Okay people, it is now January and those of us in real estate are turning our thoughts to the up coming spring market.   Biggest issue:   LOW INVENTORY – especially in the West County area.   So I am sending out the appeal….if you are thinking of selling this year please contact me  so we can discuss market value and what you need to do to get your home beautiful for those on line daters – I mean on line buyers.  😉

Home buying and selling is very much a business deal but unlike other strictly business deals, home buying and selling has a huge emotional element.    I’ve said before, our homes define us and show the world a bit about who we are.   Thus, we have to love the home we purchase and live in.   So when folks are buying they are looking to fall in love so to speak.   It’s my job to make sure the beauty of the home they fall in love with not skin deep and superficial.   That not only is the decor nice but the bones too.     Sellers must remember when they make the decision to list a home, it is no longer theirs…they must have the attitude that the home is the public’s and make adjustments to decor etc. based on what the masses might be looking for.   The painter I use to neutralize decor for my listings calls it “boring”.   But by neutralizing your decor, buyers are not distracted by the decor and can see the house and how their own furnishing might look in the home.

One of the other things I want to address here is just some things to remember when you are thinking of buying or selling.     These thing pop up from time to time and can be frustrating for us realtors.

•  If you are planning to leave the area, I can refer you to an agent in the new city you are planning to move to.   The agent will be a Coldwell Banker agent and will keep me posted on your transaction in your new city.   I can also do the same for those who are selling in another city and moving here.
• If you are planning to build a home, don’t allow the builder’s representative to be your rep too.   A realtor can assist you in negotiating add on’s and upgrades in your new build.   As a buyer it costs you nothing to have your own representation.
• Don’t be afraid to use a friend as your realtor.   We don’t get all the detailed info on your finances….that’s your lender’s business.   And even if we do get some personal info we are professionals who will guard your info and frankly forget about it the minute the deal is done!  And a friend is going to care about you more than a stranger.
• Be careful when asking for info on Zillow…often listings have the names of agents who have paid for position on the site.   Once you start talking to an agent or they show you a house, it’s difficult to then call a friend to help you buy that house.   There is something called procuring cause that gives the agent who showed you a home in the first place rights to commissions.   CALL YOUR REALTOR FRIEND FIRST!

Let me know how I can help in 2018….I’m ready to go!

 

 

So it’s December and like all folks I am up to my ears in preparations for the Holidays.   Once again, Mike and I are traveling to Colorado to spend Christmas at our older son’s home – younger son is coming in to join us from Portland.   Even Zeke the Basset hound is coming with us!  He’s a great car traveler – sleeps the whole time!   Given that we are driving mostly through Kansas,  he’s not missing a whole lot.

Life at Christmas has sure changed for us since the kids graduated college and moved to other cities for their jobs.   No more pile of packages under the tree…and no more giant meals with a herd of people at our house.   On one hand it’s bittersweet…I always loved having a full house and all the trimmings.   On the other hand, it’s liberating to not have to focus on gifts/shopping so much and it’s less exhausting to have to host 25 people!    We are headed to a beautiful Victorian Hotel in Boulder for a late lunch and then the boys and Mike and I are going to the latest Star Wars movie installment.    Based on the weather forecasts it looks like we will have white Christmas too!   The mountains at Christmas are seriously beautiful.

I know at some point we will have a grandchild or two (I REALLY hope!) and we will be back to the explosion of gifts and the wonderment of Santa Claus and all that entails.   I hope I’m still coherent enough to enjoy and participate!   Not sure I am up for the herd of people to feed anymore.   I kind of like being waited on frankly.  Star Wars, however will always be a tradition at this time of year – as long as they continue making the movies and the FORCE is with us!  Great family tradition and one that hopefully my future grandchildren can experience too.

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends no matter where or how you celebrate.   Cherish one another and enjoy the laughter and food.   Once the new year comes, it’ll be time to go back to work and concentrate on more mundane tasks.   Thank you all for your continued support of my business and for your friendship.   I am here if you need me for a real estate transaction in 2018!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy New Year!

