Kathleen Lordbock Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

"People always think that religion and business do not go together. I totally agree - “religion” causes all sorts of problems.

People always think Christians are religious nuts - not true. Christians aren’t religious - we have a “relationship” with God. That’s all he wants - a relationship with you. I talk to God like a best friend. I spent time telling him how I feel, what I would like to see happened, praying for YOUR success and more." Dwan Bent-Twyford

Thanks to Dwan for the differentiation between religion and Christianity. People tell me I am religious - I tell them I am in a relationship. People acknowledge that there is a God and if asked want to (& think that they are going to Heaven). Yet, they have no idea how that would happen (Or think they are "good" and "good" people go to Heaven). They also do not know God or anything about Him and yet want to spend eternity with Him. Why? They do not want to spend their short life on earth "with" Him.
Get to know God, study His word - so much to learn. And pray - talk to Him and ask for your eyes to be opened and for understanding.

photo: Flickr

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Top Brainerd Agent

licensed to sell real estate in Minnesota

~Not your ordinary REALTOR. not your ordinary results~

Today for the first time since 9-11, you can go to the top of the Statue of Liberty. "On that fateful day in 2001, she held her head high as she witnessed with her own eyes the horrors that took place just across from her watery home. Symbolism and sentimentality can be infinitely applid to her place in it all." I have never been up in the Statue but hope to at some point. There are lots of others who want to enjoy the "view from the crown" and tickets are sold out until November. Carefully planned down to the smallest detail- the statue looks out on the ocean and on to France.

Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4,1996.

The seven sharp spikes on her crown represent the seven continents and seas. Her torch is a symbol of enlightenment.

Security improvements include additional rangers stationed throughout the statue itself, new handrails and a trained medical technician on site.

Already a symbol of hope and strength, many visitors see the re-opening of the crown as a symbol of America's resiliency.

"I think it had to happen. [September 11] was a terrible tragedy, but getting this reopened shows our experience and rejuvenation," said tourist Steve Sardinia, Jr., who was visiting from Long Island. "I think it shows the ability of America to come back."

photo:FLICKR

• When shipped from France to New York, she came in 350 pieces.
• Once delivered, it took four months to put her together, and was completed on October 28, 1886.

Facts from the Fact Monster

The statue was designed by Fredéric Auguste Bartholdi of Alsace as a gift to the United States from the people of France to memorialize the alliance of the two countries in the American Revolution and their abiding friendship. The French people contributed the $250,000 cost.

The 150-foot pedestal was designed by Richard M. Hunt and built by Gen. Charles P. Stone, both Americans. It contains steel underpinnings designed by Alexander Eiffel of France to support the statue. The $270,000 cost was borne by popular subscription in this country. President Grover Cleveland accepted the statue for the United States on Oct. 28, 1886.

The Statue of Liberty was designated a National Monument in 1924 and a World Heritage Site in 1984.

Have a great 4th of July enjoying the liberty that so many sacrificed for and others are continuing that sacrifice.

I will be saluting the flag and cheering on the military marching in my hometown.

The 4th of July is the most popular outdoor cooking holiday of the year. It is also an very busy time for emergency rooms and burn units.

Make sure that you are ready to safely celebrate and cook up your summer feast.

Using a Gas Grill?

Make Sure Your Tank is Ready:

- A damaged tank - consumers should not try to repair damaged tanks.
- Obsolete tanks - tanks with round- or star-shaped handwheels do not contain Overfill Prevention Devices (OPD) and can no longer be filled.
- Empty tanks - You can get a fresh, ready to grill tank that includes an OPD.

Transport Your Tank Safely - After you buy your tank, secure it upright in a well-ventilated area of your vehicle. This means no rolling it around in the back of your pickup, until you need it for something. Take it directly to the place you will use it and leave it there.

Check for Leaks - When attaching your tank to the grill, use soapy water to check the tank and valve for leaks. Open the valve but leave the appliance off while testing. Don’t use a match or open flame to check for leaks.

Lighting Your Grill - Before lighting, always refer to the grill manufacturer’s safety and operating instructions. This is actually the most dangerous step and many a severe burn has occured in using materials that should not be used to light a fire. Charcoal especially will take time - plan ahead and skip the gasoline.

Tank Storage - When you store a tank, be sure to keep it in an upright, vertical position. Never store tanks in a garage, building, or enclosed area. Never store an extra tank under your grill.

photo - FLICKR

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

218-829-0339]

licensed in MN

~Not your ordinary REALTOR, not your ordinary results~

Brainerd,MN ~Minnesota's Fourth of July Capital

Despite the economy, the 4th of July Celebration and the jaw dropping fireworks display will continue, at least for this year. This is mainly due to the efforts of some dedicated volunteers and Nancy Cross , Drector of Brainerd Community Action. There will be 100 parade units down only 20 from last year. The weather is predicted to be sunny with temperatures around 77 degrees and a small chance of rain.

The festivites on the Fourth will start with the Annual Brainerd Jaycees Corn Feed on the Adamson Ball Field at noon. If you like sweet corn roasted in the husks and dipped in butter, you will love this. A little sprinkle of salt and pepper and plenty of napkins will do. The American Celebration parade will start at 4 PM and the musical entertainmetn brgins at 6 PM. Be to see Elvis live on stage with the Blues Brothers Revue. The year's Battle of the Bands winner will perform and the night has only just begun. A fly over is traditionally held at 8 PM and music contiues until the fireworks at 10:15. If you have not witnessed the musically choreographed presentation of oooohs and aahhhhs- you are really depriving yourself and your family of a specatular event.

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Brainerd Lakes REALTOR/Staging Specialist

licensed in MN

Complimentary staging consultations for all my signed listings

Complimentary virtual tours with wide angle lens and edited phtotos

~ Not your ordinary REALTOR, producing extra ordianary results~

Homes are selling but they are not selling for as high a price nor are they selling as quickly. Does that sound familiar in your area?

As a REALTOR/Staging Specialist home stager with Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes, I know at least a partial solution to the problem. In order for your home to sell better and faster than those of the competitions', it needs to be properly presented and be priced competitively, from the start. A home that shows well both outside and inside is going to get offers. When prospective buyers make an emotional connection with the home - they want it!

I keep hearing from Realtors "home staging - we do that". Then I look at their MLS photos. Home staging is more than cleaning and decluttering (although a lot of the photos were also missing that element). Color, traffic flow, highlighting focal elements, curb appeal, up grades that pay back - are those being addressed? Do you understand what they are and how they come into play for the appeal of a home? If this is not your thing - then have your homeowners hire a stager. Even a consultation and subsequent following the plan - will make a major difference for a small investment.

Price is crucial but is not the only element. Marketing - yes by all means - and that is so much more than sticking a sign in the yard and listing with a multiple listing service.

The above listing was on the market for 4 days. It is only a 2 bedroom. 2 3/4 bath home. Not your typical 3 bedroom. 2 bath. They walked in and fell in love. It is ready to move into, clean, freshly painted, all repairs done - no problems. Every room staged and looking good!

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

Re$ale Desing & Home Staging

licensed to sell in MN

218-829-4664

resaledesign@gmail.com

Top Brainerd Agent