Best Year for Homes Sales Since 2006
Weekends on Wednesday
This week the Chinese New Year ushers in the year of the horse. |
Opening Jan 29th:
The Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore
More than 35 vivid paintings, drawings, prints, watercolors, and sculpture present an overview of the revolutionary art movement that flourished in Germany during the first three decades of the 20th century.
Feb 1st:
Program begins at 1PM
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
Cockeysville
Will spring come early or late? Find out if the groundhog is awake by searching for dens around the park. Then, see if we can spot early signs of spring. All Ages. To register call, 410-887-1815. FREE
Winter Hike and Cider Tasting near Harpers Ferry, WV (only 1 hr away)
River & Trail Outfitters
604 Valley Road, Knoxville
11 a.m. Cost: $45 per participant
Simply the area's most scenic hike! The trail begins behind the outfitters with a gradual accent through a picturesque hardwood forest to a spectacular view of two rivers and three states. Maryland Heights towers above the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Here we will pause to enjoy the view and eat lunch. The decent is on the front side of the hill with continuing views of the rivers and the town through the trees. Along the way your guide will interpret the flora, fauna and history of the area. A short walk beside the Potomac River ends the hike. Afterwards relax at a local ciderworks with a hard cider tasting or a hot cup of mulled cider..
Noon - 4:00 pm, Last tour begins 3:00 pm
Josiah Henson Park
Parking is available ONLY at:
the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center,
5900 Executive Blvd., North Bethesda
Retrace the footsteps of Reverend Josiah Henson from his enslavement to escape on the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada. Walk the grounds where Henson toiled as a slave on the Isaac Riley plantation. Learn about his extraordinary life, which inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's landmark novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
The Chocolate Lovers Festival, an annual two-day festival held on the first full weekend of February, features activities for all to enjoy.
Join us for the Taste of Chocolate, the Chocolate Challenge, the ever-popular Kiwanis Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast, open houses at historic buildings and much more.
Some events require a fee, and other events are free to all visitors. Please see the Events page for a complete list of events.
Feb 2nd:
11 AM
1601 Nicodemus Rd.
Reisterstown
Bring your dog the First SUNDAY of each month at 11 am! Hike on the grounds of our animal shelter’s forested wildlife sanctuary in Reisterstown, led by Dr. Mary Zink, Baltimore Humane Society Veterinary Medical Director of the Low Cost Spay-Neuter Wellness Center. Rain or Shine. Moderate hiking level.
Presented by Pro Musica Rara
Bach's Oboe According to Ruiz, who recently recorded the complete oboe concertos of Bach with the Portland Baroque Orchestra, Bach and the oboe had a special relationship.
Washington DC
Ring in the Year of the Horse with the annual Chinese lunar new year parade through Chinatown. Expect dragon dances, marching bands, brightly costumed characters from Chinese mythology and fireworks beginning at 2 p.m. The parade route begins at in the intersection of Sixth and I Street NW and finishes at Seventh and H Street NW, where a Chinese street festival takes place from 4 to 6 p.m.
Last Day Feb 2nd:
The Phillips Collection
1600 21st Street, NW
Washington, DC
An exhibition organized by the Phillips Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art features more than 30 portraits and landscapes by the artist.
Planning for the Future:
The National Arboretum is going to post their Spring events on February 3. The Full Moon Hikes sell out quickly, so if that is something that interests you, watch for them to be posted, and then register right away! This is something Ninon and I did several years ago. It was terrific! I highly recommend it.
Maryland Monday
After the deep freeze we've been experiencing lately, it feels positively balmy out there today, at 44°!
Here are some pictures of the fresh snow from last week.
Here are some pictures of the fresh snow from last week.
(our dog loves the snow...) |
Geese on ice...on Centennial Lake |
Centennial Lake |
Centennial Lake |
Centennial Lake Shadows |
The Little Patuxent River - frozen! |
The Little Patuxent River |
Weekends on Wednesday
Jan 24-26
Hundreds
of Pet Products and Services * Interactive Pet Exhibits * Free Seminars
by National Experts on Pet Care and Training * DockDogs® * Johnny Peers
Muttville Comix * AKC Dog Agility Trial * Petting Zoo * Parade of
Breeds * ACFA Cat Show * In Depth Workshops * Pony Rides * Reptiles
& More * Fish
As
Mid-Atlantic families brace for frigid forecasts, the 2014 Progressive
Insurance Baltimore Boat Show, celebrating its 60th
anniversary,transforms the Baltimore Convention Center at Baltimore’s
Inner Harbor into a boater’s paradise Thursday-Sunday, January 23-26.
