Wordless Wednesday... Can you identify this? I took this picture in disbelief that I would see this again.  I sat there wondering if anyone else, especially in the Northeast can recognize what is beyond the trees.. Give it your best shot. After all the rain we've had, do you recognize this?       05/25/2011

CROMWELL CT - PARKS.  Cromwell Landing Park is located on River Road off Wall Street in Cromwell CT.  In an effort to improve the town parks, like Cromwell Landing, in the town of Cromwell, CT  it is being cleaned up and rebeautifed.  It is located right on the Connecticut River in Cromwell CT.  You can see from the picture below that it is right in the background. areas like this.  With the beautification going on this would make big improvements in the efforts to revive the historic downtown area, along with Main Street that is only a stones throw the Connecticut River.   Personally, I'd love to see a restaurant built right near by, so anyone coming by boat would never have to leave and could eat right there.  Hmmm.. maybe the town would consider building structure where retail would ... 05/24/2011

This past week, I've been finding it difficult to get motivated.. This RAIN is getting me down, and I'm sure it is doing the same to others as well.  While doing some reading this morning, I came across this quote and thought I'd share it, in opens of getting us out of the rainy doldrums.   Failures do what is tension relieving,while winners do what is goal achieving. Author: Dennis Waitley(I looked this up) FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please v... 05/23/2011

While taking a walk today, and it wasn't raining either, I came across these flowers and thought I would share it with the rest of you.  I'm not sure what kind they are, but the fragrance is so soft and sweet smelling. I took it easy today... tired from all the cleaning from this past week.  You can read about it on  Pay It Forward.  Hope all of you are enjoying this *non rainy* Sunday for a change.   05/22/2011

RENTING...... new criteria before leasing a property.  In all the years I have been a Realtor and have been renting homes, in and area Cromwell, CT, this is a first to the criteria in finding a home suitable to a clients needs. Most people are looking for a certain number of bedrooms, and locations to schools.  Other have come to me wishing to rent where the owners will allow pets.  Never is it easy to find everything a renter is looking for, just like when it comes to purchasing a home. However today, I received a call with a criteria I have NEVER had to address before.  Here is the exact quote from the email I received. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, your email went into my junk folder.  I have now added you to my address book so that should not happen again.I am new to the... 05/19/2011

Thought I'd bring some sunshine.. and a ray of hope that spring is around the corner.  This shot was taken today when there was a break in the clouds from all the rain. FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market. ... 05/18/2011

WEEKLY TUESDAY TRIVIA QUESTION Now that I answered last week's trivia question, it is time for one this week. Multiple choice seems to be the way to go... gets the most response.  So, once again this week we will have another one of these questions.  Hopefully, this week you will be challenged by this question, and come back next week for the answer and to participate again. This week's question is.....   Your candles don't burn evenly. Should you: (a) consult a candle psychic (b) stop buying candles made with polyunsaturated oil (c) store your candles in the upright position (d) keep your candles chilled; or (e) cut the wicks every time you plan on burning them.            ***As always, please try to answer(s) this question without using the Internet.  If you should, don't ruin the fun... 05/17/2011

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th, 2011 .. and the Cromwell CT Fire Dept is selling flowers for the occasion.   We all get wrapped up in our lives, that we might forget that this Sunday is Mother's Day... except for those of us that are moms.  The town of Cromwell CT hasn't forgotten, and they are doing their part to celebrate MOM's.  Our local fire departments in Cromwell CT which are located on West Street (near Main Street) and on Court Street (near Geer Street) are selling flowers for this special occasion. So come by on Thursday and Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and again on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 8:00pm.  The flowers are coming in from our local supplier, Cromwell Growers.  There will be Mums, Lilli's, and an assortment of other flowers as well.  Now if you are looking fo... 05/05/2011

With the recent events in the news... I thought this saying was appropriate for a Monday.  It gives us something to think about.   "The very measures we put into place to safe guard our liberty... can become threats to liberty itself."   With all the cameras and technology we have to keep an eye on everything... should we wonder how safe we really are?     FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your re... 05/02/2011

SPEECHLESS SUNDAY.... Everything happens in 3's Out of all the Tulips I planted last year, only 3 came up.  Even mother nature agrees that everything happens in threes... and they are my favorite color too.    FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, ther... 05/01/2011

