If this stump could talk I recently came across the stump of a tree, and I stopped for a few moments to rub my hands over it.  It sure looked like beautiful wood to me. This stump was located in an area with beautiful hemlock trees, but since I am not a tree expert all I knew was a large tree once occupied the space.  A tree that probably shaded many from the sun, a place where birds rested and squirrels ran up and down collecting nuts.  The area also looked as if someone might have been able to picnic under it. So many thoughts running through my mind , If only this stump could talk. See some creative ideas on using tree stumps on Pinterest   05/25/2014

Campanula or Bellflower The Campanula flower is a perennial and is perfect for a sunny garden.  I must warn you, you will need to thin out the beds because the Campanula multiples. This flower will bloom for several weeks. Next week these bluish purple flowers will be a hightlight in my garden Campanula is perfect as a cut flower, and it is one of the flower I will share with with others. Lesson from the campanula When I see this flower I want to smile, do you have the type of personality which attract others?  A smile is a good start. Have a great week 05/19/2014

A bench with a great view is not the norm, but when you find one you really enjoy the moment. This was a scene at Montgomery Place after a garden tour.  The bench had a  spectacular view of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.  Such a setting can really give you a lift. 05/18/2014

Curb appeal is so important when selling your home Recently I went by one of my listing and I couldn't help thinking about curb appeal.  Actually I did more than that, I stopped and took some new photos, Spring is such a great time for photos.  Just weeks ago everything looked so dull, and snow was still hanging around.  What a difference a few weeks make, now flowers are popping up all over the place. Curb appeal is so important when selling your home, so if you haven't gotten around to doing the yard cleanup now would be a good time to do so.  Actually you probably should have done a first, or second mowing.  It is also important to pick up all the broken branches, and add some mulch to make your landscape more appealing Remove anything that is not an enhancement to the landscape, suc... 05/14/2014

Reduced $25,000 3 bedroom Ranch near village of Red Hook - 10 Trow Blvd, 10 Trow Blvd, Red Hook, NY 12571 View Map This 3 bedroom Red Hook Ranch on .55 acres with lovely mature trees framing the backyard is within walking distance to the Village. Here you will find a stone fireplace, a skylight which makes the living room light-filled The deck overlooking the inviting backyard is a place to relax this summer. You will also find a 1 car garage, security system and window AC units. Convenient to schools, park and Amtrak train.   Details Asking Price: $219,900 Sq. Feet: 1248 Lot Size: ,55 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 # of Floors: 1 Garage Size: 1 Year Built: 1986 Property Amenities - Full Refrigerator - Washer/Dryer - Dishwasher - Fireplace - Kitchen Island - Security System - Attic - Deck - G... 05/07/2014

Plant sale in Red Hook - Old Dutchess Village Garden Club The Old Dutchess Village Garden Club Plant sale is something that many residents of Red Hook and surround areas look forward to.  It is so popular because you can get desirable plants for minimal cost.  Information on plant sale Date 05/16/2014 Time  8:30 Where  Memorial Park in Red Hook. Follow on Facebook     05/04/2014

The Red Hook first quarter real estate update The first quarter of 2014 saw a drop in sales in Red Hook, when compared to 2013.  At the same time there were more expensive sales as you will see both list and sales prices were higher. This report also gives a breakdown for the Village of Red Hook.   To view the report click the video.   05/04/2014

The Hudson Valley Garden Fair  was held last Saturday at Montgomery Place in Red Hook NY.  There was a good turn out, and the attendees had a great time.  Many toured the gardens, landscape, and historic home. At the tent there were a variety of wares related to gardening.  I even received  a tip on how to keep the deer away from my garden, I am hoping it will work. Here are a few Photos from the Hudson Valley Garden Fair at Montgomery Place   This is the historic home at Montgomery Place.  These attendees are taking a guided tour of the gardens and were headed to the garden with views of the Hudson River, This is the booth of the Old Dutchess Village Garden Club of which I am a member This was the main hub of the Fair,where you would find a wide variety of wares, see a demo or listen t... 05/04/2014

Reflecting Pool at Montgomery Place Red Hook NY   This is an oval pool you will find at Montgomery Place a historic Mansion along the Hudson River in Red Hook NY. Since the pool is painted black,  you  will see great reflections, as  can be seen in the photos.  The space is surround by large hemlock trees shown in the reflections above. I could sit there for hours, I was mesmerized by the reflections.  There was a wind so I  watched the trees swayed in the reflection. 05/04/2014

This week Monday's flower is the Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort.   I was first drawn to it because of the spotted leaves, then I found out deer did not like it because of the texture of the leaves, so I was sold. It is a perennial which does best in shade, so it was perfect for my hillside.  This plant started coming up before I even get a chance to clean the leaves off the garden bed, apply some compost, and mulch.  You really can't resist the tiny violet and pink petals. It is a plant most people love and I am always happyto share. Did I say it keeps multiplying? It does. When I think of the Pulmonaria, strong and persistent comes to mind, it never gives up and flourish in all types of soil. Lesson from a plant Even when things look bleak never give, keep going and you will flouri... 04/21/2014

In the last ten days I have gone by a farm up the street day after day getting, a glimpse of the lambs, oh so cute.  Because the road is very busy I could not get a chance to get a shot, but on Saturday I finally did it.  I was not able to get a closeup shot but that's okay. In Red Hook NY you will find many farms with sheep, some farmers had the farm passed down from one generation to the next.  However you also have young farmers, who might have left behind a city lifestyle. I love this type of county eye candy.       04/20/2014

