Lake Arrowhead's "Kat" DeLong

Our local theatre has 4 movies playing most days and, all the latest flicks I might add. The link below will give you the movie titles, theatre location, directions and map. Bookmark it for future use. You can click on any movie title, watch the trailer, see ratings and read reviews. 

27315 North Bay Road, Blue Jay, CA 92317  |  (909) 337-8404  BLUE JAY 4 THEATRE 

Oh my GOSH...I have been tagged by my friend,  Misty Lackie. Well, I'm game..so HERE goes:

1. Who is your favorite musical artist?  Taylor Swift (my newest), because she sings the cutest darn songs! I love, "Our Song," and love to sing along, when I'm ALONE of course.
2. Who is your favorite artist? I honestly don't know if I have one. So...pass
3. Who is your favorite blogger? I'd say ME...then (gosh this could really get ugly) my friend, Woo-Hoo, Sally because she is always true to herself! However, I enjoy many, many other bloggers here and have learned so much. But, I had to pick "just one."
4. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them? Marilyn Monroe ... because she was such a sad and deeply troubled soul--and I have always wondered WHY and could anyone have "helped" her?
5. What did you want to be when you grew up? An airline steward-person, UNTIL the PSA crash decades ago. That crash had a big impact on my thinking about flying in general.
6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know?  In order to remember the great lakes, you can use the word HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior
7. If you could live in any point in history what would it be and why? I would like to go back to the 50's, when life was more simple and SAFE. I could roller skate outside with friends and not worry about being kidnapped...trick or treat and EAT the popcorn balls right then and there. Milk was delivered to our back door in glass BOTTLES. GAS was only 25 cents a gal!
8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held? REAL ESTATE. Before that (YEARS before) Winchelle's Donut House. I had so much fun interacting with people. AND, I could eat a dozen donuts and NOT gain a pound. Ahhhh, the good old days.

 Following are the bloggers I tagged. HAVE FUN!

1. Kim Kelley
2. Michelle Pimentel
3. Julie Neerings
4. Suzanne Sands
5. John Novak
6. Ellen Plante
7. Jennifer Allan
8. Thesa Chambers

 I hope I haven't offended anyone for calling them out to "play"  MEME  game. If so, I am truly sorry.

JUNE 1, 2008      Papagayos...the Best Mexican Food restaurant on the Mountain is celebrating their 25th Anniversary.
Join the party from 12pm to 4pm. Great food, Great Margaritas and Great Entertainment by:               "The MoonDaddies"

 Location: Lake Arrowhead Village

Normal Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Phone: 909-337-9529

MAP TO LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE

This is one of MY favorite places to eat!

MAY 30, 2008 Summer CONCERT SERIES continues with:

Backtraax , Classic Rock/Blues/Funk
This is one of So Cal's newest bands. BacktraXX show consists of classic rock, blues and punk combined with an exceptional stage presence.

Band Members:
Joseph Galvan - Vocals, guitar;
Danny St. James- Bass, vocals
Mark Ulmer - Drums, vocals - Welcome Back!
Johnny "Hoss" Hostetler - Lead guitar, vocals 

 

MAY 31, 2008 Summer CONCERT SERIES continues with:

Wild Child - Tribute to Jim Morrison & the Doors
Supposedly, this is the closest you will ever get to the real Jim Morrison & the Doors.
David Brock and Wild Child are returning to Center Stage to ratchet up the Concert Series with the magic and madness of The Doors.

****  Beverages and food available at festival area or order take-out from any one of our Specialty Restaurants.
Free Festival Seating is available on a first come / first seated basis.

Reserved Tables are available by e-mailing speterson@gcprop.net or by calling 909-337-2533.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL CONCERTS  

Market Statistics for Lake Arrowhead MLS

Active Residential Listings: 1063

Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 411

Pending Residential Sales: 142

Sold Residential Properites month to date: 50

MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $286,000 (#26)

Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $642,909 (#11)

Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors

 WEATHER ALERT!!! SEE LINKS BELOW BEFORE HEADING UP THE MOUNTAIN!

