The memories of each Christmas ornament   Dolores and I wish you a Very Merry Christmas. We have a sunny, and cold, Christmas morning in Gaithersburg. We opened our gifts, enjoyed our eggnog and plan to spend the day at home. As you enjoy the decorations in your home, give some thought to the memories behind each ornament on your tree. Use your imagination for the stories behind our ornaments.   Christmas Ornament on Our Home Tree, Kentlands IMG_2600 Christmas Ornament on Our Home Tree IMG_2601 Christmas Ornament on Our Home Tree, Kentlands IMG_2599 Christmas Ornament on Our Home Tree, Kentlands IMG_2596 Christmas Ornament on Our Home Tree IMG_2597 Christmas Ornament on Our Home Tree IMG_2598 Critter Ornament, Brandywine River Museum, Our Home Tree IMG_2595 Christmas Ornament on Our Hom... 12/25/2013

Christmas wreath by Carolyn Lancaster   The Christmas wreath on our front door, in Kentlands, was made by Carolyn Lancaster, wife of Burt Lancaster at RE/MAX Realty Group. Holiday decorations are always more meaningful when you know the person that made them. Carolyn Lancaster is well known in the Montgomery County, Maryland for her wreath making skills. She sells her wreaths at local craft marts. We purchased our wreath at the annual First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg Holiday Craft Mart. Get to know your local crafters and enjoy their handmade items that will be enjoyed by you and your family.   Christmas Wreath by Carolyn Lancaster, Holiday Craft Mart IMG_2049 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/24/2013

What are your memories as you decorate your Christmas tree?   When my wife, Dolores, selects ornaments for our Christmas tree, she recalls the history of each ornament. Since we have been married over 48 years, we’ve had the opportunity to collect many memories.  Some of the ornaments that we still use were decorations my mother used over 70 years ago. Do you recall the history of the ornaments on your Christmas tree?  Some may be family treasures or gifts from friends that are no longer alive. These memories are not usually recorded and are easily lost in a single generation. This may be a good time to record those memories to share with future generations.   Have a Very Merry Christmas!   Christmas Tree at Our Home IMG_2603 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/24/2013

Kentlands Winter Weather Reminders   If you hear about a possible snow forecast, please do not park on streets marked with "Snow Emergency Routes".  If you are parked on a Snow Emergency Route within the community, you are at risk of being towed by the City of Gaithersburg. Parking in the alleys is not permitted.  In order for unhindered access by snowplows, all cars parked in the alleys will be towed. City law requires that you shovel the sidewalks abutting your property within 12 hours of the last snowfall. In the event of inclement weather and the Clubhouse is closed during business hours, please call 301-948-2071, ext. 106.  Messages will be monitored.  Also, check the Kentlands website atwww.kentlandsusa.com for any updates. For out of the area readers, Kentlands is located in Gait... 12/24/2013

Gaithersburg Meals on Wheels Urgently Needs Volunteer Drivers   Gaithersburg Meals on Wheels has an urgent need for volunteer drivers to deliver hot lunches and cold suppers weekdays at lunchtime to the elderly and shut-ins in the Gaithersburg area. Meals are prepared at Asbury Methodist Village, 333 Russell Ave., and picked up by drivers between 10:45 and 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Containers are provided for carrying the meals, and delivery takes about one hour, with 8 to 12 clients on each route. Volunteers are asked to drive either once a week, or once every other week. Children are welcome to accompany parents. Training is provided. Please call 301-216-4200, or Lisa Koenig at 301-869-0190. The Kentlands Citizens Assembly has distributed this special request and has asked community r... 12/23/2013

In Death Series by J.D. Robb   Based in Boonsboro, Maryland, Nora Roberts is one of the most prolific of authors. During a recent visit to The White Rabbit Thrift Shop in Westminster, Maryland, I found a hardcover copy of Indulgence In Death by J.D. Robb and I read the book last week. By the way, J.D. Robb is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts and you can read about that on her website. There are close to 50 books in the In Death Series. So, if you are a new reader, you have some catching up to do. Most of these novels are quick reads and are ideal for some reading relaxation during the holidays or after a busy day at work. Make sure your personal goals include reading lots of good books.   Brookside Gardens, Conservatory Display IMG_2602 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photog... 12/23/2013

