West Cary Living

We had a blast this weekend at the Highcroft Halloween Parade. The kids loved the opportunity to dress up in their costumes a whole week before trick-or-treating! The neighborhood gathered a the school, Highcroft Drive Elementary, where the parade began and then we strolled through the neighborhood and down to the pool parking lot where the real fun began. Games, a cake walk, a fantastic magician, and my kid's favorite, a HUGE inflatable slide awaited us. A neighborhood band supplied some terrific live music....there is nothing as refreshing as seeing a neighbor, a grown man, strumming his guitar in a bright yellow banana costume!

The kids came home wearing smiles and my husband and I came home feeling really lucky to call Highcroft home. We are fortunate that we live in a neighborhood where everyone enjoys hanging out together. There seems to be a party for every occasion and always a new friend to be made.

Today was a perfect October day, 73 degrees and sunny. With my in-laws in town for a few days, my husband and I decided to go out mountain biking. My husband gets out a couple of times a week, but I don't get to tag along unless we hire a babysitter, which we've only managed to do twice. We drove over to Lake Crabtree, they have fairly easy trails for a new rider like myself. We rode single track for a few miles and the scenery was spectacular. The leaves have started to change color and fall to the ground and it was quiet and peaceful. We made our way through Lake Crabtree and over to the Umstead State Forest riding trails. We rode out to the Airport Overlook and I couldn't believe the number of people out cycling, running and hiking.

I'm originally from New England and we coveted our summer weekends. It seemed every weekend, someone was a having a cookout...you just didn't want to ‘waste' a weekend. I feel myself coveting my Fall weekends, wanting to be out at the playground or bike riding with the kids, doing anything as long as we are outside.

After our ride, we stopped at Dairy Queen for a peanut butter blizzard before making our way back home. The stop at DQ was our little secret...we both agreed not to tells the girls about it when we got home. Our girls are 5 and 2 and well...tantrums are still an every day occurrence in our home.

It is kind of surreal to read about the national housing issues. It is obvious to all of us that families are struggling all over the country, and that makes everyone sad. But we are very fortunate, knock on wood, that up to this point our area has been spared the economic devistation. We have had one foreclosure in our development, it sold for $527,000. There have only been three foreclosures sold in 2008 and two currently listed in the 27519 zip code.

I just read that prices are up, granted only slightly, but in an uncertain time this is something. We feel very fortunate.

Rambin Rose is a women's only triathlon designed for the empowerment of women. It is a 250 meter swim, 9 mile bike and 2 mile run. I was nothing less than inspired by the 600 women that showed up this morning to brave their nerves and the cold. All with the energy to inspire greatness in all of us. I have the great fortune of having several of the participates as my neighbors. I am fortunate to have some as neighbors and friends in Highcroft. I am so proud of everyone who participated. Congratulations to Julianne for coming in third and Betsy for finishing in the top 5%! Though my time was a little less than impressive, placing 327, I had a fantastic experience and will definitely participate again next year. Training with my gals and seeing familiar faces running/biking the roads and the greenway bike path is something I will miss but will look forward to it again in the spring. Way to go Highcroft! Thank you to all of my friends that came out to cheer us on. You are loved! To all of the mothers and daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and wives of Ramblin Rose.....YOU ROCK!

The Highcroft Gals

There's a great new listing at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh. Perfect for those who like to live surrounded in beauty. The grounds at Brier Creek are impeccably maintained, always a different flower in bloom....even nicer when you haven't had to do the gardening yourself! Within 5 minutes drive to Interstate 40, 540, and highway 70. Minutes from RTP and RDU airport. Brand new elementary school borders the community.

Brier Creek shopping offers something for everyone. With 3 shopping plazas completed and another in the works, you need not drive far for ANYTHING! From groceries, specialty boutiques, to bargain-hunting at TJ Maxx and Home Goods. The movie theater and many terrific restaurants make for an easy night out. Did I mention the restaurants? Sushi, Thai, Indian, Brazilian, Italian, Chinese, All-American...the list goes on and on with something for every taste and price point. The gourmet grocer, Earthfare has wonderful prepared entrees for that last minute get-together out on the terrace or the night you want a cozy meal at home without the work.

Now, about this townhome. This gorgeous home features over 2400 square feet of living space nestled in the heart of Brier Creek. Professionally decorated and ready for you to move right in. The expanded gourmet kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, European cabinets with a distressed cream finish and hardwood floors. Custom plantation shutters throughout...no worrying about all those window coverings the first week you move in! The living area features built-in JVC speakers for that surround-sound theater experience and an energy efficient gas-log fireplace.

Upstairs you will find the spacious Master bedroom and bathroom with Corian countertops, marble tile floor and garden tub. There are 2 other bedrooms, another full bath, and laundry area as well. The third floor is a quiet, cozy, hideaway! Perfect for a home office, fitness room, playroom.

Living at Brier Creek is an active person's dream. If walking or running is your thing, you can always find a fresh route. In the mood for a walk with a treat awaiting you on the other end? How about a waffle cone of homemade ice cream at Maggie Moos or the Sunday morning paper with a latte at Barnes and Noble? And with the holidays right around the corner, Christmas at Brier Creek is magical. Old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh rides, Christmas carolers, hot cocoa and a visit with Santa are the custom every weekend in December.