As we endure tough economic times in the Olympia area, it is important you keep a close eye on your credit score, and keep it as high as possible.Many banks are raising their standards when it comes to handing out loans, and borrowers need to be sure they are doing all they can to improve their score. Your score will generally range in the 350-850 area. It is based on your past payment history, length of history, amounts owed, how often you apply for credit, and how your credit was used in the past. Needless to say, if your credit score is low,so are your changes of getting a laon.Although you cannot buy a higher score, there are many ways to improve your score.The number one thing you can do to improve your score is to pay those bills promptly. This should be a pretty easy task to hand... 09/04/2010

Olympia Farmer's Market was my morning destination today soon after it opened at 10 AM because I wanted to be sure to get there in time to buy corn!  Rutledge Farms has their scrumptious, fresh- from- the- field ears at the market now (first day was yesterday) - & I know they typically sell out very fast.  They were at almost the opposite end of the market from their spot last year, so I nearly jogged along searching for them - though did avoid knocking anybody down in my haste...  And success!  Fresh corn - I know what we are having for dinner tonight!! Once I was assured of not missing out on the corn, I strolled back through the market to get the rest of things I had planned to - more salad greens, and some more of the Red Globe peaches.  These are the type of peaches that are so jui... 09/03/2010

I've been asked by newcomers to Olympia, if the signs greeting them when they enter the city are Olympia's slogan. You would really have to slow down and take a closer look to see that these welcome signs have a date on them and do not say "All American", like many people believe, but "All America".   The title "All-America City" is an award given annually to ten US cities by The National Civic League, to recognize communities for outstanding civic accomplishments. To win, each city must demonstrate innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross sector collaboration. http://www.allamericacityaward.com/about/   Olympia has received the award for the year 1986 to 1987, and has marked this honor with signs located along major city boundary routes. Many people think that the slogan... 09/01/2010

Both of my kids rowed in college and I can appreciate what it takes to get up and go row every morning. Chasing ripples... This  photo was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2010, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals,Tacoma, WA. Courtesy 09/01/2010

  Olympia's Sand in the City this past weekend had some pretty amazing and creative sand sculptures to admire - and lots more for young and old to enjoy! We headed down to the waterfront area yesterday afternoon, with 3 year old granddaughter talking about wanting to throw rocks in the water!  She did agree to go look at the sand creations too, and quickly got caught up in looking at the other fascinating exhibits.  There were some very cute little ponies, some colorful parrots, an extremely popular "touch tank" featuring sea creatures from starfish to clams to crabs.  I "petted" the starfish & was amazed at how soft they are.  The 3 year old decided looking was safer and declined to touch!  Other fun things were a rock climbing wall, face painting, craft tables for kids, giant sandboxe... 08/30/2010

Olympia's Waterfront Boardwalk is getting a makeover!  The wooden boardwalk has been gradually deteriorating to the point of becoming unsafe in some sections, so the makeover is now underway!  First, in sections, the old boardwalk is being removed, including the creosoted pilings that supported it in the water. The new boardwalk will be constructed over land, but will continue to let locals and visitors alike enjoy that stroll along the waterfront!  This has always been a real favorite spot as you can relax on benches and people watch; unwind as the sunset turns the sky into a glowing beauty over the sailboat masts; drool over boats of all types and sizes moored in the bay; or walk off that yummy dinner you just ate at one of the downtown waterfront restaurants.   Olympia's waterfront b... 08/29/2010

...Tons of Fun     Sand in the City is back in Olympia from 27-29 August at the Port Plaza and surrounding area.   Stop on by to check out the amazing sand sculptures, to enjoy live music, dance performances, food and drink, and activities.   The schedule of fun includes: Master Sand Sculpting DemoBuild and play in the Giant SandboxMake & Take Activity TentLive Tidepool Touch Tank Face Painting boothsSky-high climbing wall Search for sea shells at Sifting for Sea TreasuresMeet and greet Mini Horses and Donkeys from the Hoofed Animal Rescue of Thurston County Free Books with South Sound Reading Foundation ...and much more.   Sandy NelsonOlympia Realtor® Our community is important to me. I take pride in our beautiful locality, and our quality of life. Feel free to contact me for question... 08/28/2010

