November 20th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
Something in our cultural psychological makeup makes us gravitate toward catastrophe. This little psychic quirk makes doom and disaster the best friends in every genre of the media. Over the past few months, we have been fed a steady diet of grisly and frightening forebodings about our economy. Historic plunges in the stock market, massive bankruptcies in heretofore stalwart financial institutions, a teetering auto industry, the nation wide stall in the housing industry and a global economy headed toward recession are indeed serious and scary situations. But, it is time for the reporters to remind us, we have been to the brink of economic disaster before and come out of it stronger if not wiser.
In an article entitled, Breaking News: It’s Not Different This Time, by Joni Clark, Chief Investment Strategist for Loring Ward, she points out that the only difference between what is going on in our economy today and what has been going on over the past thirty-five years is in the details. Using magazine covers from TIME Magazine, she makes her point. Consider the following cover captions:
October 14, 1974 Trying to Fight Back – Inflation, Recession, Oil
December 9, 1974 Recession’s Greetings
September 12, 1977 Sky High Housing – Building Up, Prices Up
April 21, 1980 Is Capitalism Working?
March 8, 1982 Interest Rate Anguish
December 3, 1984 America’s Banks – Awash in Troubles
November 2, 1987 The Crash – After a Wild Week on Wall Street, the World is Different
October 15, 1990 High Anxiety – Looming Recession, Government Paralysis and War
September 14, 1998 Is the Boom Over?
March 26, 2003 Looking Beyond the Bear
Clark goes on to point out that in spite of the very real concerns in each of these recent decades, the ecomomy rebounded with each setback stronger than before. Although no one can predict the outcome of our current crisis, perhaps our fragile psyches need the reassurance of our history; stay calm, nothing is really different and we will be the better for all of this.
November 17th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
Amid all of the gloom and depressing economic news, there is a glimmer of good tidings for the residents and prospective residents of Sherwood Forest. According to a study by researchers at the University of Glasgow, living near a park or playing field is directly related to lowered blood pressure and to reducing the harmful effects of stress. The new park and play field currently being built at the old Woodway Elementary site is, according to Dr Richard Mitchell, going to help us live longer. In his study, mortality records from 366,348 people in England from 2001 – 2005 observed a link between different causes of death amongst people of differing financial means and exposure to green spaces. It showed that regardless of what part of the social spectrum, people with greater access to green spaces reduced morbidity rates and that, “The health gap between the richest and the poorest people was about half as big as that in the green areas.” The report, published in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, concluded that, “The implications of this study are clear: environments that promote good health, might be crucial in the fight to reduce health inequalities,” and to promote better health for all.
So, a glimmer of good news in the gloom; whether in Sherwood Forest in England or in Edmonds, green spaces, parks and playfields are good for everyone’s health. This bit of cheerful information is brought to you by Blair Leckie, your green and healthy, Edmonds neighborhood realtor.
September 9th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
PCC, the natural food store supermarket, has finally found its way to the center of the universe, Sherwood Forest. The new Edmonds store opened to the public this week at the old Albertson’s site. With its commitment to sustainable farming and customer service, this new market is a welcome addition to our community. They are organically certified and purchase their produce, meat and dairy from local farms.
Since its grand opening last week, the Edmonds store has been a beehive of activity, buzzing with curious newcomers and veteran, tried and true “PCC’ers.” But it is not just people I am talking about. The state of the art rain garden in the middle of the parking lot is attracting, birds and butterflys and bees with its hardy northwest plantings. It is an effective way to capture and clean rain run off from the parking lot and underscores the company’s commitment to the environment and sustainability.
PCC is not just a supermarket. It is a concept which combines commerce with social responsibilty, the community and reasonable, responsible ecological pro-activity. Even if none of those things matter to you, it is place to buy your groceries that is fun to visit and quality is the standard on the shelves. Your friendly neighborhood realtor, Blair Leckie, says, “Give PCC a try.”
September 9th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
The lending industry has, as of late, been in the crapper. Pardon the colloquialism, but it seems an appropriate descriptor. Profligate and relaxed lending practices combined with people eager to share the American dream of owning their own home have created a situation of perceived crisis in our economy. While the media, in its typical apocalyptic approach to presenting the news, has routinely overstated the problem, no one can deny that there is a real problem in the mortgage and housing industry right now. But, not everyone who has a mortgage is headed to foreclosure. The massive housing relief bill signed into law in late July promises to improve the climate for home sales and the mortgage industry. The bill’s primary focus is an expansion of the FHA. With the $300 billion FHA initiative, both borrowers and lenders will be assisted. The news today that the federal government took control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was greeted with a ¾ point drop in the prime. The Wall Street Journal reports that the government intends to replace the company’s CEOs and invest nearly $200 billion as part of the rescue.As of today, one can obtain a 3o year fixed mortgage for as low as 5 ¾%. Investors appear optimistic and are re-entering the mortgage bond market as a conservative but guaranteed return on their money. The Dow Jones was up 290 points.
So, not all of the news surrounding mortgages is gloomy. If one could shake the mindset that has been created by all of the negative press, one could see that this is an excellent market in which to buy. Mortgage money is becoming available and until the run on houses begins again, prices are low. Blair Leckie, your friendly neighborhood realtor says, “Breathe easier, buy a house, invest in real estate.”
September 2nd, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
When one says the word, “Restaurant,” all kinds of images and gustatory memories spring to mind. There is a seemingly endless variety of eating establishments competing for our share of stomach. From haut cuisine to greasy spoons, one is offered abundant and bountiful tables from which to choose. And yet, with all of those choices available to us, it is tough to top that quintessential American eating establishment, the good old neighborhood hamburger joint. If I can stave off the already alarming rumbling of hunger pangs sending me messages long enough to finish this, I would like to share some of my favorite hamburger haunts.
