The Pickle Jar…Cute Story!

Thepickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on
the floor beside the dresser in my parents'
bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty
his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. 

As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds
the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.  They
landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost
empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud
as the jar was filled. 

I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire
the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's
treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom
window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the
kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to
the bank. 

Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production.
Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were
placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. 

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would
look at me hopefully. 'Those coins are going to keep you
out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than
me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back.' 

Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled
coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier,
he would grin proudly. 'These are for my son's college
fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.' 

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping
for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad
always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream
parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the
few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home,
we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop
the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around
with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and
quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that.' 

No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued
to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer
when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to
serve dried beans several times a week, not a single
dime was taken from the jar. 

To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me,
pouring catsup over my beans to make them more
palatable, he became more determined than ever to
make a way out for me 'When you finish college, Son,'
he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to
eat beans again - unless you want to.' 

The years passed, and I finished college and took a
job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents,
I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that
the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose
and had been removed. 

A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside
the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad
was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the
values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The
pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have
done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the
significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my
life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than
anything else, how much my dad had loved me. 

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born,
we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom
and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns
cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper
softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She probably
needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my
parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back
into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. 

She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand
and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her
eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser.
To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed,
stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with
coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my
pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of
emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I
looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped
quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was
feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could
speak. 

This truly touched my heart. Sometimes we are so busy
adding up our troubles that we forget to count our
blessings.  Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for
better or for worse. 

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

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Question For You!

I am curious to know how many market report/update posts my fellow agents on AR do a week?  I know that I try to do at least 1 or 2 a week.  However, I also notice that of all of my blog topics, the market reports get the least amount of comments.  Of course, market updates are useful to buyers/sellers, more so than other agents, so the lack of comments doesn’t particularly concern me.  Also, the market reports really help with SEO! I am always striving to find the perfect balance as I continue on with blogging.  Let me know your thoughts.

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Great Resource For Rural Housing

Some of the first time home buyers that I am working with are taking advantage of the Rural Housing Program.  I found this helpful resource to help determine if a home they are interested in will qualify, before we research it further.  It has saved a great deal of time and effort, and is wonderful if you can’t contact the lender in the meantime either.  Enjoy!

Rural Housing Resource Link

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Have A Heart Bake Sale At HAWS

Its the Friends of HAWS Annual HAVE-A-HEART BAKE SALE!!!

Friday, February 12th from 9am - 5pm
AND

Saturday, February 13th from 9am - Noon

Join us at Waukesha State Bank, 100 Bank St.
(the corner of St. Paul Ave. & Madison St.)

Get sweets for your sweetest –
tasty treats for people and pets!
‘Have a heart’ and help HAWS’ animals!

Bakers: please bring items to HAWS on Thursday, February 11th, between noon and 6pm.

---

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Motivational Monday

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Harold R. McAlindon

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Kristin Johnston Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Merton, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI

My name is Kristin Johnston of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Merton, WI for the last 30 days. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.  Furthermore, I can’t think of a better time for a buyer, whether you are a buyer wanting to utilize the first time home buyer tax credit in Waukesha County, or any existing buyer looking for a tax credit for their home in Waukesha County.  Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County. The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 1/07/09 to 02/07/10.  Kristin Johnston Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Merton, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market 7 homes sold; 2 were list and sold by the same company, and 5 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 23 new listings.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 3 pending listings.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.

In the Merton, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 19 expired listings.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 back on market listings.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 21 extended listings.

In the Merton,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 152 currently active listings.

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Kristin Johnston Gives You The Real Estate Activity For North Prairie, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI

My name is Kristin Johnston of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for North Prairie, WI for the last 30 days. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.  Furthermore, I can’t think of a better time for a buyer, whether you are a buyer wanting to utilize the first time home buyer tax credit in Waukesha County, or any existing buyer looking for a tax credit for their home in Waukesha County.  Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County. The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 1/07/09 to 02/07/10.  Kristin Johnston Gives You The Real Estate Activity For North Prairie, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market 0 homes sold; 0 were list and sold by the same company, and 0 were sold by co-brokes.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 new listings.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 pending listings.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.

In the North Prairie, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 3 expired listings.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 back on market listings.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 extended listings.

In the North Prairie,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 36 currently active listings.

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Wee Wonders: “Animal Fiesta”

Wee Wonders: “Animal Fiesta” (Ages 2 to 4)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010. 9:30 to 10:15am. When winter keeps us indoors, come out and meet a few of our staff animals as they brighten up a winter day. Register by Thursday, January 7. $3.00. Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, Waukesha County. Call 262-548-7801.

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

“Nightline” Exposed Dairy Cruelty

“Nightline” Exposed Dairy Cruelty

Undercover video showed cows abused at N.Y. dairy

The Humane Society of the United States

iStockphoto

Last night, Nightline examined some of the controversy surrounding the dairy industry’s treatment of cows.

Contrary to the industry’s advertising campaign filled with green pastures and happy cows, many of the nation’s nine million dairy cows never step on a blade of grass in their lives.

There are many serious concerns about the welfare of these animals. The HSUS led the successful fight last year in California to ban one significant assault on these animals: the tail-docking of cows.

And a new exposé from Mercy for Animals highlights serious welfare concerns at one of New York’s largest dairy factories, including routine tail-docking, despite the fact that the American Veterinary Medical Association opposes this practice.

Working to end abuse

Working to ban tail-docking is just one of the ways that The HSUS is improving the lives of dairy cows.

• Our landmark 2008 investigation of “downed” dairy cow abuse at a California slaughter plant led to the nation’s largest-ever meat recall and the closing of a federal loophole allowing the use of sick and injured cows for human consumption.
• Another 2008 investigation revealed appalling cruelty at auctions.
• In 2009, our exposé of a Vermont slaughterhouse’s abuse of days-old dairy calves resulted in an ongoing U.S. Department of Agriculture investigation and closure of the plant.

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!

Kristin Johnston Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Pewaukee, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI

My name is Kristin Johnston of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Pewaukee, WI for the last 30 days. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth.  Furthermore, I can’t think of a better time for a buyer, whether you are a buyer wanting to utilize the first time home buyer tax credit in Waukesha County, or any existing buyer looking for a tax credit for their home in Waukesha County.  Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County. The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 12/31/09 to 01/31/10.  Kristin Johnston Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Pewaukee, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County, WI.

In the Pewaukee,Wisconsin Real Estate market 9 homes sold; 4 were list and sold by the same company, and 5 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Pewaukee, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 38 new listings.

In the Pewaukee,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 19 pending listings.

In the Pewaukee,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Pewaukee,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.

In the Pewaukee, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 43 expired listings.

In the Pewaukee,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 13 back on market listings.

In the Pewaukee,,Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 58 extended listings.

In the Pewaukee,Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 352 currently active listings.

Your contact for all your real estate needs in Waukesha County, WI, 

Kristin Johnston

PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php

Se Habla Espanol!