November 2011 Newsletter

Happy Holidays

2011

Dear Friends,

       Hard to believe but the Holidays are upon us again.   I t was a good year.   I am so thankful for the many blessings the good Lord has give us.     That we have  each other, our familys,  our good health, our home and  the bountiful  harvest of our fruits and vegetables. 

2011 In Review

      The economies of the world are still suffering, as are the economies of folks that we know.   It does not appear like our Government has a handle on budgeting yet.  And that has a lot of folks sitting up and paying attention. 

Have you noticed all the survival food sundries popping up in the stores?  Did you know that there are secret housing communities that we can buy into and go to when the time comes.  Whoops, I guess that isn’t a secret anymore.

Andy Rooney so dreaded the day he had to end his signature "60 Minutes" commentaries about life's large and small absurdities that he kept going until he was 92 years old.  Rooney won one of his four Emmy Awards for a piece on whether there was a real Mrs. Smith who made Mrs. Smith's Pies. As it turned out, there was no Mrs. Smith.

 Last month, the President proposed easing Federal Housing Finance Agency guidelines to allow homeowners who are still current on their mortgages to refinance, no matter how much their home value has dropped below what they still owe.  Right now is when you want to refinance your home @ 3.75%, we did!   If you are underwater with the loan, keep calling your current lender and ask for the lower interest rate.        

Spinach, bacon, and onion Dip

4 slices bacon, thinly sliced crosswise

1 medium yellow onion, diced medium

coarse salt and ground pepper

1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Crostini or pita chips, for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan, cook bacon over medium, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 10 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pan. Add onion to pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 minutes. Add flour and cook 30 seconds. Add spinach, milk, sour cream, and cream cheese. Cook, stirring, until cream cheese melts, 2 minutes. Stir in bacon and 1/4 cup Parmesan.Transfer mixture to a 1 1/2-quart baking dish and top with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake until bubbling, 14 minutes. Heat broiler and broil until top browns, 3 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes. Serve dip warm with crostini or pita chips.

Dear Friends,  Jim and I  wish you the very best of Holidays! 

I want to say thanks to all my faithful clients.  I am very grateful for all  your referrals.  I am here to help you,  your family and your friends with all their Real Estate needs.  There is still programs available for zero down and zero closing @ 3.75% interest.   Honestly, it is cheaper than renting.

        I hope you have had a chance to follow  my  stories @  http:

BoiseValleyRealtor.Blogspot.com     ” More Jobs in the USA” is an awesome article. We can make a difference! 

          Did anyone read my story about the “Birds and Cherries War”  featuring the Cherry Cowboy (dated July 13^th).  Plus you can find me on Facebook.

Take Care and God Bless,

Beccie McDonell

Realty One Centre

850-3062