I knew it was going to be a wonderful day when driving in terrible highway traffic on my way to a closing Monday morning I saw a beautiful rainbow in the sky.    That morning I was going to a closing for a client and friend of mine, who having endured a divorce,  was purchasing a new home for herself and her kids.   For a few days before the closing day, I had a feeling of trepidation.  I don’t know why really.  I think because I wanted so much for things to go smoothly for my friend – who had already been through so much-that I was terrified that things would go wrong some how.   I prayed in church on Sunday that all would be well.  But deep down I still had an uneasy feeling.  Of course I didn’t tell her this…she’s reading it now as you all are…there was no real reason for my feeling except perhaps a lack of Faith.    When I saw the rainbow – a sign of God’s covenant with Noah from the OT – I knew all would be well.   And it was.  It was a closing that was joyful for new beginnings,  some relief that all was done and a little bit of sadness for a chapter in life that closed.    She and I both shed a few tears.   I am thankful that she chose me to be there with her on this journey.

Monday set the tone for the rest of my week.   And it’s fast becoming a week of gratitude and renewed Faith!

The week before, another good friend of mine referred me to her neighbors who were downsizing and had moved into an assisted living apartment complex.   I took their listing and started the process of organizing the painting, cleaning and emptying of their home.   I was worried that the timeline of trying to get the home live on the internet before the Thanksgiving holiday would be too much for this couple and their family who would be doing most of the heavy lifting.    When I met the painter at the home this week to discuss colors for the house, I met three daughters and other various family members who were so delightful and willing to work with my schedule that I left them feeling a sense of excitement and determination to do the best that I can for this wonderful family.   This sale will be one that has sadness too…leaving a beloved home full of memento’s and memories….but also one of relief and happiness that two very loved parents will be safe and secure in their new home.   I am hopeful that I will have made some new friends in this process too!  I am grateful for my friend who referred me to them.  And I am grateful to have met these wonderful people.

In between all the real estate related stuff, my younger son John passed a securities exam that he had to take with his new job.   It was a giant test…with so much information crammed into a short time of studying that only a few pass on the first try.   John was told that most of the people at his company that do pass on the first try were Indiana University Kelley School of Business grads – of which he is one.   No pressure, John!   He passed and called to tell me Monday afternoon.   He will also receive a monetary bonus.  He was over the moon!  So was his mom.   Someone once said, “as a parent you are only as happy as your most unhappy child”.   So true.   So when a child achieves something like this, I feel that I have achieved it too.   He is smart like his mother, after all.

Lastly, I got to meet with an old friend whose home I sold three years ago – another long term home full of memories and a life well lived.   These clients moved to Florida to escape the cold and to be nearer to one of their children.   They came into St. Louis for a wedding and called me so we could see each other briefly.   It warmed my heart to see them both.   In our brief time together, my friend  – ( and he knows who he is) -complimented me on my writing and the “newsletter” I send out.   BUT, he said I need to print the letter with more block letters, larger and without a picture background because he has a hard time reading it without a magnifying glass!   I told him he was not the first of my clients to tell me this.  SO!  This one will be for him.   Plain, simple and easy to read.

So THANK YOU for all of your friendships and business and referrals.   Keep it up!!!  I need you all not just for your business but for what I learn from each of you – to have Faith, to endure, to laugh, to cry and to be amazed at the trust you show me.

 

 

 

Quote of the week:   In Business the difference between a boss and a leader:
Boss says:   “Go”     Leader says:   “Let’s go”

This year has been a good year a good one for me.  So on this upcoming Labor Day I am giving thanks for my clients and referrals!    Having the trust of your friends and clients is everything in this business!   I know there are those who would rather not “work” with a friend because they are afraid of things going wrong and a friendship suffering.   While I know this can happen – I avoid it at all costs.   I see the selling and buying of homes as matchmaking as I talked about last month….it’s not just a business deal.   And I like to think that when I list a home or take on a buyer I am part of a team that is collaborating to get the best result possible.   I believe that no matter who I am working with, we all have to have a team mentality.   That’s the difference between “GO” and “Let’s GO”.

