Brigita's Blog: February 2009

Sand Island in Bethlehem is a city park surrounded by the Lehigh River.  It's a place where city dwellers can get closer to nature without traveling far.  There is a slight problem, though.  There is no simple way of enjoying the river itself. 

It is difficult to get a boat into the water because of the steep slopes.  There are no decent picnic spots with a view of the river.  And, if nature calls, there are no convenient rest rooms.

In light of these problems, the city leaders are looking to improve Sand Island.  Last year, the city did some landscaping and poured concrete for a boat launch.  This will allow trailers to bring in motorized boats and easier access for canoeists to the Lehigh River.

Later this year, a pavilion will be erected near one of Musikfest's major stages, RiverPlace.  Features will include an outdoor fireplace and 110 seats under a roof.  A deck will be attached to the pavilion with panoramic views of the restored Union Station, former Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces and the Star of Bethlehem.  The pavilion will also include restrooms and space for bicycles.

Nearby, there will be a parking lot and a lawn where people can lay in the sun or play volleyball or frisbee. 

Further into the future, concession stands may be brought in.

All these improvements should bring in lots of people to enjoy the water and nature.

From 1818 - 1965, parts of the river were owned by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co.  Development during that time was banned from the river banks.  It was even indicated that the company planted poinson ivy to discourage visitors.  Even after the company stopped using the river, people were unable to use it for recreation because of pollutants found in the river.

The river has been cleaned up and now holds fish such as trout and shad.  People then came for walks along the towpaths.  Programs such as bike and canoe trips and adventures that include camping, are expected with the Sand Island improvements.

This would be a nice retreat for the city people to enjoy the water and what nature has to offer, all in their backyards.

I thought I would share some more true facts about horses.  Some of these may sound strange to you, but they are ALL true.

-  The horse's sense of touch is so sensitive that it notices the instant a mosquito lands on it.

-  Adult male horses usually have 40 - 42 teeth while the females only have 36 - 38.

-  Horses do not have collarbones.  Their front limbs are directly attached to the spinal column by muscles, tendons and ligaments.

-  China not only has the most people in the world, but it also has the most horses with 10,000,000.

-  Hairs from horses tails are used to create bows for cellos and violins.

-  Horses like classical music.

-  Human hair and fingernails are made up of the same protein as horse hooves.

-  A horse's bit rests in the gap between it's incisor teeth and molars.

-  As social animals, horses can become friends both within their own species and with humans.  Without companionship and exercise, they develop "stable vices" including wood chewing and wall kicking.

-  Horses do not need continuous, unbroken periods of sleep like humans.  They only need about 2 1/2 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period.  Most of this rest occurs in 15 minute periods.

-  Horses must lie down for 1 hour every few days to reach minimum REM sleep requirements.

-  Although they do not always lie down to sleep, horses can suffer from narcolepsy if they don't lie down to catch up on REM sleep.

-  Horses sleep better in groups because they know the others will help watch our for predators.

-  The offspring of a male ass and a mare (female horse) are mules and usually are infertile.

-  People with disabilities ride horses to strengthen muscles while instinctively balancing.

-  Horse meat is eaten in many parts of the world.  Believe it or not, it is often exported from the United States.

-  Leather from horsehide is used to make jackets, baseballs, gloves and boots.

-  Horsehide can also be used in producing glue.

-  Horses are referred to as hot-bloods (race horses with a lot of energy) or cold-bloods (heavier and calmer horses).

-  Warm-bloods were created when European war horses were bred with oriental thoroughbreds.

-  In Chinese culture, people born in "the year of the horse" are considered free-spirited, independent and smart.  (I was born in the year of the horse and this is true.  It truly does describe me.)

-  A horse that weighs 1200 pounds can eat 7 times its own weight in food every year.

-  The saying:  "A horse of a different color" originated when something strange or questionable appeared after breeding.

-  The closest relatives of a horse are the rhinocerous and the tapir.

I was out and about yesterday running some errands.  I stopped into a few stores where I knew the owners and started talking to them.  Somehow our conversation turned towards the economy in the Lehigh Valley.  I am here to tell you what these business owners said.  

I had asked the retail business owners how badly the economy affected their business.  Some of you will not believe their answer. 

They are actually doing well.  OK, business has been better, but they are making a profit.  Looking at the number of cars in the parking lot will tell you that.  Their lot was crowded.  Doesn't look like the economy is hitting them too hard.

As I was driving around I took note that the area is still growing.  Not at a fast pace, mind you, but still growing.  I noticed several areas of construction, where new businesses will be occupying these buildings in the near future.  Along with the new buildings, the road was also under construction to widen it in order to handle more traffic to these buisnesses.

