Detropia

Zeb and I just finished watching a documentary (http://www.detropiathefilm.com/) about the history of Detroit and it's connection to the manufacturing industry, namely GM.  Obviously, living in Durham Region, we both took a particular interest in knowing more about the how's and why's of the demise and decay of this once-bustling city - kinda hits close to home.  Afterwards, as he tends to do, he got on Google Earth and started looking around the city - specifically near the old train station - what we saw was really quite sad - this once majestic building is now a decaying mass of it's former glory - falling apart, crumbling, useless...

We kept "walking around" the neighbourhood until we found something really cool - in the midst of all this depression, a little miracle on Wabash Street.  Google Earth streetview takes images of places and updates periodically; for this particular address on Wabash Street there's what appears to be a wee glitch - in 2009 you can see a house with literal holes in the roof, the thing's falling down, obviously abandoned; really sad - but then you step forward and you warp into 2011 - two years later - and holy cow, there's a brand new house sitting there, complete with people sitting on the front porch!  Now, I know this doesn't seem like much, but I just found it so inspiring - there are still people there who care - people who are rebuilding, who are saying "this is my home and I'm not leaving" - there is still a community, a tiny beacon of light shining through the storm.  I wanted to post the "before" and "after" pics here, to show you what I'm talking about - so here you go....

So, let's try to stay balanced in our mental digestion when we hear apocalyptic stories sensationalized in the media - yes, what has happened and continues to happen in Detroit and many other cities is a cruel trying hardship....but as long as there remains the remarkable miracle that is our collective human spirit, I think we'll all be OK.

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?
Rose Kennedy 

After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.
William R. Alger

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.
Corazon Aquino 

I'm a Broker!

I've wanted to earn my Broker's designation for years now - after being a real estate salesperson for so long, I felt it was the next logical step in my career.  But, as with many aspirations, life always seemed to get in the way - especially having my two children!  Last year my husband retired from the Canadian Airforce and has been staying home with the kids, allowing me to focus more on my business.  This fall I finally made the decision to do what I've always wanted to do, and I enrolled in the Broker's course, wrote my exam, and funny enough, I passed the thing!  So I'm happy to announce that as of today, I am officially a Registered Real Estate Broker.  I also wanted to say how thankful I am to have the family support that I have - my husband, parents and sisters are such an amazing source of inspiration and strength, I couldn't have done it without them!  :)

Two 4-bedroom Homes for Sale in Newcastle!

Robin and I have listed two spectacular homes for sale in Newcastle Village, Ontario.  Both homes are offered at $369,900 and have 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, eat-in kitchens and are in established pockets. 

We are hosting an open house tomorrow, Oct.27th 2-4pm at 48 Lillian Crescent, come out to see us and check out this great home!

Bowmanville parents organizing fundraiser for their young son - Saturday August 10th 8am to 4pm

I saw a post of Facebook today about a young boy who actually attended the same daycare in Bowmanville that my daughter did last year.  His parents have had a very challenging year, not only with Logan's diagnosis of Autism, but also their youngest child fighting a serious bacterial  infection as a baby.  Being a parent to young children in good health is hard enough, I can't imagine what it's been like for the Syers'.  In order to get Logan the care and help he needs to reach his highest and best potential, the family is organizing a huge community fundraiser next Saturday August 10th at 26 Lawrence Crescent in Bowmanville from 8am to 4pm.  There will be a yard sale, bake sale and 50/50 draw with raffle prizes including a Keg gift certificate and wine basket!  As a parent to young children, and a member of our incredible Clarington community, I'm asking everyone who reads this to pass the info along, and come out to show support for this lovely family next Saturday!

http://www.durhamregion.com/community-story/3910536-bowmanville-parents-organizing-massive-yard-sale-to-help-autistic-son/

 

Open House 5120 RR57 @ Taunton, North Bowmanville

Robin and I are hosting an open house today (Sunday July 28th) at our newest listing, 5120 RR57 in North Bowmanville (a few houses North from Taunton Road) from 2-4pm - come check it out!  This is a truly unique and special property, worth seeing as the pictures, as beautiful as they are, are a drop in the bucket compared to seeing this piece of heaven in person.  Properties like this do not come up often - hurry up before we buy it ourselves!! :)

New North Clarington Bungalow Listing.....Coming Soon $449,900!

Robin and I just listed an INCREDIBLE property in North Clarington...it will be coming on to the market soon...here's a sneak preview...walkout bungalow on a park-like manicured private lot, finished basement with an in-law suite...when this one hits the market it'll go quick, so let us know if you have any questions in advance!

Things to do today in Newcastle....cause it's HOT!

If you're at home wondering what in the heck you can do today in Newcastle, here are some ideas to help cool you off!

- Splash Pad at Walbridge Park (beside Newcastle Public School, on Glass Court)
- Public Swimming at the Newcastle and District Recreation Complex (1780 Rudell Road)
- Get an icecream cone at the parlor in Sears, downtown Newcastle
- Have a drink on the Patio at The Old Newcastle House (downtown Newcastle)
- take a walk along the water at the Port of Newcastle Marina & Beach Area

Enjoy the heat - we'll be freezing again before we know it! :)