........but I was busy making a snowman with my son! We woke up this morning to six inches of snow in Catonsville, MD. What's a girl to do, but bundle up and head outside and forget that it's really a Monday morning.  Granted, he is not the most attractive snowman I have ever seen, (or built) but this was the first official snowman my son helped to create. Finding a hat was the hardest part. (Sharing his clothing is obviously not my child's strong point!) I worked most of the weekend, so it was a good time to enjoy some mandatory R & R. I hope your snow day was fun too! 03/02/2009

The Community College of Baltimore County Campus in Catonsville is once again hosting the  8th Annual Womens Expo on March 7th and 8th presented by American Association for Women in Community Colleges     This opportunity filled two day event is packed full of speakers with a huge array of topics on hand, featured authors, book signings, open mike poetry readings, used and new book sales, and much more...  There will be over 150 exhibitors  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM CCBC Catonsville800 South Rolling RoadCatonsville, MD 21228   Map Admission $6.00 per day at the doorStudents with valid College ID get in FREEKids under 18 FREE   02/25/2009

2009 Winter Weather AdvisoryWhat could be more unpredictable than the weather? How about your legal obligation if someone sues you for being injured on YOUR property?                                          You have taken all precautionary measures to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice. You have even posted a sign stating, "Slippery walkways, use caution". The special fast acting salt that usually cracks your concrete has been generously spread about your porch and steps. You smile knowing that, unless a neighbor tossed over a banana peel, your walkways are safe enough for a one year old just learning to how to prance. Are you liable if a person slips and injures themselves after you took the time to be a responsible citizen? Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Snow or Ice Most states ... 02/01/2009

Good Day Ladies and Gentleman, My name is a Jeffrey Hohrein (please call me Jeff), I am a Realtor with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc and work out of the Elkridge Sales Office. I have been a Realtor for almost a year and I am constantly learning every day. I also own a Landscaping company which I started 5 years ago. Prior to becoming a Realtor I worked as in the auto industry for a time. Some of the things I did there include towing and recovery, and I also work for several dealerships in both sales and service departments. I have also worked as a critical care team member. I am a graduate from Cardinal Gibbons, Class of 2003. My college experience is limited to Fire and Emergency Services. I currently have seven years with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, where I currently ser... 02/01/2009

Do you feel lucky? If you are ready for a fun evening be sure to attend Casino Night Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Knights of Columbus hall, next to the Catonsville Library, sponsored by The Shed Guys to benefit Comet Park at Catonsville High School. A $20 ticket includes entry, beer, wine, soda and food. Buy chips (100 for $5, 500 for $20) inside to play games and win prizes. Texas Hold'em begins at 7:45 p.m. and is additional $30. For tickets, call Bob at 443-690-1647, Jack at 443-610-7240, Billy at 410-404-5210 or Greg at 410-926-0052. If your interested in relocating and finding a home in Catonsville in Baltimore County, Maryland, please Contact The Mcintire Team of Long & Foster Real Estate.   Ellie McIntire   The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie... 01/30/2009

For many years I have listened to friends, clients and family tell me that their children take out the trash, mow the lawn and do chores around the house. I remember as a child doing undesirable tasks to help the family- I am the eldest of four. Catonsville, Maryland had it's first snow of the winter season yesterday. My 2 and a half year old son has had it easy for those past 2.5 years. Time to earn his keep. Snow shovel in hand, wrapped up to the hilt, he hit the path with a good pace.          It obviously pays to start them early! How soon can he stuff envelopes is my question? 01/20/2009

I think I am done! I can not find another item that needs to be gift wrapped. I have wrapped and wrapped and wrapped. Only two paper cuts. My only lament is that I wish someone had pointed out a little earlier to this rookie Mom that I need different paper to wrap the "Santa" gifts. There were three casualties! Merry Christmas.   12/23/2008

