Crime in Hillsboro



For everyone who can't understand why I moved here -- check out this link:  Hillsboro Police Report

It's kinda like living in Mayberry.  For those of you who are too young to remember the old Andy Griffith Show, take a look:   Crime Mayberry Style



For everyone who can't understand why I moved here -- check out this link:  Hillsboro Police Report

It's kinda like living in Mayberry.  For those of you who are too young to remember the old Andy Griffith Show, take a look:   Crime Mayberry Style

Life Is Like Coffee



When I went into the Real Estate business I put a lot of thought as to what I wanted to be known for in this business:

• Cut throat competitor (uh.... no)
• Top of the heap (if I can do it without sacrificing what's important to me like time with family and friends, volunteering, spiritual grown, etc.)
• Hard worker (yes)
• Honorable (yes)
• Knowledgeable (yes)

You get the picture.  What was my mission statement going to be?  After much thought I came up with "I don't want to sell you a house -- I want to help you find a home."

It's turned out to be a good one.  While I love the opportunity to see all kinds of high end houses, and even sell a few, what I enjoy the most is seeing that "click" when someone realizes they've found the house that best fits their family's needs.  They've found their HOME -- not just a house.  It's not about how extravagant it is -- it's about how it feels, and the life they can picture there.

With all that in mind, please view the video.  I'm going to watch it again while I have my second cup of coffee from a mug I got at my favorite thrift store.  Enjoy.

http://www.flickspire.com/m/DailyEnergize/LifeIsLikeCoffee



When I went into the Real Estate business I put a lot of thought as to what I wanted to be known for in this business:

• Cut throat competitor (uh.... no)
• Top of the heap (if I can do it without sacrificing what's important to me like time with family and friends, volunteering, spiritual grown, etc.)
• Hard worker (yes)
• Honorable (yes)
• Knowledgeable (yes)

You get the picture.  What was my mission statement going to be?  After much thought I came up with "I don't want to sell you a house -- I want to help you find a home."

It's turned out to be a good one.  While I love the opportunity to see all kinds of high end houses, and even sell a few, what I enjoy the most is seeing that "click" when someone realizes they've found the house that best fits their family's needs.  They've found their HOME -- not just a house.  It's not about how extravagant it is -- it's about how it feels, and the life they can picture there.

With all that in mind, please view the video.  I'm going to watch it again while I have my second cup of coffee from a mug I got at my favorite thrift store.  Enjoy.

http://www.flickspire.com/m/DailyEnergize/LifeIsLikeCoffee

A Favorite Book by a Favorite Author

Barbara Kingsolver has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read The Poinsonwood Bible.  She's written a new favorite -- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, this book (released May 2007) tells the story of how her family was changed by one year of deliberately eating food produced in the place where they live. Barbara wrote the central narrative; husband Steven's sidebars dig deeper into various aspects of food-production science and industry;  and daughter Camille's brief essays offer a nineteen-year-old's perspective on the local-food project, plus nutritional information, meal plans and recipes.

In the book you'll read a lot about CSAs -- Community Supported Agriculture.  Check out her web site to find out more.  It's an idea whose time has come for Highland County

http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/

Barbara Kingsolver has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read The Poinsonwood Bible.  She's written a new favorite -- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, this book (released May 2007) tells the story of how her family was changed by one year of deliberately eating food produced in the place where they live. Barbara wrote the central narrative; husband Steven's sidebars dig deeper into various aspects of food-production science and industry;  and daughter Camille's brief essays offer a nineteen-year-old's perspective on the local-food project, plus nutritional information, meal plans and recipes.

In the book you'll read a lot about CSAs -- Community Supported Agriculture.  Check out her web site to find out more.  It's an idea whose time has come for Highland County

http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/

CHURCH LADY COOKBOOKS

Another thing I love about living in the country is easy access to Church Lady Cookbooks.  For the unenlightened, the official name for these would be fundraising cookbooks, and they don’t even necessarily have to come from church ladies.  However, with that being said – most of the recipes DO seem to come from, well…. Ladies who attend church.  If you have ever lived in a rural area, I don’t have to explain this phenomenon.  For those who haven’t, allow me to enlighten.

A group wants to raise some money, so self publishes a cookbook made up of recipes from it’s members.  Here are some “rules” that identify a church lady cookbook:

·         They are held together by plastic spiral binding.

·         There is a “queen bee” who everyone knows is the best cook around and tries her recipes first. 

