My Laugh For The Day, Treasures Thrift Shop, Madison Alabama I was out early picking up signs and a lock box and my route took me past Treasures, Thrift Shop owned by my cousins Jeff and his wife Mary.  So I thought I would stop in and say hello, knowing that only Mary would be there it would be a relaxing break in the day...don't get me wrong...I love my cousin Jeff, but if relaxation is what you're looking for...stop in when Mary is there! Anyway, I walk up to Treasures front door and this is the sign that greeted me and every other customer that entered...I couldn't stop laughing.  When I walked in; Mary said; hi...you saw the sign Jeff made, huh!  Yes Mary I saw it...I don't think I'll stop laughing all day...you gotta know Jeff to get the full impact of this.   These are two people... 03/11/2011

Park Meadow, Madison Alabama, Neighborhood, Homes For Sale Park Meadow, Madison Alabama as you've often heard me say is another of Madison Alabama's convenient neighborhoods.  Close to shopping like the Bridge Street Town Centre with many upscale shops, restaurants, movie theater and Gondola rides in one of the Canals.   The US Space and Rocket Center is just minutes away from Park Meadow homes for sale.  It is the worlds largest museum dedicated to space, space exploration and home to Space Camp.  This is an outstanding venue for anyone interested in the past and future of our space program.  Monte Sano mountain and Joe Wheeler State Park offer outstanding views, hiking trails and great spots to bait a hook for a little R&R. The golfer in Madison Alabama's Park Meadow subdivision is on... 03/09/2011

Home Inspection, Inspection Addendum, In Alabama...Cosmetic Issues Don't Allow You To Walk Away Home Inspection, Inspection Addendum, In Alabama...Cosmetic Issues Don't Allow You To Walk Away from a contract without being in default or considered breaching the contract.  If you do choose to walk, there is a good chance that you'll forfeit earnest money and possibly be sued for specific performance.  So what good is a home inspection you ask?  Well, it's probably the best money you can spend...the best insurance you can buy informing you of the condition of the home you are buying.    The inspection addendum to a contract to purchase has been used in the past by buyers to get out of contracts to purchase for sometimes the smallest of defects in a home if the seller would not agree to rep... 03/08/2011

First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit et al....Last Call XXXXXXXXXXX April 30, 2011 Important June 30, 2011 Important XXXXXXXXXXX I have posted this information recently...it is very important and could apply to you.  Many people think this program has ended...it has for most, however  some First Time Buyers are still eligible.  And many of them are here in the Madison Alabama and Huntsville Alabama area...or yet to move here. The Home Buyers Tax Credit is once again coming down to the wire.  If you were unable to take advantage of this program before, this is your last chance before it expires completely. First time home buyers that used the $8000 tax credit in 2008 will begin paying back that credit on their 2010 tax returns spread out over 15 years.  This only applies to homes bought in ... 03/06/2011

Pink Floyd On A Grey Alabama Day This month (March) in 1973 Pink Floyd released "Dark Side Of The Moon".  Produced at the Abbey Road Studios and engineered by none other than Alan Parsons, "Dark Side Of The Moon" was destined to remain on the Billboards top LP's and Tapes chart for a record breaking 741 weeks...that's 1973 to 1988...and to this date that record still stands.  I think one of the reasons so many recordings of this work were sold was because of guys like me.  I own three albums...one of which is a Master Recording, two tapes, and two CD's...one of which is also a Master Recording. I usually post music on Friday or Saturday, but since I missed this week and today seemed to be a perfect sort of gray day...Sunday works for me.  Hope you enjoy and flashback to some good memori... 03/06/2011

Angry Eyes, Anyone Remember This Blast From The Past In the early to middle '70's Loggins and Messina were getting much deserved attention.  They met in 1970...Jim Messina had been working with a group then known as Poco and also Buffalo Springfield.  Kenny loggins was pretty much an unknown.  Through their collaboration Loggins and Messina produced several albums and became the '70's most popular and successful Duo.  Their album titled "Loggins and Messina" was released in 1972 and "Angry Eyes" from that album made it to #1 by 1973. Hope you enjoy.      If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you!  I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a ... 02/26/2011

Paper-less Challenge, Begining The Transition At My Office Do you ever feel lost in a sea of paper?  Notes here and there...box's of files and old paperwork filling rooms to capacity.  Have a couple acres of tree's lost ground on your behalf because you're still tied to old ways of doing business and record keeping? I don't like waste whether it's food, water, electricity or anything else I purchase to consume.  I especially don't like to waste nature and that's one thing we all seem to be hell bent on.  The opportunity to go paper-less is a start at preserving that which we are so quickly loosing...our trees.  It's not easy to change as old ways of doing business are so ingrained in the office tradition.   My office has incorporated a new system that is quickly moving paper-less.  Cont... 02/25/2011

