A Dr. Seuss Birthday Party, what could be more fun!

Not Jake the Snake or a Nun that Can't Run

Who will be there?  Thing One and Thing Two

Maybe even the Cat in the Hat

But please don't bring the Owl with the Rat 

Bring your Mother, Father, Sister and Brother too

And if you want, Wear Something Blue

Come Rain or Shine

I know you'll have a wonderful time 

Monday, March 3, 6:30 pm
Jacksonville Main Library 

58 Doris Avenue East
Jacksonville NC  28540
Phone: 910-455-7350

 
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

I certainly hope the title of this post surprises you coming from me.  If not, well.....I just don't even want to think  about that possibility.

My grandmother would faint dead away if she even thought a refined, genteel, southern lady like myself would ever utter these words beyond the realms of her boudoir.   

If you have school age kids, you probably already know about this website but it was a fun find for me as I could just imagine how much fun kids had with it,  "The Yuckiest Website on the Internet". 

• There's yucky fun and games  "Whack a Roach" is one
  
  
• Science entertainment - "Ask Wendell"
  
  
• Yucky Gross & Cool Body -" All you need to know about belching, barfing, burping and blackheads"
  
  
• Worm World
  
  
• Roach World
  

If you have boys, I know they'll love this.  Heck, maybe girls will too?

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

I have it from very good sources that  many of you are planning  a move in the near future to Eastern North Carolina and more specifically Onslow County, perhaps Swansboro, Hubert or Jacksonville. 

The reason for the move varies from person to person and family to family

• PCS relocation orders to Camp Lejeune Marine base or New River Air Station
  
  
• Retirees looking for a warmer climate and year round activities
  
  
• Job relocation
  
  
• Desire to be near family or friends

Whatever your reason for moving here.....once you arrive, you will not want to leave. 

The weather here is delightful.  We have four distinct seasons and our winters are usually very mild with little or no snow, sleet or ice.  This chart shows the average lows and highs for each month.

Outdoor activities, especially water related activities are a way of life here.....many of which may be enjoyed pretty much year round.  

January and February are the months when we have our coldest weather but it is not unusual to have January and February days when the temperatures are in the high 60s and low 70s.

The sunrises and sunsets over the water are breathtaking during this season and walks on the deserted beaches are relaxing and invigorating. 

Fishermen and fish lovers look forward to the catches of trout, sea bass, grouper, snapper, bluefish, oysters and clams.

By the end of March,  temperatures are routinely reaching the high 70s and everyone begins preparing their boats for skiing, pleasure boating and more fishing. 

Fish catches during March include Grouper, sea trout, sea bass, bluefish, croaker, snapper, oysters, clams, king mackerel and some yellowfin tuna. 

April brings the beach home owners from Raleigh, Greensboro,Wilson, Goldsboro, Kinston and other North Carolina towns anxious for the arrival of summer.

Restaurants, motels, rental agencies and retail businesses begin to gear up for the busy summer and visitors.

Easter is the official beginning of Summer on the coast of North Carolina no matter what the calendar says or what the temperature may be. 

The catch of the day might include:  Bluefish, channel bass, grouper, snapper, croaker, sea trout, sea mullet, some king mackerel, some oysters, clams or tuna.

May....the tourist have not yet arrived in full force but the weather is warm and the beaches are beautiful and uncrowded, perfect for lazy days on the beach with a good book. 

Fishermen are bringing in catches of King mackerel, bluefish, grouper, flounder, cobia, tuna, shark, sea mullet, crabs, soft crabs, blue marlin, sea bass, wahoo, dolphin and Spanish mackerel.  Some of these varieties are not for eating. 

June means the kids are out of school for the summer.  Local teenagers are working in the restaurants, gift shops, marinas and construction all the while anticipating the end of the day so they can hit the beach for surfing, swimming and fun with friends.

