If you have borrowed a bike from BikeShare anytime in the past, or even if you are interested in getting one in the future, we would love your input! We need your help to make BikeShare better… for YOU! Please take a moment and fill out this survey, any input would be very helpful as we reorganize our structure for 2010.

Also, we will be holding our first large planning meeting sometime in January, and we would love for anyone and everyone who is interested in being involved to attend. Many of the original volunteers who started BikeShare have moved away and we are looking for new recruits!

This is an exciting time to get involved, our Community Repair Shop and workshop series have been very successful and are gaining momentum in the community. We will post details about our meeting in the near future so stay tuned. Or to join our email list, send an email to munbikeshare@gmail.com.

My 5 year old buddy Lane and I are drinking hot chocolate at Jolts and Juice in Ontario.  When Lane notices my blog and asks what I am doing?  I tell Lane that it’s a personal journal where I write about subjects for people to read. So Lane suggested that I write about Dinosaurs.  Here is the dialogue between him and I:

Me: What about dinosaurs do you want me to say?

Lane: T-Rex..They are cool

Me: Why are they cool? 

Lane: Because they eat and stuff…and they look cool.. Because they have sharp teeth.

Me: What do dinosaurs eat?

Lane: They eat people and dogs too.

Me: Do you think dinosaurs would eat Jasmin(my boxer)

Lane: Yea

Me: What would happen if the dinosaurs ate Jasmin?

Lane: You would cry..you would say no..no…wuaa…wuaa!

Me: Yea…. I would cry like a baby!

Me: Can dinosaurs be nice?

Lane: Yea..if they want to.

At this point Lane has now walked away and started talking to some stranger in the coffee shop. So before stranger danger abducts Lane, I  want to express how important deposit is with rentals.  Just this morning I was reminded how inconsiderate some tenants can be.  I own several rental homes in Payette and in Fruitland.  Having tenants is a great way to help pay for your investment.  But there is also the potential risk and stress involved if you are managing the rentals yourself.

 My example,  starts with filling the application, once they have filled out the application and credit seems ok, your ready to sign the lease agreement.  But in most of my situations the tenants will most likely have an issue with deposit.  For many people in my area, having first and last months rent and deposit can be very challenging.   I am always more than willing to negotiate deposit.  There are numerous ways to work the deposit(but for the sake of Lanes safety I’ll make this quick). What I sometimes(not always) tend to do is make payment arrangements for deposit, with at least half up front. In the past I have been too trusting and allow people to rent for less deposit, and this has backfired on me numerous times. 

I can not stress to you how important deposit is, no matter how trustworthy they may seem, or situation they might be in, it will come back and bite you!  your deposit is your ticket for safety. That is whats going to make your tenants second guess how they will leave your property. But unfortunately, there are those occasions when they just don’t care about deposit, and will completely trash your investment! Below are two video examples of what I am talking about.

The first video is of a rental home of mine in Payette, the second video is of a client’s apartment in downtown Payette. 

Rental in Payette, Idaho

Clients apartment in downtown Payette,Idaho

DIY Rentals

www.diyrentals.com

2110 Wabash Avenue Terre Haute, IN 47807

(812) 232-2500

We have had the wonderful pleasure of getting to know Holly Westufeld, owner of DIY Rentals, over the past few years.  We have worked together on a few weddings where we were knocked over by the superb organization and presentation of some very beautifully executed events.  We simply love her and have a few images to share below from some recent weddings that we were lucky enough to photograph.  And we were so excited to work with such an amazing Wedding Coordinator!

DIY Rentals offers rental items for weddings and events as well and coordination service for your big day!  We are proud to know them and would give anyone the green light on using their services!

- Images from Catie & Dane’s Wedding -

-Images from Megan & Chris’ Wedding -

Wine From Montepulciano Tuscany, Vitaroccia

This is the more expensive of the two Vino Nobile di Montepulciano produced by the Icario Winery and it certainly tastes like it. My friend Tom and I came back from our visit to the winery with a bottle each, it’s delicious!

Vitaroccia Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, 2006, produced by Icario in Montepulciano, Tuscany.

Cost €22 (discount on bulk purchase) direct from winery. 15% abv

Label Notes

I don’t seem to have written anything down from the back label but the leaflet I picked up from the vineyard states that this is the vineyard’s leading wine. Produced in limited quantities and only in the best quality years, this wine is made from selected hand harvested grapes aged in small French oak barrels. It has a lingering harmonious qualities and will achieve excellent balance after long ageing in the bottles.

Vitaroccia, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany

Tasting Notes

On the nose it had a powerful bouquet, chocolatey, toasted wood aromas combined with alcohol and spice. In the mouth it was dense, almost solid with powerful but not overpowering tannin. The flavour was long lasting and intense.

Verdict: Great wine if you don’t mind splashing out a bit, despite the €22 price tag it is good value for money.

Tuscany Villas, Umbria Villas

You can try the Icario winery’s Vitaroccia, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, when you holiday on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border in central Italy. A holiday villa, farmhouse or apartment in this stunning area makes a great base to explore these famous regions. The Tuscany Umbria border has stunning landscapes of forested hillsides, olive groves, vineyards, medieval hill towns, castles Renaissance architecture and Lake Trasimeno. The artistic heritage in this area is second to none and the major towns of Tuscany and Umbria can all be visited as day trips.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com have a wonderful selection of rental villas, holiday farmhouses and vacation apartments for self catering holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border. Look at our website for large Tuscany Farmhouses with Swimming Pools, smaller Holiday Villas To Rent In Tuscany and Tuscany Agritourism Apartments With Pool.

