The Green Edition

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Meet Herman the Lizard! Meet Herman the Lizard. He likes to hang out near our recycle bin. It is the weirdest thing, I put the paper in the box and he comes and unfolds it and reads it.  Such a smart little guy. Many of you won’t agree but this little harmless guy is a lot of fun.  We like having lizards around because they eat those pesky mosquitoes!  If you want to attract more reptiles, like Herman, you will see them near a sunny spot with several rocks or places they can lie around and bask in the sun.  You will also find them in shady undergrowth where they can catch a snooze and escape the heat.  In my front garden we have both shady and sunny with a few rocks so they love it.  Of course, if these little guys creep you out, you now know the spaces to avoid in your yard! Yours Truly! Beth Green

Meet Herman the Lizard!

Meet Herman the Lizard. He likes to hang out near our recycle bin. It is the weirdest thing, I put the paper in the box and he comes and unfolds it and reads it.  Such a smart little guy.

Many of you won’t agree but this little harmless guy is a lot of fun.  We like having lizards around because they eat those pesky mosquitoes!  If you want to attract more reptiles, like Herman, you will see them near a sunny spot with several rocks or places they can lie around and bask in the sun.  You will also find them in shady undergrowth where they can catch a snooze and escape the heat.  In my front garden we have both shady and sunny with a few rocks so they love it.  Of course, if these little guys creep you out, you now know the spaces to avoid in your yard!

Yours Truly!

Beth Green

Notes

What the Heck Is IT? Rick and I were perusing through Lowe’s Home Improvement and I came across this interesting item.  What the Heck is IT?  I think it would be a perfect tool for preparing a giant pot of mashed potatoes.  Is it a bizarre golf club? Can it be used to tame an unruly companion?  Is it used to shape up a Zen Sand Garden?  What the Heck is IT? P.S. I know what it is now….I want YOU to guess! Yours Truly! Beth

What the Heck Is IT?

Rick and I were perusing through Lowe’s Home Improvement and I came across this interesting item.  What the Heck is IT?  I think it would be a perfect tool for preparing a giant pot of mashed potatoes.  Is it a bizarre golf club? Can it be used to tame an unruly companion?  Is it used to shape up a Zen Sand Garden?  What the Heck is IT?

P.S. I know what it is now….I want YOU to guess!

Yours Truly!

Beth

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*Wicked* Witch of the East Guess what is coming just around the corner:  HALLOWEEN!  I was in the grocery store the other day and the candy is already starting to appear on the shelves.  Ugh.  You know, those naughty little bite size Snickers are an absolutely irresistible treat.  We usually have Snickers, Hershey Kisses, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to offer our little horrors in my community.  Such little cuties!  What candies do you normally offer at Halloween?  Halloween, from its early origins as a Celtic ritual, has become such a great time for celebration and fun.  Every kid (big and small) that gets dressed up to trick-or-treat, host parties or frequent haunted houses holds such precious memories of this special day in Fall.  I met this Witch (pictured) the other day and while she did not have much to say I thought her costume was pretty awesome!  I even touched her face and her skin was pretty supple.  Rick and I giggled because I could only imagine the horror I would have experienced if she actually bit me or grabbed my hand.  I am pretty sure I would have karate chopped her!  I do not like to be scared or startled by things so Halloween and Haunted Houses are a little ‘tricky’ for me.  I think the best thing about Halloween is when we do get out and about on that spooky night we connect with our community, neighbors and friends. If you live in a community that has THE BEST Halloween traditions, tell me about it!  How do you celebrate? What are your Halloween traditions?  Yours Truly, Beth Green

*Wicked* Witch of the East

Guess what is coming just around the corner:  HALLOWEEN!  I was in the grocery store the other day and the candy is already starting to appear on the shelves.  Ugh.  You know, those naughty little bite size Snickers are an absolutely irresistible treat.  We usually have Snickers, Hershey Kisses, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to offer our little horrors in my community.  Such little cuties!  What candies do you normally offer at Halloween? 

