Alisha Harrison ~ Allyn, Belfair and Hood Canal real estate expert!

I still remember how I felt when the box arrived. It always came, no matter where we lived. It came to our apartment in San Diego. It made it all the way to Italy and found us in Florida and Georgia. A week or so before Christmas, that wonderful box would show up on our doorstep. It always included the best things! Homemade fudge from my Nana, we still make her recipe every year. And the Christmas packages were always so beautifully wrapped, even if the bows were squished from shipping. But my favorite package, the one I always looked for, was from my grandpa Dell. We had a special relationship, even though we lived so very many miles apart. I always looked for that package. It was the one I was allowed to open on Christmas Eve. And even though I knew what it contained, I was always excited to open that package. What color would it be this year? Would it have flowers or hearts or frills or ribbons? It was my special Christmas Eve nightgown. The one I would wear while I dreamed of sugarplums dancing in my head. My grandpa Dell passed away when I was about 12 years old and I miss him - but I think about him at Christmas time and smile.

Well my goodness, it has been quite sometime since I've had the chance to breathe, let alone blog! But, I have a few (read: VERY FEW) spare minutes so I figured I'd multi-task and breathe AND blog at the same time. Hopefully I'm not biting off more than I can chew! (Oh, that reminds me, I should eat... )

This time of year is so wonderful. Steeped in tradition. And as this is our first year with our daughter, we are enjoying some of our old traditions as well as creating new ones. I'll write a post about that at a later date.

Last weekend was the Annual Installation Dinner for the Mason County Association of REALTORS. It is such a fun event. I didn't take my camera this year because I was enjoying a rare night out with my husband and without responsibilities (read: the baby was with a sitter and then went home with her grandparents.) Now, while this was her first time with a sitter (other than her grandparents) I was still minding my Ps and Qs early in the evening while she was onsite. However, it was a nice evening - and I enjoyed being free of responsibility, including my camera!!

I am very proud of my team. I am a member of "Your Dream Team" for a reason. We are all like minded, and choose to serve our Association and Community in a variety of ways. One of those ways is by being active on out local Board of Directors. Margie, one of my business partners, was installed as the 2009 President of MCAR. My other partner (and father) was installed as a 1 year director (he was the 2007 President) and I was installed to serve the second year of my position as 2 year director. We all feel that it is important to give of our time, and we enjoy doing it.

The party was a lot of fun. Good food and great socializing.

... you'd better not cry, I'm tellin' you why...

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!!

St. Nick is visiting Allyn the Saturday after Thanksgiving to kick start the Christmas season! He will be arriving on a bright red fire engine, as the reindeer are still in training for their big night on Christmas Eve. It is quite a site to see, so kids, bring your parents to the Allyn Waterfront Park and Gazebo at 4pm on Saturday, November 29, 2008.

There will be hot drinks and homemade cookies to enjoy. Perhaps even some live music under the gazebo.

So, come enjoy the gazebo in all it's holiday glory, make your lists and be extra nice. We'll see you there!

Happy Holidays!

Under a spreading chestnut tree

The village smithy stands;

The smith, a mighty man is he,

With large muscles of his brawny arms

Are strong as iron bands.

Longfellow, 1841

The Old Cedar Forge offers visitors the opportunity to experience rustic Americana. Take a step back in time as you to step into The Old Cedar Forge in beautiful Allyn, WA. Once there, you'll be welcomed in by the owners Jerry and Ina Culberson. Jerry, a renowned blacksmith artist of 57 years, uses a 2,400 degree forge, anvil and hammers to create his commanding works of art. He is proud to hone his craft and considers it an honor to help preserve an art form that is hundreds of years old. His craftsmanship and expertise are evident in every piece.

In addition to practicing the art of blacksmithing, Jerry also offers classes and has instructed over 1,400 students over the past 25 years. Classes are held throughout the year, so if you have the desire to swing the blacksmith's hammer or experience the brilliant orange glow of a fire in the forge, Jerry can teach you the basics and more!

If you do decide to take a class, Ina will make sure you feel at home and are well fed. She'll even take care of your sleeping arrangements! If classes aren't your thing, come by and take a tour, browse the gallery with over 300 products on display (many are available for sale), and if you call ahead the Culberson's will even arrange a demonstration for you.

The Old Cedar Forge is a fantastic place to experience first hand the age-old art of blacksmithing; to feel the weight of the hand-forged steel and to see the strength and quality of items made the good, old fashioned way!

Alisha Harrison is your local real estate expert for North Mason County, WA. Email or call (360.649.0374) me today - I'd love to share my community with you!

Ok, so everyone knows the Pacific Northwest is famous for its coffee and we Northwesteners are famous for being coffee lovers. Well, North Mason is no exception to the rule, and neither am I.

So, where do you go to get the best cup of coffee in Belfair? Starbucks? Well, yes, we have a Starbucks; and if you are looking for a place to go and sit and enjoy a great cup of coffee, then Starbucks is for you. The coffee is good, and the atmosphere is second to none with comfy chair and even free wifi.

However, if you are looking for a yummy coffee on the go, I highly recommend "The Beanery". Locally owned and operated, the Beanery is located at 23490 NE State Route 3 in Belfair. (Just down the street from my office - lucky me!) Independently owned and operated, you'll find fantastic baristas, eager to make your Grande non-fat white chocolate mocha (at least that's what they make me) and always with a smile and some pleasant conversation while they steam up the milk.

So stop by, tell them Alisha sent ya! And if you have a spare minute, stop by my office at 23552 NE State Route 3 - I'd love to tell you about the real estate market and my community!

Alisha Harrison is a member of "Your Dream Team" local real estate experts for Mason, Kitsap and North Pierce Counties. Helping people realize their dreams of home ownership! Call today! 360.649.0374