I spent four years in the US Navy and the next twenty in the mid west. I love the mountains and appreciate the fact that I get to see them all the time now. I am a bit of a sports fan. I enjoy dabbling in the world of fiction novel writing. I am also a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Pumpkin Carving got you Stumped?
Driving around the Fairfax County area over the last couple of weeks, I have seen many pumpkin vendors on the side of the road. They are also being sold at the big box stores and in front of the mom and pop gas stations. This could mean only one thing: Halloween is almost here. Just as festive as Halloween is for pumpkin displaying, Thanksgiving is as well. Many Halloween and Thanksgiving displays in the front yards of holiday lovers incorporate the usage of pumpkins. Not only do they use pumpkins in the raw, whole, straight off the vine form, but also the decorative, carved out version.
Gone With the Wind Pumpkin (pri.org)
Seeing some of these displays can be a wonder to the eye and a bit intimidating. Ever wonder how carving up these masterpieces is possible or do say to yourself, "No way can I do that?" Well, I believe that you can do it. Having a display in the front yard with bales of straw and whole pumpkins can look festive, but interspersed with a work of art in the pumpkin form, it can really be a head turner and you can make this happen.
There are only a couple of tricks of the trade, along with a bit of determination and patience to make this come true. First of all select a pumpkin, making sure to select a good size and color for the project and decide on a subject matter - anything at all. Do you like sports? Select your favorite teams' logo. Do you prefer musicals or famous paintings? Whatever it is that gets you going, make the call. Next step is to decide if you will use a template or draw your design free handed. When you decide this, the first step is to get this drawn on your pumpkin.
You will need some tools for the next steps and they include: A pumpkin scraping tool, a knife, an exacto knife and a small scraping set. These are all available at either a hardware or wood working store. If you prefer, the internet can provide you with these as well.
Now, using the knife, cut out the lid of your pumpkin, making sure to make it big enough to fit your hand and angling the cut to the middle, so the lid won't fall in when you want to put it on the pumpkin. Next, pull out all the seeds and stringy pumpkin guts and scrape out the inside to about the thickness of one inch on the wall. The next step is to put a flashlight on the inside, turned on, and get to scraping out your design. The deeper you scrape, the brighter the line will be.
You can preserve the pumpkin raw portion by spraying cooking oil on it. This will lock in the juices for a longer period of time than it would have on its own. Take your time scraping, you can't glue pieces back on and make it look good. Follow the drawing you made and your project will come alive and leave your friends and family members amazed.
Are you fond of the afterlife?Ghost tour guide
Have you always been curious about the time after this life and what really happens? Do you crave interesting anecdotes and stories about ghosts? If any of these was answered with a positive, I have an activity that I think may be interesting for you. In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia you can, on a nightly basis, schedule a fun evening outing on Alexandria's Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour.
I had the opportunity to experience the tour about a month ago. It was especially interesting for me, because I was so very new to the area and anything I could learn would help me. I didn't know Old Town at all and to see it close up and in the dark was fun. One aspect that simply is impossible to enjoy about old towns like this one during the day, is simply the lighting, or lack there of. The streets and sidewalks have a different feel to them with the sun long since over the horizon. With the authentic gas lamps adorning the streets, flames dancing continuously, lighting the walkways, our tour was a visual cornucopia of days gone by.
When I decided to go on the tour, I had no idea what to expect. I only knew that the idea of ghosts and the afterlife makes me smile and immediately gets me interested. We, my cousin's son Aubrey and I, arrived on the street at the starting point of the tour just as two tour groups were gathering. The streets were pretty packed anyway, but the addition of the tours told me that this place was 'alive' and I liked it.
We all split up into groups of about twenty and headed off, following our guide, who was decked out in authentic colonial garments. What I learned right away is that this was going to be a casual stroll around the streets taking in stories about the area and its past. We listened as we carefully walked the sidewalks of cobblestone to the tour guide and he regaled us with stories of past commoners, the elite and lovers' misfortunes in their last moments alive. He also gave interesting facts about the area and some of the buildings that were currently unoccupied, giving some detail as to why this may be the case.
