We are in the process of replacing the old screens with SOLAR SCREEN (Charcoal Color) Our house has major problems staying cool in the summer. The air conditioner would run all day and would be hard pressed to cool the back of our house. The back of the house iswhere the afternoon sun comes in, so it just baked my office and the kitchen.  We are using Sun Guard 90 Ultra Sun Block. We are using a Charcoal color, which I was not sure would work, but after re-screening a couple screens it works great. Just sorry we didn't do it before. I also purchased the black splne to match the screen. It was time to do it anyway since my son's little pooch walked right through the screen on the sliding door last weekend. (I wasn't very happy with his pooch and told him not to come back until he could t... 05/20/2008

 We started this list Mother's Day WHEN AFTER DINNER WE SAT AS A FAMILY EXCHANGING MEMORIES                                           DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN Carl remembers when his Grandmother made him this Cowboy Outfit for Christmas. I remember when I played "Pretend". . What a handsome cowboy! Carl's really good memory...His First Car - His Corvette - Those were the days! Remember When WE had dark hair? Feel Free To Add Your Memories To This List All the girls had ugly gym uniforms?   It took five minutes for the TV to warm up? (if you had a TV) Nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school?  Nobody owned a purebred dog? When a quarter was a decent allowance? You'd reach into a muddy gutter for a penny?  Your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces?  All your mal... 05/19/2008

Motor scooters popular in efforts to save on gas I think Ceil and I are changing our mode of transportation to save fuel: What do ya think?                                                     I solved the problem for all my Texas friends....Vespa Scooters...gas or electric. They are fun and economical, economical is the key to this blog. With a gas 4 stroke gas engine you can go shopping, carry your clients to view homes, use for your inspection and still be able to save money. Vespa Scooters I'm using Vespa as an example because I heard on the news today that "Vespa" sales are skyrocketing. Here is a portion of an article that I read... Today, Vespas, like other motor scooters, are the beneficiaries of the increasing willingness of US consumers to buy motor scooters. Sales of motor sco... 05/17/2008

                              This bench fits perfectly with the Riverwalk Decor                             Just had to add a pretty flower for color.                              All hand sculpured!      You will  see some benches at the San Antonio Riverwalk that Carlos Cortes sculptured. The benches are  concrete made to look like wood bark. The Craft of Faux Bois      Carlos Cortes is a third generation "faux bois" concrete artisan carrying on a family tradition that has its Texas roots in San Antonio, circa 1924. Carlos' great-uncle Dionisio Rodriguez brought this European form of sculpting to the U.S. from Mexico City and taught it to Carlos' father, Maximo Cortes. Carlos designs and builds unique "faux bois" concrete sculptures that fit the smaller garden setting or larger publi... 05/15/2008

                                                                                GAME  7 We have a Special Guest Tonite - The Coyote   - Bring your favorite dessert and beverage! If you are a San Antonio Spurs fan, tonite is a very important game and we as bloggers can support the Spurs from home. Let's all meet and blog along to show our support........Go Spurs Go!......... Go Tim Go!.......Go Tony Go!..........Go Manu Go! "The Spurs would love to turn their Western Conference semifinal playoff series against the Hornets into a battle of attrition between star point guards Tony Parker and Chris Paul. That's because the defending champs believe they have the better supporting cast." This was printed in today's news. What do you thihnk? Let us know who is your favorite Spur player? Who do... 05/11/2008

                                                                 Are You In A Dilemma?Do you have a tendancy to get the card, flowers, perfume...just as you did last year and the year before and the year before?  Maybe some Jewelry, Sunglasses, Tank of Gas, Candy, Singing Cards, New Golf Clubs, New Boat, GPS, New Motorcycle...Oh what a Dilemma...Right?                  I hope you will read some history on Mother's Day, just so you know how and why this special day to honor your loved one was started.   How about A celebratory Mother's Day cookie cake. A little history about Mother's DayMother's Day in the United StatesMain article: Mother's Day (United States), Wikipedia"The United States celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May. In the United States. Mother's Day was loosely... 05/06/2008

When we got home this evening we had two invitations in the mail announcing Graduation. The invitations got me to thinking (that's dangerous when I get to thinking). Receiving your diploma or license are much the same. The document reflects evidence of your accomplishment. It not only indicates your ability to complete and document your achievements, it portrays you as a unique individual. Whether you are a recent graduate or have already begun your career as a realtor, inspector, mortgage broker, administrative assistant  you have decided your future. Set your goals and do everything in your power to accomplish those goals.  Be consistent, trustworthy, and honest. Strive to reach your goals and treat each and every day as a brand new opportunity. It's time to Celebrate Graduation..CONG... 05/05/2008

