How to Find Your Lost Dog or Cat

Here in Loudoun we are big animal lovers.  In fact, on the Leesburg, Va fan page, we are often posting about lost or found dogs and cats, and one of my greatest joys in administering that page is the number of times we're involved in reuniting lost pets with their scared and lonely owners.  So I wanted to do a post on what to do when your pet is lost.  Check it out:

1. Look for your pet.  Cats that are normally indoor cats don't go to far and are usually hiding close by.  Animals can also be injured, and may not be able to come to you. 
2. Call the local Animal Shelter and register your lost pet.
3. Setting traps for cats is encouraged - they hide well and will not come to you if they are scared.
4. Find that great picture of your pet (maybe a couple) and post them on your facebook page, community pages (like the Leesburg page) and any fan pages of local animal companies or organizations (like rescue organizations, the local shelter, vets, and groomers).  Ask that they all "share" the announcement.
5. Notify your vet.
6. Make flyers and posters.  See tips here.
7. Hand out your flyers to neighbors and visit the local pet stores, vets, groomers and shelter.  If the pet was lost in unfamiliar territory (while on vacation, after a recent move, etc). Be sure to do this kind of outreach in areas where your pet may go, as well as where they were lost. **
8. Put up your posters. See tips here.
9. Tag your car.  See tips here.
10. Visit ALL the local animal shelters, even a few counties away, and continue to revisit the local pet stores and pet adoption organizations. *
11. Register your lost pet online pet finder services like these: http://www.petfinder.com/, http://www.petamberalert.com/, http://www.homeagain.com/.
12. Contact local papers - often they will put free ads for you to announce your lost pet.

*  I really stress visiting the local animal shelters personally.  I lost a dog many years ago and was told repeatedly that there was no dog matching my dog's description there.  When we visited in person guess what we found?  Our dog.  He'd been there 2 weeks.

*  I also stress visiting more than one animal shelter.  My sister was renting a home in Berkley County WV, and her children let her 3 dogs out.  One came home by himself.  My sister tried to do all the "right things" including contacting local shelters about her missing dogs.  Six months later, she was at a picnic in Steven City, VA when someone showed up at the picnic, apologizing for being late, they had adopted a dog in Leesburg, VA... guess whose dog it was! What are the chances?  Somehow the dog ended up in the Loudoun County dog shelter, and after several weeks was given to a rescue organization who held frequent adoption events in Leesburg.  The chances of this happening are so astronomical I can't even fathom how it came together.  Sadly, the third dog was never returned.  The lesson here are that dogs can travel far and live on their own for a very long time - check with shelters even beyond the county where the dog is lost, and also with the rescue organizations (frequently). 

** When I was young, I had a dog that was "in love" with a neighbors dog when we lived in Oakton.  We moved to the Aldie area and my dog went back to his "girlfriend's" house many times - every time he could break away.  It's a long journey, the first time it took him 2 weeks, but after awhile he got the route down pat and he could make it there in a couple days. 

** When I was a teen, my dog got loose in Fauquier County (near Warrenton).  He returned to our home in Aldie on his own within 2 weeks.

** About 8 years ago, my cat (who we were trying to "make" an indoor cat and who was destined to be an indoor/outdoor cat) ran out our door and my husband chased him trying to get him back.  The cat was scared and ran and ran.  Eventually he wanted to come home, but had gotten lost running away.  He was found (thanks to our posters in the neighborhood) by a neighbor 2 streets over at a house that looked a lot like ours and which was also at the end of a culdesac.

Pets are our best friends.  Here in Loudoun we love our pets.  If you have a lost pet, please always post it on our facebook page - with nearly 4K residents online there, we can help you get the word out quickly to a wide audience. www.Facebook.com/LeesburgVa  We've been instrumental in reuniting several owners and their pets, and anytime there is a need, we want to be part of the solution.

This list of helpful hints and resources is brought to you by

Vicky Chrisner

Selling Homes and Land

in Leesburg and Loudoun County

703.669.3142

VChrisner@KW.com

RUN ME HOME (Benefit Race in Leesburg for Lo Co Adoption & Foster Care)

Keller Williams Realty supports "RUN ME HOME", an event to benefit children in Loudoun County by raising awareness and funding for Loudoun County Foster Care and Adoption.

