Here we are about half way through the month of October and this year is just racing by! It rained, last night, somewhat heavy at times and the wind blew. This morning it remains cloudy and everything is wet. It is a damp and cold as well. We sorely need the rain in Big Bear because that is our only source of water. That and snow. I am hoping for lots more moisture to fill in the lack of it so far this year. We have only had about 17.5 inches of moisture in 2009. Our average is 35 inches and we are way below that. So, bring it on!

If you haven't been to Big Bear lately you need to come up now! The trees are turning color and it certainly feels like fall. There are red, yellow and orange trees all over the valley. It is the closest thing you will see to New England in the fall. The apple and pear trees are loaded this season. I have never seen so much fruit as this year. I have been able to sample many varieties of apples this season and enjoyed them all. Halloween decorations and pumpkins are on many houses and the spirit of Halloween is alive and well here in Big Bear.

I need to mention that my company is hosting a "Pumpkin Patch Celebration" on October 24, 2009 between 10 am and 1 pm across the street from our office at the corner of Highland and Big Bear Blvd. in Big Bear Lake, CA. Hope you can come. We will give away 800 pumpkins plus candy, refreshments, music, and games. So, be there or be square! It is all free, compliments of Century 21 Bonnie Blue.

Either way you need to visit Big Bear this fall season and just enjoy the beauty. There is also the Okterberfest that is on every weekend. I hear it is great this year.

Until next time, BB

It has been bitter cold here in Big Bear, beginning last weekend! I had to break out the winter clothes early this year! I even had to turn on the furnace...and I normally put that off until November, but I coldn't take it so I gave in!

I had decided to put new windows in my home this summer but by the time I received a price and ordered them they didn't arrive until two weeks ago. Then they had to be stained (they were wood double hung Anderson windows) and sealed so by the time they were ready to be installed it was Wednesday of this week and again, bitter COLD! The window people took out several of the existing windows and then took their sweet time installing the new ones. We about froze in the house with the graet outdoors blowing through below 40 degrees. This was exactly what I didn't want to happen. In good faith I ordered and prepared for the windows but mother nature had her way.

By the way, the windows are in and a new sliding door and I really like them. There is still work to be done around them like patching drywall and installing new trim but it is going to look real nice. I can already feel the difference in warmth. The old windows leaked. They were 31 years old so you can't expect them to last forever! I am glad I took the plunge and made some changes. The house appears different to me now and I like it!

It has warmed up today but I know cold is on its way. That little warning the past several days has made me move a little quicker. If you own a place in Big Bear you should be thinking about winterizing...now. If you want to buy a place before winter so you can enjoy skiing or boarding, again, now is the time!

Until next time, BB