Hi There!!
I'm writing to you to WISH YOU A VERY SAFE, HAPPY NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION......and wherever you find yourself, ENJOY!!
My Best,
Todd
PIC: Outside of The East side of The Mission Inn, Riverside, CA, December, 2006.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Christmas Day....
How was your Christmas Holiday??
Are you enjoying the holiday, still? I hope so.
Today I'm working, running here and there. Almost wish it were Christmas again, but you know, I want to get out there and get back to work (in the field), too.
I ate waaaaayyyyyy too much desserts!!!
Christmas was very enjoyable this year....aside from the normal stress that you experience at the holidays and with the family, etc.
Here are a few pics from my family's Christmas.
Pics: My family on the sofa. Yvette and I cracking up.....my finger is finally healing. Sliced it while slicing the french baguette (ILUN) before lunch.
Thank You to all of those who helped create a very special Christmas for my family and I. Special Thanks to Antonio and Danny for their help getting our Christmas Dinner Table and Chairs here on time and in working order!!
California Remains The Most Populous State
The population of the U.S. grew by 2.9 million people between July 1, 2005, and July 1, 2006, according to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau.
More than 299 million people reside in the nation, and the five most populous states, led by California with 36.5 million residents, account for 37 percent of the country's population.
Regionally, the West comprises 23 percent of the nation's total population.Five of the 10 fastest-growing states between 2005 and 2006 are in the West, including Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado.
With a growth rate of 3.6 percent, Arizona became the nation's fastest-growing state, a title previously held by Nevada for 19 consecutive years.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 27, 2006.
More than 299 million people reside in the nation, and the five most populous states, led by California with 36.5 million residents, account for 37 percent of the country's population.
Regionally, the West comprises 23 percent of the nation's total population.Five of the 10 fastest-growing states between 2005 and 2006 are in the West, including Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado.
With a growth rate of 3.6 percent, Arizona became the nation's fastest-growing state, a title previously held by Nevada for 19 consecutive years.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 27, 2006.
Home Sales Decrease 22.2 Percent in November, 2006
The median price of an existing single-family home in California increased 1.4 percent in November and sales decreased 22.2 percent compared with the same period a year ago, C.A.R. recently reported.
"After fairly steep declines in sales during the first half of the year, the market appears to have stabilized at about 450,000 sales on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis," said C.A.R. President Colleen Badagliacco.
"The median price is holding steady in the $545,000 to $550,000 range, and increased just 1.4 percent last month compared with a year ago."According to the report, the median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during November 2006 was $555,290, a 1.4 percent increase over the revised $547,870 median for November 2005.
Also last month, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled 450,930 at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 22.2 percent compared with the sales pace recorded one year earlier and up 1.7 percent from home resale activity in October.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 27, 2006.
"After fairly steep declines in sales during the first half of the year, the market appears to have stabilized at about 450,000 sales on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis," said C.A.R. President Colleen Badagliacco.
"The median price is holding steady in the $545,000 to $550,000 range, and increased just 1.4 percent last month compared with a year ago."According to the report, the median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during November 2006 was $555,290, a 1.4 percent increase over the revised $547,870 median for November 2005.
Also last month, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled 450,930 at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 22.2 percent compared with the sales pace recorded one year earlier and up 1.7 percent from home resale activity in October.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 27, 2006.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Holiday Line Up...
Good Evening!
Headed into our long holiday weekend....what's happening?
I'm wishing you a great holiday!! Hope you enjoy whatever you get to do this weekend.....
Here's an article that I found today highlighting what the market is doing and possibly where it's headed into the first half of 2007.
Looks like it's going to be another interesting year in real estate, especially in the Inland Empire.
Click below for the link:
Drop in home sales is seen slowing in '07
Night and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
My Best,
Todd
Headed into our long holiday weekend....what's happening?
I'm wishing you a great holiday!! Hope you enjoy whatever you get to do this weekend.....
Here's an article that I found today highlighting what the market is doing and possibly where it's headed into the first half of 2007.
Looks like it's going to be another interesting year in real estate, especially in the Inland Empire.
Click below for the link:
Drop in home sales is seen slowing in '07
Night and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
My Best,
Todd
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Is it the Thursday before Christmas already???
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian activist
PIC: Here is Ryan and I at the WEREP Christmas Breakfast....receiving an acknowledgement for being Chairman of Guest Speakers for the 2nd half (or was it longer?) of the year.
