Wordless Wednesday...Panther Canyon Trail in New Braunfels, Texas. In the middle of New Braunfels, Texas is a park...Landa Park.  In the middle of Landa Park, is a nature trail...Panther Canyon.  This is one of the bridges in New Braunfels, Texas...in Landa Park...that leads to Panther Canyon. Photo by:  Jeani Thomas Richie, Copyright 2008. 09/22/2009

  Can you guess what this is at Canyon Lake Texas? Old Cliche's in the Rain...A Sight  for Sore Eyes                                                                                                                                   Old Cliché's                                                                         Raining, Cats, Dogs and Pitchforks                                                                    Raining Fish and Frogs                                                         Raining Dogs and Cats                                         Raining Toad Stranglers                               Raining by the Bucket                                          Look what we woke up to this morning at Canyon Lake, Texas Old Cliche's in the Rain...A Sight for Sore Eyes Get out the r... 09/22/2009

 It's spreading like a cancer...in New Braunfels & throughout the county-by Ceil Winters It's spreading like a cancer...in New Braunfels & throughout the county-by Ceil Winters  Robbery in New Braunfels at a local bakery and they did't even take donuts. What we've seen happen in the past year across this country deserves all of our attention. Have you noticed every time you turn on the radio or television the first thing you hear and see is another robbery? Your home, a convenience store, a bank, someone walking out from shopping at the mall. And now in our little town of New Braunfels Texas someone robbed the local bakery. In talking with some of our neighbors they think it is the economy.  Some think it is a combination of the economy and drugs. Is this the way it is going to be from ... 09/17/2009

9-12-2009  I've been watching some television today as I was curious to see the Tea Party and March to Washington D.C.  9-13-09 I didn't post yesterday's blog so I'm adding to it with this paragraph. This past year has been difficult for all of us. We have seen unemployment rise, and as I type this continue to rise at an alarming rate, home values go down and the stock market in disarray. Americans voicing their opinion over the deficit and costly healthcare proposals. Congress arguing amongst themselves. This is just an example of some of the things we see and hear on a daily basis. If I were a drinking person it would drive me to drink.                                                                What are we going to do?     These are my personal thoughts as I watched some of the T... 09/13/2009

                Is this the right time for another program?                                                                              Where have I been? I keep seeing this on the web but haven't paid much attention until today when I clicked on several advertisement.OK encouraging folks to return to school; that is good. But......why should we the tax payer pay for this? They say the country is almost bankrupt. In my opinion I don't think this is the time to start another program.                                           President Obama will give you $2,500 a year to go to schoolThe Obama administration's stimulus bill is designed to get the economy moving again. However, you may not know that most of the bill's $70 billion for education will go to low- to middle-income individuals.... 09/09/2009

                                     New Braunfels Fire Dept. to hold ceremony September 10, 2009 The public is invited to join the New Braunfels Fire Department in recognizing a year of achievements at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Civic Center.             Come support your N.B.F.D.                                   They are always there for us seven days a week... twenty-four hours a day... three hundred sixty five days a year. They protect our property and  serve our community in many ways.                                                                       Thank You to our New Braunfels Fire Department 09/09/2009

                                                                              If you are new to Comal County Texas you surely need to put this on your calendar of things to do. There is nothing like meeting your neighbors, supporting the kids, and the opportunity to enjoy what a small town community has to offer. There is something for everyone at The Comal County Fair.                                                                                     2009 Fair dates Sept 22 - 27                                                 (This is just a partial list of things to do at The Comal County Fair) Our favorite is the food and the live stock show. When our two son's attended Comal I.S.D. Mountain Valley Elementary and Middle School, and  Smithson Valley High School they were both in  4-H... 09/03/2009

Make your Labor Day plans and reservations now! ... Summer's Last Hurrah! Texas Labor Day marking the end of summer has and will always go out with a bang. It is our last three day weekend for awhile, families will gather,and picnic. Make your plans now to visit New Braunfels and Canyon Lake, tube the Guadalupe or spend the day at Landa Park or boating at Canyhon Lake. Attend community events and parades. It's the Texas way but also the American Way. This is your last long weekend of summer vacation. Labor Day: Annual holiday devoted to the recognition of working people's contribution to society. It is observed on the first Monday in September in the U.S. Let's make this a family day. (I would say we have all contributed so let's enjoy this day).                                Plan your... 08/31/2009

R - U Ready? Part II - Your Checklist                                                                                                                                                                                www.weatherchannel.com Are we prepared for mother nature ? Part Two - In case you have to leave your home... Part I - It's time to review your "checklist" - R - U - Ready? Part I Part III - During Hurricane Season there is potential for catastrophic damages to occur to coastlines and inlands several hundred miles. We all know that damage can occur inland even here in the Texas Hill Country. We sometimes think of living on the coast where damage from wind and water would occur. We all found out different a few years ago. In Part I we discussed putting together an Emergency Kit. ... 08/30/2009

   Part I                                                                                                                 Part II - Inspect and replenish your Emergency Box           R-U Ready for Mother Nature - Part II - Your Checklist           This will be three part  blog series series Are you ready for an emergency?  September is national preparedness month. September is national preparedness month. I agree it is best to be prepared with some essentials and not have to run out at the last minute to buy some of these items. With the weather going to turn cold and the start of school, we hear more about different type virus's that may be lurking; this is definitely is a good time to replenish your Emergency Box. Hand Sanitizer (67.6 Fl. Oz) I bought several to put in strategic place... 08/28/2009

