Kara's Blog

When we last left Park Ave --- the deomolition had been completed - and all that was left was an empty lot.

I pulled up to the office this morning and saw an interesting looking rig in the lot.  Of course I had to go over and introduce myself and get nosey, lol.

This is what I learned today.    Jimmy was doing a compression test.   They need to see what needs to be done to the ground to be sure it will support the three story building that will be built -  and to know how deep the footers need to go...

He took lots of samples - it was pretty cool.     He had about 6 test sites - and he would take 4 samples in the first 10' depth... and then a sample every 5' after that.   He told me that they need to test as deep as the building will be tall.  

First he dug a hole with the auger--- then changed out to the sample collector - he would 'spit mark' on the sample collector about a foot above the ground --- and then - using a gadget similiar to a 'pile driver'...he would pound the sample collector until the spit mark reached the ground. 

 He had to count how many 'bangs' it took to get there - record it - and put that sample in a jar for the engineers back at the office to look over.     It took 23 bangs for this sample. 

I will keep y'all posted on the progress next door :)

If you would like more information on purchasing one of these units - call me for pre-construction prices!!   Live where you play - downtown Aiken :)

Hello Hello!  I've been tagged (thanks Danny!) .... who will be next?  This is a MeMe with a twist.  You don't have a bunch of questions to answer!  It is very simple, actually.

Here's the deal:

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the Closest.
6. Tag five people to do the same

*The one book that this can not be is the Bible*

My closest book to me  is actually (don't laugh) 'Italian for Dummies' - - but page 56 doesn't really have sentences on it - sooooo the next closest book is ...

    "Lean Mean Thirteen" by Janet Evanovich. 

Here is the excerpt from page 56 of the book:

I rolled the window down, climbed out 'Dukes of Hazzard' style, and examined the damage.  Some of the door was bashed in where I'd hit the light.  I climbed back in the car and drove off the sidewalk.

Now, as you can see, that is quite easy to accomplish. So, lets keep this party going and I will tag the next five people.(it was hard to just pick 5 for this one, lol)   I hope you play along!

1 Rob Rauf

2 Lisa Friedman

3 Laura Giannotta

4 Valerie Osterhoudt

5 Paddy Pizappi

OK,keep this ball rolling and  lets see just what kind of readers we have here.

Bring the children over to Odell Weeks on Tuesday to enjoy a Thanksgiving story.   (Whiskey Road, on Aiken's Southside - across from Home Depot/Kroger/Zaxby's)

Who:   children 8 and under

What:  Thanksgiving story time

When:  Tuesday 4pm

Where:  Odell Weeks Activities Center - rooms 1 & 2

Cost:  FREE!!

More Info:  803.642.7631 - Aiken Parks & Rec.

If you are ready to move to Aiken - I'm ready to help!

I wasn't born here but Aiken just feels like home.  Come see for yourself!  What are you waiting for?

If it has been awhile you may need to be reminded of some tips for making your experience a PLEASANT one!   Afterall - we want you to give and give again...and if it is not a good experience - you will be hesitant to donate again.

Here are some tips:                                                                                                 

• Get a good nights rest the night before.
• Eat a HEALTHY meal BEFORE donating
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids BEFORE and AFTER you donate
• Wear short sleeves--- or clothing with sleeves that can be raised above your elbow .
• enjoy a refreshment after your donation
• take it easy for a few hours after (no strenuous physical activities!)

Remember - the gift of blood is a gift of LIFE. (there is NO substitue for human blood)

Did you know that only 37% of the U.S population is eligible to donate blood?  - - - and less than 10% do once a year.    (If ALL blood donors gave just twice a year....blood shortages could be prevented)

For more information on donating blood in the Aiken/CSRA Area -  please contact:

                       Shepeard Community Blood Center.   706.737.4551.       www.shepeardblood.org

We (Aiken Board of Realtors) will have the Shepeard Community Blood Donation Mobile Unit at the Board Office during our Realtors Appreciation Day on January 20th.   11:30am - 2:00pm.

    Stop by and save a life!

