Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's a little card I received from several different friends .... and I should pass it on to you!

The turkey is in the oven, and I'm resting for a bit before I tackle all the rest...feet up, hot coffee and pumpkin bread at my side, all the kids home and safe, three dogs in the house, but nobody else is awake. Ahhh.

I am truly thankful for everything I have, including my friends. Have a wonderful day.

Tag, I'm it!

I've been tagged by Blackbird


* Go to your Sixth Picture Folder then pick your Sixth Picture.
* Pray that you remember the details.
* Tag 5 others.




















Jill and Kim - my favorite sisters! I love them a LOT!

Here they are in the kitchen on the evening of a little cocktail gathering last summer when my brothers came for a visit.


And as an added bonus, you get to see my ugly oak kitchen cabinets! WOO HOO!

And I'm now going to tag the following... you are it!


Kim
Binky
Flair
Jen
Preppycrat

and just a reminder to go on over and register for a freebie giveaway on Preppy Princess

Here's what I'm thinking about....

Good news for home buyers

As of today, the Federal Government is finally taking steps to shore up the mortgage industry, and indirectly the housing market. (See Below)

With 30 year conventional rates at 5.25% today, it is a great time to buy.












STATEMENT OF FHFA DIRECTOR JAMES B. LOCKHART ON FEDERAL RESERVE ACTION

“The Federal Reserve Board’s announcement that it will purchase debt of the Federal Home Loan Banks, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae is a very positive step. This $600 billion program should be a major boost to the mortgage and housing markets. By providing more liquidity to the market FHFA expects these actions to help reduce the large interest rate spreads between mortgages and Treasuries, resulting in lower mortgage rates over time, assisting homeowners and home purchasers.”

The Last Home Game

Yesterday we went to Eugene to the last home Ducks game.


First stop: tailgate party. Grilled sausages, fried chicken, chips and dip, and beer.

They honored all the Seniors. Here's Max.

The Oregon Marching Band


















The view from our seats. We love our midfield location, our neighbors, and the ease of getting in and out - two rows from the top, two seats from the aisle, and a quick hop to the concession stands and bathrooms.


















Our seatmate's baby Addie. Her first Ducks game!


















After almost blowing it in the second half, we won by 10 points. The fans party on the field while the band plays on.


















After the game, at least 20,000 of the 65,000 fans trek back to campus.












It's a gorgeous walk, over a small bridge, through the woods, lit only by occasional streetlamps, the mist rising. Seriously! It's lovely. Finally, cross the big bridge across the Willamette river, rushing over the rocks, and at last, a short walk to our car, in Whit's super-secret parking spot, and off we go.

For you, Cam

We loved watching you this year.

*I always know which one you are, even from 65 rows up.

Shop on, my friends...

Bath and Body Works 20% off Friends and Family Sale
Online only!

To Redeem: Enter promo code 20friends at checkout.

Valid through November 16, 2008

Why, oh why, would I suggest my daughter buy a house in this market?

Claire is quite the consumer. She shops a lot, (and as a part of her job) reads every magazine, pores over the internet, and knows about practically everything new. Her boyfriend keeps her in the loop technologically, and together they're always on the lookout for the next best thing.

The next best thing last week was a fabulous mid-century house in Phoenix that crossed their path. It's much closer to work and all the functions that Claire attends on a regular basis. It's priced affordably, and is headed toward foreclosure if someone doesn't snatch it up before the end of the year. It fits their style (modern and minimalist) and is a nice step up from their current living arrangement, which is a one-bedroom condo that TJ bought 2 years ago.

But buying a house in this market is a scary proposition. What if the economy continues its downward trend and her magazine has no advertisers? TJ works in the lending industry. Scary stuff.

But the cost of this house is only $200 more per month than they're paying now! And it's absolutely gorgeous!

Here's the kicker. First time homebuyers are given an interest free loan in the form of a tax credit on their home purchase through July 1, 2009. It has to be paid back within 15 years, but if I know Claire, and she'll be moving on before then. Not to mention the benefits if she uses the $7500 to pre-pay the mortgage. She'll make a couple of thousand bucks simply for playing the game!

Here's a link to an article on the $7500 Tax Credit.

And here's the house that I know you'll also want to see.

I'm not pushing anybody to buy a house, and they may well decide that it's not in the cards right now. But they, and others like them, might find this incentive enough to make a home purchase before next summer too good to pass up.

Let me know if you have any questions. I have links to IRS rules, Q&A's, etc.

Last Monday

And today?


















See the wet pavement? The rain has begun, and it looks like it's here to stay.

No pools, palm trees or paradise for me until next March.

VOTE! ! As if any of you weren't going to.....

Another good thing about casting your vote: free coffee!