Leslie's Blog

Many years ago (during my running years) I ran around Green Lake at midnight on New Years Eve.  It was cold and crunchy but it was beautiful.  There were little flickering lights in small paper bags all along the path.

Well, this evening from 5:30 - 8:30 (according to the Seattle Times) the path will be again lit and there will be holiday music along the path at the Green Lake Community Center, Green Lake Small Craft Center and the Bathhouse Theater. 

Green Lake Park is located at 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle, WA 98103.  This is a free event.  So bundle up, take family/friends and enjoy!

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent LuvSeattle.com

Last night I attended Santa Baby by the Seattle Men's Chorus.  The concert was held at Benaroya Hall and had great music, interesting costumes and good humor.

Do you ever think back fondly on the Christmas concerts you attended in grade school?  Well maybe this is too far back for you--it was before it was politiically incorrect to celebrate Christmas in public schools. 

It was nice to hear actual Christmas carols--but do not get the impression that it was an evening full of the old standards.   There was quite a mix of music and original lyrics.

If you have trouble getting into the "Christmas Spirit" this may help!  There is still time to attend--the last concert will be on Sunday, December 20th at 7:30 pm.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent LuvSeattle.com

When I was a kid walking to or from school and saw a policeman I would always wave, I was taught that they were my friend.  I even took the test to become a State Patrol Trooper "back in the day."  Anyway, this is not about me. 

This post is about the Seattle/Tacoma area cops being put through hell lately--being human targets.  The latest story is not  finished yet--the police are searching for friends and family that helped Maurice Clemmons (one may have even helped drive the get-away car after he shot four cops).

Cops work to protect us and we owe them gratitude.  Not too long ago, I read that when someone sees a soldier they put their hand over their heart to show gratitude.  I think we should start doing the same for cops.  I have been thinking it would be nice to take food to the stations to show how much we care.  Do you have any suggestions?

It is not just our area pollice officers and troopers that need recognition from we the public--it is to all of them.  If you are a cop and reading this, I thank you and wish you health, happiness and safety!

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent LuvSeattle.com

NBC Sports has just announced that Ken Griffey Jr. is staying for one more year with the Mariners.  This really makes me happy.  I is what got me started following the Mariners.  Can't you still see his smiling face on the front page of the local papers as many of the team members piled on top of him!

What a good role model for young baseball fans!

And I want to say a very big thank you to his family for sharing him with us.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

Here is the latest email from HotwireDeals@Hotwire-Travel.com:  $49 fare sale, $26 Vegas Strip hotel, $294 Europe fare sale‏

I love to travel and get emails weekly notifying me what discounted airfares, hotels, cruises and entertainment are available. TravelZoo just sent me their this week's "top 20" travel deals. Here are some:

$45-$105 -- Virgin Cuts Fares on All Routes; Fly into March http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78637188-687463/ Source: Virgin America

$697 -- Hong Kong from Seattle (Roundtrip), incl. Taxes http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78637188-688978/ Source: Fly.com

$1299 -- Israel 8-Night Escorted Package w/Air http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78637188-687784/ Source: Gate 1 Travel

For thos of us that love to go to Whistler:

+ Top Ski Destination in Peak Winter Season -

Beyond the Slopes: 2010 Olympics, Bungee Jumps & Apres-Ski

+ Four Seasons Whistler; 3rd Night FREE ... $255

+ Snowmobile and Dinner Package (Reg. $210) ... $169

+ Fly to Vancouver ... $100 & up and more...

Visit http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/whistler

I do have an interesting story. There once was a company called "Moment's Notice" that would book charter flights for all inclusive trips all over the world at very low cost. Through them my Mother and Dad took a trip to Egypt and cruised up the Nile and another time cruised to Alaska (their all-time favorite cruise).

The most adventuresome trip was when they went to Germany. The plane was supposed to land in Frankfort but because the company had not paid their landing fees the plane landed in Berlin, East Germany. This was in 1972 when being in Berlin could be a scary time. The passenger’s passports were collected and there was a count of the people. And then there was another count and another. It turned out that Mom and Dad and a dual passport and both of their pictures was on one passport. After it got straightened out the passengers were bused to Frankfort. The wheels were actually taken off the plane so there was no getting back through Moment’s Notice.