Swimming Pool At Sommavilla, A Tuscany Villa

We have a selection of Tuscany and Umbria vacation accommodation to suit most budgets, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. If you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday there is a self catering holiday villa you on our website.

If you would like to stay in the middle of an Italian hill town we have Apartment Rental in Cortona, Tuscany and Apartment Rental In Spello, Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals: tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Villas & Farmhouse Accommodation

Question: I pay $436 a year for a home warranty. But is it worth the expense? I wonder if I should save that money and pay for home repairs out of pocket instead?

 Answer: Your instinct is correct. In theory, a home warranty covers all repairs on the appliances and service systems in your home for an annual premium of $250 to $450, plus service fees of $50 to $100 anytime a contractor is dispatched to repair or replace a unit. At first glance this might seem like a good deal, since you might pay thousands of dollars to replace a high-quality furnace or central sir system. The problem: These policies are loaded with caveats and exceptions in the fine print that can leave giant holes in your coverage.

            For example, the cause of the problem generally has to be within the perimeter of your house, so if your plumbing breaks down because of a tree root in your yard, your claim will be denied. Ditto if a contractor arranged through the warranty company determines that you haven’t been performing proper maintenance on your system or appliance (say, you didn’t change the filter on your furnace frequently enough). You’ll also have limited say over what kind of replacement appliance you get, and you will almost always have to shell out extra if you need to upgrade your system, plus pay to get your old unit hauled away.

            In other words, even with a warranty, you’re likely to end up paying plenty for home maintenance. So you’re better off using the money you would have spent on premiums and fees to build a truly adequate emergency fund that you can tap in the event of the occasional boiler meltdown.

- Carolyn Bigda

Money Magazine April 2008

2201 192nd St SE #M3, Bothell, WA | Powered by Postlts.

Here is Another one of our great featured properties, this one in Bothell Washington. This is available and ready to move right into!!

The final emerging market indicator we analyze is migration patterns.  This gives us a measure of desirability of a particular market, and is a bad sign if more people are moving out of a market than are moving in.  It is essential for an investor to be certain more people currently moving inbound.

Once again, the 7 essential fundamental indicators to determine an emerging market using the Ultimate Passive Income data driven approach:

–        Affordability Index

–        Avg. Days on Market Trends

–        Appreciation Trends (relative to the rest of the country)

–        Foreclosure/Delinquency Trends (relative to the rest of the country)

–        Commercial Real Estate Trends

–        Unemployment Data/Employment Trends

–        Migration Patterns

Final Analysis

Any one of these fundamentals, taken alone, is not sufficient in determining a quality investment location. All of these factors must be examined together for a complete analysis. Why is it important to invest in an emerging market?  Well, if it is not an emerging market, there is too much downside depreciation risk present in the investment opportunity.  Given that the national market as a whole may continue to depreciate over the next 2 to 3 years, we would like to be in a city that appears to be as insulated as possible from further depreciation. Remember though, that an emerging market is only one of the three investment criteria that our scientific, data driven approach utilizes in search of the most profitable real estate investments. For exclusive access to our detailed research, and professional recommendations visit www.UltimatePassiveIncome.com

Join the worlds largest online vacation rental marketplace, with over 145,000 listings worldwide at HomeAway. Find that perfect vacation rental in beautiful hot spots like Virginia Beach, Rehoboth, Destin Florida, Outer Banks, Key West, Vieques villa, Jersey Shore, Myrtle Beach and more. Renting a vacation home for your next vacation allows you to maintain the creature comforts of home without breaking the bank. Bring other couples along to make it an affordable experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Sitting here on my Sunday evening browsing the Multiple Listing Service, and watching “Sweet Home Alabama” on the tube(I know chick flick, but the cowboys already played yesterday). I want to share what the Payette County real estate market looks likes for total homes listed, pending and sold.

In Payette the number of listings per price are as follows:
40 Payette homes priced from $0-$100,000
32 Payette homes priced between $100,000-$150,000
27 Payette homes priced between $150,000-$200,000
16 Payette homes priced between $200,000-$300,000
7 Payette homes priced between $300,000-$900,000

For a total of Payette homes on the market of 122

In Fruitland the number of listings per price are as follows:
8 Fruitland homes from $0-$100,000
19 Fruitland homes from $100,000-$150,000
31 Fruitland homes from $150,000-$200,000
26 Fruitland homes from $200,000-$300,000
21 Fruitland homes from $300,000-$905,000

For a total of Fruitland homes on the market of 105

In New Plymouth the number of listings per price are as follows:
6 New Plymouth homes from $0-$100,000
13 New Plymouth homes from $100,000-$150,000
8 New Plymouth homes from $150,000-$200,000
7 New Plymouth homes from $200,000-$300,000
9 New Plymouth homes from $300,000-$900,000

For a total of New Plymouth homes on the market of 43

OK…So we have a breakdown of homes listed, but now to get to the good stuff. Out of a total of 270 homes listed in Payette county only 19 homes are currently pending. However, keep in mind that the numbers I am showing you are of single family homes and single family homes with acreage. That is not including Farm and Ranch, land, building lots, or commercial.

