Posts Tagged ‘carol hawkins’
Have you ever been given a job and you are bewildered how to begin?? Well, I am a part-time blogger and, sad to say, have run out of clever little stories to write about. That is pretty sad considering I have only written 8 or 10 blogs! I have written about grandkids, girl friend week-ends, vacation trips, Christmas shopping, etc. I think the only thing I have not written about is the weather. So here goes…
For you people not familiar with Texas weather, it can all be summed up in 2 words … hot & hotter. We start out with a beautiful Spring; temperatures in the mid 70’s. Then you blink your eyes and the thermometer is topping 90+. I’m not sure what happens to those beautiful Spring days in the low 80’s, but I think some other state has stolen them from us.
Spring in Texas consists of hot days and every allergen in the air that you can think of except for polar bear dander. This has been our worst allergy season in years and I have the red swollen eyes to attest to that. In the office you can hear sneezes from every corner and you would think there hasn’t been a sale in months because of all the red, teary eyes. The thing about our Spring is that you can count on the fact that it won’t last long (seems like minutes) and that our beautiful hot oppressive summer is right around the corner. I sound like I am complaining, but I really am not. I would much rather have this weather than 20 below in the winter - I guess it is that old story of to each his own.
So here is my take on weather: enjoy every day, no matter what the weather and remember from Spring showers come beautiful flowers.
Oh, I just remembered, I have not written about marriage - that will be a long one as I have been married forever, so I will save that for another day. I will leave you a little hint: Marriages are made in Heaven, but so are Thunder and Lightening. Oh, that ties in with my weather report. I’m just so clever.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Marion and I have discovered what is at the end of the rainbow…Hawaii!
Last week we returned from our cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. It was so beautiful I can’t even begin to describe it. I’m not going to go into too much detail as I know it will make ya’ll green with envy. I just want to say that it was absolutely the most relaxing and enjoyable trip I have had in quite a while. Cruising with a group is a great way to travel. You can have as much together time or alone time as you want. We would take our excursions during the day and share our experiences at dinner. Travelling with enjoyable people to a fantastic destination is the best medicine for the winter doldrums.
But for now it is back to work…
While we were away it seems that nothing monumental happened. Our business seems to keep moving along, while at a slower pace, it is still moving forward. We have been so fortunate in our little bubble down here, while there are lay-offs and businesses closing, it doesn’t seem as bad as other parts of the country. While in Hawaii (oops, there I go bragging again) we visited with cab drivers, tour leaders, etc. who shared with us that their business is off by about 40%. We debated long and hard about going on this trip as we, along with millions of people, aren’t sure what tomorrow will bring financially. But after talking with people in the tourist industry I am glad that we followed through and went on our wonderful trip. While we may not have contributed greatly to the economy in Hawaii, I feel that we did a small part to help them out. I guess the saying “inch by inch” is true. If we all do small things they soon grow into noticeable events. Take a minute out today to do something small for someone else — pay their toll, give them a compliment, hold open the door — any one of a million little things will make someone’s day better and maybe take their minds off the economy for a few minutes.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the spring flowers.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Guys seem to have lots of time for bonding with each other; golf, fishing, watching sports. Sometimes it seems I have too little time for bonding with my sister friends.
Well that changed this week-end - 5 of my sister friends and I went to see “Menopause, The Musical.” The musical was a real hoot. I highly recommend it if it ever comes to your area. I believe they have several traveling companies. The jest of the show is 4 average women who are in menopause. Their songs are oldies with the words changed to reflect symptoms of the dreaded change; My Guy became My Thighs, Tropical Heat Wave became Tropical Hot Flash and so on. I really felt bad for the men in the audience, I’m sure they thought at any moment there might be a riot. I have never been to a play or musical where the audience was so involved. It reminded me of a rock concert for “old ladies”. People were dancing in the aisles, wearing costumes and having the time of their lives. The energy in that theater was unbelievable.
