Right here in Conroe there is an absolutely amazing thing going on. It's called the Conroe Noon Lions Club. Many of you reading this may not know of the history of the Lions Clubs and aside from a collection box for Eyeglasses seen here or there you may not be aware of the work of this incredible organization. I say this because a few short years ago I was ignorant of most of this and am now proud to be a member and a small part of the Conroe Noon Lions for the past few years. A Brief History of Lions Clubs International In 1917, Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. His group agreed, held an organizational meeting in June, 1917, in Chicago. ... 09/18/2011

Mom hired me as her assistant. She could see the many talents I possess. It takes talent to recognize talent...right? I do all that I can to keep her organized and when she gets a little down I kiss her feet. She giggles and says to "stop" but I know she doesn't mean it so I keep licking! Mom and dad adopted me a few months back and I love my new home. I am a cross between a Shuh Tzu and a Rat Terrier. You don't have to mention the latter cuz I don't look anything like one! Mom named me Reecie Sue cuz she always wanted an assistant like me and she could say, "this is my little shitsue" and it works! I hope you like my video. With rots of ruv, Reecie Sue Brooks 09/14/2011

          TDHCA Announces a New $10,000 Down Payment Assistance for first time home buyers Montgomery County, TX Today TDHCA Announced the Release of a new Down Payment Assistance program in the state of Texas. This program offers First time home buyers the chance to take advantage of the current low interest rates rates AND get down payment assistance at the same time. Unlike Bond 77 Down Payment Assistance there are no additional fees with obtaining the down payment assistance from TDHCA. This makes it an ideal down payment assistance program for first time home buyers because their closing costs will be decreased as opposed to other down payment assistance programs. To find out if you qualify you will need to fill out our online application here or simply call (936) 228-1944 and we ... 09/14/2011

MONTGOMERY COUNTY WOMEN'S CENTER! The Montgomery County Women's Center is a safe haven for sexually and physically abused women and children.  Located in Conroe on Airport Rd, the brand new facility is helping hundreds of women during their greatest time of need. Sadly, there is a great need for facilities such as the Women's Center.  Having a safe and clean place to go when a woman is faced with this type of situation is crucial.  Since 1982, the women's coalition has been helping thousands of women and children find a safe haven. Recently land was purchased and a new facility now proudly stands.  The facility is very nice, safe and convenient.  A 24-hour hotline is available as well.  No matter what your situation, if you find yourself needing assistance, it is here. There are counsel... 09/13/2011

  Thanks to my friends for stopping in to my "What Store Is This?" post and giving some guesses. I would never have guessed myself! When I first walked in it was like entering a city. Seriously! Along with their circulars with their specials they were handing out Maps! Maps are actually needed in this place. The Kroger Marketplace is the centerpiece of the new Sam Houston Town Center at the northwest corner of I-45 and FM 1097. Other businesses setting up shop include Walgreens, Little Caesar’s, Whataburger, Chase Bank, Schlotzsky’s, Burger King, Sport Clips, America Hair Works, Willis Cleaners and Tender Touch II Nails and Spa. The new Kroger Marketplace at in Willis Texas is one of the most amazing stores I have ever been in. Their food areas are all set up as if you were shopping str... 09/09/2011

  It is about the size of a football field. It is available in a great location. It is brand new yet really old. They hand you a map when you walk in. They will take care of you if you sneeze. They will feed you if you are hungry. They moved across the street. You can buy a beach ball there. You can buy a golf ball. You can buy a ball point pen. You can buy a Turkey. You can buy a flower. You can buy flour. 09/08/2011

The last SCUBA class of the year is starting tomorrow (9/8/11). There is still time to sign up and become a certified open water SCUBA diver. Give me a shout today! Ages 10 and up. This is the sport of a lifetime! Have a great day! Ron www.ronwickes.com www.lakeconroegroup.com Dive here: I did. It's great! Think you know where it is at? Give me a shout.     09/07/2011

