You know the old saying it comes in threes? And when you hear it you know it isn't good. It would be great if it applied to winning the lottery or any other great and exciting thing I can't even phathom at this moment.

So what were my 3's?

1. First my home office computer crashed. Thank goodness my brother has a local computer repair company called Gremlin Computers (little plug for the brother). He was able to save my hard drive.
2. My office computer caught a virus and I don't thing it was the Swine Flu - so little brother to the rescue again. He scrubbed my hard drive and got rid of the virus. Did I mention my little brother has a local company by the name of Gremlin Computers? Sorry - had to plug the bro again.
3. My Blackberry Storm decided not to let the phone button work any longer. Do you understand how not fun it is to make every phone call from voice recognition?

Now did these all happen a week or so apart? Of course not! They all happened within a day apart. I was having email and blogging withdrawals. The sight was not a pretty one. But I am happy to say that thanks to the folks at Verizon for replacing my Storm and to my delightfuly little brother who owns a local computer repair place called Gremlin Computers (things come in 3's including plugs to little brothers) I am up and running again.

Whew!

Michael Umphrey - Santa Fe Fine Homes - Santa Fe Real Estate Market Expert

Luxury Homes in Santa Fe by Michael Umphrey

Saveur Restaurant - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe,New Mexico

by Michael Umphrey on October 7, 2009

Saveur Restaurant - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Today I decided drive through the web of streets to breakfast at one of my favorite French restaurants, Saveur. I've known the proprietaires, Dee and Bernie Rusanowski, for many years and I was delighted to learn that they are returning tomorrow from a trip to the French countryside where they celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. With innovative hospitality they serve chef specials of gourmet soup (today is Seafood Chowder, Cream of Asparagus or Vegan Garden Vegetables). For a real flavor of French cuisine Santa Fe locals come for breakfast and then return for lunch to feast on the gorgeous abundance of Dee's and Bernie's sumptuous buffet selections. The small restaurant is scrupulously clean, and the pride in which the chefs have prepared the food lets you know they've put their hearts around every detail. Dee and Bernie seem to know everyone by name and I'm glad they are back from France. The address is 204 Montezuma Street and their number is 505.989.4200. Bon appetite! Be sure to take a look at homes for sale in this neighborhood. Click Here!

Michael's Minute of Real Estate

Here are some effective ways to lower your insurance premium without lowering your coverage. Check out online resources. Go to the Department of Insurance for your state to make an educated comparison of various companies. Compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies to determine which one has the best coverage and premium. Consider using one insurer for all your needs. Some companies offer a multiple policy discount if you buy auto, home and life insurance policies from them as well. Consider a higher deductible. Increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your premium. Check to see if you belong to any groups or organizations that can get you a lower rate. Common examples include alumni associations and service clubs. Dennis Rossi is my insurance agent at The Insurance Connection and he can be reached at 505.984.0206

My Business To Business Referral

Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Luis Delgado, owner of Delgado Iron Works De Santa. For ultimate privacy in our South Capitol neighborhood home Tonia and I had Luis manufacture and install a most beautiful iron gate. His craftsmanship and ability to introduce ornate intricacies is unsurpassed. He can perform refurbishing or re-design and expert welding. Luis is terrific at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. Luis can be reached at 505.471.6605 and is located at 1310 Siler Road. Let him know I referred you and he will take excellent care of you. If you need anything please feel free to give me a call at 505.470.4180.

I'll see you in the neighborhood,

Michael

Michael Umphrey - Santa Fe Fine Homes - Santa Fe Real Estate Market Expert

Luxury Homes in Santa Fe by Michael Umphrey

Oshara Village - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

by Michael Umphrey on September 29, 2009

Oshara Village - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

This morning, I toured the new, energy efficient homes in Oshara Village. This neighborhood is located next to the Santa Fe Community College and close to the mall we call Santa Fe Place, the rodeo grounds and the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. It is a 470 acre mixed-use, "walk able" community and a template of New Urbanism for "green and sustainable" living. The Oshara Flea Market is every Sunday from 9:00-2:00, weather permitting, and it rivals the old Tesuque Flea Market in its size and offerings and fun. Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In Oshara Village

Michael's Minute of Real Estate

It's getting to be harvest time here in the Rockies and I'm reminded that it's not what we have but what we enjoy that constitutes our abundance. These next three months are a sprint to the finish and a time to reap the rewards of tending and weeding. Prices are adjusted, homes are handsomely staged, interest rates are unbelievably low and it's the most beautiful season in Santa Fe.

My Business To Business Referral

Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Matthew Rieland of Roy's Pest Control and Tree Service. "We lay to rest the common pest". He can answer any question you have about any ant, rodent, insect or bat in your attic. Matthew is terrific at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.982.1888 or on his cell at 505.471.7151. Let him know I referred you and he will take excellent care of you. If you need anything please give me a call at 505.470.4180.

I'll see you in the neighborhood,

Michael Umphrey

Today is the start of the Santa Fe 400th and the official beginning of Santa Fe, New Mexico's 400th year! The celebration begins with VIVA Santa Fe this weekend and the party continues for the next 16 months commemorating the lives, stories and diverse cultures that make Santa Fe the oldest capital city in the country. I am certain Don Pedro de Peralta would be amazed and proud at how the "villa" he began in 1610 looks 400 years later. More on what happened to Santa Fe real estate during the past 400 years. Now it is time to party!

On Friday I will be staying with my mother at her home and I thought I would make one of her favorite dishes - Trenette con Pesce Spada E Spinach - otherwise known to my mother as the Pasta, Fish and Nuts dish. So since I have pulled out the recipe which has begun to yellow in my collection of recipes to copy it - I thought I would pass it along because it really is truly delicious. The recipe originally came from Cucina Italiana but I have modified to to our tastes.

3/4 of a can of anchovies fillets, drained and patted dry

2 large garlic cloves

3 cups Swiss chard, stems removed and roughly cut leaves

3/4 pound of firm white fish, swordfish, mahi mahi, halibut

4 roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup pine nuts, roasted to golden brown

1/2 cup of slivered almonds, roasted to golden brown

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs, toasted in 2 tblsp olive oil

1 package penne pasta, cooked al dente, and drained reserve 2 cups liquid. (I prefer whole wheat)

1/4 cup Olive oil

1 cup dry white wine

2 Tblsp lemon juice

2 cups reserved water from pasta.

In a heavy skillet add anchovies and olive oil and cook over a moderate flame. Stir until the anchovies dissolve. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the Swiss Chard, fish, tomatoes, nuts, and wine and simmer until the fish is cooked through about 3 minutes. Add mixture and lemon juice to pasta. Add 1 cup of the reserved liquid and toss gently. Add more liquid as needed.

Serve pasta sprinkled with bread crumbs and enjoy!