Recently mosquitos in the Glenrock and Stoney Point area of Norfolk tested positive for the West Nile virus.  Both areas have been treated by the mosquito control division but as always the public should be careful.  People over 50 are at a greater risk then younger people.  What can you do to reduce your risk? * Repair windows and screens *Wear long, loose, light colored clothing *Limit time outdoors between dusk and dawn * Use insect repellent http://www.deniseallen.com/ Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google denise allen   09/06/2008

Just some ideas for getting out the green in Norfolk... 1. The Keep Norfolk Beautiful organization is holding a 'build a rain barrel' event. Wednesday, September 17th, 6-8pmErnie Morgan Center, NorfolkTopic: Rain barrel information and construction classSpeaker: Michael Minor, Mikes Rain BarrelsFee: $50Learn to capturing grey water from your roof, to store and use as needed for garden irrigation, car washes, and more! Participants will construct their own rain barrels (its a lot easier, and cheaper, than you think!), and take them home!To register, contact Holly Carson (441-1347 or holly.carson@norfolk.gov) 2. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is sponsoring a training for Oyster Gardening. Workshops for New Oyster Gardeners WhenTue, Sep 9, 6:30pm - 8:00pm WhereVirginia Beach Great Neck Bran... 08/29/2008

Below is a High Dynamic Range Image of the Mr and Mrs Alfred F Ritter Jr. Fountain at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The fountain is part of the Sarah Lee Baker Perennial Garden. This image was recorded summer of 2008, the day was particularly hazy due to the wildfires in the Great Dismal Swamp that raged here this summer. This image was created using three exposures +/- 1 stop in Photomatix Pro 3. 08/29/2008

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is an 155 acre botanical garden with arboreatum located in Norfolk, Va. It is open daily except major holidays; an admission fee is charged. The gardens date to the mid-1930s, when the city of Norfolk set aside 75 acres of high, wooded ground plus 75 acres of reservoir for a city garden. Below is an image of a flowering Dogwood tree I recorded in the spring of 2008. I was primarily shooting the azaleas and camellias in their spring explosion of colors, but couldn't pass up shooting these two blooms in B&W. 08/29/2008

I had a great conversation with my buyer who is so excited about the purchase they are making in Ocean View, Norfolk. We were at the property on Saturday morning and it was the start of the Cape Charles Cup. The view from the decks of the property were terrific - see below. And the beach was peaceful, clean, relaxing, lovely... Their words, not mine! These buyers suggested that Ocean View was a hidden gem and I agree. It is a great, undervalued area for waterfront property. So... if you have been wanting to capitalize on the opportunities presented in this buyers market... Think about real estate in Norfolk VA, specifically, Ocean View and Willoughby. You won't be disappointed!  I am happy to help with your real estate needs in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and the rest of Hampto... 08/25/2008

Below is a recent example of a high dynamic range image created using Photomatix Pro 3. The image is of the Coronation Court at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The Coronation Court is where the Queen Azalea is crowned every year at the Norfolk International Azalea Festival. This image was created from three bracketed exposures +/- 2 stops.   08/25/2008

I had a fun day yesterday showing property to a lovely family looking for a home in Ocean View. We looked throughout East Ocean View and Willoughby Beach.  In the area they are considering, there are more than 200 properties for sale in price ranges from ~$155,000 to $2,9M!  Since they want secure a home at a low payment, they limited their search to homes with water views for under $200k. I wasn't overly optimistic, but there are 7 properties that met their needs. We looked at most of these and a number of others that didn't quite work but were worth considering. In the end, we submitted an offer on a 3 level townhouse with 2 bedrooms, ~1200 square feet, and 2 decks with great views of the water!  Here is a chart of List Price and Days on Market   If you are looking for waterfront prop... 08/23/2008

Conserve and USE Energy Thinking about ways to save money? One win-win situation is to keep the car parked and go for your bike!  You will save the money used for gas, plus help the environment AND you will burn calories peddling to your destination. Think you can't get from here to there in Norfolk on a bike?  Check out the Bike Map provided by Norfolk Critical Mass.  The organization is trying to get more residents to travel (safely) using bikes!   There are also great cycling events throughout our region. Go to East Coast Bikes or Contes for more information.  Also Try Fat Frogs in Virginia Beach, All About Bikes in Chesapeake and in Suffolk.  There are a lot of bike shops in the area, so be sure to look around for one with the staff and product line that works best for you!. Of cour... 08/19/2008

During a recent preview of a home in Willoughby in north Norfolk, I was pondering the impact of the planned road expansion of I64 on the property. That prompted me to review the planned projects for the area, assuming the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority ever has the funds available for the work.  I thought you might appreciate a refresher on what is coming as well.  Keep in mind that road changes can impact a homes value and marketability so it is important for you and your realtor to know what is planned. Here is what the HRTA website has to offer: Projects The projects included are a result of the regional transportation planning process. Following a series of analyses beginning in 1999, the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) identified a package of six proj... 08/13/2008

As  followup to my rain garden post, I really want to get a rain barrel or make one... One of these days... But there are other things we can do in the garden too... WHERE CAN Green Gardening Concepts be applied? Everything in the garden can contribute to a healthy ecosystem.  In place of gravel or cement. The stone will  allow drainage of rainwater. Use well placed deciduous trees for passive solar heating and cooling of your home. Instead of a lawn plant xeric groundcovers that will conserve water and eliminate the need to use a gas-powered lawn mower. In place of a fence plant sustainable shrub row.  A nice garden pond can be habitat for insect-eating fish, attract frogs, and toads.  Here is a picture of my sister in laws new drivewy. The use of the stone should be better than cement... 08/12/2008

