Thanksgiving 2012       How could I ever say this?  This was one of the BEST Thanksgiving Days that we have ever celebrated.. Usual suspects... Wife, Husband, 4 children,3 grandchildren, 2 sons in law, 2 brothers, 6 cousins.  3 friends.   I think  that totaled 22 for Thanksgiving Dinner.  What a fun day.   Started out with 2 on the Dock..Catching Drum (Puppy and Black)  18 to 20 inches each.    Then the food Prep starts. Anna  our daughter helped with the cooking.   Menu: Roasted Turkey Roasted Ham Rice and Gravy Oyster Dressing and Plain Dressing Corn (put it up this past summer) Peas Butterbeans Garden Peas Cranberry Sauce Cranberry salad Broccili and Cheese Casserole   For  Dessert: Pumpkin Pie Peacan Pies Lemon ... 11/22/2012

Nine myth-busting tips you need to cook your bird with confidence. by Kemp Minifie, Gourmet Let's dispense with the regular turkey gobbledygook that permeates the media at this time of year and get down to basics: You've got a big, raw bird sitting in your fridge, a bunch of guests coming with holiday-high expectations in tow, and you need help. Sure, you may have heard all kinds of rules, lore, and even a few horror stories, but here's what you really need to know to successfully roast a turkey on Thanksgiving. 1. Don't Wash the Turkey
 This directive alone will probably shock you. And it holds true for chicken, too. Would you believe it comes directly from the super-cautious folks at the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a division of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA... 11/21/2012

THIS BLOG WAS FROM GREGG PAUL AND I WANTED TO REPOST IT..BUT I COULD NOT DO IT.  SO I COPIED IT FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO USE..   As we move towards the end of the year, it time to put pen to paper about what worked (and what didn’t) this year, and our goals for next year. There’s no perfect recipe for success, but after a dozen years in the business, I can truly attest to the fact that “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” Do you have a business plan? If not, or if you’re looking to be more focused in 2013, here’s a list of questions that might help clarify what parts of your business to focus on in 2013. 1.Do you have a centralized database of names, addresses, phone numbers and other information on your clients readily available at a moment’s notice? 2.How many do you talk to each week... 11/20/2012

I know that there is a Group that we can post our recipes to but I can not find it.  So thought I would post this for YOU to enjoy.  Not hard to make and will receive Wonderful Comments..I can't even begin to tell you how good it is.. *****************************************************************************    Beaver Dam Creek ~ Holiday Shrimp Dish               Ingredients: 2 pounds of Shrimp (Peeled and devaned) boil till just turn pink--Drain (Best to use Fresh Shrimp) 2 boxes of Uncle Ben Wild Rice (cook as per instruction on the box 1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup 1 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 small can of Mushrooms 1 Stick of Butter 1 small Yellow Bell Pepper 1 small Red Bell Pepper 1 Medium Onion Tabasco Sauce Worcheshire Sauce Salt and Pepper 　 In a sauce pan, melt 1 stic... 11/19/2012

    WEll,  I am the Grandma of 6 and Love  every minute of it.  From Youngest to oldest: AngaElla, 2 years old,  a firey redheaded, blue eyed beauty, a Dancer Marissa, 4 years old,  the Blue eyed Blong Beauty, a Dancer Joshua, 7 year old, brown hair and blue eyed handsome young man that is enjoying Scouts Jonah, 10 year old, blonde hair, blue eyed handsomed young man that is a wrestler Clay, the 16 year old, blonde hair, blue eyed 6ft 4 in. , 325 lb. Football Player..(Guess the Position0 And Kathleen, our 19 year old Blonde hair, blue eyed beauty that attends College of Charleston. in South Carolina.   And tonight I will hae the 4 and the 7 year old with us for a sleep over.  We are going to roast hot dogs in the fireplace and then flame some Marshmellows..   Hope that you all have as m... 11/16/2012

This has been an amazing week.  But we have had a spurt of activity that has just about knocked me off my feet. Mainly "Short Sales" but I will work them and be successful with them. I liste 3 lots for a seller that has to be a Short Sale and we priced them to SELL!  Right now I am working 8 offers on these lots trying to figure out our best deal for the Bank and for the sellers.    We are seeing more contracts and closings right now thru out the company.  So it is good for everyone with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Right now.    We have a good group of people that care about each other and each others success. Thanks to Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty and Tim Milam. Hard work and consistency leads to success.     Ginger Harper     11/15/2012