So for those of you who have allowed me to be part of their TEAM, I thank you!   I know sometimes when listing, a seller’s expectations may not always materialize as hoped.  But I so appreciate those of you who are willing to listen to my professional opinion, and be open to changes in decor, pricing and even marketing in order to get a home sold.   Price is always the biggest sticking point and for obvious reasons.   But in the end, if the objective is to sell a property, then we have to do what the buyers and the market are telling us.

I also thank all you buyers who allow me to be the “devil’s advocate” in critiquing homes that we tour and allow me to be the more objective eyes for you.    I often find myself saying  things like:   “Yes, this is a lovely home but have you considered the busy street with your young children?”   Or –  ” What about the bedrooms being upstairs – would you want a first floor master as you get into your 50’s, or 60’s?”    I can say that because I am in my 50’s so I’m not insulting anyone!!!    It might be harder for a younger agent to say!   But we have to say it…in the end the buyer will decide what they can and cannot live with but we have to point out the flaws of a home/location objectively so our buyers can make the best decision possible.   One day those buyers may be sellers so we have to try and look at the property from both sides.

Lastly, but most certainly not least….those of you who have referred me to your friends, neighbors and family.  You are such an important part of my business in that you help me to expand my clientele even when often, you yourselves are not ready to make a move and have not been a client yourselves.   I take these referrals especially seriously because you are really putting your reputation and referral in my hands.      You have to know this is a high compliment and one I so appreciate.   I will work hard to never let you down!   I need you to keep those referrals coming!

So if you have a real estate transaction need coming up, or you know someone that does and needs a team leader so to speak, then call me….and LET’S GO!!!

 

 

 

There was a meme recently on Facebook that said:   ” Realtors are like matchmakers, they introduce people to houses until they find one and fall in love.”

This is really the truth!  And it’s part of why I love what I do !

Finding a new home ( and selling an old one) is not just a business transaction.   Even though it is to some extent “business”;  your home is your refuge.   It’s where your family and friends gather for important events.   It’s where all your memories are made.   It’s not just an amount of money invested or four walls.   It’s a statement about who we are and reflects our personalities, interests and tastes.

As a realtor it’s really a joy helping buyers fall in love with their new home.   This is especially true with first time buyers.   It’s a huge milestone – purchasing that first home – and it can be scary, confusing and incredibly exciting all at the same time.   Shepherding a new buyer through the maze of searching, looking, contracting, inspections, loan contingency and ultimately closing makes me feel a little bit like a mom.   I have to play the devils advocate, be the voice of reason, calm jittery nerves and ultimately smile with pride as my clients successfully get through the process of buying a home for the first time.   These buyers are generally so appreciative because they need my expertise and counsel.   I am not their parent, yet I can act in that role a bit to help them make a wise choice in their first home.

Repeat buyers are wonderful as they don’t need quite as much attention.  It’s not their first rodeo, so they are more confident and have learned a lot from previous ownership. Usually these folks are buying larger for an expanding family – which I love because I get to play with young children while parents tour a home and this makes me so happy as my own children are not yet at the point to provide me with grandchildren!

Buyers who are up-sizing or down-sizing are often former clients and this is the ultimate compliment for me as a real estate agent.   When clients feel that I did a good job for them and refer clients to me or come back to me themselves,  it’s the best feeling!  Buying and selling can be stressful and sometimes difficult, what I ultimately want for all my clients is a smooth transaction and their happiness.   There are times when things are not always smooth so when we come out the other side successfully, it’s the greatest.

Just as important as matchmaking buyers with new homes is helping sellers make their homes LOVABLE.   Putting your home out there for sale is kind of like putting yourself onto an online dating service.   You want to put your best house possible forward and make it as appealing as you can for the buying public.   This can get tricky because our home is so reflective ourselves,  a seller’s idea of “pretty” and “appealing” might not be so much for much of the buying public.   As a listing agent I work with sellers to get their home ready to show with decor changes/ideas/staging while being mindful of their feelings and ability or desire to do these changes and keeping price in mind.   It’s not always easy and often sellers feel they know the market realities better than the professionals.  Thankfully, most sellers are willing to hear the facts and take them into account – eventually!  😉  Selling can be just as much a process as buying.  We want happy satisfied sellers too!

