Holiday Whimsy

The whimsical Blue Dog art of George Rodrigue

Holiday Wishes to My Neighbors

Wishing you peace, joy, health and happiness
this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

When the Bow Bends...............

Early morning along a Pine Brook sidewalk............

Decorating Assistance from Mother Nature

A Request On Behalf of Your Taller Than Average Neighbors

I was reminded tonite as I took our dog, Kelsey, for a walk that I have to be careful in certain areas where neighbors haven't trimmed their tree branches over the sidewalk up high enough. When there are leaves on the trees you can see to dodge the branches. But when the leaves are off and it's dark out, it gets hazardous.

I know the township has regulations, but all I ask is that we show our neighbors the courtesy of trimming high enough to avoid any potential eye damage to us walkers.

If you have a neighbor that doesn't have the tools or the ability to trim theirs, please offer to help. The last thing we want in the neighborhood is an accident that can be avoided.

On behalf of us taller sidewalk walkers - "thanks".

Special Announcement - Hidden Park Playground Delayed Two Hours This Morning

Water Pressure Saga Continues

Nothing better than a little controversy to wake up a neighborhood. The saga of PAWC’s water pressure increase continues. Thanks to all who have gotten involved. Sometimes we need to speak up, have our concerns understood and to "push back". And as Yogi Berra says, "it ain’t over till it’s over".

Hampden Twp Construction Work At Treatment Plant

Guess I still have a lot of "little kid" in me. I'm still fascinated with trucks and playing in the dirt. A couple of weeks ago I was on a walk down Lamp Post and out the bike path and came upon some "big boys toys" down by the treatment plant. Hampden Twp is redirecting some of the "stuff" to another treatment site and this work is all part of the new pipeline being laid.

Often Overlooked But Always Appreciated

Our Pine Brook Civic Association leadership and several volunteers deserve way more credit than they often receive. I'm guilty of not saying "thank you" often enough. I'm always reminded of the investment they make when I drive by the entrance at Orrs Bridge and Lamp Post - especially during the holidays when the decorations go up - welcoming neighbors, visitors and passersby to our great little community within a community.

My personal thanks to all who contribute their time and energy to make our neighborhood a joy in which to live.

The Neighborhood and Our Creek from the Carlisle Pike

Morning of 12/7/08

Morning Sunrise Over the Conodoguinet 12-5-08

New Listing in the Neighborhood

As is often the case, as soon as I post an update the list changes. Since I just posted the update yesterday and my intention is to "refresh" the list bi-weekly I didn't want this new listing to wait that long. Just listed today: 3802 Candlelight Drive - $314,900

Current Real Estate Sales Activity Update

It's Beginning To Look..........

.....very holiday-like throughout the neighborhood. I took a walk Saturday evening and am impressed with the decorating that has already taken place. If you have a picture of a favorite decoration, please send it to me at guy.brunt@century21.com and I'll post it for all to enjoy. Thanks.

Thanks

Keeping the Neighborhood Clean

We're blessed with a beautiful neighborhood and good neighbors that take care of it. There are always opportunities to keep it looking great - things that take little effort - just thought. One suggestion - we have a wealth of walkers throughout the neighborhood. Many of us are already prepared to accommodate this suggestion - we carry plastic bags to clean up after our critters. Others will require a little initiative - to take a plastic bag along with you on your walks. The second and most important thing we need to initiate is stopping, bending at the knees or from the waist to reach down, snatch and bag that piece of trash we encounter along our journey. I'm not yet a conscientious "trash picker-upper" but have had the light go on intermittently as I pass that same smashed beer can for the 3rd or 4th time in the week. I smack myself - pick it up - put it in the bag I carry for walking Kelsey and dispose of it properly when I get home.

If you get the newspaper delivered, the bags are free. If you don't and you embrace this approach, ask a neighbor to share their newspaper bags with you. One caution - please don't pick anything up that looks hazardous. Please be careful.

If we'd each just pick up one piece of trash each time we walk, think of the difference we can make. Together we can maintain and even enhance our beautiful neighborhood.

Our First Snow 2008

Overnight our neighborhood turned to "Black and White"

(these are color pictures)

Somethings Are So Predictable

Our neighborhood has its share of joggers, bike riders and walkers (with and without their 4-legged companions). We have an opportunity to meet and greet our neighbors if we happen to be outside when one comes by. But there are two periods during the year that we increase the odds of connecting with the neighbors - Fall leaf clean-up and immediately following any measurable snow. Then we all come out - usually Sunday afternoons before Monday's leaf pick-up or the morning following a snowfall. These are times when you'll often see neighbors pitching in to help neighbors. Times when relationships are built and others rekindled. This is what a neighborhood is all about.

(the photo above was taken this Fall. The identity of the "raker" is not being revealed in order to protect the "innocent" - or in this case the "not so innocent")

Fall Color

What's the Real Estate Market Like In Our Neighborhood? (data as of 11/18/08)

One thing we're all interested in is the relative value of our homes and our neighborhood. To help you have a better sense of that I will periodically publish the sales activity for our neighborhood as reflected in the Central Penn Multi List. Please note - this data will not include information on homes "For Sale By Owner" - only those listed through a Realtor and published in the Multi List. If anyone attempting to sell their home themselves would like to be included in my list of homes for sale, please forward the information to me and I'll gladly add it to my updates.

If anyone would like additional information or has questions about any of these properties, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Pine Brook Fall Colors

Welcome Neighbors (Past, Present and Future)

Ahhhh, Pine Brook!!!!



If you once lived or currently live here you understand what I mean. As one of Hampden Township's older developments we have matured into a cozy, friendly and desirable neighborhood of 400+ homes. My wife and I have lived here since 1985 and have enjoyed every minute of it.



The intent of this blog is to share our collective appreciations for our little niche in Cumberland County. The purpose is that this be a blog for all of us where we can share thoughts, observations, images and information about the neighborhood. Initially I'm asking anyone with input to the blog to share that with me via e-mail (guy.brunt@century21.com) for posting. Depending on the volume of input I will consider opening the blog to direct input from all.



One regular feature of this blog will be periodic updates to information on houses for sale or recently sold in Pine Brook. As a Realtor I am often asked what a house down the street is listed for or what another one sold for. We all have an interest. It gives us a sense of value for our own homes and our neighborhood.



So, please visit the blog often and send your comments, images and information to me to share with all readers. Thanks. I hope to see you in the neighborhood soon.

Blog Under Construction.

Please stop back to check for updates. Thanks for your patience.