Kent, WA

We all know who Bernard Madoff is by now and why he is famous. I was reading an article describing an upcoming government auction being held to dispose of articles once owned by the Ponzi king. The government expects to raise at least $500,000 which would go to the victims of his investment schemes. Not much, considering the magnitude of the debt, but at least something.

Many items of jewelry will be in the auction, but what caught my eye were the watches. About 40 watches will be included, some some valued at $75,000 or more. I know watches can be expensive but who needs 40 of them? In fact, why would anyone pay that kind of money for a timepiece. I guess the value is in the collectability, but still seems like a waste of resources to me.

I bought a "nice" watch about ten years ago and I've worn it everyday since then. But recently it began acting up and the estimate to clean and repair the worn parts will run about $300. That seems like a lot and one could buy a new watch for less than that. Not a "nice" watch, but an efficient one.

But then it came to me, do I need a watch at all". I have worn a watch forever, but the time is available everywhere today. The time is in my car, on my computer, all over my house and office, and on my cell phone/PDA. If I want to know what time it is, no problem just look around. So, I've decided to put the watch in the drawer saving the repair costs, and forgo wearing a watch at all. I know I'll feel naked at first but I'll get used to it, and I'll always be on time just like before.

What do you think of my plan, do you still wear a watch everyday and if so, could you do without one?

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net

We watch out for one another in my neighborhood and are vigilant of our property and surroundings. It's a gated community which deters house to house soliciting but safety is our personal responsibility just like everywhere else.

An elderly neighbor of mine recently took a short trip and asked that I get her mail and keep it for her return. I couldn't help but notice all of the solicitous mail she received. Enter to win, don't miss this opportunity, contribute to this, just sign here, you may have already won, etc, etc. She was obviously on everybody's list and I mentioned this to her daughter when she stopped by for a visit. She already knew about these issues and agreed with me that the elderly seem to be targeted.

I was reminded of this yesterday when I read an article about a grandmother who was scammed out of $17,000. The scamster called the first time posing as the woman's grandson who said he was in jail on a mix-up and needed bail money. A bogus police officer came on the line and told her to wire $3,000 to a certain account, which she did. The fake grandson called again and needed more money to retrieve his impounded car. Then another call for attorney's fees and so on, until she was tapped out.

It was too late when she discovered the scam and said, " it left me with not enough money to put gas in my car".

This is a sad story but unfortunately not an unusual one. It's obvious to me that the elderly are vulnerable to many of the games and scams designed just for them. Let's do what we can to help protect our older citizens from unscrupulous individuals. Share this story with others and keep a close watch on your older friends and relatives.

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net

My follow-up visit was early yesterday morning, the day when I brought in my blood pressure log that I've been keeping for six weeks. My helpful and patient doctor reviewed my entries carefully and said to my surprise " well, things look pretty good". He later explained that my blood pressure was consistent with men of my age and below the hypertensive level. He also explained that everyone's blood pressure increases over time as our bodies age and the importance of keeping a watch on things.

Even without any symptoms, a blood pressure level in the pre-hypertensive range can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, heart and kidney failure. High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because you can have it for years without knowing it. In fact, nearly one-third of the 75 million Americans with high blood pressure don't know it.

Under recent guidelines, a resting blood pressure reading below 120/80 millimeters of mercury is considered "normal". If your resting blood pressure is consistently 140/90 or higher, you have high blood pressure. Any reading between these levels places you in the pre-hypertensive category. Under these guidelines, any reading over 115/75 increases your risk of cardiovascular complications. These numbers aren't just for men, women are certainly not immune from having high blood pressure either.

I'm not trying to spoil your weekend, just a friendly reminder to have your blood pressure checked regularly. In fact, maybe you should consider buying one of the handy home blood pressure monitors like the one I have, it may be more accurate and convenient than using the one at the pharmacy.

Check your blood pressure today and take whatever steps necessary to keep it low and under control.

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net

Come and see in Kent, WA 4 Bedroom/Scenic Hill Area/View Home/Close to Kent Station Open House 10/7/09 12-3PM

Looking for homes for sale in Kent? Contact Agent Julie Hind for her "Best Buy" list!

We have heard the stories for years about strange 911 calls and the extra burden it puts on the emergency service. Now you can listen to ridiculous calls on the Internet and view videos on You-tube. I read one this morning about a woman who called 911 to complain that her boyfriend wouldn't marry her. Another one from a disgruntled diner complaining about that lack of shrimp in her order of fried rice, and demanded to have the police intervene on her behalf. These poor 911 operators must get these useless calls all day long. I think you can be fined and even arrested for abusing this life-saving communication system.

King County has a new website that provides all the non -emergency phone numbers in a given area. You can visit the site, enter your zip code and then download and print the non-emergency contact numbers for the Fire Department, Police Department etc. I don't know if this will help minimize the calls from weirdo's but it's good information for the rest of us. Please reserve emergency resources, use 911 responsibly.

While we are on the subject of emergencies, another good Government site for emergency preparedness is
3 days 3 ways . This site provides a lot of good information on planning for potential power outages, floods and other disruptions and emergency situations.

Kent residents should... Make a plan, Build a kit, Get involved.

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net