I wanted to share this quote with you. What a guy.....
Good Morning!!
Hope you're accomplishing all you want to do. I'm so close to being done.
No meeting the rest of the month, which is great. Our last WEREP meeting was fun last week....I have started lining up guest speakers for next month already and looks like 2007 is going to be a Stellar year.....in terms of having the assistance and resources where you need them to help you (or me, I hope) accomplish all you want. I believe the world has become more conscious of being "nicer" to one another....and yet, there's always the person who can spoil,or try to spoil it for us.
I hear a smoker's cough in the distance and wonder who it may be????
STOP SMOKING!!!
Have a blessed day my friends.
Todd
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Madonna and Voting....For Old Time's Sake....
do I look like someone who's ever voted before?
This is so funny....The funniest thing Madonna's ever done....
I especially enjoy watching
51 seconds into it until 1 minute and 7 seconds (her facial expressions & body language)
also....
one minute twenty eight seconds until about one minute 40 seconds....
Here's the link:
Hope it works!!
Todd
Here are this week's Top 20 Travel Deals by Travelzoo....
Look at these Stunning Pics by Declan McCullagh!!!
$49 & up -- Fly to the Bahamas or Florida from 25+ Cities
Source: AirTran Airways
$99 -- San Diego 4-Star Hotel at Half-OFF
Source: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
$139 & up -- Last-Minute Christmas Fares (Roundtrip)
Source: United Airlines
$599 -- Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Getaway in January
Source: CheapCaribbean.com
$125 -- 5-Diamond Houston Hotel
Source: Four Seasons Hotel Houston
$529 -- Cruise the Mexican Riviera from San Diego, 9 Nights
Source: CruiseExperts.com
$226 & up -- Ski Resort Getaways at $150 OFF (incl. Taxes)http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?ld=101274388
Source: Orbitz
$79 -- Upscale Orlando Resort over the Holidays
Source: BookIt.com
$1299 -- Cruise 10 Nights to Italy & Greek Islands this May
Source: Viva Voyage
$249 -- NYC Theater Package: "Wicked" Tickets & Upgrade
Source: Paramount Hotel New York
$99 -- Fly to Los Cabos from Los Angeles (each way)
Source: Alaska Airlines
$49 -- Midwest Fares: Over 20 Routes on Sale
Source: Major Airlines
$79 -- Upscale Michigan Resort B&B Package
Source: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
$249 -- Balcony Cabin on 3-Night Bahamas Cruise
Source: Live Nation
$239 -- Caribbean 4-Diamond Resort w/$100 Credit (3-Nt Min)http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?ld=101274335
Source: El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa
$89 -- Chicago 4-Star Hotel
Source: Ambassador East Hotel Chicago
$113 -- Fly to Calgary from Los Angeles (each way)
Source: Air Canada
$139 -- Florida Waterfront Hotel incl. Weekends
Source: Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club
$19 & up -- Just Released: Orlando or Tampa from 20+ Cities
Source: Allegiant Air
$629-$819 -- Amsterdam Getaways from Across the U.S.
Source: United Vacations
A Little Holiday Humor.....
Hi!!
I got this from a friend and thought I'd share it with you...pretty clever, eh?
Wishing I was in San Francisco Macy's Square right about now....with St. Nick....and his reindeer......hehe
If you'd like to visit the photographer who gets credit for this photo...check out some of his other photos....at:
Thank You Declan McCullagh!!
CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE DISTURBED:
* 1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
* 2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
* 3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
* 4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
* 5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and.....
* 6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
* 7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
* 8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
* 9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
* 10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle, Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
* 1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
* 2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
* 3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
* 4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
* 5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and.....
* 6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
* 7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
* 8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
* 9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
* 10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle, Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
Fast Facts
Calif. median home price -
October 06: $548,680
(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price
by C.A.R. region October 06:
Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,115,000
(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price
by C.A.R. region October 06:
High Desert $328,650
(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer
Affordability Index - Third Quarter 06:
24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 12/7:
30-yr. fixed: 6.11%; Fees/points: 0.5%
15-yr. fixed: 5.84%; Fees/points: 0.5%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.43%; Fees/points: 0.7%
(Source: Freddie Mac)
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
October 06: $548,680
(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price
by C.A.R. region October 06:
Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,115,000
(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price
by C.A.R. region October 06:
High Desert $328,650
(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer
Affordability Index - Third Quarter 06:
24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 12/7:
30-yr. fixed: 6.11%; Fees/points: 0.5%
15-yr. fixed: 5.84%; Fees/points: 0.5%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.43%; Fees/points: 0.7%
(Source: Freddie Mac)
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
Most U.S. Housing Markets to Experience Sluggish Expansion in 2007
A gradual increase in existing home sales is expected throughout 75 percent of the country in 2007, while the remaining areas will continue to see a slowdown during the first part of the year, according to NAR's year-end forecast.