When: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 7:30am

Distance: 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run

Course: The race features a fast and scenic course in Historic Leesburg, VA running along the W&OD trail. 

More information: Facebook @ Run Me Home or http://www.runmehome.com/

The event is being coordinated by Brian Whritenour, Founder of Run Me Home and a fellow Keller Williams agent from our Loudoun Gateway Office.

Little League Baseball Opening Day Ceremonies

Central Loudoun Little League held opening day ceremonies, despite the threat of rain, this morning at Good Times Park in NE Leesburg.

There are 976 kids registered in CLLL this year, which includes 22 coach pitch teams.

Little League is open for kids aged 4 to 12.  Last year, Little League adopted a rule allowing children as young as four years old to join.  Loudoun just adopted the rule this year.

FETCH, the Loudoun Hounds mascot, came out to help inspire and motivate during the Opening Day Ceremonies.  The kids loved meeting him personally.

See more photos at www.Facebook.com/LeesburgVA

This message brought to you by Vicky Chrisner, a Real Estate Sales Consultant, wife, mom and long time community member of the Dulles area who currently makes her home in Leesburg, VA.  Managing blogs like these and the Leesburg, VA facebook page are a labor of love. They are created and maintained for the benefit of friends, neighbors, and clients as a community resource.  Please enjoy! And, whenever you need real estate services, please think of her first...after all, now you have a friend in the business.

St. Patricks Day Events!

Have you checked out our events calendar on http://www.leesburgfanpage.com/ ?    Lots going on in and around town today!

This and every Thursday is $3 Thursday at Tally Ho where you can watch first run movies for only $3 per person. 

Since today is the 3rd Thursday of the month it's also "Girls Night Out" in downtown Leesburg.... so come on it and pick up a program at any one of the local businesses who will be open late night and offering all kinds of specials.

But, if you're looking for something "different", you're in luck, we have a long list of great events that come but once a year....here are just a few....

You can't think St. Patrick's Day in Leesburg without automatically thinking about Spanky's Shenanigans on Market Street, where they invite you to "get your shamrocks off" there and to endulge in green eggs and beer, along with a full Irish menu, live music and free beads all day long.  What more could you possibly want?

Other best bets for St. Pats?  If you like the green beer scene, and don't want to miss a minute of March Madness, here are you best bets:   Bunkers Sports Cafe, & Sals NY Pizza, both on Market Street in Leesburg and Nicks Corner Grill in Brambleton (Ashburn). 

In Reston, just over the line into Fairfax County, Clyde's is hosting "The Running of the Leprechauns" beginning at 3pm, followed by Irish fun for all.... face painters, balloon twisters, a moonbounce, Irish music, dance and food. 

If that's not your style, maybe Grandale Farm has what you're looking for... you'll find no Green Beer there. They'll be celebrating St. Patricks Day with dinner specials, deals on good Irish Brews and "The Way Changers". 

The annual St. Patricks Day Party at the Carver Senior Center is pleased to be bringing in The Polka Dots who will perform a set of jaunty traditional tunes, and the Celtic School of Rythm will perform traditional Irish dance while partiers endulge in corned beef and cabbage. 

Check out info on these and other great events.... http://www.leesburgfanpage.com/.

Keller Williams Annual Coat Drive

The Keller Williams Realty office in Leesburg, VA does an annual coat drive, collecting gently used coats for those in need in Loudoun County.  The coat drive starts during the holiday season, and this year's drive went through January 15th... ending just a few days ago.

I am so thrilled to annouce  what a great success it was! The coat drive resulted in 312 coats, 17 scarves, 12 gloves, 22 ball caps, 5 pairs of boots, and 12 winter caps delivered to Loudoun County needy families.

Our agents and their friends and families contributed, as did community members who simply heard about the drive through word of mouth or internet sources like the Leesburg Va Facebook Fan Page.  It was a great community effort, and was coordinated by Angela Gammon, who runs a property management business from the Keller Williams Realty Leesburg office.  Many thanks to everyone for their generosity!

Order Your Girl Scout Cookies TODAY

My girls would LOVE to have your order!! 