Wendy’s and McDonald’s are OK if you are in a hurry and just want to mindlessly fill the belly, heedlessly going on your way. But if you are feeling the urge for sustenance and fulfillment that only this amazing comfort food can provide, consider a leisurely trip to one of the following establishments.
Growing up in Ballard, Zesto’s was not only a social gathering spot for young people but a place to get the best burger in town. Eating there, mixing as a part of the milling crush of hundreds after a game was a rite of passage. Much has changed over the years; the nineteen cent pinky burger is long gone. But ,the double meat cheese burger remains. Today’s version may not be a match for the one I remember from my teen age years, but it is still most acceptable.
It’s tough to beat Burgermaster. The joints in Bellevue and on Aurora are drive- ins where you are waited on in your car. All that is missing are the roller skates. My favorite is the Combo One – a Burgermaster with everything on it, fries and my choice, a strawberry shake. Outstanding.
Red Mill Burgers bring gluttony to mind, are delicious and they complete you. Forget therapy, have a Red Mill burger. Although the fries are a bit greasy for my liking, the endless variety of burgers available makes choosing an enchanting and joyful task.
Dick’s has to make the list even if it’s just because it has been around for ever. It’s more of a fast food drive in, however I do have to admit, when the burger mood strikes, a Dick’s Deluxe satisfies.
Fatburger and Kidd Valley have to be mentioned. I put them on the list of the also- ran simply because I am not in their vicinity very often when over come with the hamburger need. Yes, it is unfair because yes, their burgers are delicious. Locally, I must make mention of Herfy’s. It used to be a cheap, quick in and out establishment akin to Dick’s. As of late, and I don’t know if it is the same chain, it has morphed into a more substantial burger emporium. There is a Herfy’s near Sherwood Forest across the street from Bartel’s Drug Store. In any event, the burgers there are well worth exploring.
So, when the absolute necessity of a hamburger prevails and nothing else will work, try one of the above recommendations from your local realtor, Blair Leckie.
August 21st, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
The Glare
It is a joy living in an urban environment where green spaces and trees are viewed as welcome and necessary. The joy is not so much obvious as it is felt. If one slows down and takes a leisurely walk through the old Woodway Elementary School property, its inhabitants begin to show themselves. One such inhabitant is the Sharp Shinned Hawk. It is an exhilarating feeling to be walking and half see and half sense something out of the corner of the eye. Then, upon looking closer, discovering this magnificent if diminutive bird of prey and hearing its shrill cry. Essential for the livelihood of this beautiful raptor is the stand of trees separating Sherwood Forest residences, the proposed city park and the land purchased by The Burnsteads . They make their living feeding on the small birds, rodents and large insects which inhabit the woods in our area.
So, if you get a chance, treat yourself to a leisurely walk around the proposed park grounds. The hawks are there covertly working the woods.
August 10th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
In the heart of Summer around Seattle you have to love all the festivals. One of the best for many years has been the Taste of Edmonds. Rain or Shine a good time can be had by all. If you can make some time to head on over here’s a link to the schedule of Weekend activities. Cheers!
July 7th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
Most residents of Sherwood Forest know this tree. Sadly, and hopefully briefly it is enclosed by a makeshift chain link barrier. I don’t know whether this is some inane attempt to keep the glorious nature and beauty of this tree caged in or to keep us, the citizens of the forest caged out. It has always been, in some way caged. Earlier in its life it sat as the living center piece in the middle of a courtyard at Woodway Elementary School. It served its purpose wonderfully by dutifully leafing out and blooming with extravagant blossoms in the spring, bearing fruit for eager birds and ever-foraging squirrels in the summer and dropping its leaves in the fall in preparation for the dormant winter months. We have been privileged to take pleasure in its performances over the years.
No one knows for certain what the ultimate fate of this beautiful tree will be for it is also caged in controversy. The elementary school which once surrounded it has recently been demolished. It was the hope of many of the citizens of the forest that all of the land belonging to the school could be made into a park and a friendly gathering place for the community. But, school district budgets, politics, fiscal responsibility and the spirit of capitalism have intervened in its destiny. A developer wants the land to build more houses. After some hew and cry by the citizens, approximately half of the property was allotted to the developer and half to the park which would surround the tree. The citizens await the resolution of this controversy, hoping for the day when all of the cages are removed and the tree can at last be free to grow and show and thrive along with the community and citzens of Sherwood Forest.
July 5th, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
Click on the map above for the location of open houses being held this Sunday, July 6, 2008. I am happy to show or provide further information on these or any other listings about which you may wish to inquire .
July 3rd, 2008
Posted by Cragun Group
Bill Church, a.k.a. Bow Wow Bill, operates a school for dogs in Edmonds. His business specializes in all breeds of dogs and offers a variety of services both for the dog and the dog owner. Classes ranging from puppy preschool and social hour to group obedience classes, private training and rescue dog rehabilitation are offered at Scrub-a-Pup near the Harbor Square Athletic Club in Edmonds. He also offers services such as dog walking, waste removal, dog camping, seminars, virtual training and drop in training.
Bow Wow Bill is a unique, caring individual and is enthusiastic about dogs and seeing that they are properly trained to be good citizens in society. Dogs listen to him. Perhaps the best testimonial comes from Maizie, my crazed lab pup, a recent graduate puppy preschool and anxiously looking forward to advanced work at the group training class. She rates Bow Wow Bill as highly recommended by giving him a maximum five out of five wags of the tail including an unsolicited butt wiggle embellishment. Bow Wow Bill’s is one of the many Edmonds businesses that provides convenience, richness and diversity available to the Sherwood Forest community.
