Yesterday I attended the January Homebased Businesswomen's Network, Inc. Luncheon Meeting.  What a wonderful time had by all the participants.  Some of the attendees were Tina and Natalie from Re/Max Advantage - Beverly Office, Barbara Evans - voice teacher & vocalist, Deborah Gauhier - Unfrancise Owner, Miriam Klamkin - Night Vision Astrology, The Penguin Lady, Dyan deNapoli, Kelly O'Connor - MaryKay to name a few of many great women.

Best of all was the speaker, Bonnie Herd Smith - History Smiths.  I was so moved by her presentation of inspiring women.  These women actually came from around here: Beverly, Salem, Peabody, Gloucester, Ipswich, Newburyport, and North Andover.  Theyovercame obstacles to achieve great success, and in do so improved their communities. Some of the familiar names I head were Elizabeth Peabody, Anne Bradstreet. Bonnie has written a book about these women and is diligently working to get her book published. 

I am a novel reader -- ONLY; however after hearing Bonnie I decided to place a pre-order for her book so I could learn more about these wonderful women who she mentioned throughout her speech. 

A day well-spent yesterday!

 Trulia 2012 Housing Forecast:  Boston Suburbs Among Top 5 Winners in 2012!!!!!!!

Cities with high tech industries or a skilled workforce will excel in 2012.

In 2012, the local housing markets that will enjoy rising prices, new construction or both, are those that start the year with stronger job growth and fewer empty homes holding back the market. My top five cities to watch are Austin TX, Houston TX, San Jose CA, the Boston suburbs, and Rochester NY. Most of these cities have strong high-tech industries or high-skill workforces. During the housing boom, the go-go cities tended to be lower-skill, lower-education metros. But in 2012, smart is hot.  

Went for a short walk this morning on Argilla Road.  Let me back up just a bit, we live on Argilla Road, just about one-mile from Crane's Beach.  I take many walks down Argilla, just hope I don't ever bore you with all the pictures I take because I do this all the time!!!  So here goes:  MY PICTURES:

This is the house next door; 259 Argilla Road, it was on the market.  Have had an opportunity to show it and let me tell you it is beautiful.  It recently sold for Sale Price: $1,400,000.

This is where I go for about an hour every day--to type for Clavel Ltd.  Pretty Neat Products!

 This is my favorite spot on Argilla--I'm sure you will see it again.

Went to the most delightful breakfast meeting this morning which was sponsorded by the Cape Ann Chamber of Cmmerce.   Representative Bruce Tarr was this to do the introductions.  Represented Schools and Principles:   Dan O'Connell, North Shore Technical High School, Philip Conrad, Rockport High School, Paul Murphy,Manchester Essex Regional High School, and Dr. Goodwin, Gloucester High School.  There were eight students who spoke and let me tell you each and everyone of them have extremely impressive stories to tell about their high schools, as well as their personal accomplishments!  I enjoyed this meeting throughly.  I also learned more about our community schools and what they have to offer to their students!

Today, like September 11th is a day to remember and take a moment to think about those lives lost..   The "Day  will live in Infamy" ...  We are very thankful for those who survived!  Attached is a great page outlining some of the detail as well as images of that tragic day.

Please take a moment of silence in rememberance of this day.

Instead of doing an open house today, I spent the day walking around Appleton Farms in Ipswich, Massachusetts.  It was chilly at first, but when the sun came out it warmed right up.    Just love taking those fall walks—so peaceful.

Got back yesterday from our trip to Cancun, Mexico.  My family has the same 3 week time-share at the Royal Sands every year!  It is always so much fun—the weather is always beautiful.  We have developed many relationships with the other members of the Royal Resorts because we all go down the same time, every year.   It is a no hassle vacation.  Thomas Moore picks us up from the airport and brings us back to the airport when our vacation is over.  We highly recommend Mexico and staying at the Royal Resorts! P.S.  The food is outstanding, the drinks delicious, and the service impeccable. 

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