National existing home sales are anticipated to reach 6.40 million in 2007, down 1 percent from this year's expected 6.47 million. With rising construction costs and lower levels of builder activity, the Association projects a larger decline in new home sales, which are forecasted to fall 9.4 percent to 957,000 next year.
Median home prices for both existing and new homes are expected to register slight increases in the coming year, forecasted at $224,700 and $241,700, respectively."
Buyers, especially first-time buyers, with the combined benefits of seller flexibility and an unexpected drop in mortgage interest rates, have a window of opportunity," said NAR Chief Economist David Lereah. "These conditions will persist in many areas until early spring when inventory supplies are likely to become more balanced."
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
National existing home sales are anticipated to reach 6.40 million in 2007, down 1 percent from this year's expected 6.47 million. With rising construction costs and lower levels of builder activity, the Association projects a larger decline in new home sales, which are forecasted to fall 9.4 percent to 957,000 next year.
Median home prices for both existing and new homes are expected to register slight increases in the coming year, forecasted at $224,700 and $241,700, respectively."
Buyers, especially first-time buyers, with the combined benefits of seller flexibility and an unexpected drop in mortgage interest rates, have a window of opportunity," said NAR Chief Economist David Lereah. "These conditions will persist in many areas until early spring when inventory supplies are likely to become more balanced."
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
Women More Likely Than Men to Receive Subprime Mortgages....
Women represent nearly 40 percent of subprime borrowers, making it more difficult for women-led households to build wealth through homeownership, according to a recent study by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA).
Last year, 32 percent of women borrowers received mortgages with interest rates exceeding the average prime mortgage rate of 5.87 percent compared with 24.2 percent of men.
The study, which examined 4.4 million mortgage originations throughout the country where borrowers were identified by their gender, also found that more than one in 10 women received high-cost subprime loans with interest rates above 9.66 percent.
The disparity between the rate of subprime lending for men and women grows as income levels increase, according to the study. Women earning double the median income are 46.4 percent more likely to obtain a subprime mortgage than men with similar incomes.
"Evidence suggests that women have slightly higher credit scores on average than men and similar credit usage patterns, yet the fact that women are more likely to receive more expensive mortgages at all income levels undercuts the lending industries calm assurances that borrowers are priced based on their creditworthiness," said Allen Fishbein, CFA's director of housing and credit policy.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
Last year, 32 percent of women borrowers received mortgages with interest rates exceeding the average prime mortgage rate of 5.87 percent compared with 24.2 percent of men.
The study, which examined 4.4 million mortgage originations throughout the country where borrowers were identified by their gender, also found that more than one in 10 women received high-cost subprime loans with interest rates above 9.66 percent.
The disparity between the rate of subprime lending for men and women grows as income levels increase, according to the study. Women earning double the median income are 46.4 percent more likely to obtain a subprime mortgage than men with similar incomes.
"Evidence suggests that women have slightly higher credit scores on average than men and similar credit usage patterns, yet the fact that women are more likely to receive more expensive mortgages at all income levels undercuts the lending industries calm assurances that borrowers are priced based on their creditworthiness," said Allen Fishbein, CFA's director of housing and credit policy.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
Fed Holds Federal Funds Rate at 5.25%
The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee this week announced it would maintain the target for the federal funds rate at 5.25 percent.
This is the fourth consecutive month the committee opted not to raise the target rate, which increased from 1 percent to 5.25 percent between June 2004 and July 2006. The federal funds target rate is the interest rate charged by banks when they borrow funds "overnight" from each other.
Citing the cooling housing market as a factor for the slower economic growth, the Fed also reported higher levels of inflation. "However, inflation pressures seem likely to moderate over time, reflecting reduced impetus from energy prices, contained inflation expectations, and the cumulative effects of monetary policy actions and other factors restraining aggregate demand," the Fed said in a prepared statement.
