Thoughts From A Frog......

People come and people go, but one thing remains the same. You can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand. In the Real Estate business it may be even fewer than that. The longer I am around Real Estate the less I find that people are able to surprise me.


Remember the story about the scorpion and the frog? No? In brief, a scorpion approaches a frog sitting by a stream one day and asks him to take him to the other side. The frog declines, expressing his concern about being stung. The scorpion promises the frog that he will not sting him and promises to protect the frog from the dangers awaiting him on the other side of the stream. Against his better judgement the frog agrees. Halfway across the stream the scorpion stings the frog. As his body becomes numb from the poison the frog asks the scorpion why he would do such a thing? The scorpion replies, "I'm a scorpion. It's what I do. I can't change what I am".

They both drown.

The moral of the story? Don't ignore your instincts. You have them for a reason-survival. Had the frog listened to his instincts he wouldn't have drowned in the middle of the stream.

Beware the scorpions who you will encounter throughout life. It is simply impossible to avoid them altogether. They come in many shapes and sizes and speak with a velvet tongue. They are not happy unless they are causing another pain and misfortune. Some people (scorpions) will sacrifice anything and everything to bring another (frog) down, even their own well-being. Scorpions may know the consequences, and not care, like the one mentioned above, or may, through vanity and denial, refuse to see the consequences.


In any event, the effect is the same: something--a life, a partnership, a friendship--ends as a result.

To all of the frogs reading this article, listen to your instincts. They will keep you from harm.

To all the scorpions, your day will come. You will eventually sting a frog that will take you down with him.

Busy (and HOT!!) Weekend Ahead

There is so much going on in Eastern Madera County this weekend it's going to be tough to fit it all in!! Here's the lineup:

Saturday:
-27th Annual Flea Market and Rummage Sale at the Oakhurst Community Center 9am to 3pm
-Sierra Mountain Quilters Quilt Show at Yosemite High School

-Paso Robles Wine Festival Road Trip
-American Cancer Society Relay for Life at the Wasuma School in Ahwahnee
-Oakhurst Home and Garden Show in the Oakhurst Community Park
-Spring Wine Trail Adventure-Madera Wine Trail
-Rummage Sale-Sierra Star Parking Lot, Oakhurst. Benefits the Harry H. Baker Boys & Girls Club

Sunday:
-Sierra Mountain Quilters Quilt Show Continued
-Relay for Life continued at Wasuma School in Ahwahnee
-Oakhurst Home and Garden Show continued in the Oakhurst Community Park
-Blood Drive, Yosemite New Life Church of the Nazarene, Junction Drive, Oakhurst

Here's to a wonderful weekend!!

Record High Temps Expected This Weekend

A strong high pressure system will build over California this weekend. Temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley and for us in the foothills will reach triple digits. Near record temps of 102 to 110 are expected both days.

If you have outdoor plans this weekend remember that mountain streams and rivers, although appearing cool and inviting, will be flowing swift and cold from snow melt. Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to use extreme caution near streams and rivers.

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Whenever possible stay in the shade or in an airconditioned room. Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.

Keep an eye on your children and pets. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED IN YOUR VEHICLE. Make sure your pets have access to plenty of shade and water.

Notices of Default Drop

Foreclosure Radar reports in their April foreclosure report that Notices of Default dropped 18.2% in April from the record level in March. Notices of Trusee Sale also dropped by 8.5%. Properties taken to auction rose 35%, representing over $6 billion in loan value.

The number of foreclosures sold to third parties increased in April to 1,634, a 52.3% increase over March. This figure represents only 12% of the total, with 88% of foreclosed homes going back to the lenders.

Relay For Life This Weekend

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is happening this weekend, May 16th and 17th, at the Wasuma School in Ahwahnee. This is a 24 hour event as cancer never sleeps. Gates open Saturday morning at 6am. Click here for a complete schedule and event list.

For further information contact Becky Morris at Oakhurst Medical Group 559-658-6400 or Christine Dragoo at Community Medical 559-683-2992.

Century 21 Ditton Realty Announces Top Agents for April

CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty would like to recognize Scott Runtzel, Julie Gerken and John Bortz for their outstanding sales performance in April. They have been listed in the top 100 agents for the Sierra Nevada by Century 21.

Way to go!!

One Less Rattlesnake In The World

Mother's Day at our house was a peaceful event.....until we found the snake.