I noticed something else.  Many restaurants in the area were full.  Yes, I said full.  You would think with a slow economy consumers would not be spending money eating out.  Not so here.  The places were crowded. 

Now, in light of all these facts, what conclusion would you draw?  Do you think that the consumers in the Lehigh Valley haven't heard the news that the economy is doing badly?  If I were you, I wouldn't tell them. 

Here it is, February 14th, Valentine's Day.  A day dedicated to love.  But it is not just for lovers and sweethearts.  It is a day to show love to all.

If you have a neighbor that is alone, visit that person and spend some time with them.  It will be greatly appreciated and will make you feel better.

Do you know of any elderly people in a senior home?  Take time out of your day to visit with them.  It will brighten their day.

Have you been putting off visiting your grandmother because of your busy schedule?  Rearrange your schedule to go and see her.  Life is short and you don't know how much longer she will be around.

While out shopping, if you see a mother of a couple of young children struggling to get her groceries in the car, lend her a hand.  You will make her day.

These are just some examples on how to spend Valentine's Day and show your love and kindness.

St. Valentine's Day is not meant just for sweethearts.  It is meant for the love of all mankind and living creatures.  It is to promote awareness of loving everyone.  So go out and show your love.

Once again, this morning's newspaper reported bad news in the housing market on the front page.  The headline reported that housing prices dropped 8.6% over the past year.  Does anybody know why the prices dropped?  They don't tell you the whole story.

The reason the prices dropped was because of the many short sales and foreclosures on the market.  Let me explain for those of you that are not familiar with the term "short sale".

A "short sale" is where an owner has become delinquent on their mortgage payments and there is a threat of the bank foreclosing on it.  Instead of the bank actually foreclosing, terms are worked out where the bank will accept selling the home for less than what the home is worth in order to pay off the mortgage.  This way the owner is relieved of their debt and the bank does not own real property.  Banks are in the money business, not the real estate business.  Therefore, holding onto property does them no good.

So, anyway, the short sales are driving the prices of homes down statistically. 

We all need to stop listening to the doom and gloom reporting of the media.  They thrive on it.  Start listening to the experts in their fields.  Each area is different.  Yes, one area of the country may have a large number of foreclosures or short sales, but another may be thriving on sales.  It's like saying that the weather forecast is snow.  That does not mean it will be snowing all over the country. 

Maybe we should have someone in the real estate business report about real estate instead of a news reporter.  At least that way we will get the whole truth, not just a portion of it.

Dear Diary,

I have many passions in my life that are important to me.  Let me go down the list and share them with you.

My first passion is life itself.  I am one to just go out and sit with nature.  It is a great way to relax.  I will go to Jacobsburg State Park to either go hiking, horseback riding or to find a nice quiet place to think.  I enjoy watching the wildlife go about their daily business, listen to the sounds of the birds singing, the running creek, the leaves rustling in the wind, seeing the different types of vegetation and much more.  If I see an animal in trouble I will try to help it if I can.  God gave us nature so that we can enjoy it during our time on earth.

My passion are horses.  I have been horse crazy ever since I can remember.  My room, as I was growing up, always had horsey stuff in it.  Over the years, I have learned that horses are great teachers.  They teach you patience, to work as a team, respect, to live for the moment, exercise, plus many more things too numerous to list here.  (This will probably end up as another post.)  Somehow, I feel when I am with horses, my worries disappear for those moments and my stress level goes down drastically.  I can tell them my secrets and know it will always be between the 2 of us and go no further.  I love to just sit and watch the horses out in the pasture.  Watching them play can sometimes be amusing and very relaxing, even if they are just munching away.  The sound is so soothing. 

My passion are my children.  My son and my daughter mean a lot to me.  I worry about them a lot.  I guess it's a mother thing.  I am very fortunate that I am close to the both of them.  It seems as though they always know who to call when they have some sort of dilemma or problem, or great news to tell.  They both live out of state and I try to visit them as much as possible to spend quality time with them. I am happy to say that as they were growing up, I was there for them when they needed someone.  I am very proud of the 2 of them and their accomplishments.  I hope to continue having a close relationship with them. 

My passion is working with children, especially if it involves horses or animals.  Over the years, I taught riding to beginners and love it.  I also assisted with a handicapped riding program at one of the local barns.  It is really neat to see the children progress over time and the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they never thought possible.  I also am a leader of a local 4H horse club and several years ago I was a District Commissioner of a local chapter of the US Pony Clubs.  It is a great feeling to see the kids so into learning about their passion.  The biggest reward is when they are grown adults and they come up to me and thank me for what I have done for them.  They have admitted that at the time they did not see why I did what I did for the members of the clubs, but now they are thankful that I did.  I hope this make sense to you.