The call for our Lake Conroe Water has been made by Houston, Texas. The drought has affected everyone and The Houston Metropolitan Area is well over 2.3 million thirsty people. If you combine the neighboring Sugar Land, Baytown areas we become the sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of almost 6,ooo,ooo residents. Lake Conroe is governed by the San Jancinto River Authority yet the water itself is owned by a combined Houston and SJRA. The project was produced by both with Houston owning 2/3 of the water rights and SJRA owning the other 1/3. Houston ordered a maximum of 150 million gallons of water per day to be released into Lake Houston. This is the equivalent of 3 to 3.5 inches of our lake level per week and yet another source taking our water is evapo... 09/06/2011

Is a bright spot for all Local Residents. Chrighton Theatre was built in downtown Conroe in 1934 and is preserved as an Historic building for the use and enjoyment of all. The architecture is amazing and takes you back into time when life was slower, simpler and sweeter. What would it have been like to get yourselves ready one early evening, walk a few blocks to sit at an outside cafe for a light dinner and then meander up to the lighted Marquee touting the latest production at the Crighton Theatre? Buy a ticket and enter with your sweetheart on your arm and sit and enjoy "LIVE THEATRE" at its best? Does it get better than that? There are few things left to do in this world that will sweep you away to a simpler time and allow you to visit a bit of the past.Don't miss our Crighton Theatr... 09/05/2011

Let me preface this question with my belief system. I believe that we create our own realities to a certain degree. If we carry a "whoa is me" attitude what are we going to gain? We may, if lucky, gain a bit of sympathy or empathy. Is that what you want? Do you really want a person to feel sorry for you? If you do then I have one thing to say, "poor, poor baby." Now, that is not the reaction I think we really want in the world of Real Estate. If you are like me, I want a positive, "great" or "keep up the good work!" comment from my business contacts and friends. As far as I'm concerned, crying in your beer is for the old Country Songs. Leave it there! In the beer~ It is something I do not want to hear. Whining just isn't my thing.   Oh, I'm not saying I don't whine sometimes but not whe... 09/02/2011

Due to the winds blowing through a dry and  drought laden Texas Area, State Agencies are preparing an alert for our area. With the drought leaving behind dry grass, dead trees and dry water holes the potential of Wild Fires is skyrocketing.   Winds are kicking up to the 60 mile an hour range which increases the probability of spreading fires. Local emergency responders are on alert being reminded of the previous 1.5 million acres of Texas that has burned in the last few months. If you live in a highly affected area of the drought it is recommended that you place your goods and easy escape plans on high alert. We are day three into the Possum Kingdom Lake Wildfires which is located about 70 miles west of Fort Worth. 6500 acres and 40 homes have now been destroyed due to the uncontrolled ... 09/01/2011

ActiveRain, I want to thank you for that. I received a comment from a post I did back in 2008 that was found and reviewed today. I saved a worms life. I helped to save a life today! Okay, a moth. I saved a life and I am tickled about it! I have to tell you this story!I wrote an ActiveRain post back in 2008 about a wonderful Huge Worm that crossed my porch. I didn't know what he was so I hustled over to google and checked him out. As it was, he was going to metamophisize into a beautiful huge moth and I was so glad I photographed him.Here is the link to the original post. HUGE GREEN WORM. Citheronia Regalis (regal moth). Beauty surrounds...Huntsville, Texas. Now, today I had a new comment on my post from JEFF. Jeff is a very nice person that wittnessed this very catapillar as I did. You ... 08/31/2011

Well, no it's not but it does have a lot to do with getting you into a door. They say you have to open the door of opportunity if opportunity knocks. Do you hear it knocking? If you do and you have not yet perfected your presentation in Real Estate, maybe now is the time to do it. How are you presenting yourself? As a Listing Agent/Buyer's Agent? A Listing Agent only or a Buyer's Agent only? Those questions are up to you. My question is: Are you presenting yourself properly and to the best of your ability? I had a lesson in presentation tonight. It all started with a small intimate dinner party. I roasted a Pork Loin. What does this have to do with presentation in Real Estate? Just listen. Along with the Pork Loin I was serving sweet mixed veggies, Au Grautin Potatoes and a Pork Gravy. ... 08/29/2011

