Mint condition would be an understatement. This home is a Holmes Homes custom masterpiece. The owners have taken painstaking measures in upgrading this to an absolute showcase. The extra thick granite counters, premium fixtures and the manicured landscaping all prove this fact. Being on a non-through street limits the traffic here, and while being close to everything, it's still an extremely quiet neighborhood. Being across the street from Harker Heights, literally gives it all of the same advantages of the nice neighborhoods, yet the Nolanville address keeps taxes and your payment much lower. Pulling up to the home, you'll notice the lush green grass, the large picture window, the trees and plants, and 30+ year architectural shingles. Walking in through the leaded-glass front door, you'll see a tiled entry floor that opens into a huge and open living area with raised ceilings, two tone designer paint, crown moulding, corner fireplace and premium wooden flooring . You'll also see the breakfast bar that leads to the gourmet's delight kitchen. There is abundant natural lighting, several accent lights and a premium brushed nickel ceiling fan. The kitchen is highlighted by 60+ square feet of granite, tiled backsplashes, an under-mounted premium sink, brushed nickel faucets and cabinet hardware. It includes a built in microwave, and smoothtop stove. One of the best features is an island with electrical outlets: a perfect place to prepare food. The dining area is tiled, and has a lot of room for even the biggest tables. The bay window allows plenty of natural light to enter the home. The three minor bedrooms feature tall ceilings, ceiling fans, chair railing, plantation blinds, and crown moulding. One of these bedrooms has a massive picture window. The Master suite is located across the home (a split floorplan), and also has wooden floors, a stepped-up raised ceiling accented with crown moulding in high glossy white. It is large, with plenty of space for bed, dressers, and nightstands without feeling cramped. The Master bath is dominated by a large window of glass blocks that allow in a lot of light while providing privacy. The marble topped vanities have two sinks with premium faucets. The oversized jetted tub and shower are both quite large. There is also a huge utility room with extra cabinetry, and the garage is fitted with a garage door opener and pull-down attic for extra storage space. SEE THIS HOME!

For free recorded information, call 1-800-722-9102 and enter in the code 8429!

This All-Star built home has had a complete make-over! This is a spacious 4 bedroom, 2.25 bath, with Cathedral ceilings that make this home light, open and airy--and it looks brand-new inside with new carpet and repainting. Features include a breakfast bar, Bay window, smooth top stove, indoor utility, built-in bookshelves, step-up octagonal ceilings, oversized picture windows, ceiling fans throughout, marble top vanities, jetted tub, his and her closets, separate shower, water filtration system, garage sink, Craftsman 1/2 hp garage door opener, privacy fenced yard--and NO REAR NEIGHBORS! This place is NICE. It's available immediately, and it is priced to sell right away. Make certain this gem is on your 'Show' list!

Huge, sprawling ranch home located on 10 acres of God's Country. This home is set amongst the treed, rolling hills North of Lake Belton, adjacent to a 160 acre ranch, without another home in sight, literally! Fenced and crossfenced, with a roping area and a large barn, this place is perfect for raising horses and other animals. The home itself is a ranch style, rock built, with two large living areas, an enormous country kitchen with a wrap-around bar area, and very big bedrooms. It has been updated extensively, with wooden flooring, new paint, and fixtures. The living area is vaulted, and features French doors along the back with a beautiful view of lush green meadows and majestic Oak trees. The back of the home forms a courtyard with a stone floor, and a trellis that covers a great area for outside living. If you are looking for your own piece of Texas, then you need to see this beauty!

Wow...thanks for gracing our humble blog with your time and presence. We are honored to have you here, reading the glowing screen!

As far as real estate goes, you've probably heard this, but it is a fantastic time to purchase property--or to "upgrade". If you are thinking of selling, you certainly need to be realistic in regards to pricing, condition, terms--but the good news is that if you're looking at getting another place, you can expect to get a great value out of it. If you're looking at a more expensive place, then now is a great time to do it. If you're having to sell at say, 10% less than what you expected on a $150,000 home--that would net you $15,000 less than what you thought you'd get. Now, however, if you're getting a $250,000 home and save the same 10%, then you'd get it at $25,000 less than what you'd normally pay. In this example, you'd come out with $10,000 more than in a normal market. That, coupled with incredible interest rates make this, literally, the best time to get a home I've seen in my 14 year (Whoah--moment of realization here!) real estate career.