And before I forget the total number of homes sold since September 1st is 50.

looks like a new movie is playing “Wedding Crashers,” time to relax and watch. If you would like to know more about the Payette area or my listings please feel free to email me at juan@silverhawkrealty.com or watch my video blogs or listings at http://www.youtube.com/juancardenas1000

I bought a couple of bottles of this wine on my visit to the Icario Cantina In Montepulciano, along with their more expensive Vino Nobile, Vitaroccia. I liked it when I tried it at the winery and didn’t change my opinion when I got home!

Icario Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006, DOCG, Produced by Icario in Montepulciano, Tuscany.

Cost €15 direct from winery (discount for bulk purchases), abv 14.5%

Label Notes: Produced in Montepulciano, matured for 18 months in barriques and large barrels, it spends at least 6 months in the bottle before it is released onto the market.

A leaflet I picked up from the winery elaborated a little more; the wine is made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot grapes. Fermented for 18-22 days at 25-30ºC in stainless steel, it is then kept at 18-20ºC to allow malolactic fermentation and then aged in French oak casks of 3500 litre barrels.

The leaflet conflicts slightly with the label info about aging, but hey, whatever, this wine is good!

It goes on to describe the wine as well structured and confident with spicy aromas but able to offer its own unique and balanced personality.

Icario, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006, Tuscany Italy

Tasting Notes: intense, high quality aromas; spice, a hint of chocolate and plums. In the mouth it had a lovely silky mouth feel with soft tannin and a nice touch of acidity at the end. It has both balance and a good finish.

Verdict: Great wine for the money.

Tuscany Holiday Villas & Farmhouses

You can try the Icario winery’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano when you stay in self catering vacation accommodation on the Tuscany Umbria border in central Italy. A holiday villa, farmhouse or apartment in this stunning area makes a great base to explore these famous regions.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com have a superb selection of vacation villas, holiday farmhouses and rental apartments with swimming pools on the Tuscany Umbria border. Look at our website for large Umbria & Tuscany Farmhouses with Swimming Pools, smaller Holiday Villas To Rent In Tuscany & Umbria and Tuscany Agritourism Apartments With Pool.

Swimming Pool, Accommodation Farm Holiday Tuscany, Sommavilla

We have Tuscany and Umbria vacation accommodation to suit every holiday budget, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. Whether you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday there is a self catering holiday villa you on our website.

If you would like to stay right in the middle of an Italian hill town we have Apartment Rental in Cortona, Tuscany and Apartment Rental In Spello, Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals: tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Villas

While planning your wedding one of the things  you’ll be selecting is “the menu”; Your caterer would have you come in and sit down for a choice of items to be included on your final menu… here is a nice suggestion … although some food items may not be something you’d like .. remember…. just because you don’t like them that doesn’t mean your guest would not love them either. Make sure there is plenty of food throughout the cocktail hour, couple of stations e.g. carving stations with at least two items (turkey and meat), a pasta station with also two different kids of pasta made to order, Tex-Mex station, hot chaffing dishes selections (six dishes), a cold display with international cheeses, tropical fruits, grilled vegetables with some nice gourmet salads, nice selection of homemade breads and plenty of passed around hour d’ouvers  etc etc; Your cocktail hour should have plentiful and enough food for everyone … regardless of different tasting personalities;  Moving along to your main ballroom area … start with a pre-set appetizer whether is a salad or a signature dish …… follow by a nice hot course ….. pasta is always a great choice…. then is the main course ….. have your staples beef, chicken, fish, those are the most common…. however have other alternatives or choices open as well ….. duck is always good, a different kind of fish is a great choice, adding a veal chop sounds good, a vegetarian dish for those friends that don’t eat any kind of meat and finally if there is someone with any special request or allergies please make sure you let the banquet manager, your maitre d’ and your chef know about it so they can accommodate them….dessert should be a nice and large viennese hour with all the works,  all kinds of cakes and pies plus homemade baked goods, mini pastries, every kind of cookie ever made, chocolate fountain with chocolate dipped strawberries, melon, pineapples and other sweets followed by coffee, decaf, tea and a Starbucks coffee display set up just for you!!       and that is an awesome menu you just created….  more at Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, My Blog Thanks

Edgar Allen

One mustn’t let vanity overrule one’s appetite. – Dame Judi  Dench in the film “Mrs. Brown”.

When Dame Judi uttered these words as Queen Victoria in the movie Mrs. Brown, I thought, ah ha, a philosophy I can embrace! Food is one of the great joys of life and I have an appetite for all kinds of food, including an unparalleled sweet tooth.  I think the beloved queen of England was speaking directly to me, the self-appointed king of cake and cookies!

Restaurants are the heart of a neighborhood, a destination for all who enjoy a good meal. The Lyric at Carleton Place is on University Avenue at Hampden in St Anthony Park, part of Saint Paul. It is new construction in an exciting area that is home to a diverse array of artists, many who live and create in The Carleton Artist Lofts next door to The Lyric.

