March 7, 2010. Canyon Lake, Tx. Bluebonnets.

It is definitely worth the trip. Just as with the cherry blossoms, every year the bluebonnets appear on the side of the road at a different date each year, so planning a trip to Texas just to see the wild flowers is an exercise in frustration because mostly the bluebonnets have just gone, or will soon be appearing. Sometimes you just get lucky. Today, Ken and I drove to San Marcos to buy multiple cartridges for the printer. We drove a non-standard way, via the back roads and much to our surprise, we saw more bluebonnets than we have ever seen before. Driving up from San Antonio, the median and sides of the highways were well covered with bluebonnets, but today not only the sides of the roads were covered with the flowers, but also most of the fields alongside the roads. The scene was breathtaking.

Just in front of a cement and gravel plant we came upon a large plot of land covered with wild flowers, including bluebonnets, so Ken stopped to take pictures. He was using an old camera, and apparently the camera did not work. On closer inspection, the two large fields were being used as a re-seeding area which was why the flowers were so thick. The sight was amazing. Tomorrow we will try to find our way back to the same field to take pictures with the new camera, as the scene is definitely worth another trip.

People are so complacent in Texas concerning their wild flowers. Along all the highways are masses of wild flowers, both major and small roads are loaded with the flowers. The good folks who own fields along side the roads and highways have also planted the seeds, so not only along the roads but also over the whole fields you see all these blossoms. It is definitely worth a visit to Texas, just to see the wildflowers. Just don't ask me the best time to come.

March 6, 2010. Canyon Lake. The Lake House.

I am always pleased when returning to the lake house. It is odd how quickly your mind forgets the beauty and charm of a place when you are away, but on returning, everything you did to make the home comfortable and elegant becomes obvious. At first blush, all looks wonderful, as I sat on the lower deck in the shade and enjoyed the lake view, then on closer inspection, I get critical and find fault. But mostly I just enjoy the lake house and again, am pleased that we bought and furnished the place to be comfortable but not fancy. It is a perfect family home, which is a good thing, because beginning in mid June, the San Antonio Family moves out to the lake, while David commutes to work. This is a nice place and we are pleased with our work.

Mornings in San Antonio I drive car pool with Suzanne, first to drop off Sarah at TMI, an Episcopal Junior and Senior High School, then Abigail at St. Thomas, an Episcopal Elementary School. Samantha and Allison are driven by David to St George's Elementary, the school the twins transferred to this fall in order to be in different classes. Suzanne has three different schools to attend to, and David helps out in the morning. I chatter away with the two older girls in the car, even though they probably would prefer to be quiet. After breakfast, Ken and I bought a new Mac for the lake, as our old computer died in the fall. We will use it here at the lake, then take it with us as we drive 281 in the Fall.

While waiting in the car to leave, I noted that Sarah has brought the keys out to the car, unlocked the doors and placed the keys in the ignition, all ready for the ride. When a friend calls for a number, Sarah looks up the number on the phone, while Abigail writes the number down, so Suzanne can relay the number to the friend. These children are very helpful and competent both at home and in the car. Sarah plays on the Middle School Softball team and plays two games a week. As the team is comprised of six, seven and eighth grade girls, Sarah does not start, but she always plays. Yesterday, it was Abigail that hit the ball over the fence time after time, so next year it will be interesting at school as Abigail has been accepted into TMI for the Fall. Next year will be easier for Suzanne with only two schools.

Our days in Texas have great variety. We will be here this week at the Lake, then back to San Antonio for the weekend, followed to a trip to the ranch next week. The Muckleroys have already called us to see when we expect to come to the ranch. We are busy.

April 5, 2010. San Antonio, Texas. The Girls.

We rode up in the Taxi to find Samantha and Allison riding their scooters in the street, waiting for us to arrive. The first question from them was "Can we all go Swimming?" The day was warm and sunny, so of course I said yes, even though I have no bathing suit here. But first we sat in the kitchen to talk about Easter and clothes and chocolate, and ended up playing a game of Solitaire together. Much to our surprise we won.

The water was cool, but we all swam, played a few games, then I got out while they swam relay races for the next hour, with me timing them. Their strokes have improved from last year so it was fun to see the progress. I moved up to the deck while the four girls played around the pool, making stories up and acting their parts, both in and out of the pool. After Suzanne brought snacks for all, the girls switched to softball, using a tennis ball and ball, with trees for bases. Two girls a side. Lots of action, lots of exercise, lots of fun.

It was a lovely afternoon, splitting a beer with Suzanne, talking with David when he came home from work, finally ending with a wonderful dinner made by Suzanne: turkey breast cooked on the grill, hot rolls, green beans and broccoli-cheese casserole. Apple pie for dessert.

We are always pleased to be in Texas and always pleased to see the four girls and Suzanne and David. Those girls have grown. When we are all at the lake we will measure. Tomorrow I will drive car pool with Suzanne. My first thought is always that we need to spend more time in Texas, and maybe we will.

April 4, 2010. Chevy Chase, Md. Easter Day.

Today on the phone I asked Suzanne if she attended sunrise service at her church. Her response was quick and adamant: "I have never attended Easter Sunday morning sunrise service in my life and I do not intend to start now. The Lutherans did not hold them and now that I am an Episcopalian, I just ignore the announcements." "Such a wise response", said I.