Families from all over North Carolina and adjoining states arrive for their annual beach vacation to soak up the sun and all the activities and events of the area.

So what about fishing in June?   Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, dolphin, wahoo, cobia, king mackerel, bluefish, tuna, summer flounder, snapper, grouper, Spanish mackerel, shark, crabs and soft crabs.  Again some of these are sports fish and not for human consumption. 

If you've never eaten soft shell crab, it is time to try this delicious delicacy.  You'll find them on the menu at most all seafood restaurants....just remember they are only available for a short period of time during the year.

By July, the summer is in full swing and the tourists, vacationers and week-enders continue to enjoy our beautiful beaches and surrounding waterways fishing, crabbing, digging clams, shelling, swimming, boating and walking on the beach.  

Fourth of July celebrations are much anticipated and attended with each town celebrating in their own, unique way.  But of the course, the biggest and best celebration is at Camp Lejeune Marine base.  The Marines know how to celebrate our country's birthday and it is a day long party with something for everyone.

August is our hottest month of the year but with the breeze off the water, we do not get as hot here as the inland areas.   The water and our proximity to the Gulf Stream keeps our temperatures more constant.

Fishing is not quite as good during July and August but the catches are pretty much the same as June. 

September, October and November is Fall at the beach and it just does not get any better than that.

Residents often proclaim Fall is the best time of the year.  No more lines at the restaurants or shops, kids are back in school so the beaches are not as crowded and fishing is at its best!                                                        
Add flounder, spot and speckled trout to the list of fish to be caught.  

December is beautiful on the coast and more and more people are booking houses for their family Christmas celebration on the coast.   Events like "An Evening of Candlelit Shopping" and "Christmas Skate in Jacksonville, NC" keeps everyone entertained and busy.

And there is definitely no better way to get some needed exercise after that huge Christmas dinner, than a brisk walk on the beach! 

I hope this gives you an overview of our weather and what to expect when you arrive in our beautiful part of the world.   

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

 Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

Sorry Mr and Mrs Seller, I hear you and I understand what you are saying but it does not matter   

• How much you paid for your house
  
  
• How much you still owe on your house

• What it appraised for last year 

• How much the repairs and new paint job cost you

• That you replaced all the carpet

• That you have spent thousands of dollars establishing a lawn

• What the tax office show as the tax value

• Your personal situation

The only way to price your home so that it is competitive and will sell is by comparing it to recent sales (no more than 90 days) in your area taking into consideration size, age and features.  

You see, there are quite a lot of homes for sale in Hubert, Swansboro and the Onslow County NC area.  Buyers  expect everything to be in good repair, freshly painted and the lawn established. 

I need you to understand Mr and Mrs Seller that if we overprice your home, Buyers will just move on to the next one.  After-all, there is probably another about the same size, age and with pretty much the same features as yours for sale pretty close by, perhaps just down the street.  

I do sympathize with you and appreciate your position but if we are going to get your house sold, we must throw all these things out the window and concentrate on pricing your house to sell using the CURRENT INFORMATION AND FACTS. 

If you are ready to sell, I'm ready to help you. If you are a military family relocating, I can assist you in locating a professional, trusted Realtor in that area.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

Hello Swansboro and Hubert N. C Neighbors,                                  

Do you know what is going on at your library?  If not you and your children are missing out on the  opportunity to participate in some excellent programs and activities.

The Swansboro library may not be large in size but for what it lacks in size, it makes up for in enthusiasm and passion.  Keep in mind that it is a branch of the Onslow County Public Library System and has access to all of the resources of the system.

There are events for children, teens and adults.  Some are weekly and others are special one time events. 

Mother Goose Time – Thursday 10  to 10:30 AM

A weekly program for children up to 3 years with their caregivers.  Rhymes, music and songs provides entertaining stimulation story and play time

Pre-School Story Time – Tuesdays  11 to  11:30 AM

A weekly story time for children 3 to 5 years without their caregivers.   An opportunity for children to discover the wonderful world of books and experience independence.