LOVE
LOCAL! Howard County’s top chefs are serving up savings with romantic
twists on local favorites! Cozy meals at fabulous prix fixe prices from
$10.14 – $40.14.
Jan 24
Comedy
doesn't have to be intellectual in order to be funny, but it's a lot
more rewarding when the punchline is more than catchphrase. If
"Git-R-Done!" never did anything for you, here's Tim Lee, a PhD turned
comedian who has (eureka!) actually found a way to make PowerPoint
presentations funny. He returns to D.C. for performances Friday at 8
p.m. and Saturday at 6 and 8 p.m.
Jan 25
Immortal memory presentation; Celtic music address to haggis, sit-down dinner, raffle, toast lads and lassies.
Join
more than 25,000 plungers and spectators for a chill in the Chesapeake
and a heated festival with vendors, live music, food and more.
the National Museum of Civil War Medicine
This
book sale will feature hard-to-find titles on Civil War medicine, the
history of medicine, surgeons’ memoirs and biographies, comparative
religion, the rise of the scientific study of nature, military medicine,
and related topics.
Presented
in collaboration with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning
Commission, the showcase features six to seven distinct choreographic
works in a range of styles each year including modern dance,
contemporary ballet, aerial choreography, world dance, hip-hop and more.
Ages
14 years and up. Join Jackie “O” of Jackie O Jewelry to discover the
craft of wire-working and learn about the natural history of different
stones used in jewelry-making. Create a custom-fitted, wearable
masterpiece for any wrist size using sterling silver wire and natural
stones. All materials for one bracelet are included. Register early to
secure your spot as class size is limited. $45 per participant.
Is
the winter weather keeping you indoors? Come shake off those winter
doldrums by heading to Breezy Hill Farm for it’s first annual Cabin
Fever Yarn Party! It will be a fun yarn filled day of spinning, weaving,
knitting, or whatever your fancy. Bring your friends and yarn projects
to our farm where you can relax in our heated barn – surrounded with the
sights and sounds of sustainable farming.
We
are excited to have our local fiber mill owners joining us to provide a
how-to session on using a peg loom to weave a gorgeous rug in only a
few hours. In addition, there will be spinners present who can provide
guidance on how to spin roving into yarn. Complimentary hot drinks and
desserts will be provided.
Description
The Amelia Piano Trio, one of America’s foremost young chamber
ensembles, brings their bold and charismatic style to three piano trios
by Beethoven. Founded in 1999 by three students of legendary violinist
Isaac Stern, the trio has won the ASCAP Award for Adventurous
Programming, and was National Public Radio’s Young Ensemble in Residence
in 2003. Violinist Anthea Kreston, cellist Jason Duckles and pianist
Andrew Armstrong have also recorded several acclaimed albums, and
performed at venues including Carnegie hall and Ravinia in
Chicago. Adult $32; Senior $30; Student $12
The
Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Chinese Embassy host a morning
of family-friendly activities to celebrate the start of the Year of the
Horse. The event will include puppetry from the Tianjin Arts Troupe,
traditional Chinese music from the Washington Guzheng Society and a
performance by the Johns Hopkins University Yong Han Lion Dance group.
Guests also can check out a display about giant pandas (and send a
message to Bao Bao at the National Zoo), learn calligraphy and make red
paper lanterns. Skilled dough sculptors, painters and paper cutters also
will demonstrate their crafts. At the Kogod Courtyard.
The
Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool &
kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every
child is a star and guaranteed to laugh! For over 15 years, The Great
Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and
preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows for
more that 400 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle
nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel
comfortable and ready to laugh. Washingtonian Magazine has
called him “a man with a nearly magical ability to connect with
children” and Fox 5 News says in the world of local kid’s entertainment,
“there is no bigger name than The Great Zucchini!” The Great Zucchini
will be joined by Barry the Magician for this special show. Recommended
for ages 2-6. 45 minutes to 1 hour duration Tickets: $7.50 / $6.00 for members
Jan 26
Watch
one of the longest running, touring marionette theaters in the United
States perform Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio. Follow the most well-known
wooden boy as he struggles with becoming human. Founded in 1967, this
award-winning company specializes in adaptations of popular stories
using marionettes as the performance medium. As the sons of artistic
director David Syrotiak, puppeteers David and Peter Syrotiak have been
building and performing with the company since they were teenagers.