  I listed a house and it stayed on the market for months and months...   Finally, I got the seller to reduce the price to be in line with the other sales in the neighborhood.  When this was done, the house started showing a lot more often.  Finally an agent brought in an offer that was a little low.  Then another agent with another company brought in a offer that was even lower.  Then, out of the blue 2 days ago, a buyer called me and said that they had looked at it online and would like to make an offer on that house,  I sent her the MLS Sheet so that they could read the details and showed her the pictures of the house. They made an offer, sight unseen, with a clause that they can see if on or before Thanksgiving and close by the end of the year. I have presented all offers to the sel... 11/14/2012

  Today is the opportunity that I have to shine for the folks that walk through the door at our office.  I will be the first person that they see.  I like this challenge of making the person feel very comfortable and always greet them with a big Smile.  If you smile at someone, most likely they will smile back. There, you have made a connections with a big smile and looking them into the eyes.   Right before I go  on duty, I always check out my hair and makeup and brush my teeth.  I want to make sure that I am presentable to that buyer or seller that may walk thruough the door.     11/11/2012

  Today has been a glorious day in Southport North Carolina. After getting up early this morning,  my husband, Jimmy and I began the preparation of the Family Dinner.   We go to Trinity united Methodist church in Southport,   This is the family Church where: Jimmy's Grandparents were married Jimmy's mother and Daddy were married Jimmy and I were married Our Grandchildren were christened Jimmy's Grandparents funeral services were held His parents funeral were held   After Church we came home and had a wonderful dinner of:   Barbecue Chicken Candied Sweet potatoes String beans Corn Eggplant and onions Buttered Irish Potatoes Rolls Sweet Tea Sugared croissants   If was a fun day and we all enjoyed being together so much as a family.   Hope you had a wonderful Day also.   Ginger of Southport   11/11/2012

          Today is a wonderful, bright, clear, cool day.  There is always so many activates going on On Saturday. We will be dealing with the Pirates at the Regatta at 1:00.  This is when our friends and neighbors dress up as Pirates and sale their boats with the Jolly Roger flying in the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the IntraCoastal waterway.  The sailors dress up as pirates and just parade the waterfront in Southport.  They even shoot off a Canon..Lots of adventures for the little ones to enjoy. Folks here like to have a fun time and enjoy this area. There are activities going on all the time. Come and visit one day..   Ginger of Southport 11/09/2012

Pirates Jamboree in Southport.  Well, tomorrow is the official closing down of "Provision Company" in Southport.  The Pirates jamboree is celebrated at Provision Company....one of the best seafood resturants in Southport.  They have the best Crab Cake sandwiches and the best grouper salad...and boiled jumbo shrimp that you can imagine.  Along with Sweet Tea. At Provision Company, you sit right out on the dock and porch area.  You can even feed the Herons right from your table. Sounds quirky...not really.  Come and see for your self..   Take care,   Ginger of Southport, NC 11/09/2012

Re-blogged by 0 agents Our Company always feels that doing an Open House will help sell a property.  I have never been very successful with Open Houses and wanted to reach out to my Active Rain family for some tips and ideas.  When I hold an Open House, I usually spend about $400 on Food and Drink and then we have Door prizes or gas card give aways which can amount to another $200 to $300.  Is this what you do for an Open House?  Sometimes I feel like I am just feeding the hungry agents and buying them to come and see the house that I am promoting.. Please ...If you are successful with Open Houses...share.... Thanks for sharing any tips or ideas. Ginger of Southport ~ North Carolina   11/08/2012

To all of my friends in the Great State Of New Jersey.  I am so sorry that you are being hit again by Mother Nature. I would think that you have  had enough to deal with after the visit by Sandy.  It is horrifing to see the damage that she has brought  You... I live along the North Carolina coast in a retirement community called Southport~Oak Island.  We are also located on the Atlantic Ocean and have had to face many hurricanes in the past.  We have been very fortunate for the past few years. Know that we are praying for you in our Churches and will be sending folks from our congregations to help with your clean up and to bring supplies and foods that you may need.   Just know that we do care and  YOU are not alone..   Ginger Harper of Southport NC   11/07/2012

