Retha Arrabal

Today -- at the General Membership Meeting there was a lot of D&G (doom and gloom) and bless her heart, Dinah Riordan of Chase, who is an amazing loan officer and wonderful resource for the Eastern Shore of Maryland sorta put it into perspective. We can sit there and complain, or seize this as a great opportunity. The $7500 tax credit for first time buyers (and that means if they haven't bought a home in the LAST THREE YEARS... which was news to me), of course, the lower prices, great rates.. It truly is a great time to buy.

It's important to remain positive, although (I struggle with it) it's sometimes hard to do -- but Dinah had a good point. We can sit here complaining or make hay while we can. It's a great opportunity!

Remember the three P's: Professional, Positive and ProActive....

Happy Friday tomorrow everyone!

We hopefully are experiencing an upswing in the market. One of the listings was shown 5 times in one day, almost UNHEARD of lately. We are noticing more activity despite the negative news (that seems to have slowed as well)... Oil prices have dropped, and I'm sure this has something to do with it.

Our area features many water access communities such as Rock Hall, Worton Creek Marina, Chestertown, Galena and Georgtown, etc. The boats are coming out, after a long summer of not much activity. The tourists are back (thinking 2nd homes) I'm optimistic that we are seeing a gradual upwards swing...

How about in your area? Tell me what is going on in your area?

Every Wednesday (unless Christmas falls on a Wednesday) Dixon Sale Barn has their auction, over 20 acres and a huge warehouse just full of things to sell People bring their "trash" which becomes someone's "treasures". The items are all auctioned that day. You must make arrangements to pay by check or credit card, otherwise, cash is due at the time the auctioneer says "sold" There are helpers to get your treasures to the car. Despite the fact there are antique dealers, it's amazing the deals that can be made.

And then, inside the warehouse are Amish vendors who sell wonderful butter, cheeses, bacon, bread, you name it. There is a restaurant that is available for a great breakfast and lunch, and you can take home a delicious baked chicken, absolutely mouthwatering. (Be sure to order one early, they run out quickly.)

In Chestertown be sure to check out Antiques on Cannon, stroll along High Street, visit The FInishing Touch, Carla Massoni's Art Gallery, enjoy a visit to Stams Drugstore for an oldfashioned soda and/or ice cream. Rachel's Flower Power, recently written up in Maryland Magazine has amazing flower arrangements, bromeliads, and fun jewelry. If you are getting hungry, The Feast of Reason features homemade breads for delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, or visit Play it Again Sam for coffee, tea or a glass of wine to be enjoyed in a comfy coffee house setting or out in the courtyard. There are wonderful B&B's in Chestertown, the Widow's Walk Inn, Brampton's, Laureteum or the ever popular Imperial Hotel.

Enjoy any of these places and much more in Chestertown, and stop by The Hogan's Agency in Historic Stams Hall and say hello.... or maybe I will see you at Crumpton at the sale. Remember on the First Friday of every month, the Downtown Chestertown Association welcomes you from 5:30 to 8:00 with refreshments, art exhibits, musicians and entertainment. August 1 is The Dog Days of Summer. Bring your dog, enter the contests, have a "Pawtrait" done of your animal, all free, but donations are welcome for the Humane Society of Kent County.

Think Pawsitive.....

Chestertown is quaint, historic, a wonderful place to live, a wonderful place to retire to. Probably best known for it's Memorial Day celebration, The Tea Party, but fine dining and fine lodging is available at The Imperial Hotel, located in the heart of the historic district, on High St. Steps to the dock at the foot of High St., the ambience of the Front Room, and the Tuscany Room is wonderful.

The food is outstanding, thanks to a wonderful creative chef, and there are wine tastings offered weekly at a reasonable price ($12.00 per person) which includes wonderful cheeses and breads. I'm one of their biggest fans and Joe Dolce, part owner and manager, has kindly provided me with the following menu (and permission to reprint it) Please come and enjoy... if you can stay a night or so, you won't be disappointed in the amenities and the service is outstanding! Happy hour is daily 4 - 6 in The Front Room, terrific apps and drinks by the outstanding bartender, Paul. Enjoy great conversation and music. Hope to see you there! .

Lots to see and do in Chestertown... for more information, check out www.chestertown.com

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

First Friday of August

Chestertown, MD 21620

On the first Friday of every month, the DCA (Downtown Chestertown Asssociation has an open house and most of all of the business are open until late, serve wine, have guest artists or musicians in. It's just a wonderful street party. August's theme is the DOG days of summer in honor of the Humane Society of Kent County. The KCHS is a wonderful organization that takes care of the animals of Kent County. Come join us for first Friday -- and enjoy the "Yappy Hour" and Paws and Claws from the Shelter will be visiting, the Dogsbreath Saloon (think Key West) will be open serving Dogtini's, Kitty Cosmos and Red Dog Beer. Free to 21 and older, but donations accepted for the Humane Society. We will have performers, four foot and two foot... You name it, we will have it.

NEEDED: Foster parents for animals, the shelter is at capacity right now... We need to get these animals fostered, and/or adopted. Please come and show your support!