Part of the thrill of living in the neighborhood is discovering new restaurants, indulging the “foodie” in each of us. Some of the hidden (and not so hidden) gems near The Lyric are: Café Biaggio at 2356 University for Italian; Jay’s Café at 791 Raymond Avenue; Bonnie’s Café at 2160 University Ave. W; or The Egg and I East, a nice breakfast spot tucked away in an office building two minutes from The Lyric.

Ethnic food choices abound. Within a couple of miles of our upscale arts-inspired apartment community are: Saigon Restaurant and Bakery, Black Sea, Faseka Ethiopian and Little Szechuan.

Writing about these wonderful eateries has given me an appetite. Per Queen Victoria, I’m not going to let vanity overrule it. What will I make for dinner? Reservations! Bon Appetite!

From the rental of equipment, construction supplies and tools for safety equipment and safety training, Battlefield Equipment can provide almost everything you need to do the job. Equipment rentals are for rent at daily, weekly and monthly rates available that gives you the flexibility of this special tool you need for the day, or for the project. www.BattlefieldEquipment.ca

My Links : Do you like music? News diy-kitchens.blogs.thaihealth.net diyhomedecor.blogs.thaihealth.net http://diyelectronics.wordpress.com/

We Visit The Cantina Icario, Montepulciano, Tuscany

After seeing Luca Signorelli’s Frescoes At Monte Oliveto Maggiore, we had Lunch In Pienza and then headed to Montepulciano for a visit to the Icario Winery. I tried the Icario Rosso di Montepulciano 2007 a couple of weeks ago and was so impressed I decided to find out more about them. The Icario Cantina is located just below the town, it is housed in a well designed moden building that was completed last year. The new cantina is built into the hillside and blends quite successfully into the landscape.

Winter Afternoon View Of Cortona From Icario Winery, Montepulciano, Tuscany

There is an art gallery above the barrel room and you can experience the slightly strange experience of walking on a thick glass floor and looking at the barrels below. The art  is changed every six months and visitors are able to buy direct from the artists should they wish to do so.

Art Gallery, Icario Winery, Montepulciano, Tuscany

The cantina is well set up for visitors with a tasting room and friendly staff who were very happy to show us around. We tasted three superb reds, an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) Toscana called Rosso Icario and two Vino Nobile as well as the vineyard’s unusual barrel fermented white, called Nysa and made with Pinot Grigio, Gewurztramminer and Pinot Nero. This wine was very unusual and I could see that it would really appeal to some people, however, I didn’t like it enough to justify spending €25 on a bottle. We also tasted the vineyard’s barrel aged grappa which I can honestly say was the best I have ever drunk. We came away with several bottles of each red and one of the grappa, which is also the most expensive grappa I’ve ever bought at €30 for half a litre!

Wine Tasting Room, Icario Winery, Montepulciano, Tuscany

After the tasting we looked around the cantina, all the reds were fermented in tall twin chambered temperature controlled stainless steel vats, the top section was used for fermenting and the bottom for storage and malolactic fermentation (the conversion of malic acid to softer lactic acid). All the wines were barrel aged before bottling, the IGT and cheaper Vino Nobile in large 3500 litre barrels whereas the premium Vino Nobile, if I understood correctly, was aged in a combination of  225 litre and 500 litre barriques with all the wine spending some time in each size of barrel, I assume the idea is to increase the complexity of the wine.

Wine Barrels, Seen Through The Glass Floor, Icario Winery Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

The winery has a relatively small output, not enough to justify buying bottling equipment, so a lorry with the equipment mounted on the back is called in.

Mobile Bottling Truck, Icario Winery, Montepulciano, Tuscany

All the Icario wines that we tried were superb, I recommend calling in if you are in Montepulciano and trying some for yourself!

Location Of Icario Winery, Montepulciano, Tuscany

View Larger Map

Tuscany & Umbria Villa, Farmhouse & Apartment Accommodation

You can visit Cantina Icario when you holiday on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border in central Italy. A holiday villa, farmhouse or apartment in this stunning area makes a great base to explore these famous regions at your own pace.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com have a wonderful choice of holiday villas, vacation farmhouses and rental apartments for independent holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border. Look at our website for a small Tuscany Farmhouse with Swimming Pool, larger Holiday Villas To Rent In Tuscany and Tuscany Agritourism Apartments With Pool.

San Martino, Tuscany Umbria Agritourism Apartments With Pool

There is vacation accommodation in Tuscany and Umbria to suit every budget, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. Whether you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday there is a self catering holiday villa you on our website.

To stay in the middle of an Italian hill town, we have Apartment Rental in Cortona, Tuscany and Apartment Rental In Spello, Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Villas, Farmhouses & Agritourism Apartments

Foreclosure/Delinquency Trends (relative to the rest of the country)

At the conclusion of EMERGING MARKETS (Part 3: Appreciation Trends), we mentioned that we believe that foreclosure data should only be discounted or eliminated in valuation studies if foreclosures represent outliers in a community.  We look at foreclosure/delinquency trends to better understand how much foreclosures drive home valuations in a particular community.  It helps to look at foreclosure data relative to the national average to provide resolution as to how good or bad a market really is.  As an investor, it is better to avoid markets that are saturated with foreclosures in the short term. It is very risky to target markets in which foreclosure numbers and projections are high.  We believe in taking a conservative risk preference whenever possible in this volatile economy.  There is certainly still a lot of money to be made without taking on this additional downside risk.