My inlaws showed up a bit early for the bar-b-cue so they could walk around and enjoy the flowers and roses that my husband and I have been laboring over. There is one particularly beautiful rose bush on the west side of the house that my husband wanted his parents to see. I walked with them and then went to sit by the pool with the dog. Within a few minutes my husband came back around to the pool area ushering his parents and urging them to return to the house. When I shot him a questionning glance he mouthed to me "Rattlesnake", not wanting to set off any panic. Once his parents were safely inside he donned heavy jeans and boots and went in search of a shovel.

My curiousity (and skepticism) over the snake got the better of me so I went to have a cautious look. I walked by the damned thing at least four times and never saw it. My husband showed up with the shovel and saw where I was standing. He exclaimed "Get out of there!! It's right in front of you!!". I looked again, but didn't see a thing. Nor did I hear the fabled "rattle". By now I was beginning to think that he was seeing things.

I went into the house and kept his parents company for a while. After about 10 minutes I went to check on my husband. I found him standing over the snake (now in two pieces) right outside our bedroom window...... right where I had been standing and looking.....right where I had been standing just the day before tending to my roses in my bare feet.

So, he hadn't lost his mind after all.

Now, let me just say that I have never been afraid of snakes. I grew up swimming in Lewis Creek among water snakes. There were always gopher snakes, kings and garden racers around the yard. I have heard over and over the stories of people finding rattlers on their porch, under their kids toys in the yard, in their garage, etc. I guess in some weird way I thought that my lack of fear made my yard somehow unattractive to the rattlers. Well, my yard has been breached by the enemy and it has freaked me out!!

Later that evening I went outside to entice the cats in for the night. Our youngest, Stuart, refused to cooperate and instead went running down the bank into the weeds and brush. Prior to our little snake incident earlier in the day I would have followed him and rounded him back toward the house. That night I decided that he was on his own....I could picture rattlesnakes lying in wait for me everywhere.

Yesterday, Monday, my husband got home before I did. He changed into his t-shirt and shorts and headed outside to water the garden. Two steps out the door he saw a snake lying on the patio. Fortunately, this snake was only a gopher snake, although a pretty big one!! He sprayed him with the water hose and sent him slithering into the flowerbed.

So, to the snake gods, I apologize for not taking you seriously. Your message has been received and understood and I appreciate the fact that it did not include a trip to the hospital. I will no longer traipse around in the flowerbeds of my yard barefoot, nor will I walk around the yard at night barefoot. I will always look before I reach (and carry a sharp instrument). I will get my dog her rattlesnake bite vaccine and make sure that her yard is kept clear of excessive growth.

And I will spread the word to those far and wide to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes. They are ever present, even when we can't see them or hear them.

Have You Thanked Your Mother?

This Sunday is Mother's Day so don't forget to take a few minutes and reflect on how much your Mom has done for you over the years.
Think of all the laundry, skinned knees, meals, help with homework, shoulder to cry on, helpful advise, fashion advisor, bed making, field trip supervising, slumber party hosting (to name a few) hours that the woman has put in over the years. All because you are the apple of her eye.
Don't forget to call Mom on Sunday and thank her for all of the wonderful things that she has done.

CIE Wakeboard Championships

The CIE Spring Ride attracts wakeboarders from all over the country to celebrate the kickoff of each wakeboarding season. In its 5th consecutive year, the CIE Spring Ride continues to host the biggest double-up contest on the West Coast for professional wakeboarders, a raffle giveaway with thousands in prizes, a sanctioned boat audio contest, a meet-and-greet atmosphere for riders and, this year, a rail slide jam at dusk.
The 2009 event will be hosted at the Pines Resort on the majestic Bass Lake. This new venue offers improved accommodations for Spring Riders with more parking, more dock space, twice as many rooms, more dining options and a friendly, professional staff.
Spring Ride V will attract some of the biggest names in Wakeboarding to compete for thousands in cash, as in previous years.
Following the double up contest and rail jam, CIE will begin raffling off thousands of dollars worth of wakeboarding gear, clothing, boat audio equipment, wakeboarding instruction and a lot more. Two lucky Spring Riders will also have a chance to spend Sunday morning with a professional rider. Wakeboarding manufacturers like CWB and Hyperlite will be onsite with 2009 products for you to demo. Boat manufacturers will also be onsite to show their latest wake-creating machines.

Elegant Auction a Success

The Elegant Auction, held April 25th at the Pines Resort at Bass Lake, raised over $40,000 for the Oakhurst Community Park.

