Our neck of the woods, South Central Missouri, made national, headline news this week - we received massive amounts of rain in a very short time span.
During this time, I was scheduled to show a wonderful riverfront home to a couple from California. The wife called, in a panic - was the house under water? I assured her that the home itself sat up high on the bluff and was safe and sound. I also reminded her now was a great time to see a property - is there water pooling in the yard, does the roof appear to leak, does the walk out basement need to be pumped out?
They indeed came out, spent a very nice day with my husband (as I am home sick... which is a whole different blog!) and I do believe they will be calling Missouri home in just a few short weeks.


The top photo is from our listing on Turkey Ridge in Lebanon, MO taken October 2007. You really have to look to see the Niangua River. It's not very wide at the bend....
The bottom photo, taken from about the same spot, just a few days ago in March 2008. You can see the river banks have over flowed into the field beyond.

____________________________
Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty, at 417-468-5900 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, or Buffalo, Missouri.
To view all our listings and auctions, visit: http://www.uctheozarks.com/
Contact Debbie at: Debbie@ucvip.com
Copyright © 2008 By Debbie DiFonzo, All Rights Reserved. The information provided herein is obtained from multiple sources and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.
United Country VIP Realty opened thier second office in the beautiful town of Marshfield, MO in January 2007. Since then we've been soaking up all that Marshfield has to offer. I was amazed by their Cherry Blossom Festival and know you will be too!
The Festival begain back in 2003 and has blossomed each and every year. The line up for this year is quite impressive! You'll see a focus on Presidential history and the families that have given support to the leaders of our country. (In fact, I heard a rumor that I'm trying to confirm: The grapevine tells me John McCain's Mother and Aunt may be in town for tea during the festival! I'll keep you updated on that little tid bit!)
Mark your calendars - hope to see you here - Marshfield, MO Cherry Blossom Festival 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
9AM: Japanese Lantern lighting ceremony- Hartley Park - Free Admission
10AM: Unveiling of George Washington bust- Webster County Courthouse -Speaches by George Washington family and other VIP's
11:15 AM: Lecture by Freeman and Leeman Kleier (crew members of Air Force One) at Webster County Library - Free Admission
2:00 PM: Cherry Blossom Tea, hosted by the ladies of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church - Free Admission
4:00 PM: Cyclone Memorial dedication at Hartley Park, honoring the victims of the April 1880 cyclone, Blind Boone presenation - Free Admission
7:30 PM: Haunted Tour of Marshfield, meet at the Webster County Museum. $3.00 a person, bring walking shoes, flashlight and dress according to the weather.
Friday, April 25th, 2008
10AM: Remembrances of Margaret Truman Daniel, remarks by longtime friends and family members, musical solos - Free Admission
11:30AM: Betty Lynn Scholarship luncheon- First Annual event to raise funds for a scholarship for someone participating in the arts - Location:?, Price: ?
2:00 P.M.: Missouri Walk of Fame ceremony- Honoring Famous Missourians - Returning honorees will be joined by 2008 honorees. Including: Roger Baum, Robert Cummings, Ozark Mountain Daredevil, The Darlings (Andy Griffith Show), The Philharmonics, Rand Brooks, Margaret Truman Daniel and others - Free Admission
4:45 P.M.: Harry S Truman Symposium- Honoring Pearl Harbor Survivors -Forum featuring the day of infamy, presenting the Cherry Blossom Award to three Webster County Peal Harbor widows - Free Admission
7:00 P.M.: Hubble Dinner - Presenting the Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative - Honoring: George Cleveland, Justin Rockefeller, Mitch Yockelson, John Eisenhower, Fred Crane and others - Location:? - Price: ?
Saturday, April 26th, 2008
City Wide Garage Sale: Vendors set up at 7 A.M.
Older American Center Pancake Breakfast
8:30 A.M.: Cherry Blossom Sunrise Service, bringing the faith community together to worship - Free Admission
9 A.M: Indoor Booths open at the Marshfield Activity Center - Free Admission
10 A.M.: Musical Entertainment begins at the Marshfield Activity Center
10 A.M: Horse Shoe Tournament - Open, non-sanctioned tournament - Rotary Park, $10.00 entry fee, call 417-859-2781 - In case of inclement weather tournament will be canceled
11 A.M.: Harry S Truman bench dedication - Keynote speaker: John Truman, President Harry S Truman's nephew - Free Admission
11 A.M.: Little Miss and Mr. Cherry Blossom Contest - For more information call 417-859-4774
1:00 P.M.: R.M.S. Titanic Memorial dedication - Honoring those from Missouri who were aboard the R.M.S. Titanic - Keynote speaker: Mary Joyce, who's father was a Titanic survivor - Free Admission
2:00 P.M.: Cherry Pie Contest - Webster County Library, Call 417-468-2324 for more information
3:00 P.M.: Lady Bird Johnson Memorial Grove - The Cherry Blossom Festival honors Lady Bird Johnson with a grove of Cherry Blossom trees - The Marshfield Mail, Free Admission
4:15 P.M.: Cherry Blossom Queen Contest - Free Admission, Call 417-859-4143 for more information
5:00 P.M.: Forum for America's Future - A forum featuring future leaders of the nation - Free Admission
7:00 P.M.: President's Forum - Featuring members of the nations First Families (Honoring Shannon Lanier and Devon Nixon) - Free Admission
Sunday, April 27th, 2008
9 A.M.: Indoor booths open at the Marshfield Activity Center - Free Admission
2:30 P.M.: Free Gospel Concert - Benefit for the historic Callaway Cabin restoration for Hidden Waters Park - Featuring: First Grace and the Hallelujah Singers
6:25 am
Lebanon, MO
Rolling Trout waters
Trout tag secure
Weighter's snug...
Almost ready....
This morning at 6:30 am the sound of the opening siren could be heard for miles. Fishermen (and women) were greeted with clear skies and a promise of temperatures in the 60's.
Opening Day of Trout Season at Bennett Spring State Park was officially under way. 
While I am not a fisher-woman, I do enjoy the park and took a trip down to see all the excitement. License plates from Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Ohio were plentiful. Throw in a few from Wyoming and Florida, with one from Nevada for good measure. I'm sure there were others I didn't notice.
Park officials estimated over 3,000 trout tags would be sold today alone.
Here are a few fun facts about Bennett Springs State Park, some more well known than others:

