The Ides of March...

Thankfully I only post to my blog once a month. Do you realize how tough it is coming up with interesting stuff to post that often? Notice I'm 3 days late on this one... mainly because i've been busy, and procrastinating.

I was thinking this morning about March sayings, and I've already posted about in like a lamb out like a lion stuff, and probably way too much St. Pattys info (as if there could be way too much St. Pattys info)... so the Ides of March came to mind... then I thought, what the heck are the ides of March... here's the research :0)

The term idūs (ides) originally referred to the day of the full moon. The Romans considered this an auspicious day in their calendar. The word ides comes from Latin, meaning "half division" (of a month).

The ides of March is the name of March 15 in the Roman calendar. The Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.

Whew, I got that off my chest :0)

I mentioned earlier that I have been busy this month. Thanks to you and your referrals, this has been the busiest first quarter I've had in the last 8 years in the real estate business. I'm sure part of the business uptick is due to the first time home buyer tax credit that expires soon, but I'm thankful for the head start into 2010.

Speaking of the credit... it is 10% of the purchase price up to $ 8,000 for first time buyers, and $ 6,500 for buy up buyers, and it expires April 30th. As of this writing you only have 58 days to write a Purchase Agreement, so call me today.

On to the family... This has been a pretty exciting month for Clan Hendo... in fact I am already prepared for the grief I'm going to get for headlining this months blog with the Ides of March.

Mema and G-Diddy are proud to announce the arrival of Austin James Henderson on February 23. He was 8 lbs 14 oz. and 20 inches long with a pretty good amount of dark hair. Lauren and Austin are doing great, and the family couldn't be any more proud... we now have 3 generations of Hendersons in Troy. David now has 2 options for the hockey/baseball/football player in the family.

Kelly was on a business trip to Florida and arrived at the hospital from Metro at about 5:30 pm... Austin arrived at 6:30. He's a good listener out of the gate... Kelly told him before she left to hold off until she got home. Bella is adapting very well to helping mom with baby chores, but I think she's going to follow my lead on only helping to change "certain" diapers. In fact if she's followed my example at all... she might just avoid all of that scene.

Anthony and Jessy came in for the weekend to hang out with the family to enjoy Baby Austin. I've posted a few pics to check out.

As always... thanks so much for indulging me on my blog... Thanks also for all your referrals. Your family and friends are my family and friends.

See you in April, maybe I'll be posting some motorcycle photos by then.

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)