In Part 5, we will examine ho w Commercial Real Estate Trends can be very important economic indicator of things to come. Visit www.UltimatePassiveIncome.com for exclusive access to ALL of our detailed market research and analysis as well as professional recommendations.

Lunch At Terrazza Val d’Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

After visiting the frescoes by Luca Signorelli At Monte Oliveto Maggiore we stopped in Pienza for lunch. Located just outside the town walls in viale Santa Caterina, this restaurant has magnificent views across the Val d’Orcia. On a weekday in December, Pienza was empty of the usual crowds of tourists and we were the only customers at Terrazza Val d’Orcia. It was a cold day, especially in the shade of Pienza’s narrow streets but amazingly, we sat outside with our coats on in the full sunshine of the restaurant’s terrace, it was just warm enough to do so.

View of Monte Amiata, Terrazza Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

I began with a starter of sliced duck breast served on a radicchio leaf with tomatoes with cooked carrots and onions, it was flavoured with olive oil, vinegar and whole peppercorns, an interesting and quite unusual dish.

Duck Starter, Terrazza Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

My friend Tom went for the ribollita, a vegetable soup with canellini beans and Tuscan black cabbage, good hearty peasant food for a cold winter’s day, both dishes were served with the local crusty unsalted bread. Apparently ribollita takes three days to prepare properly, the name means “reboiled”, you can imagine a pot of this sitting on a farmhouse stove all winter long.

Ribollita Terrazza Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

We skipped the pasta courses and went straight on to the meat dishes with mixed salads as a side dish. I had leg of guinea fowl with a sauce of smashed olives and I think onions and tomatoes, it was pretty good.

Guinea Fowl, Terrazza Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

Tom chose lamb stew, he thought it was flavoursome but he struggled to get the meat off the bone, it really needed cooking slowly and a lot longer. To be fair, this was probably because they weren’t really expecting anyone on this weekday in the low point in the tourist season, but we could have been steered away from this choice.

Lamb Stew, Terrazza Val d'Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

The meal was accompanied by a half bottle of house red, a pleasant wine from nearby Bagno Vignoni.

At the end of the meal, Eduardo, the owner gave us coffees on the house. The total bill for four courses, two salads, wine and water was a fairly pricey €67. We felt that you pay for the magnificent view across the Val d’Orcia and that in the summer the restaurant would be full of satisfied diners happy to pay for the location. However, for the winter, we thought it would be better to concentrate on a few lower priced dishes and if they need slow cooking to have them ready prepared like the ribollita.

To book a table at Terrazza Val d’Orcia telephone 0039 0578 749924

Location of Terrazza Val d’Orcia, Pienza, Tuscany

View Larger Map

Afterwards we went on to the Icario Winery In Montepulciano

Tuscany & Umbria Vacation Accommodation

You can visit Pienza and eat at Terazza Val d’Orcia when you stay in vacation accommodation on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border. A holiday villa, farmhouse or apartment in this stunning part of central Italy makes a great base to explore these famous regions.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com have a great choice of vacation villas, holiday farmhouses and rental apartments for self catering holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border. Look at our website for a large Tuscany Farmhouse with Swimming Pool, smaller Holiday Villas To Rent In Tuscany and Tuscany Agritourism Apartments With Pool.

We have Tuscany and Umbria vacation accommodation to suit everyone, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. Whether you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday, Gorgacce Rentals have a self catering holiday villa you on our website.

If you would like to stay in the middle of an Italian hill town look at our Apartment Rental in Cortona, Tuscany and Apartment Rental In Spello, Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Villas

In my last blog (Part 2: Average Days on Market Trends) we discussed the 2^nd of seven statistics we use at Ultimate Passive Income to evaluate an emerging market. In Part 3, we will explore the appreciation trends to see how they relate to the overall investment analysis.

Appreciation Trends (relative to the rest of the country)

Yes, even amid the housing crisis, parts of the U.S. are still expected to post price gains in the coming year, according to Money Magazine. Here’s where to look (http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/105048/10-Fastest-Growing-Real-Estate-Markets)

Hint: Our “sweet spot” location to maximize investment returns is on this list! (Visit UltimatePassiveIncome.com for a detailed analysis and some incredible guarantees)

It is also important to look at appreciation trends, although we have to take this indicator with a grain of salt.  There are several different ways to measure appreciation.  For example, one might choose to look at the average MLS sales price this quarter and compare it to last quarter.  Critics may argue that this is not a reliable measure of appreciation because it may factor in different concentrations of homes.  For example, in the Phoenix market, if there were a lot of higher end Scottsdale homes sold in the previous quarter, and there are a lot of lower end homes in the outskirts sold this quarter, then we might be comparing apples to oranges.  Other measurement systems may factor in refinance appraisal data, track the same bundle of houses over time, and/or discount (or eliminate) foreclosure data altogether.  With all of the different ways one can measure appreciation, it is no wonder why two different sources can quote drastically different results.  We believe that foreclosure data should only be discounted or eliminated in valuation studies if foreclosures represent outliers in a community.  In other words, if foreclosures are few and far between, then it makes sense for appraisers to not utilize those as comparable sales, because the market is being driven by traditional sales.  In addition, there are zero guarantees offered with foreclosed properties, and they do not come move- in ready for the most part.