Kids Creation – 1^st Thursday of each month – 4:30 to 5:30 PM.

An hour of after school entertainment for school age children includes books, stories and activities.

Let’s Talk About It – Thursday , March 6 at 7 PM

An adult discussion time featuring the children's books Dragonwings by Lawrence Yep and The Giver by Lois Lowry.  Call or stop by the library to pick up copies of the books.

Upcoming Special Events

American Girl Tea Party – Saturday March 29, 10 – 11 AM

Girls in grades 2 to 5 are encouraged to participate in a special tea and craft party in honor of the beloved American Girl book series.

Pamlico Joe in Concert – Tuesday April 15 at 11 AM

Pamlico Joe and Clean Water Flo will present a concert featuring singing, guitar, bongos and more.  An exploration of ways to keep our land, water and air safe and clean in a common sense way.   

A Taste of Iraq for Kids - Thursday April 10 at  6:30 PM                                

Celebrating Diversity Month and Month of the Military Child, the Onslow County Public Library invites school age children  to meet Major Lee Suttee, former USMC Civil Affairs Chief in Ramadi, Iraq, to experience Iraqi culture as well as ask questions.

Many of the community children are from Camp Lejeune military families who have or have had a parent in Iraq. 

Though they may not voice their questions and concerns, these children have many unanswered questions about the place their parent is or has been.   This is a marvelous opportunity for them to learn more about Iraq, its people and culture.  

For more information call the library 910 326 4888 

More articles about the Onslow County Libraries

• Swansboro, NC Library Events January 20-26, 2008 (history of library is included) 
• Free Family Events in Onslow County, N C 
• Onslow County NC Summer Activities for Kids

  
  

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

What do you do for a cough that just won't go away?  I'm feeling a little under the weather...not terrible just not quite up to par.  So I after I got the little one down for the evening, I decided I would go to bed early myself.  After all, a good night's sleep should have me back good as new in the morning.

As soon as I lay my head on my pillow, it started "hack, hack, hack".  I head to the medicine cabinet for cough drops..pop one in my mouth and pile a nice, big stash on the nightstand and lie back down.  "Hack, hack, hack", ok I think to myself not enough time for the cough drop to work... give it a little more time.  "Hack, hack, hack", pop another but I suspect by now this is not going to solve my problem.

Ok, maybe if I elevate my head.  Get up, round up extra pillows, stack them on my pillow and lie (it's more like sitting) back down.  "Hack, hack, hack".  Give it more time, I tell myself "hack, hack, hack".  No, this isn't working either.

I remember I have a sample the doctor gave me for coughs, now where is that..I remember it's sealed in a small  white blister pack.  Get up, back to the medicine cabinet in my bathroom...can't see it there, climb on a stool to get a better view of the top shelves (I'm 5'3 1/2" on my tall days).  Nope, it's not there.  

Off I head to the hall bathroom.  Ah, there it is.  Now to the kitchen for a glass of water to wash it down.  I'm feeling better now because I know this is going to cure the "hack, hack, hack" and let me get some sleep.

Back to my bed, remove the stack of pillows leaving my one favorite one (the contour) and I snuggle in.  "Hack, hack, hack".  Ok, I think to myself it does take a while for a capsule to dissolve and do its thing.  All the while, "hack, hack, hack".  5 minutes pass I'm still coughing, 10 minutes still going.  Maybe if I take a deep breath each time I feel a cough coming on.  Inhale............"hack, hack, hack". 

Well, this isn't going very well.  I look at the clock, I took that pill 30 minutes ago and still no relief from this cough.  

Looks like it's going to be a sleepless night in Hubert, I might as well go blog. 

The Hem of His Garment is a Thrift Shop supported by the White Oak Ecumenical Outreach Ministries which is composed of several local churches in the Swansboro, North Carolina area.   