On a personal note, you may remember me talking about the Transformation I had taken on, and the half-marathon I was planning on doing...

...well, I'm THRILLED to tell you that I have completed both! In total, I've lost well over 50 pounds of life-choking fat, gotten a LOT stronger both inside and out, and now have more energy than I had as a 25 year-old!

IF--and only if--you're interested to see how that turned out, feel free to click on and watch a little video I put together on the experience. I think it's pretty inspiring, and I'm hoping a few more folks that are getting this decide to embark on this emotional and rewarding journey.

You can watch it by clicking:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH6Z6eohl2M

or by checking out my profile at www.Transformation.com/chipper1

Thank you for your support, and as always I hope this post you and yours doing INCREDIBLY WELL!

 This home was built in 2006 in a quiet neighborhood. To get to this Home from Highway 190 take the Willow Springs exit go south to wales Dr. Right on Royal Crest Dr. Right on Prestige Loop and The Home awaits you on the Left.

Very nice duplex, with each side featuring 3BR, 2 full baths and 1 car garage. Both have excellent rental histories, and the current leases are available upon request. Live in one side and have the other side rented to subsidize your mortgage! Large windows let in a lot of light, and the tall Cathedral ceilings make each unit very spacious. There are numerous upgrades to this duplex to include premium storm doors, tiling throughout the living, kitchen, bathroom and hallways. This place has been well-cared for, and the pride of ownership is evident. The rooms are good sized--and this is priced to sell. Because there are tenants in the property, we request a 24-hour notice to show--but please call, because we will make all of the arrangements to show this jewel.

	Head southeast on E Central Texas Expy		0.1 mi
2.	Slight left toward W Central Texas Expy		0.1 mi
3.	Continue straight onto W Central Texas Expy		240 ft
4.	Take the ramp on the left onto US-190 W		1.6 mi
5.	Take the exit toward TX-195/Ft Hood St		0.2 mi
6.	Merge onto W Central Texas Expy		0.3 mi
7.	Turn left at S Ft Hood St		453 ft
8.	Continue onto S Fort Hood St		318 ft
9.	Turn right at Pershing Dr		0.2 mi
10.	Take the 1st left onto Old FM 440 Rd		0.1 mi
11.	Take the 1st right onto Wheeler Ave		0.7 mi
12.	Turn left at Willow Springs Rd		0.3 mi
13.	Take the 3rd right onto Watercrest Rd		1.2 mi
14.	Turn left at Robinett Rd		0.2 mi
15.	Take the 3rd right onto Thunder Creek Dr

Wow...nearly perfect, this home has been upgraded and maintained beautifully. Walking up to the home, you'll notice that the yard has been nicely landscaped with a mixture of Bermuda and St. Augustine grass, Oleanders, Crepe Myrtles and there is a covered porch complete with a swing. There are premuum glass storm doors on the front and back, and once you enter through them, you'll see the real wood flooring (not a laminate, you'll notice the difference), the raised ceilings, and the ceiling fans. The living area is large and has a long space for even the biggest entertainment centers. There are ceiling fans in each of the rooms as well as the living area and dining area. The home is on a split floorplan, with the Master bedroom to the right when entering, and the other rooms to the left. The wooden floor goes throughout most of the home, to include all of the bedrooms. The closets have been upgraded to include two rows of hanging rods. There are also a lot of fine touches in the home like 2 plantation blinds, an electric thermostat, extra storage in the hall and utility. The utility room is quite large and is also a great place for extra pantry storage. It is also ceramic tiled. The Master Bedroom also has wooden floors and a great big Shrank wallspace, and shelving for a TV in the corner. The space is so well-used throughout this home! The garage has a Craftsman garage opener, and there is a pull-down attic space with LOTS of storage space. In the backyard, there is a storage shed set on a concrete pad, and a large swingset/2 story playhouse ideal for any kiddos. The privacy fence has a double gated entrance on front to allow easier access to the back. There is also a raised flower bed that extends from the front to the back of the home. If you are looking in this price range SEE THIS HOME! 