This is something you may want to check and forward to someone you think may have this product. - There are links for your review and a link at the bottom to send to a friend if you think they have this product. Hope this information is helpful. Ceil Winters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 27, 2009Release # 09-333 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 449-9812Sears’ Recall Hotline: (800) 449-9810CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908Firm Media Contact: (614) 761-2633                                                               This is Important - Please Read Frigidaire and Kenmore Smoothtop Electric Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary r... 08/28/2009

          Under those fluffy clouds there is a dream home for you in                                                                    "The Great State of Texas"                                                                                            Beyond the fluff and beauty of the home there are some important things you need to know. Behind that jargon and piles of paper work there can be issues that can be an easy fix or not quite so easy to fix. If there is a major problem would you not want to know? A home inspection will help sort out what is important beyond the cosmetic part of the home. A simple framework for determining whether you purchase or keep looking. A few  simple words that can best describe the Inspection Report. It is a structural and mechanical inspection of t... 08/25/2009

My first attempt at a video blog...I think it went well!Last week I attended a webinar that my company put on about building your real estate business using video blog and I decided to give it a shot.  I watched what other agents were doing online and last week while at our board of REALTORS golf tournament, I decided to hand my Flip video camera over to my 12 year old son and told him to point it at me with the green in the background and I did a two minute video blog about TREPAC and the Landa Park golf course.  I FlipShared it, added some credits and uploaded to my new YouTube Channel that is for my new venture in Video Blogging.Check it out: I am kind of digging this new approach to blogging!I am excited about my next installment!  Perhaps I can become a YouTube sensation! 08/25/2009

  REMEMBERING MIKE CARL...REALTOR AND FRIEND. Recently our REALTOR community was rocked by the unexpected passing of our good friend and fellow agent, Mike Carl.  Mike and his wife Kathy were such a big part of real estate in Comal County.  They both served the real estate industry selflessly and were always putting others first.  No matter how busy they were, they always had time to share and give.  There is much to be learned from both of them.  Mike left us quickly and unexpectedly this month and one of the hardest things we have had to face was him not being at the golf course for our TREPAC golf tournament this year.  We always looked forward to pulling up to the hole that he and Kathy always sponsored.  This year we knew we would face that hole without Mike's presence and for me p... 08/23/2009

This is for information purposes only to make you aware of these four recalls. Four new Recalls that may be of interest - Please review: If you have any one of these you may want to make the appropriae contact. Follow the directions as indicated below. Hope this will help you if you have or if you know of someone that may have.  The contact information is supplied in this email that we received. I try to monitor these and fwd. for your review - Ceil 1. Children's Cloth Book 2. DVD Player with Remote 3. Weight Watchers Figures 4. Ceiling Fan   This message consists of the following:1.  DVD Players Recalled by Wal-Mart Due to Fire Hazard 2.  Pensi Ceiling Fans Recalled by The Modern Fan Co. Due to Fall and Injury Hazard 08/21/2009

  NBCLAR SUPPORTS TREPAC WITH ANNUAL "FUN"DRAISER!!! Every August in the extreme Texas heat the real estate professionals, affiliates and friends gather in New Braunfels, Texas for an all day, fun-filled series of events all for one purpose...to raise much needed funds for TREPAC (Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee).  As a former TREPAC chairman and retired PAC Trustee, this cause is very near and dear to my heart.  You see, I am not just a Texas REALTOR, but I have a passion for protecting the private property rights of my fellow Texans and because of TREPAC I have already been a part of several REALTOR victories in my community.   USUALLY I GOLF EVERY YEAR...but this year to 101 degree high that has been promised us and my common sense is keeping me from participating in tha... 08/20/2009

Another Recall: This is for your information. Please check to see if you have this coffeepot, or if you know of someone that may have one.  Forward this information to them. - Ceil Black & Decker Coffeemakers Recalled By Applica Consumer Products Due to Burn Hazard NEWS from CPSCU.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionOffice of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 18, 2009Release # 09-309  Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 699-4595CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09309.htjml Black & Decker Coffeemakers Recalled By Applica Consumer Products Due to Burn HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consu... 08/19/2009

If you are looking for something different to do when visiting New Braunfels or even if you live in the area, don't forget the McKenna Children's Museum. It may be a good time with school starting to get the kids back to thinking about school. This children's museum will definitely do that. Adults enjoy it just as much as the children. It's all about having Fun & Learning at the same time.                                     Just one more thing folks like about New Baunfels Texas.                                                          Discover a world of art and creativity, science and technology, culture, health and history. Welcome to the McKenna Children's Museum. It's a collection of educational exhibits designed to stimulate learning and encourage imagination. McKenna partnered w... 08/18/2009

This hit me like a ton of bricks. It's Saturday morning, Carl had an inspection today and I just got back from the mail box. There it was...my Medicare Card...see I'll be 65 in December. The real live thing right before my eyes; it finally happened. My first thought was Yipee! My second thought was, Oh No! My third thought...well here goes....all the things that flashed before my eyes in less then thirty seconds.                                                     My     Medicare Card In the last few months I've been receiving emails from friends that say, "How time gets away from me". I will call soon, or we will have lunch soon or something or other. I'm just as guilty, it's call procrasitnation Here is mishmash from some articles I have read these last several months. When was the la... 08/15/2009

This is another important recall if you have children: Hope this is helpful, we don't want any little one's hurt. The information below is from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission If you have children, grandchildren or know someone please pass this on for safety sake. 1.  Little TikesT Recalls Children's Toy Workshop Sets and Trucks Due to Choking Hazard   Click to see photo's1. NEWS from CPSCU.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionOffice of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 13, 2009Release #09-304 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 791-2737CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908Little TikesT Recalls Children's Toy Workshop Sets and Trucks Due to Choking ... 08/13/2009