The Hem is located at 724 W. Corbett Avenue in Swansboro, N C.

The hours of operation are 10 A.M to 4 P.M Tuesday through Saturday.  Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For those making donations, there is a drop off area in back where items may be left at anytime. 

However, if you would like or need a tax receipt, you will need to drop off your donations during regular business hours when there are staff members available to assist you.          

The variety of available items is beyond anything I have seen at any other thrift shop.  The prices cannot be beat. All items are in no less than usable condition but most are in good to excellent condition and sometimes you will even find new and unused items. 

I, personally, bought a sofa and 2 chairs (for less than $100) which I had reupholstered and they look like new.  I definitely have more money in the fabric than the furniture.  

The clothing is unbelievable, especially baby and children's clothes.  Much of it is boutique quality/name brand and appears to have been worn very little.   

• Clothing - for men, women, children & babies
• Furniture - sofas, chairs, tables, lamps, pictures
• Baby items - cribs, strollers, highchairs,  car seats, etc.
  
• Toys- bikes, dolls, action toys, educational toys, etc.
• Books of all kinds
• Dishes and cookware
• Appliances - Large and small
• Curtains, bed linens, kitchen linens
• Holiday decorations
• Hats and accessories
• Jewelry
• Craft related items
• Yard tools
• Much more                                                                                                              

The Hem is more than a Thrift Shop, it is a ministry dedicated to helping those in the community who need assistance. 

Local grocery stores and bakeries provide bread, rolls, muffins etc. free of charge to anyone visiting The Hem who choose to accept them. 

Please remember The Hem of His Garment when you have items you no longer need or want. It is true that "one man's trash is another man's treasure".

Perhaps one of the reasons The Hem has such a wonderful array of items is because we have so many wonderful Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station military families  who must relocate often.  Many times these families elect to donate many items instead of moving them.   

Also, keep this wonderful Thrift Shop in mind when you are looking for items for your home, family members or yourself.

I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety, quality and unbelievably low prices at The Hem of His Garment. 

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

 Military families who are eligible and choose to live off base are provided with BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing). 

This is a tax free allowance which is a valuable portion of military personnel’s benefit package.

According to a recent report from the Department of Defense, BAH has just been raised to help families with their housing expense.  This is definitely good news for military families as prices of fuel and food continue to rise. 

Several factors are taken into consideration and used in the equation for the BAH but basically the allowance is determined by:

•  E, W or O class

• Assigned location
  
  
• National and/or regional housing costs – (residential vacancies are also taken into consideration)
  
  
• Number of dependents

For Camp LeJeune Marine Base and New River Air Station in Onslow County, North Carolina …

•  E-1 now receive $848.00 per month
  
  
•  O-7 receives $1472.00 per month
  

 
With today’s rates a military family buying a $150,000 home in Onslow County, North Carolina and a 5% down  payment, the monthly payment would be approximately $975/month.  

These rates and monthly payments make home ownership a realistic goal for military families relocating to Camp LeJeune Marine Base and New River Air Station in Jacksonville, N C.

 
If you have received orders to Camp LeJeune or New River and are interested in looking into buying a home in Onslow County, please contact me.  I will help you find the perfect home and location for you and your family. 

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

Graphics courtesy of ClipArt.Com 

If you are relocating to Camp Lejeune Marine Base in Jacksonville, N C or to the Onslow County area or maybe you are a resident of the Hubert, Swansboro  area and you are ready to make a move, you will be looking at neighborhoods that will suit your family and life style.  

Have you always dreamed of living on the water? 

How would you like to wake up in the morning, look out at your bedroom window and see a graceful Great Blue Heron wading in the water and then glide away across a clear, blue sky?  

How about walking out onto your dock and fishing for your dinner?

If that sounds inviting to you,  a neighborhood you will want to check out is the Kingsbridge II Subdivision in  Hubert, North Carolina where those dreams can come true.