PAY IT FORWARD... Tag Sale.. Fundraiser for breast cancer. On Friday, April 29th and Saturday April 30th, friends of mine held a tag sale for their annual 3-Day walk for a cure for breast cancer in Cromwell CT.  They were up at the crack of dawn putting things out. Notice that *pink* this the main theme here. I purchased a few things, but then I came up with a brain storm. There are items I have around the house, that I just didn't want anymore.  Instead of throwing them out.. I brought them over for them to sell.. and made them promise to keep whatever money they make from selling these items they are to keep for their walk. Of course not everything sold.. so, yes, I bought items (a futon)  LOL.  Not that I truly needed this.. but the money is going to a good cause. FOR ACCURATE INFORM... 05/01/2011

                            Every year at Easter, I receive flowers from my sons..  I thought I would share the ones they gave me last year... So nice to see color and have warmer weather today. HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT... 04/24/2011

PAY IT FORWARD.... Recycling bottles and cans...As many of you know, when it comes to recycling and helping out this planet, I'll do my share.  I've even posted blogs about the local Boy Scouts in Cromwell, CT that month take donations of recyclables.  This is coming up again too. However the last 2 months I have missed this event.  So, I've been carrying around bottles and cans in the back of my van for 2 months now.  I keep adding to them, saying I will make to next months' Boy Scout Drive.  That is until yesterday when I was driving around and hearing nothing but bottle clanking in the back of my van... I couldn't take it any more.  So, I went to Stop n' Shop (a local grocery store) and went to recycle them myself.  UGH. I loaded up a carriage, and had to make two trips... not fun.  ... 04/23/2011

EARTH DAY AND STARBUCKS, What do they have in common?  When it comes to a good cup of coffee, Starbucks is my number one choice.  Yes, even over DD.  Today, Starbucks is offering a *FREE* cup of coffee when you bring in your own travel mug.  OK, don't have a travel mug.. or just plain sick of the one you have, you can buy one there, and they will still fill it up with FREE coffee.  Here is the email that was sent to me.... Since the moment our doors opened 40 years ago, we've been on a mission to reduce our environmental impact. So on April 22 we're offering a couple special incentives for helping us out on that mission:     ·  Get a free brewed coffee or tea when you bring in your reusable travel mug    ·  Buy a new travel mug for 20% off   That's right, just swing in with your travel ... 04/22/2011

Cromwell CT Market Report for March 2011   My market report gives you the real estate activity for the town of Cromwell for the month of March.  Cromwell is a great residential town with easy access into Hartford, and is an excellent location for first time home buyers because of the lifestyle and the high inventory of condos.  If you are a seller and are strongly thinking of putting your home on the market, I would encourage you to see what your property is worth.   If you are looking to purchase a home, now is an excellent time to do so.  Real estate in Middlesex County  is an excellent investment, prices or at their best, the selection is great, and the rates are still low.    Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, whether you are a seller, or purchasing a hom... 04/21/2011

Pay It Forward... Don't walk home in the rain. My son had a friend over for the day, if is the beginning of Spring break from school.  When it was time for him to go home, I couldn't believe how hard it is raining.. and it is only to get worse tonight. We drove slowly, it was just so hard to see. When I dropped him off, I couldn't wait to get home.  At the last light I took a right into the condo complex.  What I saw was so upsetting, that it still bothers me.  There was this older woman (who I do know.. that goodness) was walking home from the grocery store.  YES, in the pouring rain.  She was pulling one of those baskets on wheels, filled with groceries.  I IMMEDIATELY pulled over and asked was she OK, why was she walking in the rain? Seems her daughter was supposed to pick her up, bu... 04/16/2011

We are now in Spring for sure.  When Daffodils bloom it is a sure sign of warm weather to stay here in Cromwell CT    FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market.  There is no better time than now to take advantage... 04/09/2011

It finally has happened Spring has arrived in Cromwell, CT.  This was taken this morning, right outside my front door.   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market.  There is no better time than now to take advant... 04/03/2011

It was nice and sunny here today in Cromwell, CT.  So, I decided open windows and clean off my back patio area to get ready for grilling and entertaining.  But as you can see... I already have company. FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT    Info about the author: Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas.  Please visit me at www.CTrealtorMLS.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.   For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO   If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty ... 04/02/2011

Willy Wonka being performed at the Cromwell CT Middle School, 6 Mann Memorial Drive, Cromwell, CT.  I If you are looking for something to do this weekend, and are tired of the same old same old, how about going to see a play put on by the Cromwell CT Middle School Drama Clubl?  The school is putting on a play of the timeless classic Willie Wonka .  It is starting tonight, April 1st, 2011 and running through Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at the school's auditorium.    Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchase at the door.  The performances are on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 2 p.m. and at 7 pm; Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 2 p.m. For more information, you can contact the Cromwell Middle School at 860.632.4853   FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCA... 04/01/2011