• This year, the price is $4.00 per box.
• Expected delivery is in February for initial orders.
• Cookie Flavors are the same choices as last year (detailed below).
• All cookies are Kosher.

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Lemon Chalet Cremes

Vanilla sandwhich cookie w/ hint of cinnamon-ginger spice and a refreshing zesty lemon creme filling

* I am told these are Vegan!

Trefoils

Shortbread cookies

CLICK HERE to see serving suggestions

and recipes using this classic GS cookie!

Check out the recipe for the original Trefoils

Do-Si-Dos

Oatmeal cookies w/ creamy peanut butter filling

Have You Tried Do-Si-Do Chicken, or Peanut Butter Sandwich and Jelly Pie?  Click here to see these recipes and more!

Samoas

Vanilla Cookies, covered w/ caramel, rolled in toasted coconut and striped with a rich, chocolaty coating

For Recipe Ideas Like Samoan Cheesecake and More, Click Here!

 

Dulce de leche (New 2009)

Inspired by confections of Latin America, these are bite sized cookies rich with milk caramel chips

Thank U Berry Munch: (New 2010)

Real cranberries provide a delightful tartness in these hearty cookies sweetened with creamy white fudge chips.  Yumm!

*  I am told these are Vegan.

CLICK HERE to get the recipe for a SALAD with these cookies, or trail mix or other recipe ideas. 

Tagalongs

Tasty cookies topped with creamy peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating.  (Vicky's favorite)

Find Scrumptious Tagalong Recipes by clicking HERE!

Thin Mints 

Thin wafer, covered in a smooth chocolaty coating,
made w/ natural peppermint.  For Thin Mint Recipe Ideas, Click Here!

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SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS

You may also purchase cookies to be donated or contribute to the troop's GIFT OF CARING
- our troop will be sending the donated cookies to soliders in Afghanistan/Iraq (if possible).  Alternatively, the cookies will be donated to our local food bank - Interfaith Relief.  Please specify if you'd like to donate to one of these causes. 

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With your help, the Girl Scouts are building the leaders of tomorrow,

 changing the world for the better.... one cookie at a time. 

Learn more about the HISTORY OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES by clicking HERE.

In Loudoun and Dulles, contact vchrisner@verizon.net
to find out how to place your order.

Outside Loudoun, visit http://www.girlscoutcookies.org/ to find a troop near you!
*  Dietary Information for Girl Scout Cookies can be found here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.littlebrownie.com/downloads/NLIs_All.pdf

Keller Williams Ranks #1 in Customer Satisfaction

Keller Williams Realty takes it again:  "Highest in Overall Satisfaction for Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms"... THREE years in a row!

Thanks, JD Power and Associates!


Thinking of buying a home?  If you'd like the right balance of competency, professionalism, integrity and personalized service, Keller Williams has an associate in your area!

Moving to the Dulles area (Northern Virginia...Fairfax/Loudoun counties)?  I'd love to help!

Vicky Chrisner

703-669-3142

VChrisner@KW.com

Search for homes for free:

http://www.vickychrisner.com/

Youth Sports Opportunities in Loudoun

If you're moving to Loudoun, you may wonder what there is for kids to do... well, the list is so plentiful, we have to break it down into segments.  Here's a list we compiled on the Leesburg, Va Facebook fan page of area sports opportunity for kids.  If you're moving here, you might just want to "fan" that page on Facebook... you'll get a real feel for the heart of the community there. 

In the meantime, enjoy this list of places where your kids can get involved in local sports! 

(And remember, if you're looking to move here... as a local REALTOR, I'd love to help you~Click HERE to go to my web page!)