Dedicated to keeping the tradition of professional puppetry alive, the
two brothers are sure to enthrall an audience of all ages
Peabody
Opera performs an abridged version of Humperdinck's immortal classic
about a brother and sister lost in the woods, a gingerbread house and a
witch! This production is a fabulous introduction for young audiences to
the joys of opera. The music, costumes, scenery, and kid-friendly cast
of singers are bound to delight family audiences of all ages!
Taste the specialties of area chocolatiers. Enjoy fun and games for the whole family.
Through Feb 9th
Winner
of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize and the NY Drama Critics Circle Award, Beth
Henley's comedy brings you into the Mississippi household of the Magrath
sisters. Babe has just shot her husband because she didn't like his
looks. Meg is back in town after a failed attempt in the music business
and a nervous breakdown. And poor Lenny - everyone has forgotten her
30th birthday...plus, her pet horse was just struck by lightning! Bad
luck certainly runs deep among the Magrath clan. But with warm-hearted laughs and touching family moments, the sisters forgive the past, face the present, and embrace the future in this contemporary American stage classic.
Maryland Monday
What a beautiful day, today! They say snow is arriving tomorrow, so thank goodness for today. Ninon even walked to work because the weather was so pleasant, taking pictures all the way.
Did you know that Columbia has a Path App for the 93.5 miles of walking paths that wander in and through Columbia?
You can CLICK HERE for the APP
This is the trail along Lake Kittamacundi |
and a bridge on the trail... |
This path contains one of two par course fitness trails in Columbia... |
The old Rouse building on the Lakefront is being renovated and reconstructed for a new Whole Foods store... |
Market Update and Preview
I just received a great update from Tee Tillman of
Colony Title located in Columbia. To me it's an excellent summary of
2013 and a great peek at what to expect for 2014.
From Tee,
Welcome
to 2014. With a new year comes renewed optimism on the real estate
front, and 2014 is no different. But, this time there seems to be some
reason for cautious optimism. During 2013 we saw the gradual
stabilization of housing prices in most markets, which the experts
predict will bring more sellers back into the marketplace. Sellers who
previously withheld from putting their homes up for sale are now seeing
that they may in fact be able to get their price. That’s good news as
most realtors felt there were not enough homes on the market.
Rates
will start to creep up as the Fed will gradually ease their purchase of
bonds which has held the interest rates below what they should have
been. But do not expect a wholesale retreat. The predictions are that
the rates will fluctuate between 4.375% and 5.5% with an average just
about the 5% mark. This is still well below what we had experienced just
a few years ago. There will be a larger gap between the 30 year fixed
and the 5/1 ARM so we may see more buyers going to the 5/1 ARM which is
predicted to be in the 2.875% to 3.875% range. For first time home
buyers who traditionally keep their first home less than five years,
it’s a great scenario. By the time they are ready to purchase their
first move up property, they will have had time to build equity in their
existing home.
Congress has not as of yet acted on the extension of the tax break for those who have received the benefit of loan forgiveness on their principal residence, so look for that to be an action item on the agenda early this year. As of January 1, 2014 if you sold your home via a short sale after that date, you will have to pay taxes on the forgiven debt as “phantom income.” In an article in the Washington Post “according to the National Association of Attorneys General an estimated 7.1 million homes are still in a negative equity position.” To help the real estate recovery, it would seem reasonable for Congress to extend the tax forgiveness for another year.
Congress has not as of yet acted on the extension of the tax break for those who have received the benefit of loan forgiveness on their principal residence, so look for that to be an action item on the agenda early this year. As of January 1, 2014 if you sold your home via a short sale after that date, you will have to pay taxes on the forgiven debt as “phantom income.” In an article in the Washington Post “according to the National Association of Attorneys General an estimated 7.1 million homes are still in a negative equity position.” To help the real estate recovery, it would seem reasonable for Congress to extend the tax forgiveness for another year.
Weekends on Wednesday
Jan 17-19
Maryland State Fairgrounds
2200 York Road
Timonium
2200 York Road
Timonium
Seminars and Clinics, Shopping and Family Fun and Entertainment
Shen Yun
The Lyric
110 W. Mt Royal Ave. Baltimore
Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture.
