Brigita's Blog: November 2007

I just read a post by Margaret Woda entitled Active Rain, Let's Send a Card to the Troops - It Couldn't be Any Easier  This post was about sending cards to our troops to let them know that they are not forgotten this Holiday Season.  Charles McDonald wrote a similar post on November 21st, and suggested in the comments that this message be posted to Localism in every State.  So, here it is for the State of Pennsylvania.

What you need to do is click onto the website, sponsored by Xerox, Let's Say Thanks.  You can then check out the many different cards designed by children all over the country.  These are all patriotic designs.  The many designs are all so beautiful, that it is difficult to choose.  After you have selected one, you then personalize it by entering your name, hometown and a message.  You then just click onto "Send" and it will be sent to share some Holiday spirit.  It's that easy and doesn't take much time.

Let's ALL of us send some cheer to our military personnel.  Show them that we do care and we support them.  So, click onto the link and let's ALL get the message out to our servicemen and women that they are always in our hearts and prayers.  The more of us that send these cards, the better it will make our servicemen and women feel over the Holiday.

You are welcome to share this information on your Localism and your other blogs. 

This past Black Friday was a completely different experience for me than the usual shopping spree many others had.  My husband decided to take me to the newly opened casinos in Mt. Airy Lodge in Swiftwater, PA.  (For those of you unfamiliar with Pennsylvania, this casino is located in the Pocono Mountain area.)  Now, I have never been to any casino before in my lifetime, so this was a first for me.  My son and his girlfriend had been visiting us for Thanksgiving, so they joined us.

Black Friday was a very windy and cold day.  We had to park at the furthest parking lot, so we were able to take the shuttle bus up to the main entrance.  Now this was no regular bus.  This was a luxury bus.  Comfortable seats, a chandelier was dimly lit, and felt more like a limousine than a bus.  All this for just a 1 minute ride.  Well, at least I can say I rode in a luxurious bus. 

Upon entering the building, I saw chandeliers hanging over the stairs and escalators, an area for checking your coat, lots of blinking lights and heard many bells going off.  There were also many security guards walking the floor.  We decided to walk around the floor and check things out before deciding to play the slots.  WOW!!  It was really amazing for a first timer.  Walking past some of the machines I noticed that some people were attached to the machines with a chord.  My son made the comment that these people are attached with Umbilical cords to the machines.  LOL.  There was quite an assortment of machines to play starting with penny bets all the way up to $25 bets.  (The $25 bets were for the Black Jack table.) 

We finally decided to just pick a machine and start playing.  Tried to put $1 bill in it and it did not accept it.  Hmmmm.  What's the problem?  Tried another bill, and that didn't work either.  Found out from one of the employees that the lowest bill it will accept is $5.  OK.  I place my $5 into the machine and now I'm set.  Had no clue what to do.  It had so many buttons to push.  Slowly I started learning what each button meant.  I went on a few machines and learned what to do.  My favorite was the poker machine.  At least with that one I knew what I was doing.  

During our day, we got hungry and decided to grab something to eat.  We decided to get the buffet.  The cost of the buffet was $21.  WOW!!  I've never paid that much for a buffet!  Needless to say, I ate as much as possible to get my money's worth.  That's not easy after Thanksgiving.  That made 2 days I stuffed myself.

All in all, the day was not a loss.  We came home with a winning of $63.  And we only bet a total of $35.  I'd say that's pretty good for a first time.  Especially since I spent part of the money learning the machines.

I'm sure most everyone has watched "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" on TV at some point.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with the show, Ty Pennington and a design crew help deserving families.  They rebuild homes for these families.

On October 14, 2007, they visited Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program in Maryland.  Freedom Hills is a non-profit organization.  They do not turn anyone away, including those that are unable to pay for the services.  The Riding Program relies on donations and the income from the program to maintain and upkeep the farm.  Due to some personal problems, plus 2 children to raise, the owner, a single mom, was struggling to keep up with everything on the farm.

The owners were unaware of the crew coming to their farm.  Not only did the crew replace the home, which was in bad shape, they also refurbished the existing barn ane built an indoor arena. The old barn had included a tiny indoor riding area.  The barn originally had 14 stalls and was in desperate need of repair.  The huge home was built by Clark Turner Signature Homes and the indoor arena and barn was erected by Paul Risk Associates.  The barn includes 17 stalls, a wash stall with hot and cold running water, a tack room, a brand new office and kitchen, a wheel chair accessible bathroom with a shower, and a lounge where parents can wait while their children ride.  The footing for the new indoor arena was donated by Scott Hassler, who is from that community.  

The show is expected to air at the end of January, 2008.

Freedom Hills is raffling off a Ford F350, fully loaded, diesel truck as a fund raiser.  The raffle will be held on March 15 at Minker's Banquet Hall in Perryville.  The tickets sell for $100 each.

