Okaloosa Girl Retires!

Seafood Alfredo on the Road

2019-11-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

Good Afternoon!
Company coming for dinner tonight and I have decided to prepare one of my favorite simple dishes. Yes! You can still have company for dinner in an RV. I still have glass dishes, however, I have opted for nice plastic glasses...not so much rattling around when on the road! I use paper plates frequently just to cut down on gray water use though.

We are going to be located on the Gulf Coast soon, and as a seafood lover I am looking forward to being close to my favorite seafood outlet, Joe Patti's in Pensacola, Florida! Fresh, beautiful seafood of all varieties at reasonable prices! Yeah! If you haven't been there, you absolutely MUST if you are in the area. Additionally, you can order online and have your seafood shipped directly to you.

So here is my recipe for today using lovely fresh seafood:

CRAB AND SHRIMP ALFREDO

1 pound Jumbo Lump Blue Crab (cooked)
1/2 pound shrimp (cooked)
1/4 cup butter
1/2 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, gradually add heavy cream and parmesan cheese stirring constantly...once smooth, add crab and shrimp.
Serve over your favorite Pasta or Rice!

EASY, IMPRESSIVE AND AMAZING. BROCCOLI MAKES A GREAT SIDE WITH THIS.

We are still in Utah enduring the cold, and counting down toward our trek to the South.
Looking forward to some warmer weather.

RV Cooking Ideas

2019-10-29T16:30:00.000-04:00

I have always loved to cook. It doesn't have to be complicated...just GOOD! One of the things you see pretty quickly when you move into an RV full time, is that you MUST cut down on some of the myriad of utensils you have previously kept in your kitchen. It becomes a time for Neccessity not excess. Below is a list of my "must haves" followed by explanations of why.

I have decided that a simple INDUCTION COOKTOP is ideal for RV Living. It takes up little space, and doesn't give off excess heat. Most RV's are equipped with gas ranges, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, they do give off fumes and heat and when you turn off the induction cooktop it is cool and OFF! The only caveat is the necessity for induction friendly pans/pots. They don't have to be expensive, just practical.

The next item I have found indispensable is the NINJA FOODIE! It is not only a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a great boiled egg maker and super for soups and stews, you can BAKE in it! I will include at the bottom of this blog an easy recipe for Baked Chicken. Fast, juicy and delicious!
You can make the best ribs ever in this pot, or bake a cake. Really! and It is ONE tool with many uses...important in limited space.

I have recently become completely enamored with a Sous Vide. This kitchen tool allows you to cook foods to your EXACT temperature with no effort. It is perfect for everything from Steaks to vegetables. Again, I will include some great recipes for this tool in a later blog. Simple tool does many chores.

You will find that you don't need umpteen casserole dishes, so pick your favorite and give away or sell all the rest. If you are going to a pot luck or event, buy a tin throw away. Less to carry around, less to worry about storing.

I have gotten rid of glass glasses. I have replaced them with PLASTIC glasses for easy and worry free storage. I really don't want to hear them rattling around as we go down the road, or have to worry about how to pack them safely.

Simplification is the ticket to an enjoyable life in an RV! More later.

Here is the recipe for Roast Chicken I promised.

ROAST CHICKEN NINJA FOODIE

1/2 to 1 Cup Chicken Broth
1 Small Onion
1 4-5 Pound Chicken
4 TBSP Melted Butter
1 small stem of Fresh Thyme
1/4 Tsp Rosemary
(Sometimes I put half a Lemon in the cavity)
Salt and Pepper generously after rubbing the chicken down with the butter
If you enjoy Jerk or other seasoning, feel free to use instead of the salt and pepper

Spray 6-8 quart Instant Pot® with cooking spray. Add broth to insert; place rack in bottom of insert.
Place onion inside chicken cavity; tie legs with cooking twine. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In small bowl, mix melted butter, thyme, salt, paprika and pepper; brush on chicken. Place chicken breast side up on rack. Secure lid; set pressure valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL; cook on high pressure 27 minutes.
After 27 minutes Quick Release the pressure, and open lid. Replace steam/pressure lid with Browning lid ...cook for 10 additional minutes browning. Open lid and check to see if well browned. If additional time is needed, add two minutes at a time until desired browning is achieved. Internal Temperature should be 165! Chicken will be JUICY AND TENDER!
You can also make gravy from the juices which have drained to the bottom of the pot. After removing the chicken to a platter, To 1/2 to 3/4 cup cold water add 2 TBSP Cornstarch and create slurry to add to juices in pot. Turn pot setting to Saute and stir until thickened. Add seasonings as necessary.

ENJOY

Finally Retirement!

2019-10-28T13:56:00.001-04:00

Well, the time has finally arrived! Retirement is imminent!
We have been talking, planning and downsizing for years now and we finally made the leap to a Class A Motorhome on September 12th! After much shopping and pricing and comparing notes with those who live the RV lifestyle we decided on a 35 foot Coachmen Mirada. It is lovely. Not too pricey, but very comfortable. I had a washer and dryer installed for convenience sake, and everything else about the unit was exactly what we had been shopping for at a very reasonable price.

We moved the Coach onto a lot in Layton, Utah about three weeks ago, and moved in. We are taking the next month to learn all we can before hitting the road on December 10th for Gulf Shores, Alabama. I was hoping we were leaving early enough to beat the snow and cold. However, the weather has decided to skip Fall and go directly to Winter! We had snow yesterday (October 27th) and are expecting more tomorrow. In the Seven years we have been here, it has never snowed that early. The scariest part is it is supposed to be SEVEN degrees tomorrow morning. I am NOT a cold weather person.

So far, the hardest part of the downsizing to an RV has been the clothing purge! There really is a lot of room, but I had become too much of a clothes/shoes horse. I managed after much careful planning to get that part under control. I have decided that storing the opposite season clothes under the RV in the storage area is the answer. So far, we have been sitting still and learning how the various holding tanks work. We are hooked up to permanent stations now, but when we leave we will have to be sure how to manage pump stations.