Mom and Dad did have a great time visiting relatives they had never seen and site-seeing a beautiful country. But they did spend a fare amount of time figuring out how to get back. They ended up telegramming my Dad’s work to get money sent to them from their credit union account. Pan America did fly many people back for free but my folk’s didn’t know about that.

The lady that owned the Moment's Notice company actually went to jail.

I do not want to dissuade you from traveling--it is one of my very favorite things to do!

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

I was over to help babysit one of my grandsons yesterday while the other was being taken to the doctor by his Dad.

I noticed his voter's ballot on the window sill and asked if it was ready to go. He said "no he hadn't really studied the issues or the people." I have been busy telephoning for both the King County Executive and Mayoral campaigns, and found this disapointing. I will talk to him today--not to persuade but to encourage him to become part of the process.

We in this State have had first hand experience of how important each vote can be. I often think of countries that are dealing with voter fraud and the people that they cannot get elected because of it. Maybe another thing that drives me harder in this is that it took so long for women to get the vote.

On the Washington Women’s History Consortium’s website it says In 1867 the Washington Territorial Legislature passed a law giving the right to vote 'to all white citizens above the age of 21." This law became the rallying point for early women's suffrage advocates who cited the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in conjunction with the law which defined "citizen" as being "all persons born or naturalized in the United States."

This election will be determined by you. You must return your ballot before 8pm to any King County Elections Drop Box across King County or, with postage, mail by the last drop at the Post Office.

You can get a copy of your voter's guide.

Please ask your family members, friends and neighbors to return their ballot. And forward this message to remind others to vote!

P.S.  My son-in-law took his ballot to work with him.

For help with your Seattle/Everett/Bellevue/Kent real estate needs: LuvSeattle.com

I just heard it on the radio.  The info. from The Boeing Company:   Get info here

This could mean many things to the Seattle area.  Real Estate may become even more affordable--and houses may be even more difficult to sell.  I worked for The Boeing Company for 23 years and many things are just swirling through my mind.

I have been to Charleston, South Carolina and it is a wonderful place.

For help with your Seattle/Everett/Bellevue/Kent real estate needs:  LuvSeattle.com

Marketing is high on most business owners mind and the following is a very interesting way to do so.

There is a raffle going on to support Community Action Marin. For over 40 years it has served the neediest in the community by “providing a broad range of support services including early childhood education, mental health, employment and job training, food programs, housing assistance, HIV and AIDS services and much more.”

To continue support of their mission, they have partnered with Wells Fargo Bank, The Marin Independent Journal, and Comcast to raffle off a “Dream Home” among other prizes. Their marketing piece says  “you not only stand to win life changing prizes, but you also give life changing opportunities to individuals, families and children in need.”

The 3,000 sq. ft. home is on ¼ acre and has a view of San Francisco Bay from all of the rooms. It is surrounded by open space, shoreline and parkland. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a private elevator.

The second early bird drawing will be on this Friday, October 30th and another will be on January 8th. There are also “multi-ticket” bonus drawings that has a 2010 Toyota Prius or $25,000 cash for 1st prize.

The price of each ticket is $150. You can enter by mail, fax or telephone. Check out the link and see if you would like to forgo your regular lotto purchases for a while and enter this Dream House Raffle—it is for a good cause.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

My home scanner was giving me fits and I wanted to send my clients forms from the MLS that I had pre-printed and filled out.  He told me about Cute PDF Writer and walked me through it.  It is FREE and works well. 

I saved my completed mls forms on my computer.  Then I downloaded the writer.  You then go to your printer and make Cute PDF Writer you default printer.  You then go to the pages you have saved and click print and it will open up Cute PDF Writer and you can save it as a PDF.  It will then be an attachment that you can email to your clients.

The copies are so much cleaner than faxes.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

I have a client from out-of-state that is coming here for a home inspection.   The property they are buying is 1 1/2 acres with many trees.  They wanted to have an arborist check on the health of the trees.  This is the first time this has come up for me and I didn't know where to look for one.  I asked some people in the office and they didn't know either.