Here is how you get to this wonderful home: 190 Expressway to Nolanville exit, turn right, right on Avenue H, Left on Boxer, Home is on the left and looks awesome!

This is one very big--and by big we mean ENORMOUS home in a quiet, tree-lined, family friendly neighborhood in Cove. This is in walking distance to Wal-mart, all of the schools, churches. The great neighborhood even has a yearly block party with the street closed off for a great time! The home is also fitted with a solar hot water system (an $18,000 value) that saves between 30-40% on energy costs! This has an enormous main living area, complete with an extra sitting area/office space off to the side. There is also an extra room immediately to the left when you enter that can be used as another living area, or would make a fantastic office. There are two dining and two living areas, but the formal dining could just as easily be a third living. New wood laminate flooring in the living with 2 ceiling fans, 2 AC units with electric thermostats. There is a huge brick fireplace perfect for cold weather (it's COLD outside while I type!). The Master Bedroom is also quite big, and lines set up for phone, cable and computer. The bathroom has been redone, with dual vanities, built-in shelves, and a Jetted tub. The kitchen has a smoothtop stove, tiled floor, counters and backsplash. There is also a newer space-saver built-in Microwave. The utility room is large, with extra storage as another pantry. Going outside, you'll be happy to see the privacy fencing, flower beds, an in-laid rock path, and a great big wooden deck. Take a good look at this place, as the square footage and the neighborhood make this a great value! ***The Sellers will be happy to talk painting allowance!***

This is a Custom BA Emmons-built masterpiece, located in a tree-lined, quiet area of prestigious Turtle Bend, on a enormous lot that is nearly half an acre! This huge home features 2 large living areas, 2 large dining areas, and 4 bedrooms. The list of amenities on this home is truly impressive: granite counters, custom travertine tiled flooring, wood flooring, Cathedral ceilings, fireplace, crown moulding, intricate slate backsplashes, custom solid oak cabinets, security system, raised panel doors, built-in microwave, privacy fenced, a corner over-sized whirlpool tub, super-sized separate shower, dual vanities in the master and minor bathrooms, sprinkler system, breakfast bar, arched entryways and a huge secondary bath and even an inset Texas address stone! The place is loaded with premium light fixtures, designer paint colors, chair railing, stainless steel appliances, and step-up ceilings. Look at the room sizes on this home! The master is huge, with plenty of room for a King-sized bed. This is also a split floor plan, to offer extra privacy to the adults in the home. The large covered patio has two premium ceiling fans and is a perfect retreat from the sun and a perfect place to grill with no immediate rear neighbors! Refined elegance at a value price--this home can not last long on the market at this price! Call us for your no-hassle appointment!

But before I did that, I actually wanted to give you a little real estate information--a novel idea from a real estate e-mail...

First, our office will be welcoming Erica Hill back on Monday from her maternity leave after giving birth to the totally cool Evan James Hill. That little boy is loved as all kids should be! If you're in the area, stop by and say, "Howdy!" to Erica and the rest of the office...and collect a free Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke for your efforts. It will be great to get Erica back and for things to return a bit to normal. In the interim, my Momma, Brenda Franks has been pinch hitting and doing a great job--but she is ready to be a Realtor with us again!

Next, I've mentioned this before--but it is a great time to purchase a home in Central Texas! If you're interested in finding some great foreclosure deals, we've put up a website where you can sign up for free lists of new foreclosures that come out regularly. If you're interested in getting that list, go visit the site at www.killeenforeclosure.com. It's good stuff!

Now...I've warned you about the personal stuff...so here it goes! A little over 9 weeks ago, I decided to try and do something extraordinary to change my life for the better. I always felt like I had a GREAT life: beautiful wife and marriage, the sweetest most precious girl Beebies any man could ever ask for, my own business, and a pretty cool lifestyle. I have been blessed, but I don't feel like I've done enough with all that I've been given. Do you ever feel like you're not living up to your God-given potential? Honestly, I think very few folks are...

