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February 12, 2006

NoVa Winter Storm | February 2006



It is Sunday, February 12, 2006. Over 12 inches of white fluffy stuff fell to the earth last night. I don't think we are getting any showings today. And, we are not showing. A welcome break to catch up on real estate administration.

Published by Merv on February 12, 2006 04:24 PM | Give us your comments here.
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September 07, 2005

No Smoking, Naked Lights

In the realm of wierdness...can anybody help me out here? I know there are movements all over the country to limit smoking...but naked lights? If we can't smoke, I still want my right to have naked lights. Oh well. I'm moving to New Hampshire...Live Free or Die.

Published by Merv on September 7, 2005 04:59 PM | Give us your comments here.
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September 05, 2005

Begonias in the Garden

Onich Hotel Gardens, Onich, Scotland

The single most impressive feature of the UK is the fascination and use of flowers everywhere. Flower gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets give properties old and new an attraction that is extremely appealing.

We advise our clients to spruce up their landscape before marketing their home. The objective is to present a colorful freshness and a well cared for look that attracts buyers. Cut flowers inside the home provides the same effect. It is relatively inexpensive and it works!

Click the picture for a close up view.

Published by Merv on September 5, 2005 07:27 AM | Give us your comments here.
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More articles like this one filed in: Entertainment , For Buyers and Sellers , Property Presentation

Scottish Heather In Bloom

Nectar in the Scottish Heather

On our recent trip to Scotland I put my camera I use for property photos to the test on the sights and color of this magnificent country. The camera is a digital Konica Minolta Dimage A2 that manually adjusts from 28mm to 200mm. Ultra high quality is achived with 8 megapixel resolution. The wide angle lens (28mm) is perfect for property photos. This photo was captured using the macro mode. Click the picture for a larger view.

Heather grows wild here and literally blankets the hillsides with lovely color in late August through September.

I have always had a mild interest in creative photography. Interest is turning into a mild passion with the capabilities of this camera. I have to admit though, it has so many options I will have to get a PHD to master them all. In due time.

Also, our web designer, Donald Peterson, is a master of using color in design and I am learning from him by watching his works. Check out these websites:

  • Web Design
  • Web Designer Blog
  • Flowers of Albuquerque
  • ABQ Style
  • Albuquerque Photo Album

    Thanks, Donald, for the inspiration!

    Published by Merv on September 5, 2005 06:34 AM | Give us your comments here.
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    August 29, 2005

    The United Kingdom

    On our recent trip to the UK including a tour of Scotland, we captured nearly 500 pictures of the experience. Of these, I wanted to choose one that represented the geography, culture, colour and history as we saw it. It is an impossible objective. Instead, here are five that encompass the sights and impressions of this ancient, historic yet modern kingdom.

    UK_Vacation_2005 068_x300.jpg UK_Vacation_2005 462_x300.jpg UK_Vacation_2005 404_x300.jpg
    UK_Vacation_George 001.jpg UK_Vacation_2005 128_x300.jpg


    Clockwise from the top left:
    • Bath, England: Flower baskets, a double decker bus and an ancient Abbey in one setting. A study of contrasts.
    • Sterling, Scotland: Within a few miles of Sterling Castle west of Edinburgh is the Bonnie Doune Castle. Some might recognize this as the setting for scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
    • Melrose, Scotland: This beautiful small village south of Edinburgh, Scotland is a consistent winner of the UK Town Flower Awards. This is just a sample of a shop owner adorning the facade.
    • Glenfinnan, Scotland: A westerly view across Loch Shiel on a threatening day. Even the shades of grey are a sight to behold in this wonderful country.
    • Loch Ness, Scotland: A roadside stop on the west side of the famous loch (of Loch Ness Monster fame) found a piper in full Scottish gentleman dress. Pam is shading her eyes to get a better view. The women seemed to be intrigued with what he might be wearing under the kilt.

    Published by Merv on August 29, 2005 08:29 PM | Give us your comments here.
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    August 09, 2005

    Going to see the wizard!

