Notes from the Narrows

BLESSINGS BOOMERANG

2010-11-30T17:30:00.000-08:00

As we slip deeper and deeper into winter I am reminded of a visit I made years ago to a wood stove manufacturer in Orting Washington. The owner was an older man with a gentle manner and hands like leather from years of working his business. It was cold the day I came so as we talked about a fireplace insert for my home we sat in chairs beside a potbelly stove. He offered me a cup of coffee brewed in a percolator atop the old stove. "Fresh pot", he said.
He patiently explained how the insert would work and because our home was built in 1904 he could make it look like the period and not "modern". (A word he spoke with disdain.) I am sure I spent much more time than was necessary with him that day but it was time well spent.
As I left I noticed a sign on the wall above his desk, it read "BLESSINGS BOMMERANG" . I paused and asked about it. "Have you always found that to be true?" He replied, "Yup...always."
Wisdom, like beauty is all around us, if we notice, This winter as I log on to my computer to comparison shop on Amazon I think of those days and wonder at what we have gained and what we have lost.
While we can't go back. the truth of his sign remains,,,"BLESSING BOMMERANG"...We may not have a potbelly stove...or a percolator...but we can be a BLESSiING to someone.

SHE WORE BLUE VELVET.....

2010-11-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday afternoon and you want to take your best girl out for a soda...no I mean a SODA! You know, poodle skirts, Levis rolled at the cuff, white socks, penny loafers and a London Fog jacket. Cool man! The perfect place to ask her to wear your high school ring...or your wedding ring for another 40 years.

Your looking for Don's Ruston Market on 51st and Winnifred in Ruston. You can almost hear Bobby Vinton singing Blue Velvet as you drive up.

Opened in 1906 at 52nd and Shirley and at this location(due to fire) since 1917 you really need to stop by this "if only the walls could talk" treasure. The food is great, all of the traditional soda fountain faire is there but for me the MAGIC comes through two straws on opposite sides of an old fashioned milkshake, or two spoons working their way towards the center of one banana split.

So when you're going cruising next time, or you want your children or grandchildren to taste their first cherry phospate stop by and meet Don and Beth Torbert who have lovingly operated this gem for the last 28 of the market's 104 years.

MY BAND OF BROTHERS

2010-11-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

The best part of the Seattle Seahawk's game last Sunday came before the game began. A true American hero, Lt Col. Buck Compton, raised the 12th Man Flag. Part of Easy Company, immortalized in the movie BAND OF BROTHERS, honored us all with his presence.

As Col. Compton labored to raise the flag my heart swelled with pride. Almost imperceptibly at first, I found myself standing a little taller, my heels together, hands to my side, fingers rolled I stood at attention inspired and proud as tears ran down my face.

For that moment I was carried back to Vietnam. I stood young and strong, shoulder to shoulder with MY BAND OF BROTHERS. Bravo Company...The Jungle Warriors. Wild Thing, Pfaff, Dum Dum Jug, Owens, French, Littel, Saint, Miegs, Mackay, Doc, Angel, Lt Pena, and so many others to numerous to mention by name here. It is impossible to explain...the bond between us...trust required in no other circumstance. A friendship...no...a love that will remain.

Thank you to all who have served and are serving...you know what I mean.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

2010-11-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hohum...Just another 74 degree November day in Tacoma. I snapped these pictures of our North Tacoma Neighborhood and the Narrows Bridges with Mt. Rainier in the background on my way home from work.

I lived in many parts of the nation in my youth but none holds a candle to our home in Tacoma for these last 40 years.

If you or anyone you know is moving to or from this great South Puget Sound area I would love to help them find the perfect home. Contact me through this Blog or Karin Kay Properties.

THE FIRST TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER!

2010-11-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

THE FIRST TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER is the most important day of the year for the government of these United States.

It is the day when the registered voters of this great nation can most clearly express their love for their families, their belief in the future and their commitment to the unalienable rights, given by their creator, of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I am struck by the beauty and importance of the of the picture to the right. Despite the threat to their lives Iraqi voters turned out by the the thousands to vote in their first free election. Then after voting they wore with pride the evidence, a finger dipped in ink, of having cast their ballot.

The FIRST TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER once again approaches, arguably the most important election day in our country's history. We have no threat to our lives for voting, yet only something more than half of those who could vote, will. Be there....vote!!! Then hold your hand and head high and speak a prayer of gratitude for the privilege of living in these great UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

That We Might Be Adopted: Families of Faith

2010-10-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

That We Might Be Adopted: Families of Faith: "Joy Casey, Adoption Ministry's Director, writes from Ethiopia... Even after wrangling with government officials and regulations that I ca..."