Case in point: I was lethargic, with little energy, and no 'get up and go' when I got out of bed in the morning. When I got home from work, I was so tired I literally just wanted to eat and hit the sack from being so tired. One evening, after getting home, and putting off doing some much needed cleaning and dishes because I was, "dead tired," my Angel looked at me and said, "Something has to change." And DID need to change...I was unhealthy, not looking after myself and very bluntly: OBESE. I was not happy with myself, and what I had let myself become, physically.

So, as I told you before, I joined www.Transformation.com and I've been in the process of changing my physical--and now also my emotional life. I've officially reached the half-way point of my 18 week challenge...and I'll give you a glimpse of what's happened...(and I apologize for the 'before' pix...I hope you haven't just eaten!)

Those are pretty significant physical changes, but the biggest changes can't be captured in pictures. I have an abundance of energy, I'm kinder and actively reaching out to try and help others, and I'm not even close to being done. I have changed my lifestyle, and there's no going back to not caring about myself (or my loved ones) enough to TAKE CARE of myself.

I don't tell you this for any other reason than to help others--what I want to do is reach out to you if you're feeling the same things I was several weeks ago and let you know that: YOU CAN CHANGE. You can decide to make a defining moment in your life and get better.

If you're thinking you may be interested in changing, then I encourage you to visit www.Transformation.com, take a look around, and maybe even sign up for an account there--it's free and you have nothing to lose by making the decision to change.

All right...that is it for this marathon edition of Morning Coffee! Speaking of Marathon...$400 has been raised for the Make-a-Wish Foundation at my site. If you're interested in giving to this INCREDIBLE organization (even a $5 donation is extremely welcome!), click on the 'make a pledge' on my Transformation site at www.Transformation.com/chipper1.

Thank you folks--and I truly hope this finds you healthy and happy.

One of a kind!  This custom built Spanish style home has lots of character and has been well maintained by the owners. In-ground pool, privacy fenced yard, and permanent storage building for pool equipment.  Sun Room off of kitchen can be used as breakfast room or extra living space.  Extra office on lower level converts to wetbar and is not included as one of the bedrooms.

Here is How to get there:

Head east on E Central Texas Expy toward South w S Young Drive		3.4 mi
2.	Take the ramp on the left onto US-190 E		0.9 mi
3.	Take the exit toward Farm to Market Rd 3423/Indian Trail Dr		0.3 mi
4.	Merge onto E Central Texas Expy		0.1 mi
5.	Turn right at Indian Trail		0.5 mi
6.	Take the 2nd right onto Verna Lee Blvd

A beautiful 4 bedroom Jack Bowen built home that has been well kept. Close to schools  just minutes from Fort Hood. This home has a storage shed, open floor plan, full fenced yard, garden tub,and not to mention a covered patio. Heres how to get there:

1.	Head southeast on E Central Texas Expy		0.1 mi
2.	Slight left toward W Central Texas Expy		0.1 mi
3.	Slight left at W Central Texas Expy		240 ft
4.	Take the ramp on the left onto US-190 W		1.6 mi
5.	Take the exit toward TX-195/Ft Hood St		0.2 mi
6.	Merge onto W Central Texas Expy		1.2 mi
7.	Turn left at Wales Dr		0.1 mi
8.	Continue onto Willow Springs Rd		0.5 mi
9.	Turn right at Watercrest Rd		1.2 mi
10.	Turn left at Robinett Rd		0.5 mi
11.	Turn right at Fieldcrest Dr

First, I am still in the process of Transforming my health and, quite honestly, my spirit as well. I am about to finish Week 8 of my 18 Week challenge and it is going extremely well. So well, in fact, that my original goals for the challenge have been updated to include something that I thought would have been suicide for me just a few short weeks ago...

...I will be running the Denver Half-Marathon in October! Now for any of you have seen me in the last year--I was extremely fat...in fact, I was obese and probably on the road of some serious health problems if I continued with that lifestyle. So this is a big change for me.