Halloween, from its early origins as a Celtic ritual, has become such a great time for celebration and fun.  Every kid (big and small) that gets dressed up to trick-or-treat, host parties or frequent haunted houses holds such precious memories of this special day in Fall. 

I met this Witch (pictured) the other day and while she did not have much to say I thought her costume was pretty awesome!  I even touched her face and her skin was pretty supple.  Rick and I giggled because I could only imagine the horror I would have experienced if she actually bit me or grabbed my hand.  I am pretty sure I would have karate chopped her!  I do not like to be scared or startled by things so Halloween and Haunted Houses are a little ‘tricky’ for me. 

I think the best thing about Halloween is when we do get out and about on that spooky night we connect with our community, neighbors and friends. If you live in a community that has THE BEST Halloween traditions, tell me about it!  How do you celebrate? What are your Halloween traditions? 

Yours Truly,

Beth Green

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YES, YOU CAN BUY A HOME WITH 100% FINANCING! Call or e-mail me today to see If you qualify for a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) home loan.  They offer 100% financing to home-buyers and they do not require the usual monthly mortgage insurance. USDA’s mission is to: improve the quality of life in rural areas. Housing and Community Facilities Programs helps rural communities and individuals by providing loans and grants for housing and community facilities. We provide funding for single family homes, apartments for low-income persons or the elderly, housing for farm laborers, childcare centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, schools, and much more. Yours Truly! Beth Green

YES, YOU CAN BUY A HOME WITH 100% FINANCING!

Call or e-mail me today to see If you qualify for a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) home loan.  They offer 100% financing to home-buyers and they do not require the usual monthly mortgage insurance.

USDA’s mission is to: improve the quality of life in rural areas. Housing and Community Facilities Programs helps rural communities and individuals by providing loans and grants for housing and community facilities. We provide funding for single family homes, apartments for low-income persons or the elderly, housing for farm laborers, childcare centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, schools, and much more.

Yours Truly!

Beth Green

Filed under Go Realty

Notes

How Do You Like Your Coffee? I really enjoy my morning cup of coffee.  I remember when my dad would use his percolator to brew our coffee.  Chances are I really did not like coffee when I was a little girl but you know how it is; you want to do whatever your dad is doing!  So I drank! Now I either choose a french press or instant coffee.  I am not a fan of equipment on my kitchen counters so I do not even own a coffee maker.  This morning I am having instant coffee my most favorite way: 1.  1.5 tsp of instant coffee 2.  Nice warm water from the copper kettle 3.  Sweetner 4.  Half-n-half 5.  Screen porch 6.  Beautiful weather 7.  Sweet Bernie (the puppy dog) The only thing missing this morning is my sweet husband.  He’s fishing today.  How do you like your coffee? Yours Truly, Beth Green

How Do You Like Your Coffee?

I really enjoy my morning cup of coffee.  I remember when my dad would use his percolator to brew our coffee.  Chances are I really did not like coffee when I was a little girl but you know how it is; you want to do whatever your dad is doing!  So I drank!

Now I either choose a french press or instant coffee.  I am not a fan of equipment on my kitchen counters so I do not even own a coffee maker.  This morning I am having instant coffee my most favorite way:

1.  1.5 tsp of instant coffee

2.  Nice warm water from the copper kettle

3.  Sweetner

4.  Half-n-half

5.  Screen porch

6.  Beautiful weather

7.  Sweet Bernie (the puppy dog)

The only thing missing this morning is my sweet husband.  He’s fishing today. 

How do you like your coffee?

Yours Truly,

Beth Green

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Four Great Lakes - One Great County!