We are having UGLY weather up here and I want to give people heading UP this way, a place to check the weather and roads before getting on the roads. Below are a few helpful links.  My best suggestion is BRING warm clothes! 

WEATHER IN THE LOCAL NEWS

GOOGLE MAP TO LAKE ARROWHEAD AND SURRONDING AREAS

ROADS CONDITION

LIVE WEB CAM TO SEE WEATHER FIRST HAND

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES featuring:

1. Silverados- Country / Rock (MAY 23, 2008)
   www.thesilverados.com
   Great country fun as the Silverados bring Country back to Center Stage!
   The Silverados entertain with a Top-40 Country hit repertoire with their own Classic Rock edge.
2. M-80s (MAY 24, 2008)
   All 80's Music
   www.Gigmasters.com/rock
   The M-80s band does an  80's tribute - a celebration of that fabulous decade of decadence. The M-80's present an incredible array of high-energy music, that spans all 1980's genres.
3. Hollywood Stones - Rolling Stones Tribute Band (MAY 25, 2008)
   www.rollingstoned.com
   "The Premier Rolling Stones Tribute Band" say WBC News
   You'll think you are listening to Mick and the Boys.  

Beverages and food available at festival area or order take-out from any one of our Specialty Restaurants.

FREE Festival Seating is available on a first come / first seated basis.

Reserved Tables are available by e-mailing speterson@gcprop.net or by calling 909-337-2533.

 LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE SUMMER CONCERT EVENTS

It HAPPENED to me; some creep got my debit card number (I had ordered something online recently) and made a nice purchase with MY money. SO he thought.  I've always been way to trusting. I just hate thinking that someone is actually going to try rip me off. Well, no more!

Today, as I do everyday or every other, I opened my bank account on-line to see what checks have cleared and what my balance was. I QUICKLY noticed I had about $200 LESS than I should have. As I scrolled over to the date and name by the purchase amt., I SEE a charge for $234.00 paid to AUTO-TRADER!

AUTO-TRADER???? I thought to myself. Me? I don't think so! In fact, I have plenty of good miles left on my Subaru. Luckily, there was a number and address under the AUTO-TRADER name and I couldn't dial it fast enough.

The helpful woman who answered the phone wasn't all that shocked when I told her my bad news. In fact, she said, the "purchaser" had been flagged as he/she had quite a bit of activity the past few days. Seems the THIEF used my card number to place the ad for a scheme that I guess is fairly common:  These scammers/thieves, place ads on AUTO-TRADER and then when some poor buyer says they are interested in a car (the one the THIEF placed with my card was for $29,000), then the THIEF tells the buyer to send HALF the money!    YEAH....SURE!

So, BEWARE when placing orders on-line UNLESS you are certain they are VERY secure. AND, check your bank statement offen.

Fool me once, shame on you...Fool me twice, SHAME on ME. (Who said that?)

THIS YEARS POST ON GARAGE SALE WEEKEND MAY 2009  

 Twice a year, Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding mountain areas have "Garage Sale Weekend." We have one Memorial Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. This gives our full-time and part-time mountain residents a chance to clean out, clear out, de-clutter and make a few bucks. Since 50% of our home owners are "weekenders," this is PERFECT for them IF they are selling their cabin/home. Instead of packing up unwanted pieces of furniture and other household items, they can help someone else who has just pruschased a place and is looking to furnish it without buying a bunch of new stuff. DID I mention RECYCLING?  Garage Sales really are the BEST way to recycle.

Since I've had my fair share of Garage Sales over the years, I thought I'd share a few of my tips. Feel free to add to my list...