We stayed at a fabulous bed & breakfast and as luck would have it, we were the only people there, so it felt as if we were at a friend’s house. The house itself was 100+ years old and had been the home of a prosperous businessman. The Victorian Inn survived both hurricanes that hit Galveston Island; one in the early 1900’s and the one last year. The inn keeper had many stories to tell us, as she was one of only 40 people who remained on the island during the storm. The water rose 12 feet on her property and completely flooded the first floor of the house. She was a brave woman but as she said “I’m a Texas woman and I was well armed”. We also learned that she had been a Playboy Bunny back in the 70’s and she had many stories to tell about that.
All in the all - this was the best medicine for getting rid of those winter doldrums and reconnecting with my friends. We laughed so much this week-end that our faces ached. I love my family but there is nothing like a Sister Friend. I would recommend a getaway to everyone, even if it is just for lunch or a movie. It resets you and you are ready to face anything, even the real estate market.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Wahoo!!! I am so excited!! I am finally getting a wish that I have had for many years, something to cross off my Bucket List. We are going to Hawaii for a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. I know, poor us, what a problem to have. Here’s why I need your help. If you have traveled to Hawaii and have favorite places to visit, I would love to hear about them. There are so many things to see and do it would be nice to have some input from someone who has been there recently. We were there 20 years ago and I am sure things may have changed just a wee bit since then.
This is our first big trip since the moose at the campsite fun in Yellowstone. Diesel got so high we parked the RV for a while. I almost feel guilty taking a trip with the economy in such a sad state, but if people didn’t travel, the travel industry would loose even more revenue. I keep repeating that to myself, mostly because I want to go so badly. I keep telling my hubby that we need to spend to help the economy, he doesn’t seem to agree.
You can tell the economy is slowing in this area. Every day 3 or 4 people come in with their flyers about house cleaning, building, inspections, and on and on. Rarely did people come in looking for business before. However, our agents seem to stay busy and the phones keep ringing. Which is a very good thing. We need those agents out listing and selling and out of my hair!
I know y’all are busy, but if you would just take a second to tell me something great to see, I would really appreciate it. I hope your office is busy and maybe re-living your Hawaiian trip will brighten your day.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Christmas shopping through rose colored glasses. Well, I had a wonderful experience yesterday - Christmas Shopping! The day started with the gas tank on empty. My hubby is so sweet. He knows that I love to stand out in the cold and fill my gas tank. Isn’t he just darling? Next came breakfast. I love breakfast - it is my favorite meal to eat out. No messy kitchen, no dirty dishes. What a treat!! Well, I guess the people pushing ahead in line were hungrier than me. When I finally got my seat, breakfast was great, never mind the coffee spilled all over my table and the cold toast. Next on my list was the actual business of Christmas Shopping. At the first store everything went very well, actually even better than I expected. The fight over the last $19.99 cashmere sweater was a mere blip on the radar. Store #2, the toddler screaming was so sweet, you know they do need to exercise those vocal cords. Finally the last stop, the dreaded home improvement store! What do I know about hammers, screwdrivers, drills and saws? Nothing, that’s not my field of expertise, I’m not sure what is, but I know what isn’t. The cute little man at the store was not at all talking down to me. I’m sure he was just teasing when he said any fool could recognize a monkey wrench. Shopping completed I started the trip home. How nice of people to salute me (one fingered) when I accidentally cut them off. The horns honking reminded me of a Christmas Carol. I arrived home with lots of packages and Christmas spirit, but I think next year I will shop on-line.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
One more Christmas Party and I think my eyes will turn into appetizers! Is it my imagination or are there more parties than ever? I really expected a downturn in parties this year, but I have been invited to more parties than I can ever remember. I really don’t think it is my winning personality or my charming ways, but in today’s mail came another invite to a “Cookie Exchange”. How many chocolate chip cookies can be eaten over the holidays? Sorry if I sound like Scrooge, but no more parties. I need a night at home to get my act together. I think Christmas is only 9 days away and I have yet to finish buying gifts, much less get them wrapped. As for getting my cards out early, I guess I am too late for that! What happened to a nice relaxed, stress free holiday season?
