Julie Q. Fuelling, Real Estate Consultant,

Confessions from a New Orleans Girl:

Last night, I accidentally left the hose running full force in the backyard. (I can hardly wait to see the water bill!) I woke up this morning to a flooded yard. It looks like you could inter-crop rice and crawfish out there. Did anybody say etouffee?

Following is a recipe from Emeril Lagasse for the much-loved Louisiana dish. And, even though Emeril is not from Louisiana, we accept him as our adopted son. Never forget: First you make a roux! Next comes the Louisiana Holy Trinity: onions, celery and bell pepper.

Ingredients

"The beauty ofMeadowbrook Farms Gold Course is in the details," says "The Shark", Greg Norman, designer of Meadow Brook Farms. As one of the most anticipated (transitioning into ) private clubs in Houston, Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club offers the serious golfer a private and unrivaled golf experience. The level of service is highly touted.

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Course winds throughout the gorgeous master-planned community of Seven Meadows in the heart of Katy. Its design is unlike any other in the Houston area. This Greg Norman Signature Course can be played from 5,000 to 7,100 yards with multiple tees and sod-wall bunkers. White sand and greens are generous, subtle and approachable. The par-72 course is nestled among a multitude of hardwood trees, creeks, lakes, and wetlands terrain. It is framed by true native prairie grasses and wildflowers all of which promote creative shot strategy.

Among the facility's most notable features are its GN-1 (hybrid Bermudagrass) tees, fairways, and roughs all created by Greg Norman Turf Company. The putting greens are Floradwarf and the perimeter roughs are native grasses and wildflowers providing beautiful vistas.

"From day one, being selected as the designer of Meadowbrook Farms was always a privilege. Members will discover a challenging course built in harmony with the site's trees, creeks, lakes and wetlands. Meadowbrook Farms ranks as one of my most favorite courses and also holds the distinction as being my only course in the State of Texas," said Greg Norman. This is quite an honor for Katy.

Perched above the 9th and 18th greens, the Clubhouse offers lovely views of the golf course while featuring the ambiance of a Texas ranch. Members and guests will enjoy an intimate lounge and a well-stocked golf shop. Camaraderie will carry on in the 19th Hole where a full service member's grill is planned. Other new member-focused amenities will be phased in as the club transitions to a fully private facility.

Designed to accommodate practice and private instruction, the Player Development Center includes a double-loaded driving range with practice areas at both the front and back. The facility also features GN-1 tee areas. There are various target greens and pitching greens with green side bunkers. There is a fairway that simulates a golf hole for driving practice. Distance locators, high-grade practice balls, spacious tee stations, golf bag rack with towels, benches and fresh water are all offered to complete the golfer's experience. The first-rate golf professionals provide private instruction, group lessons and clinics.

For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from my blog FuellingKaty.com.For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I offer financial incentives to my sellers/buyers. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 19 years. Experience does count!

Unfortunately, Cinco Ranch Fellowship will not be offering hot air balloon rides at their Festival on Saturday, the 7th. All other activities will proceed.

For more information on the Festival: See FuellingKaty.com

For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS at FuellingKaty.com. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I offer financial incentives to my sellers/buyers. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 19 years. Experience does count!

Firethorne is a relatively new Katy master-planned community strategically located on FM 1463 near the crossroads of the I-10 West Corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway. A 1,400-acre residential development, Firethorne was designed to combine the vibrancy of Katy with the small town charm of Fulshear.

Named for a resilient evergreen indigenous to the Texas prairie, Firethorne blends with the best nature has to offer boasting 150-acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities. There is a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike and bike trails, parks and playgrounds. There is a discovery-rich wildlife observation area, a natural bird habitat and more.

According to Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett, "To date, Firethorne has opened two fully furnished Model Parks. Three more will open in the Fall of 2009." The Visitor Center is pictured above.

Perry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Plantation Homes, Highland Homes, Coventry Homes and Partners in Building comprise the Firethorne builder team. Many designs, representing different prices, are available in Firethorne.

It is always best to purchase new construction with the help of a Realtor; it will not cost you anything and it will give you the protection of a professional to look out for your best interests. This is very important. Contact me, I have special buyer incentives.

For more information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from my blog FuellingKaty. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I offer financial incentives to my sellers/buyers. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 19 years. Experience does count!

Regardless of what the media reports, especially the national media, not all areas of the country are suffering a real estate free fall. Katy home sales, particularly those south of I-10, are occurring at a healthy economic rate. Let's look at the facts and figures by comparing December 2007 sales to December 2008. As you will see there is a negligible difference in the numbers.

• In December 2007, there were 133 pending sales; this is the exact same number as in December 2008.
• There were 212 actual sales in the month of December 2007 and 199 in December 2008.
• In December 2007, there were 810 houses on the market. Last month, there were 891 houses for sale.
• Monthly inventory describes how long it would take to sell the current inventory if not another house was put on the market. In December 2007 there was a 3.3 month inventory. The most current figures are 3.9 months to sell all the existing inventory.

For information about any Katy area home, you can search the entire Houston MLS directly from my blog, FuellingKaty. For questions or to tour any area homes, just contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I offer incentives to my buyers and sellers. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 19 years. Experience does count!