I had very good luck with a resource because I had taken my youngest grandson to a playfield in Fremont and there were two ladies working in the park gardens.  I mentioned my clients need for an arborist and one of them said to go to "ISA" on the internet and find a ISA certified consultant for the properties.  ISA "The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to promoting research, technology, and the professional practice of arboriculture."

ISA has an excellent website.  Their link to "Consumer Education" goes to a site called "Trees Are Good" at http://www.treesaregood.org/  This site has a button "find a tree care service" where you can find a tree care service or check to see if someone has an ISA Certification.  There are also buttons called "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Fun Facts."

You may have wondered why a picture of a buck.  Well, the property is in Issaquah and wild life is often in the area.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

It has been at least four years since I have had an eye exam and well over due for new glasses.  A very good thing is that I can see a little better farther away--the doctor says "that sometimes comes with age."

The first thing I told the Optician was that I wanted "to look like Sarah Palin" (no matter what your political leanings are, you have to admit she looks pretty good in those glasses of hers).  Well, I tried her glasses on and there was just no big transformation.  

Next I told him that red is my best color (not thinking the red glasses would be an option).  I did ask what glasses a REALTOR should wear to help them sell more houses.  He pointed out some with quite bold frames that made me look very serious--and many others going for that "professional" look.  I tried on some frames that wrapped around my face that he said were for "skaters and bikers."  I just looked like a big bug!

We then went into green frames--my second favorite color and I was all set to purchase this pair that fit my face quite well...until he showed me the tomato red ones!   Naturally they cost quite a bit more than the other ones but they made me feel spunky and full of fun (which is how I am on the inside).

I also needed a pair of sunglasses--yup, they are red!

The Optician said that people will always remember that I am the REALTOR with the red glasses!  I must say that he did a great job--I liked his help and I would recommend him.  In fact, he is Warren Ruby at Broadway Vision Source and I liked Dr. Riley F. Nakatsu (he conducted the exam).  I went to him last week because I was seeing flashes of light and floaters.  He was able to get me right in the day I called for a medical exam--and was very thorough.  It looks like it is another "age thing" and I have spoken with several friends that have had the same thing--which seems to be insignificant this time.  But, these can be symptoms of something very serious so do get checked if you have the same symptoms.

It will take six to ten days to get the glasses and I will need to get new pictures--maybe I will just get pictures of the glasses--it would be a lot cheaper!

LuvSeattle.com for your Seattle/Bellevue real estate needs.

Well, obviously, I didn't win the Mega in August but tonight's drawing would suffice.  $145 million would go far enough for most people.  I would be quite happy if that winner needed help with this REALTOR!

The Mega MillIons Drawing tomorrow will be worth $325 million.  I just wanted to encourage you to buy a ticket and if you are lucky enough to be a winner I will gladly help you find the "home of your dreams."   While I was buying some tickets today there was a woman waiting in front of me and I asked her if she knew of anyone that needed a REALTOR and that I was one.  She said "no, but I will take one of your cards."  She said she has six kids and if she wins she will be buying several houses.

It would be a REALTOR's dream to help a big lotto winner!  So as my coach always says "I'M HERE FOR YOU!"

It is fun to just dream sometimes. 

Our broker said that if he won he would give all of his agents $20,000.  His name is Ken Bell of Realty Executives BRIO in Bellevue, Washington.

WWW.LuvSeattle.com

Dad always taught me to stand up for what I believe in so here goes!

I have been complaining for a long time about our Mayor and some members of the Seattle City Council--now is the time we can make some real changes.

I like Joe Mallahan for Mayor.  I am a Republican but I was phone calling on his behalf because we need a change.  He has had business experience and that is something this city needs.  The Municipal League gave him a rating of "excellent."  Check out www.joemallahan.com for information.

I like Sally Bagshaw for Position #4--she is more mainstream.  Second choice would be Dorsal Plants, a young and impressive candidate, who might bring a fresh perspective to City Hall.

I like Marty Kaplan for Position #6--is is an architect and has run his own business for years, so his experience would be unique on the Council.  My second choice would be Nick Licata who is always will to buck the Mayor's office.

