Bob "RealMan" Timm

Yes it gets cold up here but for heavens sake it's not cold year around. I'm sure no matter where you live you get some pretty crazy questions. Most often I'm asked if it ever warms up in North Dakota. The answer is of course, YES! Our springs are a little slow to come around, like late April to early May. My birthday is in mid May and it is highly unusual for things NOT to be budding and turning green. One big plus with our late spring is we hardly ever see any misquetoes until late June or July. As of today we have not seen a frost yet but it will be coming soon. That however does not mean the end of nice days. Although the temp dipped into the 30's this morning it regained nicely to about 80. Here are a couple of pictures of the kids enjoying the "Splash Pad" at Oak Park this weekend.

Every website, every blog, and every agent out there is going to tell you how wonderful they are and ask you to "consider" them. I want you to "consider" this: If you want to list a house make sure you have made up your mind as to if you want to sell or if you want to stay. If you are looking for a home make sure you have made the decision to buy. I know my time is valuable and so is the time of my clients. If you want to sell your house and you want to list it with me then it will be priced properly or you can list with a liar who will inflate the price and your hopes and you will stay. If you are just looking at houses and not serious about buying then call another Realtor, I don't want you! I'd rather spend my time with real buyers, my family, my Church family, or about anywhere that I am truly needed. Now a word about cutting commissions: NO! I have integrity and I am worth what I charge for my service, are you? What do you think of people willing to do your job for a fraction of what you are paid to do it for? Again, do you want someone working for you with integrity or a marshmallow who caves in on there principals to you as well as to the people they are dealing with on your behalf? Think about that.

This weekend I had the good fortune to meet the beautiful and gracious Alayne Okland, Executive Director of The 2nd Story Club. I met Alayne like I've met a whole lot of people, at a rummage sale.

I almost passed up this rummage sale because it was a downtown address in the heart of the business section of Minot ND. I'm sure glad I didn't. The rummage sale was being held by The 2nd Story Club of Minot which is a social club for adults with developmental disabilities. I like that their literature says "For Exceptional Persons", I certainly could feel that as I was there. The club was started 33 years ago and they receive NO State or Federal funding.

Alayne and her assistant run the show with a lot of wonderful volunteers. The facility includes a reception area, TV room (see the picture below), large activity room with a stage, kitchen, game room, and staff area. You can check out their website at http://www.secondstoryclub.com and if you wish to contribute that would be great to!

2nd Story is a wonderful opportunity operated by wonderful people. Visit their website and give them your encouragement, they certainly deserve it. Do me a favor and tell Alayne that Bob sent you.

I'm embarrassed to say I'm a Minnesota boy. Last night was the last straw. I'm going to start claiming Arizona as my State of preference. Many of you reading this know I live in North Dakota (Minot to be exact) but I was born and raised in Minnesota. So whats the fuss about? I've been a Vikings fan for more years then I care to acknowledge but NO MORE! I am sick and tired of the team with all the potential and talent that always leaves me cursing. Even if I don't choose a new team I will need to get a new wardrobe, nearly every article of clothing, yes even under ware, has a Vikings logo on it. I'll need a new beer mug, coffee cup, cooler, golf bag and more. Like I said, so many years, nothing but disappointment. All the way back to Bud Grant, losers, losers, losers! When I look back the only coach that was worth while was Less Steckle. At least with Les you knew they were going to lose. There was no pretense that hope existed. It was also fun to spoof people that his wifes name is Tess. Well I'm thinking Arizona now, you expect them to lose (unless the Vikings are in town). It will be nice to have a team I expect to lose and then once or twice a year I will get pleasent surprise.

Bob Timm in Minot ND