Olympia's new 13.5 million dollar waste-water treatment facility recently opened its doors to the public and introduced its Water Education and Technology Center (WET), featuring 1.5 million dollars in classroom space, interactive exhibits and educational programs for the public. Visitors to the WET Center can attend special workshops, calculate how much water they use, take a look at micro-organisms in the waste-water and much more. Upcoming community events include: The Drip Stops Here (9-11-2010), a water conservation game that teaches participants how to lower their water use and save money. Exploring Wetlands (9-18-2010), highlights the different kinds of wetlands and invites participants to make a food chain demonstration project. Hazards on the Home Front (9-25-2010) explains th... 08/25/2010

Look around you, Olympia residents looking to buy a home, your dream home may be swept out from under you by an investor looking to make some money.  Low mortgage rates, foreclosures, and an abundance of homes for sale make this a key time for investors to grab as many homes as they can to unload in the future. With many markets seeing home prices drop up to 70 percent, many will find those investors - often called vultures -  coming in and swooping up foreclosures and distressed sales before anyone else can make an offer on them.  In the past these investors would buy homes and flip them for instant cash or income. Today, it is a bit different due to the poor economy. Investors now either rent the properties they are picking up, or have to wait it out until they can sell them at higher... 08/24/2010

Sand in the City will be happening this coming weekend in downtown Olympia!  No we don't actually have sandy beaches even though we do have Budd Inlet waterfront - but the sand sculptures will be amazing, amusing and well worth a trip to downtown Olympia to view. Here are some examples from last year - first the Kangaroo Court   Or the giant crab claw capturing a tugboat - EEK!!  Good thing it's just sand!   08/24/2010

  Olympia's annual Pet Parade, which occurs in August has been a favorite local event for over 80 years. The parade is not only for pets, but also for children under the age of sixteen, who get to dress up and decorate their bicycles, or wagons in a selected theme. The theme for the 2010 parade was Fairy Tales. Parade entrants are judged in six different categories: Big dogs, small dogs, impersonations, wheels, floats and pets.   It's such a joy to see the care and detail with which the animals, floats and children are adorned. The kids' pride is evident in showing off their pets, such as dogs, kittens, bunnies, goats, and even chickens. The parade route begins at Capitol Lake's Heritage Park and ends at Sylvester Park, where participants and spectators are greeted with music, free tre... 08/23/2010

Those looking towards the future for their children in the Olympia area will be happy to know the International Baccalaureate Program will continue on.   Previously, school officials were looking to replace this college-level program with an Advanced Placement Program to save some money. Although the International program offers a great set of college-level lessons, the costs have continued to rise through the years.   The IB program cost more than $23,000 for the 2008-09 school term, which included mailing, membership, and shipping costs. Membership alone cost $10,000, while the AP Program was only $3,300 for the year. Both programs did receive $20,000 for funding.   Officials love the focus of the IB program and that students had a choice of programs, but fewer students had been enrol... 08/22/2010

This weekend I made my usual trek down to Olympia Farmers Market to get tomatoes (ours are gradually ripening, but I need some more for a good sounding recipe to use some of our zucchini...), some Walla Walla sweet onions, more blueberries (to go in some zucchini/blueberry bread) and something for lunch.  Walking by the cantaloupe, I added one to my bag since the one we had last weekend was scrumptious - and is of course devoured!  The tomatoes are absolutely huge right now - so just had to capture this bin on camera... And the flowers - wow they are just breathtaking!!   08/22/2010

Olympia's annual pet parade was this morning and the downtown streets were alive with kids in costumes, dogs in costumes, decorated bikes/trikes/wagons, cats in cages (not looking happy), a hamster running on his wheel in his cage - even the Olympia Highlanders bagpipe band!  Note the very patient dog above in the clown hat!!     There were lots of creative themes from Wizard of Oz...  Oh I guess it is Wizard of Ozzy...   More long-suffering dogs patiently wearing their skirts, hats etc ...   to maybe my favorite Wizard of Oz entry complete with wicked witch and flying monkey!!   a "giraffe wagon""...   Even a dragon with a knight and princess...   And another favorite - "When good dogs go bad" and a little doggie jail on the wagon!  (Probably got tired of wearing skirts & hats patient... 08/21/2010

