Were we spring cleaning? Nope, more like doing the stuff that should have been done last fall.
AND cleaning winter crud out of flower beds where crocus and daylily are hopefully sending out their first leaves.
Rhododendron buds are growing. Forsythia buds, too. I should cut some branches to bring in so they'll bloom.
Hellebores that get sun are sending up blooms!
And so it begins.
Soon I'll be happily perusing greenhouses for new/unusual plants.
I LOVE spring!
image from:
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/904/741606.JPG
mine aren't blooming yet!
My separated-at-birth twin, Bonnie Westbrook called recently and offered me the use of a coupon she had for a
free salon service at Douglas J. I had never heard of the place, let alone been there, but I'm into pampering so
off to lunch and a facial/massage we went.
I'm here to tell you, it was beyond wonderful. Douglas J is an Aveda institute, so
students perform the services under supervision.
We were a little surprised when the desk person said we'd be there for two hours, but
there was nothing we had to hurry for, so we went with the flow.
After two hours of facial, scalp massage, hand, foot, arm, leg and back massage in a
private room we floated out the door. We had the self renewal facial and it would have cost $42. No tipping
allowed.
Wouldn't this make a great gift for a wife, mom, bride-to-be or sweetie? Bonnie came up with that thought and
she's right.
image from Bonnie Westbrook's AR site
Snow has been melting here all week. I walked around my garden and, sure enough, the snowdrops were blooming under the snow. Now we can see them.
How's this plant for a SURVIVOR?
It's the beginning of the gardening season! This is the first thing to bloom.
Yeah, yeah in the south things are blooming for real. Don't wanna be there. (See my post "You Think I Want to Move South? No Frickin' Way!"
You guys with perma-tans probably walk by 6-foot shrubs in full bloom and you yawn. We northerners get geeked about teeny white flowers that have the guts to bloom in the snow.
I'd rather appreciate the small things.
Photo by me!
Sixteen local independent greenhouses in the Grand Rapids area have joined forces to promote themselves as well as the idea of buying locally at this web site.
Some of them are my favorites. Others I intend to find and enjoy.
We in Grand Rapids are fortunate to have so many wonderful choices when it comes to greenhouses. They're fighting for their lives against the big box stores. Personally, I'd much rather give my money to a store that grows their own plants and can advise me on care. The plants are larger and more healthy also IMHO.
Speaking of money, there's a $10 off coupon on their web site. Enjoy!
Photo by Karen Webster of a bed of crocosmias in our yard. They're named Lucifer to go along with my recent Hell theme.
According to a news article in The Grand Rapids Press, 21 couples got married for free in the wedding chapel in
Hell (pictured here). Six other couples renewed their vows.
"We've both been married before, and we both have said it would be a cold day in Hell before we did it again," said one happy couple.
Hell's mayor was on hand dressed in a tux and snow boots. He gave each couple a cupcake (devil's food), free chocolates and champagne and a title to grant ownership of one square inch of Hell.
And that is the real estate connection that makes this post belong in AR!
image from:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hell2u.com/images/hell_wedding_chapel
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Give yourself the benefit of responsive, competent representation whether you're a buyer or seller in the Grand Rapids MI area. Rockford, Ada, Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Caledonia.
Eric and I are a husband/wife team of realtors who are enthusiastic about and proud of the Grand Rapids area. I maintain a comprehensive community calendar on Eric's web site. Also, we have compiled an enormous list of links to community organizations and events. We dare you to find one that's more complete! Whether you're local or an out-of-towner, you can find useful info in either place. Check it out.
My company, 5 Star Real Estate, is an innovative locally-owned brokerage that has stormed the marketplace since its start 11 years ago. It's great to work with brokers who are ethical, trustworthy, and always striving to help agents reach their potential.
Eric has been a Grand Rapids realtor since 1989. I taught for 30+ years, retired and joined Eric as a licensed assistant in summer 2005.