So let me help you or someone you know fall in love with their next home while avoiding kissing any frogs and for those ready to sell we will get you the best “online (dating) profile” we can to attract all those buyers.

 

 

Memorial day is usually considered the start of the summer season!   As we enter this time of year, our thoughts turn to pools, the beach and lots of BBQ!   For me, it’s still a busy season but the feeding frenzy of the spring market tends to settle down a little!  It has been a sellers market with price points beneath $500K.  Inventory is still at an all time low and this makes it hard for buyers to find homes!  But over all its been a good real estate market.    I thank you all for your business in the past, present and hopefully the future should you need to sell or buy another home!

The biggest surprise of the season so far?   The upper end market had a very hot spring –  homes over $1 million . There seemed to be a feeling of optimism at that price level.   Within our office there have been several sales of new and older 1 million+ homes that sold for higher amounts than expected.   I had one listing that sold prior to going onto the open market in this higher end.  It was a new home but none the less, sold very quickly.    We will see how long this lasts.   While homes at this price point often take a lot longer to sell due to smaller buyer pool, in the last couple of months we have seen the reverse of this.  At this price point we are starting to see the emerging SMART HOME design.   These are homes that are integrated and can be controlled from a smart phone or ipad.  Everything from room temp, security, opening and closing doors, lights and blinds controlled in your hand – from anywhere in the world.   Many markets in the country have this trend already, but now we are starting to see this in St Louis.

The 500K-1 million range is the slower range right now.  Again, it seems odd that the higher end should be doing better but here we are.    The other trend we are seeing is the slow down in 2 story style home sales.   Ranches and 1.5 story homes with master’s on the main floor are moving faster.  I wonder if this is going to be the trend going forward with an aging population?  This may become a more permanent reality.   It’s not that they won’t sell, but it may be a longer time on market for this type of home.  Those of you who might be considering a home sale soon, may want to consider this recent trend.

I do think that like all style, we tend to see the pendulum swing back and forth over 20 or so year periods.   When my husband and I bought our first home  (late 80’s) we wanted a two story because we were raised in the ’50’s and ’60’s when the mid-century modern ranches were in vogue.   We wanted the exact opposite of what our parents had.   Now, our own kids – the millennials seem attracted to the mid century modern home.   They tend to want smaller and they want the opposite of what they were raised in.   Combine this with the aging baby boomers looking for one floor living alternatives to the villa/condo , it’s no wonder the ranch or 1.5 story style home is hot right now.

Then there is the tiny house trend.   Have any of you seen these shows on HGTV??   Basically these are very fancy mobile homes or campers.   They are usually not on a foundation and can be towed behind a large truck.   They really are not homes and I cannot fathom living with my husband and children in that small of a space.   I would be in jail for murder.  Or I would be a murder victim myself.   I get people don’t want debt and large mortgages but seriously???   A composting toilet?   No thank you.   My grandparents came from the old country so we could live INDOORS.   Now, if I decide to retire and tour the country, a tiny house would be a wonderful take along home but then so would a Gulfstream or Winnebago.

St. Louis is a fantastic, affordable home buying and selling market.   In fact there was a recent article that said areas of Ballwin and Crestwood  were two of the hottest markets in the country.   Both have affordable housing (under 500K) and great school districts (Parkway/Lindbergh).   So take heart in your upcoming buying and selling….we have it so much better than many other areas of the country!   And please!  If you need any assistance on the real estate front — CALL ME!

 

In my previous life as a professional volunteer, I sat on a committee in Parkway School District, the Government Relations committee.   Parents and concerned citizens from the district met every other month or so to hear about upcoming legislation that would affect schools.   One of the facilitators for the district introduced himself as a Parkway Parent whose children had achieved the “Three E’s”  –  they were educated, employed and elsewhere!   It got big laughs and I have often used this phrase when talking about my own children.   Well, now in about two weeks, both of my kids will have achieved the THREE E’s!   It’s a milestone that is hard to believe really.

