Holtz Realty

Most of my day was spent off the grid with getting things done that’ve been pushed aside for far too long.  With the exception of returning some phone calls and several emails being sent, the bulk of my hours were spent outdoors.

Isn’t it amazing how quickly our grass, and especially the weeds are growing now that we have all the more daylight hours?  For sure I did my share of weeding today, and I think there’s another full day left, but at least I did get the most noticeable of them removed.

Speaking of weeds, I happened to watch a short program on television last night that was about a woman who decided to start selling “weeds” to local high-end restaurants.  What shocked me the most, was the gathering of bark from a certain species of tree which a chef of a particular restaurant would soak, and then make some sort of frozen dessert out of it after it was cooked.  Now that was a first.

Several days ago, I just happened to notice a clump of horseradish in bloom that was growing along the back fence of someone’s yard.  I smiled to myself when thinking that most passers-by would think it was some sort of vintage perennial.  I wouldn’t blame them for not knowing what it is because their leaves are just as attractive as their pikes of white flowers.  I wouldn’t be surprised if some new-age chef would find a use for their flowers in a recently created recipe.

I’m not sure if I told you about a clip I read some years ago regarding Sumac, and if I did, please bear with me.  That article was centered around some of the plants we still have growing today which the American Indians would put to use, and Sumac being one of them.  I haven’t tried it, but from what I read, the American Indians would collect their seed heads, soak them in water for several days, and drink that concoction.  From what I read, it’s filled with many vitamins and minerals, and has a taste close to that of lemonade.  Every Fall I think I’m going to pick some of them and try it, but still haven’t got enough nerve mustered.

Speaking of wild things, someone told me recently about the “Pheasant Back” mushrooms we have growing in North Iowa, and how very tasty they are when breaded and deep-fat fried.  I picked one and followed a recipe I found, but couldn’t eat it because it was too hard and tasteless.  I’m sure that one was too old because I was told they’ve got a short early Spring window of peak harvesting time.  I’d say I was at least three weeks past that time.  I’ll have to try it again early next Spring if I happen to remember.

I forgot to mention several things about yesterday’s church Service which were worth mentioning, and the first being an older couple who was seated several pews ahead of me.  I normally don’t pay that much attention, but I did notice how much the wife was keeping a close eye on her husband.  By the time church was over, I discovered he must be in that horrible downward spiral of dementia.  Two different times, she had to pull him back because he was headed in the wrong direction, and when I got a good look at him, one could see a bit of confusion in his eyes.  So sad.

The second thing I noticed, was the very poor choice of a religious song named, “Go Make a Difference”.  You can believe I was more than disgusted when hearing that song announced because I fully remembered how syncopated it is, along with its very fast time.  I think their music director still doesn’t realize that about 75% of those in regular attendance are at least 50 years old and older.  There’s no question many of those there were frustrated with it, and rightly so because even a trained choir would have a great deal of practicing to do in order for them to stay together.

After yesterday’s music failure at that church, I’d say whomever makes their music choices, came from either a new-age church, and/or really wants to “make a difference” in that congregation’s vocal music department.  Looking around yesterday while that was being played, I’d say radical changes like that will likely never be accepted.

I got a good laugh today when I was visiting with someone on the phone about the temperament of some in our service industries.  It seems times have changed all the more where customer service reps don’t like being challenged, and there being a few occasions of late where they’ve “hissed” back like a cornered feral cat.  I normally let stuff like that go until I find they’re unwillingness to listen, and that’s when I start getting hard.  Oh well, we all have to learn, but unfortunately there always has to be a few of those “feral cats” in those departments who refuse to learn.

I’m hoping this coming week will be as productive in real estate as it was this past where I’ll have a few more of my office listings sold.  The weather report calls for pleasant days ahead, so that should be a good boost of morale with our buyers and sellers.

Tonight’s one-liner is:  Where words fail, music speaks.