·         At least 30% of the recipes must contain some sort of cream-of-something soup.

·         Potato chips are not a snack – they are a topping.

·         Even though a number of the church ladies submitting recipes are also farmers’ wives, very few fresh ingredients are used.

·         This is what is meant when someone refers to “stick to your ribs” food

·         It seems a majority of the recipes must contain name brand ingredients, i.e. “CAMPBELL’S Cream of Mushroom Soup”

·         This is no place for low calorie recipes

·         The recipes range from the sublime (Crème Brulee Cheesecake Bars) to the ridiculous (Velveeta Cheese Fudge).

Hopefully I haven’t given the impression I’m making fun of these gems – I am NOT!!!  I own approximately 20 of them.  The most prized belonged to my mother, and grandmother before me.  The best are covered with stains from a young girl first beginning her love affair with cooking.

My favorite recipe from one of these books is for Cherry Pudding  Cake.  My mother made it for special occasions.  I hope you enjoy it.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) water-packed pitted tart red cherries, well drained
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• Whipped cream or ice cream, optional

Directions

• In a bowl, combine flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, milk and oil; pour into a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. In a bowl, combine cherries, food coloring if desired, extract and remaining sugar; spoon over batter.
• Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings.

In my hometown of Winchester, Suzy Copas is the “queen bee” whose recipes are the most coveted.  The house in the upper left hand corner of the blog belongs to her.  If you want to see if Suzy’s kitchen is the magic ingredient you need to turn you into the village’s best cook, just let me know.  It’s now on the market.

Another thing I love about living in the country is easy access to Church Lady Cookbooks.  For the unenlightened, the official name for these would be fundraising cookbooks, and they don’t even necessarily have to come from church ladies.  However, with that being said – most of the recipes DO seem to come from, well…. Ladies who attend church.  If you have ever lived in a rural area, I don’t have to explain this phenomenon.  For those who haven’t, allow me to enlighten.

A group wants to raise some money, so self publishes a cookbook made up of recipes from it’s members.  Here are some “rules” that identify a church lady cookbook:

·         They are held together by plastic spiral binding.

·         There is a “queen bee” who everyone knows is the best cook around and tries her recipes first. 

·         At least 30% of the recipes must contain some sort of cream-of-something soup.

·         Potato chips are not a snack – they are a topping.

·         Even though a number of the church ladies submitting recipes are also farmers’ wives, very few fresh ingredients are used.

·         This is what is meant when someone refers to “stick to your ribs” food

·         It seems a majority of the recipes must contain name brand ingredients, i.e. “CAMPBELL’S Cream of Mushroom Soup”

·         This is no place for low calorie recipes

·         The recipes range from the sublime (Crème Brulee Cheesecake Bars) to the ridiculous (Velveeta Cheese Fudge).

Hopefully I haven’t given the impression I’m making fun of these gems – I am NOT!!!  I own approximately 20 of them.  The most prized belonged to my mother, and grandmother before me.  The best are covered with stains from a young girl first beginning her love affair with cooking.

My favorite recipe from one of these books is for Cherry Pudding  Cake.  My mother made it for special occasions.  I hope you enjoy it.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) water-packed pitted tart red cherries, well drained
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• Whipped cream or ice cream, optional

Directions

• In a bowl, combine flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, milk and oil; pour into a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. In a bowl, combine cherries, food coloring if desired, extract and remaining sugar; spoon over batter.
• Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings.

In my hometown of Winchester, Suzy Copas is the “queen bee” whose recipes are the most coveted.  The house in the upper left hand corner of the blog belongs to her.  If you want to see if Suzy’s kitchen is the magic ingredient you need to turn you into the village’s best cook, just let me know.  It’s now on the market.

Guys Who Wear Carhartts

Yesterday I stopped at a gas station and decided to check the oil on my car.  Only trouble was (and you can’t imagine how I hate to admit this) I couldn’t get the hood open. Let me add here it was cold, snowy, and windy.   Literally within minutes two guys come over to see if they could help.  They were wearing Carhartts.

For those who have never lived in a rural area, let me attempt to explain Carhartts.  They are WORK clothes.  They are NOT in any way, shape, or form intended to be a fashion statement.  They are functional, practical and sturdy  -- much like the people who wear them.     Believe me – I mean this as the greatest of compliments.

You can trust a guy (or a woman for that matter) who wears Carhartts.  They aren’t going to rob you, or ask you for a handout.  As a matter of fact, my heroes wouldn’t even hear of it when I offered to pay them for their help.  They got the hood up, pointed out what the problem was (the latch needs some WD40), and I was able to make my listing appointment on time.