Olympia's Pet Parade is happening this weekend - Saturday, Aug. 21st!  There is something special about the bond between children and pets, and this parade is their chance to parade through the streets of Olympia - and maybe even win a prize.    The prize categories include big dogs, small dogs, floats, impersonations (kids and/or pets in costumes), wheels (trikes, bikes, wagons decorated to your heart's content), and other pets (so yes, you can bring your mouse/lizard/goldfish or what have you in its cage).  Judging for the various categories starts at 8:45 AM at Heritage Park, 5th Ave & Water St - so get downtown early if you want to compete!  The parade itself begins at 10 AM, and there will be free ice cream for all participants (well human ones at least).  Parents are welcome to wa... 08/20/2010

Olympia is having a hot streak - but we are lucky to be able to enjoy a saltwater beach at Burfoot Park, with some waves to wade in and some cooling breezes to dry that sweat!  Burfoot Park is one of my favorite destinations on a hot day, with it wooded trails offering shade and the beach itself always ready to reveal a new treasure or two. With the Olympics in the distance in one direction and glimpses of the State Capitol Building to the other, I could just sit and enjoy the beauty of nature. Or I could enjoy the people strolling or wading, the dogs chasing a stick into the waves, the boats motoring, sailing or paddling past. And there is always a new "find" whether it is a pretty shell, a sand dollar, a water spouting geoduck or clam... or a jellyfish.  Yep - Burfoot Park in Olympia ... 08/16/2010

Our Olympia, WA area has been in the midst of one of our occasional summer heat waves - breaking record high temperatures over the weekend in the upper , upper 90's and more forecast for today.  Now I know that across the nation, many areas regularly have much hotter weather than we do - it's just that it isn't the norm for us - so we have a little trouble adjusting... And I was reminded, yet again, that sometimes we really, really do need air conditioning!  For a number of years, as I showed homes to buyers relocating from areas with hot summers, I would get the frequent question as to why so few homes here have air conditioning.  I would laugh and answer that we so seldom needed air conditioning that it just wasn't found in most homes.  But we have had streaks of hot weather now in th... 08/16/2010

  Olympia Farmer's Market this weekend is full of the colors - and tastes - of summer!  I headed down there with the goal of getting some peaches & nectarines - oh, so many to choose from!!  Luckily you can get tastes of different varieties to decide which one (or ones) you like the very best.   Also admired the peppers and tomatoes - always really seems like true summer when those begin appearing in the market.  Zesty, warm flavors to add some zing to our meals!  Our own tomatoes are coming along, so I didn't buy any today, but did get some salad greens and also some Walla Walla sweet onions.  My husband's favorite summer dish is sliced cucumbers from our garden, chopped up onions and vinegar and water to steep in until they have just the right bite.       I had to capture a photo of t... 08/14/2010

Whitmore Glen Olympia WA: Affordable Luxury Homes The real estate in highest demand around Olympia always seems to be the hardest real estate to find. For years now clients have asked me why there don't seem to be any affordable new homes near Olympia High School. Well apparently I wasn't the only one getting that question. Local builder Rob Rice, and his Gemini Corporation, also had a sense of the high demand for affordable new homes near Olympia High School. His latest project, Whitmore Glen, aims to satisfy that demand. When you take a reputable local home builder & a prime location, and combine them with high quality materials, design & craftsmanship you end up with a community that people can be proud to live in. When asked about the vision behind Whitmore Glen, Rob Rice offered th... 08/11/2010

Sandman Tugboat in Olympia is turning 100 year old!  And there is a birthday celebration today for this grand old icon of days past.  The Sandman was a working tugboat for some 75 years, and is now maintained by a foundation so that a little bit of Olympia history is preserved.      The Sandman is open for tours on weekends and is always a popular fixture at the annual Harbor Days and Wooden Boat festival in Olympia.  Going aboard and imagining those days gone by when this tugboat helped move sand, gravel, even oysters up the waterways is a really fun outing to make. And today until 4 PM, it is birthday celebrating time at the Port Plaza in downtown Olympia - complete with birthday cake, music and activities!  Come sing happy birthday to the Sandman!! 08/07/2010