I know my neighbors really well. In fact, very, very well. They are my parents. We've lived next door to one another for five years. Fortunately, they are for the most part, still quite independent and capable. None the less, it's good to be close - just in case.   Naturally, in these five years, I've noticed some changes. Most notably, a loss of memory with dad. He repeats stories and tells me things a few hours after I've already heard them. Mom often looks to gauge my reaction.  Normally, I wink at her discreetly and pretend I'm hearing it for the first time.   He's my dad and he deserves my respect and attention. After all, he spent a lot of years listening to me, and offering good advice. Part of me wishes he was still "that guy." The one who offered a strong shoulder and sharp ana... 01/20/2012

Camas, Washington - The Charm of a small town.  If you're looking for the charm of a small town, it's hard to beat Camas, Washington. We think our tree-lined streets have a lot to offer. There's generally always something to see or do in downtown Camas. There are plenty of shops and services too, including Nico Bella Spa and Salon. The shop is named after the owner's two children, and you'll find a  surprising level of sophisticated services associated with a much larger city. The Camas Hotel, which is located minutes to Portland International Airport, was voted the Best Boutique Hotel on Portland Citysearch. So there! The hotel offers a few pet-friendly rooms for your furry travelers.  If you're in the mood for a movie, The Liberty Theatre has some fun options at old-fashioned prices. ... 01/13/2012

     You've got plenty of options when it comes to view homes in Camas, Washington.     Enjoy a river view?   This might work.  How about a magnificient mountain view?  This one isn't bad. Do lakes float your boat?  Take a look at this one.    Do City lights twinkle for you?  We've got those too. Do Relaxing and terroritorial views make you smile?  We've got them. We've got it all when it comes to view homes in Camas, Washington. Market Activity for Camas View Homes Prices for view homes in Camas, Washington range from a high of $2,890,000 to a low of $159,000. It's taking homes about 5.5 months to sell and the actual sold - to list price is a median of 96.18%. Are you ready to take a quick tour of three popular Camas neighborhoods? Renaissance Summit, Sundance and Hunter Ridge all offe... 01/11/2012

If you're feeling the post holiday blahs, bling in the First Friday of the New Year in Camas!  Downtown Merchants are sponsoring a Game, Craft and Cocoa night - promising fun for everyone in the family. Start the evening at Bead Paradise where you pick up a free Pandora style bracelet.  As you make your way around downtown Camas, stop in at each participating merchant for a game or a craft. And don't forget to pick up a bead or charm to add to your bracelet. Once you've hit all the shops, stop by The Uncommon Gift to enter your raffle tickets in the downtown Camas gift certificate drawing. After all, you could win a gift certificate to any one of the Downtown Merchants.  This Friday's, "First Friday," January 6th, billed as Game, Craft and Cocoa night is sponsored by Bead Paradise!  It ... 01/02/2012

Distressed properties represent good opportunities for buyers. Distressed properties are those homes that are offered for sale because of an impending foreclosure or repossession. Short sales are distressed properties in which the homeowner hopes to sell prior to the foreclosure process. A short sale is a sale in which the lender agrees to accept less than the balance due on the loan(s). 
REO’s or foreclosures are bank owned properties. They are normally scooped up rather quickly, therefore, buyers need cash or solid financing prior to making an offer. If you're wondering about distressed properties available at this time in Camas, Washington, here is the report. There are currently, 8 Active, 7 Pending and 18 Sold Bank-owned properties. High list price is $999,900 and low list price is... 12/14/2011

 I thought I saw a Puddy Tat Bobcat along Lacamas Heritage Trail - I did, I did, did! I felt just like Tweety Bird today when I spotted a big cat on the trail ahead of me during a run. My dog Mac, had been pulling on his leash and sniffing frantically at the brush when the cat suddenly came into view. It had a short-bob tail, long hind legs and tufted ears. Naturally,  I was a bit startled, and once it ran off the trail and out of view, I started doubting my eyes. "I thought I saw a Puddy Tat Bobcat." But, did I? Do bobcats live around here? Do they roam about during the daylight hours?I've been running on Lacamas Heritage Trail year round for about five years. In that time, I've seen deer, rabbits, and a variety of water fowl and critters - but never a bobcat. Furthermore, they're not ... 12/12/2011

Let's talk trash, shall we? Every year around this time, there are a few days when the garbage and recycling cans sit out in the streets for pick up, but alas, the pick up never comes. That's because our Sanitary workers deserve a little holiday time with their families too. To avoid a surprise next time, here's the Camas 2011 Sanitary Holiday Collection schedule for garbage and recycling pickup - December 24th through January 3rd, 2012.   Christmas Day Holiday Monday, December 26th 2011 garbage and recycling will be picked up Tuesday, December 27th, 2011.   2012 New Year's Day Holiday Monday January 2nd, 2012, garbage and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012. Let's talk trash, shall we? After all, a little trash talk now will keep you on schedule with your garbage ... 12/12/2011