Our only error so far was a day when I did three loads of clothes and we both took a shower. OOPS
Found out the hard way that when the Gray Water tank is FULL it all comes back up into the unit! Yikes. No damage. Just a few scary moments with hubby screaming F words! Won't do that again.

We have done quite a bit of reading and planning about our upcoming trip from Layton, Utah to Gulf Shores, Alabama. I have carefully planned the route and our anticipated stops along the way have all been reserved. We will be stopping in Albuquerque, New Mexico first. Then we will be off for Weatherford/Fort Worth area and on to Askews Landing near Jackson,Mississippi before our final destination for the Winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

It is my hope you will follow us on our new Retirement Adventure as we explore our new lifestyle and our beautiful Country. I will make sure there are lots of pictures and good information. I plan to learn from others who are also embarking on this Freestyle kind of living. Looking forward to comments from my readers!

All for now.
Linda

Australia/New Zealand Part One

2018-12-16T12:56:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday Morning All!
I know it has been a while since my last post. I've been avoiding politics and all the negativity in our world right now. So now I want to share some of the most beautiful places in the world with you.

I recently had a two week experience traveling in Australia and New Zealand. What a fantastic bucket list experience was crammed into those two weeks.

I guess the most iconic picture that comes to mind when we hear Australia is the Sydney Opera House. I know it was quite high on my bucket list!

And believe me, it was everything I had expected and so much more. The Opera House was formally opened in 1973 after having first been conceived in 1957. There was an international design competition, resulting in the choice of a Danish Architect, Jorn Utzon. Although there was question as to the feasibility of the design, due to the fact that Utzon had not consulted engineers on its construction, the feat was accomplished with the cooperation of engineers who decided the roof shells would be constructed of precast concrete and supported by steel ribs. No small task. Steel cables placed inside gave the comleted the skeleton the structural strength needed. Utzon insisted there be no holes in the roof. We were afforded a private tour led by a Maori decendant who share much of this history of the ground on which the Opera House is sitting. This property, Bennelong Point, is so named because of an Aboriginal man who was captured and brought to Sydney Cove in 1789.

The structure contains SIX different venues and the main hall is home to the Sydney Opera. The Sydney Opera House Grand Organ is magnificent! It is the world's largest mechanical tracker-action pipe organ. Beautiful and amazing this hall has been host to performers from around the world. Sitting in this grand auditorium is an amazing experience in itself, I can't imagine what HEARING that organ would be like!

Of course, the Opera House is not the only attraction in the lovely, cosmopolitan city of Sydney. The harbor is amazing, teeming with sailing vessels every day. The Bridge is beautiful, and if you are so inclined, (and have $200 to spend) you can be escorted along the top rails to the middle! I'm sure the view from there is incredible, but I decided on a Sea Plan ride instead, not being quite athletic or adventurous enough to take on the climb!

Sydney has some of the best restaurants in the World. We climbed aboard a Sea Plane and flew to Palm Beach (yep still in Australia) and flew down the coast to Jonah's. The views and the seafood were both beyond compare.

By the way ALL the seafood in Australia is expertly prepared and absolutely delicious. Funny note here is that this Maryland girl actually ate her FIRST RAW OYSTER in Sydney!

There is so much more I want to share with you about Sydney! Join me again for Sydney Part Two.

God Bless and Happy Traveling.

We Are ALL Americans?

2018-01-14T20:27:00.001-05:00

Watching the news has become more and more painful with each passing day of the past year.
Who ARE we? WHERE are we? What the heck is going on in what used to be the most welcoming, successful and amazing Country in the world?

In the past week our president referred to other countries as ****hole countries! This is a statement that has NEVER been recorded in the Oval Office in the history of the Nation. And I don't want to hear "Libtard" or "Republicon" one more time. People it isn't about PARTY anymore! It is about what made this Country great!

The beautiful Statue of Liberty in the New York Harbor has a plaque stating: GIVE me your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send THESE, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.

I lift my Lamp beside the GOLDEN DOOR!

Where oh where is THAT Golden Door in 2018? Our Nation was FOUNDED by immigrants. Our Nation was FOUNDED by individuals coming from poverty, starvation, religious persecution...all searching for a BETTER life for themselves and their families.

When I was in grade school we often talked of the USA as the "melting pot" where people from all over the world came to build lives in a Country which offered, Freedom. Freedom of choice, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech and a Free Press.

AGAIN IT IS NOT ABOUT PARTY AFFILIATION, what is happening in America today is about GREED, RACISM, RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION and a failure to understand and embrace the values upon which this Nation was built.

Freedom means you can choose which religion you want to follow, or not follow any at all. Freedom means you are not afraid to speak up when you feel you or someone else has been wronged. Freedom means that you will not be defined by the color of your skin or the language you speak, or your Country of Origin. The PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS was promised to ALL, not to just a select few.

Bullies are appearing in every corner of our Country from grade school to senior citizens. It is being "allowed" as acceptable because we have come to think of it as "normal." It IS NOT normal.

Social media has fed this frenzy. People hide behind their computer and telephone screens and call each other names and say unspeakable things to others they know nothing about. Social bullying is the norm with people calling others "Libtards and Republicons" and "idiots and jerks." There is no restraint or consequence for this despicable behavior.

Tweeting out hateful remarks instead of learning to share thoughts and feelings, opinions and ideas has become the social norm. As a result we are no longer a "great" Country. We are losing the respect of countries and people around the world. We no longer stand as a "beacon of hope" for the struggling and oppressed peoples of the world. And please don't say we are a "Christian" nation. The behavior and language coming out of our own White House is anything BUT Christ like. Men marching in the streets with torches threatening those whose skin is not the same color as theirs; people marching in AMERICAN streets wearing NAZI symbols and chanting Nazi slogans can not be seen as "good people" or "acceptable."

