About Fredericksburg City County, VA

Okay, I finally made my first Green Drinks last night and had a great time. For those of you who haven't heard of it, Green Drinks is a monthly cocktail hour for people in green industries. It is organized globally via their site, www.greendrinks.org and locally by eco minded folks in the community. I've been looking for a way to get involved in our local green scene, and this looks like it.

I have been trying to go to this thing for at least 6 months, but things kept coming up. However, since my pal Matt Rathbun was speaking at this one, I made the extra effort to attend. He is our local real estate board's director of education, and he was there to talk about the Green designation for REALTORs that NAR is now offering. Its a pretty fantastic designation, and I wish I could take the class next week. Unfortunately, I'm tied up so will have to try and catch it next time its offered. In a nutshell, the class is designed to familiarize REALTORs with green terminology, introduce them to green concepts and give them the tools to help them become experts in renewable building. As with everything green, there is so much information that it is impossible to learn it all in a 2 day class. However, it is a great jumping off point, and well worth the cost.

The event itself was fun. People were friendly and definitely there to network. I got an intense education from some of the builders I chatted with, and the lighting specialist that was there was especially knowledgeable. I also met an accountant who specializes and understands eco friendly concepts, an stockbroker who understands green investments, a few fellow REALTORs, and a ton of other folks. All in all, it was a great beginning to my green experience. Some of the key terms bandied about were LEEDS for homes, Earthcraft Homes and EnergyStar. Our local green drinks is coordinated by Dan Dukes, who is a rater for Earthcraft and LEEDs for homes. FYI, the rater is a key part of the green building process. The rating is what makes it green, and raters have inspect the homes to make sure they meet certain standards.

At any rate, if you're looking to get your feet wet in the environmentally friendly world, I highly recommend attending a Green Drinks. Its a relaxing, low pressure way to find out who's who in your local green world. As everyone who succeeds in real estate knows, this is a people business, and the people who go to green drinks are knowledgable and approachable. I toast your entry into green building!

Before every new years, I try to search out the best and newest event to attend on new years eve.. So, I thought I'd share with my local AR friends some of the events for this years. First Night in Fredericksburg, will be held in downtown Fredericksburg.

A stage will be set up for performances and activities throughout the evening. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and at 12:00 a.m. This is a great way for the entire family to enjoy a safe, family freindly event.... Enjoy

For all of those living in the Fredericksburg area and for all of those fortunate to visit please be sure to treat yourselves to more than a peek at one of the very best shops in the area.

Although this is not a Christmas store, one would hardly know at this time of year. It is decked out from head to toe with a vast array of ornaments, stockings, whimsical gifts, and just about anything you can think of that will add to your holiday joy.

If you like what you see here you will be even more excited when you actually pay a visit to

Whittingham

1201 Caroline Street

Fredericksburg, VA

Oh, oh. There's been a little mischief going on here at home. Thank goodness I have just the place to go to replace my ornament. I will just take a quick drive down to 1021 Caroline Street to Old Town Fredericksburg where I'll run into Whittingham's and then.........................well, it will not be that easy. After all there are so many ornaments to choose from even now.

So if you are looking for the perfect decoration for your home, an unusual ornament for your tree or a unique gift for the special ones in your life, follow me to Whittingham's. You will delight in the choices you have. I suppose I must warn you. Allow enough time as this is one store it is very hard to simply walk in and back out.

One more thing, before walking through that door take a good long look at the display in the window. Whittingham is known throughout the area for its creative displays. This year's will delight you. Especially if you enjoy the antics of these mischiveous mice.

These are some of the mice cavorting around Whittingham. Much of the time they are in the front windows so you can get an eyeful. These photos give you some idea of the delightful sights to be seen both inside and outside this one of a kind shop that has been a Fredericksburg favorite for 35 years.

Whittingham

1021 Caroline Street

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

[540] 374-0443

www.ShopWhittingham.com

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®.

Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate.

Call Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web sites and blog at http://lakeannaandbeyond.com/ or http://lakeannacountry.com/

Copyright © 2008 By Kathleen "Kate" Elim, All Rights Reserved. *Mischief in Fredericksburg, VA*.