I've dropped over 20 pounds (about 35 or so to go), gotten stronger both inside and out--and I will never go back to the way I was living before this. I am a changed human being!

Anyhow, I wanted to share a quick story with you regarding the Half-Marathon. It's a bit lengthy, so I will summarize it the best I can--but you can find the FULL, Un-Edited story by clicking on:

http://www.transformation.com/forum/transformation-central/15364-make-wish-you-may-not-have-thought-way.html

One of the Past Champions of this Transformation Challenge, a lady named Denise, recently lost her 15 year-old daughter, Jonnae, to Leukemia. Jonnae was about to get a wish granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation to ride a white horse on the beach of the Carribean before she passed away. So instead of granting that wish, her dying wish of taking care of discarded Greyhound dogs was granted post-humously.

My sweet 9 year-old daughter Mandy read about this story and decided on the spot, on her own, that she would fulfill Jonnae's wish of riding the horse on the beach for her. As it so happens, my family will be going to the Carribean next month (Mandy didn't even know that was where we were going). She's going to make a sign saying, "For Jonnae" and send Denise a picture (she asked for one after Mandy sent her a message). It's pretty touching.

Well...when I run the Half-Marathon, it will be for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the wonderful work they are doing. If you are interested in making a donation (no matter how small--it is all appreciated deeply) to the cause, please visit my Transformation home page and click on the 'Make a Pledge' button to help this wonderful organization. It can be found at:

http://www.transformation.com/chipper1

Thank you for your support--and I hope you will continue to be blessed in your life.

I hope this is finding you doing well, and I must say that I am doing well--the Transformation challenge that I mentioned in my last e-mail is going great, and I have to thank those of you who have asked me about it and have held me accountable. Your support makes this even better. If you're curious at all about my progress and what I'm doing, please feel free to click on  http://www.transformation.com/chipper1 to check on me any time you'd like. I'm going to finish 18 hard weeks of this challenge, NO MATTER WHAT, so I don't mind anyone keeping tabs on me...

With that out of the way, I actually want to talk REAL ESTATE--a novel concept for a real estate company e-mail! We just had a Client come down from out of town, and purchase 3 properties over the weekend. I commented to him that he is on the right track for building wealth--and he is! They were VA Foreclosures and they have what is known as 'Vendee Financing'--where the Department of Veterans Affairs loans the money directly to the borrower (no bank officially involved), and they only ask for 5% down to investors (!!!) and the interest rate is still below 5%! These are great, not good--but GREAT deals, and I don't know if there's ever been a better time to get these homes. Most are priced under market value--many are stunningly under market value, and almost all of them would rent for quite a bit more than the mortgage payment. This can be a wealth building MACHINE for you, and this can be one of the greatest e-mails you've ever gotten if you decide to act on these.

What now? If you're interested, go to www.killeenforeclosure.com and sign up to get our Foreclosure list sent to you. If you're really interested, you can get pre-qualified so you know you can get one of these homes. To do that, call my favorite, whole-heartedly endorsed mortgage lender, Laura Franks (she's also the most beautiful mortgage lender out there--not that I'm biased) at (254) 535-3227 and she can do that for you free of charge. If you need to work on something, she'll let you know. She'll also let you know if you've got a blank check to start building some real estate wealth.

With all of that said, there is an *asterisk* next to it. Why is that? It's because I've really neglected my health and fitness. I've taken it for granted and, to put it bluntly...I am a Fattie. I am not even close to the God-given potential that I have been given, and I am embarrassed that I let myself get THIS out of shape.