I know you Wake County natives are naming off quite a few more lakes in the area than those on my list below, but I wanted to highlight four lakes in the Wake County area that are managed by the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department:

1.  Lake Johnson:  Located off Avent Ferry Road, Lake Johnson Park is composed of a 150+ acre lake and 300+ acres of land surrounding the lake.  The lake/park offers boating, picnic shelters , concessions,  facility rentals, greenway trails, and a vast array of classes, special events  and recreational opportunities for the entire family. Lake Johnson has 3.5 miles of paved greenway trails and 1.9 miles of unpaved trails.

2.  Lake Lynn:  Located off Ray Road, Lake Lynn is a 75-acre park with a mixture of paved and boardwalk trails and a fabulous Recreation Center. Lots of opportunities to see ducks, geese and turtles sunning on logs. Great for walks, biking, jogging, rollerblading, etc.

3.  Lake Wheeler:  Located off Lake Wheeler Road, Lake Wheeler serves as Raleigh’s secondary auxiliary water supply, and  this 800-acre lake park (650 acres of lake; 150 acres of park and land buffer) has rapidly become a favorite capital city getaway.  Powerboats of most types may launch at Lake Wheeler; however, Personal Water Craft (PWC) are not allowed to launch at the Lake.  Enjoy the abundance of nature and picnic areas available at the Lake Wheeler Park.

4.  Shelley Lake:  Located off Milbrook Road, this 53-acre lake/park provides two miles of paved, scenic greenway trails with exercise workout stations.  Visitors may enjoy fishing, canoeing, sailing, rowboating,  pedal-boating, biking, hiking and picnicking.

There are so many great communities nearby all of these popular Wake County Lake Destinations to call home.

Yours Truly!

Beth Green

Notes

I really enjoy great food and even better, I love it when I walk in to my favorite restaurants and they call me by name. There is something about the warm welcome you receive when walk into a friendly place; it makes you feel like you are on top of the world!  Right?  The picture associated with this post is a Lovely and so Very Delicious Sashimi Bento Box I had at Neo-Asia (aka Neo China) today.  Neo-Asia is a top notch restaurant! Yours Truly, Beth Green

I really enjoy great food and even better, I love it when I walk in to my favorite restaurants and they call me by name. There is something about the warm welcome you receive when walk into a friendly place; it makes you feel like you are on top of the world!  Right?  The picture associated with this post is a Lovely and so Very Delicious Sashimi Bento Box I had at Neo-Asia (aka Neo China) today.  Neo-Asia is a top notch restaurant!

Yours Truly,

Beth Green

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Fall Garden, anyone?  I am going to be brave and plant a fall garden this year.  Rick and I have the perfect spot in the backyard where 105 1/2 use to be.  I have learned a lot about growing Fall vegetables through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.  The NCCES suggests that with the use of raised planting beds, the North Carolina climate will prove favorable to many late Summer/Fall vegetables.  Many of the vegetables I love, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, produce their best flavor and quality when they mature during cool weather.  Hurray for winter veggies!  When it does get super cold, the easy trick is to put burlap over the veggies using a supporting stake.  I have to get to work now on my garden.  I think I will plant broccoli, lettuces, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and asparagus. If there is room, I will put in some spinach too!  I am excited!  One of my favorite Brussels sprout recipes is fresh sprouts sauteed with shallots, garlic, S&P, EVOO, broth, and a little crispy pancetta.  YUMMY!  In fact, many fall veggies can be prepared this way. I am so thankful to have a home where I can plant my own veggies!  Do you have a nice sunny spot for planting your veggies?  Next comes chickens and goats.  HA!  Just kidding.  Yours Truly, Beth Green

Fall Garden, anyone? 

I am going to be brave and plant a fall garden this year.  Rick and I have the perfect spot in the backyard where 105 1/2 use to be.  I have learned a lot about growing Fall vegetables through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.  The NCCES suggests that with the use of raised planting beds, the North Carolina climate will prove favorable to many late Summer/Fall vegetables.  Many of the vegetables I love, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, produce their best flavor and quality when they mature during cool weather.  Hurray for winter veggies!  When it does get super cold, the easy trick is to put burlap over the veggies using a supporting stake. 

