Yes, I'm one of those.  I happen to love attending conferences and conventions.  I consider an event to be a "conference" when it meets my attendee count of around 2000 attendees or less.  I prefer this smaller crowd over events like the National Association of Realtors© Convention where a gazillion people show up in one of the typical convention cities like Las Vegas or Orlando.

I attended my first Inman Real Estate Connect Conference in January.  It was held in New York City which allowed me to just hop a train to the event. Inman Connect is billed as the place where "Every year technologists, real estate professionals and industry leaders convene to explore some of the most pressing issues the industry is facing."

Inman Connect, being held this week in San Francisco, is preceded by Bloggers Connect which is a gathering of geeky blogger types. I guess someone thinks I fit the description because I will be speaking on a panel today.

Here's where it gets confusing.  This year, Bloggers Connect, which preceeds Inman Connect, was preceded by REBar Camp.  Got it? REBar Camp was a casual affair with lots of good sessions and networking.  I got to meet a bunch of blogger friends in person who usually just hang out in my computer.

So why am I telling you all this?  Because I'm out of town all this week and I thought you might want to know.  Not to worry.  You will receive the same customer service as if I was still at home. I'm never too far from my Blackberry or my laptop.

For those who suggested that I "have a nice vacation" ....HA  Keeping up with geeky types, most of them half my age, is hard work.

by guest blogger, Elise Hanks

Once or twice a summer we would all load into the car and head out.  Clad in our pajamas and clutching our choice of either candy or popcorn, we were nestled next to our friends and were wound up with excitement.  After nearly forty minutes of anticipation and determination not to eat our snacks on the trip there, we spilled out of the car eager to claim our place.  As my parents backed either the truck or the van into the parking space someone always raced to the speaker while another one of us clamoured for a trip to the snack bar or playground or bathroom.  We had reached the Drive In.  It was thrilling to have driven so far to this mysterious lot occupied by scores of cars and three enormous movie screens.  We snuggled into our seats and dug into our popcorn, fingers greasy before the film even started. 

The Mansfield drive-in is perfect for a summer evening of relaxation tinged with adventure.  The drive-in always shows double features and always shows six movies a night.  The first set of movies begins at dark; for bigger families the set up is perfect.  Older kids can venture to another screen (which is still within eyesight) and set up camp in folding beach chairs.  Small children might even fall asleep during or after the first movie, leaving mom and dad with some time to themselves and a peaceful drive home.  Taking the family out to the movies can be dismaying for those with bigger families and for those movie-goers who enjoy a snack or a soda.  At the Mansfield Drive-In, admission is $9.00 per adult (12+), $5.00 for children (4-11), and free for those three and under.  Don't forget that you are getting two movies for the price of one (come to think of it, less than the price of one!) and the comfort of your own vehicle packed with blankets, a cooler, snacks, pillows, and whatever else you might want with you. If you love perusing the snack bar as much as my dad, the one in Mansfield will not disappoint.  With burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, candy, soda, and ice cream, the snack bar is loaded with choices.  However, there is one night a week that is better than all the rest at the drive-inn...Wednesday night.  On Wednesdays every carload can get in for $18.00, whether it is a van or a suburban. 

If you have a free night this summer, take a drive to Mansfield and take in a double feature.  I promise the vintage atmosphere of a drive-in paired with the excitement of doing something out of the ordinary will make a lasting impression on you and your family.

I posted this photo on my Flickr page and titled it "A golfing dilemma". I received a couple interesting comments proving to me once again that my blogosphere friends are always at the ready to be helpful.

I've spent many blogging words on the subject of getting a home on the market and ready to show.  In 2003 and 2004, it almost didn't matter, as homes sold as fast as they were listed. Today is a whole different story; average isn't good enough as buyers are looking for homes in great condition and "showhouse ready". 

I met Jo Wood of Showhouse Ready, through my business networking group, the Rose City Chapter of BNI. Showhouse Ready is an interior decorating & design studio located on Route 12 in Gales Ferry. While the studio might look small from the outside, here is where Jo offers a full range of window treatments including window shades, blinds and shutters plus custom-made draperies and hardware.  She also offers several lines of custom made furniture, re-upholstery services, paint color consulting, room and space planning and yes, home staging. 

Jo has over 25 years of experience in the fields of interior decorating, design and fine art.  For 10 years she was a designer with Ethan Allen Home Interiors. This position gave her wide exposure to a variety and range of homes in Eastern CT, from small to large, traditional and contemporary.  She has worked on all types of homes from small beach cottages and modest retirement condominiums, to multi-million dollar homes.  She likes to pride herself on the fact that she can work within any budget and strives to get her clients the most for their money without sacrificing customer service and personal attention.