Jan 17
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
13555 Beaver Dam Road
Cockeysville
Cockeysville
7-9 PM
Enjoy the winter night sky with some
stargazing and stories. Then, gather around the campfire to roast
marshmallows. Ages 6+, $5/ $4Members.
Baltimore Arena
201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore
Soccer!
Jan 18
Baltimore Arena
201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore
201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore
5:30 PM
Nickelodeon's preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name will stop by Baltimore Arena in January!
First come, First served.
Since
the August arrival of the National Zoo's giant panda cub, Bao Bao, the
Panda Cam-obsessed public has been desperately waiting for its chance to
visit Washington's bouncing, black-and-white bundle of joy. Bao Bao -
whose name, meaning "treasure," was selected by a public vote - is
finally set to make her public debut on Jan. 18. No tickets will be
required; visitors can see the littlest panda on a first-come,
first-served basis. Members of Friends of the National Zoo will get a
chance to see her a bit earlier, with exclusive access to the panda
habitat Jan. 11-Jan. 17.
Until Jan 19
Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore
Wednesday–Friday | 10 am–5 pm | |
Saturday–Sunday | 11 am–6 pm | |
Monday–Tuesday | Closed |
Admission is free...always!
Book your table at over 200 Washington Area Restaurants for a 3-course Lunch at $20.14 or Dinner at $35.14 or Both!
Jan 18-20
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture
830 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore
Baltimore
Jan 20
12:00 PM
Steps off at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street, and travels south on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
featuring Dionne Warwick
Presented by The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University
Free tickets are required
Ongoing:
The Library of Congress
Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The exhibition will be on display through Saturday, March 1, 2014, in the Graphic Arts Galleries on the ground level of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.
"A Day Like No Other" will consist of 42 black-and-white images. These photographs—from newspaper and other media photographers, independent photojournalists and people who participated in the march—represent the cross-section of individuals who were there. Part of the collections in the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division, the images convey the immediacy of being at the march and the palpable excitement of those who were there. The exhibition will allow visitors to rediscover the context and ongoing legacy of this important event in the country’s history.
Free and open to the public.
The exhibition will be on display through Saturday, March 1, 2014, in the Graphic Arts Galleries on the ground level of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.
"A Day Like No Other" will consist of 42 black-and-white images. These photographs—from newspaper and other media photographers, independent photojournalists and people who participated in the march—represent the cross-section of individuals who were there. Part of the collections in the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division, the images convey the immediacy of being at the march and the palpable excitement of those who were there. The exhibition will allow visitors to rediscover the context and ongoing legacy of this important event in the country’s history.
Free and open to the public.
Until Jan 26
Until Feb 23
When
a big Hollywood film crew takes over a small Irish town, the locals
line up to earn their “40-quid-a-day” as extras—and maybe pursue some
dreams of their own. Charlie wants to write a blockbuster screenplay,
while Jake would settle for a date with the lovely leading lady. Where
they and their neighbors end up ultimately surprises them all. An
“uproarious, joyful evening” (New York Daily News) with two actors playing more than a dozen characters, Stones is an acting tour de force both rollicking and poignant.
Maryland Monday
One of the things I love about Maryland is....living close to Washington DC, where I can go watch the Washington Capitals play!
They won on Friday! Woo Hoo!
Go Caps Go!
How's the Weather, eh?
It looks like 2014 came in like a lion! Wait, isn't that supposed to be March?
Here's a link to a YouTube video about weather in Toronto, Canada. I think it works for the US as well. Rick Mercer might be making fun, but there's a lot of truth in it.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO
Weekend Planning...what looks good to you?
10-12th:
The Blue Man GroupHippodrome Theatre in Baltimore
Through March 2nd:
The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard & Shirley Kinsey - Where Art & History Intersect is
a world-class collection of art and artifacts chronicling over 400
years of African American history and culture from the 1600s to the
present. Highlights include an early copy of the Emancipation
Proclamation, a signed copy of Brown vs. Board of Education and rare
works from early 19th century artists.
9th -12th:
Olney Theatre Center
Every Friday:
(with instruction before)
Silver Spring
Friday, Jan 10
on the Eastern Shore
(Remember The Runaway Bride? This is the town where that movie was filmed. It's charming!)