Kingsbridge II Subdivision is located on Queens Creek which is a breathtaking and serene setting for the lovely homes.  This is a small, intimate neighborhood with only one street.   Each lot/house is either on the waterfront or across the street from the creek.  

The subdivision is conveniently located approximately 10-12 minutes to the back gate of Camp Lejeune making it an ideal location for military families relocating to Camp Lejeune Marine base in Jacksonville, N C  

The neighborhood is a wonderful mix of retirees, young families, empty- nesters and  some singles.  Here you see residents walking their dogs, pushing baby strollers and kids riding bikes.    

Residents take pride in their homes, yards and gardens.   

There is a keen sense of community.... neighbors look out for each other in this wonderful, little Hubert, North Carolina subdivision. 

The community building, located at the Kingsbridge II boat dock/lanch is under construction and scheduled for completion by early Spring.  Residents can launch their boats, fish from the dock or have a barbecue.

    Here is a  waterfront home for sale -( 204 E. Ivybridge Dr., Hubert N C - )  The average square footage of the homes on the creek is approximately 3,000 sq. ft.

This is a new home under construction  on the waterfront  (230 E. Ivybridge Dr., Hubert N C ).  The average price of the waterfront homes is approximately $450,000.00. 

This is a waterfront home which recently sold 

 Another recently Sold Waterfront home

   Home on Queens Creek

 The average square footage for the homes across from the creek is 1,800 sq. ft.

The average price of the homes off the water is $225,000

 This neighborhood is served by the Swansboro school district, perhaps the most desired school district in Onslow County. It is approximately a 10 minute drive to the schools, Queen's Creek Elementary School, Swansboro Middle School and Swansboro High School.

 A quiet, serene and beautiful waterfront neighborhood, convenient to schools, shopping and Camp Lejuene Marine base...  yes.....that would be Kingsbridge II Subdivision.  

For more information

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone. They do not reflect or express the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by ActiveRain and its Members..

A friend emailed this to me and it is just too funny not to share. Is Valentine's Day the right day to share this? Yes, I think so.

Guys, share this with your ladies if you dare...they will really appreciate that you "get it". Are you ready? I now present to you "The Man"!

Military families looking for a economical family vacation, I have the solution for you.  Does your family enjoy the  beach?  Fishing?  Camping? 

Onslow Beach at Camp Lejeune North Carolina is open to military personnel from all branches of service and at  a very reasonable price.

Onslow Beach is 11 miles of gorgeous, undeveloped ocean front beach where you can reserve a beach unit, or a camp site for RVs or tents.

If you have never visited the beaches of Eastern North Carolina, you are in for a wonderful treat. 

The weather is wonderful with warm, sunny days as early as May.  The beach season goes through the Fall which many consider the very best time of the year for fishing and shelling.  

Average water temperatures

May - 69 degrees

June - 77 degrees

July - 81 degrees

August - 82 degrees

September - 80 degrees

October - 72 degrees

Active duty military personnel at Camp Lejeune Marine Base, New River Air Station and Cherry Point Marine base may reserve lodging and campsites at Onslow Beach 20 weeks in advance. 

Retired military, active duty military and reservists from any station of any U. S Armed Forces may make reservations 8 weeks prior to arrival.  There is a limit of 2 units per authorized user.

There are 74 beach units available for a nominal fee and are staffed year round. The units are well equipped with   

•  Stove & Refrigerator

•  Microwave

•   Pots/Pans/Dinnerware/Flatware

• Alarm Clock

•  Coffee Maker (We do not provide coffee or filters)

•  Broom/Dustpan/Mop/Bucket

•   Linens & Blankets

•  Bath & Dish Towels

•   TV, DVD Player & Basic Cable

•  Small Fire Extinguisher      

• Fishing Pier
• Miniature golf course
• Conference rooms
• Pavilions with restrooms
• Convenience store
• Picnic areas 

Payment is due within 14 days of booking.  Credit cards are accepted. For more information and to make reservations call 910-450-7502 or visit the website

For those who enjoy camping, there are 41 RV and tent camping sites with

• Cable
• Water
• Power
• Bathroom/shower/washer & dryer facilities
  

A short drive into Jacksonville will take you to a variety of restaurants, shopping, banks and entertainment.