Come out and have some fun---and help the area Seniors at the same time :)

I wish I could go to this event, but I already have plans for Thursday night. - - - I do love BINGO!  (the last time I played was a few years ago during a visit back to Jersey)

I hope you are able to go :)

Did you know there was a dragstrip in Aiken?   (I thought it was in Jackson - but their mailing address is Aiken) 

I've been and it is alot of fun :)

Check the schedule --- maybe you can make it to one of the upcoming races.

Have fun!!

Are you a golfer?  Consider moving to Aiken SC.  We have great weather, and some of our guys actually play golf all year long!    Why not move to Aiken so you can enjoy more golf :)    (fellows - don't worry if your lady doesn't play golf - - -there is plenty of other stuff for her to enjoy as well)

Beautiful weather - beautiful golf courses - beautiful homes!

(Aiken is approx 17 miles from Augusta National Golf Club -  you know - where they play The Masters Golf Tourny every year.  Augusta GA.)

Take a look at these newly listed golf community properties:

If you are a wine drinker - this is one event you don't want to miss.

Who:   The Aiken Mid Day Lions                                                     

What:  An Evening Tour of Wine

When:  Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Where:  Southside Gallery -  Centre South Shopping Center, Silver Bluff Road, Aiken SC

Time:  5:30pm - 8:30pm

Cost:  $25 per person

  The wine tasting will offer you an opportunity to try wines from all over the United States.  There will also be a representative from the Biltmore Winery at the event. You'll learn about each of the wines as you enjoy them and browse the unique artwork available for purchase from Southside Gallery. Cafe Monet has prepared some fabulous hors d'ouerves for all to savor as you taste the wines, and there will be some fun door prizes and raffle opportunities as well.  Just in time for the holidays, your favorite selections from the evening will be available to order. They'll be delivered in plenty of time for gift-giving.   Proceeds from this event will not only go toward the many charitable activities the Aiken Mid-Day Lions support, it will also help in the establishment of a scholarship fund right here in Aiken.  Some of the Club activities include regular mentoring programs at Helping Hands, prescriptive eyeglass assistance to local residents in need, food drives, annual sponsorship of a local child to attend Camp Leo (a summer camp for sight impaired children near Hilton Head) and so much more.   

Even in tough times, we have much to be thankful for. What better way to get the holiday season started than by attending an event that will give back in so many ways to those less fortunate.

Tickets available for purchase at:  Southside Gallery, Just Breath Studio, Security Federal 

or call: Vicky Wood at 803.641.3060

You don't want to miss this great event!   Christmas Made In The South.     Happening right now at the James Brown Arena, in our neighbor to the west - Augusta GA!     (about 17 miles from downtown Aiken to Augusta - not far at all!!)

Here's the schedule:

Saturday, 11/15:  10am - 6pm

Sunday, 11/16: 11am - 5pm

All sorts of Christmas arts & crafts.  Meet the artisans.  Bring your appetite, too!     Find Christmas decorations for you and find gifts for friends and family!     You may even be inspired to make something yourself :)

James Brown Arena - 601 7th Street, Augusta GA.  706-722-3521

Have fun!

Call me when you are ready to move to Aiken :)

Yaaay!!   I love Disney :)    And Augusta GA is not far from Aiken. ( maybe 17 miles).    

Check it out!!

What:  Disney On Ice       

About the Show:   Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey.     Come along with Mickey and Minnie as they take you on a trip into the magical world of Disney. Visit the lands - hear the music - have fun with Little Mermaid - Lion King - Peter Pan - even Lilo & Stitch.   A trip so magical and wonderful, you may not want to go home!   Welcome to Disney :)   Have a magical day!                                                

Where:  James Brown Arena, 601 Seventh Street - Augusta, GA.  30901. 

When:  December 4th & 5th at 7pm.   December 6th at 2pm and 6pm.   December 7th at 2pm.

Tickets:    online:  www.ticketmaster.com        phone:  706.828.7700  or  404.249.6400

Have fun - enjoy the show!  

Ready to move to Aiken?  Give me a call :)