Old Town Alexandria, VA
We didn't go in any of the buildings or businesses that he spoke of on the tour, but did end in a graveyard with yet another surprising story that the tour guide experienced. This story drove home to us, not only how much he believed in what he was doing, but also that the tour itself was worth the time. Want to hear his story? Call and set up your own ghost tour. You won't be disappointed:
703-519-1749, or email [email protected]
An interesting trend that I have noticed here in the Alexandria, Virginia area, since recently moving here, is the existence of walls along the roadsides. These walls that I refer to are the thick greenery keeping the details of what lie on the other side a secret. I've seen this used in a couple of other places in this country, that I recall and it's a telling feature. It either says to me that there's something beautiful on the other side or just someone who wants a bit of seclusion.
I completely understand the desire for these barriers and they actually possess a bit of beauty themselves, if they are maintained properly. They can be either appealing visually or otherwise. No matter what they look like, their function to conceal what is on their backside, is usually achieved.
In the Ladue and Town and Country neighborhoods of St. Louis county, these adorn many a road side. The chateaus just beyond are a visual treat and only minimal amounts of what is actually on the other side is revealed, peeking over the tops of the hedge or tree wall. These dividers are also used in between property lines on the side yards to create a permanent barrier.
Here in Alexandria, I have seen not only the thick dark and light green hedges used as these walls, but also many different types of trees. Another use for barriers here is that of a flowering shrub. The difference of color between these, truly bring out personality in what could be otherwise very dull and not too creative visually, but still very much effective. The effectiveness of this landscape addition, truly is the most important aspect of it. But, knowing that there are so many different options when it comes to selecting this type of wall, makes this kind of fun.
Are you worried that you'll never have the privacy that you long for soon enough? Are you thinking - it'll take 30 years to get what they have? Well, that's just not true. Some of these landscape additions will grow as fast as 3-8 feet high - each year. The growth in width will vary depending upon selected type. This speedy growth includes such plantings as dense hedges, colorful shrubs and trees that aren't all trunk, but those that will provide actual wall-like privacy all the way to ground level.
Are you ready to add this type of feature to the edge of your property or anywhere else in the yard? Did you know you can order this right now as you sit there on your couch in your pajamas? If even you are just a bit curious, here is the address to a site chocked full of ideas and solutions:
www.fast-growing-trees.com/willowhybrid.htm
What does Playoff Time Feel Like?
I am a huge baseball fan and I love rooting for my team, The St. Louis Cardinals win or lose. I count down the days until Opening Day every off season and absolutely love the tradition involved with the scene at Busch Stadium every year on Opening Day, watching the Clydesdale's and motorcade of players. This time of year, however, is quite different than any other in the world of sports.
Fan expression of opinion (2006)
Hockey and football are well underway and the playoffs just started for major league baseball. It is quite an awesome feeling I get when my team clinches the division championship, which has happened three years in a row now. The feeling after winning a World Series and going downtown to watch the parade in the streets of St. Louis can't be beat by anything. But, the ride itself is special. The 162 game marathon with it's nuances is entertaining, to say the least. I don't say this just to throw out phony alternative feelings to the high I get being a fan of my team, but the road to the playoffs is genuinely thrilling.
The highs and lows that are thrown at us as fans of the game are at times almost too much to swallow. The feeling that is thrust upon us when our favorite player is helped off the field because he just crashed into the wall and hurt himself, maybe severely is not something that can be manufactured. These guys that I root for I will never know as friends, but they sure feel like it after all these years.
K Michael Nesbitt at the game
I have the shirts, bobble heads and ticket stubs to display proudly proving, yeah - when we lost in 2004, I was there. The extreme emotional swings that this ride takes me on is what it's all about. Knowing that somewhere out there in this vast world there is another fan thinking just as much about their team hoping they beat us tonight it - well - awesome! I love seeing all the opposing teams shirts, jerseys and pennants with all of their different color schemes. I don't hate the other teams at all. I used to have those feelings towards the opposite teams and their fans, but years ago I figured it all out.
