"Where have YOU BEEN?"

That's the way my mom would say it when I'd been missing for a while and was (sort of) in trouble. And that's what my blog would say if it could talk. I've been so negligent in blogging lately, so it's time for a catch-up post.

Working backwards, I'll start with the houses my clients and I have been obsessing over.

We have an offer in on this one.



















Great, easy floor plan, nice, remodeled kitchen, big wide back yard with an incredible garden.

I guess it's nice to give an idea of the cost of these places that I picture, especially for my far away friends, or those interested in real estate... so this one is $599,000. Will report back if (when!) the deal goes through.


Last week, this beautiful view home ($799,000) was the object of a sweet family's affection, and we wrote and the buyer accepted our contingent offer. After only two days, we got "bumped" and were given 72 hours to sell their house.





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Luckily, it was an adorable dutch colonial right in the little village, and steps from everything a person could want. Well, everything a cool person could want. I couldn't believe how many people want "the village," but they don't want THE VILLAGE. Whatever.

























We worked and strategized and fretted.... and boy, my "Village People" rallied. Their place was shining and gorgeous, and always ready for guests, even though they have two (beautiful) little ones and a great big dog. And very full-time jobs.

The last showing was at 9:30pm the night before our 9am deadline. We were about to lose the view house. But we knew these buyers were interested. I was around the corner with the dad and the dog. The mom was in the yard with the baby monitor and the kids were asleep. One and a half hours later, as we were rehashing and figuring out our plan, my phone range. The Realtor was across the street, wondering if she could present an offer.

So, this is one Real Estate story that I wished was on HGTV. It worked out beautifully, the buyers are perfect, the sellers are delighted, and so am I. Oh, the village house was $399,000. (only one bathroom, but otherwise, just adorable)

Hard to believe, but that represents about three week's work, with the showings, the offers, the listing, the photos, the tours, the open houses, the paperwork and so forth. Two normal weeks, and one awfully stressful one.

Coming up: A very neat house on a gorgeous lot in a good neighborhood, priced at $515,000. She's my very first client, back for her fifth transaction in nine years. (sold, bought, sold, bought, now selling again) I LOVE this woman, and am looking forward to spending time with her and her family. Photos being taken on Friday!

In other news...


















Cam flew to Rome yesterday, anxious to meet Betsy and travel together for a while. She spent a summer studying Italian and translation, (she's a Romance Language major) and is winding up the experience with a little vacation time. They're in Cinque Terre at the moment, and headed to Capri next. We're taking care of Peter - we better get used to having three dogs - there's no telling where those two will take off for after they graduate in March. They're talking Italy....

















There are lots of babies arriving this summer and I've attended a couple of showers lately. Two friends have just welcomed sets of boy/girl twins! (Want to know their names? Parker and Julia, and Jakob and Taylor! Aren't they cute?)

These photos are of two of my favorite sisters, at a baby shower for a future little boy... and look at the fabulous hiking carrier thingy (I'm such a hiker!) they got from her parents!



















My movie group (The Film Flams) is going to The Time Traveler's Wife on Wednesday, with dinner at Laura's pool afterwards... always a wonderful night swimming under the stars and (only slightly) under the influence ;-)

The book group is reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and the discussion and party will be at my house this time. (I had German food last time when we read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Do I always choose books that go with bratwurst??)

I'm headed to Philadelphia on 9/11 for a big, swinging birthday bash for three of my "Philly Girls," Terri, Chrissy and Mary. All turning 50 three days in a row, with a party and live music on Terri's beautiful stone terrace. (Pray for sunshine) She lives in an early 20th century stone barn, converted to a wonderful house - just up the road from our old house in PA.

Following that, we're headed to the shore for a little stay at Sid's beach house, and then to NYC. We'll be seeing Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman in "A Steady Rain." (hate the moustache, Dan)















Then I'll connect with Laura and Betsy, my truly oldest and dearest friends since childhood, and we'll finish off the week in NYC. Betsy lives in Chelsea and Laura is flying in from Milwaukee. (with a late celebration for her 50th birthday as well) I am pretty sure my cheeks will be sore after this trip - all these friends and I laugh from start 'til finish. I can not wait to see them all!

When I get home, Whit will be temporarily living with us. His firm has transferred him to the Portland office - and he's excited to have a chance to get back to the big city - and get a house in NW Portland with a couple of his old friends. I'm just thrilled to have one of the kids back in town.

We have season tickets to the U of O football games with Whit, so we'll have lots of fun together this fall - tailgating with the boys and their friends. The season opener is on TV Thursday night, and Norris and I are already getting excited!

Last, but not least, here's a little photo or two of the pups in their favorite place. (and mine) The sun.

Happy end of summer!