A good friend of mine from Ecuador (in fact, he was with me the night I first met my Angel...) wrote me today and sent pictures of himself and his family. The guy hadn't changed a bit! In fact, if anything, he's grown into himself more and is still competing in Judo tournaments, rock climbing and that kind of thing. I am WATCHING football! I'm actually ashamed to send a picture of myself to him now. BUT...here's the good news:

I've done something about it. In fact, just me writing you about this is helping to move me in the right direction. I've decided to do something extraordinary over the next 18 weeks. I've gone to www.Transformation.com and entered their TRANSFORMATION contest. I've read up on it, I've taken some absolutely dreaded "Before" pictures...and signed up for a crazy few months of getting the old "Chipper" back. The guy that wrestled, and went for runs regularly...the guy that could dance all night (oh, I can still do that ;0)

And now...I got some serious "Leverage" as Anthony Robbins would say (I'm a fan of his stuff). I got my sweet daughter Mandy involved as my "Coach," and she is helping me measure my progress, plan the workouts, record my nutrition. She won't let me NOT finish this thing strong. Of course, I will finish strong. In fact, I'm so sure of it that I'm "burning my boats" by telling you all about this.

So, the next time you come in to contact with me, you can ask, "How is that Transformation coming?" I better have a good answer for you...

On a side note, when asked the question recently (at the same Financial Peace University class I referenced last week--read about it at http://www.marketplacelistings.com/Blog) what I would do as a career if I could do ANYTHING, it was being a WRITER (which even beat out Professional Chili-Cheese Dog Eating While Watching Football Guy~~a real man of genius profession). Well, I'm getting a chance to do that, and by you reading the thoughts that are coming out of this great big head, you're allowing me to be a Writer, and for the second time in this short e-mail, I thank you.

Today is the "National Day of Prayer," and you may have heard about it being as it's generated a little bit of news this year.

On a Day like today, I feel it appropriate to mention one thing I believe in very strongly, and adding a little commentary which will hopefully inspire you to think about it, mull it over (heh, heh--I just said "mullet"--business in the front, party in the back!) a bit and either reinforce the way you think, or cause you to consider what I have to say as the truth. The thing I believe:

--There is a God, and He is a Loving God.--

Okay, maybe "He" isn't the correct Pronoun, but I use it for the sake of convention here.

I have had a few friends that are atheists, and personally, I can't understand why they could think there is not a God. They believe in Evolution. They believe that human life (and its accompanying soul, I suppose) originated as some simple single-celled organism that was brought to life (I'm guessing this is what they think, as they never articulated their beliefs fully to me--even though I've asked) by a lightning strike in some nutrient rich primordial oozing puddle a' la Frankestein's monster.

I obviously don't believe that--and I think Science backs me up on this, but even if this type of scenario WERE true, then where did the lightning and the ooze originate? Did it spontaneously pop out of the air of an Earth that grew from space? Space that grew from ???

I often wonder how Parents who are Atheists can hold that view. If they've witnessed the miracle of childbirth, and felt that immense, overpowering love grip their heart when they've looked into the perfect little face (although, as Paul Reiser says, all new babies look like miniature Winston Churchills)...then I think they've felt God.

I not only said, "There is a God," but I also threw in 'Loving God'. I'll talk more about that in future e-mails. There is much more to my arguments...but I'm saving it for another time--unless you are an Atheist who would like to talk to me about it, please e-mail and let's begin a discussion.

Speaking of Discussion, and getting back to the National Day of Prayer, I think it's pretty cool to be able to have a Discussion with the God that knew your Soul even before the Earth was created. So, take advantage of that. I urge you to take a few minutes today to find a quiet place, open your soul and Pray.

This blog is about Skip. I'm getting to him, I promise...

The last class in FPU is called "The Great Misunderstanding" and it's about GIVING money, which may at first seem counter-productive to having Financial Peace, but I assure you that it DOES give you peace. Anyhow, one of the questions during the discussion portion of the class REALLY got to me. The question was: "Has anyone ever surprised you with a meaningful act of giving? How did that make you feel?"

It made me think of a very specific instance when I was in High School in College Station. Let me paint the picture: I'm living alone with my single Mom, we have one car (my beloved 1976 Jeep) between us, and we are pooling together our resources between her job and mine after school to pay rent, utilities, eat, etc--you know, the basics! I drove her to work each early morning, drove back to school, rolled my eyes through most of my classes (I was 17, a Senior, and knew pretty much everything), then went to work at the same place my Mom worked until we went home, had dinner and repeated the same process the next day. Well, we got by, but that was brought to a crashing halt when my Jeep stopped working one morning. The starter was out, and the repair was a few hundred bucks which we didn't have.

