Dottie Hicks, ABR,CRS,GRI Historic Homes Specialist

It is the time of the year I love. A time for new beginnings, a time to come out of hibernation and feel the sun on your face, a time of awakenings. You can see it in the green that is bursting forth , you can hear it in the chorus of birds as they announce the rising of the morning sun, you can feel it in your soul and you can smell it in the air. Spring has arrived.

This morning as Bear and I left the house to walk the trail the parking lot ( which is across from my house) was filled with cars, it was 5 a.m. Their motors were running, an attempt to keep warm, and at 6 a.m they were on the river bank casting their lines into the crisp chilly waters. It was a cold morning and with coffee cups in hand they began their search for the big one. They are a special group, these fishermen, I have seen a couple of inches of snow on the ground opening day and still they were there, elbow to elbow. Snow, sleet, rain, ice, nothing could hold them back. Opening day of fishing season is here.

There was a cameraderie among this group that was infectious. There they were freezing their tails off, patiently casting their lines into the waters and having a good time amongst themselves, you could feel the bond among them, it was like a special club. We were warmly greeted and chatted with many of them. Some were disappointed in their lack of progress and others were grinning from ear to ear showingoff their catch. I began thinking about how success in fishing and real estate are similar and came up with the following thoughts.

1. FISH UPSTREAM Cast your line where the others have not. Do not follow the crowd, do your own thing.
2. USE THE RIGHT BAIT Market to a specific target, use materials relevant to the area and the type client you are trying to catch.
3. CHANGE BAIT IF NECESSARY If they are not biting it is time to use a different lure. Track your marketing if it is not working try something else.
4. USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT You can catch a fish with a string, stick and a hook, but you can catch more fish with a rod, a reel, and a fly. Keep up with the technology and innovations that can improve your game.
5. PERSEVERE Don't give up, keep casting your line until you find what works and then work it.
6. DON'T MUDDY THE WATERS Stay focused and you will reach your quota.

Dottie

Wishing you a full creel. Happy Fishing,

These 2 young promising men lost their lives while serving our country in Irag.

The community has established a Memorial Fund in their honor. Please support this good cause in the celebration of their life. Participate in the events listed below or if you are not local and would like to contribute please send a donation made out to the Anderson-Snyder Memorial Fund, see contact information below.

Lance Corporal Norman "Wally" Anderson III
Born July 21st, 1984
KIA- Sadah, Iraq- Oct. 19th, 2005, when a suicide car bomb detonated near him, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces. He has a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
Corporal Joshua David Snyder
Born Dec. 15, 1984
KIA-Fallujah, Iraq - Nov. 30, 2005, of wounds sustained from small-arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces. He has a Purple Heart.

ANDERSON - SNYDER MEMORIAL FUND

Established in the memory of these two fine and dedicated Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live freely as Americans.

The fund provides charitable, educational, and civic opportunities to the community.

"

Being a Realtor is a full time stressful business and leads to occassional spurts of burn out. Nothing like a beautiful snow to cleanse the mind and refresh the spirit. I am fortunate that I live in an area that enriches my soul. So what better way to rejuvenate than a walk on the bike/hike trail with my dog, Bear and my cat, My Boy (the cat who thinks he is a dog). We took photos as we walked and enjoyed the softness of everything around us. The silent snow falling was soothing and everything seemed to be right with the world. I recommend it for everyone.

This is the Owl Branch of the Little Gunpowder Falls.

Bear and My Boy enjoy their walks together. The Bike Hike Trail is a wonderful experience for parents with children, people with dogs and of course, for some cats ( not many). Oops forgot to mention those on bicycles. Please take the time to enjoy the sights along the river and allow yourself to shed the hustle and bustle of the world and rejuvenate, after all you only have one life and the key is to use it wisely. Come up to Parkton and see what it can do for you.