time is of the Essence". LOL

Whatever the outcome.

Lisa

Tired of the Bail Out, Economy, Political Debates, Bad News. Need to Get Away & Outside

I think I have been watching to much News, Political Debates, and reading in general just to much negative information. I need to clear my head and refocus. When this happens to me I find positive things to do outside or around town.

Recently I was reading the forum on http://www.city-data.com/regarding Rhode Island. People were asking what it was like living in Rhode Island and much to my surprise it was very negative. If I were considering living in Rhode Island and read some of the responses I don't think I would move here. You may want to look up what people are saying about your area.

So let's see exactly what is going on in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Due to the economic times I have chosen events that are free. Yes Free!
October 4, 2008 - Information obtained from the Lifestyle section of http://www.eastbayri.com/

Aquidneck Growers' Market
Features local products from 15 member growers and producers including fresh produce, cut flowers, berries, herbs, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, baked goods (including a dog bakery), pasta and cheese.
Where: On the ground of Newport Vineyard and Winery, 909 East Main Rd., Rte 138, Middletown, RI
When: 9:00am-1:00pm Saturdays through Oct 25, rain or shine

Astronomy Day Celebration
UMass Dartmouth Observatory and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England hosts a celebration of Astronomy Day. Visitors will view many nebulae in the Sagittarius Constellation through the observatory's 16-inch telescope and other large telescopes. Also on the program is Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. Each object will be explained and questions answered.
WHERE: UMass Dartmouth Observatory, field next to the main entrance, Old Westport Rd., North Dartmouth, MA
WHEN: 7 p.m.
COST: Free, donations to the Observatory Development Fund appreciated

Autumn Fair
Features handmade gifts and crafts, baked treats, fudge and candy, white elephant table, country store, a variety of food at the Autumn Fair Cafe, a concert by Hillside Galileans Gospel Group and more.
WHERE: First Congregational Church, the Olde White Church, Rt. 6 and Maple Ave., Swansea, MA
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fall Gardening Festival
Features a variety of speakers and exhibitors to share their knowledge and tools of the trade through workshops, hands-on activities, garden talks and demonstrations. Learn how to divide perennials, prune shrubs, propagate tender perennials, harvest and dry herbs and put the garden to bed for the winter. Bring a picnic lunch, drinks provided.
WHERE: Tranquil Lake Nursery, 45 River St., Rehoboth, MA
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: Free

Meet Lemon the Duck
Meet Lemon, the star of the children's picture book, "Lemon the Duck," and author Laura Backman. Based on the true story of Lemon, a teacher and her class conduct an egg-hatching project and welcome four little ducklings into the world.
WHERE: A Novel Idea Booksellers, 450 Hope St., Bristol, RI
WHEN: Noon-2 p.m.
COST: Free

Montanaro's Open Studio
Montanaro's Open Studio will feature works by Michael and Elizabeth Montanaro for viewing or purchase, music, beverages and entertainment.
WHERE: Montanaro's Studio, Portsmouth, RI
WHEN: 1-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: 741-8101

Westport's Farmers' Market and Craft Fair
Features local produce, crafts and more.
WHERE: Westport Grange, 937 Main Rd., Westport
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 11

Are you a Nature Lover? The Audubon Society of Rhode Island provides a list of wildlife refuges in Rhode Island you can visit complete with descriptions, trail maps, and lists of permitted/not permitted uses of the trails.
http://www.asri.org/refuges/wildlife-refuges.html

There is also Fort Barton Highland Rd Tiverton, RI
Revolutionary War redoubt. It was the troop staging area for the invasion of Aquidneck Island and Newport and the eventual Battle of Rhode Island. Observation tower and 3 miles of nature walks.

Saving (in my opinion) the best for last. This place gets my gold star.
Okay so the star isn't gold but you get my point.


The Frerichs Farm and Greenhouses
43 Kinnicutt Ave - Warren, RI 02885
http://www.frerichsfarm.com/index.html


Free: Western Town, Corn Maze, Toddler Flower Maze, Tee pee
Small Fee: Pumpkin Coach Ride, Scarecrow Factory


When you do things right you just simply shine. I suggest you visit their web site. I am sure you will agree. Think I'll bring my grand baby there this weekend.

So before you believe all the negative you read about Rhode Island come see for yourself. Every place you live has it's share of negative. It is your choice to focus on the negative or the positive. This is a overview of One Day/One Month! Look at the effort people put into their communities. Besides the wonderful ocean and beaches we have farmers, artists, authors, and much more. Aside from the classroom we provide fun ways to educate our children. This is what Rhode Island is to me.