I have less available time this year as I am working my little part time (36 hours a week) job, but where has the time gone? It was only yesterday that we were wondering when our electricity would be back on after Hurricane Ike. Could that have been 3 month ago? I wish I could adopt an easy Christmas like I did for Thanksgiving, but gifts didn’t seem to be involved with the pilgrims. Gift cards don’t seem so wise this year as so many stores are going out of business it is hard to know if they will be around long enough for the cards to be used. There has to be a way to have a fun and stressless holiday. Any Suggestions???? At least for my blog readers I can accomplish my goal - Hope you have a Merry Christmas and I wish for peas on earth.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
How was your Thanksgiving?? Mine was great but not home made. This year I decided to make it easy on myself and try a not-so-homemade Thanksgiving. It worked out so well I think I have started a new tradition. The “Let’s Take It Easy Thanksgiving”. First I ordered a smoked turkey, which was a 2 person helper. Little Hanna’s dance school made money by selling the turkeys and I had a ready made main dish. Well, what’s turkey without dressing (stuffing)? To the rescue came Stove Top, yes you heard it right, Stove Top Stuffing. I added some fresh onion, mushroom and some extra seasoning and no-one had any idea it wasn’t homemade. Move on to the side dishes; frozen and placed in my own baking dishes. I’m telling you I am on a roll. Oh yes, speaking of rolls, mine were frozen and placed out to rise so that just as the family came milling around the kitchen they saw me put them in the oven. Oh, what a good Mom! Dessert, a piece of cake, so to speak. Ready made from the supermarket, add a little whipped cream on the pumpkin pie and some sprinkles on the chocolate cake. Decorate the table with a pretty tablecloth and fresh flowers and my family thoroughly enjoyed the meal. But I think they especially enjoyed the fact that I was not so stressed that I couldn’t enjoy it with them. What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving? I am thankful for the super market and the fact that I was able to let go of all the preconceived notions that if it isn’t homemade it isn’t good. Mostly I am thankful for my wonderful family and especially those perfect Granddaughters. What can I work out for Christmas dinner?? Any suggestions?
Article by: Carol Hawkins
I had the great honor and pleasure of attending an out of town baby shower over the week-end. Our own Marion Franke has TRIPLET grandchildren. First let me say, WOW! I can’t even imagine 3 brand new babies needing diapers, feeding, rocking, etc., etc., all at one time. Let me give you a little back story on these babies. First the Momma & Poppa thought they would not have babies of their own after going all possible routes, so they adopted a toddler from Russia. This was quite a long and arduous affair. But Christina arrived shortly after Christmas last year; a beautiful healthy 2 year girl. Well, Momma & Poppa had some frozen whatevers left over from previous attempts, so they decided what the heck. Low and behold they were pregnant with multiples. As with all multiple pregnancies we were not sure how things would progress. Well with a lot of medical attention, months of bed rest and many, many prayers the triplets were born September 3rd, with an original due date of November 4th. After a few scares, they are all healthy, happy, beautiful babies. They were at the shower as was their sister, now 3 years old, Tina.
I don’t know about you, but I have never been around triplets, lots of twins, but never triplets. Well, let me tell you, it will take your breath away just observing all the hubbub that accompanies any baby, much less three, count them 3 babies! There are 2 girls; Heather and Delaney and one boy; Jay Bruce (named for his Grandpa). Momma somehow seems to remain calm in the midst of everything and was gracious to all her guests. Obviously with 3, there was 3 of everything plus lots of diapers as gifts. I’m not sure how she will fit all the gifts as well as the babies into her home.
Back to the shower. Everything was absolutely perfect. The food was awesome (Weight Watchers was taking a break) and Marion’s out-of-town friends could not have been any nicer. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon among friends, family, and those beautiful babies. The champagne was pretty good too.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
I have heard the term “writer’s block” forever and never understood how someone could run out of something to say. Well, I have sort of had Blog Block and have had a hard time coming up with something, but my Granddaughter Grace gave me an idea.
