"The Bear"

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most
peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to
help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when
I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the
end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class..

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated
and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that
person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself
with people smarter than I am.

I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow
he may have to eat them..

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned..... That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his
little fist, that you're in love for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the
happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Not all the Turkeys live in Washington DC.

This beautiful Tom has been running loose in Jackson NH since last Summer.

He has become a town fixture, standing in the middle of the road, pecking at tires and bringing traffic to a stand still.

Hope to see you around Jackson this year. The Cross Country has been excellent as has the downhill at Black Mountain & Wildcat.

If you want to look for Jackson NH Real Estate, check out www.Black-Bear-Realty.com We know the area and all it's strange inhabitants!

While no one denies that the real estate crash triggered the recent financial recession, no one seems to want to fix the root problems.

Below are 4 of the major items in the Real Estate stimulus package. They are all welcome, but none of them will stop foreclosures or address the bigger problem of frozen credit markets.

The only program being discussed that will benefit those who are in trouble as well as those who have paid their mortgages and acted responsibly, is the emergency "4% 20 Year Fixed Federal Mortgage". By offering a Fixed 20 year Mortgage through Fannie May and Feddie Mac at 4% to all Americans until the markets turn around you would ignite the local real estate markets, and help home owners who have "Toxic Loans" refinance, while not make the rest of us pay to bail them out, and you can stop offering the loans at any time that the markets show the ability to stand on their own feet. This threat of shutting off the tap will give buyers the sense of urgency needed to get back into the market.

Why isn't this program being supported by Washington even after economists have said that it will actually MAKE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MONEY? Because it doesn't make the Banks rich!

So this is what you get......

Benefit #1 - Expansion of Home Improvement Tax Credit The tax credit for making energy efficient home improvements is now 30% of the cost of the improvements up to a maximum of $1,500. This means that if the improvements cost you $4,500, you would receive a tax refund of $1,500 when you file your tax returns. Eligible improvements include energy efficient exterior doors and windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners and water heaters. "As if anyone has money to fix up their homes before the bank takes it!"

Benefit #2 - Expansion of First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit The tax credit available to first time home buyers (You qualify if you have not owned in the last 3 years.) was increased from $7,500 to $8,000 for homes purchased between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2009. Also, the credit no longer needs to be paid back as long as you live in the home without selling it for at least 3 years. "WOW! a whole $500 dollars more! Honey our prayers are answered! What are we waiting for?"

Benefit #3 - Higher Reverse Mortgage Loan Limits The loan limits for FHA-insured reverse mortgages have been increased to $625,500 across the entire country - not just the higher cost areas. The previous limit was $417,000 across the country. This is especially important because the FHA program is virtually the only game in town as private and jumbo reverse mortgage programs have nearly all evaporated. "Boy, I didn't even know that we had a problem with the 'Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Program'. I wonder who Lobbied Congress for that one? Oh by the way, did you know reverse mortgages are one of the most profitable mark-up in the financing industry?"

Benefit #4 - $729,750 FHA and Conforming Loan Limits Restored in High Cost Areas The $729,750 maximum loan limit had been in force throughout 2008, but was reduced to $625,500 in 2009. The economic stimulus plan restores the $729,750 maximum. "Thank God the Federal Government is FINALLY doing something for those poor Americans who can't buy $729,750 homes!"

8th NH Sanctioned Snow Sculpting Event!

If you have never enjoyed the Jackson NH snow sculpting competition, you are missing an awesome event!

Every year, my family is amazed at the unique and beautiful designs these teams come up with.

"Castle in the Sun" People's Choice

Gregory, Greg & Kalvin Grady

12 Teams are invited to compete from all over New England. The winner of the sanctioned competition will represent NH at the National Sculpting competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with crowds of over 1.5 million visitors in attendance.

"Balanced Budget" Invitational Winner

Dave Rothstien

The carvings stand well over 6 feet tall and seem to defy gravity.

This year's overall winner is so detailed and delicate, people just stood and stared.

"Snow Carousel" The Sanctioned Winner

Cathee Nash

Cathee will go on to represent New Hampshire in Wisconsin and we wish her all the best. Below are some of the other outstanding sculptures. The first is not only my boys favorite, but had a great name..."Sheep Trick"!

check out www.Black-Bear-Realty.com for Jackson Real Estate.

SKI JACKSON!

Groomed trails, outstatnding vistas and good friends mean that Jackson is still number one!

It just doesn't get any better than this.

The kids spent the day on Ellis River trail and stopped for a little Coco at the "Coco Cabanna".