PUMPKINS for SALE

FALL IS HERE...cool breezes abound....and pumpkins are ablaze. This is my shameless "plug" for my church's pumpkin sale. Each year our front lawn is full of pumpkins of all shapes and colors...long neck gourds...even teeny little pumpkins. We are Memorial Drive United Methodist Church located at 12955 Memorial Drive...just west of Beltway 8...you can't miss us!! You will be happy to know that all the proceeds go towards our Youth missions.

SO...gather up the kiddies, your neighbors, your grandparents....whomever...and come pick out your table decor or your soon-to-be jackolantern!! Bring your cameras....there are lots of opportunities for fun family photos.

GIVE ME STRENGTH....AND PATIENCE

Summer 2010 has been difficult for home sales, to say the least. Though Houston has not experienced the devastation of huge price declines in the market the way other big cities have, it certainly has found a deep plunge in home sales this summer. July housing sales sank 26% from July 2009. The government is scratching its head trying to figure out the best way to help in this arena. They have used tax credits, mortgage modification programs, low interest rates, government backed loans and other assistance intended to keep values up and delingquent borrowers out of foreclosure. The goal was to stabilize the market until a resurgent economy created new households that demanded places to live. There are ongoing discussions about the next step...so stand by.

In the meantime, sellers are finding frustration in the market place...even though they are located well, priced well and look great. It's the nature of the beast, at the moment.

Things will turn around....it just doesnt seem to be in "our timing". Have faith. This great country has had a few "speedbumps" over the past few years, but we will come out of this in a fresh new way...and better than ever.

GET READY FOR FRIGID WEATHER!!!

Houston Metropolitan area has an artic blast coming through. Please be prepared...I'm sharing the information from Texas Department of Insurance that I received from First American Title. Please take time to read through and be prepared. Beez

"Texas weather can change quickly, especially in winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temps to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas and pripes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring thorugh your home. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture by taking a few simple measures.

Before the freeze:
1. Protect faucets, outdoor pipes and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags or plastic foam.
2. Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid os on tight.
3. Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
4. Drain and store water hoses indoors.
5. Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
6. Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
7. Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
8. Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and baths to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
9. Set your thermostate at a minimum temp of 55 degrees, especially when you're away for more than a day or so.
10. Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
11. Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and hot to turn it on and off.
12. If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
13. If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for insitructions on protecting your water heater.

If your Pipes Freeze:
1. If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or it it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been prepared.
2. If the pipe hasn't burst, that it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
3. Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If you have a Loss:
1. Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas' promp-payment law.
2. Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renter policies pay for property repair. Most polities pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
3. Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim in you make permanent repairs before adjuster inspects the damage.
4. Most homeowner policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your home is unoccuped unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain from plumbing, heating and A/C systems.

QUESTIONS?
Call TDI's Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website:
www.tdi.state.tx.us Assistance is available in English and Spanish."

STAY WARM...STAY SAFE!