It's an ugly, rainy, snowy day here in greater Chicagoland.
It's cold, damp... even with the Snain (my own word... snow and rain), there are still a few inches of snow stubbornly adhering to the ground. And I've got an inspection scheduled for later in the day.
Snain, Snain, go away.
I'm not looking forward to walking the outside of the house, through the rain, the snow and the slush... but what a great day to make sure that the roof, and basement aren't leaking.
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The news anchors at our local station, WGN-channel 9, have been together for years!
You may wonder what they do during those long commercial breaks. Well, as your source for everything inane, I'm here to answer that question. Here are anchors Robert Jordan, and Jackie Bange with a routine that has clearly developed over many years.
You can feel that they're very comfortable with each other, and in complete sync with one-another. Well, almost, complete sync. And yes, it's safe for viewing at the office.
I gave myself a holiday present this year, and drove (with my younger sister) to have lunch with my other younger sister in Indianapolis.
That's right... she lives in Columbus and we drove out from Chicago to meet her "bout" halfway.
Lunch was nothing fancy, just a triad of siblings sitting, laughing, eating (it wouldn't be a May event, without some eating), and a little driving our waitress at Applebee's (on 421 North) a little crazy, sitting way too long, laughing way too loud and overstaying our Applebee's welcome.
Along the way, we drove through a field of Wind Turbines which were impressive enough for me to drag out the i-phone, and see what I could learn about them.
And, yes, these photos were taken on my iphone, through the windshield of my sisters VW Bug (she was driving) going 70 miles per hour (or so)... so cut me some slack.
I learned that what we were passing through on Interstate 65 was called the Fowler wind farm and was part of three wind farms in the area, amounting to almost 900 of the turbines you see in the photo, spinning happily along with a mild breeze. They were an impressive site.
To give you some idea of their stature... the "stem" averages about 250 feet to the turbine itself and the propeller blades have a "wingspan" of 250-313 feet themselves.. (adding an impressive 125-156 feet in height to the already gigantic stems).
Fowler wind farms call themselves the largest wind farm in the U.S., perhaps the world, and have enough turbines to produce 600-800 MW of power. Just how much power is that, you may ask, and what does that mean to the real world?
Well, I'm glad you asked... Wikipedia says that 600-800 MW (which I believe is Mega Watts) of power is enough to power 200,000 average American Households! (I don't know if that's per day, or per year... it was very unclear...anyone who can answer that, I'll update this story).
It was almost as impressive driving back home at night, as each of these turbines has a little red blinking light atop it's turbine, and they all blink in unison... as far as they eye can see.
Blinky, Blinky, Blinky, blinky, blinky, blinky, blinky, blinky
... well you get the idea. Fun, huh?
Oh, and lunch was grand!
If you're fortunate enough to live in (or near) the wonderful city of Chicago, you have heard of, or visited the Lincoln Park Zoo.
The animals demand (and deserve) a little holiday festivity, just like the rest of us, and they seem to enjoy the colours and the crowds who come to ooh and ahh over them (and the lights).
So we took that opportunity last night to walk the zoo and freeze our gonads off enjoy the lights. I apologize for the crappy quality of the photos, but those damn point-and-shoot digital cameras have a tough time with night lights.
Hey, whatcha gonna do?
After we'd walked about 43 miles through the frozen tundra.... (allright, allright, it wasn't that far, and it wasn't really that cold)... only to find most of the animals either invisible, sleeping or disinterested, we decided to warm up by walking practically across the street to one of Chicago's more famous restaurants (R.J. Grunts), where the salad bar was first introduced to the public in 1971.
That's right, the salad bar was invented right here in Chicago, according to "Mr.
Grunt", due to his laziness, and getting tired of people complaining about his salad-making skills, so he said "Hey, let's put the refrigerator in the middle of the restaurant and let people make their own salads!" And the rest, as they say, is history.
It was warming, and good, and there wasn't a "healthy" thing on my plate! And that's just the way I like it!
Happy Holidays, y'all!
Okay, this morning, I performed the most sacred of our civic duties. I voted. And now I'm on my way to
Starbucks, who's offered a free cup of Joe (no, not Joe the Plumber) for all those who've voted.
My daughter called me early this morning to remind me of the importance of voting... (and since I live in the Chicago area, the sound byte that resonates in my ear is "Vote Early, Vote Often"!).
I could hear, in her voice, her excitement, her fervor for the process. She was excited, she was invigorated. My wife is off work, this afternoon, and plans on spending the afternoon volunteering for her candidate in the party's office, making phone calls (on her own cell phone) reminding people to get out and vote.
My wife is emotional about this election... she was almost teary-eyed, as she explained how long she waited in line, who she talked to while she was at the polls... the atmosphere at the polling place. Charming.
This is not about which candidate you support. This is not about whether your candidate wins or loses (at least this POST is not about that). This is about exercising your right to vote for the candidate of your choice. There are many countries in the world, where people are still fighting for the right to vote. Still spilling blood over what we take for granted.
Don't sit back, presuming you know the outcome already. Don't sit back, because you're not in a battleground state, and therefore your vote won't count. Make your voice heard.... get out there and press that button, punch that ballot, and set an example for the rest of the world.
VOTE. It's your right, it's your duty, it's your privilege.