I am working on a modified rain garden for my side yard. For those who don't know, a rain garden is designed to reduce the amount of water runoff from your home by channeling it to a specific type of garden. This reduces the amount of rain going into the storm water drains and filters the water through the soil as well. Here is  picture of the rain garden just after I added flowers (donated by Patty Edwards whose garden is outstnding -- thanks Patty!) - I still have work to do on it, but you get the idea.... (I hope!) Anyway, I thought you might like a bit of info on some fairly common insects... Which of the following Bugs are good for the garden, and which are detrimental? Sow Bugs (or pill bugs) Spider Mites Yellow Jackets Answers: Sow Bugs = FRIEND. (Generally). Favoring damp, decay... 08/11/2008

I probably would not have mentioned this but the paper broke the big secret.  A big electrical storm recently hit the Norfolk International Airport.  The security cameras for Homeland Security were damaged and no longer work.  They won't be fixed until next year.  The airports security system still operates and covers a broader area so Homeland Security will use that for a while.   You would think they could use the system all the time but who knows. http://www.geneallen.com/ Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google gene allen 08/09/2008

I had the pleasure of helping a wonderful couple sell their first home! It was the home their children were born in and served as their first home purchase! There is only good news about this transaction -- we received an offer in good time, the terms of the offer were fair, the closing date suited my sellers well, and closing was smooth and effortless!  I look forward to helping others with their home purchase or sale in Colonial Place, Norfolk!  Here is a market snapshot for Colonial Place, showing shows list price vs sale price and days on the market.   For all homes for sale in Norfolk Virginia including Colonial Place, Lafayette Residence Park, Larchmont, and other neighbohhoods, call me!  I can help!  Search for all Hampton Roads real estate for sale at www.bethanyphillips.com!  08/06/2008

The city of Norfolk is looking for design proposals for two Town Point Park outdoor sculpture projects.  One project is an artwork that will act as a fence between Waterside Dr and the park near Nauticus.  The city will give $20,000 to the chosen artist.  The other design is for a water feature, such as a fountain, at the entrance to the park.  The city will pay $60,000 for this design.  Apparently water is worth more here, the same as in real estate.  The city will build and pay for the winning designs.  Visit www.norfolk.gov/purchasing/artwork_rfp.asp for details and an application. http://www.geneallen.com/ Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, picture... 08/05/2008

Two cool things are happening now in Norfolk, both courtesy of Green Alternatives in Ghent...  Green Homeowners WorkshopLearn about all aspects of solar energy from generating electricity to heating swimming pools, touch a green roof, ask a question to a local green building expert, and more!When: Tuesday, August 12th (6:30-7:30pm) Cost: FREE!   "Keys for Trees" in AugustHave a drawer full of old house keys or a pocket full of old car keys? Why not give them a new life and keep them out of the landfill? Through the month of August, Green Alternatives will be collecting metal keys for recycling. Proceeds will benefit the Nature Conservancy's "Plant a Billion Trees" campaign (http://www.plantabillion.org/). Each dollar plants one tree in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.When: August 1st - 31... 08/05/2008

Below is a recent HDR image I blended together using Photomatix. After Tone mapping I use the Tone Compressor function to keep the colors as close to the original as possible. This also has the effect of keeping the image looking more like a photo and less like a painting which the details enhancer function tends to do. Comments and critiques always welcome. 08/03/2008

I went for a lazy sail last night with some great friends (and my husband included) and we had the joy of being kept company by a pod of dolphins!  At one time we counted at least 20!  They jumped, snorted, sprayed water, and generally swam along with us for about 20 minutes!  There really isnt much of a connection to Hampton Roads Real Estate or the real estate market, EXCEPT that I can tell you we were sailing in Willoughby Bay. What a great location!  And there is a lovely little house on the water for sail, I mean sale, just near the Willoughby boat ramp. I would love to show you this home. It would be perfect for my family but since I already own a house I will share it with you!  Give me a call to discuss, learn more!    THE DOLPHINS!  Bad Camera phone strikes again... partly user... 08/03/2008

In another casualty of the economy, the former Clarion Hotel on Granby St in Norfolk will become office space.  Originally it was to become condos.  Then they thought maybe the city would buy it for the new library.  Now it is scheduled for to be a little above Class A in the rent department.  It should be ready some time in April 2009. http://www.geneallen.com/ Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google gene allen   08/02/2008

Hello Everyone, Just a quick reminder that Tax Free shopping weekend starts today!  If you need back to school gear now is the time to get it - It's like saving 5% on your purchases... Plus the selection will be really good  -- when you wait it gets really picked over! PS. I am not sponsored by the RETAIL ALLIANCE -- I just think this is a great way to avoid that little extra bit of charge that gets tacked onto every purchase in Virginia... Lets face it, when you live in a non-sales tax state (Delaware) for a while, you get a little spoiled!  Heres an article from the Virginian Pilot.  http://hamptonroads.com/2008/07/weekends-taxfree-holiday-kicks-backtoschool-season AND OF COURSE - Plan ahead for tax free shopping on ENERGY STAR products in October! http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm... 08/01/2008

Which would you rather fight?  A real fire or a mock fire at Norfolk Station's Farrier Firefighting School?  Most sailors would opt for the mock fire and are glad they have the opportunity.  Fighting a mock fire for the first time in a controlled area is bad enough, fighting a real one for your life is quite another.  Thank goodness I only had to fight the mock fires.  It was many years ago for me but the mock fires are still being fought on an ongoing basis all the time.  I take my hat off to the trainers as it is a dangerous job no matter if it is a mock fire.  Many of the sailors stationed at the Norfolk Naval Operations Base go to the training as do many of the fleet sailors. http://www.geneallen.com/ Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as wel... 07/29/2008