Monthly Archives: July 2013

Reaching for the Moon

Today, in visiting with a family that I’ve known for many years and are downsizing to a smaller home with a smaller yard, brought back many memories of the years that I watched their children grow and subsequently leave home. What really impresses me about them is that they are very close knit and every one of their five children have gone on to … continue reading
Posted on July 21, 2013

Compact Unity

This photo is of a home that I just listed last evening. Every once in a while I can envision myself becoming a true minimalist. Last night after seeing this home I can say this one would be a candidate for someone wanting to live with less yet still not be without the basic modern conveniences. It offers a large eat-in kitchen, a comfortable livi … continue reading
Posted on July 20, 2013

Park ticular

In spite of my whirlwind morning of appointments and errands, I was able to schedule a luncheon with visiting colleagues at a local downtown restaurant. The lunch crowd was buzzing and there seemed to be an air of mirth in the establishment. Afterwards we decided to take the time to review all the recent improvements to the buildings downtown. Seve … continue reading
Posted on July 19, 2013

Weeds Love Hot Days

These exceedingly warm and humid days have brought on the rapid growth of weeds. Just this past week I have noticed how terrible the sidewalks and landscaped areas of the downtown have been appearing. There are volunteer trees growing in some of the commercial landscapes as well. I hope everyone will start to take active steps to keep these unsigh … continue reading
Posted on July 18, 2013

Looking from the Outside In

Over the years in doing business in North Iowa, I have found that people who have done very little traveling as well as little in-depth reading, are more dismissive about changes in their lives as well as their communities. They seem to have the mindset of, “This is how it's been, this is how it is, and this is how it will be.” Scary isn't it? … continue reading
Posted on July 17, 2013

Vocations

Have any of you really noticed at times how people work at their jobs as well as the quality of their work? Also, have you noticed how some people who are in customer service really aren't cut out to be servants of customers? Having been in supervisory positions in past years, I found myself attempting to re-educate workers in how they should perce … continue reading
Posted on July 16, 2013

Two Moonlight Specials

Holtz Realty currently has listed two very aggressively value priced homes that I believe are the best buys in their price ranges. The first one is located at 945 N. Delaware Ave. here in Mason City. It is a quality built home offering gorgeous oak woodwork, grand foyer with open staircase, updated kitchen and bath, the basement has a rec room and … continue reading
Posted on July 15, 2013

The Really Beautiful People

So fortunate I am at times to have the opportunities to encounter men and women who continue to give hope for the rebirth of mindfulness. I've worked with a gentleman off and on for the past four years who was a Iowa public employee. He is somewhere around 80 years old. His brief stop at the office ever so often is short because he is usually on hi … continue reading
Posted on July 14, 2013

The Summer of Storms

Last year we endured the record breaking summer of drought. Not only did the crops suffer but also the livestock that supply food to our tables. Many don't know what also suffered, were some of the homes here in North Iowa that had basement foundations that sank due to the extremely low water table. When something is built on soil that has an avera … continue reading
Posted on July 13, 2013

Fool’s Gold

Every time I hear of someone taking advantage of someone else by not providing the agreed upon goods and services, it makes me bristle. On the flip side, I also bristle whenever I hear of someone who keeps wanting more and more from a company or person who has fulfilled the terms of service. Everyone knows people who fit this flawed character. I h … continue reading
Posted on July 12, 2013