I love New Braunfels. Besides enjoying Landa Park and Wurstfest- I have a lot of history there. These are 2 of my early German ancestors: Johanne Heinrich Andreas Breustedt  and  Wilhelmine Caroline DauerBreustedt Kitchen   http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=50910005021858 Andreas Breustedt home    http://www.planetware.com/new-braunfels/museum-of-texas-handmade-furniture-us-tx-nbf.htmHistorical Marker for Bruestedt Homehttp://www.historicmarkers.com/Texas/Comal_County_Texas/Breustedt_House__TX501/ 1858 Andreas Breustedt home  The Texas Museum of Handmade Furniture (aka The Breustedt-Dillen House)     see:   http://www.nbcham.org/visitor/museum_furniture.asp  also http://www.nbheritagevillage.com/ Andreas Breustedt is my German ancestor.  He came to Texas in 1845... 04/30/2008

Having a cascaron broke over your head is said to bring good luck or can indicate that you have an admirer or special friend...Viva Fiesta San Antonio, Texas during the month of April.What does confetti filled eggs, colorful paper flowers, lots and lots of confetti mean to San Antonio Tradition?            Cascarones (kas-kah-ro'-nees): dyed egg shells filled with confetti, used to crack over the head of a friend during Fiesta. (cascaron, singular.)How To Make Cascarones: Cut a small hole in one end of an eggshell with a small knife. Drain the contents. Rinse the shell, let it dry. Dye or paint the egg. You can also decorate them with, markers, and other craft items. Fill the decorated eggs with confetti by spooning it into the opening or using a small funnel. Seal the opening with a pi... 04/19/2008

I was cleaning out my Yahoo mail and came across this article that was posted today. Have I been missing something? Here is the article...I heard on the radio driving home today that fuel can go as high as $150 per barrel. People we need to stand up together and protest this nonsense. More cars than ever require premium fuel   <<<  Cars <<<<<04/17/2008

Nothing as tasty as a Texas Hill Country Peach.  Whether you call them Fredericksburg Peaches, Stonewall Peaches or Texas Hill Country Peaches they are all delicious! We are looking forward to some great tasty peaches in 2008!            HILL  COUNTRY  PEACHES          They have many varieties to choose from and new varieties being introduced each year. It appears they are going to have a good crop this year. There are roadside stands set up to sell peaches and vegetables. Some growers will let you pick your own.Peach Tree with blossoms just beginning to openThink Peach Smoothie:  1 large peach, sliced and remove seed1/2 cup of peach yogurt1/2 cup of whole milk6 ice cubes Directions:Blend the peach slices with the ice cubes and milk first until slushy texture is formed. Then add the yog... 04/16/2008

OUR MEMORY ALBUM - OUR ACTIVE RAIN FRIENDS - APRIL 12, 2008   A DAY WE WILL ALWAYS REMEBER!JUDI MORGAN AND DON...First Active Rain Gathering in Bandera,TXMarchel, Deb and Judi  Friends Forever!                                                         Picture Taken at The Pomerosa Club House  Our Special Guest                       Tom Plant From California and Our Wonderful Host Ricki (Ricki The Horseshoe Queen and Auction Assistant with a smile you will never forget)     Liz Carter...Ummm....You can catch Liz blogging the internet all night long and on Saturday Nights Live at Liz's Place..                                            Septimus Heslop...First Choice Lending...Joined AR from an invite he received from Ricki.     Liz & Tom           Judi & her "surprise" guest...Tom PlantThan... 04/14/2008

Cavern temperature is 70 degrees with a relative humidity of 99%. Please wear comfortable walking shoes which provide good traction on steep, wet surfaces.Natural Bridge Caverns-South of New Braunfels, TX.       CAVERN FORMATION                                                                            GO DOWN UNDERThe cavern formed by an underground "river" moving slowly through cracks and pores within the limestone. Rain Water seeping through cracks started dissolving the limestone. In time, the original narrow cracks or joints enlarged to form huge underground conduits or passages. Perhaps due to changes in climate, vegetation, or other natural forces, the water drained to lower levels within the earth. As the water left the upper passages, it moved deeper and started forming a secon... 04/13/2008