Surviving Your Serengeti Challenge...We're All Trying To Make It To The End  We are all faced with a journey...a journey of and through life.  As individuals the paths we take on that journey are as different as night and day and can have a decided effect on the quality and length of that journey. I recently had the opportunity to read the first two chapters of Stefan Swanepoel's book "Surviving Your Serengeti" because of an ActiveRain Challenge post I came across:  Surviving Your Serengeti:  ActiveRain Challenge and in addition take a quiz to see what kind of an animal I am on this journey of life.  The  parallels of migratory animals on the Serengeti and my own journey...all human journey was striking.   Migratory animals on the Serengeti live a life of communal beauty, hardship and d... 02/25/2011

Thanks To ActiveRain Members AL & Peggy Cunningham And John Novak I want to give a "Thank You" shout to ActiveRain Members AL & Peggy Cunningham And John Novak.  I was having problems downloading a file for an ActiveRain contest...nothing I tried worked.  So after much frustration and time spent...wasted...trying to get at what I needed I gave up and left a comment on the contest post that I wished that I could enter the contest, but unfortunately I would not be able to join in on the fun.  A bit disappointed I carried on with business. Well what a surprise...this morning at about 20 minutes to 9:00 I got a call from my two Canadian friends Al & Peggy Cunningham while I was on the way to a home inspection.  They read my comment, sensed my disappointment and called to help.  I was taken ... 02/24/2011

  1956 Chevy Bel Air... I look forward to spring and nicer weather for lots of reasons and this beauty is one of them.  The sun is shining, temps are in the '60's and it seems when the weather breaks...out come the old classics.  Glad to see these cars driven and not wasting away under a tarp somewhere.  I happened to catch this one in the office parking lot and thought I'd share.  Oh...and by the way, it sounded like a real car!!  If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you!  I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area. 02/14/2011

Applebees, Restaurant, Madison Alabama Applebees, Restaurant, Madison Alabama is not a restaurant that I go into a lot, mostly because they are always busy and I usually don't have time to sit and relax for a longer lunch.  However, the times I have stopped by, the service has always been quick and friendly.  The food consistent and good.  At one time or another I've probably had each of their main entrees and have always been pleased...if there ever was an issue...they made it right.  So whether you have a taste for ribs, chicken, steak or shrimp give this Applebees a try.  And Applebees Desserts, large selection of Beers and Mixed Drinks will keep you coming back.  Located in the middle of Madison at 302 Hughes Road, Madison Alabama 35758 Phone:  (256) 772-3441   If you need a knowled... 02/12/2011

Madison Band Supply, Madison Alabama, Grand Opening Today was the grand opening at Madison Band Supplyand it was a big hit.  Because of previous commitments I couldn't be there when it kicked off and didn't show up until 3:00 with one hour to spare.  Actually this worked out pretty well since the shop was packed earlier and the parking lot was full.  Robin & Frank, the store owners, provided visitors with food, drinks and music performed by local area musicians.  When I got there two members from the Madison Community Band were playing outside while a group of guitarist were playing on the inside.  Since my first post Madison Band Supply has been transformed from a dream and four bare walls to an up and running business filling a void of band supply in our area.  Located just a block so... 02/12/2011

Olde Cobblestone, Madison Alabama Olde Cobblestone, Madison Alabama a subdivision on the edge of Madison Alabama boasting homes for sale offering all that you would expect in high quality construction: Granite counter tops and rich hardwood cabinets and floors, range/oven, Double oven, dishwasher, disposal, microwave, and warming drawers. The master bedrooms are gorgeous with huge glamor master baths. Front porches and covered patio's are pavered flooring. Court yards and the covered side patio's are very private with natural fireplace's. Beautiful landscaping and standard two car garage space is very large, in fact it's 512 square feet. For complete details of all available homes in...Old Cobblestone, Madison Alabama.  Traditional and beautiful Olde Cobblestone with it's craftsman styl... 02/10/2011

  Madison Band Supply Madison Alabama Grand Opening Coming Soon       February 12Th 12 - 4pm   Music, Food, Fun And Some Free Stuff Music By Prevailing Winds flute choir, AOK Sax duet and more!   Only two more days ‘til the party.  Frank & Robin will officially be kicking off their newly opened Madison Band Supply here in Madison Alabama.  I featured them in an earlier post when they were doing all the prep work and receiving merchandise to stock the shelves.  Now it's a reality and Frank & Robin want to welcome you to the Grand Opening on February 12, 2011 from 12-4 PM.    If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you!  I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need h... 02/10/2011