The annual auction is the sole source of funding for the park.

Welcome Back Roberta!!

Century 21 Ditton Realty is pleased to announce that Roberta Watt has rejoined the company. Roberta has many years of experience in Real Estate. She will be working out of the Oakhurst office location.

Yosemite High School Top Grads to be Honored

The 23rd Annual paul and Martha Pitman Awards and Banquet will be held this Thursday, May 7th at the Paradise Springs Bella Pavilion, 52770 Road 632, Oakhurst. Festivities begin at 6:30pm. For more information contact Rima Runtzel by email at RimaR@stcg.net.

Rain Won't Stop the Anglers or the Cowboys

The wet weather may put a damper on some plans this weekend but it sure won't slow down the Bass Lake Fishing Derby or the Coarsegold Rodeo. Both events are happening this weekend, May 2nd and 3rd. Put on your rain coat and have some fun!!

Another Possible Case of Swine Flu in Valley

The paranoia is spreading. Someone walked into my office this morning wearing a germ mask. Store's across the nation are being cleaned out of hand sanitizer and face masks.

A young woman employed by a Porterville convelescent hospital has been identified as a possible swine flu victim. Tests have been sent to the state for confirmation.

Again, here are some simple tips to protect yourself and others from this deadly virus?

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Avoid contact with other sick people.
• Avoid any unnecessary travel to Mexico.
• Avoid the emergency room if you are not ill. ER's are being swarmed by healthy people looking for Tamiflu. Stay away from the ER's if you are not sick!!

Wet Weather Expected for Weekend

After a considerable lull in the rainy season it looks like it's not over yet!! A storm is forecast for this weekend, beginning with showers on Friday afternoon, with heavy moisture expected through Sunday. Rainfall totals are expected to reach upwards of one inch in portions of the Central Valley, foothills and mountains. This will be a warm air storm so snow levels will be above 8,000 feet, with significant snow expected above 9,000 feet.

If you're planning on attending the Bass Lake Fishing Derby or the Coarsegold Rodeo this weekend, take your raingear!!

Waterfalls in Yosemite Flowing...For Now

The warmer weather has increased snow melt and spring runoff in Yosemite Valley, making the waterfalls a majestic site. However, they won't be majestic for long so if you are planning on a waterfall viewing trip to the valley, do it soon. The lack of rain and snow in the higher elevations means we're in for a long, hot summer and very little water in local streams and lakes.

Swine Flu Creeping Closer to Madera County

There has been a recent report of a Visalia area child possibly infected with Swine Flu. Test results have been sent to the state for confirmation. It would seem that this deadly illness is creeping ever closer to Madera County.

The symptoms of Swine Flu include:
Runny Nose
Sore Throat
Coughing
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of consciousness, ending in death

If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms get yourself to a doctor immediately. Please limit your exposure to the public by staying home from work or school. This illness is spread person to person through coughing and sneezing.

No Swine Flu in Madera County....Yet

Although there are no reported cases of Swine Flu in Madera County at this time, local health care providers are preparing for patients. California has 11 confirmed cases of Swine Flu, 1 in Sacramento, 5 in San Diego County and 5 in Imperial County. There are a total of cases as of today in the United States.

Health officials are urging "that all non-essential travel to Mexico be avoided." Cuba has already banned all flights to Mexico.

There are some basic steps we can all take to minimize our risk of becoming ill.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you become ill, do everyone a favor and STAY HOME FROM WORK. If your child becomes ill, keep him or her home from school.

Oakhurst Town Hall Meeting

There will be a town hall meeting tomorrow evening, April 28th, at the Oakhurst Community Center, from 6pm to 8pm. Topics will include an update on Oakhurst area projects, general discussion on District 5 issues, updates on local cleanup efforts and a presentation by Vulcan Materials on their proposed rock quarry project. This town hall meeting is hosted by Tom Wheeler, Supervisor District 5 and the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Talking Bear Gets a Face Lift

Work has finally begun on restoring the world famous Talking Bear. Local artist Linda Field has generously donated her time (in between her two jobs) to restore the mountain area's beloved historical landmark.

"I just want to give a little back to the community", stated Field.

The Talking Bear has been the most recognized landmark in Oakhurst since the 1960's. Over the years, the poor bear has been terrorized by taggers and vandals. Victorian Village owner Brad Ditton is planning on installing a webcam. "Maybe if we put the old guy on camera people will respect him a little more."

The webcam will have a live feed which will be accessible through the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce website.