While in Dallas to attend Grandparents Day at Grace’s elementary school (I know I am way too young to be a grandmother, but I do love it) she and I were riding in the car. She asked in her beautiful, sweet little voice if I knew we had a black president. It was a very good thing I had my seatbelt on as I almost fell out of the car. She’s in kindergarten for heaven’s sake. What does she know about national politics? She’s supposed to be playing on the playground and be my innocent sweet little girl. Well, the conversation continued; she paused as if in deep thought and then said “I don’t think he is black, I think he is brown”. Well, needless to say I tried very hard to contain myself and not laugh at her because she was so serious. As they say, out of the mouth of babes.
It made me stop and think about how our world has changed and wonder what her life will be like as she ages. Being a grandparent takes you so out of your own life and puts you into the life of this little human being whose very existence is a miracle since they were born to those rotten kids you had. I cannot begin to explain how much I love being a Grandmother. I have 3 Grand Girls; Emily, Grace and Lilly. They are, without a doubt, the most beautiful girls in the world. I just can’t understand how they were born to that goofy teenage kid, who lived to aggravate his parents. It is amazing how life and age changes people. He is now telling me how to cook and asking if I know how much a gallon of milk costs. This is the kid who would leave milk out on the counter after drinking from the container and not think twice about it. While babysitting one time for those beautiful Grand Girls he left me a note on how to bake the chicken that he didn’t get cooked before they had to leave; he even told me what temperature to use for baking. I wonder how all those meals appeared on our table while he was growing up??? I should also mention that this goofy teenager is now an airline pilot; how does he get from one place to the other without his mom’s help???
Life goes on, we all age (except me, of course) and things change. Accept every day and know that someday you may be lucky enough to have grandchildren while remaining young and attractive, even though your children think you are dumber than a stump.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Okay, here’s my take on the elections.
They are over, and now we can get on with life. It seems that this election has been the most talked about that I can remember. It was overpowering in the media and I believe that most Americans were ready for it to be over. We will go forward from here and each do our best to make our country a great place to live, raise a family and work. Enough Said!
Okay, here’s my take on the worst invention ever made. The Remote Control!
Last weekend I had planned on a quiet relaxing Sunday. Wrong! I sat down to watch my favorite team play football (name withheld because I was embarrassed). I had my diet soft drink (yeah sure) and my popcorn. In comes the Mr. and grabs the remote control. Before I knew it I was watching 2 footballs games, Nascar Racing and even an infomercial. My head was spinning so fast I wasn’t sure what was happening where. When did the Dallas Cowboys start driving race cars? And what in the world is a Zorbeez or a Big City Slider Station. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. I understand that we are told men are hunters and gatherers and must always be on the lookout for wild game, but please. There were no wild animals on my TV, unless you count the Miami Dolphins. I will say that it does not make me worry any less about where my next meal is coming from when he has the remote in his hand. Though I do wonder when the Zorbeez will be delivered.
Admitting that I am old, I remember when you actually had to get up off the couch and manually turn the channel knob yourself, or in my father’s case, have me do it for him. It was a much simpler time, but how did I ever live without my Grill Daddy or Hercules Hooks?
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Well, today is D day or should I say WW day. Several of us in the office are starting Weight Watchers today. I think our Biggest Loser contest was a flop. No one wanted to weigh in front of others, imagine that. But there is a need for weight loss (at least in the area of my desk). I’m not sure what to expect, I think miracles are out of the realm of reality. Hopefully I will loose enough not to look like a stuffed sausage in my winter sweaters and those, oh so popular, leggings! Alas, I said Good-Bye this morning to the wonderful melt-in-your mouth donuts from Donut Delight - and I suppose the sirloin burger from Jack-in-the-Box is not on the menu any longer.
My hubby and I tried the workout routine with a personal trainer one time. Note: I said tried and one time. Our first day, the trainer gave us a workout routine and a diet. We did the routine and when we got to the car and read the diet we burst out laughing. If I remember correctly it was something like 5 almonds and 10 cups of salad. We immediately left the gym and drove to Starbucks for a Venti Mocha Frappachino. For some reason we were not successful with that routine.
