Pemberton, NJ

From my "Guest Blogger," my sister Lisa Rose:

This past year I went out with some friends and somehow 9/11 came up in conversation. One friend's response went something like, "It's the past, so what? It's over." I was shocked and mortified! (and oddly, speechless!)

It is in my make up, no, not just my make up but my entire being to never forget my history, our history, America's history. Was I cut from a diffferent form? Am I the odd one here? History is how we got to the place we are today, including the events of 9/11. Am I the only fool who gets choked up over the thought of our forefathers battling the harsh winter, breaking the ice to paddle up the Delaware River to Trenton to surprise attack the enemy troops? America's history is what makes an American. Watch the History Channel, "America: The Story of Us." It's how we came to be. 9/11 made us who we are today.

The year after 9/11, the local radio stations and television news reported a scheduled Moment of Silence in memory of those who died because of 9/11, in honor of the brave men and women who fought to rescue and recover the victims, and in honor of the people who meticulously cleaned up Ground Zero. I was on my way home from having bloodwork done and listened closely to the radio, preparing to "Stop Everything" as they said. "Park your car and take a Moment of Silence." I pulled over into the shoulder and had my Moment of Silence as the radio waves went quiet. I prayed and I cried. I looked up to find that only one other car had pulled over, but I felt a camaraderie with just that one person.

Was a Moment of Silence really that important? I've seen footage of people in other countries who participate in a Moment of Silence and am in utter awe. Thousands upon thousands of people unified in spirit, unified in grief, simply being quiet. Silence is the most humbling and powerful form of unity I've ever seen. Why can't we just be quiet for just one minute?

One minute.


Today marks the 9 year anniversary of 9/11. I haven't forgotten and being the sensitive one that I am, I admit, I get weepy. As suggested on Facebook, I'll be lighting a candle and setting it on my front porch at sunset to burn throughout the night. Nine years ago, when it became apparent that there were no more survivors to be rescued at Ground Zero, the media suggested burning candles on porches. I lived in a condo and burned 3 candles, a red, white, and a blue. When I walked my dog that night, there were candles all over the neighborhood.


Will you light a candle tonight? Will you have a Moment of Silence?

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ. She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 6 years. In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.

There may be fireworks tonight all over South Jersey but Sunday, July 4^th the celebrations are still happening in Presidential Lakes, Browns Mills, NJ, thanks to the local Fire and Rescue Squad!

Beginning with the Parade at 10am, the festivities will continue at the newly reopened beach. Speakers, refreshments, a hot dog eating contest, a watermelon eating contest, and games are included in the fun. The beach, opened this year for the first time in many years, is sure to be at the center of the activities.

Come celebrate this joyous holiday of independence and freedom with friends and family!

And many thanks to the Presidential Lakes Fire and Rescue Squad for making it all happen!

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ. She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 6 years. In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers and other Realtors successfully market their listings with professional home staging.

Budd's KNP Farmer's Market, a little hot spot off the beaten path in Pemberton, NJ turns out to be a fabulous find!

I was on a quest for local honey (a teaspoon a day to battle seasonal allergies) only to discover a goldmine! Budd's KNP Farms Country Market and Country Kitchen not only carries Bob's Buzzy Bee's Honey made in Yardville, NJ, but they carry an entire inventory of products including their low milk price of only $2.99 a gallon! One visit and I was already hooked on this little gem of a country store. "Old-fashioned" is right up my alley.

With many to choose from, we bought a beautiful hanging petunia plant for Mom. We have had their skim milk, eggs, honey, banana nut bread, homemade chocolate and mint chocolate chip ice cream, key lime pie (I had never had it, and though slightly tart, it was delicious.) One day we split a footlong hoagie for $3.99 with a bag of chips (chips that looked and tasted homemade) and to my surprise, a warm chocolate chip cookie that the cashier gave us while we waited for our sandwich to be made! (I'm really beginning to like this place.)

Groceries, Deli, Dairy, Breads, Homemade Baked Goods, Jellies, Jams, Sauces, Soda, Snacks, Pet Products, Fresh Jersey Produce, Seafood, Tobacco, Flowers and Plants and a whole lot more!

A Mom-and-Pop kind of place, they cook and bake on the premises for take-out only and I was told that if it's not on the menu, just ask and they'll whip something up for you in the kitchen. Budd's Chuckwagon lists a full hot and cold menu including breakfast (which is available all day) lunch, dinner, and snacks. There are outdoor picnic tables for dining and you are welcome to bring your own bottle. They even do party trays!

Listed with Jersey Fresh and Pick Your Own, this is a great place for the whole family! They accept debit and credit cards with a $2.00 service fee, and of course, cash. Family First WIC and Senior FMNP checks accepted. For squirmy little ones, there are restrooms available.

Budd's KNP Farms is at 131-132 Vincentown Road in Pemberton New Jersey.
Contact numbers are: 609-894-4817 and 1-800-274-2102, email at Buddsknpfarms@verizon.net.
Check out their site: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeye50t/

With her permission, this blog comes to me via my sister, Lisa Rose, and was originally published at: "Lisa's Bodacious Burlington County: http://su.pr/Aik2vX

Michele Rose is a Realtor and Professional Home Stager in Burlington County, NJ. She has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the last 5 years. In 2007, she founded Rose-Colored Staging, a professional home staging and redesign business, to help sellers successfully market their homes with professional home staging.