My greatest fear is what is it going to take for ALL of us, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindi, Athiest or Agnostic to come together and REBUILD what had been known as the beacon of HOPE for not only those within our own borders, but around the world? WE ARE NOT LIBERALS, REPUBLICANS, LIBERTARIAN OR GREEN PARTY!! We are ALL within these borders AMERICANS first and foremost. We must revisit the Constitution and Bill of Rights and return to the principles upon which this Country was founded.

We MUST remember to love our fellow Americans and be willing to reach out around the world to help others who are less fortunate than we. Isolationism, Nationalism and Greed must not be allowed to define this great Country. WAKE UP AMERICA! Let us reach out to each other and return America to the greatness it was once known for. We must do this NOW, or our Country will not survive and will disappear into history as a "failed" experiment.

Okaloosa Girl: TAKING A KNEE

2017-10-01T11:58:00.001-04:00

Okaloosa Girl: TAKING A KNEE: Okay, I'm not taking sides here, but WHO decided that taking a knee is disrespectful? Don't Christians KNEEL to PRAY to show RESPE...

TAKING A KNEE

2017-09-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm not taking sides here, but WHO decided that taking a knee is disrespectful?
Don't Christians KNEEL to PRAY to show RESPECT to the Lord? Don't Muslims, Buddhists, and many other religious persons KNEEL to RESPECT their Gods?

Kneeling before Kings and Queens and other royalty has been practiced for countless centuries. Why is it suddenly DISRESPECTFUL TO KNEEL?

STANDING could be considered disrespectful by some in some instances. It isn't the POSITION OF THE BODY WHICH DISPLAYS RESPECT, IT IS THE POSITION OF THE HEART!!!

Many African-Americans and whites as well feel that there has been far too much disrespect shown for the LIVES of black Americans..are we going back to the days when there were nooses displayed? Back to the days when Rosa Parks had to resist sitting in the BACK OF THE BUS!

There are people inside this Country (and outside this Country) trying to DIVIDE US! I ACTUALLY BELIEVE WE ALL SHOULD BE TAKING A KNEE RIGHT NOW! A knee to pray for UNITY! A knee to pray for all those who are suffering from the effects of TWO horrible hurricanes. A knee to pray for Mexico City and a horrific earthquake and its aftermath. A knee to pray for PUERTO RICO who has suffered irreparable damage from not ONE but TWO hurricanes. No one has ever seen the kind of devastation which Puerto Rico is suffering from right now. The people are THIRSTING, HUNGRY, DYING FROM LACK OF MEDICATION AND MEDICAL CARE! And then we have someone saying "they just want us to do everything for them?" Really
Puerto Rico and her AMERICAN Citizens NEED US TO DO EVERYTHING! They are an ISLAND...an island who has been cut off from communication, power, radar, food, water and medical care...Their infrastructure has been decimated. They NEED all the help we can give!

WE NEED TO TAKE A KNEE AND PRAY THAT THE DIVISION IN THIS COUNTRY IS HEALED. I love the Flag and the Anthem as much as ANYONE. But it isn't about the Flag and the Anthem people, it IS ABOUT WHAT THEY STAND FOR~~ FREEDOM, freedom of religion, freedom to protest, freedom of the Press, freedom to stand up for what is RIGHT, GOOD and Honest, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL! It IS ABOUT THE AMERICAN DREAM! It is about working TOGETHER to forge a Country so strong that NO THREAT can divide or conquer us!

AMERICA! LET'S ALL TAKE A KNEE FOR WHAT AMERICA HAS A HISTORY OF BEING.
A Land where we can all be proud of. Stand up against divisive language. Stand up for the rights of others. BELIEVE AGAIN

America In Crisis

2017-09-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

Good Sunday Morning! As we watch the SECOND major hurricane hit our Country in less than a month, I am struck watching Americans face these crises with hope and courage. We are NOT Republicans or Democrats facing this horror, we are AMERICANS! We MUST once and for all put away the issues and individuals who would choose to DIVIDE us and come TOGETHER to build an AMERICA FOR ALL! One America built on the foundations laid out by our Forefathers. One America where EVERY child has an opportunity for education and success! One America where NO CHILD goes hungry. Whether white, black or brown, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or agnostic we must WORK TOGETHER for the common good of ALL or find ourselves divided and dying like so many civilizations before us. It is TIME to STOP the name calling and hateful rhetoric and find a MORAL COMPASS for the good of America and all mankind!

The Trouble In The USA

2017-09-08T13:33:00.003-04:00

Our Country is in BIG trouble! Two of the largest hurricanes in our history hitting two of the most populated areas in the country. Fires consuming huge areas in the Western US. White Supremacists and Neo Nazi forces rising up without fear of repercussions. SOMETHING MUST CHANGE! Climate change is NOT A HOAX! Racism is alive and thriving. The Country is DIVIDED! We MUST COME TOGETHER NOW to fight these battles. We have to change our attitudes and take care of our planet and our people! It doesn't matter if you are Christian, Jew, Buddhist, Muslim, Agnostic or Atheist - WE ARE WITNESSING the destruction of our Democracy, and our planet because we have allowed our differences DIVIDE us! Where is the moral compass? It doesn't belong to ONE group, but to ALL.

Reflections on a Life Lived

2017-02-10T16:05:00.000-05:00

As I approach my 70th birthday next week, I have spent some time contemplating the last seven decades of my life. I have, like most of you, had good times, bad times, sad times, scary times and amazing times.

My childhood was one spent in a very small country town, but somehow inside I always knew I would reach out into this huge and interesting world of ours. Graduating from High School, my first job began on June 4, 1965 at the FBI! What a baptism by fire for a small town girl. I married a month out of high school to a man I thought would be my lifetime partner. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way. That marriage however, produced four beautiful children, and tons of life experiences! I was blessed with all the ups and downs being a parent brings.