But I have decided that this time will be different from all the other times I have tried to diet. Last night on TV I saw a man from Mexico who had weighed 800 pounds, could not get out of bed and when he did, it took him 3 hours to shower. He decided he needed to lose weight (no comment), started dieting and working out in bed and had lost down to 350 pounds. Still a large man, he was on the road to success. While I realize that I am far away from 800 pounds, but if he could accomplish what he did, then I have no reason not to at least try. So here I go, my first meeting is in an hour and I will not be visiting Starbucks on my way back to the office.
Wish me luck with all the Halloween candy.
Article By: Carol Hawkins
Well, it’s true, flu season has arrived early this year. We have several in our office who are proof of that. I heard on the TV that the main reason for the early arrival has a lot to do with the stress and worry that people are currently experiencing. I have my own personal Top 10 list of things to do to relieve stress:
#10: Take a long walk. I’m not talking a marathon, just a stroll around the neighborhood. Chances are you will run into a neighbor and have a nice chat about the weather or how the high school football team is doing. Calories burned are optional.
#9: Read a good book: My current selection is Pieces of My Heart by Robert Wagner. Wow, what a good looking specimen, oops sorry. This book is laced with names of movie stars past and present. It will definitely take you away from today’s gloom and doom.
#8: Work a crossword puzzle; the easier the better. Just fill in the blanks and let your mind wander to an isle or down the aisle or to wondering what in the world is an apis? I especially like to daydream about the lei and luau.
#7: Take a minute to read those funny emails you have been saving. Read, delete and don’t forward, it’s a freeing experience.
#6: Find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a cool beverage of your choice. This is especially nice if you are out of doors with no man made noise; just you and nature. Just keep those *&%$# mosquitoes away from me.
#5: Saturday morning Garage Sales. Buying an item is not necessary, but you never know what treasure awaits you at the next driveway. Flea markets are also fun with less driving involved.
#4: Visit with a child. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or a neighbor. Take the time to really talk with them and you will find the stress flowing away. When a child is talking about their favorite toy, game or movie they give us a whole new insight into life. My personal favorites are the stories of Dinkerbell and Cinnerella. They always bring a smile to my face.
#3: Revisit those vacation pictures. I know everyone has a box of old pictures from vacations past. It is a blast to check out the styles, not only of clothes, but hair too. Memories are a wonderful way to escape, plus the joy of remembering family and friends, old and new.
#2: Eat an ice cream cone. Who can be stressed when you are licking an ice cream cone. It is an entirely different art form than eating ice cream out of a bowl. There is the whole ratio of how much ice cream to eat from each side as well as what to do when it runs down your arm. This makes me smile just thinking about it. Forget the calories, it’s worth it. This is even better when combined with #4.
#1: TURN OFF THE TV. Quit listening to the media and all the gloom and doom talk about the election, the war, the economy. My cable system also has a wonderful assortment of music channels, just music no news or talk. If you don’t want to wear your MP3 player or prefer the low tech way this is a great option to have beautiful music in your home. Try something new, maybe jazz or classical. My personal favorite here is the sing along 50’s or show tunes, but only when I am home alone. For some reason my hubby doesn’t enjoy my singing along as much as I do. Just throw your head back and sing along.
Remove some of the stress from your life and we will all come through this down time as better and happier citizens of the world.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to be in Willis this week-end (Oct 24 -26). Admission is Free and it is open 24 hours a day. “The Wall” will be located at Roark School, 605 N. Campbell in Willis. This is a wonderful opportunity to show your respect and honor all veterans, not just those from the Vietnam era. There will be events daily with several flyovers and a candlelight ceremony. Veterans Day is just around the corner (Nov. 11th) and too often it is a forgotten holiday, other than great sales and for some a long weekend. Let’s bring home the real meaning of Veterans Day and go visit “The Wall”
Check out willishonorsvietnamvets.com for more information.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
HOGS in Heels
Members of the Cut-N-Shoot, Texas Harley Owners Group, HOGS, donned high heels to support the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event to raise awareness of domestic violence. These manly men roared into The Woodlands’ Central Park dressed in their finest leathers and traded their boots for petite (?) high heels. 10 of the 60+ members were brave enough to trade in their dignity and strut their stuff carrying a banner encouraging the end of domestic violence. The event was sponsored by Montgomery County Women’s Center and Verizon Wireless.