    The wizard of Scottish music that is. Pam and I are fortunate to be able to explore the country of our ancestral roots with a tour of Scotland led by acclaimed Scottish folk singer, Alex Beaton. The tour will feature Scottish history, folk lore, geography and yes, single malt whiskey tasting. Lot's of good music along the way.

    We will have lots of pictures to post when we return. Real Estate Blogging is on vacation too.

    Alex can be found at www.alexbeaton.com, a showcase of his music and tours of Scotland.


    Published by Merv on August 9, 2005 07:28 AM | Give us your comments here.
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    July 26, 2005

    Need to cool off? Help is here.

    Cool pictures for oppressive heat. A heat wave makes it way east. We are suffering again today in 98-degree heat with 60% humidity. This cool, serene setting can help you imagine the wonders of a winter wonderland.

    It is also one of our newest listings. A log cabin originally built in 1790. A 1200 square foot gem on 3.15 pristine acres. Two levels with a basement. Modernized with all the latest conveniences. Located in Round Hill, Virginia. It will take a special buyer to care for this historical masterpiece.

    The logs actually have chisel chips and the stone has fossils. The logs are so old they have become petrified!

    Want to know more? Call us. Want to cool off? Click on the picture for a larger view.

    Enjoy.

    Published by Merv on July 26, 2005 08:12 PM | Give us your comments here.
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    More articles like this one filed in: Entertainment , Featured Properties

    A Secret Garden

    SecretGardenx300.jpg
    We encountered this inspiring setting on a listing appointment in Round Hill, Virginia. We know there is some history here...what might it be?

    Published by Merv on July 26, 2005 06:08 AM | Give us your comments here.
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    July 18, 2005

    Modern Conveniences

    GMHG 2005 016TN.JPGSpeaking of new technology for the home improvement set...How long have these been around? Features: All plasic for durability and low maintenance, unisex design, privacy control and bacteria fighting hand lotion dispenser! Need an extra bathroom at home? Try one of these. Very inexpensive.






    (Taken at the 2005, 50th aniversary, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, July 8, 2005)

    Published by Merv on July 18, 2005 06:03 PM | Give us your comments here.
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    Celebrating Northern Virginia

    Once in a while a free product is made available that has great value. This is the case of a new little monthly publication entitled "Celebrating Northern Virginia." It's chock full of local information of interest and a calendar of events in and around Northern Virginia. It easily fits in a ladies purse or a gentleman's inside coat pocket or briefcase. It is available for free at select boutique shops, stores and merchants throughout Northern Virginia. The inaugural edition was published June 1, 2005 (cover above, right).

    The second edition (July 1 cover depicted to the left) is devoted to horses in Northern Virginia, new wineries and July events including the 4th of July and Summer concerts. For more information and downloadable content, visit www.celebratingVA.com.


    PS: We are proud cornerstone sponsors of this great little publication. Can't find one? eMail us and we will gladly send you the latest copy!

    Published by Merv on July 18, 2005 04:12 PM | Give us your comments here.
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    June 13, 2005

    Old Dominion Parrotheads

    Ran across this sign on the way to a listing. What the heck is a Parrot Head?

    Read on...

    Now I know! A Jimmy Buffet fan club. One of my all time favorite hits is Margaritaville! Notice the Parrot Head citation on the Virginia sign with a Cardinal...

    Published by Merv on June 13, 2005 01:15 PM | Give us your comments here.
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    More articles like this one filed in: Entertainment , Signs

    May 28, 2005

    Feel Good Signs

     Why can't we have more street signs like this? Maybe it would help take the edge off this hectic pace we endure. Make the world softer. How about these:
    • Kitten Purring Place
    • Cute Squirrel Court
    • Kids Playing Drive
    • Chirping Sparrow Way (this one really exists too, Pam lived on this street when we met)
    Where are the great street names in America? If you have examples like this, post them!


    And...this is my Goodpuppy: Lindsay. My friend, companion, lap warmer, protector, provider of unconditional love and consummate dependent. Good girl! Where's the snowball?

    Published by Merv on May 28, 2005 06:06 AM | Give us your comments here.
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