When did those little boys grow up?   They seem so dependent for so long….they need help with every aspect of their lives from dressing, to toileting, to eating,  to schoolwork.   We have to teach them not to kill themselves or others.     Then one day you wake up and realize they don’t need you for all of that anymore.   It’s bittersweet….but it means you’ve done your job.   My younger son John told me once “No offense mom, but I’d like to think if anything happened to you, I would be okay.”   LOL!  I certainly hope so.   I think we were discussing life in general and behavior of kids….he didn’t say it to be rude or angry…he was just making an observation.   It’s a bit of a rude awakening to think that your main job in life – as a parent- was becoming obsolete.   And I think for mom’s it’s more of an adjustment.  We invest SO much in bringing children into the world and then raising them.

On the other hand…at my age,  it’s a relief.   I have a new appreciation for those parents who deal with special needs kids who might not ever be completely independent.   Because I’m exhausted from worrying, prodding, coaxing and cheer leading my kids.   I know they will always need my counsel and love but it’s a relief for them to pay their own way and take care of themselves.   It’s also given me a chance to start a new career in Real Estate ( 6+ years now!) and concentrate on myself a bit.   That and help pay off all those college loans!

Another wise person once said, as your children enter into young adult hood, you become less of a manager in their lives and more of a consultant.   This is also true.   They are going to do what they want.  They may entertain an opinion – solicited or otherwise, but it’s up to them.   Now, I find out about things that happened or that they did that if I had known at the time I would have had a heart attack.   It’s funny in retrospect – especially when thankfully, nothing bad happened in any of these less than wise situations.   But it drives the point home that it’s to a great degree out of our hands as parents.    If we did our job right things should be okay.   This is what I keep telling myself!

The best thing about your kids getting older is to watch them rely on each other.   Our oldest son, Tom has become the defacto first responder when his younger brother and my niece (my sister’s child)  have issues.   He gets the distress calls and then advises them how to proceed.    He shields us ( the clueless parents) from “Minor in Possession” (of alcohol) at college issues…he’s even paid a bill or two for his brother I think.  Often he laughs and tells them to call us.   But he has saved his brother and cousin from parental lecturing and threats on many occasion.   Even though it’s done to avoid us, I am happy to see them turn to each other in times of need.

One day, I pray their kids will do the same.

 

After the warm February we had, I was actually contemplating getting my first pedicure of the season as March approached.   I am one of those women who lets my toes “go naked” during the winter months since they won’t be seen anyway ensconced away in my many pairs of boots.   So in order to wear the open toed shoes of spring and summer, I must get those toes “did” …lest I come off as one of the hobbits from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

But no.    March came in and with it three days of snow and subfreezing temps. Reminded me that my naked toes need to stay in my boots a while longer.   I know it won’t last and with daylight savings time, it already feels warmer and that spring is truly here.  I will have to consider what color I want my toes to be when I get that first pedicure and soon!

In my business, we are  at the beginning of the spring real estate market and things have been quite busy.   The biggest obstacle we have is lack of inventory in the West Co. area especially.   Nice homes that come onto the market generally sell within a day.  I had two homes – one in O’Fallon, MO and one in Black Jack, MO sell in hours!   Both in the  $150-200,000 price point.    The $200-400,000 range is also going strong.  Some higher price points take longer but this would be true in any market.  Over all we have a robust beginning to the 2017 market.

I would urge anyone who has considered listing to REALLY consider it now.   Interest rates are inching up and while still historically low, as they rise, it affects how much buyers can get via lending.   So higher rates may affect sales down the road.   It will be interesting to see how that all plays out.   The other thing is because inventory in desirable schools districts is so low, it makes this a sellers market which as been a turnaround from recent years and the market crash in ’08.

