ActiveRain Party Time in Baltimore Margaret Rome knows how to throw a party...THAT is a definite fact.  After missing several of Margaret's ActiveRain parties in the past, I finally arranged my travel plans to include a visit to Baltimore.  As soon as Margaret knew I was coming, she went to work issuing an open invitation to all ActiveRain members within driving range to come to Baltimore on Feb. 5th. And, Bear-y, our furry friend tagged along Bear-y had a grand time passing out treats to all who attended.  And a good time was had by all.  Be safe until we meet again my friends. Thanks to all who attended: Margaret Rome Margaret Woda   Martha Brown      Pat Kennedy                                                        Kate Elim & Martha Brown   Rich Iarossi & Susan Mangigian     John &... 02/07/2011

Where are we going?  I'm going,too   Margaret Rome, ActiveRain Ambassador, has arranged an ActiveRain luncheon in Baltimore at Suburban House Saturday, Feb. 5th.  Join us.   Beary-y just assumes he is invited to go everywhere his family goes. (He's still wearing his Luau attire, the Yonkers January Luau, but he's ready to go to Baltimore with us.)     I did peek in his green bag.  It's filled with sweet treats for all the attendees.  Bear-y's 'Keys to Success' mean food for the tummy, the soul and the spirit.  Come one, come all.  Meet ActiveRain friends and Beary-y.   Erie Real Estate Classes Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate Erie, PA                                           Mary Yonkers, Instructor       02/03/2011

  Thank You Punxsutawney PHIL       Thank you for NOT seeing your shadow today Miss seeing  his shadow---Only 16 times since Phil's tradition began in  1887 in the remote little town of Punxsutawney in central Pennsylvania.  See yesterday's post for background & links about origin of Phil's tradition.  Yes, they even made a movie about him in 1993. According to Phil's forecast this morning SPRING is just around the corner.  I can't wait for my favorite ice cream stand to open. Phil.  We love you (at least this year)   Erie Real Estate Classes Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate Erie, PA                                        Mary Yonkers, Instructor       02/02/2011

              Please Punxsutawney Phil, No More WinterPhil, please do everyone a favor on February 2nd, stay in your burrow.  No one wants to see your shadow.    We are tired of snow, sleet, freezing rain and blustery cold winter weather.  The origin of groundhog day goes way back to ancient Romans  who believed that conditions during early February predicted weather for the rest of year.  The Roman empire used hedgehogs as  weather indicators.  When German settlers came to central Pennsylvania in 1800 they used groundhogs hence Punxsutawney Phil.  Punxsutawney Phil's legend dates back to 1887.  If Phil sees his shadow on Feb. 2nd Phil predicts six more weeks of winter--that just about takes us to the first day of spring.   Having grown up in western PA, not far from Punxsutawney, we ce... 02/01/2011

Flowers by Mary / Inspired by Hawaii Visit   I am off to teach Real Estate Pre-license class in Erie, PA today but first I want to offer you flowers to brighten another cold, snowy winter day.      Hawaii has such beautiful flowers of all colors.  I shared a few in Aloha:  Warm weather, Sunshine, Flowers & More.  Since my hobby is making silk or dried flower arrangements I put this arranagement together using locally available silk flowers.  My two favorite Hawaiian flowers are the red Ohi'a lehua and yellow Illima.  Dave calls this our Hawaiian basket--sits in corner of dining room   Spring is just two months away   The Yonkers Aloha Series:  Warm Weather, Sunshine, Flowers & More Pineapple Express . . . Hawaii Beware:  VOG in Paradise Long Flight:  Will You Spend Tuesday w/Morrie? I D... 01/21/2011

Leftovers with Mexican Flair   Leftover turkey  (or beef or ground hamburg) Leftover veggies or frozen mixed veggies  Large can crushed tomatoes Chipotle Chile Pepper  powder (to taste) Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (just a few) Cooked rice--white or brown Simple directions:  heat all ingredients in large pot, let simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.    Serve with:       Grated Pepperjack cheese (optional)     Sorry, I don't have a recipe for you to follow.  Just open your refrigerator & rescue those little uneaten orphans.  I must admit that my leftover turkey had mushrooms that most Mexican recipes don't have, but the dish tasted Mexican to Dave & I. (but we live a long way from the border or even Texas where my brother lives)      Erie Real Estate classes      Alan Kells Schools of... 01/19/2011