There are more than 11,000 reported cases of domestic abuse annually in Montgomery County. This includes approximately 1,000 hot line calls. Statistics show that one in every three women are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, including one in every four teenage girls in the county.
As for our HOGS, they say it really hurt and while they were having fun they were also very serious about the cause.
Ex-presidents tour Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula
Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton visited Galveston to see the damage from Hurricane Ike first hand. This is the second time the former presidents have joined forces to help raise money and awareness. While the nation is focused on the financial crisis, Clinton said he and Bush are hoping that Americans don’t forget and will donate to the fund to help communities come back quicker. The fund started last month to help Texas and Louisiana communities rebuild and recover from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. The combined damage from these storms totaled over $47 Billion, that’s billion with a great big capital “B”. The former presidents toured by helicopter. “What we are seeing is abject devastation and determination to come back,” said Bush. “We’re going to do our best to try to help.”
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Harry S Truman - The Buck Stops Here
‘It doesn’t matter how big a ranch ya’ own, or how many cows ya’ brand, the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather.’ Harry Truman
If you are new to Conroe/Montgomery County or from another part of the country, here are some pertinent facts about our beautiful community:
- Lake Conroe Area: Includes the cities of Conroe, Montgomery and Willis
- Location: Conroe is located 40 miles north of Houston, Texas
- County Seat of: Montgomery County
- City of Conroe Population: 43,993
- City of Montgomery Population: 498
- City of Willis Population: 6,322
- Montgomery County Population: 374,517
- Climate: The average high temperature is 78 degrees and the average low temperature is 57 degrees. The annual rainfall is 50.64 inches.
- Altitude: 245 feet above sea level
- Taxes: Hotel Tax 13%, Sales Tax 8.25%, No state income tax
- Transportation: I-45 & SH 105 are the major arteries. Taxi, limo and car rentals are available (see Transportation Information link)
- Newspapers: The Courier (daily), Montgomery County News (weekly), Houston Chronicle (daily)
- Radio Stations: KUST/KSTAR 99.7 FM, KAXF 88.3 FM
- Lake Conroe: Lake Conroe is on the west fork of the San Jacinto River. It was built as a joint project of the City of Houston, the Texas Water Development Board and the San Jacinto River Authority in 1973 as an alternate water source for the City of Houston.
- Forests: Sam Houston National Forest and W. Goodrich Jones State Forest
- Shopping: 1 Outlet Center, 50+ antiques, boutiques and gift stores, major department stores
- Restaurants: 150+ dinning choices from American to Oriental to Seafood to Tex-Mex
- Parks: 21 city parks throughout Conroe
- Hotel Accommodations: 13 hotels, 2 bed and breakfast and 11 RV Parks and Campgrounds. Total hotel rooms 1,015.
- Meeting Space: Lone Star Convention & Expo Center has a 56,000 square foot convention center and 111,000 square foot expo center.
- Government: Home Rule Charter, Mayor and five council members
- Schools: Elementary and Secondary: Conroe ISD (Conroe / The Woodlands) Montgomery ISD (Montgomery / Lake Conroe) Willis ISD (Willis) Multiple private and parochial schools
- Higher Education: Montgomery College
- Hospital: Conroe Regional Medical Center: 936-539-1111, St. Luke’s Community Hospital: 936-266-2000
- Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital: 281-364-2300
Article by: Carol Hawkins
For this week’s restaurant spotlight, we chose Debby’s Prime Steakhouse in Montgomery. The steakhouse is just down the road from our office, and is a favorite lunch spot for our team. The environment is always casual for a relatively formal steakhouse, and the food is outstanding. It would be nice to help our local economy by patronizing local businesses to help bolster them during these crazy economic times.
13080 Hwy 105 W, Ste. 127, Conroe, TX 77304 - 936-588-5058
To end with some humor, this is a continuation of the things Hurricane Ike taught me:
- A new method of non-lethal torture- showers without hot water.
- There are a lot more stars in the sky than most people thought.