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Residential Real Estate specializing in Evanston, the entire north shore, and northern areas of Chicago. Condominiums, & Single-Family homes
Realtor® - Evanston, IL - Alan May
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
CNS - Certified Negotiation Specialist
ABR - Accredited Buyer's Representative
USAA Certified as a listing or buyer relocation expert
Cartus Certified as a listing or buyer relocation expert
President's Circle National Award Winner.
I am a residential real estate agent practicing on the north shore of Chicago. I specialize in Evanston properties, but also work in all the north shore suburbs (Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Skokie, Glenview, Glencoe) as well as into the city (Rogers Park, Andersonville, Edgewater, Lakeview).
The opinions expressed in my blog are those of the author only, and are not necessarily endorsed by the author's company or affiliated businesses. Any data provided is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in comments to this blog are not necessarily endorsed by the author. All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. I make no representation as to it's accuracy and will not be held liable for any errors or ommissions. So there! All blogs are copyrighted © on the date, world rights reserved, from the date they are published.
All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be lliable for any errors, omissions, or delays in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from it’s display or use. Hey, my attorney is making me do this!
I am a Realtor®, and help buyers and sellers in Evanston, Illinois, and concentrate on the North Shore of Chicago. That includes, Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Kenilworth, Highland Park and more. I also show and sell property into Chicago, in the Lakeview, Edgewater, Andersonville, and Rogers Park areas.
I am not a strong believer in Open Houses. They are a wonderful tool that allows me to connect with new potential clients, but they're not a very good method of finding a buyer for your property. I'm also not a huge fan of print media. Sellers like to see Open Houses and Newspaper ads, because they're really the only tool that sellers are familiar with.
I stress a strong internet presence, broker's tours, professional photographs and virtual tours, color brochures, direct mail flyers and I like to make sure that I get a copy of your listing, directly into the hands of the top 100 agents in the area, who sell properties matching your description.
I used Alan to help sell my parent's home in Skokie. Alan was just great. Helpful, professional, and easy to work with. He went way out of his way to help me in so many ways. His easy manner and fast responses made the process a pleasure. It was like working with a new friend. I can recommend him without any reservations.
Barry B. 11/2011
Alan helped us buy our condo two years ago. As first-time buyers, we were nervous, but he put us completely at ease. Alan was extremely professional, personable, helpful and a true expert. He was patient with our many questions and was a joy to work with. He was also a master negotiator-- he managed to help us get the place of our dreams for an amazing price. I will definitely work with Alan again in the future and would recommend him to anyone
Sarah & Chris V. 10/2011
Alan worked with us for over a year as we searched for our first house. Throughout this time Alan was helpful, experienced and patient. When we found the right house, he guided us through the sale process and put us in touch with other top-notch professionals to see us through. I would definitely recommend him.
Jeff & Marybeth H. 09/2011
"I just wanted to thank you again for all of the work you did to close our transaction last week. We really can't thank you enough for all of your help through the whole process. It was an overwhelming under-taking for us to be searching for our first house, and it gave us great piece of mind to be working with such an experienced agent. We appreciate all of the time you took from your schedule to help us; from negotiating the sales contract, to letting in contractors at the last minute. You really exceeded our expectations and we will be recommending you to any person we know looking for a home in Evanston."
Laura & Scott November 2010
“Alan did an amazing job in helping us find our house in Chicago. He displayed professionalism, patience, and knowledge in showing us between 30 and 50 properties, while knowing we still had a house to sell in Seattle in the worst market in years. We could only look at houses during short trips to Chicago and Alan coordinated showings down to the minute and provided expert knowledge of neighborhoods we were looking in. Alan was referred to us by USAA and has since become a friend. While we hope not to have to sell//buy again soon, we know we will be including Alan in our next search.”
G. & L. September 23, 2009
“Alan was the real estate agent for the sale of our home in Evanston, as well as for the purchase of our condo in Chicago. We were worried about being able to sell our house in today's market. However, as a result of Alan's extensive knowledge of the market and his demonstrated salesmanship skills, our house sold quickly and at a great price! I would recommend Alan without hestitation.”
P.B. Friday, Jan, 22, 2009
from a fellow Realtor: It was a pleasure working with you on the sale of (Address). Your professionalism and attention to detail made for a seamless transaction. Many thanks."
J.M. Friday, Oct. 31, 2008
"I have bought and sold five properties with Alan. Alan is professional and knowledgeable and has become much more than merely a Realtor. He has become a confidant, counselor and a friend. I have used Alan in the past, and will use and recommend him in the future."
P.T. Tue Oct 3, 2006
"We interviewed three agents, and chose Alan May of Coldwell Banker. He suggested we price our home higher than the other two agents did. At first, we thought he was just telling us what we wanted to hear, but he convinced us that our home was worth more than the other two agents thought. We didn't list at the highest price of the range that he suggested, but we went under contract, with multiple offers, selling within $5,000 of Alan's suggested listing price! Alan was right, and if we'd listened to either of those other agents, we would have left a lot of money behind."
C. & J. Tue Jan 15
"Alan was the second agent I chose. I wish I had chosen him first. He was helpful and hands-on. I never had to wonder what was going on, he gave me ongoing feedback, and ultimately sold my unit for more than we both expected... well at least more than I expected."
Steven Sat Feb 18, 2006
"We have so much to thank you for, but did want you to know how we so appreciated all your efforts on our behalf"
S. & J. Tue Aug 30, 2005
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