MORE GREAT NEWS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF KITSAP COUNTY

2010-10-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

The top 10 housing markets of the future
By Venessa Wong of Bloomberg Businessweek
A housing market rebound seems tenuous after the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit, and consumer confidence remains weak due to lackluster employment. (Bing: Find the latest consumer-confidence trends)
But David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv, says the bottom is near. Home prices in the U.S. have declined 29.5% over the past four years, according to the Fiserv Case-Shiller Indexes. Stiff says prices should form a trough early next year, when median prices will be down an estimated 32.9% from the 2006 peak. By early 2014, they will have climbed about 7.2% from 2010 levels, according to the indexes. Fiserv and Moody’s Economy.com base the housing forecast on factors that include income growth, demographic trends, unemployment rates, foreclosure rates and construction costs. Of 384 places surveyed, the Bremerton-Silverdale area in Washington state had the highest four-year growth forecast, with prices expected to increase 44.7% from 2010 to 2014. Other leading growth markets: Bend, Ore., where prices are expected to jump 33.6% by 2014, and Detroit, with a 33.1% forecast. Markets with the weakest projections: Miami and Naples, Fla., and Atlantic City, N.J., where prices are expected to continue to fall over the next four years.

Half of First Time Home Buyers have to PAY THEIR CREDIT BACK!

2010-09-09T13:14:00.002-07:00

According to today's article from CNN, nearly half of those who took advantage of the FIRST TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT in 2009 are going to have to pay it back...and the IRS is going to SORT it out. Without making too much of an editorial comment I suggest that if you were one who qualified for and took the credit...check with your tax consultant to see which side of the line you are on. Of the 1,800,000 who took the tax credit the article says that 950,000 will have to pay it back. I know that many in the "Narrows Neighborhood" I serve rushed to buy homes as the deadlines and extended deadlines for the tax credit approached. Had I been eligible I am sure that I would have used it as well.

With the news today from CNN my best advice is to check it out before that IRS mail comes out.

If you are currently thinking of buying or selling a home or need a referral to an expert agent in the area you are moving to please contact me through my blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

My Narrows Neighborhood: #1 and #2 IN THE NATION!!!

2010-08-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

In these days of gloomy news and doomsday predictions I love the opportunity to bring you good news. Whether you are a home owner now or considering a move to this fabulous South Puget Sound area I call the Narrows Neighborhood take a look at this article about our real eastate market from Yahoo Real Estate. http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/housing-markets-that-will-be-strongest-by-2014.

The predictions of 33% to 44% increases in home values by 2014 rank Bremerton/Siverdale and Tacoma the top two markets in the nation.

If you are looking for a place to invest in real estate, develop land ,purchase your first home or find your retirement castle...come to MY NARROWS NEIGHBORHOOD! You can reach me through this blog or at robrieder1946@gmail.com.

THE BEST SOUTHERN FISH AND CHIPS IN TACOMA!

2010-05-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just have a hankerin' for something special to eat! I know I do. Though I do enjoy the many fine seafood restaurants we have in Tacoma I've never been a" lift your pinky" kind of eater. Gimme food that really hits you where you live...and have you noticed that too much time spent on the garnish and presentation makes the price 4 x' s higher.

Hidden away near the corner of South 19th and Martin Luther King sits The Fish House Cafe, an unassuming blue building that is home to Tacoma's best Southern style fish and chips.

My "can't go wrong order" is catfish (Southern Style) and their very own secret dipping sauce. The orders are large so you may have to wait until after your nap to eat that piece of pecan pie you asked for at the last minute.

If you want to watch the ferry come and go this is not your choice, but if down home food and a smile are calling your name, the Fish House Cafe is the place.

P.S. If you're going for lunch, call ahead, you wont be alone.

Inez Glass a Narrows Neighbor of Note!

2009-10-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed over the years to work in one capacity or another with many extraordinary people. Because they neither seek nor receive celebrity status the world at large misses the inspiration of their lives well lived. One such person is a native of University Place, Inez Glass.

When I saw the article in The News Tribune about her life of purpose and sacrifice I wanted to be sure to offer this writer's hearty AMEN! From Army Nurse to Nursing Home founder to compassionate friend of many Inez has lived out her faith and commitment to others daily.

Please read the article and join many of your neighbors whose lives have been blessed by this Narrows Neighbor of Note.