I have to get to work now on my garden.  I think I will plant broccoli, lettuces, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and asparagus. If there is room, I will put in some spinach too!  I am excited!  One of my favorite Brussels sprout recipes is fresh sprouts sauteed with shallots, garlic, S&P, EVOO, broth, and a little crispy pancetta.  YUMMY!  In fact, many fall veggies can be prepared this way.

I am so thankful to have a home where I can plant my own veggies!  Do you have a nice sunny spot for planting your veggies?  Next comes chickens and goats.  HA!  Just kidding. 

Yours Truly,

Beth Green

Notes

Rick and I went on a hike in Umstead today to help him prepare for his upcoming camping trip to Linville Gorge. Rick did such a great job carrying his fully loaded bag.  The bag weighs at least 60 pounds!  We hiked the Company Mill Trail, which is about 6 miles.  I think it is so cool that we have such a beautiful and large park in the area!  The accessibility and diversity of the park is truly fabulous.  Most Sincerely, Beth

Rick and I went on a hike in Umstead today to help him prepare for his upcoming camping trip to Linville Gorge. Rick did such a great job carrying his fully loaded bag.  The bag weighs at least 60 pounds!  We hiked the Company Mill Trail, which is about 6 miles.  I think it is so cool that we have such a beautiful and large park in the area!  The accessibility and diversity of the park is truly fabulous. 

Most Sincerely,

Beth

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The Impact of Stable Housing goes way beyond pretty houses and picket fences!  I read a very interesting academic study by the National Association of Realtors that describes how there may be tremendous social benefits of owning a home.  The authors demonstrate how owning a home embodies the promise of individual autonomy and is the aspiration of most American households. Homeownership allows households to accumulate wealth and social status, and is the basis for a number of positive social, economic, family and civic outcomes. Two-thirds of all U.S. households who own their home currently are enjoying these benefits. The positive social benefits from homeownership and stable housing are compelling. There is evidence from numerous studies that attest to the benefits accruing to many segments of society. Homeownership boosts the educational performance of children, induces higher participation in civic and volunteering activity, improves health care outcomes, lowers crime rates and lessens welfare dependency. Owning a home is different from renting. With the home purchase comes the pride of ownership and the sense of belonging in a community where one has a financial stake in the neighborhood. Perhaps, homeowners are “happier” just from having achieved the so-called “American Dream” — a sense of accomplishment, a milestone. Also, ownership entails greater individual responsibility. Yours Truly, Beth Reference: Realtor.org (2010).  Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing.  Retrieved August 25, 2010 from http://www.realtor.org/research/research/homeownershipbenefits

The Impact of Stable Housing goes way beyond pretty houses and picket fences! 

I read a very interesting academic study by the National Association of Realtors that describes how there may be tremendous social benefits of owning a home.  The authors demonstrate how owning a home embodies the promise of individual autonomy and is the aspiration of most American households. Homeownership allows households to accumulate wealth and social status, and is the basis for a number of positive social, economic, family and civic outcomes. Two-thirds of all U.S. households who own their home currently are enjoying these benefits.

The positive social benefits from homeownership and stable housing are compelling. There is evidence from numerous studies that attest to the benefits accruing to many segments of society. Homeownership boosts the educational performance of children, induces higher participation in civic and volunteering activity, improves health care outcomes, lowers crime rates and lessens welfare dependency.

Owning a home is different from renting. With the home purchase comes the pride of ownership and the sense of belonging in a community where one has a financial stake in the neighborhood. Perhaps, homeowners are “happier” just from having achieved the so-called “American Dream” — a sense of accomplishment, a milestone. Also, ownership entails greater individual responsibility.

Yours Truly,

Beth

Reference:

Realtor.org (2010).  Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing.  Retrieved August 25, 2010 from http://www.realtor.org/research/research/homeownershipbenefits