Jo is new to the world of blogging but I've convinced her that a new voice on my Eastern CT Real Estate Blog would be welcomed by my readers. Jo will be joining Elise Hanks as an occasional guest blogger. Like Elise, I've given Jo a free voice in blog topics.  In fact, Jo's first post won't have anything to do with decorating, design or home staging. 

Watch for it this week!  

by guest blogger, Elise Hanks

Upon reflecting on local places that hold my favorite memories, I recalled countless afternoons and evenings spent at Saw Mill Park in Ledyard.  A National Historic Landmark, the park holds great educational merit; the water-powered saw mill and its museum run in April and May and October and November on Saturday afternoons.  In addition to the huge up-down mill, the park hosts a shingle miss, gristmill, a working blacksmith shop, ice harvesting equipment, and various other mill artifacts from the Industrial Revolution.  Housed in a restored building from 1860, the mill is a truly awesome experience for a kid; I was both enthralled and terrified as I watched the spinning saw zing through massive tree trunks.

     Although I enjoyed watching the mill in action, for me the allure of the park did not lie within the buildings.  Saw Mill Pond is many things for me.  It is where I caught my first fish with the help of my grandfather and where I went exploring with the neighborhood gang of girls.  I began frogging there; I would search the mud and lily pads for frogs and try to catch them, either with my special net or my own hands (I always let them go).  I crossed my first monkey bars there, saw a snapping turtle for the first time, and fed the ducks regularly.  My family drove my brother's remote control boat around the pond and my dad kicked out to the middle on a boogie board to retrieve said boat when it got stuck in the lily pads.  I even had a birthday party at the pond. In wintertime I have ice-skated near the shallow shore and once built a snowman there so the ducks wouldn't be too lonely.

     Whether fishing or frogging, feeding the ducks or enjoying a picnic, Saw Mill Pond is a great place for an afternoon outing.  Several swing sets, picnic tables, and a set of monkey bars are fun for those who have no desire to squelch through the mud in search of animals; spring and summertime peepers, pumpkin fish, painted turtles, bull frogs, the occasional egret or heron, salamanders, ducks, and snapping turtles can all be seen at the Park this summer. Saw Mill's rustic charms include the small waterfall that gushes out from under a wooden bridge that is always picturesque.  The park is great for a nice stroll, a few laps around makes for a scenic, easy jog, and is always peaceful enough for reading at one of the picnic tables.

Elise Hanks, 2007 graduate of Ledyard High School, is a summer employee at RE/MAX Realty Group and weekly contributor to the Eastern CT Real Estate Blog.

I've always admired the large (and flat) back yard of this home on Reuven Drive in Ledyard. A new owner will soon be enjoying it!  I hope they have a riding mower.

I know you've seen it. This boat, prominently located on the corner of Route 12 and River Road in Gales Ferry, has been for sale ($995 or best offer) for 23 years.  Ok, maybe not quite, but it sure seems that long.  I'd guess this boat has been sitting in this same spot at least 5 years, probably longer.  Frankly, I'm tired of looking at it but I have a master plan.  If I can find 100 people to contribute $10 each, we can all buy this beauty and send her out to sea where she belongs. Your generosity will benefit the beautification of Gales Ferry.

By guest blogger, Elise Hanks

As a girl who loves burgers and fries by the water, I feel compelled to write about my all-time favorite place to go for that taste of summer.  Fred's Shanty in New London, just a few miles down the shore from Ocean Beach, is famous for its food.  More sophisticated summer shack connoisseurs love their clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried clams.  As an individual who doesn't eat much seafood I can only vouch for the burgers, fries, and chicken... and I love all of them!  Shoestring fries that have been fried to just the right golden brown can't be beat.  In addition to seafood and grill fare, Fred's also has an ice cream window. 

Located overlooking the Thames River, Fred's Shanty has a dock perfect for boaters to pull up to for an afternoon or evening snack.  The outdoor, covered seating allows customers to enjoy the picturesque scene of boats bobbing in the water, birds whirling overhead, and the water making its way into the Atlantic.  Fred's boasts being famous since 1973, but for me it was famous the night my parents read me Mark Sasha's Night of the Moonjellies, a book about a young boy who helps his Gram at the summer stand by the sea.  At the end of the night, the boy is rewarded for a day of hard work with a surprise outing on the boat.  He is amazed to see the water water beneath him filled with tiny, shimmering moonjellies.  As a childhood book, Night of the Moonjellies was one of my favorites.  The amazing illustrations and the reality of the story made the book real to me.