It seems that the only reprieve from the weather today on the East Coast was Southern Florida. The rest of us were bundled up and complaining about the cold. It was a chilly one. My first client today wanted to see three homes. I sat in my toasty warm car waiting for her to arrive. This was a bank owned property. When she finally arrivied we headed to the front door. Imagine my delight to see one of those antiquated spin combo locks to gain access. Add to my rising frigid euphoria the fact that this combo box was down below the stoop on the water faucet with a huge puddle of frozen ice in front of it. Gloves off, buyer holding me steady as I slipped around on the ice, fingers going numb I finally managed to get the key. I guess my only solace was that this was a morning client and someo... 12/22/2008

Head down 695 tomorrow evening, Saturday November 29th to the Catonsville Fire Station on Frederick Road to enjoy the 15th Annual Catonsville Tree Lighting Ceremony The fun starts at 6.30pm The tree will be decorated and the lights will be turned on. Santa will be arriving on a fire truck, I'm sure the Catonsville Fire Dept will be handing out hats again. There will be free refreshments, seasonal music and then fireworks. Last year we wrapped up warm and had a wonderful evening with friends and neighbors. Donations of non-perishable pantry items will be accepted by the Catonsville Emergency Food Ministry. Bring the entire family to welcome the holiday season of 2008 For all your Real Estate needs in Central Maryland. Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418... 11/28/2008

It's difficult to turn on the news these days without reports of violence and attacks. It seems that they are coming closer to home. A Mothers group I belong to sent an e-mail recently about statistics at a local mall (15 minutes from my home) having a huge increase in parking lot muggings in broad daylight. Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation... It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in. 1 Tip from Tae Kwon Do : The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do! 2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the ... 11/28/2008

It's not too late to register. Saturday the 15th was a dreary wet typical November day. My Au Pair, Chloe and I headed to the campus of the Baltimore Community College in Catonsville to get our free flu shot from the kind folk at St Agnes Hospital. Due to the bad weather the event was cancelled. (If I had checked my voice mail at home I would have known this!) This event has been rescheduled.  What: Drive Thru Flu Clinic When:Saturday, November 22, 2008, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where:Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville Lot #3800 South Rolling Road Catonsville, MD 21228 Cost:FreeRegistration:For additional information or to register,Please call: 1-866-690-9355 Ellie McIntire The McIntire Team 410-480-3398 410-750-8781(FX) 443-418-7668(cell) E-mail:  Ellie@LNF.com http://www.elliestea... 11/19/2008

ROLL IN, ROLL UP, ROLL OUT! Saint Agnes provides convenient, quick and easy flu shots   It is not your typical drive-thru, no burger or fries here! On Saturday, November 15, 2008, Saint Agnes Hospital will host a drive-thru flu clinic where residents can receive their annual flu shots without even leaving their car. The flu shots are free but you must be 18 years old and pre-register by telephone. Annually 5-20% of the United States population develops this viral infection and 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications. Each year, the influenza virus changes slightly making vaccines from previous years ineffective. However, receiving the current flu shot will significantly decrease your chances of developing the influenza virus. With flu season rapidly approaching there is n... 11/06/2008

 I don't know about you, but all week-end I have been lamenting the fact that I did not vote already. Every news channel has been telling me to anticipate unprecedented turn-outs and LONG LONG lines at the polls to vote. This morning I got up and moving a little later than I had anticipated. (You try convincing a two year old with borderline OCD into a pair of socks so he can still wear his beloved crocs) Oh no the lines are going to be LONG LONG LONG.  First dilemma was whether to take the baby with me or swing by the day-care first. The lines are going to be LONG LONG LONG. I dropped my son off at 8.10am. The lines are going to be LONG LONG LONG We have an important office meeting at 9.29am. The lines are going to be LONG LONG LONG. It's now 8.30am. Well, the good news is that I did d... 11/04/2008

It's been a long day. 2 listing appointments this morning and 9 home showings this afternoon with a new buyer. Busy busy busy. Add to that a rambunctious two year old who wants to play with Mummy when she gets home and you better believe I am tuckered out when dyno kid finally goes to bed! At 8.15pm my assistant called me from the gym. While on the treadmill he had read the local rag. My all time favorite English singer, Billy Bragg was playing at the "Rams Head Live" in Baltimore. "Call and see what time he goes on" he said. I did not even blink. I pulled on my jeans, threw a brush through my hair, told the wife (My awesome Au-Pair, Chloe) I was going out and I was ready to hit the door. John called back 10 minutes later to say that today is the 29th, not the 28th and we missed it.  NO... 10/29/2008