I like living in an area where Carhartts outnumber mock turtlenecks approximately 6000 to 1.  To me it indicates a strong work ethic, common sense, and an appreciation of function over form.  It means I live in an area where neighbors help friends, and even complete strangers, when they can.  So to my heroes Jerry and Chad a heartfelt “thank you”.   I’m sure glad you’re the kind of guys who wear Carhartts.

Yesterday I stopped at a gas station and decided to check the oil on my car.  Only trouble was (and you can’t imagine how I hate to admit this) I couldn’t get the hood open. Let me add here it was cold, snowy, and windy.   Literally within minutes two guys come over to see if they could help.  They were wearing Carhartts.

For those who have never lived in a rural area, let me attempt to explain Carhartts.  They are WORK clothes.  They are NOT in any way, shape, or form intended to be a fashion statement.  They are functional, practical and sturdy  -- much like the people who wear them.     Believe me – I mean this as the greatest of compliments.

You can trust a guy (or a woman for that matter) who wears Carhartts.  They aren’t going to rob you, or ask you for a handout.  As a matter of fact, my heroes wouldn’t even hear of it when I offered to pay them for their help.  They got the hood up, pointed out what the problem was (the latch needs some WD40), and I was able to make my listing appointment on time.

I like living in an area where Carhartts outnumber mock turtlenecks approximately 6000 to 1.  To me it indicates a strong work ethic, common sense, and an appreciation of function over form.  It means I live in an area where neighbors help friends, and even complete strangers, when they can.  So to my heroes Jerry and Chad a heartfelt “thank you”.   I’m sure glad you’re the kind of guys who wear Carhartts.

Yes -- we have snow here

As a matter of fact, we have all four seasons.  Aside from having to drive in the stuff I wouldn't change a thing.  While many retirees seek year round warm (and then in the summer HOT) weather, I don't find it a fair trade-off for seeing the seasons change.  Here are just a few of things I love about living where there are four seasons:

Because I’m a bit of a fashion addict – Shorts and flip flops are great, but I really wouldn’t want to give up wearing sweaters, jackets, boots and scarves.

If you’re a kid – Sometimes it snows so much school is cancelled.  Also, in my humble opinion, no child should miss out on jumping in a pile of leaves, swimming in a lake, or catching fireflies in an open field.

It gets quiet – Sounds in the background include crickets, bullfrogs, and the occasional tractor or barking dog.

It gets dark – If you have lived your life in the city, you may THINK you’ve seen the stars.  You haven’t.  There’s what they call light pollution, and it makes the stars pale by comparison.  Come to the country and you’ll see what I mean.

If you’re into sports – Besides the organized sports, there’s both water AND snow skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking and boating all within 45 minutes from where I live.

It’s like you get to live in four different places.  Stay put and watch the view out your window change.

Then there’s the scenery – I’m simply not willing to give up the sight of the colors of fall, jonquils in the spring, and the sight of the first tomatoes ripening on the vine.  Or a scene like this one in my back yard.

As a matter of fact, we have all four seasons.  Aside from having to drive in the stuff I wouldn't change a thing.  While many retirees seek year round warm (and then in the summer HOT) weather, I don't find it a fair trade-off for seeing the seasons change.  Here are just a few of things I love about living where there are four seasons:

Because I’m a bit of a fashion addict – Shorts and flip flops are great, but I really wouldn’t want to give up wearing sweaters, jackets, boots and scarves.

If you’re a kid – Sometimes it snows so much school is cancelled.  Also, in my humble opinion, no child should miss out on jumping in a pile of leaves, swimming in a lake, or catching fireflies in an open field.

It gets quiet – Sounds in the background include crickets, bullfrogs, and the occasional tractor or barking dog.

It gets dark – If you have lived your life in the city, you may THINK you’ve seen the stars.  You haven’t.  There’s what they call light pollution, and it makes the stars pale by comparison.  Come to the country and you’ll see what I mean.

If you’re into sports – Besides the organized sports, there’s both water AND snow skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking and boating all within 45 minutes from where I live.

It’s like you get to live in four different places.  Stay put and watch the view out your window change.

Then there’s the scenery – I’m simply not willing to give up the sight of the colors of fall, jonquils in the spring, and the sight of the first tomatoes ripening on the vine.  Or a scene like this one in my back yard.