I like Robert Rosencrantz for Position #8.  He is a businessman and in commercial real estate, plus he had a solid record of civic achievement--mostly in public housing.

For County Executive is like Susan Hutchison.  Her election will bring new Department chairs, which is something badly needed, and a review of previous executive orders.  Others in the race will mean business as usual.

Please vote--it is important.

www.LuvSeattle.com

P.S.

Ballots must be postmarked or dropped at a Ballot Drop Box TODAY to be counted in this Primary Election. King County has ballot drop boxes throughout the county to provide voters with a way to securely return their ballots without the cost of postage. For the August 18 primary, ballot drop boxes will close at 8 p.m.

Ballot Drop Box Locations: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn, 98002 Library Connection @ Crossroads, 15600 NE 8th St., Suite K-11, 98008 Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Dr., 98010 Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave SE, 98042 Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Avenue S., 98198 Fall City Library, 33415 SE 42 Pl., 98024 Federal Way Library, 848 S 320th St, 98003 Kent Regional Library, 212 2nd Ave N, 98032 Renton, King County Elections, 919 SW Grady Way, 98057 Lake Forest Pk Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 98155 Seattle, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave., 98104 Seattle, White Center Library, 11220 16th S.W., Seattle, 98146 Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE, 98072

Seattle Neighborhood Service Center locations:

Ballard, 5604 22nd Ave NW, 98107 Delridge, 5405 Delridge Way SW, 98106 Central, 2301 S Jackson, 98144 Lake City, 12525 28th Ave NE, 98125 Southeast, 3815 S Othello St, 98118 University, 4534 University Way NE, 98105

It seems every year I charge ahead into something new. Well, this summer it is the “Team in Training” for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Team in Training has marathons and hiking also.

In November I will be riding my new bicycle for 100 miles in Tucson. Until three weeks ago I hadn’t ridden a bicycle in years (and never very well). I have now ridden 17 miles at one time—and am thoroughly enjoying this activity. With the “heat wave” Seattle has been having this summer I find the breeze that comes with biking helps to cool me off--something that I never got when running.   This is an activity that I intend to stay with as a future goal is to take bicycling vacations.  I will write more on that at another time.

This morning was our first training meeting and I found some helpful tips from the mentors: 1. Gregg’s bicycle shop has a machine you sit on to get fitted for the correct seat. 2. Bicycle shoes with cleats and the corresponding pedals greatly improve your riding because it gets you using the back of your thigh muscle. 3. The cleat releases your shoe when you twist your foot a little. I had envisioned not being able to get my foot off the pedal while I falling over (yes I do that).

I will keep you posted (that is a pun) on how the ride are going and when I come up with new tips.

Now for the most important part—this is a fund raiser for Leukemia. Did you know?

Blood cancers such as leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. They are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins. The diseases result from an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously. The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells.

40 years ago the survival rate for children with leukemia was 4%--today it is right around 90%. Leukemia affects 10 times as many adults and survival is significantly less. More than six people every hour die from a blood cancer?

How can you help? You can go to my fundraising website and make a donation, join a team or refer me to folks as a real estate agent so I can contribute more (any or all of the above is welcome!)

I use GreatSchools.net often to look at the ratings of schools in different areas and suggest that my clients also go to the website.  It is a good site to find what each school offers.  While on the website today I noticed something I hadn't paid attention to before.  There are articles for each level of school. 

For instance, under preschool they have several topics:

Preschool 10 Signs of a Great Preschool The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests signs of a great preschool. NAEYC

What to Expect at Preschool: Science Preschool teachers share science by taking advantage of children's innate curiosity about the world. Scholastic

What to Expect at Preschool: Art Hands-on craft projects in preschool build a surprising set of skills.

Scholastic What to Expect at Preschool: Math.  Math is an everyday experience for your child. The best teachers know how to capitalize on it.

Scholastic What to Expect at Preschool: Literacy Time-tested classroom strategies will help your preschooler develop early reading skills. Scholastic How Academic Should a Preschool Be? A good preschool will help your child build academic skills while also allowing time to learn through play.

Under each topic they also give suggestions as to what can be done at home.  In the science section they talk about watching nature programs on television.  They suggest going on nature walks and noticing rocks, leaves, clouds etc. and talking about them.  They also mention involving preschoolers in sorting the laundry--what a concept!