Rhinebeck  real estate in March 2014  Rhinebeck real estate in March 2014  when compared to March 2013 had  1 less sale, the same was true for the Village of Rhinebeck.  In both cases the list and sale prices were lower than last year.  In the town the sale to list price was 93 percent and in the village it was also 93 percent. The new listings to the market during the month ranged  in price from  $169,000 - $889,000 (Town) and in the Village  $$349,900 -  $539,000.    You can view  the entire inventory of   Rhinebeck real estate for sale by clicking the button below. Rhinebeck NY homes for sale  Rhinebeck home sales March 2013-2014 Categories                          2013                            2014 Average list price                  $ 399,700                                   $ 3... 04/20/2014

Red Hook NY home sales in March 2014 Red Hook home sales in March 2014 was 1 less than in March 2013. Of the 3 homes sold in the town 1 had a price increase and the other 2 had price reductions before selling.  The price range of the homes sold was $201,100 – $497,150. In the Village of Red Hook NY there was 1 sale and increase over last year same time since there was none.   In the village the home sold went for $239,250. Current Red Hook homes for sale    Comparison of Red Hook home sales in March 2013-2014 Categories                            2013                          2014 Average list price                    $ 472,175                           $ 349,967 Average sale price                   $ 447,375                          $ 335,383 Units of sale                              ... 04/18/2014

Spring is here, but the official kickoff for Red Hook NY is Apple Blossom Day.  This community day brings out all age groups. Sponsored by the Red Hook Rotary Club avery active community partner.  This event is more than fun, it is also fundraising events, with the funds raised going back into the community.   If you would like to participate as a vendor here is the link to the application form. Vendor application   What you can expect to see at Apple Blossom Day   Variety of musical performances  Face painting   Small animals for the children Variety of Vendors Grand opening of the Children Learning Garden at the Red Hook Library A variety of cuisine Arts and Crafts and much more Stop by and say hello, I plan to have a table there with lots of free information.   When :       May 10, 2... 04/15/2014

Gardening,rabbits, birds and more..... This Spring will be extra special, because last winter was so challenging. I am dreaming of the day when green grass reappears, and the trees are ones again covered with leaves. Then slowly things will begin to pop up out of the ground; yes those perennials dormant during the winter will come alive. I can't wait to be greeted by a ray of sunshine, those bright yellow forsythia bushes.  Then there are the the beautiful dogwood trees, a sight to behold. Then the birds return, and the chirping is music to the ear.  Who can forget the bunny rabbits  nibbling on grass or some other vegetation.  It is always fun trying to see how close I could get before one hopped off. Time to move the compost, and get busy with transplanting and planting. I am sure loo... 03/31/2014

There is still snow on the ground here,so this  photo is obviously from another time.  I can't wait to see green grass and the trees covered once again with leaves   The cows have even more to look forward to, the taste of green grass. This field is located in Chatham which is located in Columbia County NY. 03/12/2014

Looking at the Red Hook market update for February and comparing it to same time last year, I couldn't be sure that weather was a factor considering both years had the same number of sales. This video will provide a condensed version of the market update; however if you click the button at the end of the video you will land on the detail report.     )          03/12/2014

With this harsh winter you probaby have been house bound for weeks.  This Saturday, March 1st, you can change that by attending an event at the Elemendorph Inn being held to benefit Historic Red Hook, which is a consolidation of the Friends of the Elmendorph and the Egbert Benson Historical Society.  Comfort food will be served; Homemade Soups, Fresh Baked Bread and Salads.  While you eat you will be entertained by a local Hudson Valley Band Grass Fed. This is a chance to get out and see friends you might not have seen in weeks .Cost    $10 per adult, $6 Children 10 and younger. Date    March 1, 2014 -  Time   6PM - 8PM Location 7562 North Broadway, Red Hook NY 12571 Contact  845-758-1920   www.elmendorph.org    02/24/2014

Cancun's Family Mexican Restaurant Cancun's is the newest restaurant in Red Hook NY. It is a Family Mexican Restaurant. Today was the first opportunity I had to dine there and I can tell you it was packed. There were many waiting patiently to get a seat. This restaurant is located right in the center of the Village of Red Hook, close to Golden Wok another popular eatery.  I think everyone is happy to have more of a culinary variety. One thing I can say about the decor,  it is very colorful and you can't help feeling happy with those vibrant colors. For a new restaurant, the waitstaff was well trained and very attentive to the needs of the customers My party was very pleased with the food and would visit again. Because it was packed I could not get the photos I would have liked, and I st... 02/16/2014

Red Hook home sales January 2014 Did the frosty weather affect Red Hook home sales? Based on the real estate statistics from the Mid Hudson Multiple Listing Services that does not seem to be the case since there was one more sale this January than in January 2013.  Not only that, but the average sale price increased.  Of the 3 sales  1 was almost a million dollars.  The sale price to list price ratio came in at 95 percent. Rockefeller Lane Red Hook NY All the data were trending positive except the days on market which increased by 76 days. The active listings at the end of the month  ranged in price from $209,900 -$1,495,900 and consisted of 5 3 bedrooms, 2 4 bedrooms and 2 5 bedrooms.  The age of these homes included an antique homes from 1798  to a newer home from 2004. Read More....... 02/16/2014