Camas Homes for Sale, Camas Washington has a lot to offer, I have a few blogs about it already check them out, Downtown Camas, WA, Camas Homes for Sale and A Little History of Camas WA, Shopping, restaurants, beautiful homes, several Camas homes for sale, Waterfront Homes, Camas homes for sale foreclosures,  There are homes along the Parks, & Lakes, Camas has homes with Views. There is so much to offer in Camas Washington, Here is a link for you to see Every Camas home for sale.  You will also see the Market Trends for Camas, Washington, this information is updates every 10 min. 12/06/2011

The Camas housing market is in the holiday hustle and bustle mode. If you think houses don't sell well this time of year, this report may change your mind. So far, tis the season for buying and selling houses in Camas, Washington. Camas Market Report for the 7 day period ending 12/5/2011 8 new listings priced between $105,000 and $748,938.6 pending priced between $95,900 and $389,900                   10 sold priced between $129,900 and $535,000 Don't assume the holidays are a bad time to get a house sold, or to purchase a new home. Tis' the season for buying and selling houses in Camas, Washington. Are you considering selling your home? Let's explore your options. Are you looking for a new home? I'd love to be your guide, let's explore your options. 12/06/2011

Camas lily fields - Closed for tree removal. 40 Douglas fir trees have got to go. The Clark County Public Works and the Vancouver - Clark Parks and Recreation Americorp Team are removing the trees near the Camas lily fields at Lacamas Lake Regional Park. The project is part of a habitat enhancement project designed to benefit Oregon white oak.  The project got under way on November 28th and will continue until December 3rd. For your safety, the south side of the Camas lily fields is closed until all the trees are removed. Downed trees will trunks will be left in place to provide additional wildlife habitat. Branches will be removed and scattered to further improve habitat. Removing the firs will improve the health of the Oregon white oak trees that encircle the Camas lily fields. The fa... 12/02/2011

Downtown Camas, WA,  Camas Homes for Sale,  I know a lot of people think of Camas WA, and the first though is about the Mill,. The history of the mill is a great one I wrote a time line of the history a while back A Little History of Camas WA check out the blog and please leave a comment. Today I wanted to share with you more about the Camas WA and also tell you why I think people want to look for homes for sale in Camas.   We have so much to offer Historic Hotels, Resturants, several parks, lakes, personal Trainers, do you love antiques? we we have Camas Antique check out there Blog for the updtaed items they have, they always have new items.  Community events and beautiful homes in all price ranges.  Camas Homes for Sale has such a large range from .  You can find your homw with Homes... 12/02/2011

Raise your pinkies for the annual Christmas Victorian Tea at The Fairgate Inn in Camas.  The Inn, which will be opulently decorated for Christmas, opens at noon on December 10th for tours, and tea will be poured at 12:30 PM. The Fairgate Inn was built in 1999 on three acres sitting on top of Prune Hill. The 11,500 square foot Inn opened its doors for business in May of 2000 - just fourteen months after the construction started.  The Inn was designed as a bed and breakfast and features eight elegant suites, as well as, an Event and Wedding venue. Guests who have stayed at the Inn hail from as far away as Europe, to locals seeking a special escape. A 2,500 foot conservatory was added to The Fairgate Inn in 2008. It was completed, once again, in record time. The additional space was needed... 11/29/2011

 The Holiday Home Tour gives you a unique chance to peek inside four beautifully decorated Camas homes. This year's tour includes the Charles Farrell House, a charming and classic Craftsman, a modern Craftsman with Columbia River views and an elegant Classic built along Lacamas Lake. Your $20 ticket is good for either Saturday, December 3rd, between 10am to 3pm, or Sunday, December 4th, between 11am and 3pm. Much like a fully wrapped gift, the addresses of the homes are a surprise, and will not be released to ticket holders until until Friday, December 2nd.  All four of the homes have been decked out in holiday finery courtesy of local designers and florists.  You'll enjoy live entertainment during your self- guided tour and knowledgeable docents will be on hand with interesting facts a... 11/27/2011

You're invited to join in the fun of Hometown Holidays next Friday, December 2nd in historic downtown Camas. It's the official kick-off of the holiday season for our charming little town. You can share in the cheer as Santa lights the community Christmas tree at 6:30PM.  Santa will stick around for a while too, listening to children's wishes and posing for photos. Hometown Holidays also features carriage rides, seasonal entertainment and activities suitable for the entire family. In order to ensure a safe event, downtown will be closed to cars in the early afternoon. Merchants will host a "First Friday" event in conjunction with Hometown Holidays. Shoppers can enjoy store specials and extended hours - the party begins at 5PM and ends at 8PM.  There will be refreshment and carolers and e... 11/26/2011