I was able to have my first European experience in the 70's when I traveled to Paris, London and Munich! I will never forget standing under the Eiffel Tower with tears running down thinking how amazing it was and realizing that I had never really thought I would actually see it in person. What a mind expanding trip that was.

I went back to college at Salisbury State University/Peninsula General Hospital School of Nursing after my first two children were born and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1973! It was the culmination of a dream. Oh, it wasn't easy for sure, but I have never regretted those years and the opportunity to care for others that being a Nurse afforded to me.

I have had such marvelous adventures. I spent six weeks one summer sailing the Bahamas with a friend on a 37 foot catamaran. Wow! The experiences we had and the things we saw. There were beautiful fish, spotted rays, sharks and baracuda! There were waterspouts that chased us at one point! At that point I was trying to decide whether it would be better to stay aboard or jump overboard. I decided to stay aboard and we avoided the spout with a sharp left turn!

I have gone on many cruises, from the Caribbean to Alaska and am looking forward to a Mediterranean Cruise later this year. I look forward to sharing this next adventure with my husband of twenty-five years and two of my children and two granddaughters! I just got back from Marakech, Morocco in December on a trip with my youngest son, and only a month before was in Banff, Canada with my daughter and two granddaughters.

I have been to Puerto Rico proper and Vieques..so warm and lovely; most of the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Cayman Islands, St. Maarten, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and more in the lovely Caribbean. I have visited Paris and London more than once as well as Italy, Switzerland, Monaco, Germany, Spain, Thailand, Shanghai China, and more.

I have had the opportunity to get to know Buddists, Muslims and cultures that I never dreamed existed. I have met many, many wonderful people along the way. It has taught me that people around the world all have the same basic needs and wants. We want love and peace and the ability to raise our children without fear. Whether it is in the rain forests of Belize, the jungles of Thailand or the Cities of London and Paris, I have seen kindness and generosity and love.

I've lived an adventurous life. I have a Private Pilots license. I have sailed the Bahamas with a friend on a catamaran TWICE! I have opened and owned my own Restaurant. I have worked as an RN in Home Health and Radiation Oncology and actually held many other jobs in the interim. It has NOT been a boring life. I have definitely LIVED. From the tiny town in Maryland to Florida, Georgia and now Utah, I have managed to see much of our beautiful Country. I have seen my four children grow into productive, independent adults. I have 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who are growing up all too quickly. I wish for them a world of love and kindness.

I have had many joys and sorrows, and as I reflect back on the past 70 years and all that I have experienced and learned, I find that sometimes the greatest growth is in those tough years. I am looking forward to this time...the best time of my life with my husband and family. I have been trule blessed and have truly lived!

America As I Knew It

2016-11-16T16:57:00.002-05:00

I am an original Baby Boomer. Born in 1947, daughter of an Ex-Marine wounded in WWII, and Mother of Four...three of whom served in the military, I am appalled by what has just happened in our Country.
I guess I have seen it coming, but I really couldn't believe that such a huge amount of racism, mysogyny, xenophobia, homophobia and outright HATE existed at all levels in our Nation. I find it terrifying.
The Electoral College (not the vote of the people) has managed to put into the office of President the most dangerous man who has ever held the office. There is unrest everywhere. I had actually hoped that the hate-filled rhetoric would end after the election was over.
I have seen several articles today which admitted that they purposefully and wrongly smeared Clinton so that Trump would be elected. Facebook employees are calling for their owner to monitor the "FAKE" news that is spread over the pages of FB. This election was definitely influenced by FALSE articles being swallowed as truth by people who rely only on FB for their daily "news." People, FB is SOCIAL MEDIA, not accurate news. At this point, ANYONE can post ANYTHING and a lot of people take it as fact. Fact it is not!
Now we must face the fact that a man has been elected as President that is (FACT) facing charges of Racketeering under the RICO Act and a possible rape trial. He has appointed as his chief advisor a WHITE SUPREMACIST.
Those of us who are horrified by these facts, must now stand up and fight against the hate filled rhetoric and prejudice that have arisen as a result of this election.
I am really afraid that the America As We Knew It may never be the same.
I grew up in a world where America was considered the Greatest Country in the World..a Melting Pot where people of all nationalities and races worked together to build a country of Peace.
What has happened to our America? What? The NRA pushes the sale of guns...as people die in huge numbers (adults and children) daily. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. What has happened to America? People who have called themselves "Christians" have forced their beliefs on others and judged others. That is NOT what Christ did! America was founded on the principle of FREEDOM of Religion. The founders were RUNNING FROM a government that told them what religion they had to follow! Have we learned absolutely NOTHING from history? Hitler led people to slaughter in much the same way as the White Supremacists would lead us now? Is this what we REALLY want?
AMERICANS WE MUST NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!

Regardless Of Your Position

2016-06-08T14:41:00.001-04:00

This is definitely a crazy year for Politics. It is at the same time frightening and enlightening.

There is sure a lot of HATE spewing from some Politicians mouths and it find it disturbing that so many people are willing to jump on the "Hate Bandwagon." In reviewing History, I don't see any evidence of that ever having helped a difficult situation.

Somehow we United States Citizens need to find a way to come together in Peace and work out the problems which seem to be plaguing this Country. The Civil War ended over a hundred years ago, and yet there is still a huge problem with racism in this Country....and not just against Black Folks, but Hispanics, Jews....anyone who is seemed "different." ALL of us are IMMIGRANTS unless we are Native Americans! Are we forgetting that?

Now our choice for President is going to be clouded by all the hate being spewed on both sides. I am, I must say, happy that a Woman is actually able to be nominated for the highest office in the land. I am also frightened that a man who has shown no regard for people with less than himself, people who are Hispanic, Muslim or any other "different" he decides is significant are "dangerous."

I am frightened by a man who tells his followers to "punch him in the face, I'll pay for your legal expenses:" Really, really? People...many people have voted for this man. I understand that some of it has been in protest to "politics as usual" and people are quite sick of that...me included. But, it takes finess, and diplomacy and knowledge of world affairs to be President. Hmmmmm...