So, for the next few days, my Mom took the bus to work, and I walked to school (it wasn't too far, so put away the violins). I hitched a ride with a buddy to work after school, and my Mom and I were dropped off by a co-worker after the day--at least that's how I remember it, as it's been a while...

Back to the question: "Has anyone ever surprised you with a meaningful act of giving?" That same week, on a Saturday morning, I walked out of our apartment to find my Jeep hood up, and the Dad (this is the Skip of the E-mail's subject) of one of my school friends busily putting in a starter for our car. This man, a Department Head of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M, took it upon himself after hearing about our situation from his son to just do this for us. He refused any payment, and just said he was glad he could help. In fact, I'm convinced that if I didn't come outside early that day, I never would have known that it was him that fixed the Jeep for us.

Whoah. I'm still getting choked up just writing this. I thank God for Skip and think it's great (and somewhat humbling) that we live in a World with "Skips" in it. If you read this, and are a bit touched by his act, then I encourage you to pay it forward (to borrow a used phrase). Look for a way to bless the lives of others, anonymously if you can--and see how a meaningful act of giving will make you feel.

If you haven't heard about it, it is when Texas Aggies gather together to remember fellow Aggies that have passed on through this life. We gather, eat a bit, tell stories and remember our days at our beloved Aggieland. Then we hold a 'Roll-call' of the Aggies that have passed away since the last Muster, and those that are there answer, "here" for those that can not answer.

Again, it's a very emotional and moving experience--going from the highs of singing The Aggie War Hymn in very loud, happy voices, to the quiet, solemn playing of Silver Taps (our version of Taps) in honor of the departed. Some tears were shed by me, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I was thinking of the Blessing of Life. I was thinking about my Family, my Friends, My Country (and its Freedom) and My God.

There are things that are much, much bigger than each of us. Aggie Muster reminds me of this--and I hope that hearing about this tradition will serve to remind you, as well.

Our Muster Speaker this year (right here in Fort Hood!) was Texas Governor Rick Perry. He is a Class of '72 Aggie himself. He challenged those in attendence to do three things during their life: Love Your Family, Honor Your Word (Integrity Matters, Folks!), and To Serve Something Greater than Yourself. I took those words to heart, and it struck me that we don't hear as much of that kind of talk as we used to hear. Maybe I'm getting old (I WAS the oldest Ag at my table of Eight!), but I think it's something that is sorely missing from our Society today. If you're reading this, I pass on his challenge to you as well.

We are Free. We have been Free our entire lives (most of us, anyhow), and as such, probably don't appreciate that fact like we should.

I sincerely hope that if you are reading this, that you love your country. I'm reading the book "1776" by David McCullough now. (If you want a synopsis, you can check it out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1776_(book). It's a very historically accurate book about what happened in our Country-to-be the year our Declaration of Independence was signed.

It is simply amazing how perilous the path to Freedom was for America. If any of hundreds of events had turned out differently, then our Country as we know it would not have existed. It leads me to believe something about our great Nation:

Divine Providence Guided the Creation of Our Country.

Regardless of your Political beliefs, be glad you are in a place where you are free to express them.

Okay. Enough of the Philosophizing! In fact, being as this is being sent from a Real Estate Company, I should mention a bit of real estate news: In case you missed it, the Government has decided to reward folks purchasing a home for the first time with an $8,000 tax credit! For purposes only the Government knows, it has defined first-time homebuyers as those who haven't owned a home in the last three years. That's a tax CREDIT, folks. If you owe $4,000--and have paid that much through witholding and such, you will get a nice fat check with an "8" followed by three zeroes from the U.S. Treasury.

If you'd like to know more about this incentive to get the Economy going, please shoot me an e-mail or call the office. I'll be glad to inform. In the meantime, pass it on to someone you know, then tell them they need to talk to Chip, or you'll have to physically force them to do so (you have my blessing)!