The Fed also indicated the possibility of future interest rate increases, acknowledging that "some inflation risks remain. The extent and timing of any additional firming that may be needed to address these risks will depend on the evolution of the outlook for both inflation and economic growth, as implied by incoming information."
*Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
This is the fourth consecutive month the committee opted not to raise the target rate, which increased from 1 percent to 5.25 percent between June 2004 and July 2006. The federal funds target rate is the interest rate charged by banks when they borrow funds "overnight" from each other.
Citing the cooling housing market as a factor for the slower economic growth, the Fed also reported higher levels of inflation. "However, inflation pressures seem likely to moderate over time, reflecting reduced impetus from energy prices, contained inflation expectations, and the cumulative effects of monetary policy actions and other factors restraining aggregate demand," the Fed said in a prepared statement.
The Fed also indicated the possibility of future interest rate increases, acknowledging that "some inflation risks remain. The extent and timing of any additional firming that may be needed to address these risks will depend on the evolution of the outlook for both inflation and economic growth, as implied by incoming information."
*Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated December 13, 2006.
Picconi to Adopt...An Interview with God
Good Morning....
how are you? I'm up early....couldn't sleep, too much going on right now.
I'm hopefully getting my new dining room table today or tomorrow, working on visiting more clients for Christmas (the holidays) today and tomorrow, and also, the big news, possibly adopting!! I'll let you know more on that later...it's not what you think, so relax!
Here is a website that a dear friend recently shared with me.....every little bit helps!!
Have a successful Wednesday!!
Todd
Pic: A church in Rome ~ October, 2006.
Monday, December 18, 2006
High Desert Home Sales ....Southern California Real Estate Article Link...includes San Bernardino County and Riverside County Information!
Here is an article that had some interesting financial data that I found over the weekend.....
I will have to follow up or finish up rather, with you about my notes on how to take care of your Loan Officer. Have pics for it, too....
Happy Monday Everyone!!
PIC: Viviana, Nicholas and I on their sofa....Our Christmas Visit.
Delivering Christmas Gifts....How to Treat Your Loan Officer...
PICS: Me delivering gift bags to clients, Janina and Viviana "The Girls" and Joe and Nicholas "The Boys".....Christmas Visit!!Hi Again,
I managed to download these pics from last week (still have others, but don't have the time to download yet).....
Here is a visit to one of my past clients and they are like family. I guess, in some way, many of my clients are like family in some way.....
I got to see them and visit for almost an hour last week....or was it more? I'm thrilled to have Joe, Janina, Nicholas and Viviana in my life. Some of you may have seen Viviana in my newsletter when she was first born and I visited her two years ago in the hospital, along with Mom, Janina, and the rest of the family who was there.
I wished that I had the time to visit every client....it's just impossible....and let's focus on the positive. I do feel like I've made alot of headway this season. If I haven't stopped by, I hope I get to.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS, FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT.
My Best,
Todd
Holiday Scuttle Bug...Monday, December 18, 2006....My NEW OFFICE!!
Happy Monday Morning Everyone!!Working out of my home office this morning...here's my new desk......
I'm happy to say that I've been able to deliver 50+ gifts to my clients' homes this year so far. I don't know actually that I'll get to deliver more, but will try to get another 20 (hopefully more!!) tackled this week.
How is your Holiday month going?
What's new and exciting??
What are you doing with your family for Christmas?? (assuming you celebrate it)
Mine will probably be spent at a restaurant (trying to find one that will really work for my family) and then we'll probably go to one of our homes, hopefully mine, to open Christmas gifts, enjoy some "quality time" together, etc.
Well, back to work and now it's time to pay bills, too.....Ciao Ciao~~~
Todd
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Ho! Ho! Ho!! Happy Holidays from St. Nicholas!!
Nicholas sending his Holiday Greetings.....Woof, Woof, Woof!!
Hope you are having an absolutely wonderful holiday season.
Spent part of my weekend delivering Christmas Presents/Greetings to clients....the other part, shopping and getting some final details done with work stuff.
Here's an article that I found today to share about today's real estate market...
Price Surprise
Hope you have an awesome first part of this week....
My Best,
Todd
Hope you are having an absolutely wonderful holiday season.
Spent part of my weekend delivering Christmas Presents/Greetings to clients....the other part, shopping and getting some final details done with work stuff.