It is certainly true that one may enjoy Fred's without the book and the book without Fred's, however for me, a perfect evening was a late dinner at the Shanty and then reading the book with my family while staring at the water, trying desperately to see the moonjellies.

Fred's is open for lunch and dinner spring through October, however the best time to spot moonjellies is in August and September.

(Photo of Fred's used with permission from NewEnglandSite.com)

Elise Hanks, 2007 graduate of Ledyard High School, is a summer employee at RE/MAX Realty Group and weekly contributor to the Eastern CT Real Estate Blog.

by guest blogger, Elise Hanks 

Summertime means heading out into the sunshine and communing with nature.  Well, I realize that not everyone wants to pack granola, strap on hiking gear, and begin a trek.  Luckily there are many levels of hiking trails in the local area that can be stimulating for any and everyone with the mind to go for a hike. 

For those who seek a relaxing, meandering walk on well-marked trails in a safe environment (perfect for young children!), I suggest making a trip to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic. The Nature Center is fabulous for birding, plant identification, wildlife sighting, hiking, and nature photography.  This preserve has so much to offer; I spent most of my childhood summers playing and learning there.  With eight miles of hiking trails, 300 acres of land, several ponds, as well as picnic tables and a tree house, The Nature Center is sure to be a hit with any child who loves the outdoors.  Inside the center are various exhibits on woodlands, wetlands, and meadows that include live animals, an intimate theater, and tons of fun and interesting facts.  Also, The Nature Center has many activities and outreach programs for children, families, and adults.  Summertime Nature Camp, moonlit hikes, short day hikes for very young children, and kayaking and paddle tours are just a few of the activities that both members and non-members may participate in.  I give The Nature Center my highest recommendation for fun summer things to do with your children; many of my favorite childhood memories were created there.  I was free to play in the mud, pet painted turtles, try to catch frogs and tiny fish, and hold baby salamanders.  Somehow the wonder of The Nature Center has stayed with me beyond my teenage years and is a place I have come to cherish. The Nature Center is open 9-5 Monday-Saturday, 10-4 Sundays. Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 12  

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve is a familiar warm-weather stomping ground.  Great for hiking, running, walking, and biking, this dog-friendly area also allows for a dip in the water when the weather gets hot.  Saltwater fishing is also popular at Bluff Point as is shell fishing (providing you have a licence). Free ample parking and a boat launch is available for all.  My personal favorite aspect of Bluff Point is it's proximity to Dairy Queen; taking a sundae down to the water's edge  to watch the sunset is wonderful.

For the outdoor enthusiast who wants to take a short hike that ends in a view who is not ready to strap on a big pack and carry a compass, hiking Lantern Hill is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.  Nearly 600 feet above sea level, on the clearest of days it has been reported that one can see Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut from the highest peak.  I personally am not offering any guarantees of such a view, however the vista I have seen from the top of Lantern Hill is by no means disappointing. Although a moderately easy climb, one does scramble over some rocks and steep areas; I don't recommend this up-hill hike for small children (the first time my family climbed it my brother was in kindergarten and I was in second grade... I don't remember if my dad had to carry my brother at all).  Packing a picnic lunch and  blanket to sit on in a backpack and heading up the hill promises a great afternoon.

Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam is a beautiful area with much appeal for those looking to explore outside of New London County.  The park offers camping grounds, picnic and fishing areas, bicycling, and hiking trails.  Numerous waterfalls can be found along the trails, including the park's principal feature, Chapman Falls, which drops sixty feet.  "Mysterious" potholes near the falls which are some of the best examples of pothole stone formations in New England, can be found at Devil's Hopyard.  Perfectly circular, they range from inches to several feet in depth and diameter.  Today we know that the holes were formed when stones being swept downstream became trapped in an eddy where the stone spun and spun until the rock was worn down. When one rock was gone another would catch in the same pothole and enlarge it over time.  These potholes earned the park its name as early settlers believed that the holes could only be explained by the supernatural.  It was proposed that the devil had passed by the falls, gotten his tail wet, and become so angry that he burned holes in the stones as he stomped away.  This park is great for an all-day trip for anyone who wants to explore new terrain.

Also in East Haddam is Gillette's Castle.  Built by William Gillette, actor, playwright, and director, this 184 acre estate is beautiful.  With grounds that offer hiking, picnicking,  food concession, a historic building, and river camping facilities, Gillette's Castle is a stop that one can't miss.  Parking and enjoying the grounds is free, however there is a small fee for a castle tour.  Gates open at 8:00 AM and the Castle is open from 10-5.

Elise Hanks, 2007 graduate of Ledyard High School, is a summer employee at RE/MAX Realty Group and weekly contributor to the Eastern CT Real Estate Blog.

