Early Start

Making his daddy proud.

There is nothing like getting an early start in life!

Pending Home Sales Record Low

Gee I wonder why? Maybe because most homes on the market look like this?

Foreclosures, foreclosures, forclosures

The California market is saturated with foreclosures. I swear the only way one local newspaper stays in business is through foreclosure listings.

Leaving the Nest

We have had a hummingbird nest in our backyard, and it has been pretty neat to watch the progression from momma bird building it, sitting on the eggs, to the babies now leaving the nest just today.

What do you wish your parents had told you before you left the nest? What words of wisdom will you give your own kids?

My wife's dad used to write little notes on her new credit card accounts when they came in the mail, like, "I wouldn't if I were you," or, "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go."

My dad was creative and taught me how to run a business, and for that I will always be thankful to him. He owned a pattern company, and when I was a teenager I would work for him, and he would have me make phone calls to his "important" customers, basically his friends. I would get so nervous, but it taught me a lot and I'll never forget it.

Take time for your kids. You will never regret the time you spend with them, and neither will they (even though they might pretend to).

Fido for President

If dogs could own homes, they would make much better homeowners than humans. I'm sure they would be more responsible with their money too, and there would be no housing bubble. Just think, if a dog could be president...

• You could trust their word because dogs are extremely loyal.
• Dogs are friendly and powerful negotiators with their puppy dog eyes.
  
• Dogs are excellent judges of character.
• Dogs like to lick people and wag their tails and make people happy.
• Dogs don't take crap off of bad guys.
• Who would you trust to have your back? Clinton? Obama? McCain? Or your dog?

I pick my dog.

Be Happy

Living within one's means:

Santa Barbara Style.

This little house is being dwarfed by a huge McMansion style house. I know nothing about the individuals who occupy - or will soon occupy - either house. Let me just say, I would rather have for a neighbor the homeowner of the humble house who cares enough to put up a wood-carved sign with their family name on it and some scattered potted plants than most of the people who could afford or pretend to afford the larger house. Either way, success is not evil and I hope that the homeowner of the large house chose this neighbor for the same reasons.

Wherever you live, take care of what you've have been blessed with. Someday you may have more, or you may have less. As much as you plan, save, and work, the future is not guaranteed and it can change in an instant. There will always be some economic crisis for somebody somewhere. Make these the happiest days of your life, because they just might be.

Take Your Medicine

My wife is a nurse and always comes home with interesting and funny stories for me. The other night one of her confused patients didn't want to take their medicine and told my wife, "I don't want no son of a b____ medicine!" My wife replied, "That's okay, I don't have that kind of medicine for you." The confused patient considered this statement, and it made sense, so they took the medicine.

That's what I imagine the homeowner of this foreclosed house said about the sign, "I don't need no son of a b____ for sale sign!" To which the realtor replied, "That's okay, we know you're screwed so go ahead and pitch it in the flower bed."