I guess I have been driving around oblivious to the changes in gas prices lately. I was aware it was not as horrific as in recent months, but I almost ran into a lamp post when I noticed the marquee at this gas station today. The first number for "regular" is no longer a three. Life is good. 10/15/2008

A warm and fuzzy tale about the power of Active Rain I was out and about showing homes on Friday in Columbia, Maryland. Once all the showings were complete and I had said farewell to my clients I checked my phone for any activity. My rule of thumb is that I put my PDA phone on vibrate and leave it in the car while showing homes. (I always carry a smaller phone with me on showings for basic safety reasons) Along with three missed calls was a number with a different area code that I did not recognize on the call log. I checked my voice mail to get any messages. The mystery number was a friend and co-worker of yester-year who I had not spoken to or seen since 1992 when he left Daytona Beach and headed to Colorado. I subsequently left the beach in 1997 and moved to Maryland. He had googled ... 10/13/2008

I remember back in the good old days, long before my Real Estate career, when I purchased my first cell phone. Don't worry this is not a tale about the big bulky cell phones that weighed a ton and could only hold a charge for 30 minutes or so- I was not that progressive! I think I held out till 1997! Prior to that I had traveled the world on and off for 10 years with a backpack on my back and a secret stash of local currency to make that once a week phone call home. Back to 2008. My cell phone is attached to me 24/7. Good or bad I can be reached via phone, e-mail or text at all times. About 4 months ago I signed up for the Sprint "Simply Everything" plan that is just one flat rate for all the communication I require. Now my cell phone bill costs the same amount of money every month, so ... 10/09/2008

It was a sad morning today as I watched the news on TV. Paul Newman, a 20th century true movie star dies at age 83 in Connecticut on Friday. What a loss to humanity. What an amazing life this true Icon has had and what a legacy he has left behind. Not only are his movies, over 65 of them in his life time, memorable and Oscar nomination worthy, but his personal endeavors are truly impressive. He became a race car driver and even competed in Daytona as a 70th birthday present to himself. He created a salad dressing that was the birth of "Newmans Own". All its profits, of more than $200 million, have been donated to charity. Much of the money was used to create a string of "Hole in the Wall Gang" Camps, named for the outlaw gang in "Butch Cassidy." The camps provide free summer recreation ... 09/28/2008

I drive a "gas Guzzling" Chevrolet Tahoe. I'm not proud of that fact and I pay dearly for it in the long run, but apart from carrying the most valuable cargo EVER.......    .........it has the best gadget. On my dash board I have a screen that is a DVD player. It really does not play more than "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends", but it keeps valuable cargo very entertained. It also has a terrific GPS system that now I have figured out how to use it (What manual?) How much easier life is now that someone tells me how to get to all the houses I am showing. But here is the best part, the cat's meow, the dogs doodads, My Rear View Camera.Women by nature have a bad judge of distance and depth, but this great invention helps me to parallel park with no effort at all. Life is good! Ellie McI... 09/26/2008

What else is there to do at 7am on a Saturday morning in September? Head to Catonsville and register for the Catonsville Fall Into Fitness 5K Race. The race begins and 8am at Matthews 1600 on Frederick Road. Continue on Frederick and turn right on Dutton Avenue. Down Dutton Avenue then turn right on Edmonson Avenue. From Edmonson Avenue turn right on Ingleside Road. Ingleside Road you turn right on Frederick Road. Continue on Frederick Road to Matthews 1600 for finish. (One big Catonsville circle.) Where the Proceeds GoThe Catonsville Fall Into Fitness 5K will continue to support the St. Agnes Foundation, the St. Agnes Lung Cancer Center and the Rotary Club of Catonsville-Sunrise Charitable Foundation. The St. Agnes Foundation will give a large portion of its proceeds to the St. Agnes L... 09/24/2008