In Part 4 of this series, we will examine how Foreclosure/Delinquency Trends affect the overall investment analysis.  Visit www.UltimatePassiveIncome.com for exclusive access to ALL of our detailed market research and analysis as well as professional recommendations.

About ten minutes away from The Lyric on Carleton Place at 1021 East Franklin is a gallery/theater space called Franklin Art Works. There’s an offbeat show in residence through January 9.

Artist Christopher Baker has created a virtual water wall of cell phones and miniature credit card scanners that come together as a quilt-sized projection of 1780 postcard-sized videos, a collage of people blogging and tweeting about themselves. The art- piece is 46 feet high and 12 feet long! The show is, “Hello, World! Or How I Learned to Stop Listening and Love the Noise”.

As an avid blogger, face-booker (to coin a word) and tweeter, not to mention email writer and reader, I’m connected to the virtual world  for several hours a day. Leave it to an artist to take social media fans and turn our unending chatter into art. I’m pondering the question … Is Baker’s art an example of life imitating art or art imitating life? It makes me wonder if my virtual noise will wind up in Baker’s piece. After all, he’s simply plucking tweets from cyberspace, at random, to create art.

One of the unique features of  The Lyric at Carleton Place will be our Lyric Lab performance space and pre-function area. The space will be divisible into various configurations and will include a sound/light booth as part of the design. I envision our residents creating exciting works of performance and visual arts, examples of art imitating life … or is that life imitating art?

After the resounding success of our first ever exhibition at the beautiful Victoria Square shopping centre in the very festive city of Belfast our next dates have been confirmed.

The Lets in the Sun Team will be at the Holiday World Show in Belfast from the 15th to the 17th of January. With over 30,000 people in attendance last year we are sure this will become an annual event for the marketing team.

This is a trade show that is also open to the public in King’s Hall Exhibition & Conference Centre. www.kingshall.co.uk.

A follower of ILovePortlandMaine.com submitted the following two rental units that are available immediately and asked that I share them with our readers.

Should you have interest, please contact the landlord directly at the contact information at the bottom of the page and let them know you saw it here!

Unit #1

Newly updated 2 floor, 2 bedroom apartment for rent near USM. Features include:

Heat & Hot water included, Hardwood floors, carpeted bedrooms, Washer/Dryer hook up in private basement, Private entrance, Large yard, Mantel and built-in cabinet in living room, Brand new stainless steel appliances including dishwasher, Off street parking, Non-Smoking property. Looking for quiet, non-smoking, responsible tenants. Available immediately. Property is on St. John Street in Portland closest to Brighton Ave and near USM. 1 yr lease and $1050 security deposit. Call Bill at 450-5740

Unit #2

Newly updated 2 floor, 2-3 bedroom apartment for rent near USM. Features include:

Heat & hot water included, Brand new never used stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and microwave, Hardwood floors, carpeted bedrooms, New cabinets, 1 1/2 baths. Half bath on second floor with laundry (will include stackable washer dryer if needed), Off street parking, Private entrance, Large yard, Non-Smoking property. Looking for quiet, non-smoking, responsible tenants. Available immediately. Property is on St. John Street in Portland closest to Brighton Ave and near USM. 1 yr lease and $1200 security deposit. Call Bill at 450-5740

In my last blog (Part 1: Affordability Index) we discussed the 1^st of seven statistics we use at Ultimate Passive Income to evaluate an emerging market. In Part 2, we will explore the average days on market trends to see how they relate to the investment analysis of the current market.

Average Days on Market Trends

The average days on market data is an important indicator because it helps us to understand the supply and demand pressures that could affect home valuations.  Typically, anything under 4 months (120 days) represents a seller’s market while anything over 6 months (180 days) represents a buyer’s market.

When analyzing potential markets for investment, at Ultimate Passive Income we look for a number that indicates the market is functioning well – One in which there is not an oversupply of available used inventory that could cause negative valuation pressures (a common threat in many current markets). Anything from 90-120 days is the “sweet spot” we have found that indicates a stable, functioning market for investment purposes.

In Part 3 of this series, we will explore how Appreciation Trends (relative to the rest of the country) affect the overall investment analysis.  Visit www.UltimatePassiveIncome.com for exclusive access to ALL of our detailed market research and analysis as well as professional recommendations.

Today we drove to the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the monastery is located in the in the hilly landscape known as the crete, south east of Siena.

Winter View Across The Crete Near Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany Italy

We went to see the fresco cycle on the life of St. Benedict in the monastery cloister painted by two Renaissance painters, Luca Signorelli and Antonio Bazzi, more commonly known as Il Sodoma.

Signorelli Frescoes, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany, Italy

Luca Signorelli worked on ten panels in the series of thirty six before leaving to paint the San Brizio Chapel in Orvieto Cathedral. He started at the end of the story and painted the scenes along the fourth wall and a couple at the end of the second and start of the third wall.  His panels typically depict muscular bodies and patterned floors and if you have seen other paintings by Signorelli you will recognise the face of the woman who appears repeatedly. These rate amongst his finest work along with the Book of Revelations frescoes at Orvieto Cathedral and the little known frescoes in the church of San Crescentino, Morra.

