Retha Arrabal

Good morning A/R ~ It's been a wild week, and I want to share a wonderful experience. Kent County High School First Induction into the Hall of Fame was this weekend. Dan Zottarelli, who has coached for years at KCHS spearheaded this event, with the help of a wonderful committee. Below is my daughter, Christyl Leigh Arrabal (in green) and Jamie Larrimore Fleetwood, PHd, both All-Americans in Field Hockey, and Christyl holds All-American in Lacross as well. Both are successful professionals who apply the lessons they learned from sports to other aspects of their life! Congratulations to both Jamie and Christyl.

Although these two girls are famous in MY life, among the other inductees were Ira "Dude" Smith, and Ryan Thompson, both graduates of Kent County High School who went on to play professional baseball

for many years. It was a wonderful event -- full of family, friends, coaches, administrators -- Warm stories were shared - and it showed again what a wonderful place Kent County, Maryland and Chestertown is to raise children in.

Thanks to Zot (Dan Zottarelli) and the committee again for a great job! Kent County is very lucky to have such great quality educators.

Today -- at the General Membership Meeting there was a lot of D&G (doom and gloom) and bless her heart, Dinah Riordan of Chase, who is an amazing loan officer and wonderful resource for the Eastern Shore of Maryland sorta put it into perspective. We can sit there and complain, or seize this as a great opportunity. The $7500 tax credit for first time buyers (and that means if they haven't bought a home in the LAST THREE YEARS... which was news to me), of course, the lower prices, great rates.. It truly is a great time to buy.

It's important to remain positive, although (I struggle with it) it's sometimes hard to do -- but Dinah had a good point. We can sit here complaining or make hay while we can. It's a great opportunity!

Remember the three P's: Professional, Positive and ProActive....

Happy Friday tomorrow everyone!

We hopefully are experiencing an upswing in the market. One of the listings was shown 5 times in one day, almost UNHEARD of lately. We are noticing more activity despite the negative news (that seems to have slowed as well)... Oil prices have dropped, and I'm sure this has something to do with it.

Our area features many water access communities such as Rock Hall, Worton Creek Marina, Chestertown, Galena and Georgtown, etc. The boats are coming out, after a long summer of not much activity. The tourists are back (thinking 2nd homes) I'm optimistic that we are seeing a gradual upwards swing...

How about in your area? Tell me what is going on in your area?

Every Wednesday (unless Christmas falls on a Wednesday) Dixon Sale Barn has their auction, over 20 acres and a huge warehouse just full of things to sell People bring their "trash" which becomes someone's "treasures". The items are all auctioned that day. You must make arrangements to pay by check or credit card, otherwise, cash is due at the time the auctioneer says "sold" There are helpers to get your treasures to the car. Despite the fact there are antique dealers, it's amazing the deals that can be made.

And then, inside the warehouse are Amish vendors who sell wonderful butter, cheeses, bacon, bread, you name it. There is a restaurant that is available for a great breakfast and lunch, and you can take home a delicious baked chicken, absolutely mouthwatering. (Be sure to order one early, they run out quickly.)

In Chestertown be sure to check out Antiques on Cannon, stroll along High Street, visit The FInishing Touch, Carla Massoni's Art Gallery, enjoy a visit to Stams Drugstore for an oldfashioned soda and/or ice cream. Rachel's Flower Power, recently written up in Maryland Magazine has amazing flower arrangements, bromeliads, and fun jewelry. If you are getting hungry, The Feast of Reason features homemade breads for delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, or visit Play it Again Sam for coffee, tea or a glass of wine to be enjoyed in a comfy coffee house setting or out in the courtyard. There are wonderful B&B's in Chestertown, the Widow's Walk Inn, Brampton's, Laureteum or the ever popular Imperial Hotel.

Enjoy any of these places and much more in Chestertown, and stop by The Hogan's Agency in Historic Stams Hall and say hello.... or maybe I will see you at Crumpton at the sale. Remember on the First Friday of every month, the Downtown Chestertown Association welcomes you from 5:30 to 8:00 with refreshments, art exhibits, musicians and entertainment. August 1 is The Dog Days of Summer. Bring your dog, enter the contests, have a "Pawtrait" done of your animal, all free, but donations are welcome for the Humane Society of Kent County.

Think Pawsitive.....

Chestertown is quaint, historic, a wonderful place to live, a wonderful place to retire to. Probably best known for it's Memorial Day celebration, The Tea Party, but fine dining and fine lodging is available at The Imperial Hotel, located in the heart of the historic district, on High St. Steps to the dock at the foot of High St., the ambience of the Front Room, and the Tuscany Room is wonderful.

The food is outstanding, thanks to a wonderful creative chef, and there are wine tastings offered weekly at a reasonable price ($12.00 per person) which includes wonderful cheeses and breads. I'm one of their biggest fans and Joe Dolce, part owner and manager, has kindly provided me with the following menu (and permission to reprint it) Please come and enjoy... if you can stay a night or so, you won't be disappointed in the amenities and the service is outstanding! Happy hour is daily 4 - 6 in The Front Room, terrific apps and drinks by the outstanding bartender, Paul. Enjoy great conversation and music. Hope to see you there! .

Lots to see and do in Chestertown... for more information, check out www.chestertown.com