During the recent snow storm I noticed a big bird on a tree.  I really feel for all the creatures caught outside in such bad weather.  I wanted  to get a closeup shot of this bird but couldn't.  According to my husband it is an owl who has visited in the past. My personality is such, I have to see for myself so I will have to be on the lookout for this visitor. 02/16/2014

Throughout the year the Old Dutch Village Garden Club located in Upper Red Hook conduct their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month, and there is always an interesting topic of discussion. Thursday February 13th is the next meeting, and this session will be devoted to Bees.  Bees are so important to the local ecology; also many are now trying their hands at Backyard BeeKeeping.  At the end meeting there always delicious refreshment provided by members.   If you are into gardening or would like to learn, this is a wonderful group to join. Time:  12:30 PM Place:  126 Old Post Road, Red Hook NY 12571 The public is always welcome. 02/09/2014

This is a tree I use to go by often, then one day it was gone.  It was not removed by the farmer but succumbed to weather condition.  I still find myself looking for it.  This reminded me of how my daughter use to rearrange my cabinets often and because of habit I would reach for something which was no longer in the same spot. 02/07/2014

 Red Hook NY real estate and market update – December 2013   Red Hook NY Real estate  in December 2013 produced 6 single family detached home sales, as recorded by the Mid Hudson Multiple Listing Services. It was the same amount of homes sold in December 2012 but that’s where the similarity ended.  In 2013 both the average list price and average sale price were higher as seen in the chart below.    The list price to sale price came in at  98 percent.   The oldest home was built in 1850 and was also the most expense home sold in December 2013.  The square footage of these homes came in at 1248-3846.   During the month the new listing ranged in price from $175,000 – $441,900,  3 of the seven had a price increase and one a price reduction.   Two homes went under contract 1 listed for $550,... 01/25/2014

A few days ago I was going down Pitcher Lane, home of the Greig Farm when I saw this small booth in the snow. How different things can look in a few months.   In the fall people were still busy picking fruits, this is what you call a pick your own farm.   The little booth is often staffed with people directing you to the area where you can pick the fruits and those collecting the money on the way out. Come spring and summer this place will once again be teaming with those anxious to pick fresh fruit and vegetable after what might be a rather hash winter. For now no picking here. 01/11/2014

A few days ago I was showing one of my listing and I had to drive by this soccer field.  I was thinking how just a few months ago it was very active location, children play and proud parents watching.  Now old man winter is king, so there will be no soccer here until spring.   01/08/2014

Spring Lake Road the day after the snowstorm The day after the snowstorm it was cold, and as much as the road crew worked at removing the snow, the roads were still messy and treacherous.  Even if you tried driving slowly because of the slippery road there is always someone who has other ideas.  I could not believe someone passed me on a double yellow line at a fairly high speed. Remember to think about the safety of others. 01/04/2014

A car from a car show at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds I was looking through sets of photographs when I came across this one of a little car with a big engine. This photo was taken a few years ago at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds right in the heart of Rhinebeck, a place where there is a car show several times per year. The car appeared to be one you could really have a lot of fun with.   I could see someone traveling at a fast speed down the Taconic State Parky especially with that souped up engine. You really can't resist those bulging headlights and the crazy colors,  it sort of draws you in. Although you can't take it for a spin a little daydreaming won't hurt.   12/28/2013

Wind and water can be entertaining, and we do need them in out daily lives.  But like so many things natural resources can also be destructive, as in the case of  water ad wind during a flood or hurricane. A moderate amount of most things is good.   As the new year approaches remember to balance both business and personal activities.   12/27/2013

Looking at this tree surrounded by dead rotted trees, I can only imagine there must have been better days when all these trees were thriving. This made me think of communities that were doing okay, and then the recess hit, people lost jobs, and then their homes which led to the decline of some neighborhoods. It is okay to look back at those better days, but far more beneficial if the future brings better days. 12/21/2013

I can't believe the number of icicles to be found right now.   Winter is definitely here, if not officially.  Some of the Winter sculptures produced from the icicles can be rather interesting, these icicles formed on a Rose of Sharon which was cut back for the season.  I know before the winter is over I will get many opportunities to capture  some more winter sculpture. The Claws   Take a look at another icicle sculpture | The Body Builder what do you see? 12/19/2013

  Snow on bench It was a relief seeing the snowstorm come to an end.   The day after the snowfall it is always a delight to see the fresh white snow, which is beautiful. One scene that caught my eyes was the bench covered with snow, and all I could think of was,"This seat is taken" The day after the snowstorm is spent not just admiring the scenes but digging out.   Today we worked at digging out the driveway and path to the house as a family which made the task less painful. 12/15/2013

