Donna Phillips

A recent article in a rural area of Colorado tells a story. This area aspired to become the next "Jackson Hole", times were "booming", in prior years, however, 2008 painted a different picture.

The local paper reported that the number of real estate transactions had declined in 2008 as compared to the prior year. Not news exactly, as many areas have the same report. However the Tribune went on to report overall sales had dropped 21 percent from last year. And compared to the real estate boom of 2005, sales were off 40 percent overall.

In spite of those negatives the good news subject was foreclosures. Actual initiated foreclosures were down in 2008 from those reported in 2007.

Colorado Biz magazine reports that median prices were down more than 15 percent, statewide from 2007 to 2008. They were off more than 16 percent in Chaffee County and nearly 24 percent in Pueblo County, though Fremont County saw values increase some 13 percent during that period.

Residential sales were off 17 percent from the years '07 to'08, with 127 such properties sold in 2007 compared to 105 last year. But Colorado Biz, using the month of November as a comparison, said the sales of single family units were off as much as 60 percent in some mountain counties, with the state decline nearly 22 percent.

The Tribune went on to close by reporting that sales statistics that show double-digit drops can be scary. But when put in perspective, and when compared to other regions, it can be said that Custer County's real estate market is not experiencing a flying freefall, but instead a natural adjustment from the high-flying days of 2005. And most local experts say better days are ahead. Like theirs, the Tribune's fingers are crossed. Wet Mountain Tribune

Know these guys? Well you can enjoy them in Pueblo Colorado. Country girl that I am, BLUEGRASS, is ROOTS and when performed by the ACKERMAN'S you'll be tapp'n your toe right along with the rest of us here at Colorado Western Real Estate.

1946 saw the birth of BLUEGRASS a new musical genre that generated as much excitement as the creation of rock'n roll would just a few years later. Today, led by Aaron Ackeramn, The Ackermans carry that same musical thrill forward into a new century. At a time when most top bluegrass bands are smooth, tight and virtuosic, The Ackermans retain some of the rugged, roughhewn dynamism, and emotional impact of traditional bluegrass to new audiences. From the moment they hit the stage until the moment they leave, the audience is going to be entertained!

On September 19-21, 2008, Pueblo will celebrate the harvest of the Mira Sol Chile as Loaf ‘N Jug convenience stores present the 14th Annual Chile & Frijoles Festival. The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce created the festival as a fun fall event designed to promote the area's agriculture, especially its home-grown chilies and pinto beans, as well as to display the works of many talented artisans and craftsmen. In the past years, the festival has grown from a few thousand people to well over 90,000. The festival will take place in downtown Pueblo, on Union Avenue between 1st and "B" Streets. Festival hours are Friday, 3pm-11pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. If you get to go, don't forget to visit the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk.

HINT: If you cannot be here for the real deal, fresh chiles, then visit your market and buy a can of green chilies (whole) and try this, you'll love it.....

Green Chile Quesadilla

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 roasted green chili, stem, veins and seeds removed
• ½ cup grated mild cheese, cheddar, jack or a fresh Mexican cheese

Place half the cheese on one side of the tortilla. Stretch out the chili to fan over the cheese. Sprinkle the other half of cheese over the pepper. Place the tortilla on top and grill the sandwich for just a minute on each side. Or, place one tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet. On medium heat, toast the quesadilla for a few minutes on each side until the cheese has melted. Serves one.