Tina Allen

The Central Florida Lawdogs, a motorcycle group made up of mostly law enforcement, fire fighters and ems, will be holding a benefit at Jessie Black Saloon, Hwy 441, Leesburg, on Saturday, May 9th, 2009. Hours 1pm-5pm

Come and enjoy:

* Dunk a Hottie * Black Jack

* DJ & Music * Tatto Contest

* 50/50 Drawing * And More!

Cost: $15 per rider $10 per passenger (includes complimentary gift bag, meal ticket, 50/50 ticket, raffle ticket and game ticket.

***Contact "My Daddy" for more information (352) 308-6751

Come and support a great cause. I will be there!

Looking for that first, second or just vacation home in beautiful, sunny Florida? Visit tinaallenproperties.com and find yours today!

2009 Mount Dora Blues and Wine Festival ******3 Days of Great Music*******

**Rain or shine! Bring your chairs and blankets**

Lakeside Inn

Sample Wines from the best vineyards--Saturday 4-7pm

Performing Artists Friday Evening 5-7pm

'Welcome Party' 3-day ticket Only Invitation

T.Scott and DJ Chris

Performing Artists Saturday 3-9pm

The Smokin' Torpedos

T.Scott TropRockers w/blues harmonica player

Greg "Fingers" Taylor

Apple Mary Blues

Miss Jacqueline Jones

Performing Artists Sunday 1-5pm

Beautiful Bobby Blackmon

Ruth King Blues

Rent Money Blues Band Jam

3 day tickets on sale/$48 * At the door Saturday $38 * Sunday $18

Call 1-866-942-8138 for tickets or online at www.mountdora.com

2 Night lodging package at the Lakeside Inn includes:

Two 3-day tickets, Deluxe Room, Full Breakfast each morning, Gourmet Dinner one evening. ($469 plus tax and gratuity) 1-800-556-5016 & ask for "The Blues" Package

www.lakeside-inn.com

Well, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. If you have read any of my recent posts, you would know that my step-son, Terry II, has been home for a couple of weeks from Iraq. We all got a big surprise when he showed up a week earlier than expected. He has been all over the place visiting friends, family, and most importantly, his 2 week old baby girl in New York. (We are in Florida) The pictures of proud dad and baby daughter are priceless and I know it must have been so hard for him to get on the plane and leave her.

Terry will be going back to Iraq for at least 6 more months and then there's a chance he will head to Afghanistan. I am seeing nothing but determination on his young, 21 year old, face to return to the horrible place of uncertainty. Terry has matured and grown so much in this past year, it is almost unbelievable. We are all so proud of him. Whether you believe in the war or not, we still have to remember that our children are there, fighting for something they believe in. For or against, we need to support and stand behind those who are risking their lives.

Tomorrow we are having family and friends over for some barbeque, horseshoes, volleyball and we even rented a bouncy moonwalk thing. With the crazy economy the way it is, a huge party is not really in our budget, but, we want to spare no expense in making this last day for who knows how long, with family and friends, as special as can be. And, there is no price too high for that.

Terry and his dad, Terry, have that proud, "men don't cry" attitude. I, will probably, have to keep tissues in my pockets and make a few restroom trips through-out the day. It's hard to laugh and enjoy what will be all around us when in the back of my mind, I know it won't be long before we are waiting for those few and far between calls to inform us he's allright.

For those that have read some of my posts, you know that I am a big baby, my kids make fun of me all the time. It could be a song, a movie or just a sappy greeting card. I just can't help it. I feel like crying right now. Maybe if I get it out tonight, it won't come so quickly tomorrow. Can you really cry your eyes dry? That might be helpful. I definately want tomorrow to be fun and memorable, not sad.

I am not sure where I wanted to go with this post, I think I just wanted to write some feelings down and share them with my AR family. "They" say that will make me feel better. Boy, I hope so. Tomorrow will be here soon and I need my happy face.

I plan on taking a ton of pictures and my next post will be a dedication to Terry II.

Thanks AR for listening.

Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.

Earl Nightingale

Dale Carnegie

Les Brown

Isn't it amazing that one persons smile can transform another's frown. Giving a cheerful hello can lift one's dreary mood. Take a minute to look at the passerby's and smile. The reward is a great feeling.

For many years, as I waited on tables, it was unbelievable that one grumpy and rude person could irritate to the point of internal combustion, but, just a second, the cheerful, outgoing and friendly manner of my next table would just make it all go away. Thanks to those that made the long days and nights joyful, without you I might have dropped more drinks in laps than quite necessary.

Don't radiate your stresses towards others, they do feel it and sometimes will fall in the trap with you.

Answer coming soon, so check back.

Looking for that perfect summer home in Florida, check out tinaallenproperties.com and find yours today!

March 2009 Single Family Home Sales There were a total of 226 Single Family Homes sold.

Here is the breakdown:

$1 - $49,999 19

$50,000 - $59,999 5

$60,000 - $69,999 12

$70,000 - $79,999 3

$80,000 - $89,999 8

$90,000 - $99,999 10

$100,000 - $119,999 24

$120,000 - $139,999 28

$140,000 - $159,999 31

$160,000 - $179,999 20

$180,000 - $199,999 12

$200,000 - $249,999 18

$250,000 - $299,999 19

$300,000 - $399,999 9

$400,000 - $499,999 3

$500,000 - $599,999 3

$600,000 - $699,999 1

$700,000 - $799,999 1