We need "Peacemakers" in this crazy war filled world right now...what we don't need is someone who wants to try to "isolate" us and yet sends his own businesses overseas to avoid taxes.

I have heard all the arguments about email servers, Benghazi (which by the way the CONGRESS refused to fund more security over there), and more...yes lives were lost in that incident...tragically.That is a dangerous part of the world..we all know the risks. But, alienating our Allies, "getting in the faces" of other World Leaders and "Building Walls" will not solve anything.

I pray people will think long and seriously, not emotionally about who they vote for when they go to the polls in November. It's gonna be a dirty, hard fought election and it's gonna take a lot out of all of us. I hope we can all look up to a "HIGHER POWER" regardless of your faith, and look for a solution that will work the best for this GREAT COUNTRY (and it is ALREADY GREAT) of ours when we go to vote!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

The REAL World of Real Estate

2016-06-08T14:21:00.000-04:00

I recently re-entered a Business from which I have walked away not once, but twice in the past.

Now, I must say in both of those instances there were extenuating problematic situations which made the Real Estate Business extremely difficult.

I first sold Real Estate for Help-U-Sell and another Brokerage (which I won't mention because they were unbelievable crooked) in the Orlando, Florida Area. At that time the interest rates soared to an all time high of18.5% in the early 80's! Oh my, people couldn't afford those rates, so it became a challenge of hunting for every single Assumable, Non-Qualifying Mortgage a Realtor could find and that made the competition for listings a dog-eat-dog proposition! Ugh. I'm not good at that environment. I will say that for the year and a half I sold Real Estate in Florida I managed really well. In fact, I was top Sales person in the month of DECEMBER (not a good month for Real Estate anywhere). But, following a serious auto accident, I decided that I would change careers again and went to work as a Registered Nurse/Marketer for VNA.

I didn't sell Real Estate again until I moved to Georgia in 1996. I first accepted a job for a builder which did not require a Real Estate License. That worked pretty well, until I met a Broker/Owner of a local Real Estate office who convinced me I would make more money and be happier working with her. We became great friends and things were rocking along and then came the Housing CRASH!! Nothing selling but foreclosures and short sales...and believe me that is NO FUN in any way. Unhappy Sellers...Greedy Buyers...Ugh..once again, I decided it was easier to be retired.

Fast Forward: Utah 2016. Moved from Georgia in 2013 and have looked for various jobs, but because of my age, it is difficult to get hired. Tried a couple of things which were awful. Then a Broker/Owner moved in across the street from me. It took about a year, but she finally convinced me to come back to Real Estate. I actually love working with Buyers and helping Sellers to get the best price for their homes. I got my Utah Real Estate License in March. Then I got certified to sell Distinctive/Luxury Homes and Stage them. It's been fun, but kinda expensive.

It's been challenging lately, however, as it has become a Seller's Market and some of these sellers don't understand that just because you get three offers, your house isn't necessarily worth $20,000 more than it's Market Value! I have written FIVE contracts for one poor guy, and he still hasn't been able to close on a home. He was outbid by $20,000 on a $140,000 home because the other buyer had cash so the appraisal didn't matter. Outbid on another...same reason. Horrific inspection on another caused it to fail for financing reasons and seller wouldn't do repairs; yet another with a bad roof and the owner is at least $10,000 over Market Value and won't replace the bad roof! We are in negotiations with yet another Seller who is priced Waaaaaaay over market and it isn't going well.
The house won't sell for what she has it listed for...nothing comps in the area any where near that!

Plus, now the market is flooded with a bunch of "newbie" agents who don't have a clue about negotiation, pricing, etc. Talk about making the market difficult...this is a nightmare. I am attempting to ignore all this and hang in there!

Really people, everyone thinks Realtors make big money...FYI they don't. When a Realtor lists a home and it sells, half that 6% or whatever listing money goes to the Broker...then the Realtor has to pay for their own SIGNS, POSTS, Marketing, MLS dues, license fees, Board Dues (more than $1000 a year)...gasoline...computer ink, paper....on and on and on.

Don't get me wrong, I really do like being a Realtor...even at age 69! I just wish that one time the market would be somewhere toward NORMAL when I am doing it! Realtors work HARD! Please be sure and tell yours that you appreciate all they do!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Linda

Summer, Fall, Winter, SPRING!!

2016-03-28T14:24:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Easter, and it was a gorgeous Spring Day here in Utah!

But, that was yesterday. Today and apparently through Wednesday, we will be having SNOW again! Now given that it is going to stay above freezing here in the Valley, it won't stick! But the mountains and the skiers are oh so happy! Snowbasin is expecting 5-6 inches just today alone! Wow! Last year the resorts had to close early because of the lack of the powdery stuff. That won't be happening this year.

The snow is what helps to fill our reservoirs here in the desert like states, so we are all thankful for the rain. Don't get me wrong, I really don't love rainy, cool, cloudy days but I DO like not having to worry about the water supply in the State of Utah. This has been a good year for water and a great year for Ski Buffs! There have been a lot of "powder flu" days recently as the season draws to a close!

I am looking forward to planting a lovely herb garden at my back door, and so I am looking forward to some sunny, warm days and harvesting tomatoes again. I look forward to the Ogden Farmers Market opening! I look forward to all the lilacs blooming in the Ogden Botanical Gardens and strolling along the river with my little Rosebud! So, as I look at the falling snow today, I am thankful for the water, but longing for the warm sun of Spring on my skin!

Hope the weather is great wherever you are! April Showers Bring May Flowers!

Love, Peace and JOY!

Linda

Real Estate in Beautiful Utah

2016-03-25T22:44:00.001-04:00

Utah has some of the most amazing beauty in the world. There are mountains, lakes, snow, desert, valleys and incredible views everywhere.