Florida, Delaware and Maryland top the list for foreclosure rates   Even though the rate of foreclosures is generally dropping across the country, there continue to be pockets of troubled areas. Florida, Delaware and Maryland top the ten states list that was recently distributed by Realty Trac. Click on the link to see if your state is included in the top ten. 10 States Facing the Highest Foreclosure Rates Areas with higher than normal foreclosure rates have no shortage of sad stories of families that are losing their homes but these statistics also represent opportunity areas for real estate investors and home buyers that are anxious to take advantage of the available bargains.   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1843 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/21/2013

December 30 deadline for Maryland Homestead Tax Credit filings The folllowing message was provided by our attorney friend Lynn Caudle Boynton. Now is the time to file your Maryland Homestead Tax Credit application. Please contact Lynne directly if you have questions DON’T LOSE YOUR HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT!  APPLY TODAY! The deadline to file your Homestead Tax Credit application is December 30, 2013.  Regardless of how long you have owned your home, a one-time application must be filed in order to receive this tax credit.  The Homestead Tax Credit is a tax credit that helps homeowners with large assessment increases on their principal residence. To determine whether you have already applied for your Homestead Tax Credit and have been approved, please follow these steps: Go to http://sdatcer... 12/21/2013

Homes in Kentlands Gaithersburg  Maryland 20878   The latest listings and market watch for Kentlands Gaithersburg MD Real Estate as of December 2013 Kentlands truly is the neighborhood of the future. Rather than waste untold amounts of space making room for parking lots and spread out shopping centers everywhere., the Kentlands community  instead focuses on creating a space where residents can live, work, and play all in the same pedestrian-traffic area. Within walking distance of any residence in the city, you will find pocket parks, a downtown commercial district, schools, churches, an impressively large arts center, lakes, jogging trails, swimming pools, playgrounds, performance theaters, a movie cinema, cafes, grocery stores, banks, offices, stores, dozens of restaurants, and even ... 12/20/2013

Friday Flowers:  Chrysanthemums, Brookside Gardens   Dolores and I have both been sick this week. With colds and sore throats, we had to cancel plans for several activities. I am not in the mood to write a serious blog today so I will just share some more photographs from the Chrysanthemum Show at Brookside Gardens. Brookside Gardens is located in the Montgomery County, Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. Be well and enjoy the holiday season!   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1833 Chrysanthemums, Brookside Gardens IMG_1834 Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1836 Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1838 Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1839 Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1840 Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1841 Photographs by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Phot... 12/19/2013

Packages Stolen in Gaithersburg Area   Recently there have been several reports of packages being stolen from homes in the Gaithersburg, Maryland area. Some residents have observed young men stealing packages as the follow the routes of the package delivery services. All of us that receive package deliveries at our homes are potential victims of these thieves. Below is a message from Gaithersburg Police regarding this matter:  During the holiday season, the Gaithersburg Police Department would like to remind residents to be aware of delivery package thefts. Unfortunately, there are those out there who would like to steal packages from front porches or doors while residents are away. Tips to protect yourself from a home delivery theft: Send the package to the residence of a trusted frien... 12/18/2013

Debt cancellation could lead to additional taxes for short sale sellers   Short sale home sellers and their agents need to know the tax consequences of short sale settlements that take place in 2014. Congress has failed to extend the provisions that currently provide tax relief on mortgage debt forgiveness. When mortgage lenders cancel part of the debt that is due to them, the short sale sellers may owe substantial amounts in taxes. Congress, of course, could later pass retroactive provisions that would continue the relief from taxation of mortgage debt forgiveness. But, will short sale sellers want to be exposed to that risk with a Congress that has developed a reputation for doing little or nothing. Kenneth R. Harney of The Nation’s Housing wrote about this and other tax reform issues... 12/17/2013

Book Recommendation: Santa Fe Edge by Stuart Woods   I just finished a quick read that we picked up at The White Rabbit Thrift Shop for $1. Santa Fe Edge (2010) by Stuart Woods is one of four novels in his series that feature Santa Fee attorney Ed Eagle. Suspense novels by Stuart Woods are easy to read and are ideal for relaxation after a busy day. Check this link to see the Books by Stuart Woods. If you are not a regular reader of novels, I challenge you to add reading a novel a week to your goals for 2014. If you do this, you will thank me for the challenge.   Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1847 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/17/2013

