Next Thursday is the 73rd Running of the Manchester Road Race, and there is still time to sign up. If you are one of the few who have never run in it or cheered others on, you must check out this local extravangaza.

It began in 1927 and continued until 1934, when it was halted, most likely due to effects of the Great Depression and World War II. In 1945, dedicated runners, local businesses, and civic leaders reinstituted this annual event and it has continued ever since.

Runners, walkers, and spectators are drawn to the 4.748 mile course that runs through the center of Manchester, from Main Street to Charter Oak, Highland, Porter, and East Center Street. World-class runners compete for top prizes, less famous runners try to improve their times, and everyone else enjoys the cheering of the estimated 15,000-20,000 spectators that line the entire course. With music along the way, silly runners in costumes, and a bouyant atmosphere throughout, it is sure to become your tradition, if it is not already.

Last year, over 12,000 runners registered, with over 10,000 people officially finishing. The proceeds of the event support Muscular Dystrophy research and local charities.

If you want to see the spirit of Manchester and support good causes, sign up for the race. It's also a great way to get rid of a few calories early in the day so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner without guilt.

For more information, check out the official website: http://www.manchesterroadrace.com/

For pictures that capture the true essence of the race for many people, visit http://connecticut.metromix.com/events/photogallery/manchester-road-race-2008/800066/content

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind." Mary Ellen Chase. What better way to get the children in the Christmas state of mind that a visit to Santa at the Enfield Square Mall?

Santa will be arriving at the Enfield Square Mall (Target entrance) on November 21st at noon on a bright red fire truck. From November 21st until Decmeber 24th kids of all ages can visit Santa in the Center Court of the mall. Have pictures taken with Santa. Tell him what you want for Christmas, maybe it is your two front teeth, maybe you need to lobby with him to not get coal this year, or you want to ask for what might be the hottest, hard to get gift this year the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster. Who knew?

Not to leave out the four legged members of the family, Thursday December 10th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm bring your dogs to the mall and have their pictures taken with Santa.

When will Santa be there each day? Call the Mall office at (860) 745-7000 or email them.

The Enfield Square Mall is located at 90 Elm St. in Enfield, CT. You can visit Enfield Square by taking Interstate 91 and exiting on Exit 47E or Exit 48.

LEAPS AND BONES

201 EVERGREEN WAY

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT 860.648.9708

Are you getting into the Christmas spirit.. or trying too? Are your pets looking to join in the festivities? You have the opportunity this coming Sunday to take your pet dog or cat to Leaps and Bones to have them photographed with Santa.

BRING ME TO HAVE A PHOTO TAKEN WITH SANTA, PLEASE.

Leaps and Bones is sponsoring this event. They are looking for a $10.00 donation, where 100% of your contribution will be going to "Our Companions". Our companions is building a new facility in Ashford, CT for animals that have been surrendered, would be euthanized at human societies.. or just don't have a home. This place is a 'NO KILL' facility.. and could use our help.

So, if you are in the area, come by Leaps and Bones, this Sunday, November 22, 2009 between 11:00am and 4:00pm. They are located off I-84, Exit 62 at teh Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk. Bring your pet to help another pet. Isn't this what Christmas is all about?

Stay until 5pm, when they will be lighting the huge Christmas Tree right next door. You can make a day of it.

Hope to see you there.

FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT

Info about the author:

Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.

For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO

If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market. There is no better time than now to take advantage of these homes while interest rates remain at an all time low. For more information on Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

Copyright ©2009 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** SANTA PAWS IS COMING TO TOWN.... SOUTH WINDSOR CT***

3148 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT

860.666.8219

This past week was my younger son, Jakob's birthday. Yesterday we celebrated (again) with 2 games of Lazer Tag, and then ice cream for him and his friends at Mortensen's Ice Cream in Newington, CT.

They have over a dozen *homemade* ice creams and at least 15 different toppings to choose from. All of them had a blast with all the choices. They a 12 scoop sundae, 24 scoop sundae.. and the ultimate

200 SCOOP WHEELBARROW SUNDAE

I think this has got to be one of the LARGEST sundaes ever. So, if you have a birthday party, little league, sweet 16th celebration.. anything where there are a lot of people you can have one MAMOUTH SUNDAE... oh, did I mention.... you get to keep the wheelbarrow?

HISTORY OF MORTENSEN'S

Mortensen's was founded in 1915 with Elmer Mortensen delivering milk door to door by horse and wagon.

After having farms in Simbury, CT and Bloomfield, CT, he and his wife Joan moved to their farm in Newington, CT. Along with their seven children, they soon made Mortensen's A familiar landmark on the Berlin Turnpike. The whole *FAMILY* of cows were hard to miss grazing on the roof of their dairy Bar.

In 1976 they opened their present location, and began to make their own homade ice cream on the premisies.

Just as Elmer persisted in processing the best milk possible they are dedicated to serving the finest food and all natural ice cream anywhere!

Below are some more pictures I took.

FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE.. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT

Info about the author:

Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.

For real estate... all you need to know, is VALERIEO

If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT there are plenty of great buys in today's market. There is no better time than now to take advantage of these homes while interest rates remain at an all time low. For more information on Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.

Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net

Copyright © 2009 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved..... *** MORTENSEN'S PREMIUM ICE CREAM... NEWINGTON CT.... HOME OF THE WHEELBARROW SUNDAE ***

Fabulous townhome in East Windsor, Connecticut for sale. Desirable Meadow view complex with great access to highway.

Open floor plan. Living room with gas fireplace open to dining room with slider to deck and scenic yard. Large master bedroom with walk in closet and private bath. Very bright and modern. Pull into your own private garage. Sit on your own covered porch and hear the rain while you read your favorite book.

This complex in East Windsor has a quiet tranquil and welcoming feeling. Do not miss out on this one in Meadowview, East Windsor, Connecticut, you will not be disappointed!

East Windsor Meadowview complex is conveniently located to nearby shopping and highways.