My passion is my husband.  My husband and I have been married for only a few short years.  Even though we have our differences and are still learning about each other, we have many good times together.  He is very sweet and loving and I, in turn try to be the same.  We both try to work out our differences.  Sometimes it is difficult because we are set in our ways, but eventually we work things out and realize we need to compromise. 

My passion is my real estate career.  Believe it or not, horses brought me into real estate.  Over the years, I have worked many jobs, most of which did not include horses.  I found that when I worked with horses, I was the happiest.  Even though I do not necessarily work directly with horses in real estate, I am able to put my years of knowledge to use.  I enjoy talking to the horse people about their horses and anything horse related. 

My passion is working with others and helping others out.  I have always been very helpful to others.  I find it very rewarding after I have helped somebody.  I have helped many over the years and in turn they have done the same for me when I needed it.  You might say this is living in harmony with mankind.  If we all did this, there would be no wars to speak of.  Sure, there'll be disagreements, but we all need to work them out. 

My passion are animals.  Animals are great.  They sense how you feel and are there for you when you need companionship.  I think this is one of the reasons why I volunteer with the Lehigh Valley Animal Response Team.  The animals help us out, so we in turn need to help them in emergencies.  This somewhat follows with working with others and helping others. 

In summary, my passion is my family, living things (people, creatures and nature) and helping everyone.  The biggest reward is the happiness I am able to give to others, whether it is human or animal. 

I received an e-mail from my local Asssociation of REALTORS in reference to the updated Economic Stimulus Bill.  The update is as follows:

"The Economic Stimulus Bill has been reconciled by the House and Senate.  The details of the legislation are now being reviewed by House and Senate offices, as well as NAR (National Association of REALTORS) staff experts.  Congress will likely pass the package in the next 24 hours.  The legislation will include a number of important housing provisions, including the remedies for the housing crisis that NAR has been pushing.  The most notable update from yesterday is regarding the homebuyer tax credit:

"Homebuyer Tax Credit - an $8,000 tax credit (increase from $7,500 as reported yesterday) tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 (extended from deadline of September 1, 2009 as reported yesterday). The credit does NOT require repayment.

"President Obama has indicated he expects a final bill on his desk for signing on Monday, Feb. 16."

Yes, that's right!  Rushing will slow you down in the long run.  Let me explain.

Last week, on my way to see my horse, I was involved in a car accident.  No, it was not my fault.  I was rear ended by someone who was in a rush to get to where ever she was headed. 

Long story short, I was on an exit ramp, stopped at a stop light.  I inched forward so I could see traffic better and I was bumped from behind.  Turned out the driver thought I was going and gave her vehicle the gas.  The driver didn't even look to see if I had stopped again, and that the light was red.  Her vehicle sustained more damage than mine and needed to be towed, but at least I was able to drive off.  Fortunately, there were no injuries.   

Had she taken her time to look ahead and see what was happening in front of her, she would have gotten to her destination probably on time.  Because of her rush to get to point B, she was careless and was delayed.

Another incident in October, where a driver was speeding down the exit ramp, talking on the cell phone, not paying attention to her surroundings, ended up hitting and killing a construction worker in a construction zone.  All because she was in a hurry.  I don't think she arrived at work that day anytime soon.  This construction worker was my husband's best friend, whom he had known for years. 

Too many accidents like this have been happening lately.  You hear it on the news all the time.

Many are in a rush these days and, therefore, not paying attention to what is going on around them.  Even when on the job, how many times have you rushed to your next appointment?  While rushing around, all that is on your mind is getting to your destination on time and you end up being careless.

I have seen many a driver pass me like I was standing still and I end up meeting them at the next stop light.  Obviously they got nowhere fast. 

We need to slow down and take notice of what is going on around us.  If we are going to be late, well, just let the other party know, and not while you are driving.  We need to be mindful of others.  By slowing down, we may save a life or several lives.  One of them might even be your own.  It is not worth it.

Just remember:  More mistakes occur when rushing around because you are not directing your full attention to the matter at hand.

Today, February 12th, 2009, marks Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.  A party is being held in Allentown, PA to celebrate this great man's bicentenial birthday and everyone is invited.  Sample some of Lincoln's favorite treats, his favorite birthday cake and his favorite tea. 

Robert Costello of New Jersey, a Lincoln re-enactor, will be portraying Lincoln, our 16th President, at a news conference. 

The clock from Ford's theater will be on loan for the party.  This clock was in the theater when Lincoln was assasinated. 

The party will be held at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum at 432 Walnut St. in Allentown, PA.  Admission is $12 and $6 for members of the Lehigh County Historical Society.

For more details click here.

HAPPY 200th BIRTHDAY, PRESIDENT LINCOLN!!