Prune Hill offers a variety of neighborhoods featuring lovely view homes. Three of my favorites are Renaissance Summit, Sun Dance and Hunter Ridge. I have sold and helped buyer purchase homes in Renaissance Summit and Sun Dance. Hunter Ridge is still under construction and has a new builder completing the project. All three neighborhoods feature beautiful homes and are well maintained. Plus, they can't be beat if you're looking for views of the Columbia River, Mt. Hood and Portland skyline. The Camas School district is top rated and all of these neighborhoods are great spots for families with children of all ages. Here's the lastest peek at market activity for Prune Hill view homes.                    Let's take a video tour of Renaissance Summit, Sun Dance and Hunter Ridge. When you're... 11/23/2011

Jack Frost paid us a visit. We woke up to a light frost this morning in Camas, Washington. A lacey white coat covers the trees and the roof tops are frosted too. The ground is crisp and foot steps crunch in the frozen grass. This former Alaskan loves snow, and a good frost gives just a hint of winter's magical white blanket. We're lucky to get a couple of inches of snowfall a few times each winter in Camas, so frost can be exciting too. Jack Frost pays us a visit when solid surfaces are cooled to below the dew point of adjacent air as well as below the freezing point of water. Frost crystals vary in size depending upon time and the water vapor available. The current temperature in Camas is 32 degrees. The weather forecast on this 20th day of November, 2011, calls for gusty east winds. T... 11/20/2011

"Mooning in Camas"conjurs up different images.  Perhaps a lovestruck someone in our charming little town mooning over someone special. Or, maybe a silly or naughty someone, dropping his/or her drawers and "mooning"  City Hall in an effort to get a reaction.However, these are not the mooning incidents of this writer's focus.  Far from it - literally. In fact, the moon is approximately 238,854 miles from earth, and therefore Camas.  Lately, it appears so bright in our night sky that one can imagine reaching out and touching it. We are currently in the Full Moon phase in Camas, Washington. In layman's terms that means the earth, moon and sun are in approximate alignment, but since the moon is on the opposite side of the earth, the entire sunlit part of the moon is facing us. The full moon ... 11/11/2011

Lacamas Shores - A Great Place to Live - Market Update 11/11/11 One of our favorite Camas neighborhoods is Lacamas Shores. We spend alot of time on the trails around Lacamas Lake, and Lacamas Shores is a neighborhood nestled in the banks above the lake. Therefore, we're quite familiar with all the outdoor amenities the location offers it's homeowners.  Residents enjoy close proximity to fishing, canoe and kayak paddling, water-skiing - and hiking and running trails. Homes in Lacamas Shores There are plenty of luxury homes for sale in Lacamas Shores at this time, some with lake views, golf course views, or a few offering both. The least expensive home listed is a short sale priced at $467,900. The most expensive home listed is priced at $1,495,000. Activity has been very slow, within the... 11/11/2011

Once Upon a Fairytale Pumpkin-  Once upon a time in Camas, a lover of autumn, and all of its magic, stumbled upon a bin filled with beautiful and mysterious looking pumpkins. These pumpkins ranged in color from dark green to a gorgeous deep mahogany. They conjured up images of a fanciful gourd straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Squat in shape and deeply ribbed, they appealed to the possibilities of imagination. Is this the kind of pumpkin that carried Cinderella to the ball? Fairytale pumpkins are an old heirloom variety native to France. It’s French name is “Musque de Provence,” and it gets its nickname from its fanciful appearance. Fairytale pumpkins are a favorite with chefs. The meat is fine grained and well suited for soups and pies. It’s described as the most flavorful pumpk... 10/31/2011

Camas Boo Bash Several times a year, the city of Camas and downtown merchants literaly close the streets for children and families. In June, it's the Camtown Youth Festival  and in October, it's the Boo Bash. My son and his family are visting this month and I thought the Boo Bash would be a perfect event for 4 year old Sage and his 12 month old brother, Adler. The Boo Bash proved to be a delightful afternoon event spent with my daughter in law Becky, and my two Alaska grandsons. Does it get much better than this?  This "Oma" doesn't think so...(excuse the voice, it's a bit husky from a fall cold with lots of coughing.) Does Camas sound like the perfect town for your family? We have many great neighborhoods filled with lovely homes at great values. Call me and let's explore your options. 10/28/2011