Melody Botting Real Estate Network

It is that time again. The economy is in turmoil, unemployment rates are high and the price of gas is through the roof, AGAIN. We are in need of nothing less than a knight in shining armor. So where is he/she? I am not able to cast a confident vote yet. Come election day I will, however.

I was very surprised, shocked even, to find out a good friend of mine has never voted in a Presidential election. We have argued our political views for years yet she has never taken the time to vote. I feel jilted and 'put on'. She has been complaining all this time about Bush yet she didn't 'not' vote against him?

I will not rant share my political views in this forum. In the past it has gotten me into trouble. I choose to share my opinion with family and very 'close' friends only. (and sometimes a school teacher trying to lead my children in the wrong direction). I have learned the hard way it can make friends and clients enemies FAST.

What I will share with you is this- I am learning more about the candidates and their priorities daily. I am spending a few minutes reading between the lines to figure out what kind of President I think they will make and if it is in our country's best interest. Early voting is probably not going to be an option for me because it is less than a month away and I haven't been 'impressed' yet. I will make a decision and vote on election day because it is my right and duty.

http://www.declareyourself.com/index.php

http://elections.dentoncounty.com/go.asp?Dept=82&Link=1013

Cast your vote or shut up for the next four years!

BTW- She is voting this time and it will be for McCain. She likes his square jaw. (oh, brother)...

Saturday was the best day I have had in a long time. The family got up early, went to my favorite breakfast restaurant, did a little shopping, and then we all worked out together. (Working out consists of swimming laps in a pool at the junior college). I stopped by Famous Footwear to replace my favorite tennis shoes. They were on sale but didn't have my size. The friendly sales clerk said, "No problem. We will send them to you at the sales price and will not charge shipping costs." I was thrilled to say the least.

Not wanting the perfect day to end I suggested we all go to the Drive-In. It is approximately an hour from home and we hadn't been in a few months. The girls had other plans so Tony and I decided to go without them. We took two of the dogs. We loaded the Tribeca with lawn chairs, blankets, dog treats and went on our merry way. I checked the website and they now take credit/debit cards so there was no need to stop for cash. Which was great because we had to beat the sunset!

The Galaxy Drive-In is located in Ennis, TX. They show most of the current movie releases and admission is only $6 per person. They encourage you to purchase food from the snack bar because they do not make much profit from the movies. However, they advertise '70's prices so it still is a fare deal.

Every time I go I am transported back to my childhood and teenage years. Watching movies under the stars with the smell of popcorn and junk food in the air is heart warming. The bugs weren't biting. In fact, the night was a little cooler than usual. It was a nice break from the Texas heat. Before the movie and during intermission the snack bar advertisements and movie count down are still the same. There are dancing colas, hot dogs, and pictures of 50's model cars sitting in the lot. The music is even from the 50's. Granted, I wasn't around that early but I can appreciate the nostalgia.

This is where it gets good- After exercising the dogs we decided it was time to get snacks. The movie was about to start so we needed to do it quickly. Tony stayed with the dogs and unloaded the SUV while I went to the concession stand. He said, "Hey, do you need cash?" I said. "Not a problem. I have a debit card. I checked the website and they take them now." So off I went... The line was out the door and around the corner. It was crowded!!! There were many children running around and video games blaring. I waited my turn. When I finally got to the register there was a woman standing behind me. I almost stumbled into her. She said, "It is ok." When the clerk told me it would be $16, I handed her my debit card. The clerk said, "We don't take credit cards." I said, "But... I checked the website and it clearly states you do." She said, "I am sorry but it will be a couple of more weeks before we can accept them." So here I am with my arms full of junk food and not a penny on me.

The woman I almost stumbled into was still standing behind me. She said, "It is only $16, here you go." I say, "Oh, I couldn't let you do that. My husband is in the car. I will just go back and get cash." She says. "No, it is not a problem really. The movie is about to start and you will be waiting again." So I loaded her name and cell number into my phone and promised to find her during intermission.

Silly me didn't ask which movie she was watching. I just assumed they all ended about the same time. Wrong! Another mistake I made was thinking I would have cell service. Wrong, yet again. Tony and I were getting tired so we decided to leave before the second feature. I kept watching the other screens to see if the other movies were ending. When my cell doesn't have service I can usually sqeeze out a text message or two. After a few attempts it finally worked. As luck would have it she was leaving as well and headed toward the exit. We met up with her and thanked her again.

I don't know about you but I am not used to people being that nice. I am sending her a link to this post via text message.

"Thank you again, Debbie. I appreciate your kindness."

BTW- When we stopped for gas on the way home I told Tony he better buy a lotto ticket!

I attended my daughter's last choir concert at Lakeview Middle School yesterday. It was called "Lakeview Live! A Showcase of Broadway Musicals." It was a bitter sweet occasion for me because my youngest child is going to high school next year and it is likely the last time I will be inside Lakeview Middle School. It marks a new era in my daughter's life and mine.

When Lakeview changed music directors I had concerns. My older daughter was taught by Ms. Fannin. She learned more in choir in three years than I did in my sixteen years of choir practice. The new director, Mr. Moses, had big shoes to fill. He met the challenge! I was overwhelmed with the amount of emotion and talent I witnessed last night. I am glad my daughter got an opportunity to be in his class.

Thank you Mr. Moses. You did a great job teaching the children and motivating them to give it their all! I really appreciated the show tunes and will think of it fondly for years to come.

My daughter said she was excited to sing one particular song. She already knew all the words and knew I would be happy to hear it. For those of you who have not seen the musical Rent, or the movie, here is one of the songs that moved me.

RE/MAX Empire Realty located at the NE corner of Hwy 121 and Main in the shopping center with Ross and Staples. Address 4709 State Hwy, 121 Ste #124 The Colony, TX. 75056 Phone 469-362-3360. FAX 469-362-3286. Office website http://empirerealty.texas.remax.com/

Article announcing the opening http://remaxtexas.frogpond.com/DispArticle.cfm?ARTICLE_ID=16150

Striving to provide exceptional service for exceptional results!

This report is derived from information pulled from the local MLS.

New Listings- 27

Pending Contracts- 6

Sold Homes- 4

This is a ten day market update. Pricing your home to sell is a complicated process. Hiring a real estate professional is the best way to insure you get the highest and best price for your home.

If you are curious about what your home would sell for in this market I would be happy to help. Please email me at melodybotting@remax.net . To search for homes in this area go to www.melodybotting.remax.com .