BASKETBALL

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

Loudoun Freedom (travel, girls): http://www.loudounfreedom.com/

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491  
Upwards Basketball-LCC/Dominion Academy: http://leesburgcc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21429
Upwards Basketball-CFC: http://www.cfellowshipc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=8980

CHEERLEADING

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Upwards Cheerleading-LCC/Dominion Academy: http://leesburgcc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21429  
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

DANCE

Dance Academy of Loudoun: http://danceloudoun.com/
Creative Dance Center: http://www.cdcdance.com/

LACROSSE

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/Youth_Futsal.htm  
Loudoun Co Parks and Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

FOOTBALL

i9 Youth Football League: http://www.i9sports.com/HomePage.aspx
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491  

FUTSAL

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp

GOLF

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

GYMNASTICS

Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

HOCKEY

(Ice) Ashburn Ice House: http://ashburnice.com/hockeyprograms.php
(Roller Hockey) Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp

SOCCER

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp
Loudoun Youth Soccer Association: http://www.lysa.net/
Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

SKATING/SKATEBOARDING

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491

SWIMMING

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

TENNIS

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

VOLLEYBALL

Dulles Sportsplex: http://dullessportsplex.com/main/default.asp
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700

OTHER

Town of Leesburg/Parks and Rec: http://www.idalee.org/index.aspx?page=491
Loudoun Co Parks & Rec: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=700
General Family Fitness/For Kids Sake: http://fitforkidssake.com/

This Weekends Events!

And so it begins... Here in Loudoun, next week is Spring Break, which means no school. 

Many people will be on vacation, others will perhaps be on a "Staycation" looking for local stuff to get into.  Still others will have extended family or friends staying with them during the week..and perhaps trying to figure out what to do with them.  Then there are the poor shleps that will be breezing to work with barely a hint of rush hour next week. 

Which one is you?

If you're staying local, and especially if you'll have visitors, you'll want to check out the Events Page of the Leesburg VA Fanpage.  There are TONS of Leesburg/Loudoun events listed...and many will be ongoing through the upcoming week.

This weekend a few seasonal highlights are:

While the fan page mostly focuses on Leesburg and Loudoun events, who can ignore DC's famous Cherry Blossom Festival, less than an hour away?

The last weekend of the Big Apple Circus!

http://livinginloco.blogspot.com/2010/03/rainy-afternoon-dulles-town-center-mall.html

Instrument Petting Zoo by Loudoun Symphony @ Rust Library

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109684822382077&index=1

Ida Lee's Easter Egg Hunt

Marshmallow Harvest and Egg Hunt (Great Country Farms)

as well as other local egg hunts, festivals, "open plays" at kids gyms, performances, Treasure Quest at Tally Ho, and a myriad of other great events. 

It's true, we do focus on the kid friendly and family oriented events (because children require constant entertainment), but trust me, DC's Wine Country offers plenty for adults. 

How about about antiquing, meandering and window shopping in our many downtown areas?  Check out are wonderful trails and parks where you can picnic, boat, fish, hike, and explore.  This weekend wraps up Virginia's first ever Wine Week (Click here for a coupon to our own Leesburg Vintner, and find out more), and there are many local restaurants, stores, and vineyards participating in the "Love By The Glass" promotion.

Whatever you're up to, there's something for everyone.  From now on, don't miss a thing!  Become a FAN today! www.facebook.com/leesburgva

There's Something - and Some WAY - to Celebrate EVERY Day Here in LoCo

On the Leesburg, VA Facebook fan page, we have listed more than 54 "Events" in and around Leesburg and Loudoun County.  Please become a fan and check out the "Events" tab.

For today, Friday, March 19th, here are a few highlights:

The Big Apple Circus (check for discount code before you buy tix)

Pictures with the Easter Bunny @ Dulles Town Center Mall

Red Cross Blood Drive in Leesburg

Brambleton Ribbon Run for Breast Cancer

The Fearsome Pirate Frank (performance) @ Dominion Academy

In addition to those, check to see what's going on at WolfTrap, Franklin Park, LoCo Parks and Rec, Parks and Rec of the Town of Leesburg, LoCo Libraries, and the calendar kept my MomsLikeMe in the Dulles area which lists 24 other events.... just today.

Become a fan of Leesburg,VA and you won't miss a thing!

Please: In order for us to track effectiveness of this site and events calendar (which takes a great deal of manual work), please RSVP or comment if you plan to attend or have attended any of these events.

Thanks!  And remember, there's something to celebrate EVERY DAY here in LoCo!

Facebook is My BEST Friend

Facebook has quickly become my best friend. I vent to it, I tell it what I am doing, I tell it what I think is interesting, and I joke with it.  In exchange, it consoles me, encourages and inspires me, teaches me things, and makes me laugh.  