I hope you will take the opportunity to visit Onslow Beach and enjoy the beautiful weather, sandy beaches and all that the wonders of nature have to offer.

See you at the beach! 

 
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

In Eastern North Carolina we love our festivals.  Once Springs arrives one can attend a festival most every     weekend from May through December. 

Each town has their own special celebration, some which have been in existence for many years and others which are relatively new.

Swansboro, North Carolina  boasts several festival each year but the one that kicks off the summer and tourist season is the"Arts by the Sea and Story Telling Festival" which is held in June each year on the waterfront. 

The date for the 2008 festival is Saturday, June 14, you'll want to mark your calendar now to attend this fun day in Swansboro.

June on the coast of North Carolina is perfect.  The average high temperature is 85 with an average low of 65 and there is always a breeze off the water.

The waterfront provides a picturesque setting for the festival with the beautiful old buildings that are home to the  shops and restaurants who open their doors to welcome all visitors. 

There are many wonderful antiques shops, boutiques, gift shop and toy stores which offer unique and exciting finds for the browser and shopper.  

"Arts by the Sea" is a fine arts and crafts excursion which draws artists  from all across the state of North Carolina as well as some from Virginia, South Carolina and other neighboring states.  The variety of art and crafts is a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.

Another added attraction at the festival are the illustrious story tellers who come from far and wide to spin their yarns ...often time about pirates who once roamed and looted the Town of Swansboro and all across the coast of North Carolina. 

These story tellers are delightfully entertaining, humorous and educational for adults and children.  

Locals and visitors will enjoy a day filled with beautiful artwork, crafts, stories, food and entertainment. 

The kids are not forgotten...face painting, pony rides and other carnival rides and games provide additional fun and pleasure for the younger set.

If you would like additional information you may Email: swansborofestivalcommittee@yahoo.com or call at 252-286-5001.

Remember, it's Saturday, June 14--"Arts by the Sea and Story Telling Festival" in Swansboro, North Carolina...you don't want to miss it.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

Lola Audu's group Blogger's Choice Group has invited us to bring back some of our old posts.  Our reason for bringing back the post could be.....

1. We did not feel it received the exposure it deserved
   
   
2. We felt there was a message worth sharing again
   
   
3. We just enjoyed the post and wanted others to enjoy it also

My reasons are Numbers 2 & 3.  Since I wrote this post, back in August 2007, most of us have experienced a decline in business activity.  If that rings true with you, this post might help brighten your day....I hope so.

The idea for this blog came to me yesterday as I was responding to a comment by  Jo-Anne Smith on a post , Dog Days of Summer Fishing , I posted a couple of days ago.  Jo-Anne asked me if we had scallops in my area.  That question caused the light bulb in my brain to illuminate.

I don't know how many of you remember  the real estate market during the 1980s--but according to my parents-it was bad.  Interest rates were 18% and my Dad's building/development business was struggling. It was a difficult time for anyone in real estate related businesses.   There was not a whole lot of building going on and he was sitting on several spec houses with construction loans with  exorbitant interest rates.  The bank had to be paid every month as you would expect.

My Dad owned heavy equipment and trucks and thanks to that, he was able to pick up some work to keep the bank at bay and food on the table.  One of the jobs that came his way was digging out, removing and hauling scallops shells from a fish house.  He was not very happy about using his equipment to dig out the smelly shells but work was work. So he dug out the shells, loaded them on a dump truck and hauled them.  At the end of each day, he washed the truck and backhoe trying to wash away the smell as best he could. 