Forget Cold Calling   Outdated as land phone Unless you don't know a soul in your area, forget cold calling.   Talk, Talk, Talk Instead start talking to everyone you know other parents friends, neighbors, former co-workers and classmates, casual acquaintences. Better yet get face to face with each person.   Don't ask them when they are planning to buy or sell otherwise they won't answer the phone or doorbell next time. Ask who they know that might be thinking of or planning to buy or sell in 2011. Most people want to be helpful and they want to see you become a successful real estate agent, too.  Just ask for their help.   Surprise:  Your family, friends, former co-workers/clients from previous business, neighbors and acquaintances will be happy to see you & will respond favorably. Reme... 01/18/2011

Even My Pets Love Winter Squirrel feeder:  mostly sunflowers & corn Thistle feeder:  finches & small birds Suet feeder:  woodpeckers Swinging feeder: on skinny pole with baffle keeps squirrels away and provides safe haven for cardinals, chickadees, orioles and grosbeaks    My grandsons fight over who gets to feed the birds & squirrels when we are on vacation.     PA Real Estate classes       Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate   Erie, PA Mary Yonkers, instructor 01/15/2011

Great Day to Cross Country Ski  Asbury Woods Nature Center Erie, PA                   Enjoy the solitude Watch the snow fall Keep your eyes open for wildlife.  This week I have seen deer, turkey and a Great Blue Heron.   Be careful, too.  I was so intent on watching the turkeys fly away that I lost my balance & got tangled in skis & poles.  Getting up was not as easy as one might think. My grandsons are looking forward to renting snowshoes this weekend at Asbury Woods.        PA Real Estate classes       Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate   Erie, PA Mary Yonkers, instructor 01/15/2011

Forecast:  66 Days Until Spring Less than 80 Days to Summer   Join me and many other die-hard Erie-ites for the official-unofficial start of summer at Creamland. Erie, PA     Rain or shine, snow or freezing temps cannot and will not delay the opening of Creamland and Erie's first taste of summer.  Blue Moon or orange/vanilla twist What is your favorite?  Tammy, this one is for you. (Time ordered: 12:06 am)     PA Real Estate classes      Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate   Erie, PA Mary Yonkers, instructor   01/13/2011

Sunset:  My favorite time of day And the day is done Let me linger and reflect on my day     Come back tomorrow     Each day is different  Calm after storm     Winter sunet in the woods       Relax and enjoy for tomorrow is another day.  Oh yes, I love a beautiful sunrise, too.   PA Real Estate classes      Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate   Erie, PA Mary Yonkers, instructor 01/11/2011

Snow, Birds, Squirrels How About Some Sunshine?? Please, Please   Erie, PA has been listed as the sixth snowiest city in the country. (cities over 50,000)  from 1980-2009.  Of course Buffalo is #1 and Erie is located 100 miles sw of Buffalo.  I love to cross country ski and wait for snow each year, but it is sunshine I miss the most.  So in the middle of writing this post I ran outside to take this shot of a brief peak of sun & blue sky. Temperature is only expected to be in low 20's today, but I still plan to cross country ski later.  Snow or shine! See why I posted  Aloha:  Warm Weather, Sunshine, Flowers and More yesterday?   PA Real Estate classes begin Jan. 8, 2011       Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate              Erie, PA Mary Yonkers, instructor   01/07/2011

Aloha:  Warm Weather, Sunshine, Flowers & Sally Cheeseman  After a long, long day of flying we finally arrived in Hawaii and we were greeted with warm weather, sunshine, flowers and so much more.  During our 12 day stay we met many wonderful people including ActiveRain's Ambassador, Sally Cheeseman.  My brother, Bob & his wife Katherine, flew in from Texas and arrived several hours later.  In a series of Aloha posts I will share the highlights of our trip.  First, sunshine & flowers as we are more than a little deprived right now. (Erie, PA)   Sunshine with just a few clouds/always warm   Flowers, flowers, flowers   Flowers everywhere   Flowers & more Dave's Flower (now sits on the kitchen counter) The Yonkers Aloha Series:  Warm Weather, Sunshine, Flowers & More Pineapple Express . . .... 01/06/2011

Blog Map for January Challenge Taking a trip?       Can't find your way unless you know where you are going.  Otherwise, how will you know when you have arrived?  Neither can you be successful without a plan.  I knew that Connie Harvey's January Challenge was doable, but I also knew I would wander endlessly in blog-land if I did not have an outline.  So I analyzed what type of posts I write most often. Real Estate, of course, recipes, family activities, trips, localism, nature scenes around Lake Erie & northwest PA. Lately recipes and holiday topics have been easy so I will challenge myself to write more Real Estate related posts this month.  Now just to give myself some slack I threw in the miscellaneous category.   Real Estate Recipes Vacations Miscellaneous (a.k.a filler, fluff and f... 01/02/2011

