‘Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs . . .’ *

Spring has arrived in Minnesota – and ‘everywhere there’s signs’!!

I was listening to my favorite radio station when the commentator asked: ‘What marks the arrival of spring for you?’ I guess some folks had posted comments at the station’s website that varied from hearing Spring Peepers to getting the urge to hunt for Morel Mushrooms. Hmmm . . . mushrooms and toads . . . Not exactly what I had in mind. And so it became my challenge: to frame the ‘arrival of Spring’ in my own mind . . . and my own words.

I turned the radio off. I was focused. I was in search of . . . Spring! In just moments the silence was sliced with the haunting cry of a warp-drive Wood Duck. Truly a sign of Spring!

A short while later - reflecting in our living room and mesmerized by the setting sun – I realized it was getting close to 8:00 PM . . . and the sun was just setting. Another sign of Spring – more daylight!

The next morning – on a pre-dawn road trip – a deer chose to launch itself across the highway not much beyond my front bumper. With my left foot frantically pumping the breaks - and white knuckles - I realized I nearly broadsided this most recent ‘arrival of Spring’.

At sunrise I’m dodging down a township road. The coffee I’m trying to sip splashes up on my nose. It is a typical gravel road - but with an abundance of frost boils. Notes of Spring have struck a chord with the roads - and they are unable to contain themselves. Note to self: make appointment with mechanic. Spring has just sprung . . . my front-end alignment.

Seconds later the adjacent fence line is flickering with the dazzle of electric Blue Birds. Zigzagging Mourning Doves and streaming Wood Ducks cutting through the morning light at the pasture’s edge. On a near, oak-capped hillside is a strutting Tom Turkey. Wow! All these ‘signs of Spring’! How will I possibly frame the ‘arrival of Spring’ when there is no canvas large enough to contain it?

Spring’s arrival is winter’s celebrated departure, life’s renewal, and the resurgence of hope.

As season’s come and go – and winter’s bridge ascends, I again find myself feeling outward beyond that frozen realm. Winter silence, chilled landscapes, ice-blue daylight fleeting – vaporized by the most radiant of seasons. I know – as do all living things – I stand at the garden gate. I recall youthful energies. I reaffirm my dreams. My senses are full and I am delighted. All I see, taste, feel, smell, and hear are consumed and still I am unable to comprehend the marvelous arrival of Spring.

Longing for your own slice of Springtime in Minnesota? Call me today!

* lyrics by The Five Man Electrical Band

History repeats itself

The hibernation is over! It is time for our senses to be stirred with spring’s much awaited arrival!

Once again we are at the cusp of warmer weather – which, by no great coincidence, will be ushering the way to another year of brisk real estate sales! (Woo-hooo!)

I worked hard this past year with buyers and sellers – and we were able to put together a number of mutually beneficial property transactions. When the season chilled with winter's arrival - and the real estate market drifted into slumber - I managed to ‘invest’ a little time (quite a little) on our frozen Otter Tail County lakes and enjoyed some very good hard water fishing! (Which reminds me: If anyone would be interested in a brief snorkel dive this summer in search of my lost glasses, feel free to drop a line! I know exactly where they are as I marked an ‘X’ on the ice.)

But back to business: Assisting customers and providing quality service to clients is my primary focus in real estate. That said, I was very honored when I received the ‘Century 21 Quality Service Award’ this last year! The recognition is based on the responses and feedback of my clients and customers! Thank you - one and all - for your support and kind comments!! Heading into the 2011 sales season my commitment remains firm: Leading with Service – every day, every transaction, and every individual.

But wait – there is more!! I have just launched three new websites!! Again, I owe thanks to my customers and clients (as well as one of the best web designers in the world). I am always seeking ways to better serve folks with their real estate needs – and the people have spoken – and I have listened! The result is three brand-new custom websites as follows:

www.realestatefergusfalls.com – this website is specifically designed to serve the needs of individuals with buying and selling interests specific to the Fergus Falls community.

www.realestateottertail.com – this website is specifically designed to provide information and property listings within the greater Otter Tail County area.

www.ottertaillakes.com – this is perhaps my favorite new site! This site provides a summary of lakeshore residential properties and waterfront currently available for sale in our area. Plus, I have included links to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ‘LakeFinder’ service for all listed lakes located in the greater Otter Tail County region. This website provides not only current lake property listings but also information specific to the lake!!

Looking for a great Walleye lake? NO problem!! How about great sand and super water clarity? You can do all your research at www.ottertaillakes.com. Check it out! A note to lake property sellers: Are you seeing what this marketing opportunity can do to give your listing greater, real-world exposure? (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)

Take a moment to review the above three websites. They are designed for anyone interested in Otter Tail County and Fergus Falls real estate. If there is information you cannot find at one of my websites . . . it is probably because you don’t need it! (just kidding . . . sort of). As always, if you have suggestions to make these great sites even more amazing feel free to drop a line!! Thanks again!

Now, LET’S GET MOVING – before all the great real estate deals are gone!!