Without the other teams, we simply wouldn't have the sport and more importantly my team. The importance of fans and their support can never be fully appreciated. Fan support in baseball is directly related to the success of the franchise and vice versa. It is also directly related to the level of effort at times of the home team. Crowd support at home and quality upper management of the team's funds make a team either successful or otherwise. I am extremely lucky and happy at the same time that I have an ownership group in charge of my team that is so tirelessly in tune with improving this team. Year in, year out, the squad is ready to go.
This season is a perfect example of how things can go with the right amount of support from a fan base and ownership group. The crowds that packed Busch Stadium this season and enjoyed many an evening at Ball Park Village, just over the left field wall, have put this franchise, once again, in a great position financially for next season. Options that otherwise wouldn't exist simply have become normal for this team. If we need to make a big splash to acquire a free agent, if he has proven himself worthy, we can. If we need some help from down on the farm, we have youth ready to come up and contribute to the big league squad. This point is well appreciated when I see a season like this past one go by. The amount of severe and repeat injuries to key players this season was unbelievable. What's more unbelievable is the success that we enjoyed in the standings, despite this. Wonderful control of the day to day operations of the team by the ownership group has allowed this to happen. What's more, we still have a chance to win. The players who took the spots of integral regulars in the lineup, make this franchise the success that it has been for years. Because of this, the team is poised to be just as successful for years to come.
All of this, the ownership preparation and fan support is focused on getting to today, the playoffs and a battle with a divisional foe looking to change their history - forever. Tonight is game four of the NLDS and the Cardinals have their backs against the wall, a familiar spot for us. If we get past tonight successfully, game five at Busch will be tense for sure. If the opposition wins out this evening, I will tip my cap and congratulate them. This game is one constant in my life and I'm happy to embrace it as I have. The love of the game was given to me by my parents at an early age and it's not going away any time soon. Are you playoff ready?
What's the draw for New Alexandria?
New Alexandria, is nestled between the George Washington Parkway and Fort Hunt Road. Adjacent to the Belle Haven Country Club and Golf Course, this quaint little neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia is in a great location.
It is just down the street, less than a mile from Richmond Highway (US Route 1), providing easy access to the interstate. It is as well right along the edge of the Potomac River, boasting beautiful views and inviting paths for recreation and fitness. This town is also located perfectly within short driving distance of Washington DC, Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon and National Harbor. If sports are your thing, this is a great location in which to live. This neighborhood is within 1.5 hours driving distance of home venues for the following teams The Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, The Washington Redskins, Wizards, Capitals and Nationals and more just another hour or so further away. The location of this town also allows access within a few hours of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to name a couple.
The condominiums and homes located in New Alexandria have personality and character dripping from their multi-leveled roof lines. If you have the chance, drive down some of the streets and enjoy a visual vista of charming and elegant properties throughout. One of the wonderful things about this town is that the front and backyards of each property seems to have personalities all their own.
Olde Belhaven Towne in Alexandria
New Alexandria House
Olde Belhaven is near Old Town Alexandria VA
With the mostly well-manicured lawns, flowers, flowering shrubs and magnolia trees all over the place, it is indeed a tranquil walk through the neighborhood. There happens to be no lack of visual attraction. Interesting is a good word to describe the multitude of different property layouts. Not too many of the homes look alike and this adds to the charm. As for the condos in the area, they are well-appointed inside and have character of their own on the outside.
The charming townhomes facing the Belle Haven Golf Course on Belle Haven Road remind me of the view on both sides of the road walking up to Wrigley Field in Wrigleyville, Chicago. The big difference is the lack of noise, lack of traffic and thankfully, lack of misguided baseball fans here in Virginia.
WaterfrontDid I enjoy spending some time walking along the waterfront?
Many beautiful things are available to gawk at in Old Town Alexandria in Virginia. This aged town in the northern part of the state of Virginia offers many inviting things to people. Besides high-end real estate and historic, quaint streets to walk down and enjoy, it offers another wonderful thing to us - the waterfront.