Seinfeld meets Green Acres -- Drew Hastings moves to Hillsboro

Inhabitants of Hillsboro - Where Pride Rings True

This afternoon I attended a meeting of the Inhabitant of Hillsboro.  For those of you not familiar with them, it’s a group of Facebook users who live in Hillsboro founded by comedian, Times-Gazette columnist, and mayoral candidate Drew Hastings.  Twenty-some people showed up on Superbowl Sunday for no other reason than to discuss ways to improve our community.  I didn’t know everyone there, but the people I DO know are from all different walks of life.  A number of them have moved here from elsewhere to now call Hillsboro their home.

A number of topics were discussed – some part of the agenda, and some informally within a smaller group.  These topics included but were certainly not limited to the following:

·         “Go Fly a Kite” day in April – A kite flying contest to bring out families.

·         Boomerfest – Music and activities for the Baby Boomers including honoring Wanda Lewis, aka Captain Windy, and the late Al Lewis – better known as Uncle Al.

·         Donating bikes left over from the Christmas bike giveaway to The Loft.

·         Neighborhood Watch

·         Brown bag meals for kids when there’s no school

What impressed me most was the lack of negativity within the group.  No one said it had never been done that way.  No one said it would be too much work.  No one made fun of anyone else’s ideas.  People simply brainstormed, recorded ideas, traded phone numbers, and prepared to take the next step to make Hillsboro a better place to live.  Don’t you wish national politics worked the same way?

“Opportunity is missed by

most because it is dressed in

overalls and looks like work.”

— Thomas A. Edison

This afternoon I attended a meeting of the Inhabitant of Hillsboro.  For those of you not familiar with them, it’s a group of Facebook users who live in Hillsboro founded by comedian, Times-Gazette columnist, and mayoral candidate Drew Hastings.  Twenty-some people showed up on Superbowl Sunday for no other reason than to discuss ways to improve our community.  I didn’t know everyone there, but the people I DO know are from all different walks of life.  A number of them have moved here from elsewhere to now call Hillsboro their home.

A number of topics were discussed – some part of the agenda, and some informally within a smaller group.  These topics included but were certainly not limited to the following:

·         “Go Fly a Kite” day in April – A kite flying contest to bring out families.

·         Boomerfest – Music and activities for the Baby Boomers including honoring Wanda Lewis, aka Captain Windy, and the late Al Lewis – better known as Uncle Al.

·         Donating bikes left over from the Christmas bike giveaway to The Loft.

·         Neighborhood Watch

·         Brown bag meals for kids when there’s no school

What impressed me most was the lack of negativity within the group.  No one said it had never been done that way.  No one said it would be too much work.  No one made fun of anyone else’s ideas.  People simply brainstormed, recorded ideas, traded phone numbers, and prepared to take the next step to make Hillsboro a better place to live.  Don’t you wish national politics worked the same way?

“Opportunity is missed by

most because it is dressed in

overalls and looks like work.”

— Thomas A. Edison

It's more than a courthouse....

In posts to follow I’ll be doing interviews, shooting videos, and telling you more than you probably want to know about why I moved here.  Obviously I have an ulterior motive – I want to sell houses to other people who would love living here.  But mostly, I think it’s a way to say “thank you” for the peace and contentment I’ve found here.

When I think of Hillsboro, one building in particular comes to mind – the Highland County Courthouse.  The word “iconic” seems appropriate.  According to Wikipedia it’s actually the second courthouse we’ve had in Highland County, the architecture is Greek Revival, and it’s the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the State of Ohio.

That’s all well and good, but when I see it I don’t automatically think “Greek Revival”.  I think about sitting on the lawn listening to a band that’s going to be at the top of the charts the following year.  I think about a giant Christmas tree, and how much I like living in a place where no one is offended when you don’t call it a holiday tree.  It’s not that we don’t appreciate a little cultural diversity here – it’s just that most folks are a little more laid back about it.  I’m quite sure no one would be upset if a neighbor wished them Happy Hanukah either. 

That courthouse represents 4^th of July, Christmas parades, Veteran’s Day remembrances, politician’s speeches, and people who still salute the flag, and put their hand over their heart when they hear The Star Spangled Banner.

What do YOU think about when you see our courthouse?

In posts to follow I’ll be doing interviews, shooting videos, and telling you more than you probably want to know about why I moved here.  Obviously I have an ulterior motive – I want to sell houses to other people who would love living here.  But mostly, I think it’s a way to say “thank you” for the peace and contentment I’ve found here.