Jurassic Park
1219 King St
Alexandria, VA 22302
Viva Violins followed by an Instrument Petting Zoo
10 - 11 am
Capitol Hill, DC
The violin grows up in the spotlight in this program which tells the tale of three little violins and how their mother teaches them to “sing.” Join violinists Elisabeth Adkins, Paula Akbar, Holly Hamilton, and Jane Bowyer Stewart as they grow the musical experience from sweet lullabies like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” all the way to breathtaking Bach. Immediately following the performance, young people will enjoy the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo,” a project of the Women’s Committee for the NSO.
Cost: Free!
Saturday, Jan 11
Star Storytelling: Our Constellations (Parent/Child)
11 to 11:30 AM
Ages 3-8 years with an adult. Let your little one discover the stories behind our favorite constellations through views of space, stories and song in our NatureSphere digital planetarium. The theme for this month is "There's No Place Like Space!" Tickets are $3 per person with Robinson daily admission or annual pass.
Discovery Days
11:30 AM to Noon
Introduce your child to native plants and animals through games, stories and crafts. Themes and activities vary by week. This program is for 3 to 10 year old children with an adult chaperone. Each program is available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 15 children and their adult chaperone. Free with daily admission or Robinson annual pass. No registration necessary.
NEW! Saturday Star Matinees
2 to 2:30 PM
Ages 5 years and up. Under 17 not admitted without an adult. Treat your family to an afternoon full-dome movie in the NatureSphere planetarium. This program features the film "Earth, Moon & Sun". For a preview of the film, click here. Tickets are $3 per person with Robinson daily admission or annual pass.
11 to 11:30 AM
Ages 3-8 years with an adult. Let your little one discover the stories behind our favorite constellations through views of space, stories and song in our NatureSphere digital planetarium. The theme for this month is "There's No Place Like Space!" Tickets are $3 per person with Robinson daily admission or annual pass.
Discovery Days
11:30 AM to Noon
Introduce your child to native plants and animals through games, stories and crafts. Themes and activities vary by week. This program is for 3 to 10 year old children with an adult chaperone. Each program is available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 15 children and their adult chaperone. Free with daily admission or Robinson annual pass. No registration necessary.
NEW! Saturday Star Matinees
2 to 2:30 PM
Ages 5 years and up. Under 17 not admitted without an adult. Treat your family to an afternoon full-dome movie in the NatureSphere planetarium. This program features the film "Earth, Moon & Sun". For a preview of the film, click here. Tickets are $3 per person with Robinson daily admission or annual pass.
10 AM
Howard County Conservancy
Woodstock
With Ray Bosmans.
What’s so great about snakes? Ray Bosmans knows them all and loves to
share his fascination about reptiles with children and adults! Come see
some of his collection of live snakes - even a rare albino – many local
to our back yards, others more exotic. Learn their special habits,
amazing adaptations, and interesting stories. You’re sure to have a new
appreciation of them in the future. FREE
Sunday, Jan 12:
4 PM
St John's College, Annapolis
Francis Scott Key Auditorium
No tickets or reservations are required; however, seating is limited. A reception takes place immediately after the performance. Free parking is available at the Calvert Street Garage located at Calvert and St. John’s streets. For more information, call 410-626-2536.
St John's College, Annapolis
Francis Scott Key Auditorium
No tickets or reservations are required; however, seating is limited. A reception takes place immediately after the performance. Free parking is available at the Calvert Street Garage located at Calvert and St. John’s streets. For more information, call 410-626-2536.
Maryland Monday
We got a good snow fall this week. Everything is covered in a beautiful white blanket. But if you want to see what Winter was like where I grew up, in South Porcupine (Yep. You read that right.), be sure to scroll down to the bottom and watch the video!
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SPRAY BOILING WATER INTO 40 DEGREES BELOW |
Weekend Fun
Absolutely done-in at days end |
Again, this isn't exactly Weekends on Wednesday, since yesterday was New Year's and all. But here are a few things you might find interesting for this weekend, all the same.
Happy 2014!
Cheers,
Boyd
Jan 3rd
Warm up for this year's World Cup (in Brazil) by watching our local team play at the Baltimore Arena. Americans aren't generally known for their love of soccer, so maybe this is a good time to brush up your soccer IQ.
Jan 4th
Ongoing in January:
Skiing and Tubing in Pennsylvania! It's not too far!
Imagination Stage in Bethesda
Until Jan 10
Oregon Ridge Nature Center
1-2
Join us on Saturdays and Sundays in January for
a Naturalist’s choice animal encounter and activity.
Activities may be a story, craft or outdoor exploration.
Free!
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington DC
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