When the job was complete and he presented the fisherman with the bill,  the man told my Dad he did not have the money to pay him but would like to pay him in scallops!  Yes, my Dad came home with many pounds of scallops.  Mom prepared and froze the scallops.  

 Now my Mom is a resourceful woman and an excellent cook but there are only so many ways to prepare scallops. Believe me she tried each and every method and recipe she could find.  It seemed we ate scallops 5 to 6 times per week and if there was a dish on the table we did not recognize, we immediately suspected that it was scallops in disguise.  You can bet we were not sad to see the last of the scallops. It was a long time after that before any of us ate scallops again.   

 Maybe times aren't as bad as you think, when was the last time you were paid in scallops?                                   

 Photos courtesy of Flickr

Here's your chance to be a tv star!  Well, maybe that is a stretch.... but you could be in a new reality show featuring  racing car team competition.                               

On Saturday, February 9 a pilot for a new reality show, to air on a major cable network this Fall, is taping at Coastal Plains Raceway located off US 258 between Jacksonville and Richlands in Onslow County, N. C.

Extras of all ages are needed and encouraged to be at Coastal Plains Raceway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All the details are in a story by Amanda Hickey as reported in the Jacksonville Daily News.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

Camping provides a time to relax, explore and enjoy the natural beauty of an area.

The wonderful climate, waterways and beautiful land of Hubert, Swansboro and surrounding areas make this area a popular destination for campers who enjoy

• fishing
  
  
• swimming
  
  
• kayaking/canoeing
  
  
• hunting
  
  
• beach combing/shelling
  
  
• bird watching
  

• sailing/motor boating

There are several camp grounds which provide excellent camp sites. The facilities and rates vary from camp ground to camp ground depending on the location and services provided.

The map locates the listed camp grounds. Click on the balloon for the name, location and phone number of each.

1. Waterway RV Resort - Is located in Swanboro on the Intra-coastal waterway on 28 acres. It has over 300 hook-ups.
   
   
2. Buttons Mobile Home Park - Is located in Hubert, N C near Bear Creek
   
   
3. Hewitt's Camp Ground - Located in Hubert just off Highway 24.
   
   
4. Camp Ocean Forest - An oceanfront camp ground in Emerald Isle on Bogue Banks---2008 reservations will be taken as of March 1, 2008
   
   
5. Holiday Travel Park - On the ocean in Emerald Isle... 5 star rating for recreation and camping facilities
   

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone. They do not reflect or express the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by ActiveRain and its Members..

Hubert, North Carolina is a marvelous place to live and raise a family.  The climate is mild, the area is surrounded by beautiful waterways which provide wonderful water related activities, the beaches are clean and uncrowded and it is convenient to an airport, an interstate highway and Camp Lejeune Marine base.

 Did I mention vegetation?  Our mild climate and growing season is conducive to growing beautiful vegetables  and plants including POISON IVY

Are you familiar with poison ivy?  It is an innocent looking plant that seems to make its way into the most unlikely areas. 

Poison ivy consist of 3 leaves with the middle leaflet having a much longer stalk than the two sides ones.  The leaflets can be smooth or toothed and can vary tremendously in size from less that 1/2 " to over 2".  

It climbs, creeps and can grow into a bush.   Poison ivy can be deceptive because in different seasons, it takes on different colors.

• In the spring when poison ivy makes its appearance the leaves are a reddish color
• Come summer the leaves turn green 
• And in the fall they become shades of yellow, orange or red  

Living in this area, it is smart to learn and recognize poison ivy.  It is the most common allergy in the country with half of the population sensitive to the "urushiol oil"  of the plant.    The oil is extremely potent and only 1 nanogram (billionth of a gram) is need to cause a rash.  Only 1/4 ounce of urushiol is needed to cause a rash in every person according to the Poison Ivy organization.