Before leaving the Park this morning, I talked to one dedicated fisherman, Joe, while he was walking along the road, heading back to the water, I asked him about his experience so far. He said the water was high and running fast, making the water muddy. Said it was slow going today; he was still empty handed. But, he was back to the water. For my new friend Joe, it wasn't about catching any fish, it was all about the experience...
The experience of Opening Day, Trout Season 2008.


Events for February & March
Saturday, February 16 make plans to attend the SWEETHEART BARN DANCEat the Marshfield Equine Center at 6:00 p.m. This event is fun for the whole family! There will be a cover charge of $5.00 per person - DJ Jazzy Janie will be the DJ for the evening.
FUN PRIZES
*Two Steppin' Contest *Texas Swing Contest * Toe Tappin' Contest for Children 12 years old & younger * Get Your Groove On Contest for sweethearts 50 years old and over!
RSVP FOR THE SWEETHEART DINNER BEFORE THE DANCE
The Cowboy Cafe is offering a Dinner Special for $21.00
it includes......
*2 Salads *2 Steaks with Baked Potatoes & 1 add'l Side
*2 Desserts & 2 Drinks
Call 417-859-0909 to RSVP
Saturday, March 1 - 2nd Annual Community Indoors Garage Saleat The Marshfield Activity Center. Proceeds from the Vendor fees will raise money for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library here in Marshfield and for the Marshfield Activity Center. They will have concessions and a bake sale. If you are interested in being a vendor or have questions, call Leslie at 417-859-6214 or Suzanne at 417-859-4924.
Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. - Randle Chowning & The Great Notions with members from THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS and BIG SMITH with Guest Performances by THE MARSHFIELD JUNIOR JAYS will be at the Carl & Glessie Young Community Auditorium. All proceeds benefit the Marshfield Public School Foundation. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 before the day of the concert. Tickets may be purchased from any MPSF Board Member or at Brooks Gas Co. Call 417-859-2549 for more info.