I feel that this is a most important election.  I know that folks feel so strongly both ways.  This is our God given RIGHTS as AMERICANS to express our opinion. WE have the Right to CHOOSE our destiny as Americans.   If you are sitting on the fence and do not support one candidate or another...THINK what is in the BEST interest of our Country and the American People.   Let YOUR VOICE be HEARD!   God Bless America 11/05/2012

One of our Active Rain associates, has posted this on her Marquee  sign at her office. Research, Pray and Vote.  WE need to understand the issues, what is promised and what is reality. Each of us has got to determine what we feel is BEST for these United States of America. I feel that this is a critical time for America and WE THE PEOPLE have a say in the direction that this country will go.   Please get out and VOTE and encourage you family and friends to do the same..   God Bless America     Ginger of Southport 11/04/2012

Voting Our American Right and DUTY...   This is not the time  to sit back and wait for others to make the decisons that will so affect all of us in the next four years. WE  are Americans and I am so proud to be a part of this Great Nations of ours.   If you are satisfied with the past 4 years of the present administration.. GET OUT AND VOTE   If you feel that we need a change and to have a fresh beginning.....   GET OUT AND VOTE.   No one can tell us what is best..no one knows..But YOU have the RIGHT..   Think of all of the places around this World, where the people...DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT.     I LOVE AMERICA..   God Bless YOU all..   Please VOTE.. 11/04/2012

Today was our Grandson Joshua's 7th Birthday.    WE went to church and then came home for Joshua's Birthday Dinner For Dinner I cooked....   Ham Potato Salad Rice & Gravy Corn Peas Butter Beans Stewed Potatoes Sweet Pototoes Roll & Butter Cornbread Tea    and of course Birthday Cake   After a lot of fun eating and talking...we the time to open the Gifts..   We all had a great time  watching these 4 Grandchildren playing with each other.  At one point it got very quiet....andwe all wondered what was going on.   Found them in the Bedroom...all at  the foot of the bed...watching Barney..   I Love it.   Hope you had a great Sunday also.   Ginger of Southport 11/04/2012

Southport Oak Island Interfellowship CropWalk ~ We need your financial help with this ~ Please call Tina Powers at 448-1972 if you are in Southport - Oak Island area -- with your donation. 75% of your donation stays here in the area the other 25% goes to Church World Services. Checks to be made out to SOIICF With Walk in the Memo of the Check. The funds are going to the human needs and local food pantry here. You may also give you donations to any local church on Sunday. Just put on the envelop that it is for The Interfellowship Crop Walk   Have a Great Fall Day.. 11/03/2012

Boomtown. It is a system that our company uses to increase leads of buyers for our agents that participate in the Boomtown program.  I think that this is done on a rotating basis and the agent has a few Minutes to respond, and  if they do not  respond in a certain time.. the rotation  goes to the next agent.   I have chosen not to be a part of this Boomtown program because  I am better working with sellers and that is my area of expertise.  I have always been told that LISTINGS ARE THE NAME OF THE GAME and I do believe that.  He who controls the listings, controls the market..   *********************************** Is there a Boomtown like product  that seeks to work with sellers and get the sellers to particlpate in a  similar program.. Anyone out here that can come up with a program th... 11/02/2012

        This seems like it is going to be so much fun.  I am  starting out so enthusiastically and I will make that enthusiasm  last for 30 days.. This is going to give me a boost for November and I am so looking forward to it.   Last night was Halloween and I had such a great time with the Grandchildren.  After I got home from a long, busy day at work... I rushed in to get the house ready for the grandchildren to come and do their Trick or Treating...   The first thing that I did was to light all of the pumpkins and arrange them on the front porch.  Then I put the Ghost on the Front porch Door.  Next, I got the take record and recorded screams,clanging of pots and pans.. Then I played spooky music on the piano and screamed a lot...Helps and I'm going to get you and other favorite phra... 11/01/2012