If you would like more information on the show and Freedom Hills, visit: www.ctextremedream.com or www.freedomhills.org or call 410-378-3817.

I was reading the many different posts about family and children, and I thought I would share this story about my son.

I remember the time my son, Karl, 3 years old at the time, and my daughter, Julie, 1 year old back then, and I went shopping one summer day.  It was hot that day, so most everyone, of course, was dressed in flimsy summer clothes. 

We were walking around the store, just looking at different items when we happened to pass a good looking, shapely young lady.  She was dressed in a skimpy halter top and shorts.  Right after passing her in the store, my son said "Knockers" and started pulling me in her direction.  He continued pulling me towards her and kept saying "Knockers".  I was getting embarrased and started blushing.  What were the other people thinking?  What was this young lady thinking?  What kind of obscene things am I teaching my child?

A short distance down the aisle, my son stopped in front of the display of binoculars and said "Knockers".  Ah-haaaaaa!  Putting 2 and 2 together I finally figured out what he was asking for.  Binoculars!  I breathed a sigh of relief.  The poor child was unable to say binoculars and kept saying "knockers".  I was more embarrassed not so much about the word, but the timing of when he said it.

This is one incident that will stick in my mind forever.  It must have been my most embarrasing moment.

Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas and the Holidays are not far behind.  This Thanksgiving instead of rushing to the table to dig into that delicious meal, let's all first give thanks for all that we have.  We all have many things to be grateful for.  Let me start by sharing my list with you.  Everyone is welcome to add to it.

I am grateful for my children.  I have a wonderful and responsible son and daughter who have turned out well.  They are grown and out on their own.  I am grateful that they have turned out the way they have and are a pleasure.  I am proud to call them my children.

I am thankful for my husband.  He is the sweetest, thoughtful, loving man I know.  We may disagree at times, but we love each other.  Sometimes he may be a little too soft hearted, but that is who he is.  God has joined us for a reason.  He's the one that convinced me to go into Real Estate.

I am grateful for my dear friends.  My friends have been there for me when I needed them, in thick or thin.  They have supported me and stood by me in times of need.  During my troubled times, they have listened to me vent and let me use their shoulders to cry on.  We have helped and learned from each other.  They are always there.

I am thankful for our freedom.  My parents and grandparents came over to Ellis Island from Latvia in WW II.  They were very fortunate to make it to the US to be able to raise a family in a free country instead of under Communism.  I am thankful that I have been born in a country with democracy where I may enjoy the freedoms.  I give thanks to the servicemen and women that have fought for these freedoms. 

I am thankful for every day that I awaken.  Every morning I thank God for another day that I am able to care and help others.  Another day that I am able to enjoy nature and the animals. 

I am thankful to be able to make the best of every situation.  In rough times it is not easy to be positive, but we should make the best of every moment we live.  Why end up being miserable?

Last, but not least, and most importantly, I thank God.  He has made everything that we have possible.  He has provided for us in many ways.  He has watched over us and our loved ones, protected us and blessed us.  Let's thank the Lord for all that he has done for us.

This Thanksgiving, while we are together with our friends and family, let's all give thanks for the many things we each have.  Let's all count our blessings.

It is the time of year, once again, where thoughts go to Christmas and Holiday shopping.  One place that is great to go Holiday Shopping is Christkindlmarkt in historic Bethlehem, PA.  It will start November 23, 2007 and run until December 31, 2007 and will be open 7 days a week for the first time this year.   

Not only does Christkindlmarkt offer many arts, crafts and assorted gift ideas, it offers many exciting attractions.  You can see artists making ice carvings, glass blowers, and many other craftspeople at work.  For the first time this year there will be a liquid fireworks display.  The display are fountains lit up (as it appeared in Superbowl 2007) and set to holiday music.  It will run every half hour to ensure everyone gets to admire it.

Christkindlmarkt also offers activities to the children.  The rides include a train ride, a carousel, an antique car ride and a fun house.  This year there will be a special attraction during the week between Christmas and New Year's: Cirque de Amis acrobatic spectacular.  Cirque de Amis will be a combination of high-flying acrobatics, trapeze, arial ballet, magic, music, juggling and comedy to entertain the young and old.  Tickets are to be purchased for this show. 

There are many lovely, handmade crafts that you can purchase at Christkindlmarkt.  Many of these crafts you will not be able to find anywhere else.  For a small entrance fee, Christkindlmarkt is a great place to spend a day out to see not only artists and their handmade crafts, but also entertainment and food.  Won't you come out and join us?                                                                         

Click HERE  for more information.                                

A friend of mine has a horse farm and she also raised a few turkeys and some goats.  She actually had 3 turkeys: 2 hens and 1 tom.  Now this tom turkey was a big and mean.  He would constantly chase everyone around the property.  It got to the point where he was attacking people.  You might say he was an ideal watch turkey.  Only problem was that he also attacked the owners. 