Book Recommendation: Suspect  by Robert Crais   When you find a new author that you enjoy, you will want to read all of the books he or she has written. I just finished reading Suspect (2013), the latest novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais. The main character in this suspense novel is Los Angeles police officer Scott James. You will also enjoy reading about his German shepherd Maggie. After reading this book you will have a greater appreciation of the roles of military and police dogs. One of my personal goals is to read at least a book a week. Books by Robert Crais are easy to read and you should be able to read a couple of them a week. If this is a new author for you, start with the latest book and then plan to read all of them. Books by Robert Crais Elvis Cole/Joe... 12/14/2013

Christmas Angel Tradition   It is snowing in Maryland as our thoughts are on the preparations for the Christmas holidays. My sister just invited us to attend a Christmas cantata that will be taking place at her church tonight.  Dolores and I took a day trip to Longwood Gardens on Friday and I was sitting at my computer trying to catch up on blog comments when I received the following story by email. This was forwarded to me and I will leave it to you to verify the accuracy of this Christmas tradition. If you are the author, let me know and I will be happy to acknowledge your research and writing. Christmas Angel Tradition It began at Santa’s home… When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Chri... 12/14/2013

Book Recommendation:  The Last Detective by Robert Crais   You never know when you will get a good suggestion for a new author. I was reading a novel while waiting in a doctor’s office. When he saw that it was a suspense novel, he recommended one of his favorite authors, Robert Crais. I just finished reading The Last Detective (2003), an Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel by Robert Crais. I recommend this novel and this series for your reading list. The book that I just started is Suspect (2013) the most recent novel by Robert Crais. One of my personal goals is to read at least one novel each week, every week of the year. Pick up a good book and add another level of personal enjoyment to your life. Books by Robert Crais Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novels 1. The Monkey's Raincoat -- 1987 2. Stalking ... 12/14/2013

A Longwood Christmas, Longwood Gardens   Dolores and I visited Longwood Gardens today.  Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is an ideal day trip destination for residents of Montgomery County, Maryland. The theme changes each year so you will always have new surprises in the very large Conservatory. While you are there, be sure to visit the Orchid House. The orchids were beautiful today. Plan to spend the day. We enjoyed mushroom soup for lunch in the Café. Yes, we had the apple crumble for dessert.   A Longwood Christmas, Longwood Gardens IMG_2228 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/13/2013

Longwood Gardens Conservatory, A Longwood Christmas   Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is one of our favorite places to visit during the Christmas holiday season.  A Longwood Christmas is an annual exhibit that changes each year. Take the family. This is a wonderful travel destination.   Longwood Gardens Conservatory IMG_2232 Photograph by Roy Kelley Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 12/12/2013

Pay it forward on snow days   One of the December challenges to members of the ActiveRain network is to write a blog about an opportunity to pay it forward. The idea is to brighten the day for someone by taking unexpected actions. This is an easy challenge for me because I am much aware of the needs to pay it forward.  And the concept is especially important in our home neighborhoods where we frequently know if neighbors have special needs. We had winter storms on Monday and Tuesday of this week and that meant the there was snow to be cleared from drives, walks and steps. This is not my favorite chore but I was ready to shovel snow. One of our neighbors recently had knee replacements and another has a heart condition and his wife is recovering from a broken arm suffered in a fall. So, I... 12/11/2013

FHA Maximum Loan Amount Reduction for Montgomery County, MD   Prospective home buyers and home owners that plan to use FHA financing to refinance their homes need to be alert for recently announced changes in the maximum allowed mortgage loan limit. Currently, in Montgomery County, Maryland, the FHA loan limit for single family loans is $729,750. That amount is to be reduced to $625,000 in 2014. If this change will impact you or your clients, you should make immediate contact with your mortgage loan officer to discuss the conventional loan alternatives. Please keep in mind that the maximum FHA mortgage loan limits vary by county. If you are uncertain about the limits in your market area, contact your loan officer for assistance or check use the following link to HUD.   FHA Mortgage Limi... 12/11/2013