Here's an article that I found today to share about today's real estate market...
Price Surprise
Hope you have an awesome first part of this week....
My Best,
Todd
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Happy Thursday Night Everyone!!
I am just looking over my emails and stuff and found this article that was in the LA Times recently...You may want to read it, especially if you're thinking to invest in any county other than San Bernardino County!! Here's the link:
Home prices rise at lowest rate since '97
I am just looking over my emails and stuff and found this article that was in the LA Times recently...You may want to read it, especially if you're thinking to invest in any county other than San Bernardino County!! Here's the link:
Home prices rise at lowest rate since '97
Monday, December 11, 2006
MONDAY, MONDAY......(isn't there a song called this?) Inland Empire Growth Article....Gateway to Foreign Goods Imports!!
Hi!!
Had a nice weekend. Did mostly stuff that goes by the wayside throughout the year. My kitchen got a major overall (the cupboards...most of them, at least) and now preparing to be St. Nick. Worked on my New Year's Calendars and preparing those to send out. Put together some gift bags for clients that I worked with this year, or who may have referred me business this year, as a SPECIAL "THANK YOU".
I LOVE CHRISTMAS AND THIS TIME OF YEAR!!
Hope you had an enjoyable weekend and that you continue to enjoy a beautiful holiday season.
My Best to You...
Todd
P.S. Here's an article that said some pretty incredible things about the Inland Empire....scroll down towards the latter part of the article for some amazing facts about your area. (If you live in the Inland Empire)
Thursday, December 7, 2006
20 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity...
Got this from Karen @ American Home Mortgage...909.466.1290 ext. 118....
Thanks Karen!! You're always brightening our day.
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point! a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds"
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don t use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity
.......Send This E-mail To Someone To Make Them Smile. It's Called Therapy.
PIC: Was driving through a neighborhood yesterday and saw this lone chicken wondering down the driveway....had to take it's pic. Look closer at the 1st pic, it's by the front door bushes.
Jacque is looking for a new home!!
Hi There!!
I received this from my friend, Lisa, this morning.
Let's help Jacque find a new home for the holidays!!
Thanx!
Todd
Here's what I got from Lisa and her contact information for those interested:
Cute as a button, looking for a nice place to call "home". Anyone know someone looking for a handsome young male companion? I understand that Jacques is healthy, housebroken and 100% available (as of 10:15 AM today). If you know someone, let me know..
Hope you're having a great holiday season.
Hugs,
Lisa Brambilla-Doble
Hope you're having a great holiday season.
Hugs,
Lisa Brambilla-Doble
Corporate Trainer
VPI Pet Insurance (800)872-7387 EXT 6205
CA Insurance Lic # OD38985
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Inland Empire Article on Rentals.....LA County, too.
Hi There!
GREAT NEWS IF YOU'RE A LANDLORD AT THIS TIME IT LOOKS LIKE....SEE ATTACHED ARTICLE LINK.
Have a safe drive home!!
Todd
PIC: Vintage Parisian Art
Tuesday Trivia ~ Christmas Cards ~ Gorgeous Day!!
Here is some trivia that I found today....courtesy of Karen....Thanks Karen!!
A few of these were interesting to me when I read them.
It's another gorgeous day in the Inland Empire today. I'm off to run errands and am hoping to get back in the swing of things at the gym soon. It's been a while since I've been, so really starting to miss it.
One of my escrows is hopefully getting ready to go to docs.....and that WILL BE a huge Christmas present.....for many involved! I hope to have it closed up, signed, sealed and delivered by next Friday.
Well, enjoy the day and the holiday season......and the parties, too.
Miss some of you whom I don't get to chat with much.....You know I'm thinking of you.
Ciao,
Todd
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down."
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola was originally green.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down."
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends. You know you want to!
PICTURE: The Laguna Beach Coastline
Monday, December 4, 2006
from a friend....." Deja Vu " ~ Furniture Donation....Kissing Good Memories Goodbye!!
Saw, "Deja Vu" tonight.....interestingly done and I enjoyed the conclusion.....did you?
Denzel is such a great actor....and so is the rest of the cast....Jerry Bruckheimer, You're Amazing!!
Tonight, while checking my emails before bed, I got this in part of one from a close friend.....and thought that the spirit of Christmas was in it.....part of it said, (and I quote):
"I wish you and your family and loved ones the very best Christmas...full of love, happiness, and good health. Keep them close to you because in the end they are what life is really all about. "
Well said, eh?