Totila Meets St. Benedict, Signorelli Frescoes, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany, Italy

Although slightly damaged, one of the most memorable panels is that of St. Benedict scolding two monks who have sneaked out to a tavern for a meal (in case you are wondering, St. Benedict is the figure on the stairs).

Luca Signorelli, St. Benedict Scolds The Monks For Eating Outside The Monastery,, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany

The monks are waited on by a boy and two young women, one of whom holds a plate in a pose very similar to the angels in many Perugino paintings, the curve of her head and shoulder emphasises the curve of the arch that frames the painting. Perugino and Luca Signorelli had both studied under the same teacher, Piero della Francesca. The details of ordinary life in Renaissance Italy make this painting particularly fascinating.

Servant Girl, Luca Signorelli, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany, Italy

You can see the influence of Piero della Francesca in the panel depicting the conversion of the inhabitants of Monte Cassino. Look in the background and you can see the monks pulling down a pagan idol. The ropes form a pyramid, emphasising the perspective while the arches of the pagan temple frame the scene.

St. Benedict Converts The People Of Monte Cassino, Luca Signorelli, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany, Italy

In the scene depicting the collapse of a building onto the evil priest Fiorenzo, you can see devils knocking the building down, Signorelli was to take his demonic figures to another level in the frescoes at Orvieto.

God Punishes The Priest Fiorenzo, Luca Signorelli, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany Italy.

Il Sodoma finished the remaining panels between 1505 and 1508, he was said to have a menagerie of animals, you can see many of them in the details of his paintings. Someone going by the name of Il Sodoma may strike you as a strange choice of artist to fresco a monastery, he was forced to tone down at least one of the paintings, in the scene depicting St. Benedict being tempted by women, he was a made to repaint them with clothes on.

St. Benedict Saves Monte Cassino, Il Sodoma, Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany, Italy

You may notice that the quality of the first three panels is higher, they were the last that Il Sodoma painted and apparently he was paid more for these after the abbot complained about his work.

The frescoes are free to visit although there is a donation box. Opening times are 09.15-12.00 and 15.15 -17.45, closing at 17.00 in the winter. There is a small restaurant at the monastery and a shop where many herbal remedies made by the monks are for sale.

Location of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Tuscany Italy

View Larger Map

Tuscany & Umbria Villas, Farmhouses & Apartments With Pools

You can easily visit the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore and see the frescoes by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma when you holiday on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border. Not only this area of central Italy extremely beautiful, it also makes a fantastic base to explore these famous regions.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com are specialists in vacation accommodation on the Tuscany Umbria border. Look at our website for vacation villas, holiday farmhouses and rental apartments for self catering holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border. You will find large Tuscany Farmhouses with Swimming Pools, smaller Holiday Villas To Rent In Tuscany and Tuscany Agritourism Apartments With Pool.

Sette Vene, Agritourism Apartments With Pool, Tuscany Umbria Border

We have Tuscany and Umbria vacation accommodation for every budget, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. Whether you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday there is a self catering holiday villa you.

Sunrise On The Tuscany Umbria Border

If you would like a holiday in an Italian hill town we have Apartment Rental in Cortona, Tuscany and Apartment Rental In Spello, Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Rental Villas

Thanks to my new RE partner and straight shootin’ neighborhood dude, Ion Birch, it’s as if the plumage of the superb bird of paradise has unfurled before me.

Your Greenpoint paradise hideaway-nest awaits your elaborate mating dance:

- Dropped back and yet, sticks out somehow.

- Look, we’re not here to discuss design, taste, art, or artistry so let’s keep it simple – this space is 16′x12′ = 192sf of living room.

- I do like some lucite things.  Kitchen.  DoucheDishwasher too!

- The first of two bathrooms!  Always remember to keep the seats down, please.

- The first of three bedrooms. 12′x9′ = 108sf

- Bedroom number two (huh-huh). 10′x15′ = 150sf of number two!

- The Supreme Master Bedroom with ergonomic office chair. 11′x15′ = 165sf of chair rolling fun.

- I’m pretty sure those nipple spouty things in the tub are jets for [cue the Price is Right theme song] YOUR NEW JACUZZI TUB!

- [Price is Right theme still going] [BARKER] Tell ‘em what else they get, Rod! [RODDY] You and guest will be staying at the GRAND CLOSET hotel and casino in beautiful sunny Acapulco, Mexicoooooo!  It’s the only place in town where you’ll find a GRAND CLOSET, in every room.

- [RODDY] All that tubbin’ and scrub-a-dubbin’ will make you wanna do your laundry… IN YOUR NEW WASHER AND DRYER!!!

- Hey, cool out Jack!  A hulking massive floating AC zips that whole house cold when it’s hot.  Baseboard heaters are there for when it’s not.

- Where?

- OH HERE! Next to the Marshall’s impound lot only a short block away from where this apartment lies.  “See ya later honey, I’m goin’ to play pinball down by the car pound!”  Brilliance, in life, although fleeting, exists.

- Heat IS YES ABSOLUTELY INDEED included.

- Gas and electric are not.

- Landlord wants a direct monthly deposit set up in order to receive the benefit of the rent reduction from 3400 to the now 2800.  I know that sounds like bullshit but it’s actually true.