I got my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Saginaw Valley State University on the east side of the state.
I majored in English as well as education, and I minored in Psychology. Many of the skills I learned are transferrable to real estate.
I LOVE BUYERS! It's great to see people achieve their dream of home ownership. Maybe it's just a throwback to my teaching days, but I love it.
From the first meeting when we clarify goals to the closing, I'm there to advise and help. Sometimes, with my professional access to the MLS service, I can see things about a home that will rule it out as a possibility, saving my buyers a trip there. I often know about pocket listings in my company that have not been broadcast. This puts my buyers first in line to view and to make an offer.
I have a network of exceptional professionals who provide the best of service to my clients. Mortgage brokers, appraisers, inspectors and closing specialists can make a transaction smooth or frustrating. I can help it to be smooth.
"I have recently completed the sale of my house in Lenwood Hills. I listed with Eric Webster. I was very pleased with his work and with the assistance of his wife, Karen.
The real estate market was seriously glutted at the time. They worked diligently with newspaper publicity, on-line presentation, open houses, and direct mailing, consummating a sale in spite of the problem.
All activity was conducted with skill, courtesy and sincerity.
I gladly recommend them to anyone who has property to sell, and wants an efficient and thorough agent to represent them." Lois Roepcke
"From the first e-mail Eric returned in a timely, professional manner, we knew he was the sharp, knowledgeable Realtor who would lead us from Pensacola, Florida to our perfect lake home here in Grand Rapids. His helpful, yet patient manner made us feel like we were his "Top Priority" each time we called.
We wholeheartedly recommend Eric Webster for any future real estate transaction. His wife, Karen is a perfect assistant to "Team Webster". Carole & Mike Ustick
Dear Eric,
Wanted to drop you a note, thanking you and Karen for the outstanding job that you two did in not only marketing, but selling my house in Bailey's Grove. As you know, it was a beautiful home, but located in a very competitive and saturated market.
Your marketing program was powerful and effective. Plus, your patience and assistance through a somewhat challenging closing process was greatly appreciated.
Please feel free to use this letter as a reference tool. You can count on me as a repeat customer, Eric!
-Regards,
Phillip T. Catalano II
Experience matters--and Eric's got it! We interviewed several realtors before putting our house on the market, and we were impressed with Eric's knowledge of the area. He also understands that many buyers use the internet to search for homes and makes sure that his listings take full advantage of the power of the web. He and Karen were in touch with us almost every day so we always knew what was going on. In a tough market, we sold our house in 6 weeks!
And last but not least, thank you for the lovely picture of our house. I assure you, we won't forget what we learned from owning it!
Best Regards,
Jocelyn and Tony
We had the pleasure of working with Eric Webster and
his wife, Karen, as both a buyer and a seller. We
first met Eric when we were looking for a home and he
was representing the seller of the house we purchased.
We were so impressed with his professionalism and the
outstanding materials he had developed for the seller
that we then listed with Eric to sell our current
home. Eric had our home on the market within a few
days and we had an offer within 13 days! Throughout
the process of buying and selling homes, Eric answered
all of our questions promptly. At our closing, after
selling our home, Eric and his wife presented us with
a beautiful framed drawing of our former home. This gesture
was unexpected and meant a great deal to us. We would
recommend Eric to our friends and family--our
experience with him was great!
Wayne and Kate Oom
Dear Karen and Eric,
Your parcel arrived last week with the final papers and a a wonderful picture of our "old" house. Thank you so much!
Looking at it does bring back fond memories of our years in Grand Rapids and the enjoyment I received working in the front flower bed.
What a relief for all of us that the sale of 5685 Juanita is complete. Paul and I really appreciate all the time and effort you two expended in the long process. We are very pleased with your services and communication. We stuck with you because we felt you were honest and did have our best interests in your minds/hearts...
We wish you continued success and happiness in all that you do.
Sincerely,
Pattie and Paul
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