Warmest wishes for holidays with those you love. Today I'll share my favorite things: Harbor Towers Condominiums on Siesta Key; Christmas in Washington, DC, and New York City (with photos!), and "paying it forward during the holidays" stories.
Siesta Key’s Harbor Towers is a lovely gated community on the Intracoastal Waterway with resort-style amenities: two pools, boat docks, outdoor grilling area, new fitness center, on-site management and rental office, elevators, security, and large party room. Reduced Price! Unit 217 is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo, can add washer and dryer. Has some updates and view of the intracoastal. 5585 Midnight Pass Road #217. MLS #A4400165. It's my listing so call me if I can set up a showing for you to see. It is priced at $380,000 and won't be on the market much past January when our snowbirds get back to town.
Paying it Forward: Today I stopped in Steak and Shake and sat at the counter by the cash register to surprise three unsuspecting customers. My inner Scrooge was in check, I thought, because we would have a milk shake to go after lunch, a reward for doing good deeds. A well-dressed blonde first came up to the register to pay. “Excuse me, ma’am,” I said, “may I take care of your check as my Christmas gift to you?” She was surprised and thanked me, and I said, “Just pay it forward,” and she said she would. I thought how meeting people is so much better than paying it forward in line ordering at the drive-through.
A few minutes later, an elderly Hispanic lady came up to pay, but she did not quite understand what I was trying to say, so the cashier explained. Puzzled, she shrugged and nodded, and then her family came up to join her. I thought I was going to have to unload a load of switches on Scrooge who mumbled, “Lordy, and how much is THIS trip going to cost us?” It was so nice that the entire family graciously thanked me and Scrooge. A little later I realized what a blessing to observe Grandma taking her family out for just $35. I thought about my own family, a bill that would have been $85 at least, and half of the food would have been wasted, maybe a thank you, maybe not.
Next to walk in and sit beside me on one of the counter stools was my own pet sitter who commented about the $5 sitting on the counter. “This one’s for you, my dear!" I was able to surprise a dear friend this holiday season with a chocolate mint shake.
New York, New York! Photos below! I began my trip on December 8, in Washington, DC, where an old friend and I first drove past the White House Christmas tree. The weather was frightful, but the traffic was delightful! We went by Amtrak to New York where we stayed at the Hampton Inn in Times Square and literally walked everywhere! Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, NBC, and Macy’s. We saw the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall; the musical Waitress; the monologue rehearsal for Seth Meyers and tried to get tickets for Jimmy Fallon but we were 88 and 89 in line for the wait list...34 on the standby wait list got in. Took the subway to the last stop on the east side and walked Wall Street and saw the 911 Memorial. See photos below! We decided that the best way to plan our next trip is to first get tickets to Jimmy Fallon/Seth Meyers and plan our flights and hotel stay around those dates.
My book, “Motion to Intervene” is being edited by the publisher and should be out this summer. Editor said she is cutting out the romance because this is about real estate. Oh. darn. Realtors need to have fun, too!
Enjoy your holidays, be safe, please don't text and drive, don't drink and drive, and thank you for reading my blog!
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley
Realtor, GRI, Michael Saunders & Co., Siesta Key
www.LindaHrealtor.com
LindaHrealtor.com/blog
941-914-4914
Rockefeller Plaza Ice Skating Rink
Macy's, W. 34th St. New York, NY
Christmas Tree, Rockefeller Plaza
911 Memorial
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