Worthy of Willy Wonka! Tacoma's Proctor District Chocolate Fest

2009-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

OOMPA LOOMPA OOMPA LOOMPA...Its that time again! The third annual Proctor District Chocolate Fest is here. I know, I know, but Rob the diet! Well, I've fallen off of quite a few things in my life I might as well fall off of the chocolate wagon again.

Starting today and running through October 10th you can enjoy chocolate in every form, shade and taste while visiting one of Tacoma's truly unique and historic neighborhoods.

If you find yourself falling in love with the homes as well as the chocolate please contact me through this blog or at Karin Kay Properties . I would love to help you relocate to the Proctor District.

If you could help end childhood hunger in America...wouldn't you?

2009-09-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

These are the last two days of THE GREAT AMERICAN DINE OUT! All across America cooperating restaurants have banded together to help reduce childhood hunger by donating a portion of their receipts.

Most of us dine out at least occasionally. The food will taste even better knowing that you are helping a great cause!

If you are within the sound of my voice the amazing PACIFIC GRILL in Tacoma is the place to be. Home of one of Food and Wine Magazine's top ten new chef's you will savor every item on Chef Gordon Naccarato's menu. Located in Tacoma's wonderful restaurant row at the head of the Museum District and the University of Washington Tacoma campus you can truly make it a magical adventure.

So tonight or tomorrow...EAT OUT WITH A PURPOSE! Join people across the country in the Great American Dine Out.

If you or anyone you know need help buying or selling a home please contact me through this blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

40 years! She's still my Bride! I am blessed!

2009-09-23T12:39:00.001-07:00

Ordinarily I have lots to say about the real estate market...the trends.. the first time homebuyers credit but tonight my thoughts are filled with memories of 40 years ago. That day an undeserving boy from Yakima Wa had all of his dreams come true. I still remember looking down that long aisle and through tears of disbelief the most beautiful girl in the world appeared on her daddy's arm.
Now,40 years, 5 children and 12 grandchildren later I am still that undeserving boy who somehow won the heart of the most wonderful woman in the world. In our courting years I saw glimpses of such grace and strength and faith...the years and trials and joys have only increased the lustre of her beauty.
If I were able at this moment. I would shout from the highest roof top, "Dianne Rieder you have made me the happiest man in the world"...but since it is the middle of the night I believe I will, instead, whisper it in her ear!
Good night my love, may God but grant us 40 more...

DO SOMETHING AMAZING FOR LOCAL FOOD BANKS!

2009-09-14T14:15:00.001-07:00

Karin Kay Properties has partnered with Minder Farms Of Bremerton to sponsor a corn maze for the benefit of local food banks.

The Karin Kay Team will be on hand the week of September 21-25 to help you load your food and toiletry donations directly into the waiting trucks from area food banks. Your donation will earn a $1 discount in the admission price to the corn maze. In addition Minder Farms will donate one dollar of the admission price, in cash, directly to the food banks. The maze is nearly two miles long and can take as much as 45 minutes to complete.

In the meantime, or anytime, if you find yourself lost in the real estate maze and would like help
finding your way out please contact me through this blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

The more things change the more they stay the same....

2009-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Back in the day...the late 1950's...one of the great treats for me was when my family would visit Tacoma, and stay at the home of my mother's college friends the Thompsons. I knew them as Franklin and Lucille and there daughters Marty and Mary. Franklin had been a professor of my mother's at Willamette University years before. Now we lived in Yakima and they had moved to Tacoma where " Franklin" (Dr.T to most) was the President of the University of Puget Sound.

Their brick home, which still stands on the NW corner of the university campus, was a magical place. The stage in the basement theater was the scene of countless original plays written, directed and performed by Marty, Mary, my sister Neena and myself. (Though as memory serves me, I as the youngest was seldom more than a necessary prop in the performances.) There were even secret passages between some of the upstairs rooms.

On really special occasions for us kids we would walk up the wide median of Union Street under the old trees that still form a canopy overhead. On 26th Street we would turn left towards Proctor. Next a mandatory stop at the "Five and Dime" (now Rainier Cyclery) to hand select our favorite penny candy from the bins. Once these treasures were safely deposited into small white bags, we were off to the Blue Mouse Theater (Then the Proctor Theater) for a movie complete with cartoons and a newsreel.

Many Presidents have led the university since then, but the house still stands. Many children have walked the median of Union Street, but the trees still stand. Though many of the tennants have changed the Proctor District looks very much the same. And if you are looking for something special to do this Saturday with your children or grandchildren take in a movie at the Blue Mouse Theater...it's still there.