So for one day or one weekend walk away from your computers. Turn off your TVs. Put down your game controllers. Get outside and enjoy your town. I would love to see what other communities around the country have to offer. I'll be looking.

DANGER WILL ROBINSON - WARNING!!!

Recently a friend of ours has had his/her identity stolen. He/She is not sure how or where it happened. So today as I was reading through my e-mail I checked my spam folder. I am quite use to seeing solicitations from other countries requesting information to transfer money into my account but what I saw this morning is frightening. An e-mail notification stating that my password on my credit union bank account was changed and my account had been suspended until verification of this information. They even provided a link to the Credit Union's on line banking web site. Knowing I don't have an account there I immediately called only to be told they were aware of this situation just to delete the e-mail because I don't have an account. They don't know were the e-mail was coming from and someone was trying to capture my information. OKay fine. Now I read my non spam e-mail and again another urgent message regarding my PayPal account which I don't have - immediate deletion. Be careful these on line thieves are getting very clever. It was only a matter of time. Be smart hit delete! Anyone else experiencing this kind of thing?

Has it been Nine Days? - What's Brimfield?

It has been nine days since my last blog and let me tell what a crazy, hectic and sometimes sorrowful nine days it has been.

First lets start with the sorrowful news so we can end on a happy note. A very good friend of ours had a ATV accident almost didn't survive. We had gotten news he was doing good only to hear a few days later that he had flat lined but was again revived. He seems to be doing better now but it is day to day. My prayers, thoughts, and extra strength is with him everyday. I spoke to my very best friend and heard some real awful news regarding a mutual friend's son. Seems he was driving down the highway at night and some person who wanted to commit suicide saw him coming and ran in front of his car. He hit him the person went flying over his car and was hit by three other cars from what I understand. My prayers are with my friend's son also.

Next put in an offer for a customer which is now in a Multi Offer situation. I don't know how many of you will recall a post I wrote called "Almost Hit One Out of the Park" but that young couple returned to me as a customer (hurray) and we put an offer on a Home for them which I really hope happens for them because they are really nice, on top of their game, hard working, and if anyone deserves it they certainly do. Sometimes I wonder how good I will be at this business I care more for my customers than myself and think I would be just as disappointed if not more so if they didn't get this house. It makes me feel really great inside because I think it is a really nice house for them. Their parents must be proud of them I know I am. Again what a nice family that is what I love about this business.

Visited some good friends. What a pond they made in their back yard - very talented. Little water fall, lights for at night, water plants, simply beautiful. Hope to get the pictures so I can post about their back yard retreat.

Finally it is the last Antique show in Brimfield so that means packing campers, setting up tents, loading our 15 foot box truck, and a week in a field selling. If you have never been to Brimfield I encourage you to do so - bring your walking shoes and wallet. For more information go to http://www.brimfield.com/. Here are some photos from July's show.

This is only a small view of what to expect. Yup that's how we live for the week at Brimfield's Antique Show. Lots of great people, fun, and friends. Well all work very hard and help each other out.

I have missed blogging so much that I decided I would use my last bit of energy today and offer this post. Please enjoy and if you get a chance don't miss the Antique Show it is the last one this year. Hope to see you there. Oh yeah seeing how I never got a chance to put my picture on my blog guess you won't know it is me (it is getting to the top of my long list of things to do). LOL

Til next time enjoy, be happy, successful, productive, take time to love your family and friends we never know what will come our way.

Bye,

There is a House for You

Are You Fishing for a House?

There has been a lot of weird talking lately. Housing crisis, Mortgage Meltdown, Historical Foreclosures, Prices are going to drop, interest rates are going to drop, now is not a good time to sell, and my favorite now is not a good time to buy. In my opinion if you are in a position to buy it may be a good time. Prices have dropped, interest rates are good. When I bought my first house interest rates were 10.25 and the house prices were high. Everybody kept telling me wait prices will fall. Don't buy now. My point if you are thinking of buying anytime can be a good time. Don't listen to to many people there is enough confusion right now. Look at your options and decide for yourself.

Don't let your dream home fly away without making a informed decision. Check out what properties are on the market, get pre-approved to find out how much home you can afford. I believe there is a home for every budget. Will it be the perfect home? Probably not there are no perfect homes and as I have said before "Sticks and Stones don't make homes People do". The pride and fun is adding your personal touches to make your home perfect. Remember there is nothing wrong with stepping stones and buying up after all isn't that the philosophy out parents used. Some times if we listen to the right advise it makes sense.

My passion in this business is locating properties for buyers. Whether you are looking in the thousands or millions let me help you find the home that is perfect for you. Together as a team we can locate and iron out the details to make home ownership a reality and not just a dream.

Bye for Now,

Lisa

lgtiv@aol.com