WHY GET A PRE-LIST INSPECTION?I'll make this short and to the point. The benefits of having a Pre-Inspection will enhance a smooth transaction. Items that are need of repair can be disclosed and repaired "prior" to putting the home on the market. Selling your home requires being pepared to list your home. As an inspector I see many items that could have been fixed or repaired prior to the realtor listing and showing the home to potential buyers. Why wait until the last minute to have this done and take the chance that the buyer may see another home that is Ready For Sale.ARE YOU READY ?Simply Said...Get a Pre-listing Inspection 04/08/2008

NEW COMING TO SCHLITTERBAHN THIS SUMMER...DRAGON'S REVENGE (SEE BELOW)I wanted to post the 2008 Schedule for Schlitterbahn so that you could get it on your schedule for your summer activities. Visit New Braunfels to tube the Guadalupe or play at Schlitterbahn. Make your hotel  reservations early. It's time for Summer Fun. Visit Canyon Lake for boating activities, fising, skiing,  & sailing. Shop the outlet stores outside San Marcos. Drive to San Antonio and  visit the Alamo and Riverwalk. Visit Cascade Caverns South of New Braunfels.We have it all in New Braunfels. We Welcome Your Visit!www.schlitterbahn.comUNLEASHING A NEW RIDE THIS YEAR...DRAGON'S REVENGENEW BRAUNFELS, Texas The creature attacked. The residents escaped. Now it's your turn. Visiting families will be thrilled this seaso... 04/06/2008

Howdy everyone from ME and my friend TEX. If you haven't heard we now have a name for our Mascot.                                                                     TEXTEX asked me to please tell everyone that voted for his name,TEX, THANK YOU!  If you didn't vote for TEX that is OK because he is a very friendly Texas Longhorn.I'm sure you will be seeing TEX hanging around from time to time, so be nice to him. Don't forget to introduce TEX to some of your AR friends if they should decide to join The Texas Real Estate group.Now, it is my honor to introduce.......History of the breed A Texas longhorn cow I think this pretty lttle old cow would make a nice girlfriend for TEX. What do you think group?The first cattle to set foot in North America and the only breed of cattle to evolve witho... 04/02/2008

Since it is Spring and we have talked about gardening, the disappearing honey bees, and now THE LADY BUG.    Here are some tips to keep them hanging around your garden and your plants. Ladybugs or lady beetles can be purchased at your local nursery. I am sure you can also purchase on the internet. Releasing Lady bugs can be fun and interesting to watch. I don't know why but when we go to the ranch they like to set up house in our RV.? You would think with all the lovely wildflowers and plants they could find a better place then our RV.There are tricks you should follow to make your Ladybugs stay in your gardden     When you purchase your bag of Ladybugs, don't realease them right away.    If you get over-zealous, they will fly away and leave the garden.     Keep the Ladybugs in the refr... 04/01/2008

This is my entry for find an old Texas church. Hope you enjoy a little history and my photo's for this church.                    BEAUTIFUL 1878 NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH                                                                 CZESTOCHOWAThis church was founded in1876 and was built in and dedicated in 1878 in Cestohowa, Texas (originally Czestochowa) located on Cibolo Creek in northern Karnes City, TX. It is a daughter settlement of Panna Maria, the oldest Polish settlement in America. In 1873 a group left Panna Maria and moved five miles north and named the city after Our Lady of Czestochowa, the patroness of Polish Catholics. They first built a small school that served as a chapel. A priest came once a month to hold mass. The church was completed in 1... 03/26/2008

I know you may haved heard these before but sometimes it is good to refresh; even for new people just coming into the industry.Some good items to carry in your purse and wear the whistle around your neck. Blow as loud as possible to draw attention.                                                                   These are some very good safety tips1.  Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body.If you are close enough to use it, do!2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO THEM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or pursethan you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHERDIRECTION!3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back taillights and stic... 03/24/2008

 As families and friends gather to enjoy this Easter Season, we must also remember our gift of freedom and our troops that are fighting for our freedom. As Americans we need to take a moment to remember how fortunate we are to be Americans and enjoy the opportunity to spend this day in prayer and fellowship with family and friends.I would like to share one of my easter bags I prepared for our grandchildren (their pictures in the background). Our grandchildren are the joy of our life.                                                                   HAVE A FUN DAY! 03/17/2008