The one day my friend (I'll call her Jenny) was headed towards the barn to get hay for the horses.  Out of nowhere, the tom rushed toward her and tried to attack her.  Jenny quickly grabbed the broom that was sitting in the corner, turned and whacked the turkey with it.  The turkey fell and just layed on the ground.  She thought she had killed it.  Not knowing what to do, she called her dad.  He came over about 30 minutes later.  By this time, the turkey was starting to move around.  It turned out that Jenny had knocked him out cold.

When the tom finally came to his senses, he got up and walked away from Jenny.  Since that moment, the tom never went near her again.  He avoided her at all costs.  She could walk right toward him and he would walk away in the opposite direction.  He never messed with her again.

Jenny told me that this turkey was the best tasting turkey she ever had for Thanksgiving.  The family had plenty of leftovers.  Even though she is an animal lover, she never felt sorry for having him as the Thanksgiving turkey.  This turkey served them well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  Have a blessed and bountiful one!

Well maintained single family home located on large corner lot, close to schools.

The home has 1968 sq. ft. of living space with 3 bedrooms, including a Master Bedroom and Master bath, a total of 2.5 baths and a full, partially finished basement.  It also has an attached 2 car garage.  The home was built in 1997. 

This lovely home is located on a quiet street in a great neighborhood.  It is located in the desirable Nazareth Area School District.  It is close to schools, shopping, malls, and major routes.  Home is in like new condition.  It includes an open floor plan with a covered porch adjoining the FR.  FR has skylights to make the room brighter and has a nice sized yard (11,067 sq. ft.) with a swing set and a basketball hoop for those young at heart.  Shows well. 

The listing price for the home is $320,000  $299,900. $292,000

Click here for more information.

SOLD!  6/13/08 for $280,000

The Holidays are fast approaching.  What should I get Aunt Harriet?  What about Grandma & Grandpa?  Mom is so difficult to get things for.  She always says she doesn't need anything.  Oh dear, oh dear!  I have no ideas for presents for everyone on my list.

How many of you are familiar with the above scene around Holiday time?  You end up getting gifts that end up in the back of the closet after the Holidays, never to be seen again.  The ugly looking lamp that you got for cousin Gertrude.  The chia pet for Uncle Joe.  The clapper for your brother.  It seems that the Holiday season has lost it's true meaning and become commercialized.  Yes, the Holidays are all about family and giving, but it doesn't matter if it is not from the heart.  If you give a gift, it should be meaningful and full of love. 

Everything you do should come from the heart.  We all know that time is precious to us all.  We don't always get to spend the time with our loved ones the way we should because of our crazy schedules.  We work days, evenings, weekends and holidays.  Even though we try to make time, we somehow end up showing homes (or whatever) to that couple that is in from out of town the one day your husband is home.  Sometimes the schedules conflict.  It never fails.  Spending time with loved ones is more valuable than anything money can buy. 

Instead of running to the stores for the sales just so you have a gift, try giving something more meaningful and heartfelt.  Give some quality time to your relatives.  If you have an older relative, help them out whatever way you can.  Volunteer to give them a ride to visit a close friend.  Maybe they need help doing something else.  They will appreciate the little things you do for them.  Life is short, so enjoy each other's company as long as you can.  You will never get the time back again and they will remember it for as long as they live.  Memories last forever.                   

If you must give gifts, give something that comes from the heart.  Be creative.  Making something for somebody is always appreciated.  Making that birdfeeder for the bird lover in the family means a lot more than just buying it from the store.  How about cooking up some meals for those that are unable to cook?  Hand made arts and crafts are good gifts, too, if you are talented.  They will love it, flaws and all.  How about that family portrait for the grandparents?  They will cherish that for the rest of their lives.  There are many different ways you can give of yourself.  Just think what each relative and friend would appreciate most from you.                             

This Holiday season, let's all remember what is important.  Family and friends are a priority and spending time with them and giving of yourself means more than any store bought item.

I'm sure you all know that today, November 11th, is Veterans Day.  Yes, I know for many that means a day off from work tomorrow, and going to the many sales to get a head start on Christmas shopping.  We should all take the true meaning of Veterans Day and remember why we celebrate it.

The reason Veterans Day was created was so that all of us remember those that have given their lives for us and our freedom in the wars.  We should also remember the the Veterans that are still alive.  They have suffered and fought for us so that we may have what we have now. 

Don't forget those servicemen and women that are currently fighting overseas now.  They have given up their normal lives to go overseas and fight for the freedoms. 

So, don't treat Veterans Day as another day off from work.  Let's pause a while in our busy schedules and remember the fallen heroes of war.  If you know anyone that is currently in the service, thank them for what they are doing.  Even if you don't know any servicemen or women, thank them in any way you can.  Let's show them that we care.  They truly need our support to keep themselves going.