$2,000 “up in smoke”

We have all done embarrassing things in our lives, most we don’t tell anyone about, some are witnessed by others and become the basis of a good laugh and some even become lesson learned teachings.  I have actually spoken to the gentleman this tale is about.  He is bright, intellectual and a real people person.  I  contacted him because of the business he created in the Finger Lakes and his conversation led me to believe he was very passionate about his endeavor.

So what was the embarrassing moment?  Apparently he was heading out on a trip and realized he had some cash in the house and decided to hide it in the fireplace wrapped up in foil and then carefully placed within the ashes.  What a perfect place.  The problem is that when he came back home from his trip, there was a chill in the air and he decided to start a fire in the wood stove. Ouch !       

The story now takes a turn.  Because he wrapped the money so carefully in aluminum foil, the money was actually in such a condition that it was legible to its denominations.  After a trip to the bank, he mailed the money to the Federal Reserve as directed, thinking it would be a lost cause.  But fortunately 18 months later he received a check for $1995.00 which was $5.00 less than the $2000.00 that had been wrapped in the foil. 

He should not feel alone.  My grandmother used to hide money in kleenex and tuck the tissue in her clothes.  When it came time to do laundry, she would forget about the money being tucked inside and toss the kleenex out.  Sometime she was fortunate and able to withdraw from the trash other times she would send the kleenex on its way in the toilet bowl and only realize what she had done as the water-soaked kleenex exposed the bills in hiding as they swirling down the bowl… Never to be seen again.

I must have picked up her habits of hiding things.  I used to hide money in my car under the rugs, but usually did not remember it until after I sold the car. I hide things so well, I can never find the items when I need them.   Needless to say, I am trying really hard not to hide things, as I have not been as fortunate as the man with the singed bills.

If you are planning on stashing away the money that will eventually be used for your down payment in purchasing your home, always remember where you are putting it and most definitely do not hide money in the fireplace.

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, 315-719-8377  www.winetrailproperties.com

  If you ask most people in the Upstate New York area that  neighbors Van Cleef Lake, where it is, most will not know, even though they have driven by it or even sat by it.  Some may have even navigated a boating vessel on it. 

It is  man made lake on the back-end of Downtown Seneca Falls and is basically a reservoir  for the canal system.  The picture above depicts one of the most photographed churches in New York State.  It is the Trinity Episcopal Church and it backs up to the lake, creating a beautiful backdrop for numerous oil paintings, watercolors and photos.

A very creative lady when it comes to gardens, came upfrom Conneticut  in search of the perfect lakefront property to be her personal backdrop for her numerous ideas for a picture perfect garden.  She was looking at Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake and then she stumbled upon Seneca Falls.  There was this poor destitute home sitting on the edge of Van Cleef Lake that was calling out for help, serious help.  Well, this was to be the home for her.  I said ” Are you sure?  This place is a disaster.”  But she could see the eventual beauty that would be uncovered.  What follows is a montage of what she has started in her yard.  Little by little she is creating a little piece of heaven with the beautiful backdrop of the church.  Enjoy !

 This home has become this owners “garden retreat”.

In your serach for your vacation or second home, you may end up changing paths and that is fine.  It is about your happiness and if that means rescuing a historic home in a very historic village, then so be it.   I look forward to being your Realtor in search for the perfect property.  Call me when looking for properties in the Finger Lakes.

Come Visit, Come Enjoy, Come Stay !

 This information brought to you by your favorite waterfront Realtor, Mary St. George, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties, Your Personal Connection to Lakefront  Living in the Finger Lakes,  315-719-8377, www.winetrailproperties.com

The Seneca lake Wine Trail is celebrating it’s 25th year. And this may have something to do with their Deck the Halls wine event being sold out early. But  you can still order their 25th Anniversary Cookbook.  I would order a couple as they would make great gifts for family and friends.

You still have time to purchase tickets and attend holiday events on Keuka and Cayuga lakes. For Keuka Lake  information, go to www.keukawinetrail.com.  They are having events Nov 12 -13 and Nov 19-20. Keuka Holidays ticket holders will receive a handmade grapevine wreath at their starting winery and collect a Christmas ornament at each winery. Each winery will offer winter foods along with their wines. As always designated drivers receive discounts on their tickets. 

 For Cayuga Lake events visit www.cayugawinetrail.com.  Visitors  receive a souvenir wine glass, grapevine wreath, an ornament at each of the 16 member wineries, wine and food pairings plus great holiday recipes from each of the wineries. The event dates for the Cayuga wineries are Nov 18-20 and Dec 2-4.

These holiday wine events are some of the most visited wine events in the Finger Lakes.  Besides all of the little goodies you will walk away with, you will enjoy the a true holiday feeling with the food, the decor, the ornaments and of course the great wine.  Remember to pick up extra wine to have on hand for the holidays for last-minute gifts.  Everyone loves a great bottle of wine,  or two !

Besides the ability to purchase great wines, most of the wineries have other great gift options, such as cheese boards, hand painted glasses,  artwork, and wine flavored condiments to name a few.

If you have never been to  a wine tasting event in the Finger Lakes and have always wanted to attend one, this is the time to do it and enjoy a great holiday experience at the same time.  To make it even better, consider renting a lake front property for an even more enjoyable experience. I’ll be watching for you !

This information brought to you by your favorite waterfront realtor, Mary St George, Your Personal Connection to Lakefront Living in the Finger Lakes, Associate Broker @ Wine Trail Properties 315-719-8377   www.winetrailproperties.com

The beauty of the Finger Lakes lends itself as the conduit to budding photographers and perfection for the seasoned  photographer.  With the colorful palette of water and trees and vineyards the area has to offer and a camera in hand, you instantly want to capture the fabric of colors and textures for all to see and experience.  With the onset of Flickr and Dropbox and so many other numerous photo storage and sharing apps, the task becomes easy as pie.

My friend Nigel Kent believes that the “eyes are the windows to the soul” .  His photos show the passion he has for capturing the beauty of the glens, lakes, waterfalls, creeks and woods.  You can find his gorgeous works at www.nigelpkent.com.  He also likes to experiment with different photo effects that creates a feast for the eyes.

This is just a small sampling of the sights you will see when visiting the Finger Lakes.  Whether enjoying the lake via a kayak or boat, hiking through the glens that offer spectacular waterfalls or just driving around the countryside and taking in the unending views of the lakes and vineyards, you will understand why so many people vacation here and purchase vacation homes.  It is a calm and relaxing lifestyle.  Visit Nigel’s website for more views of the Finger Lakes. You will probably do what others do and purchase some of his lovely and serene photos to hang up or give as gifts.

If these photos have captured your imagination enough to think about a vacation home in the area, I am just a phone call or email away.  Purchasing real estate in the Finger Lakes is always the right thing to do.

This information brought to you by Mary St. George, Your Personal Connection to Lakefront Living in the Finger Lakes, Associate Broker, Wine Trail Properties 315-719-8377 www.winetrailproperties.com

The above photos courtesy of Nigel Kent:  Watkins Glen, Canadice and Keuka Lakes