I recently became a brand new shiny Realtor! Whew, at my age studying and taking that test was scary, but fortunately I passed the first time out! Whew!

But the education doesn't end there. Now, there are sooooo many new tech things I have to learn. When I first began selling Real Estate back in the 80's, we were still using cumbersome printed books (which by the way in Orlando were HUGE) and they weren't updated very often. Searching for a property and then calling only to find out that it was already sold...ugh.

Now I am a member of Better Homes and Gardens Franklin Group here in Ogden. Better Homes and Gardens has the most amazing tools for us Realtors...really great! The MLS here is also all tech central! For a gal who learned to type on a manual typewriter, sometimes this can be a bit intimidating! But, I have a wonderful Broker and our Office Assistant is amazing at helping with just about everything.

Real Estate here in Ogden area is really hopping! Houses are selling so fast that we can't list others fast enough! It's a great problem though! Building is going on everywhere and property values are going up on a daily basis! Interest rates are still low and not looking like they are going anywhere for at least a while.

This booming market is a new experience for me. My first license was in Florida and at the time when interest rates skyrocketed! Boy, was that a rough time to be in the business of Real Estate. Then when I moved to Georgia and got a Real Estate license, the bottom fell out of the market, the bubble burst, and foreclosures and short sales were the norm...not fun either!

So, I am looking forward to this lovely opportunity to sell Real Estate in a time and place where everything seems to be on the upswing! Hallelujah!

Utah is a great place to live. The cost of living is low, jobs are plentiful and people here are friendly. The crime rate is low, there is tons of free stuff to do and it's a great place to raise kids. So, if you are looking to relocate, look at Utah!

God Bless!

Linda

Okaloosa Girl: In The Heart of The Sea

2016-01-26T23:57:00.001-05:00

Okaloosa Girl: In The Heart of The Sea: Well, obviously I am NOT a Movie Critic. But, I sometimes wonder about those who claim to be! Tonight my husband and I saw In T...

In The Heart of The Sea

2016-01-26T23:55:00.000-05:00

Well, obviously I am NOT a Movie Critic. But, I sometimes wonder about those who claim to be!

Tonight my husband and I saw In The Heart of The Sea directed by Ron Howard and starring Chris Hemsworth. We found it to be inspiring, interesting, cinematically excellent and captivating!

However, critics panned it in every way. It is the story behind the inspiration for Henry Melville's Moby Dick. All of the actors did an excellent job portraying their very difficult parts. The story was also quite believable although sometimes very frightening and dark.

I am in shock that this movie did not play at the major theaters here in town, but at a secondary smaller theater where movies go after having played for several weeks at the newer, larger venues. I am left wondering what makes critics consider a movie "great."

I am inclined to think that some of it has to do with the "big" names that are attached to a film. I am also completely baffled when the larger, newer and more popular theaters would be showing such ignorant drivel as Zoolander instead of something of this quality. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that so many movies now are loaded with profanity and overt sexuality...you will not see that in this movie. Thank you Ron Howard for presenting an excellent movie. There are those of us out there who really appreciate the quality of this type of film.

So, as I have said at the beginning, I am not a Movie Critic, but believe me you would be much better served to see In The Heart of The Sea than many of the other over-rated, over publicized films out there! I encourage you to FIND IT! SEE IT! You will not be disappointed.

Funeral Potatoes, Mormon Beer and Sundays in Utah

2015-10-11T18:08:00.000-04:00

I've been living in the beautiful State of Utah for a little over two years now, and still come across customs that are new and strange to me.

My husband is frustrated with "Mormon Beer." It seems that here in Utah you can not buy a beer on tap that is over 3% alcohol content...if you want a beer that is more it must be imported and in a bottle!

For me, some of the foods have been interesting. For instance "Funeral Potatoes!" This was a term I had never heard before moving to Utah. There are dozens of different recipes for these potatoes, but it seems the name originates from the fact the at virtually EVERY meal served after a funeral, these are an absolute must! I am going to include a couple of these recipes at the end of this post so that you can see there is nothing "funeral" about them, except for the fact of the time they are always served. I will tell you, however, there are a few restaurants in Utah that have "Funeral Potatoes" on their menus!

One of the funniest experiences in food I have had here is what the locals call a Scone. Now, in every other part of the world, a scone is a small, biscuit like treat frequently served with tea. In Utah, however, it is a HUGE piece of fry bread ( I mean it is the size of a dinner plate) served with about a half cup of honey butter on top of it. Not exactly a diet friendly food for sure.

Sundays in Utah remind me of the old "Blue Laws" that were in place when I was growing up. Most of the local restaurants and shops here are closed all day on Sunday, and so is the train which provides public transportation between here and Provo. Chain restaurants like Applebee's and Chili's remain open, but all the locals close.

So, on this Sunday, as I watch the "Hallmark Channel" movie about the Amish, I have decided to share a little "Utah" with you!

Funeral Potatoes

2 pounds hashbrown potatoes (unbrowned)

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

1 pint sour cream

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (Cream of Mushroom soup can be substituted for a vegetarian option)

1/2 cup grated yellow onion (or minced very fine)

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1-1/2 cup crumbled corn flakes

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl combine cornflakes and butter. In a separate bowl combine other ingredients. Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Top with cornflake mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

FUNERAL POTATOES #2

4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 onion, finely chopped
3 cups whole milk
3 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup (packed) freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup American cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cup crushed cornflakes cereal

Place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water, add salt, then bring to a boil on the stovetop until tender enough to be pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes. Transfer to a deep baking dish.

While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1/2 the stick of butter in a large saucepan. Add the onions and saute until softened over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a thick, pasty roux. Slowly begin whisking in the milk. Continue whisking the milk until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the cheeses. Salt & pepper to taste.

Pour the cheese mixture over the potatoes. Stir the potatoes slightly until they are well coated with the cheese mixture.