Lawler's Barbecue Madison Alabama  Lawler's Barbecue Madison Alabama established in 1978 by Jerry and Phillip Lawler is another one of Alabama's landmark barbecue stops.  Offering the standard barbecue beef and pork sandwiches plus turkey, ham and ribs done St. Louis style with a dry rub.  Pulled pork and beef are also on the menu as well as a variety side dishes.  The winter or colder season means that their special Brunswick Stew is available in sizes up to a gallon for those chilly Alabama days until March.   There are six Lawlers locations in the Huntsville, Madison and Athens Alabama areas and one in Lewisburg Tennessee.  For all locations and the Lawler's Barbecue website click here Lawler's Barbecue Madison Alabama. If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison ... 02/03/2011

  Crossroads Unique Boutique Madison Alabama   Crossroads Unique Boutique Madison Alabama...not your average store.  I'll just say it now and get it over; Crossroads Unique Boutique reminds me of shops back in the day (the late '60's) where one could buy incense, posters, accessories, cool clothes, concert T's, jewelry etc., in a very laid back atmosphere.   Located on the corner of Nance and University at 7587 Hwy 72 W, Madison Alabama Crossroads Unique Boutique is easy to spot.       Okay…these aren’t original posters, so who can afford the them anyway…if you’re looking for a little nostalgia to throw on the wall's, you’ve come to the right place.          Drums, incense, jewelry and lots of other things that are sure to give you a flashback or two...it's all here.       Why do you su... 01/30/2011

  Madison City Schools go above and beyond to keep our kids safe!   Starting Monday, Jan. 31, Madison City Schools will be one step closer to a safer environment.                             According to the Michael Hansberry with the Madison County Record, all 10 Madison City Schools will now have a visitor management system in the lobby.   The new system is called LobbyGuard.  After inserting your ID into the scanner, it quickly scans the National Sex Offender list.  If it’s clear, you are free to have access to the school...if you are on the NSO, you can go no further than the lobby.  The LobbyGuard also checks for Court Orders.  If a person is not allowed to see the child, it will also raise the flag!                                     As a parent of a child in the Madison City Sch... 01/29/2011

Madison Alabama Bradford Farms Subdivision Madison Alabama Bradford Farms Subdivision just south of University and east of Hughes Rd is another wonderful and central community in the heart of Madison Alabama.  Very convenient to shopping, main roads and in the highly regarded Rainbow, Discovery and Bob Jones schools...Bradford Farms should be on your "must see" list of potential homes. Bradford Farms is just up the street from the upscale communities of Clifts Cove and Whitehall subdivisions and within easy driving distance of Dublin Park 1,2,3, U.S. Space and Rocket center, Cummings Research Park and the Redstone Arsenal all are only minutes away for work and play.   For additional information about Bradford Farms subdivision or homes for sale in the Madison Alabama area contact Nick a... 01/29/2011

Pauli's Bar & Grill Madison Alabama Restaurant Pauli's Bar & Grill Madison Alabama Restaurant, so okay it doesn't look like much from the outside, but Pauli's Bar & Grill has been voted best restaurant in many categories. Steaks, seafood, desserts and chef by the ValleyPlanet readers poll.  I don't know if all that's true, but after dining there in the past and having both steak and seafood I will agree that Pauli's has a cozy atmosphere and serves really good food.  Drinks from the bar were well made and the tonic wasn't flat...always a plus in my book.     Pauli's Bar & Grill also offers catering and Private parties for up to 50 in house and "unlimited" at your venue with custom designed menu's available.  Although Pauli's doesn't open until 4:30 the facility is available for private ... 01/29/2011

Luxury Homes Mandolin Subdivision Madison Alabama Luxury Homes Mandolin Subdivision Madison Alabama welcome to another of Madison Alabama's fine communities.  Located north of and adjacent to the upscale homes of Clifts Cove, Mandolin is a great place to call home in the middle of Madison and in the Rainbow, Discover and Bob Jones school districts. Madison Alabama has a lot to offer and Mandolin is one of Madison's best offerings.  Central in Madison, Mandolinis an easy commute to the Redstone Arsenal and many of the companies supporting NASA.  Mandolin is in the outstanding Madison City school system known for it's commitment to education and academic success of it's students.   The US Space and Rocket Center and home to Space Camp is just minutes away from Mandolin subdivision and our... 01/27/2011