There are many remedies--home remedies, over the counter products, prescription drugs and injections.  Studies show that everyone seems to react slightly differently to the remedies and while one may be the miracle cure for one person, it may offer very little relief for another.   

My advice -- learn to identify poison ivy, keep your distance and if you do make contact with it....wash the area very thoroughly with hot, soapy water as soon as possible.  

Another tip - Make sure to clean all garden tools thoroughly that may have come in contact with poison ivy, the oils can remain on the tools for a long time and infect someone later.

Come enjoy the beauty that our wonderful area offers, just beware of the Poison Ivy!    

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..

Meliissa Grant is keeping us busy with her challenges.

Earlier in the week, I met the challenge to find a "Hidden Gem in the Rain...Are You Up to the Challenge" and introduced you to Cait Donohue in my post "May I Introduce You to the 'Hidden Gem in the Rain' I Discovered"?

Now here I go again in response to another challenge issued by Melissa to write a post about "The Defining Moment /Profound Moment in Your Career" telling why we do what we do.

It took me a while to arrive here... I took the scenic route instead of the interstate.

I graduated from college with a degree in psychology with no clue of what I wanted to do.  

The next few years were a time of "growing up" by trial and error (lots of errors- I should add).

I lived in Charleston, S. C, Tennessee and then back to North Carolina.  Some of the jobs I held were receptionist, executive job placement agent and a mortgage loan processor.  

It was when I was pregnant with my little one that my Mom suggested that I take a real estate course.  I think she realized something that I had ignored..... "real estate was in my blood".  After all, I grew up in a family owned and operated development/construction business.

From the very beginning of my real estate career and  for the first time in my working life, I felt like I was where I  belonged and was doing what I was meant to do.  It was a "fit".

Why do I do what I do?

• Buyers - I love that I can help my Buyers with perhaps the most important and expensive decision and purchase of their life.  I love that they trust me, depend and rely on me and my expertise.  I love the looks and words of appreciation and satisfaction when the deal closes and they are the proud owners of their dream home.

• Sellers - I love that my Sellers trust me to price, market and sell their beloved home.  I love walking through their home and yard with them and hearing the stories about their time and adventures  there.  I love the hugs of appreciation when the sale closes.  I love that I helped my fellowman.

• Builders - I love working with them... choosing plans and building lots and planning a house or project.   I love that they trust and respect my opinion and ideas.

• Mortgage loan officers - Having worked in the mortgage business, I understand what they need and expect from my clients and me.  I love to be a step ahead of them and get them what they need before they ask for it.  I love their surprise and appreciation.

• New houses - I love the construction process.... watching the house come out of the ground, the walls go up, the roof go on, the mechanicals go in and the process of finishing with drywall, paint, trim, cabinets, etc.

• Homes for Sale - I love showing houses to an excited family and hearing them talk about where they will place their furniture, what room each child will have and where they will put their Christmas tree.  I love their enthusiasm.

• Education - I love learning how to improve my business, better serve my clients and the real estate industry.

• Flexibility - As a divorced Mother, the flexibility is very important to me.  I love that I do not have to punch a time clock and that I can plan my work around my family and its needs. 

• Independence - I love the freedom to make decisions, create my own marketing plan, make my own appointments and just take care of business in my own way. 
  

• Fellow agents - I love working with fellow agents and being a team player.  I love the respect, trust, professionalism and shared goal of taking care of our clients.

• Feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction - I love that my job gives me joy, fulfillment and a sense of worth. 

• Opportunities - I love the opportunities that my job in real estate presents to meet new people, make new friends, work with other professionals and participate in community activities. 

• Active Rain - I love that I stumbled upon this real estate site, that I have met so many wonderful people and shared in their successes and disappointments.  I love that members are willing to share their time, knowledge, support and expertise. 

What other profession offers all this?   I cannot imagine myself in another job.  After all, real estate is in my blood!

 
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189     Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone.  They do not reflect or express  the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by  ActiveRain and its Members..