In a small, microwave safe bowl, melt the remaining butter, then stir in the crushed cornflakes. Sprinkle atop the potatoes. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the cornflakes have turned golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

THERE are probably as many recipes for these "Funeral Potatoes" as there are Mormons in Utah, and these are just a couple of the typical ones!

I intend to try a few of the recipes, but it won't be for after a Funeral! Potato Casserole anyone?

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Crashing Waves and Cottonwood Trees

2015-09-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

I have always found the sound of waves crashing to shore a comforting, restful sound. The constant road is a hum that lulls my soul and makes it easy to sleep.

I was afraid I would be missing that sound terribly when we moved to the Rockies. However, I have found a new source of sound that is just as lovely and comforting.

I live at the mouth of the Ogden Canyon in Utah. There are tons of cottonwood trees here. When you live at the mouth of the Canyon, you soon become accustomed to wind...lots of wind. I am not sure what causes this phenomenon, perhaps a temperature variance between the West and East sides of the mountains. Although the wind is sometimes troublesome as it rushes past the house, I found a comforting measure in the sound that it makes as it sweeps through the cottonwoods. It actually sounds much like the waves crushing to shore on Okaloosa Island! How strange.

Do you have a sound that lulls you to sleep? Some people purchase "sound machines" to create so-called white noise to make it easier for them to sleep by screening out other sounds in the environment. These machines have such sounds as crashing waves, rain on a tin roof and even crickets and frogs. Different sounds seem to appeal to different folks. I love the sound of water running over rocks in the streams here. However, the closest river is about a block away, and I cannot hear that sound from my home. I can hear the wind in the cottonwoods.

Some people find these trees very annoying. In the Spring and early summer they first produce these little round, flat things that spread everywhere. Then when that is done, they do produce a cotton like bunch of seed carrying fluffs that do look just like tiny cotton balls. They are EVERYWHERE! They can be somewhat annoying, but they don't last forever.

I will gladly trade the small annoyance of the cottonwoods for the lovely sound that they make as the canyon winds rush through their leaves and branches. They are Nature's Music and I will continue to let them lull me to sleep here in the Rockies! And enjoy the color of all the trees from Aspens to Maples as we go into this lovely season of Fall!

PEACE LOVE AND JOY!

2015-09-21T17:26:00.000-04:00

Fall is here in the mountains...the mornings/nights are cool and clear, the days still fairly warm...it is a lovely time of year!

The Emmys were last night. I chose not to watch, but I did check out the net to see who won. Obviously I do not watch what is popular on television -- I didn't recognize any of the shows or the actors/actresses who won!

Oh, I have heard people talk about "Orange Is The New Black" and the "Game of Thrones," but I have never watched either of those. I guess I like lighter fare, and I tend to watch old shows like Matlock and Murder She Wrote!

As it turns out, I'm not a big football fan either. I will occasionally watch a game showcasing a team I like or know something about, but I can NOT sit for hours on end watching guys bang their heads together chasing a pigskin! So in the Fall, I like many other wives, become a football widow! Believe me, I have tried to watch like my hubby does, but it just bores me to tears!

For me this time of year is about the beautiful foliage, the crispness in the air, the pumpkins on the vine, Fall festivals and Halloween is coming. Saturday was the Harvest Moon Festival in Ogden. What a fun event it is and it is also FREE! They have lots of free activities for the children, and vendors for goods and foods. There is live music and all the restaurants set up little outdoor cafes on the street. What a festive time!

Halloween is a big event here in Ogden. It actually begins early with Witchstock on the 24th! I already have my beautiful witches hat and cape, and will join my granddaughters in the fun that is Witchstock on 25th Street. They also have a Zombi Walk here, but that kind of freaks me out! There are a lot of Hispanics here who celebrate the "Day of the Dead." Many houses are decorated in everything from gigantic spiders to glowing pumpkins and ghosts!

It seems that this Summer passed so quickly. I love the Fall, and I anticipate the Winter to do my snowshoeing at Snowbasin. We have such dramatic season changes here in the rockies. Each has its own special pleasures.

I bought a little sweater for my Rosebud puppy today, as she is already shivering when we go out in the morning. This will be her first winter, so I have purchased boots for her for when the snow falls. It should be an interesting time.

So whatever Fall is like where you live, get outdoors and enjoy it! I plan on doing just that!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Reviewing "A Walk In The Woods"

2015-09-10T21:40:00.000-04:00

The lovely picture at the right is NOT on the Appalachian Trail, but here in Utah. I have done some hiking since we have been out here, and believe me it has been quite an adventure, but nothing like hiking nearly 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail!

Went with hubby tonight to see the movie "A Walk In The Woods" starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte filmed along the Appalachian Trail. It was very funny! We got a kick out of seeing Amicalola Falls in the movie, as we have actually spent time there. The Lodge there is lovely as are the Falls. The picture below is of those lovely Falls.

It was the perfect time for me to see this movie, as I have been a bit melancholy this past month. First there was an abnormal ECG and Holter Monitor (turned out to be nothing serious, just premature ventricular contractions) but brought home the reality that I am no Spring Chicken any more! Then there was a Gout attack secondary to the stress about the Cardiac thing...geesh. Then, to top it all off, I went to the eye doctor for new glasses and he put me on glaucoma drops! Wow! That was just a bit much for one month!

So, the movie tonight was quite appropriate. It was about two old guys getting together and walking the Appalachian Trail. Now, that is no small feat! Their adventures were both poignant and hysterical. They shared details of their lives. They shared their fears and their joys.

I don't know how well this movie will play with the "younger" set, but for us who are 50 plus it is definitely a winner. This movie is good for a bunch of good laughs, but it is also a reminder that we need to live each day to the fullest!

For me, well it reminded me that I still have some things I want to do/complete before my time here is up. I also want to remember every day just how much my family means to me.

So, to sum it all up, this one is a TEN in my book!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Okaloosa Girl: Autumn is Upon Us!