Good Night and I wish you and your family the best......of everything!!
PICS: Here is some of the furniture that I donated away, to a family in need in Mexico, this past weekend.....and no, I didn't get a receipt for it! I'm sure glad and hope that it's great for them the way that it has been for me.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
COMPUTER VIRUS!!!
You should be alert during the next days:
Do not open any message with an attached filed called "Invitation"regardless of who sent it, It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torchwhich "burns" the whole hard disc C of your computer.This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address inhis/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail toall your contacts.
It is better to receive this message 25 times than toreceive the virus and open it.If you receive a mail called "invitation", though sent by a friend, do notopen it and shut down your computer immediately.
This is theworst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as themostdestructive virus ever.This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yetfor this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the ZeroSector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept
SEND THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW ,COPY THIS E-MAIL AND SEND! IT TO YOUR FRIENDSAND REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US
Do not open any message with an attached filed called "Invitation"regardless of who sent it, It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torchwhich "burns" the whole hard disc C of your computer.This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address inhis/her contact list, that is why you should send this e-mail toall your contacts.
It is better to receive this message 25 times than toreceive the virus and open it.If you receive a mail called "invitation", though sent by a friend, do notopen it and shut down your computer immediately.
This is theworst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as themostdestructive virus ever.This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yetfor this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the ZeroSector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept
SEND THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW ,COPY THIS E-MAIL AND SEND! IT TO YOUR FRIENDSAND REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US
Gift Giving For The Rich Video ~ Christmas Shopping ~ Housecleaning Continues!!
Good Sunday Morning To You!!
How is your weekend going?
I was hoping to see my friend, Stacey, in from out of town, but it didn't work out. Hope you had a safe flight home, Stacey, and that you're feeling better soon. ;)
Got more of my house in order finally and am getting rid of more stuff this morning. I'm sending it to Mexico to some of the needy there.....I hope it helps.
Well, gotta get ready. Here is an article that I found amusing....what do you get someone who has everything? Well, if I could afford it, I'd love to get a few people a backyard waterpark for them and their kids, or a jet, or a 25 karat green diamond....check it out if you want....
Working on my Christmas Cards this week and hoping to personally write a note in them....Ciao Ciao~~
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Home Sales Decreased 28.7 Percent in October....
The median price of an existing single-family home in California increased 2 percent in October and sales decreased 28.7 percent compared with the same period a year ago, C.A.R. reported today.
"While it appears that home sales have stabilized over the past three months, it's too soon to say whether or not the market has bottomed out," said C.A.R. President Colleen Badagliacco. "We do expect smaller year-over-year declines in home sales for the remainder of the year."
According to the report, the median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during October 2006 was $548,680, a 2 percent increase over the revised $537,930 median for October 2005.
Also last month, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled 443,320 at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 28.7 percent compared with the sales pace recorded one year earlier and down 0.3 percent from home resale activity in September.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated November 29, 2006.
"While it appears that home sales have stabilized over the past three months, it's too soon to say whether or not the market has bottomed out," said C.A.R. President Colleen Badagliacco. "We do expect smaller year-over-year declines in home sales for the remainder of the year."
According to the report, the median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during October 2006 was $548,680, a 2 percent increase over the revised $537,930 median for October 2005.
Also last month, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled 443,320 at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 28.7 percent compared with the sales pace recorded one year earlier and down 0.3 percent from home resale activity in September.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated November 29, 2006.
First-Time Buyer Housing Affordability Index Stands at 24 Percent
The percentage of first-time buyers in California able to afford a median-priced home stood at 24 percent in the third quarter of 2006, compared with 28 percent for the same period a year ago, according to C.A.R.'s First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI).
The minimum household income first-time buyers needed to purchase a home at $478,710 in California in the third quarter of 2006 was $98,890, based on an adjustable interest rate of 6.58 percent and assuming a 10 percent down payment. First-time buyers typically purchase a home equal to 85 percent of the prevailing median price. The monthly payment including taxes and insurance was $3,300 for the third quarter of 2006.At 39 percent, the High Desert region was the most affordable C.A.R. region in the state, followed by the Sacramento region at 38 percent. Santa Barbara was the least affordable region in the state at 14 percent, followed by Monterey at 17 percent.