Photo Friday this week comes courtesy of Wendy Limouge of Ledyard.  Wendy has a blog of her own, Limauge Boutique, where she shares new product ideas and other cool stuff.  Wendy also enjoys photography and snapped these turtles sunning at Connecticut College Arboretum. 

Hitting the 16th hole at Lake of Isles Golf Course is always a challenge and once you get on the green, you need to navigate goose poop.  Yep, I said goose poop.  This family of twelve is guilty as charged. 

   by guest blogger, Elise Hanks

   The aroma of garlic wafts through the air, propelled by something simmering just beyond the swinging door to the kitchen. If it is night time, soft candles glow on each table and the city lights of New London wink and blink across the Thames.  You have arrived, my friends, to a land of pasta where the choices and combinations seem to know no bounds.

     Paul's Pasta Shop, located on Thames Street in Groton, is a personal favorite of mine.  So much so, in fact, that I applied for one of my frist jobs there when I was a student at Ledyard High School.  With a varied fare, the restuarant is great for the whole family, a dinner party, or a date.  Paul's is not an average joint; every order of pasta is cut fresh to order.  The wonder of Paul's Pasta lies in the choosing, and, ultimately, in the devouring.

     A sample plate of pasta cuts displayed on the front counter alludes to the possibilities waiting to be dreamed into being by the customer.  Long cuts include: angel hair, spaghetti, linguini, fettuccini, and paradelle.  The pasta shop also makes penne, cavatelli, fusili, and various types of ravioli that range from lobster to spinach to pumpkin in autumn.  For those looking for a dish to stimulated even the most diverse palate, it is possible to select flavored pasta; spicy habanera, tomato basil, spinach, whole wheat, and garlic herb can not only be used in any pasta dish on the menu, but can also be ordered by the pound to be cooked in only a few minutes at home. All of Paul's home-made sauces can be purchased to bolster your at-home Italian arsenal, too: tomato, alfredo, pink, pesto, diablo, red and white clam,and any mix of sauces.

     As an athlete who lived for team pasta parties in high school, I have to admit that there is no pasta I would rather eat.  IN fact, I no longer order fettuccini alfredo at aother restaurants because they are all inevitably disappointing.  Paul's fabulous pasta is not only available to the in-restaurant diner, but is also obtainable thorugh take out (call in the order or just show up!) and ready-made dishes and platters that can be ordered for catering are sure to make any event or gathering complete. Lasagna, the cherished favorite Diablo Chicken, salads, and mouth-watering desserts from Mystic Market are all on the list of possibilities. Just to illustrate my point, I'll let you know how I utilize the pasta: my family bought it and cooked it for pasta parties, my graduation party, and holliday dinners, and I also have bought the fresh pasta and ravioli (which can be frozen and preserved!) and sauce to give to friends and relatives for the hollidays. 

     The final beauty of Paul's Pasta is that it is still fabulous even when the check arrives.  A romantic date for two on the water is possible for even the thriftiest of couples and large families can order appetizers, salads, and desserts and may rest assured that they won't regret a single noodle ordered or penny spent.

     Think of Paul's next time you want to sit out on the covered deck for a delectable meal, feel like ignoring your oven and stove, or are planning to "cook" to impress.  With all the fresh pasta, bubbling sauces, crisp salads, and infamous desserts (deep-fried, chocolate chip cookie dough with hot fudge and vanilla ice cream anyone?), I am sure you will find something, but more likely lots of things, you will love. 

Paul's Pasta Shop has been located at 223 Thames Street, Groton for twenty years and serves from 11-9 Tuesday through Sunday.

Elise Hanks, 2007 graduate of Ledyard High School, is a summer employee at RE/MAX Realty Group and weekly contributor to the Eastern CT Real Estate Blog.

When I started looking for a summertime employee for RE/MAX Realty Group, I didn't realize I would find not only a great addition to my staff, but also a guest blogger.  Elise Hanks graduated from Ledyard High School in 2007 with a whole page of accomplishments and many of them were awards for her writing ability.  For those who have heard me speak about blogging, you'll know that I describe myself as a very average writer with an occasional creative streak. I'm hoping Elise can teach me a few things this summer. 

Elise, now a student at Middlebury College, will begin a series this week called "The Best of Eastern Connecticut." 

Welcome Elise!

I know they eat my hosta. And I've seen the damage they can do if they make contact with a car.  Deer overpopulation in Connecticut is a problem but c'mon, how can you not smile when you see this little cutie?  

Another fabulous Friday photo find from my assistant Kerry - taken with her cell phone in a field in Moosup.