When I think of Hillsboro, one building in particular comes to mind – the Highland County Courthouse.  The word “iconic” seems appropriate.  According to Wikipedia it’s actually the second courthouse we’ve had in Highland County, the architecture is Greek Revival, and it’s the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the State of Ohio.

That’s all well and good, but when I see it I don’t automatically think “Greek Revival”.  I think about sitting on the lawn listening to a band that’s going to be at the top of the charts the following year.  I think about a giant Christmas tree, and how much I like living in a place where no one is offended when you don’t call it a holiday tree.  It’s not that we don’t appreciate a little cultural diversity here – it’s just that most folks are a little more laid back about it.  I’m quite sure no one would be upset if a neighbor wished them Happy Hanukah either. 

That courthouse represents 4^th of July, Christmas parades, Veteran’s Day remembrances, politician’s speeches, and people who still salute the flag, and put their hand over their heart when they hear The Star Spangled Banner.

What do YOU think about when you see our courthouse?

Yes Virginia.... There are still no-down-payment loans, IF you live in the country!

If you live, or want to live in a rural community chances are you may qualify for a NO DOWN PAYMENT, NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE 30 year loan.  As a matter of fact, USDA (that's Department of Agriculture to you city folks) Rural Development assisted over 27,000 families join the ranks of home ownership since 1991.

Want more information?  Give me a call at 937-403-2425, or e-mail me at Kim.Abbott@RealLiving.com.

If you live, or want to live in a rural community chances are you may qualify for a NO DOWN PAYMENT, NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE 30 year loan.  As a matter of fact, USDA (that's Department of Agriculture to you city folks) Rural Development assisted over 27,000 families join the ranks of home ownership since 1991.

Want more information?  Give me a call at 937-403-2425, or e-mail me at Kim.Abbott@RealLiving.com.

So why DID I move here from Cincinnati?

So what made you move all the way out here from Cincinnati?  If I’ve heard that question once I’ve heard it – well at least DOZENS of times. 

First let me say I was born a small town girl – I grew up in Winchester, Ohio which is an even SMALLER town than Hillsboro.  For those of you who remember the old TV series The Andy Griffith Show, Winchester is Mayberry.  By comparison Hillsboro is Mt. Pilot.  Like many small town girls I couldn’t wait to move to the big city.  Oddly enough the very things that made me seek city living in my younger years – everything moved so fast, there were so many people, there was always something going on, no one knows me – were the very things that made me want to leave as the age of 50 reared it’s ugly head. 

The yearning for a slower, more down-to-earth way of life combined with my love of history, and the search for a new home was on.  As it turned out a beautiful historic home in Hillsboro could be purchased for the same price as your basic brick ranch in Cincinnati.  I ended up living here:

In the last five years, I’ve met numerous people who have found contentment here in the hills of southern Ohio.  In posts to follow I’ll be introducing them and their stories.  If you’d like to tell YOUR story, get in touch, or at the very least leave your comments.

One last confession – at least a part of starting this blog is to advertise the fact that I’m a real estate agent at Real Living Classic Real Estate.  Are you looking for a dream home of your own?  If so, you know who to call.

So what made you move all the way out here from Cincinnati?  If I’ve heard that question once I’ve heard it – well at least DOZENS of times. 

First let me say I was born a small town girl – I grew up in Winchester, Ohio which is an even SMALLER town than Hillsboro.  For those of you who remember the old TV series The Andy Griffith Show, Winchester is Mayberry.  By comparison Hillsboro is Mt. Pilot.  Like many small town girls I couldn’t wait to move to the big city.  Oddly enough the very things that made me seek city living in my younger years – everything moved so fast, there were so many people, there was always something going on, no one knows me – were the very things that made me want to leave as the age of 50 reared it’s ugly head. 

The yearning for a slower, more down-to-earth way of life combined with my love of history, and the search for a new home was on.  As it turned out a beautiful historic home in Hillsboro could be purchased for the same price as your basic brick ranch in Cincinnati.  I ended up living here:

In the last five years, I’ve met numerous people who have found contentment here in the hills of southern Ohio.  In posts to follow I’ll be introducing them and their stories.  If you’d like to tell YOUR story, get in touch, or at the very least leave your comments.

One last confession – at least a part of starting this blog is to advertise the fact that I’m a real estate agent at Real Living Classic Real Estate.  Are you looking for a dream home of your own?  If so, you know who to call.