1. ADVERTISE--in your local newspaper, YouTube, Craigslist 
2. SIGNS directing people to your sale. Put on your creative hat : whatever you use (cardborad, etc)Write BIG, BOLD and CLEAR.  Include: date, time and address. Use directional arrows >>>>. (Make sure it is okay to put up signs in your area) 
3. CLEAN/WASH/WIPE DOWN items for sale. They'll look better and sell faster.
4. PRICE ITEMS THE NIGHT BEFORE; use stick-on labels, A bright COLOR is good.
5. SET UP ITEMS in some orderly fashion: Shoes in one spot, dishes is another, clothing in another, etc.
6. WAIST HIGH tables--Make it easy for YOUR customers to check out the goodies. Bending and crawling around on the ground, just isn't that much fun. Clothing should be on hangers and hanging at eye-level.
7. GO TO THE BANK and get $100 worth of change: ones, fives, tens and coins.
8. SET UP A TABLE where customers can come and pay for items. KEEP jewerly here and other small valuables.
9. WEAR a fanny pack;  This can be your CASH REGISTER
10. THINK LIKE A STORE OWNER.
11. Most important...HAVE FUN!!!!

P.S. For those of you who are "coming up for air" and to Garage Sale, pick up a copy of the Mountain News...for list of homes having a sale (they usually include a map)

UPDATE: Go to my profile and check out WEATHER. We actually had RAIIN and RUNNING Springs had SNOW

This coming weekend is going to be a BIGGIE in Lake Arrowhead....Memorial Weekend always is!  For the Fisher-people out there, you might want to sign up for the Arrowhead Lake Association Fishing Derby--MAY 24, 2008.

Check-in is at 5:30 a.m. at the Butler Building in the Marina. Donantions (below) includes a bar-b-cue lunch provided by UCLA Conference Center, fishing hat, snacks, bait, lures, opportunity drawings and a chance at the BIG trophy.

$25 per person per-registration donation
$15 per child, 14 years and under
$5 for lunch for non-fishing participants
2 PEOPLE TEAM ONLY

For more information, call ALA (909)337-2595. Or visit the ALA'S CALENDAR (Arrowhead Lake Association)

Check out what's happening on the lake right NOW on the ARROW LAKE ASSOCIATION WEB CAM

 My computer CRASHED several weeks ago! My first thought was MY data...GONE! And, it was. I had NOT backed up my "stuff," like I have been told to do a million times. I always think, "Okay, next time...I'm to busy now.  I even have the little stick on my keychain--all I had to do was put it in a USB port.  Has this ever happened to you?   Probably!

While sitting an Open House yesterday, I was catching up on my magazine reading and came across an article that had three different websites for "STORAGE" online.  I haven't decided, yet, which one I MAY use, but I am fairly sure I'll consider one.

1. thelinkup (the social network for file sharing) is a place to send & receive files and store massive amounts of files. Social Storage(tm) Technology enables virtually unlimited storage capacity, up to 2 GB each month FREE, or other pay plans are available depending on your needs.
2. xdrive  service is a "personal"  hard drive on the Internet. You may store, back-up, organize, access and share your permissible files and folders with (a selection of) other applications. Save your digital pictures, automatically back-up your files and folders, share digital home movies  or listen to your music files from a remote location. xdrive has a FREE 5GB monthly plan or other pay plans depending on your needs.
3. Box Individual is an online storage and sharing service that gives you access to your files from anywhere. Access documents from your desktop computer, laptop or even mobile phone. Once you've uploaded your files to your online storage on Box, you can also share them.  You have FREE 1GB/10GB a month OR there are other monthly plans, depending on  your needs.

To all the Net Guru's, any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

Market Statistics for Lake Arrowhead MLS

Active Residential Listings: 1063

Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 411

Pending Residential Sales: 142

Sold Residential Properites month to date: 50

MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $286,000 (#26)

Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $642,909 (#11)

Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors

This weekend's Concert Master Series features  Jonathan Mack, tenor with Vicki Ray, piano. Concert takes place:   Sundays, 4:00 PM
Lake Arrowhead Country Club
250 Golf Course Road, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352     Directions to Country Club

Classical chamber music in an intimate setting, featuring professional performing artists.
No-host bar at 4:00, Concert begins at 4:30. 