If the North end of Tacoma is a place where you might like to live please contact me through this blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

Got Blood? Give it! Remember the 9/11 victims.

2009-09-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

I first donated blood in basic training in the Army in 1967. I'm not sure of my motive those first times, I suspect it was because you got the rest of the day off after donation. Soon I was assigned to the infantry and was sent to Vietnam as a radio operator in an infantry platoon. With in a few days I understood the real reason for blood donation. The equation is simple...our bodies make more and some folks, for various reasons, don't have enough.

For the last 42 years I have remained a regular blood donor. I'm no longer in combat but like most of you I have had countless friends who have needed blood or blood products like plasma or platlelets to save or extend their lives.

In Pierce County and South King County blood is provided by Cascade Regional Blood Services .
Established in 1946 they have been a faithful neighbor always ready to meet the needs of the community they serve.

This year as we remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 why don't we all roll up our sleeves and give the gift of LIFE. Please call CRBS today someone needs you!

If you're giggin' for grub in Gig Harbor...

2009-09-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

The beautiful waterfront community of Gig Harbor has many incredible places to go for a great meal...but if what you want is grub with a capital GRR and a view with a capital IEWW ...then you want the TIDES TAVERN . This unique restaurant has been serving up the best of food and good times for over 30 years and has always been a favorite South Sound destination whether you arrive by yacht, kayak, seaplane, foot, car or rickshaw (just kidding about the rickshaw, though I know you'd be welcomed if you arrived in one). Check out their website for a great picture of 7 vintage t-birds parked out front.

If you or anyone you know is needing expert real estate assistance in this area please contact me through my blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

See this "Secret Garden"

2009-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

If you're like me traveling to Bremerton Wa. on SR 16 you may have missed one of the most beautiful and inspiring stops along the way. Elandan Gardens is a "secret" to most people because we're always in a hurry and our life's pace carries us right past the gate before we can even slow down. If you do stop though, as I did yesterday, you are rewarded with a world where time and hurry do not exist. Join the "ancients" in the Bonsai Museum. Browse the endless number of one of a kind items in the gift shop. Or...just walk and breathe in the beautiful gardens with their panoramic waterfront views.

Now with a second location in Gig Harbor you have no excuse. Get in on the "secret" and stop by Elandan Gardens soon!

If you our anyone you know is moving here to the Bremerton, Silverdale or Gig Harbor area Please contact me for expert relocation service at Karin Kay Properties or through this blog.

They gave their last full measure.

2009-09-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you listen carefully you can still hear the planes leaving the deck, fully armed, in search of the enemies of our country. Anxious moments as the ship's crew awaits the safe return of each pilot. Today, four flat tops bob up and down with the tide at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard, like Gulliver tethered to the ground, unable to move. Their missions now complete. But deep within their hulls, if you are still, you too will hear the heartbeat of freedom.

Each day when I come to my office in Bremerton Wa. I am reminded of the tremendous price that has been paid by so many for the freedom I enjoy. I hope that this picture can serve as a reminder of that fact for you as it does for me.

Secure the value of your new home!

2009-09-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

As you search for your new home, pay close attention to the home values in the neighborhoods you like. An important question to ask yourself is "What anchors the value of homes in this area?" A number of items may come to mind such as:
* Schools and Parks
* Scarcity of available homes/ influx of population
* Historical Landmarks
* Proximity to entertainment and shopping
* Views and waterfront
One neighborhood that has met each of these tests for decades is the Northend of Tacoma Wa. Anchored since the late 1800's by The Univesity of Puget Sound, Annie Wright Seminary and Stadium High School this community enjoys countless parks, excellent public and private schools and breathtaking views of Commencment Bay, Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
If you or someone you know is moving to the Tacoma Wa. area please let me help with our excellent relocation service. Experience matters and you can contact me at Karin Kay Properties.

Gig Harbor Washington...It's the lifestyle!

2009-08-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

A happy little gewurztraminer, a seat by "The Harbor" and thou! Life doesn't get any better than that. Whether on the water, at one of the waysides at water's edge or dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants Gig Harbor is the place to be. If you need expert relocation assistance to this Historic Maritime Community please contact me through my blog.

More of John Hogan's "economic green shoots"!

2009-08-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

At the July Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Gig Harbor native and developer of the Uptown Shopping Center, John Hogan spoke optomistically about signs of the approaching end of the recession. Calling them "economic green shoots" he pointed out numerous early indicators that the mood and confidence in the nation was beginning to change.