No matter what you are thinking in terms of home sale, spring is all about getting annual maintenance done.   This is especially important if you are planning to list your home.  But even if you are not, it’s a good idea to do that spring cleaning.   Keeping your home in good condition, if not newly updated is key to a quick sale down the road.    It’s kind of like me getting that pedicure before exposing my toes to the world.   Spring cleaning and maintenance is the mani/pedi for your home.   It makes it pretty and presentable to those who will be looking and if you decide to sell, it will help your home stand out from the others.

Spring Maintenance Checklist ( from Home Advisor)

• Gutters and downspouts: Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
• Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
• Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all of the eroding caulk and recaulk needed area.
• Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
• Window and door screens: Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
• Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
• Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
• Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor.
• Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a foundation professional. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
• Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Perform a thorough cleaning. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
• Deck and porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn’t look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a deck professional to treat your deck and fence.
• Landscape: This is a natural for spring home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home’s paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
• Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.

So get outside as the weather warms and get that house in order!   I am going to do it at my house as well.  Then when you are ready to sell – whether it’s this year or down the road, your home will be ready to go!   And of course, you’d better call me!  😉

It’s a rude awakening when one realizes they are a servant and not really a free individual. The first time I realized it, I was a first time parent.   It occurred to me that I had gone to college, gotten a degree only to find myself a servant to a 2 month old’s every need – from diaper changing to feeding.   I mean seriously, how did my college degree prepare me for temper tantrums and poop emergencies?   It didn’t.

In many ways we are all slaves to certain things in life – many are important to our survival, like food/shelter and safety.   We have to be…our jobs allow us to be self sufficient and take care of these basic needs.   I have no qualm with this form of servitude.

However, in the digital age it’s becoming more and more apparent that I am now a slave to my devices.   The IPhone and Fitbit to be exact.   Twenty four/seven,  I have bells and chimes and vibrations going off in my hand/purse/wrist/pocket that tell me I must answer a call/email/text/notification/tweet or I need to get up and walk for 250 steps/move for 10 minutes or GO TO SLEEP!!!   Yesterday, an AMBER ALERT went off during my open house and three times gave me heart failure.   Thankfully, the child in question was found safely.  And on one hand it’s a great way to get info out to the most people possible!   But seriously, I had an anxiety attack when the buzzing went off.

I find my self in the gym watching the Fibit app on my phone as I exercise.  And with a frenzy I have never had before, I am walking or “ellipticalling” to get to 5000 steps.   I suppose this is good,  but I feel obligated to do it because if I don’t, Fitbit will be upset with me and I won’t get my stars or trophies.   I am nothing if I am not competitive.   Promptly at 10 pm it will vibrate and tell me it’s time to go to sleep and dutifully, I get up and go to bed.   I wonder what it will say to me if I don’t go to bed right away.   Will I be in Fitbit time out?   Will I be grounded by Fitbit because I’ve stayed up past my curfew?    What if all these electronics are some shadow entity’s way of controlling all of us?   What if by ignoring the digital directives, I will be put in digital jail?   Is all this digital information really making my life better or is it causing a new kind of PTSD?   Post traumatic digital disorder?  PTDD?  Or even worse Digital Disarray Disorder….DDD in which people cannot function without the digital directives.   I think this could be a real thing!  I sometimes feel like the Genie in Aladdin….with the wrist shackles that enslave him.

I know the IPhone and Fitbit are devices to help us in our daily lives and so many ways they do. But I think that we have become slaves to the screen.   We can’t tear our eyes away from it and it’s sometimes a detriment to our lives and psyche’s.   We don’t look up to enjoy the scenery because we are so busy trying to take a selfie.   People are falling to the ground because they aren’t watching where they are going as they walk down the street. Their noses are stuck in their devices.   And sometimes too much information 24/7 is overwhelming.   So good people, tear off the shackles of the devices and be FREE!   Be alone and disconnected for an hour or two.   Or a whole day.   I dare you.

Gotta go, I just got a text…..