Red Hook NY real estate for sale and home sales In November Red Hook NY home sales data showed 3 homes sold in the town.  Of the 3 homes 2 saw price increase, 1 was a distress sale, and  the other was in a community with most of the homes at higher price points. The homes sold ranged in price from $125,150 to $577,500. Homes listed during the month ranged in price from $185,800 -$525,000. With 4 homes under contract during the month, as well as other homes in contract  from previous months  I expect we will see more closing in December.   Also the expiration of the Mortgage Forgiveness Act on December 31  could be a factor for any short sales. Below you will find a complete breakdown  of Red Hook NY home sales and activity during the month. Historic Thomas House Red Hook NY| Not for sal... 12/14/2013

It was snowing lightly a few days ago, and while on the phone, I noticed a deer through a window grazing under the cedar trees.  I know it does not  seem that way in the photo, because he was sensing someone was around and he wanted to be alert to make a quick get away, which he did. I suppose even with the not so nice weather the deer need to find food. 12/10/2013

Price reduction at 10 Trow Blvd There has been a price reduction at 10 Trow Blvd in Red Hook NY 12571. A three  bedroom 2 bathroom ranch on a nicely landscaped half acre.  You can enjoy nature from the deck which overlook the flat backyard, framed by mature trees Conveniently located to Red Hook Schools, the Village and  Red Hook Recreational Park. New price  $245,000 12/07/2013

Red Hook New York rental This 3 bedroom rental in Red Hook NY is conveniently located to schools, Bard College and the Village of Red Hook.  You will appreciate the mountain views and stunning sunsets as you look out over cultivated farmland. What you will find at this Red Hook NY rental 3 bedrooms         2/1 bathrooms           Living room           Family room       Kitchen                    Laundry room Pellet Stove          Skylight                    Enclosed porch      Hot tub room        Shed                       1 Stall horse barn 2 car garage        basement                  whole house fan   Rental terms and condition Deposit  :   $3900    (first month and 1 month security) Rental terms:   month to month or 6  months ( min. 3 months,house is listed for sale) Tenant responsi... 11/18/2013

Red Hook NY real estate activity The Red Hook NY real estate activity in October showed only two sales, the same as last month.  The single family inventory is about 75, and  at that rate of sale it will take quite sometime to work off the inventory.  The number of sales could be higher in November considering during the month 3 homes went under contract and one with an offer; add these to the other properties under contract from previous months. Town of Red Hook sales comparison for October Category                    2012                          2013 Average list price     $  272,933                $ 289,700 Average sale price   $  261,000                 $ 282,500 Units of Sale                         3                              2 DOM                                 211          ... 11/16/2013

10 Trow Blvd Red Hook NY had a price reduction The 3 bedroom ranch on the edge of the Village of Red Hook was just reduce $10,000 to $245,000.  Why not make this cute home on a beautiful lot your next home before the year ends.   Red Hook ranch with beautiful backyard OverviewMapsPhotosFeaturesDescriptionNeighborhood $245,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1,248 sqftLot: 0.55 acre(s) Location 10 Trow BlvdRed Hook, NY 12571USA Jennifer Fivelsdal JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC(845) 758-6842jennifer@jfivehomes.comhttp://www.jfivehomes.com   Listed by: JFIVE Homes Realty LLC Our recent listings Red hook ranch for sale under $260,000Rhinebeck converted 1 bedroom barn for rent5 Bedroom Red Hook home with accessory apartmentPine Plain ranch near horse farms3 Bedroom Rh... 11/05/2013

The ugliest apples I have seen in the Hudson Valley My son-in-law gave me some apples and they were the ugliest apples I have seen.  Then again, this experience thought me you can’t judge an Apple by it’s skin. At first I wanted to throw them in the garbage but what would I say when he  inquired as to how I used the apples?  He was so proud of his one apple tree, although it produced  such  spotted ugly apples.  I expected to find the apples riddled with worms when I cut into them, instead I found a lovely red color; that too was new for me. My son-in-law is busy making cider with his apples, I heard his dad made apple butter and  I decided to make pies. I peeled and cut the slices very thin and here is the rest of the progression towards two apple pies in photos. Ugliest apples I have ... 10/27/2013

Misty Fall morning Now that Fall is in full swing and the leaves are falling it is not uncommon to wake up to a Misty Fall morning.  This is by no means favorable conditions for a morning commute especially when the fog is like pea soup. I have to admit though, that there is something enchanting about a Misty Fall morning, maybe it is seeing things disappearing and reappearing in the fog.  Or it could be I just like a change from the usual. So take a look at this Misty Fall morning in the Hudson Valley.     Other related posts Upstate NY Fall colors... Between Maple trees Dogwood trees in the fall 10/26/2013