I have reconnected with long lost friends.  I stay in contact with friends I never seem to be able to "connect" with, because of differences in our schedules.  I even make new friends and business connections.

I like it so much that I currently have 3 pages....

My profile, where you will read things like me trying to give my kids away to a free home or find out where I can exchange my husband, you'll follow the happenings of my family and friends, and get to know me on a very personal level....Good, Bad, or Indifferent.

"The Real Estate Whisperer" which is a business "fan" page. It's newly launched, and named after my real estate blog.  I am still trying to build a following for it, but there I post things which are business related: My personal business like new listings, contracts, settlements, pictures of clients and the like; Things related to the real estate industry like initiates of REALTOR associations, changing tax laws, and other legislative issues relating to homeownership, or purchasing or selling property; I definitely post links to "The Real Estate Whisperer" blog, even re-circulating old posts that many haven't seen; And, to keep things light, I offer quirky insights and the occasional cartoon.

"Leesburg, VA"... this, too is technically a business "fan" page (although in hind sight it probably should have been a "group" page, and I would have named it "Living In Lo Co" but it's too late now).  Here, I post local and regional news.  You'll occasionally see links to my "LivingInLoCo" blog, but more often I post local news, upcoming events, reviews on local businesses....the content is similar to this blog, but more casual , more interactive, and a much quicker way to get news out - thus it is less words about more subjects. While I am still continuing to build this page, it is taking off quite well with viral marketing all on it's own.  As of last night, we had 907 fans in less than a month.

But, on Facebook as in life, it is not about what you put OUT into the world, its about how you fully interact.  I read the posts of others, "like" or comment on them, and genuinely participate in discussions.  I not only read the posts of my friends, but I have developed a coast to coast REALTOR network via Facebook, which helps me tremendously in my business.  I also get contributions from lots of groups and local businesses fed to my News Feed...so I say "in the know" about local happenings, events and issues that I care about (and I recycle this news as is appropriate).  In fact, this morning I took my kids to a new photographer.  One I learned about on the "Moms Like Me" fan page for my area. I am SO excited about seeing these photos.  My next post will include a video of part of the photo shoot - amazing fun for the kids.

Thanks, Facebook!

For more information, visit me on Facebook or subscribe to my blogs -just click on the links above! 

New Tysons Express Commuter Service!

Loudoun is adding a "Tysons Express" bus service for commuters beginning this summer. 

Even though I no longer make this commute, I did do it for several years from Ashburn and then from Leesburg.  Sometimes it wasn't that bad, but there were some terrible traffic days.  Oh, how I'd wished there'd been a better way.  Can you imagine:

*  Being able to always cut your commute time since you'll be taking the HOV lanes?

*  Being able to sneak in a little nap on the way home?

*  Being able to bring your laptop and keep working - while traveling?

*  Never being stuck on the highway in traffic and having to go to the bathroom so bad you'd thought you'd die?  Come on, we've all been there!

Travel will be via luxury motor coach with reclining seats, overhead lighting (that turns on for work, and off for rest), wi-fi and even a restroom.

There will be multiple pick up/arrival times.  Two commuter lots are planned in Loudoun - one in Leesburg, one in Broadlands (Ashburn).  At only $3 each way it will be cheaper than driving yourself - especially if you currently take the toll road, faster, more comfortable, take significant traffic off the road, and let's face it, better for the environment. 

For those of you with strict bosses, I have to say usually bosses are more lienent when your (normally on time) bus is late than when you are the only one that gets stuck in traffic.

I am excited about this, and hope most Lo Co residents are.  The county is interested in YOUR NEEDS so they can plan appropriately! Please visit the web site to learn more and to take the survey. 

You'll even get a $5 Smart Card just for taking the survey!

Learn more:  http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=3061

Are You Getting Played? Limestone Overlay District Vote!

The Dulles Association of REALTORS wants you to know about the upcoming vote regarding the Limestone Overlay District!!

This is copied straight from their web site:

Contact the Supervisors and say "No" to the

Limestone Overlay District!

