Allyn, WA

Many stock futures rose modestly Tuesday as investors are betting that upcoming economic reports will show more signs of growth.

A report on the housing market in December is expected to show continued improvement in the battered sector. Major indexes rallied Monday following encouraging signs about growth in the manufacturing sector.

Overseas markets mostly rose following gains in the U.S. on Monday. Some Asian markets gave up gains as speculation remains that China's government will continue to try and curb runaway lending in an effort to avoid speculative bubbles.

Australia's central bank unexpectedly left a key interest rate unchanged. Australia, which was the first major central bank to start raising rates coming out of the global downturn, said it is concerned about sovereign credit around the world and China's policy to slow its economic growth.

Stocks are trying to rally for a second straight day after a week and a half stretch that saw major indexes tumble over concerns about tightening regulations on the banking sector and the sustainability of a recovery.

Investors are turning their attention throughout this week to economic reports to determine if the growth seen late last year is continuing. The reports culminate with the January employment report released on Friday.

Many in the market go on reports, so its very important to us, when we look at stats as well.

It is common to see the words "apparent owner of record" followed by ET TAL. Did you ever wonder what the letters were referring too?

ET means -and

UX means- Wife

VIR- means Husband

TAL- means Others

I thought you may like to know the Mystery of the letters the next time you look at a legal description. It can be fun to know a little something that most people don't.

Now you are ready for Jeopardy!

You got to experience it! Playing and recreating on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula; feeling the wealth of Community Spirit.

Mason County, State of Washington on the Olympic Peninsula.

Where Recreation is King:

Scuba diving in Hood Canal, a round of golf at LakeLand Village, Alderbrook or Bay Shore Golf communities, fishing the hundreds of lakes, rivers and salt water bays and inlets, Salmon, crabing, oysters and gooey ducs, hiking the trails of the Olympic Mountains, sky diving... just to name a few.

And the Community hosted Activities, they are scheduled thoughout year for family fun.

Yep, Community spirit is prevelant here. The Locals take pride in offering events that feature local culture.

For Example: Oysterfest in October, Allyn Days and Salmon Bake in July, the Bite of Shelton, Grapeview days, spring barrel tasting at the Hoodsport Winery, Memorial day at the Allyn waterfront park, The Forest Festival, The Tahuya Day Parade, Mason County Fair and Rodeo, The Taste of Hood Canal and Car Show, Wet lands Festival and Chilli cook off, Summerfest at Harmony Hill, Motor Cycle Poker run at Theller and many more.

For more information about any of these events or others not mentioned, go to http://www.northmasonchamber.com

Sales of previously occupied homes took the largest monthly drop in more than 40 years last month, plunging far deeper than expected after lawmakers gave buyers extended time to use a tax credit.

The National Association of Realtors says sales fell 16.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.45 million in December, from an unchanged pace of 6.54 million in November. Sales had been expected to fall by about 10 percent, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

Buyers were no longer scrambling to qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homeowners. It had been due to expire on Nov. 30, but Congress extended the deadline until April 30.

The median sales price was $178,300, up 1.5 percent from a year earlier and the first yearly gain since August 2007

We did it! Once again Windermere Peninsula Properties sent an Agent into the Frigid North Bay waters for a great cause...The Boys and Girls club.

If you don't beleive me watch this video from you tube... The Polar Plunge!

Catch it all again next year as those in our community dive into Case Inlet in January to make a difference for our kids. If you have not stopped by to see all that our local Boys and Girls club has to offer please do so. They are making a difference in our community one smiling child at a time!