**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated November 30th, 2006.
fashion show ~ charity ~ fundraiser ~ a day in the park!!
Good Evening!!
How are you doing?
Today we enjoyed a great time at the Sheraton Fairplex .... Here is our picture with Santa Claus and our tuxedo's on....as well as our shopping winter casual look.
It was a "sellout" and I was privileged to be a part of it.
Also, it's Bill Ruh with his Louis Vitton Garment Bag that we're all jealous of!!
Well, hope you have a great night....I have more work to do and am preparing for some stuff tomorrow as well....and hoping to get to bed at a decent hour tonight. The holidays can be exhausting....so take care of yourself and GET YOUR REST!!!!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday Morning....San Bernardino Rentals.....Appr
Hi There!!
Hope you're feelin' back in the swing with things......Here's an interesting rental article about a new "control" that is being put in place for San Bernardino....
City to keep eye on rentals
Hope you're feelin' back in the swing with things......Here's an interesting rental article about a new "control" that is being put in place for San Bernardino....
City to keep eye on rentals
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Picconi's Last Night in Rome....Walk by the Church of the Resurrection....Ice Cream Cone
***This was taken from my journal from my vacation back in October.....more than a month ago already!!
October 22, 2006 701PM
Ciao Ciao!!
Just got back into my hotel and am getting ready to call my family from here and my cousins from yesterday....I have had a really nice day here in Roma!
Got into town, went to Via Del Curso ~ my favorite street here, then took it down to Piazza Venezia.....looks kind of like an Italian Version of THE WHITE HOUSE.
Then did a bit more shopping on Via Del Curso ~ it runs straight into PV, spotted another model photo shoot...and this model looked familiar....she was very tall, wearing a poofy dress/skirt (?) and was of course, very thing. The American photog, was coaching her and telling her to jump into the street, he would say, "Jump" and she had to look like she was having fun...it was fun to watch, alot of people seemed to stop for a minute or at least "double take".....
Then came back to my hotel, rested....oh, and on my walk went down to Piazza Del Popolo, Piazza of the People, and it looked the "The Departed" ~ is that what it’s called with Leonardo DiCaprio, that just came out....well in PDP, they had the structures from large tents that they had up, and also, a really large, poster-like picture of the movie advertisement....yesterday, when I was with my cousins in Lucca, they had mentioned that Leonardo had been in Italy, I believe Roma? So anyway, I think he was there yesterday or Friday....also, had a coffee and breakfast at a cafe called "Metropolitan" which I believe is part of the movie theater right next door, so maybe, just maybe, he went there for the premier. I wonder how many times the actors have to see their films ~ at premiers?
Then came back to the hotel, took about a one and half hour nap, got up, took a few photos in my room (uh, ummmm lol) and then took off to Castel San Angelo first, then walked the bridge, taking photos (the bridge leads directly over it and crosses the Tiber River) of each statue on it, then ended up in Campo Di Fiori, which I had been there a few years back, so knew that I was in it, took a pic of the fountain there ~ I believe that it’s in an Audrey Hepburn movie or Cary Grant (but not sure!!).....then went to Piazza Navona, my favorite, for an early dinner and some red wine. It was packed, took lots of photos, there was alot of entertainment going on in the piazza and then tried to relax.
Then, headed on a walk~a~thon, all over, passing S. Agostino Church, where the resurrection, I believe, took place or something like that (?), then headed up to The Spanish Steps, passed a few American Stores and big name Italian ones (they’re all around The Spanish Steps), took lots of pictures, then walked down Della Croce, (which was referenced in "Talented Mr. Ripley"), then ended up on Del Curso again, for an ice cream cone.
Now by this time, my tootsies were tired, even in my Nike’s......so decided to hang out there a bit, sitting and watching the world go by.....and then eventually made it back here.
Ok, enough said.....lol
Tomorrow morning the driver is picking me up at 515AM and I have a wake~up call at 435AM...hopefully it all goes as planned.....and then I will be on my return trip home...how exciting (!!)...I’m headed to London Heathrow Airport on my way back to LAX....then Papa has the shuttle picking me up, bringing me to his house, then I suppose he’s bringing me home.....? I hear that my bmw is home, so he must have returned it....thought he still had it and I’d take that....but whatever works.
Going to try to download some photos before I make my calls...from today. Night!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
