Not sure how the groundhog became the annointed one...

But I wish they'd pick a rodent with a better climate... a little more conducive to non shadow seeing.

For all you snow lovers, I apologize. It's my fault this year. I donated my old snowblower to Dave & Lauren, and bought a new one, figuring that if snowfalls this year were similar to last year, I could use a manly machine. As it stands now, I've started it once, and that was simply to make sure it worked. It's bad when you have to start a monthly maintenance program on your new snowblower that includes starting it once a month, (just because) and lubricating all the moving parts.

Gordy is now 8 weeks old. He's a really cute dog with an attitude to boot. If he and I remain friends through his house training, he'll make a pretty good hunting dog I'm sure. We've lost nothing of value (yet), but he really likes to exercise his choppers. Bella especially is not a big fan of that since she is just about the perfect size for him to nibble.

Bella is getting ready for her new brother to join the fam. I'm sure Lauren is past ready to have him here. I think we're expecting his arrival around the end of this month or early March.

Kel & I went to Chicago to check out the reception hall for Anthony and Jessys wedding this summer. They have an event the last Thursday of each month where wedding families can taste test all the food. It was all pretty good, so I wasn't much help trying to whittle down the choices. We took a road trip with the kids to Milwaukee and toured the Miller plant and made a stop off at a restaurant I used to think was pretty cool (the safehouse). Turns out after 25 years, it's not as cool as I thought it was :0)... sorry guys, but it was just an hour and a half each way.

Kel & I are well... nothing new to report, just working hard and trying to stay warm. Just a mere 3 months before golf and motorcycle season is on us... I guess I can last.

Just a reminder to all... the First time Home buyer tax credit expires April 30th this year. Anyone wishing to take advantage of a couple Obama bucks should call me today. Purchase agreements have to be accepted by April 30th, and the sale has to close by June 30th. O'B's are also available for anyone that would like to buy up from their existing home... give me a call for details. the same time lines fit both categories.

Sales have been steady the first part of the year so far... I'm optimistic. 2010 is going to be a break out year for us all.

As always... thanks so much for your referrals. Your family and friends are what make my business great. See you next month

Dave (& Kelly)

Happy New Year... Funny how fast a decade flys by.

Hey all

Is it me or does it seem like it was just last year we had a Y2K scare that sent everyone out to Lowes buying generators? 10 Years have flown by, and as I think back on the decade, life as we knew it in 2000 is vastly different than today.

In 2000 we had a flourishing economic picture, both of my adult kids were in high school, we just moved into our current home, and I was contemplating a career in Real Estate. There was no talk of terrorism, 9/11, weapons of mass destruction, or anything other than a normal fear of flying.

Fast forward to this past week... I have a grandchild with one on the way, my youngest will be married in July this year, both kids have settled into great careers, and Kelly has kept me around for another decade. Although we have been experiencing our share of economic uncertainty... we still live in a great country with more opportunities at our fingertips than most of the earths population.

Things have been a little sluggish in real estate around the holidays this year. I'm currently working with several buyers though, so the first quarter 2010 is shaping up to be a good one.

First time home buyer credit is still available until April 30th, and move up buyers can get $ 6,500 as well... if you're thinking about a move... give me a call.

Christmas was a blast, Dave & Lauren spent it in their own home, so it was a bit quiet around here. I also failed to bring the camera over for Christmas eve or morning, so this year the pics are pretty scarce. Anthony & Jessy came to town after Christmas, and we were able to spend some quality time with them all over the holidays.

Kelly decided to surprise me with a new "son" for Christmas. He's a chocolate Lab named Gordon Howard (no surprise as Gordie Howe is Kels favorite sports figure ever). Gordy apparently helps fill the void left when the kids moved out with Bella. No sense enjoying being empty nesters I suppose :0)

I hope you all have a happy New Year, full of family friendships and prosperity. See you in February.

Dave & Kelly