- TV is an addiction and the withdrawal symptoms are painful.
- A 7lb bag of ice will chill 6-12 oz Budweiser’s to a drinkable temperature in 11 minutes, and still keep a 14 lb. turkey frozen for 8 more hours.
- There are a lot of dang trees around here.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
In the Top 50 Producing Teams Nationwide for Keller Williams,The Franke Team took the 20th spot!
This list is based on June/July closed units. For a slowing economy this is a pretty good spot to be sitting in. Of the Top 50, 35 teams were in Texas. That speaks pretty well for our economy here.
This week-end (October 10th, 11th &12th) is our annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. This event benefits the nonprofit Friends of Conroe, Inc. who are working to enhance the quality of life in Conroe and Montgomery County through civic and cultural improvements. The Friends contribute funds to other established nonprofit community projects and support the renovation of the downtown Conroe area. This festival is a week-end of every type of street vendor food imaginable; the usual turkey legs, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and some unusual items such as gator on a stick, gator burgers, Cajun catfish, crawfish etouffee. Oh, and we can’t forget the ever nutritious fried pickles and fried Oreos. Wow, I think I gained weight just compiling this list.
Ten different Texas wineries will be featured at the Go Texan area of the Festival. California is not the only state producing good wines. There will be daily Wine Tasting Seminars available as well as food samples from The Italian Grill.
There will be 5 stages with live entertainment all day and evening. Lots of room to dance and meet friends. A wonderful way to spend a beautiful Fall afternoon.
Article by: Carol Hawkins
Today is our first day of rain since Hurricane Ike. It is welcome and much needed. Love those rainy days.
As Realtors, We spend the majority of our time helping our clients find their dream home, so let’s take time this week to help them protect it.
October 5th through October 11th is Fire Prevention Week.
In 2007, eight out of ten people who died in a fire were killed in a home fire. Everyone runs the risk of having a home fire, whether it is from cooking, smoking materials or heating equipment. Cooking causes the most fires, but more lives are lost in fires involving smoking materials. One of the easiest ways to prevent loss of life is smoke detectors. They should be installed in bedrooms or sleeping area on every level of the home.
Here’s an idea; how about smoke detectors & fire extinguishers in a beautiful basket as a closing or Thank You gift. This may not be as exciting as a plant or home decorating item, but it says you care about the safety of your clients.
If you would like more information on fire safety check out www.firepreventionweek.org
Things I learned During Power Outage Caused by Hurricane Ike:
- Coffee, frozen pizza and even rice can be grilled on a BBQ grill.
- Hot pockets taste pretty good deep fried on the outdoor cooker!
- My car gets 33.21675 miles per gallon, EXACTLY (you can ask the people in line who helped me push it).
- He who has the biggest generator wins.
Article By: Carol Hawkins
What’s New in Conroe Today
Big headline on the Courier this morning “Country Road Projects Expected Under Budget”
How often do we hear the words ‘under budget’? Certainly not at my house! While we, here in Montgomery County, moan and complain about the construction that seems to be taking forever, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It will be completed and will cost us less than projected. Now, if I could just get to Starbucks without taking my life in my own hands it would be wonderful.
Operation Holiday for Heroes. You will be hearing a lot about this on this blog for the next month. The Montgomery Country Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors has sponsored this event for the past 2 years. In essence, we collect donated items for shipment to U.S. military personnel from Montgomery County serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Donation boxes are placed strategically around the county for the entire month of October. This is a great opportunity for the county to show it’s appreciation for our citizens in uniform. This is a wonderful project and one in which we are proud to be involved. For more information, visit: http://www.montgomerycountycares.com/
Article By: Carol Hawkins
It is also the first day of the newly formed Franke Team Diet Club! I’m not sure who the genius was that came up with this idea, but we are all (those of us calorically challenged) putting $50 in the pot, and at some undetermined date the winner will be presented with the $$. Now, we are starting today but have no guidelines, no rules, no end date. This should really be fun. Add that to the fact that I DO NOT want my weight posted on a board for the whole world to see, so this should go great. Wish us luck!
Article by: Carol Hawkins