Yesterday the AP revealed another "economic green shoot". For the first time in a long time there has been a quarterly increase in the index of home values nationwide. Though still nearly 30% below the values in 2006, any sign that the free fall in home prices is slowing is excellent news.

Another very positive sign is the recent increase in inquiries by developers about vacant land in the Gig Harbor area. There is great interest in creating new lifestyle neighborhoods to match the unique Maritime and historic ambience of "The Harbor". One of the very attractive amenities that developers have in their sights is the Cushman Trail. When complete the trail will provide a scenic connection all the way from the Narrows Bridge to the Uptown Shopping Center.

Bordering on the trail, I currently have three different listings with amazing residential development potential totaling over 52 acres. Each is located in the city limits and very nearby all of the most desireable features of Gig Harbor. For more information please contact me through my blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

Oops! Is America's bottom showing?

2009-08-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

It may still be too early to tell for sure but there are signs that the real estate value free-fall is bottoming out. The AP reports today that for the first time in a long time that nation wide home values had a quarterly increase. Though overall the values are still some 30% lower than 2006 we may be beginning the long slow process of revaluation.

As I have mentioned in previous blogs the Bremerton/Silverdale area was not hit as hard over the last three years as most of the nation. In fact Kitsap County Wa is predicted to be the #1 real estate market in the nation over the next ten years.

In answer to the increasing demand in this area for new housing, new neighborhoods and excellent relocation assistance Karin Kay Properties has long been recognized as #1.\

Whether you are planning a move to this area, or are a developer wanting to locate your next project in the most vibrant, growing and scenic area of America please call Rob at Karin Kay Properties.

Bremerton Silverdale Real Estate Market is Number One!

2009-08-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

US News and World Report sure got it right this time. In a recent article this prominent publication confirmed what was already obvious to all who live in or plan to invest in real estate in the Kitsap county area. We are #1!

According to their projections the Bremerton Silverdale area will maintain it's #1 status for the next 10 years. This is particularly good news to those who are planning a long term investment in real estate or who are interested in developing new neighborhoods in a growing and vibrant area.

If this includes you, or if you are a builder looking for land to develop, or a an investor looking for rental properties with a long term up side, or you are moving to this area to find your next home, contact the #1 agency in the #1 area of the nation, Karin Kay Properties!

Blackjack Creek in Port Orchard, Washington

2009-08-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

From its headwaters west of Puget Sound quiet Blackjack Creek flows, almost unnoticed, through fertile farmland and past a bustling new commercial district. Ultimately cascading through a pristine natural wooded ravine, it has spent thousands of years carving in its quest to join the waters of South Puget Sound. The outflow is at the historic waterfront town of Port Orchard, Washington.

Like so many of the environmentally sensitve communities in SW Washington, Port Orchard has an extensive plan for revitalizing its quaint turn-of-the-century downtown district. ( See Kitsap Sun articles, Paint The Town and Port Orchard seeks grant for Blackjack Creek) One of the amenities planned for that development is a walking trail that would meander along Blackjack Creek from the downtown area to the new upper Port Orchard commercial district which is developing rapidly near the intersection of SR 16 and Segwick Rd.

One of the great beneficiaries of this new trail system will be the residents of the Blackjack Creek neighborhood. This is a new planned community of affordably priced homes at the foot of Goldenrod Street and bordering on the forest reserve surrounding the creek. The feel of this community within a community is that you are miles from the hustle and bustle yet only minutes from everything. The sounds enjoyed most by the new neighbors here will be the breeze in the trees and the music of the endless variety of song birds found here.

If you are looking for your new hideaway check out the Maritime Community of Port Orchard Washington and it's newest lifestyle neighborhood Blackjack Creek offerred by Karin Kay Properties (an SDC Homes community)

First words from Rob Rieder

2009-08-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today I feel a lot like our two youngest grandchildren Ella and Ryan. They too are just speaking their first words.

As a Vietnam infantry veteran, graduate of University Of Puget Sound (71) blessed husband of 40 years, father of 5, grandfather of 12 (so far) and real estate professional, someone suggested that I might like to have a blog as a place to exchange thoughts on our life and times.

It is my plan to share information and stories from family, friends, neighborhood and my work which is why I chose the name "Notes from the Narrows" for my blog. I live and work on both sides of the Narrows Bridge which connects Tacoma and Gig Harbor Washington. (Some days I think I can see smoke coming from the Good to Go commuter pass on my windshield.)

I must close for now but in the words of my wonderful bride no matter what the day might bring, "All shall be most well"