Old Town Alexandria just happens to not only be in a beautiful part of the country, but also right on the edge of the Potomac River. This gives it the additional charm and desirability that so many cities and towns long for. This aspect of Old Town draws many a visitor from all over country and all over the world. The history of Old Town itself is enough to get people here, the waterfront may just make them stay.
Waterfront Park on the Potomac in Old Town
Along a leisurely stroll on the Potomac I was able to smell something that I like very much - water. The very smell of the river beckons me and makes me feel like I am in a very special place. Water has, since the beginning of time, been a very important and vital part of any economy and way of life. Without it, the town would be quite different and much less populated. Besides the smell of the water, I also was able to smell greenery - trees, fragrant shrubs and the very smell that is associated with that of the earth, much more pleasant than the smell of steamy, oil soaked concrete.
While strolling along the waterfront, just hearing the water sounded pleasant to me. Whether is was sounds coming from a wake created by a sail boat happily cruising by or just the soft laps upon the rocks at the waters' edge. Sounds of water have always been soothing to me and adding to it the visual wonders of the place made it that much better.
Knowing that I think so much of the water makes it easy to understand why this place draws so many people. This is a great place to enjoy a meal, watch the boats on the water, view some fabulous artwork or just grab a favorite Nook book and delve into it waterside on a bench. The atmosphere is not stuffy, so as to push you away, but just the right pleasant feel to draw you in and not let you go.
Looking for a way to enjoy an evening in northern Virginia? Stop in a the waterfront of Old Town Alexandria. It won't let you down.
Old Town
homes and condos for sale in the Old Town area of Alexandria VA
Is the Orange Line during working hours worth the hassle or not? My experience on the DC Metro is not what you would consider veteran - like, but I do have an initial thought or two as to what this would be like in my every day routine.
When I rode the DC Metro Orange Line I was heading from Rosslyn to Ballston. It was only a small portion of my overall trip that day. This, although a short trip in the grand scale of things on the Metro, told me a lot about the trips that I would take in the future. The work day is somewhat of a challenge on the Orange Line, but nothing out of control.
Rosslyn has lots of condominiums to chose from
What I experienced in the ride was a packed car, but a quick transit. It's getting on the car that was the challenge. Not that there weren't cars arriving, it's just that with the time between cars was about ten minutes or more and you didn't always get on the first one. Sometimes I looked to my left and right and saw the corridor of the rail way packed all the way down to the wall on both left and right sides. As soon as the next car revealed a glimpse of its fuzzy yellow headlights, the surrounding people looked up from their iPhones and dashed inside to secure a spot on the car.
This is in no way as packed or crazy as it is in Chicago on the L, but there is a chance you could wait for up to twenty minutes to get on the way to your destination, or maybe just the next stop on the way to yet another. All in all, I found it to be cost effective, but a bit frustrating for a person used to traveling in a vehicle.
https://youtu.be/cV9mmlRptYI
Time to Get Active?
What I have noticed, which I admit didn't take a lot of thought to realize, about the Potomac River is that it is appreciated. This appreciation doesn't just come from my seeing it and saying, "Wow, that's beautiful." It comes from much more and here in the Alexandria are many reasons why.
The closer you get to the water of the Potomac River, the more beautiful things get. The closer you get to the water, the more expensive the homes and condos are as well, for the most part. It is easy to see when driving along the George Washington Parkway, which opened in 1932, to understand why this is true. The drive alone is a serene route along lush green trees situated just in front of the blue expanse of the Potomac.
I don't know what it is saying to you, but when I drive along this roadway on a Saturday morning, it screams - get active. So many things in this 2015 world bed of us to be more and more lazy. That's just not the case with nature. On a daily basis you can ride along the Parkway and see many people getting out doors and walking or jogging along the paths that stretch the length of the Parkway.