Eight years ago we installed two wood duck boxes, hoping to entice a pair of wood ducks to build their nests on our creek. Nothing doing. Some years the squirrels built their nest in the wood boxes, but at the end of Spring, Ken cleaned them out, all ready for next years. Today, Ken and Claussen saw a pair of wood ducks in the creek, right beside one of our boxes, so we are hoping they stay. Wood ducks are beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful of the ducks. It is exciting, because once a pair makes a nest in one spot, they will return every year.

A pair of Mallard Ducks have taken up residence in our pond. The Canada Geese are at the pond every now and then, but their usual spot for their nest shows no sign of a new nest. I am hoping that they have chosen another nesting spot, as the old nest is too visible. After four years of dead gosling, a new nest is in order.

We have seen more bluebirds today than on any other day at the farm. They are beautiful in their bright blue plumage. Every bluebird box has birds busily building their nests. Today at the feeders we have seen a Flicker pecking on the ground, many gold Finches, flocks of Tufted Titmouse, hundreds of bluebirds, several Slate Colored Juncos, lots of Chipping Sparrows and other birds that I could not identify.

As is our habit, we drove home on the back roads, and I started to count the flowering trees. I stopped at two hundred just because I got bored counting. But I loved seeing all the trees in bloom. It was a magnificent sight. Then we drove through Kenwood to find thousands of people walking the streets to enjoy the cherry blossoms and to take pictures. Once again, the sight was glorious. The perfect ending of a lovely Easter Sunday.

April 3, 2010. Artemas, Pa. Easter Sunday.

I am so grateful that I am not required to attend sunrise service Easter morning. It is one of the strongest feelings surrounding Easter morning. For years, we attended and take part in the sunrise service, playing in the band and singing, followed by breakfast together at church. Many things about the event were difficult, starting with the early hour. Years ago, the services were held at six o'clock, or even seven, and many years the weather was chilly, so the participants were cold. Today, a man told me that the sunrise service in Bean's Cove tomorrow was being held at ten o'clock, which makes for a reasonable hour, except I wondered why they didn't change the name to the Easter Service. Sunrise usually arrives early, not mid morning. Tomorrow morning I will pat myself on the back and sleep through sunrise.

Tomorrow morning, Wendy and Claussen, Tojo and Connie and Little C. are coming to the hill house for breakfast. Ken will prepare bacon and sausage, pancakes and fruit, and coffee. They have enjoyed the farm, the three dogs best of all. We have all taken several walks together, which the dogs loved, also the visit to the creek. Most of the afternoon we sat in the rocking chairs on the porch and talked and played with Little C. The dogs roamed all over the porch, as Wendy put up gates covering the stairs. The porch became a giant playpen for both baby and dogs. It was fun and relaxing. Of course, the weather was perfect. Seventy five degrees and sunny but with a breeze. A good day was had by all.

April 2, 2010. Artemas, Pa. Tojo and Connie.

It is very exciting to be in at the beginning, at least, almost at the beginning. Tonight at dinner in the pump house at the farm, on a beautiful warm evening, Connie and Tojo announced to us that their second child would be born in October. Wendy and Claussen were with us too, so we all got the good news at the same time. We were thrilled. Number one son, Claussen, was not impressed, but at eighteen months, all he wanted was more food.

We have known Tojo since he was tiny, so it has been a pleasure to see him grow up. Both his siblings married and began having babies, while Tojo continued dating ladies that we just kept holding our breath he would not marry. Then he met Connie and we loved her. She was an artist and she taught school. She loved Nova Scotia and she loved Tojo and he loved her. It was obvious to all, but Christmas came and went and no engagement. And next Christmas came and went with still no ring. Finally I could not stand it any longer, so I asked Tojo when he was going to marry Connie. He said "Soon". I was happy, but I held my breath.

Tojo and Connie were married in Nova Scotia at Wendy and Claussen's home right next door. It was a lovely wedding. A few years later, along came baby Claussen. Tojo is in the real estate business in Baltimore and Connie teaches art at a magnet school. They are a wonderful young couple and it was a special evening to be part of this development in their lives. Every summer they vacation in Nova Scotia so we see them often. Spending Easter weekend at the farm with them is almost as good as having your own family here. We are so fortunate with our friends and the children of our friends.

April 1, 2010. Chevy Chase, Md. 100 Million.

They did it, the first time this year to exceed one hundred million dollars of sales in one month. It was exciting the moment we went over the century mark; but it was not as exciting when we did it for the first time. Then for a few years we got used to the big number each month. One year, ten months of the year we exceeded that volume each month. But in the real estate world, everything changes, so last year three months exceeded the hundred volume and the year before five. We were excited to reach this high volume this month in this year.

Success is interesting. The first time we reached the hundred million for the month we were sent flowers of congratulations and letters of tribute from the company. No office had even done it. A standing ovation was given to us at the Manager's meeting. Of course, I was not there, but Carole was present to accept congratulations. Soon, everyone expected it from us and stopped noticing, even ourselves, until the sales were few and far between. Now we realize how remarkable this volume really is. We, at the Bethesda Gateway office of Long and Foster really do have a remarkable group of agents. Their expertise, hard work and spirit of co-operation are the reason for our success. It is a time to just sit back and marvel!!