Concert will be followed by cocktails and dinner at the Country Club.
Tickets for concert and dinner: $50.00, Tickets for concert only: $20.00, Children 4 to 16 FREE for concert.
Call (909) 337-4296 for additional information.

"Come on up for air," this weekend and preview the New Boat Show!!! Come see all the latest and hottest 2008 models at Lake Arrowhead Village. Start your 2008 Summer Season off with a new ski boat, sail boat or pleasure craft!! While strolling around the show and checking out the boats, DON'T FORGET TO FEED THE DUCKS!

The event is sponsored by The Mountain News, your local connection to what's happening here in Lake Arrowhead and the entire mountain communities.
For more information call 909-336-3555

OR: LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE SUMMER EVENTS

Map to Lake Arrwowhead

                                                                     Get to KNOW Lake Arrowhead and ME

Okay, there is one thing about Lake Arrowhead I could do withOUT; pollen! Oh, I know, I know, without the pollen and the bees and the pollenating, we wouldn't have all the beautiful flowers and blooming trees that we have. I KNOW!  I love  our diverse landscaping here...but the pollen does drive me crazy. Here, our pine trees are loaded with this fine (and I mean FINE) yellow/green bellowy powder that, literally, sticks to everything. Saturday morning I washed my nasty car, dried it off, did the windows, etc. Brought in the wet towels and tossed them in the washer, came back out and my car was COVERED with pollen.

Allergy symptoms

And... we allgery sufferers--HOLY COW; we empty drug store shelves like there's no tomorrow. Many of us have to head to the doc' and get a STRONG perscription. That has helped me, thankfully. BUT, I think it makes me cranky.... at least I am not sneezing, though! 

Okay, I've vented...now I'll go take a drive and enjoy the beauty (with my windows up).

WARNING: DO NOT WIPE YOUR EYES OR NOSE IF YOU GET THIS STUFF ON A FINGER....you'll be mighty sorry.

Market Statistics for Lake Arrowhead MLS

Active Residential Listings: 1041

Active Residental Listings in Arrowhead Woods: 403

Pending Residential Sales: 145

Sold Residential Properites month to date: 29

MLS wide Median Residential Sold Month-do-date: $319,000 (#13)

Arrowhead Woods & Lake Front Median Sold Month-do-date: $733,150 (#6)

Source: MLS, Rim of the World Association of Realtors

We ALL have one...or had one.   For those of you whose Mother has passed, I KNOW you think about her often and especially on Mother's Day, the 2nd Sunday in May. I know you'll think about all the wonderful times you spent with her. About all the funny things she used to do or say. Favorite goodies she prepared for you. You may smile a lot that day. You may cry a few tears. You'll miss her this day as you miss her on so many other days.

I'm very fortunate...I still have my Mom. And without her, well, I wouldn't be writing this. I wouldn't be thinking about HER special day. I wouldn't be the person I am, with all my flaws and attributes. I wouldn't be HERE.  

Sunday May 11th, MOTHER'S DAY, where will YOU be?

• I'll be getting up early, at her home (because I am going today, to spend the night with her), turning on the coffee pot that she prepared for me the night before. She still loves to do stuff for me--like I am still her little girl, though I am well over five decades old.
• I'll glance over at the Sunflowers I bought her, proudly sitting in the middle of the table (they are her favorite flower).
• I'll let her sleep in until SHE wants to get up. Then I'll hug her good mroning and tell her I love her, just like I do everytime I talk to her or see her. We never hang up with sharing those words. We NEVER know when it'll be the last time we can say those 3-tiny, important words.
• We'll sit around in our old beat up robes watching the news or animal planet--she LOVES that show. We won't rush into anything.
• I'll listen as the phone rangs and my other sibblings start calling to tell her, "I love you Mom."
• When she's ready, we'll head out to her favorite breakfast restaurant, as we already went out for dinner the night before (we KNEW the "special day" there would be long waits everywhere.
• I'll take her to Wal-Mart, her favorite store, because most of the year I TRY and avoid taking her there (it is NOT my favorite place to go). But this is HER day, so Wal-Mart it is!
• I'll pack up and head home....and call her when I get home and tell her I arrived safely. She still worries.
• And, I'll tell her how much I enjoyed spending time with her.
• Then, before hanging up, I'll tell her, once again, "I LOVE YOU, MOM!"