- Available Jan 1, 2010.  HAPPY NEW DECADE!

- Map here.

Obviously we must be respectful of the kind individuals living there now so weekday afternoons around 2p is good to view and so are weekends around 11a.

Comment here and througheth thou shall pass.

I came across wine from the Pucciarella cantina at the Citta di Castello Truffle Festival last month, I bought a bottle of their Colli Trasimeno DOC, Sant Anna di Pucciarella and I thought it was incredible value for money at €5.50. I had never seen this wine for sale anywhere and so decided to visit the cantina to get some more.

Large Oak Barrels, Pucciarella Winery, Umbria, Italy

I asked a few questions as to why the wine wasn’t for sale in shops and found that the Pucciarella cantina is owned by the Banca Intesa, the winery is fairly small scale and the bank and their staff take a good percentage of the output! The remainder is sold directly at the cantina and, judging by the amount of people buying wine there, I wasn’t the only person who liked it.

Barriques, Pucciarella Cantina, Umbria, Italy

I bought one bottle of every wine that they make and will be tasting them over the next few days as we have friends to stay. It was interesting to see that they were making three different sparkling wines using the traditional “champagne” method, look out for my tasting notes which will be posted soon!

Sparkling Rose, Pucciarella Cantina, Umbria, Italy

As well as the bottled wine they sell very good “vino sfuso” (I tried both the red and white) at €1.20 a litre and they will provide you with a 5 litre container if you haven’t brought one along.

Winter Vineyard View, Pucciarella Winery, Umbria, Italy

The Pucciarella cantina is open Monday to Friday in the morning until 12.00 and afternoons from 15.00 until 19.00. On Saturday it closes at 13.00 and does not open for the afternoon. Sunday closed.

Location of Pucciarella Winery

View Larger Map

Tuscany & Umbria Vacation Accommodation

You can visit the Pucciarella winery when you holiday in vacation accommodation on the stunning Tuscany Umbria border. This area has beautiful landscapes, hill towns, a rich artistic and architectural heritage and excellent food and wine, just about everything you need for a holiday! Staying in self catering vacation accommodation on the Tuscany Umbria border is an excellent way to see these famous regions at your own pace. You can simply relax or visit nearby towns such as Cortona in Tuscany or Gubbio in Umbria for an easy day out. If wish to venture further afield, you can go sightseeing in Florence or even Rome.

Castellino Swimming Pool, A Luxury Villa Tuscany Umbria Border

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com specialise in holiday villas, farmhouses and apartments on the Tuscany Umbria border. Look at our website for large Holiday Villas To Rent In Tuscany & Umbria, a smaller Tuscany Farmhouse With Swimming Pool or Tuscany Agritourism Apartments With Pool.

We have vacation accommodation in Tuscany and Umbria to suit every budget, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. Whether you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday there is self catering accommodation for you on our website.

If you would like to stay in the middle of an Italian hill town we also have Apartment Rental in Cortona, Tuscany and Apartment Rental In Spello, Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Villas

Rubesco, Rosso di Torgiano 2006

This wine is available in many supermarkets throughout Umbria, it normally costs €6.25 but was on offer in my local supermarket for €4.25. I hadn’t been that impressed with it the last few times that I tried it so I thought this was a good opportunity to see if I had changed my mind!

Rubesco, Rosso di Torgiano 2006 Produced by Lungarotti in Torgiano, Umbria

Cost €4.25 (normally €6.25) from Umbertide Co-op, abv 13%

Label Notes

Made from Sangiovese and Cannaiolo grapes, Rubesco is an excusive Lungarotti trademark. Pleasantly harmonious, ruby red wine with enveloping bouquet and body. Can be matched with haute cuisine and the more casual dishes of contemporary cooking, adding a touch of natural warmth.

Rubesco 2006, Produced By Lungarotti, Umbria, Italy

Tasting Notes

A good red fruit and alcohol bouquet. In the mouth it was fairly soft with the flavour of wild cherries. It wasn’t overly exciting, a simple wine, light in body with a quick finish.

Verdict: The bouquet was the best thing about this wine, for €4.25 it was alright, but at the normal price of €6.25 it is expensive, Lungarotti’s basic white, Torre di Giano, is a much better buy.

Tuscany Villas, Farmhouses & Apartments With Pools On The Umbrian Border

You can try wines from the Lungarotti vineyard when you holiday in Tuscany and Umbria. The beautiful Tuscany Umbria border makes a perfect base to explore these beautiful central Italian regions, Gorgacce Rentals are specialists in vacation accommodation in this area, look at our website tuscanyumbria.com to find large Tuscany Farmhouses & Villas With Swimming Pools, smaller Holiday Villas To Rent in Tuscany & Umbria or a Tuscany Agritourism Apartment With Pool.

Tuscany Umbria Border, Italy

We have a selection of Tuscany and Umbria vacation accommodation to suit every budget, take a look at one of our Tuscany Luxury Holiday Villas or or beautiful but Cheap Accommodation In Tuscany. Whether you are looking for Accommodation for A Farm Holiday In Tuscany or a Tuscany Farmhouse Holiday there is a self catering holiday villa you on our website.

Gorgacce Rentals tuscanyumbria.com

Tuscany Villas & Vacation Accomodation