To address a perceived problem concerning limestone sensitive features, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (LCBOS) is expected to vote on a proposed ordinance imposing unnecessary restrictions on property owners living within the so-called Limestone Overlay District on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010. If the LCBOS votes to adopt the LOD, property and home owners within the 14,000-acre district are likely to see their property values take a hit. And if they want to sell the description of their property on all land and tax records will include a unique warning-style notice which may further depress values.

How serious is the limestone problem? Not very. Leesburg is built on top of limestone. So is the new high school on Route 15. And County Planning Commissioners have provided no examples of structural problems as a result of underlying geology anywhere in the LOD. Not one.

The over-reaching, burdensome and potentially unconstitutional LOD proposal is really an anti-development initiative disguised as a public health and safety issue. And homeowners in the LOD are the big losers. Don't get played. Contact the LCBOS and say "No" to the Limestone Overlay District.

Affected property owners in the LOD concerned with the restrictions and potential stigma on their property are encouraged to voice their concerns by emailing the LCBOS at bos@loudoun.gov or calling 703/777-0204.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LIMESTONE OVERLAY DISTRICT

TAKE ACTION - This will take only moments of your time to tell the Supervisors what you think!  Just CLICK HERE

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As always, your local state and national REALTOR associations are working to protect your interests as property owners and fellow citizens.  I'd like to be your personal link to these associations.  Just email me and ask that I add you to my "notify" database when there are important issues that might be affecting YOU.

Vicky Chrisner REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty * Leesburg, VA

VChrisner@KW.com

703-669-3142

For more information on Living In Loudoun County, stay tuned to http://www.livinginloco.blogspot.com/!

Take Time To Taste The Snowflakes

So, today I was on Facebook (according to a recent quiz, I am 66% addicted). 

We were all chatting about the woodchucks and groundhogs (what's the difference?) that did or did not see their shadows (most did). 

One REALTOR friend in Michigan said that the spectators that went to see Woody the Woodchuck were all dressed in bikinis and bermuda shorts, trying to fake Woody out.  It didn't work - he, too, was scared when he saw his shadow, and predicted 6 more weeks of winter.  Those woodchucks are smarter than you'd think.  Smarter than the spectators, anyway.  It's cold in Michigan.

When I told this to my husband he simply commented that all the news reports this morning were focusing on the fact that the spectators of every city that does this had been up drinking all night.  Hmmm... now it's all starting to make sense.

Then, they announced that most of Northern Virginia would be getting 3 to 6 inches of snow tonight... and to make matters worse (or better), they are now predicting maybe another foot of snow this weekend.... that's on top of the 6-ish inches of snow we got 3 days ago.... and this is not our first snow.  Heck, our first snow of the season came before Christmas and was about 18-26 inches here in our area. 

One of my clients said "I thought when we moved to Virginia we'd have mild winters"..NOT!  (Sorry, Jodi.) Not this year, anyway.  It's only like this about every 5 years, it's just that we're overdue - we've been spoiled since 1996.  To average things out, we'll have to have 3 winters in a row with lots of wintery precipitation.  (Maybe that's a warning to you.)

Another REALTOR friend posted this: "Here Mr. Groundhog,  Mr.Tony Soprano has some concrete shoes he wants you to try on. Can you say Anacostia?" (The Anacostia is a river in DC.)  NOT NICE!  I like Phil!   (Phil is in Punxsutawney, PA- a place I MUST be next year...it's on my bucket list).  Phil is just calling it like he sees it.. and apparently YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH, Steve!

Anyway... I was leaving to go pick up my kids, just as the flurries started to come down.  One of the little girls was outside in her front lawn, arms spread open, looking toward the sky, mouth wide open and tongue hanging out. 

Ahh... I remember tasting snowflakes, fresh ones, falling from the sky.  It's been too long.

Then, I picked up my kids at daycare.  We walked out to the car.  They both, instinctively, stuck out their tongues to get a taste.  The kids are all on the same page.  What is wrong with us?

This time of year there aren't many Roses to 'Stop and Smell'.  So, I am going to encourage you ALL to 'Stop and Taste the Snowflakes'.  When I did that tonight, I suddenly felt excited about the falling snow.  Thrilled that we'd have six more weeks of this possible miracle. 

A new perspective changes everything.

Stay tuned to http://www.livinginloco.blogspot.com/.  In the morning, I will be posting some ideas on how to prevent cabin fever.  Crafts, games and special snacks...for kids and parents alike.