2015-09-10T17:12:00.001-04:00

Okaloosa Girl: Autumn is Upon Us!: It is that glorious, color filled time of year again! Fall is definitely my favorite Season! The air is crisp and clean, the sky is cle...

Autumn is Upon Us!

2015-09-10T17:10:00.003-04:00

It is that glorious, color filled time of year again! Fall is definitely my favorite Season! The air is crisp and clean, the sky is clear as crystal and the color on the mountains is absolutely amazing!

Then there are the Fall Festivals. I love the time of Pumpkins, Colorful Leaves and Caramel Apples! Our annual Harvest Moon Festival takes place on 25th Street on the 19th! It is such a fun time when all the locals gather to celebrate the Season and prepare for the upcoming Winter! For the ski enthusiasts it is a prelude to the coming snow and a great time flying down the mountainside. For the farmers, it is time to celebrate the end of a successful growing season. The Farmers Market will soon be closing, and I will miss those Saturday mornings in the park picking out fresh tomatoes and other delicious fruits and vegetables. The beautiful horses and pianos that decorate our streets in the Summer will soon be removed, and in November they will begin putting together the Christmas Village.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but as my granddaughter reminded me the other day, FIRST is Halloween! The children are always to excited to put on their costumes and become someone or something else! Yes, Fall does have a lot of charm.

I am anxious to turn on the fireplace for the first time. Sounds silly, but I love the dancing flames taking the chill off the early morning air. This Summer has literally flown by, what with my trips to England, France, Maryland, Georgia and Norway! Lots of wonderful memories from all that travel though. I'm looking forward to a Holiday Cruise just before Christmas and celebrating the holidays with family. I love making memories with the kids.

I am reminded with each Season change how brief life really is and that each day is a gift. I remind myself that I must make the best of each day and spread positive energy all around. Funny how Spring, the time of renewal has it's own special feeling, and that Fall reminds us that things age, change and move on. I hope all of you have an amazing Fall. Enjoy these lovely days, the beautiful colors and the smell of smoke from the fireplaces. Remind yourselves to stay POSITIVE and enjoy the beauty around you.

I haven't shared a recipe lately, but here is one that is delicious and so appropriate for the season!

It is a great One Bowl Apple Cake

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1 3/4 cups sugar

2 heaping teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup oil

6 medium Gala or Fuji or Honey Crisp apples

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, cinnamon and oil. Peel and slice the apples and add to mixture in bowl (coating as you go to keep apples from turning brown.) Mix together the baking soda and flour and add to the ingredients in the bowl. Mix well (best with a fork) until all of the flour is absorbed by the wet ingredients. Pour mixture into a greased one 9x13 or two 9″ round pans. Bake for approximately 55 minutes.-

I wish you PEACE, LOVE AND JOY

Linda

Okaloosa Girl: Life In A Bubble

2015-09-09T20:40:00.001-04:00

Okaloosa Girl: Life In A Bubble: It isn't possible, realistic or even responsible, but sometimes I wish I could live life in a "bubble." In my bubble ther...

Life In A Bubble

2015-09-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

It isn't possible, realistic or even responsible, but sometimes I wish I could live life in a "bubble."

In my bubble there wouldn't be any CNN, or FOX or any other news channel. There wouldn't be a "right" or a "left", a "liberal" or a "conservative" in the bubble. The bubble would have lots of positive expressions, great weather and no negativity! The bubble would have lots of happy children respecting their parents, getting good grades in school and being "kids."

I know, there is no bubble, but that doesn't mean I can not wish for one. The world has become ever so negative since the expansion of "social media." I know that isn't the only problem, but the anonymity of talking "trash" to others who you don't have to see face to face, has definitely exacerbated the problem. I am constantly shocked by the way people talk to one another on Facebook and other social sites. I am also shocked by the mass disrespect of persons in authority; whether it be the President of the United States, or the local Police. The recent assassinations of law enforcement officers has sickened me, and made me wonder just how much worse it can get.

One summer in 1984 I spent six weeks sailing the Bahamas on a 37 foot catamaran with a friend. There was no TV, no regular radio (just weather warnings) and no newspaper. It was an amazing time. Living off the fish we caught and/or bought from locals and the groceries we brought along or bought at small islands was refreshing. Cooking out on deck. Not having refrigeration. Catching a lot of our own food. Wow! I was ready to go home and sell my home and move aboard. It was amazing.

I have gotten more and more likely to watch exclusively the Hallmark Channels, because of their G rated programming. I am more and more careful what books I buy and movies I see. I grew up in a small town in Maryland in a time where there was no social media, only a couple news channels, and neighbors actually talked to each other! If you had laundry on the line and it began to rain, a neighbor would take your clothes in for you...because you didn't have to lock the doors. You didn't hear about 15 murders, robberies and home invasions every time you turned on the TV. The TV was actually about "entertainment." There were shows which made you laugh and cry. There was Ed Sullivan, Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo.

Two years ago, we moved to Ogden, Utah. I must say it is much more like living in the sixties than where we moved from. There is a definite "small town" feel here. People speak to one another on the street. In the summer there are Monday movies shown in the local outdoor amphitheater. There is a Saturday Farmer's Market in the downtown park. Oh, there is some crime, but much less than most other places I have lived. I am praying that doesn't change.

I can't actually live in a "bubble," but I can turn off the TV, read books, or when I listen to the TV choose not to watch those things which sew negativity and hate in my spirit. Maybe we all need to watch a little less. Oh, I know there are some who will say that you need to be "educated" to vote, but I don't believe that what the media is feeding us these days is actually "educating" us on what the politicians actually believe. There is so much division and hate speak that no one really seems to be listening to what is actually important anymore. I want to see politicians put their thoughts down in writing. I want to stop the hate speak and negativity and have people share open, civil communication again.

Do you think it's possible? Or, have we gone so far over the edge that there is no turning back?
I certainly hope not.

PEACE, LOVE & JOY