Jem Woods - Marble Falls TX Real Estate

The word came out today that this years Bluebonnet Music and Fine Arts Festival will be headlined by Pure Prairie League on March 28th. Marble Falls' own John Martinez will open for them on Main Street. The evening will wind up with a street dance with Cornell Hurd's Big Ol' Band closing things out. The festival starts on March 27th and runs through the 29th. Another one of our great family oriented gatherings that takes place annually here in Marble Falls.

It's time to get the bikes out and start riding the hills again. April 4th is the kickoff of my season. The Pedal Power Wild Flower Ride is that day, leaving from LBJ State Park in Stonewall. Several routes are available to ride, ranging from 12 to 63 miles. The longer ride includes a lap around the Willow City Loop and is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. ALL proceeds from this ride go the the Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center, it's a great cause! I don't know what the entry fee is, but it's inexpensive and well worth every penny. Register online at http://www.hccac.org/ and click on "10th Annual Pedal Power Wildflower Ride".

Staying loose is the key now, because the Hill Country Ride for Aids is the next ride on April 25th. With rides from 10 to 100 miles (and a couple in between), this ride has gotten rave reviews from previous participants. All the information you'd ever want can be found HERE. If you've never taken your bike on one of these rides, do yourself a favor and give it a try. Combine the thrill of completing one of these rides with the knowledge that you're helping people in need, and the result is often times overwhelming. And you sleep good that night too!

Real estate in the Highland Lakes area of Texas is still alive and well. We've seen a slowdown over the past several months, BUT the phone is ringing and properties are selling. Prices have had some minor adjustments, but all in all it hasn't been that unpleasant. Our market normally cycles with the year (no pun intended), as much of the Texas Hill Country has become a prime vacation destination for people from throughout the country. With interest rates down and property values holding steady, it's a prime time to purchase the vacation or retirement property you've been looking for. If you'd like to take a look at the properties that we have available, you can Search the Highland Lakes MLS LIVE here. I'm always available for questions about the area or real estate, just give me a call at 830.385.3760 or Email Me.

Thanks for reading. . . Jem

This is an amazing idea that was brought about by one of my favorite writers, Julie Roads. Take a look, if you have time, and then download a copy for somebody you love. Donations to Career Gear are optional. I hope you enjoy this as much as I am enjoying it now.

The LOVE ebook

February 10th, 2009

I'm delighted to present you with a fantastic new option for Valentine's Day. This one doesn't die or wilt (flowers), it doesn't harm trees (greeting cards) and it doesn't cause a sugar high, a sugar low or unsightly poundage (candy).

The LOVE ebook is your long-lasting, eco-friendly, calorie-free alternative, though I won't lie and tell you it's not full of sugar. Because it is - by way of many beautiful love-inspired poems, photos and works of art from a spirited group of writers and artists. The stunning design comes by way of Kyle Lacy of Brandswag.

The goal of The LOVE ebook? To spread happiness & positivity and to make a difference for people struggling with the recession.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!!!

We've all had one of those days when we sit down, turn on the TV, and there is our hometown on the local news . . . and then the national news. We either swell with pride and start calling our friends and family, or bury our face in our hands, hoping this is the day that nobody else is watching. The latter is the case here in Burnet, Texas.

It really wasn't that long ago, within the past month or so, when the news broke. Andy's Landing, a popular local eatery made the lead story on the local and national news. It seems that one of the cooks had a lapse in judgment and decided to express his ill will for the local police chief by doctoring his food in an unsavory way. I won't bore you with the details, but the local joke involves buns, boogers, and a "big ass sandwich". Not a happy thought.

The general reaction was of disgust and distain. Mine too, eventually. You see, Andy's is an outstanding restaurant that serves above average food and has incredible service. Like many hometown restaurants (and Cheers), everybody knows your name and stops by to say hello when you're there. They ask about your family and call your kids by name . . . you get the idea. Just a great place that's filled with warmth and good friends. This one act was the exception, not the rule. It was the act of an individual that has taken on a life of its own and has now literally sucked the life out of Andy's Landing.

As I drove into the office this morning the sign out front read "CLOSED". I had heard last week that the decision had been made. The backlash was too great to overcome, people just quit coming. There were regulars that showed their support and continued to come in for lunch and dinner, but not enough. Kind of odd for a small town, but understandable. Andy worked hard to create one of the better places to eat in the area. His staff worked hard to make it a place that people loved to come and enjoy a good meal. Tiffany managed the place and always had a big smile on her face and a good word when you walked in the door. . . and my glass of sweet tea that showed up at my table before I ever ordered anything, and the chocolate mousse pie when she knew I was trying to shed a few pounds. I confess, I took a bite when she wasn't looking, it was her husband Brian's fault, he made me do it J

This is my tribute and expression of the happiness that will be missed. Y'all did a great job and it's a shame that one act could destroy a place that we all enjoyed so much. Thanks for everything and I look forward to the next time we meet. . .

The Texas Hill Country is one of the most amazingly beautiful places that God has created. Around every bend (and there are plenty of them) there are new and wonderful places to see and explore. We're lucky enough to have it all . . . well almost all, and then some. For example, we have the largest chain of lakes in the State of Texas, all here for your boating and fishing pleasures. We have mind blowing caverns that are rich with history, the cowboys and Indians type that both young and old kids enjoy. Wildflowers, wildlife, great places to eat, and most of all, we have wonderful people. And then . . . There Is The Castle!

Roll through the hills as you cruise down Park Road 4, and out of nowhere, BAM!!! There's an honest to goodness castle that pops up right before your eyes! Seriously, it's the maiden in the tower type of place. It sits atop one of the highest hills in Burnet County and has a magnificent 360 degree view that spans the hills and lakes as far as you can see. Built in the late 1990's, Falkenstein Castle is home to Terry and Kim Young. The castle footprint encompasses roughly four acres and is the place they call home. The Young's rent the "Palace" area of the grounds out for weddings throughout the year. In fact, Falkenstein Castle is now rates as the #3 best wedding castle in the United States, only behind Belcort Castle and the Biltmore Estate! Take a moment and check out their website, it's an absolutely beautiful place. Best of all, it's right here in Burnet County, in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country!

The National Wild Turkey Federation banquet for the Highland Lakes Chapter will be on March 7th in Burnet, TX at the Burnet Community Center. This year we have a special treat, the event will be hosted by Bob Lender, President of the Texas Chapter of NWTF! He recently moved to Marble Falls and now calls the Texas Hill Country home! Money raised will go towards helping the Wild Turkey and Habitat Restoration in Texas. The banquet is being catered by a group out of Fredricksburg and will feature Chicken Fried Steak, all the fixins, and all drinks are provided with your ticket.

Tickets are $50 and include your meal, a membership to NWTF (with magazine and news letters), door prizes, and a night of fun. There will be several hunts and guns up for auction, as well as knives and other memorabilia. Come and join us for a night of fun that you'll never forget!

If you'd like more information, please give me a call. I can set you up with tickets too. Sponsor tables are available and appropriate donations are being accepted (hunts, wildlife paintings, etc. . .)

Hope to see YOU there!