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Join me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vicky.chrisner

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If you're looking for more information on what life is like here in Loudoun County, check out my web site, my Loudoun County blog (LivingInLoCo) or just give me a ring.  You can use the HOME SEARCH tool to find houses for sale in Loudoun or you can run an automated 'Market Snapshot' (click here) to see what the real estate sales in your Loudoun County neighborhood have been recently if you're thinking of selling.

A Random Beautiful Day in Leesburg, VA

It's looking like a beautiful January morning here in Leesburg, Virginia!  Check out these photos taken from my deck this morning.

Today's not anything all that special.... but there's something to celebrate EVERY day, don't you think? 

If you need an excuse, just look around.  Is there a beautiful sunrise today?  Who needs more of a reason than that?

If you do, Google "Wacky Holidays" and find a calendar that will give you an excuse. 

I learned that today, January 26th, is "Spouse's Day".  Did you know that? 

So, plan a candlelight dinner, bring home flowers, special treats or a nice bottle of wine....we'll call it pre-meditated spontaneity!

Then pretend like your spouse forgot an important day that he/she should have remembered.  (hehehehe)

Make it a good one!

A Treasured and Inexpensive Gift

Looking for a nice "Thank You" gift for business or professional contacts?  Perhaps during the holidays, you "forgot" to acknowledge your postal carrier, kids' teacher or babysitter, the lady that cleans your house.... Well, here's a great (and cheap) way to say THANK YOU.

Everyone LOVES Girl Scout Cookies.  They are a part of "Americana", and treasured tradition here in the US.  Ever wonder why?

You know the saying "Little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice".  Well, the that's only the first ingredient in Girl Scout cookies.  Then, we add entrepenurialism, individualism, morals, values, character, sunshine, and love of the earth, humanity and animals.... and you get Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout cookies represent all of this -  they put all those great things in a box and add America's favorite flavors - Chocolate, peanut butter, mint, coconut....mmmmmm! 

I can't think of a better gift you can buy for $3.50.  So, look around you... who do you need to thank? Then, place your order!  Click Here to Find Out How

If you are using these gifts as client gifts for your business, they may be tax deductible - check with your tax advisor.

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Following our series on GS Cookies, be sure to stay tuned for more information about LIVING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY.

For information on our local real estate market, please tap into the resources at http://www.therealestatewhisperer.blogspot.com/

To search for homes for sale, check out the HOME SEARCH option at http://www.vickychrisner.com/

If you time it right, your housewarming gift maybe Girl Scout Cookies

or perhaps a recipe made with Girl Scout Cookies!

Curious what the value of your home is?

Just click here for a free market snapshot.

Thank U Berry Munch! (Salad with COOKIES!)

Our Newest Girl Scout Cookie, THANK U BERRY MUNCH, is scrumptious.  It is a light cookie, with cranberries. 

When I tasted it, I imagined a hot summer day that I'd been playing outside with the kids, getting parched and my blood sugar running low.... and being treated to this cookie!  It would be delightful to have coupled with some rasberry tea, lemonade or a mix of gingerale and cranberry juice (a favorite "spritzer" of mine)... ahhh.... simply refreshing. 

It bet it would also be fantastic with a hot fruit flavored tea and a touch of honey on a chilly spring or fall day.

With it being new this year, I've not had time to really experiment or day dream about experimenting with recipes with this cookie... but some bakers have.  They have some great ideas!!!  And, if we use them we can have cookies in our salad.  I love this diet plan!  It's one even I might be able to stick to in 2010.

Try out some....

Berry Munch Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

For the kiddos, maybe

Thank U Berry Munch Granola

Or maybe some

Thank U Berry Munch Bread Pudding

I also suspect you could crush it up and make it into a pie crust which would be wonderful with a cheesecake filling or vanilla pudding filling with cranberries mixed in.

These are really interesting recipes, admit it.  You know you need a box, even if it is just to try out these recipes.  So, just click here to find out how to order Girl Scout Cookies in Loudoun/Dulles or elsewhere!

And, stay tuned to http://www.livinginloco.blogspot.com/.  I have a few more recipes I will be posting soon!