I stood with my arms extended and head laid back. His breath was cool to the touch yet he was coming with such anger. The boom of his voice and the darkness that set in was proof that he was on his way. He was on his way to revisit me. It has been a long time coming. I asked him to come each and every day. Tears fell from the time he hid from me and the lives we have lost. I knew he was there but I couldn't seem to get through. I couldn't find him, I couldn't call him to me. My pleas fell on deaf ears. With my arms up and my head back, I felt his arrival with a vengeance. He blew his Cool breath on my neck and my arms and my legs and he caressed me as if I were a hungry child being fed a first meal.   The earth shook yet it was with the blessings of God that he came to me. The sky light... 08/24/2011

It only takes one sale to make us feel fulfilled...maybe each week or month or whenever we are blessed with it... It only takes one friend to acknowledge that you are appreciated each day to know why you are here... It only takes one "thank you" to know you have been noticed... It only takes one subscriber to know what you are writing is worth it... It only takes one hug to know you are loved... It only takes one positive thought to put your mind on the right track... It only takes one flower to make you remember bright colors and smell perfume... It only takes one bark to remember you need to walk your dog... It only takes one positive comment to make you feel good... It only takes one "thank you" from your client to make you remember why you do what you do! It only takes one friend a ... 08/23/2011

This is inspired by Louise Thaxton...who reblogged one of my posts. Visit Louise and say hello. She is a great contact! Louise is a true sweetheart and shows herself to be a professional blogger even though she has only been here since May of this year. After she re-posted one of my recent blogs, she reminded me of just "why" my writing is important to me. Diary of a Realtor has a special meaning to me as a group. Not only do my friends show up posting their daily thoughts but it is a community of like minded bloggers and Professionals.. We are here to express our feelings, past and family values.     Once upon a time, my grandmother, long ago, wrote in my Diary when I was a child. She was then suffering from cancer that was soon taking her long away from us. It was a sad time. But, one... 08/22/2011

We are now collecting our own water right from the air! Returning home the other night we found the temperature at the house rising and rising....hum. Not a good thing. The A/C was definitely on the fritz. After a long and painful night tossing and turning our A/C man came to the rescue! It was over 100 degrees outside and almost that on the inside. Once the capacitor was replaced and the old system was shot with freon we sighed a sigh of relief. Our newfound friend, Joe also left us with a wonderful tidbit of advice that I want to share with you! Brilliant is the best word for it. He recommended that we go purchase a DeHumidifier and run it in the main part of our home. Why we asked? He explained the concept of humidity raising the body temperature just like the Weather man does. We ha... 08/22/2011

To be a good writer, I think you have to know why you write. When I first discovered ActiveRain I had no clue what a blog was. My husband pushed me into jumping in due to his enthusiasm towards the prediction of the Blogging Boom! Since then, after so many attempts to find my voice in my words, I am still searching. I was drawn in to this place because with each post I would find myself on google and my personal site rose and rose and finally made it to the top. I began here for the google juice, remained because of the social aspect of blogging and today I still find myself learning, stretching and enjoying all the information right here in one place! The recent influx of contests has re-affirmed the value of this forum to me. How did they ever create a forum of over 200,000 people tha... 08/21/2011

POSITIVE THINGS TO DO WHEN THE LAKE LEVELS ARE LOW! As the dreaded drought continues and Lake Conroe is releasing millions of gallons of water to send to Houston, we watch in sadness as the already low lake levels dip even further down.  We all know this is a temporary situation yet it is still difficult to see how low the lake gets each and every day that goes by. As I was thinking about this, it occurred to me that there could be some positive things to do when the lake levels are low: If your boat is up on a lift, get up under that boat and clean and wax it thoroughly.  Take a look at your boat dock and see if any repairs need to be made.  This is the perfect time to do this without getting wet! If you were thinking about putting in a dock, should be an easier job right now.  Go on a... 08/17/2011

Kindergarten. This is the time Charles Buell has asked us to write about. I was very lucky to have a wonderful and stable early childhood. This is probably why I am still quasi-sane today. Now, this statement is not open for debate. Sorry. "The Secret to Youth is Arrested Development"....author unknown. I can close my eyes and think back. My memory of that time is like photogenic to the point that I can remember what I was wearing and what everyone looked like. Except my parents for some reason. They hold only one caricature within my mind and heart and that is one of perfection. To me they are always young, healthy and perfect. As I close my eyes and take myself back to those times I am transported to a land of love, discovery and hope for the future. With my eyes closed and the true t... 08/17/2011