Just as many bikers take advantage of the paths to attain their higher goals in fitness. Seeing these people out there is a motivating thing indeed and truly makes me feel good inside. It tells me that the country is still wanting to better themselves. They just need a bit of help to get there and that's where the beauty of nature comes in. I believe there is a lot to be said for jogging or riding a bike next to a beautiful river alongside lush greenery.
The alternatives are boring and non imaginative, not to mention a bit dangerous. Trying to get this workout alongside the roads surrounded by concrete and hundreds of cars on their way back from picking up the kids from the ball game and dance studio with the kids screaming in their ear only inches from your intended pathway is not what I call fun.
That's what makes the path by the Potomac and it's beckoning beauty the way to go. Take a walk or jog along the river, admire the beauty of nature and the beauty of the homes situated close by. Doesn't this look like a wonderful place to live?
Northern Virginia is a part of the National Capital Region it is home to some of the most educated, affluent and particular buyers in the nation. Everyday we help folks relocate in and out of Northern Virginia as well as help locals advance their real estate goals. If you're shopping for a home in Northern Virginia, you will find our Buyer's Guide to Northern Virginia Real Estate is a great resource for understanding the area and for seeking out the perfect real estate match for your tastes and budget.
If you need any help with a specific search please don't hesitate to call us at (703)765-0300.
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Is National Harbor Worth My Time?
I have recently had the opportunity to go to National Harbor for the first time. National Harbor is located in Maryland, city of Fort Washington. I was very happy to finally see and experience a bit of National Harbor and here's why:
The first reason I am glad to get over to National Harbor is that it is quite a different view from over there on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The view at night is beautiful, while driving by on the Virginia side of the water, but during the day, it was just as beautiful to see all of the yachts, restaurants on the waterfront and people just walking around enjoying a beautifully sunny day.
Another reason why I liked going over to the Maryland side was the existence of the Capital Wheel. I will very soon experience this, but just seeing it from very close up was a sight to behold. The Capital Wheel is a Ferris Wheel that takes you 180 feet above the Potomac River waterfront, providing amazing views (I can't wait for these). Some attractions which you will be able to see are the White House, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery and the parklands throughout the Maryland, DC and Virginia area.
A third reason to get over to National Harbor is the restaurants. We enjoyed a delicious meal at Redstone American Grill on our visit and I loved my salad, with all of its many pleasant flavors complimenting each other and got totally stuffed on the amazing corn bread - yum! I will definitely go back to Redstone American Grill, probably after my ride on the Capital Wheel. The question is, will you?
Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing your home and your life after the kids have gone, purchasing a home in {Location_Name} carries considerable financial and psychological weight. For this reason, understanding the ground rules for success when buying a home is important.
When buying a home, making a wise decision can greatly enhance the overall value of the investment; however, making the wrong decision can have devastating and long lasting effects. Learning all you can about the world of of home buying and mortgages is necessary before you set out to purchase your dream home.
Plenty of web sites are available to help first time home buyers, but one-on-one learning is the best way to learn, and the Realtors here at Nesbitt Realty can provide you with that experience.
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Why Is Happiness So Elusive?
Kindness is more important than almost any other thing when dealing with people. It's actually presented very well in the bible. Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. Not because it says so, but because it's the right thing to do and because you want to.
My parents are the two nicest people I've ever met and I learned that kindness is important not by having it drilled into my head by them, but how I see them live their lives.
Everyone in this world is a person who wants kindness in their lives. Some people are more open to it than others, but the truth is that kindness creates happiness. Life can be a beautiful ride or a chore. The choice is ours. It takes more effort to be mean and negative than it does to be kind and sweet. The ultimate goal that is attained by being one or the other of these will alter our very existence. The results can be dramatically different. It is a simple choice of mind set. No better result is possible by choosing the negativity route. Love is all around us, but if we never accept it, it may drift away to a hidden part of our world that is tough to re-gain.
We at Nesbitt Realty believe in showing kindness to others. We also believe in bringing that kindness to the business. We will implement these ideals in our efforts to find you the home or condo of your dreams in the Alexandria, Fairfax County or Arlington area of northern Virginia.
https://youtu.be/l17lcYQmMcs
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