  Day January Challenge:  Kraut, Pork & Tradition A few years ago Mother passed her apron to me to prepare traditional "Kraut & Pork" dinner.                                                Sauerkraut, cured in crock                Pork roast--1-2 lbs              Small onion minced              Small apple, diced or applesauce               Brown sugar  1-3 tablespoons       As I begin the 31 Day January 2011 Challenge, I can't think of better way to start than with a traditional recipe for good luck in the new year.  Each culture & region has traditions that are carried on from generation to generation.  Most of my ancestors came from Germany with a few other nationalities sprinkled in for good measure so said my dad. Germans as well as people from Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Austria... 01/01/2011

Italian Basket   Don't know what to buy that person who doesn't need or want anything?   Yes, I am one of those people.  When asked recently I was told I could not say, "Nothing." Chuck 'n Ginny's spaghetti sauce   That was my simple answer not expecting the bread basket, placemats, several kinds of pasta, garlic spread, bruchetta, grated cheese, gnochi and bottle of red wine.  Chuck 'n Ginny's was one of Erie's many Mom 'n Pop Italian restaurants that dotted local streets until most of them gave way to the chains like Olive Garden.  Daughter, Ginny, now makes her family's tasty sauce and like other Erie fans we can still enjoy a tasty Italian dinner.   Happy New Year from the Yonkers' home to your home     PA Real Estate classes begin soon . . .            Alan Kells Schools of Real Es... 12/31/2010

Homestyle Cooking with Mary:  Delectable Egg Strata Whether it is a special occasion or just a weekend breakfast this Delectable Egg Strata will become a family favorite.  I plan to serve it for New Year's Brunch while we watch the parades.  Feel free to revise the recipe to suit your tastes.  Note options in parenthesis. 1 cup diced ham (or cooked sausage or fried bacon) 1 cup frozen spinach (or cooked asparagus/one inch pieces) 8 eggs, whisk lightly 1/4 cup chopped green onion, tops & all 1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 & 1/2 cup milk  (I use 2% milk) 1 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp onion pwd 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 6 slices bread (I prefer rye or whole grain) 1/4 tsp black pepper  (skip the salt) Spray 9 X 13 pan with oil/butter  Whisk eggs, milk, dry mustard, onion pwd, pepper Ass... 12/28/2010

Cranberry Salsa is a little more upscale than my other Homestyle Cooking Recipes but I think  you will love this Cranberry Salsa.  In fact it is so good it is almost addictive.  If you make it with sugar substitute there are very few calories so have one more bite. (There are many low fat crackers & chips available, too.) Note:  Fresh cranberries are only available at this time of year.  Buy them & freeze until ready to use.     Cranberry Salsa     12oz fresh cranberries  1 medium apple, peeled & cored (I use Granny Smith or green apple) 1/2 lg red pepper cut into chunks 1/4 medium red onion cut into chucks 1/2 cup (or slightly less) sugar or Splenda 1/2 cup apple juice or cider 3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro 2 Tbsp. chopped jalapeno (more or less depending on your preference) 1 tsp. grated lim... 12/27/2010

Beware:  VOG in Paradise  Paradise ???? Hawaii:  The weather is warm & sunny year round, right?  Where is the sunshine today?  Why do I see clouds billowing over the quiet seaside village on the Kona coast of the island of Hawaii? This doesn't look like the Hawaiian vacation I envisioned. The temperature is still mid-80's but the sky looks so ominous. We learned that the threat is not an impending storm, but 3,000 tons of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide called VOG that is spewed out of the Kilauea Volcano almost on a daily basis. VOG, a form of air pollution, similar to smog is a combination of weather, wind (speed & direction) and volcanic activity.  See VOG index.  For most healthy people low levels of VOG are more annoying than life-threatening.  Those who are more suspectible need t... 12/21/2010

Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho-Ho--Ho Holiday Light Display at Peek 'n Peak Resort   Annual Tradition at Peek 'n Peak Toyland       Soldiers Young or old we all enjoy the lights of the Christmas season no matter how cold.  Yes, it was cold when I was snapping these photos at o'dark hour this morning (at 6:30 am EST I thought my fingers might be frostbitten as I walked back inside to our warm room at the Peak 'n Peak Resort.  Oh, by the way my Hubby coined the word o'dark hour.  It means that no rereasonable person would normally be up at that hour, but maybe his wife would be as I am a morning person.)  LOL Peek 'n Peak Resort Light Display is offered free each holiday season.  Come view the display.   Real Estate classes Jan. 8, 2011  Erie, PA  Mary Yonkers, instructor, Alan Kells Schools of Real Esta... 12/19/2010