Sunday, March 2 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - MARSHFIELD'S 1ST BRIDAL FAIR, sponsored by Whitestone Wedding Chapel and Big Day Bridal Boutique & Formal Wear. Take a short drive on Hwy CC to Whitestone Wedding Chapel and see a large variety of vendors, a Fashion Show & more! For more information call Destiny 417-840-3364 or Kate 417-241-0096.
For more information from the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Information Center, contact Pam Cook at 417-859-3925
_____________________________
Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty, at 417-468-5900 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, or Buffalo, Missouri.
To view all our listings and auctions, visit our WEBSITE or Debbie's WEBSITE.
Contact Debbie at: Debbie@ucvip.com
Copyright © 2008 By Debbie DiFonzo, All Rights Reserved. The information provided herein is obtained from multiple sources and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.
Debbie DiFonzo Recognized as Contributing Author to Real Estate in 2008 Book of Top Ideas for the Challenging Market of 2008
Debbie DiFonzo, one of the premier Realtors in Marshfield, MO, recently joined hundreds of top agents as a contributing author to Real Estate in 2008.
Marshfield, MO (Best Agent Business) January 4, 2008 - Debbie DiFonzo, Broker/Owner of United Country VIP Realty in Marshfield, joined with hundreds of top real estate agents around the country to write Real Estate in 2008 in less than a month.
Real Estate in 2008 (http://www.realestatein2008.org/) helps buyers, sellers and agents succeed in a challenging 2008 market by providing hundred of ideas from top agents. Chapters include ideas on how to find motivated buyers, how to convince buyers it's time to buy, how to get sellers to price/position their homes and other creative ideas from around the country. These ideas are from top real estate agents who collaborated in an industry-wide effort which was launched during the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Conference in November 2007.
Debbie provided a number of ideas as to why buyers should buy in 2008 and how sellers can prepare, price and position their properties to be sure they get sold in 2008. "Now more than ever, we must tell the story of a property with pictures. Over 80% of Buyers start on the Internet. They want to see the property through the eyes of the camera. A buyer that has shopped the Internet, has seen a lot of photos and has taken the visual tour and THEN contacted our office - they are a more serious Buyer. We have a minute or two to capture the essence of a home over the Internet," said Debbie DiFonzo.
"Debbie contributed some great ideas to the book and shared her knowledge with other agents and consumers," said Steve Kantor, President of Best Agent Business and author of Billion Dollar Agent - Lessons Learned. "Over, 1,000 top agents around the country brainstormed and contributed ideas to write Real Estate in 2008 in record time. We wanted to help agents, buyers and sellers make the most of the 2008 real estate market."
Debbie DiFonzo has been a real estate agent for almost six years and is the owner of United Country VIP Realtyin Marshfield and Lebanon with her Realtor husband, Ray. Her primary website, http://www.uctheozarks.com/ provides information for both buyers and sellers along with area information.
Debbie, as an expert in the local area, provides the following opinion on the local real estate market in 2008: "We will continue to see growth in the Marshfield, Conway and Webster County area in 2008. Our prices are still much lower than other parts of the country, our taxes are lower and we offer a way of life that people around the country and around the world are craving. Our area is desirable on so many levels and we have property that can fit any situation - from homes in town to large acreages to river front parcels."
About Best Agent Business:
Agent. Best Agent Business provides part-time real estate assistants to real estate agents. (http://www.bestagentbusiness.com/).
About United Country Real Estate:
United Country is the only national real estate franchise system specializing in residential, farm
and ranch, commercial, retirement, second home and recreational properties in small cities and towns across America.
Contacts:
Debbie DiFonzo, e-PRO, GRI
Broker/Owner
United Country VIP Realty
1329 Spur Drive, Suite 160, Marshfield, MO 65706
521 E. Elm Street, Lebanon, MO 65536
417-468-5900 Office
417-533-4015 Cell Phone
http://www.uctheozarks.com/
Debbie@ucvip.com
Steve Kantor, President
Best Agent Business
http://www.bestagentbusiness.com/
book2008@bestagentbusiness.com
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