Some of the things my three year old grandson loves doing that is science related is playing with flashlights, cooking, going to the Children's Museum (at the Seattle Center), going to the zoo, the aquarium, and the many city parks. 

There are enough activities suggested under each topic to keep you all well occupied.

If you know of a school you especially like, you can go onto the website and write a review.

LuvSeattle for property searches and real estate information Seattle, Eastside, King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Just click on the "Realty Watcher" button on the home page.

I received an email from one of my brother-in-laws and it was so helpful.  It is from the website called "familyhack.com."  Family hack says on their website "We are a family with three small kids figuring out how to travel the world, work from anywhere while home schooling our kids. We also blather on about life hacks, saving money and cool stuff we love."  The website is great, some sample categories they have are:  Age 2-4, Age 5-7, Books, Maintenance & Repairs and Work.

This particular feature is on how to get something out of a drain without calling a plumber.  You do need a wet and dry vac!  View the link if you have time--it could save you lots of time and money!  Here

Hope this comes in handy for you!

LuvSeattle for property searches and real estate information Seattle, Eastside, King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.  Just click on Realty Watches on the home page.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

My Mother's Day will begin at 5:00 this evening with dinner with my daughter's family in Wallingford.  I should walk around Green Lake after that!

Anyway, I was looking at my list of folks I should call (old friends, past clients, people I am working with and potential clients)and debating if I should make that call!  Yes, it is Mother's Day--are people going to feel interrupted? 

I have decided I am going to call the "old friends and relatives" the ones that I have not kept in touch with--not because I did it intentionally, but because it is so easy to not keep balance in my life.  A perfect balance, would be to see those folks at least once a quarter--because we enjoy each other's company.

Maybe that should be the tradition--call friends and relatives on the holidays--that would do it!!

Enjoy the Day!

P.S. If you don't know how the "Mother's Day" Tradition started click on the "Google" logo today.

www.LuvSeattle.com for full service real estate consultant assistance in Greater Seattle, Eastside and Kent. Ask me for a copy of my Market Watch for your area.

This is a reminder that the Friends of the Seattle Public Library is soon having it's Magnuson Park Book Sale.  It will be Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday April 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Magnuson Park is located at 7400 Sand Point Way N..E. Hangar 30, in Seattle

They would like you to please bring your own boxes.  I would recommend that you bring your book lists with you.  This is a very popular event so you may want to arrive early.

LuvSeattle.com for full service real estate consultant in Greater Seattle, Eastside and Kent.  Ask me for a copy of my Market Watch for your area.

One of the things I admire about Google is that for holidays they decorate their Logo.   I also wonder how long does it take them to do the artwork and enjoy what they come up with.  Today's logo has me stumped.  It sort of looks like a moon scape but I don't know.

Can anyone out there enlighten me?

LuvSeattle.com for Seattle, Bellevue, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Laurelhurst, View Ridge, Windermere and Kent, Washington Real Estate Property Listings.

On Thursday, I was invited by my financial advisor, Mike Dukes (with BECU), to go on a Royal Argosy Cruise (leaving Pier 56) to listen to Jeffrey Kleintop, CFA, Chief Market Strategist at LPL Financial.  If you "google" his name you can see different interviews he has had.

First of all, it was a beautiful day and Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountians were glorious.

Mr. Kleintop spoke about:

• How we Got Here
• Bubble Trouble
• Presidential Pattern
• Recommendations

He did say there are some leading indication of some improved signs of growth.  Metal prices are rising and the Port traffic is rising.

I asked him "What keeps you awake at night?  And, what do you think we should think about investing in?"  He said "Inflation is his biggest worry and that he feels techology, industrials and retail should be the first to recover."

He feels dollar cost averaging is the way to go and feels that by "around midyear we'll begin to see a sustainable move higher."

I enjoyed his talk and the luncheon cruise.  If you haven't taken a cruise of Seattle's waterfront it is well worth it.

LuvSeattle.com for Seattle, Bellevue, Wallingford, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Laurelhurst, View Ridge, Windermere and Kent, Washington Real Estate Property Listings.