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHER'S IN THE WORLD!

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S LARGEST FREE CONCERT SERIES

•  NOTHING MATTERS, Pop Rock/Gilmor   May 9th
• LIGHTS--A Journey Tribute                        May 10th

FREE Festival Seating begins at 5:30 First Come, First Served!

For all CONCERT SERIES ENTERTAINERS and DATES click here

For reserved tables, go to CONCERT TABLE RESERVATION

Buying a home is the biggest (most likely) purchase you'll ever make. And, one of the most difficult. Though there are no set rules when beginning a search, I have complied a list of items I "think" may be of help when you are starting your House Hunting process and through the purchase.  

1. If you don't already have a Realtor, NOW is the time to get one. For that search, read my HOW TO FIND A REALTOR ...or call ME. If you are not buying in my area, I can help find a Realtor for you!
2. Meet with your lender to discuss "How much" you can afford. Maybe you have a budget in mind yourself--share this information with your lender. Sometimes, you may be able to afford more than you wish, but may want to stay within a certain monthly mortgage payment. IF you're not working with a lender, ask your Realtor for a list of several names. Once you've met with the lender and decided on a purchase price, ask for a Pre-Approval letter to give to your Realtor. This will be submitted with your offer when you find the "perfect" home.
3. Make your (wish) criteria list: size of home, size of lot, bedrooms, baths, garage and, of course, location. Schools may play a big part in your decision, so you'll want to research the district you wish to live. YOUR Realtor can help you with this.
4. Prioritize your list: things you really NEED verses what you WANT. Another words, what can you really live without. This may make your choices of homes broader and will help your Realtor when he/she is searching.
5. When you go previewing homes with your Realtor, take a notepad and keep notes on the properties you see. IF a house is absolutely NOT a possibility, get rid of that listing sheet. Keep narrowing down the list and before you know it, you'll be very close to what you NEED and want.
6. Look beyond cosmetics. Maybe the home is not as spiffy as you'd keep it. Maybe it needs paint and a little TLC. Look past that. The most important thing is structure and once you've decided on a home, and an offer is submitted and accepted, you'll have a Home Inspection (or should) and the inspector will tell you about items that may be of concern verses just needing a good cleaning or simple repairs.
7. WHEN you KNOW you've found "the one," sit down with your Realtor and get an offer prepared and submitted. Don't wait to long...even in a slow market, keep in mind that there are other buyers out looking.
8. Once your offer is presented to the other Realtor, and accepted, contact your lender. The loan process MUST begin ASAP.
9. Escrow is opened (in CA, we use escrow companies--( description of escrow )to handle the funds of the transaction.
10. Ask your Realtor for a list of Home Inspectors and set up an appointment to have the home you've chosen inspected. Be there if possible so he/she can explain points of concern during the inspection.
11. You'll be given seller disclosures, a preliminary title report, Natural Hazard Report (in CA). Read these carefully before signing off on them. IF you have any questions or concerns with any of these documents, discuss them with your Realtor. Foreclosures (bank owned properties) generally do NOT have disclosures. They are generally sold "AS IS." (However, in CA, all purchase agreement contracts state: "As is.")
12. After the home inspection, you MAY wish to ask the seller to make some, or all, repairs found on the inspection report. BUT keep in mind, though the seller may or may NOT agree to repairs, the only thing a seller HAS to do (in CA) is have the water heater braced and working smoke alarms.
13. The buying process is now moving along....and before you know it, if you accept all findings of the inspection, disclosures and your loan is approved, you'll be handed the Keys and You'll be a Home Owner!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!