 

Before you get too excited, Rocky Mountain High can mean more than one thing!   While pot is now legal in the state of Colorado – both medicinal and recreational – the most impressive “high” is the sheer magnitude of the mountains and the altitude.   Denver is the Mile High City….being at a mile above sea level.   We stayed for several days over the holidays in Breckenridge which is pushing two miles above sea level.   More than once we remarked that we cannot imagine how the pioneers managed to get across the Rocky Mountain range back in the day…in covered wagons.   Many of the small towns that dot the drive along I – 70 as we drove were probably founded by folks who were making the trek and just said “screw this” and set down some roots right where there were.   I can totally understand this.   I would have ventured past the Flatirons of Boulder, taken one look at the mountain range and said “uh, no.” As gorgeous as it is, it is decidedly daunting.

Let me back track a bit…this year we decided as a family ( along with my sister and niece) to forgo the usual frenzy of buying Christmas gifts and spend our money on an adventure to the ski resort of Breckenridge.   Those of you who know me know my son is living and working in Boulder so we make the trip to Colorado often.   This past summer we procured via Airbnb a lovely chalet in Breckenridge for a reasonable price.   My niece had never seen snow or mountains before having grown up in Melbourne, FL!   I would highly recommend this house to anyone who wants to go there.   But I digress.

This was our first Christmas since we became a family with children that we didn’t have the traditional Christmas experience.   Since my older son was born, we have completely bought into the whole extravaganza….gifts, food, relatives visiting…malls…gift wrapping…post office/UPS/FedEx.   Or should I say I have.   I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Santa is a woman.   Women make the lists for what to buy, what to eat, who to invite, how to wrap, mail, what photo will go on the Christmas card and when the decorations will go up and come down.   Men buy for their wives.   And perhaps haul the decorations up from the basement and put up the outside lights.   That’s it.

And as much as I complain about it, it’s my favorite time of the year.  I love everything about the season.  The cold weather, the beautiful decorations and the looks on the children’s faces on Christmas morning.  Just having everyone together.  As they have grown up it’s less “magical” and more about spending time together but still a production.  But a traditional production…and aren’t traditions important?   I think they are.  So I entered into this holiday feeling a little discombobulated.   I shopped for those I needed to online and shipped everything.   I didn’t have packages accumulating under the tree.  I had no menu to plan or shop for.   It was weird.  I did decorate but only minimally.  Our sights were on the Rocky Mountains.

We spent Christmas eve in Boulder at a restaurant with our kids.   Then Christmas day went to a Christmas dinner at a Victorian Hotel in Boulder that had a delicious dinner.   I was waited on and pampered.   The venue was beautiful with a 20 ft Christmas tree in the lobby of this old hotel.   We didn’t open gifts, we just spent time laughing and talking and arguing with our two adult sons.   That night we went to the movies.   The next day my sister and niece arrived and we made the drive to Breckenridge.

To say that it is like a fairy tale village is an understatement.   Breckenridge is the highest resort in the Rockies.   While all the modern amenities are available there, the architecture of the town is decidedly Victorian and quaint.  It’s nestled in between several peaks that are home to various ski runs and resorts.  It looks like what the north pole might look like where Santa Claus lives.   But with a brewery and lots of great restaurants.  And an oxygen bar where those who feel the effects of the altitude (like my husband) can go and receive oxygen and get a coffee!   There is tons of snow and while it may get up to 30-40 degrees during the day, at night it’s not unusual to see single digits.   Dry too.   We spent five days laughing,  sledding, skiing, and walking all around town.  Surrounded by some of the most magnificent of God’s scenery.

As we went through the week we all pledged to make this a yearly or at the least an every other year event – whether in Colorado or some other part of the U.S.   Along the way we will add significant others for the kids…husband’s, wives, maybe one day grandchildren too – and then we will probably not do a Christmas trip but some other time of the year as our own kids will become the “Santa’s” for their own families and we will be back to holidays with small children.  I will say however, that while it was hard for me to let go of my annual Christmas extravaganza, it ended up being the most stress free Christmas I have had in a while.  One where I too, was able to enjoy my family and just be.   No pressure, no frenzy, just hanging and doing whatever we wanted from day to day.  I highly recommend it.