MLS#758871

Nestled on a private cul-de-sac lot this gem is sure to please. A lovely formal dining room combined with an elegant formal living room is ideal for entertaining. Imagine all the delicious meals you can create in this gourmet kitchen. Flourishing with an abundance cabinet and counter space, a smooth-top range, a center island plus a huge pantry, cooking is sure to be a pleasure. An impressive family room with soaring ceilings, skylights and patio access is just waiting for family fun. A luxurious master retreat provides a soothing oasis of special conveniences and comforts at day’s end with a trey ceiling, two walk-in closets and sunny views. The pampering master bathroom features a garden tub, separate shower and dual raised vanities. The additional three bedrooms are generously sized and there are two additional full bathrooms.  Bring all your toys as the two car garage plus a detached storage building is ready for stocking. Mosey out on the patio or relax in the screened porch. The private backyard is ideal for grilling and chilling. This the perfect place to call home. Call today for your personal tour.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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December 20 -28.  Hanukkah (or any one of a dozen spellings). 

This  Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt of the second century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by the ;lighting of the candles on a nine-branched menorah, one candle on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night, and it is customary to give children one gift (gelt) each night.  Although it is based on a military victory, it is actually considered a time to celebrate Jewish independence and religious freedom in general.  Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year; in the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving, special foods, and games.

December 25.  Christmas

The religious basis:   Christmas is a Christian holy day which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated on December 25^th, and the word Christmas comes from “Christ’s mass.” The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the gospels of Luke and John.  Each contains different elements of the Christmas story. The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are from Matthew.

Over the years Christmas has also become a very popular social holiday with an emphasis on lighted and decorated trees and wreaths, exchange of presents, caroling, special foods, and the colors red and green.  Christmas traditions abound throughout the Western world, many of which have secular origins, some with their roots in ancient folklore and pagan beliefs. Click here to learn about a wide range of Christmas customs.

December 26-January 1. 

Kwanzaa.  Neither political nor religious, Kwanzaa is a reflective holiday which was created in the 1960’s to foster pride and unity among African-Americans.  Kwanzaa is a week -long celebration honoring universal African-American heritage, family life, and culture. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles—each representing an important principle of life–and culminates in a feast and gift giving.  Visit Wikipedia for much more information about this holiday.

December 31.  New Year’s Eve. 

New Year’s Eve is a social holiday observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies New Year’s Eve is often celebrated at festive gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to say goodbye to the current year and celebrate the incoming one. The observance of New Year’s Eve generally extends through midnight of January 1.  It is a holiday celebrated throughout the world and has many different names.  The dropping of the ball in Times Square and the singing of Auld Lang Syne are symbolic of this holiday in the U.S.           

Here are outstanding power point presentations dealing with each of these holidays. Although the site is designed primarily for children, the extensive array of topics and interesting information provides excellent reading for adults, too.

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At this time of year when lists play such a large role in our lives, it is also necessary to revisit a safety checklist to ensure an accident-free holiday for your family, guests, and even your pets.  The U.S. Fire Administration offers these suggestions:

DECORATIONS:

• Inspect lights for damage and link no more than 3 strands together.  Use only UL approved and follow directions.
• Beware of overloading outlets. 
• Don’t leave on when you’re not home.
• If you prefer a live tree, make certain it is fresh when you buy it and water, water, water!
• Use non-flammable or flame retardant decorations
• Never leave lighted candles unattended, near combustible materials, or within reach of children or pets.  Make certain to extinguish them before retiring for the night.

FIREPLACES:

• Place the tree in your Huntsville real estate at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.
• Keep a screen in front of the fire to prevent flying sparks.
• Remove stockings hung with care when the fireplace is in use.
• Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace and risk a flash fire.

GUESTS:

• When entertaining friends at your Huntsville real estate, be certain that you have childproofed your home–not just to protect breakables but also to protect young ones.
  
• Make sure that outside walkways and steps are well lighted.
• Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
• Add non-slip mats in your tub and shower–and possibly grab bars for the older set.

PETS:

• Avoid feeding the cats or dogs which also reside in your Huntsville real estate food such as rich and fatty fowl meat, onions, grapes, raisins, or chocolate.
• Do not give animals turkey bones as they will splinter and cause great damage.
• Keep all trash out of reach.  Better yet, take it outside frequently.

Got all that?  If so, relax and enjoy the season!

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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Sarah Joespha Hale, author Mary Had a Little Lamb, campaigned vigorously for 20 years to have Thanksgiving made a national holiday.  Five presidents turned a deaf ear to her pleas, but Abraham Lincoln listened, and on October 3, 1863, he declared that the last Thursday in November would be a national holiday.  Sarah was also the one who urged that the Thanksgiving feast include such foods as turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes of two kinds.  Sound familiar?

And speaking of food, are you thankful for the abundance of our planet?  Show your gratitude by implementing these “green” suggestions for your holiday meal:

• Use organic cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin
• Shop at a famers’ market
• Start a compost pile with all your leftovers

Click here for other earth-friendly holiday ideas.

Interested in giving traditional foods a modern twist?  Try baby greens with fennel, wheatberry stuffing, and wild mushroom gravy.  What about shredded Brussels sprouts or cranberry spinach salad?  For recipes for these dishes and other updated foods, visit the web sites of Good Housekeeping and Allrecipes.

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?  Pumpkin Pi!

“Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”
William Jennings Bryan

Giving back…Thanksgiving is a perfect time to share our blessings with those less fortunate than we are and to spread the spirit of friendship and community.  Opportunities for helping others during the holiday season are many and can involve one individual or the entire family.  Some ways to foster goodwill and embrace the idea of sharing include:

• Collecting and contributing non-perishable foodstuffs for a local food bank.
• Giving money to local agencies who feed the hungry.
• Volunteering your time to sort supplies, set up and/or clean up, or serve meals on Thanksgiving Day.
• Inviting a neighbor who lives alone to join you for dinner.
• Taking a warm plate of Thanksgiving food–and a big smile–to a shut-in.
• Contributing to holiday food collection bins in grocery stores.
• Purchasing pre-packaged boxes of food (generally under $10.00) to be distributed by local grocers.
• Checking with your local place of worship to see where you help is most needed.

And remember our military personnel… by contacting A Million Thanks, a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers.  Over 5 million pieces of mail have been sent to date.  Zazzle will send free holiday cards to military folks, and Coupons to Troops has a great program in which you donate unwanted or expired coupons to military families living overseas.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!  Remember to be grateful for what you have and to “give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way.”  (Native American saying)

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It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy!  Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending?  Yep–$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia! 

Other little-known facts include:

• 86% of Americans decorate their houses.                                                  
• 10% of pet owners costume their pets. (Click here for unique ideas)
• 35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your Huntsville home?)

Halloween traditions are many and varied.  “Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating.  Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Huntsville home this year?  How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, themed pencils, or goldfish snacks?

Ghoulish Groaners:  

What is a mummy’s favorite music?    Wrap
Best Halloween insurance?  Mediscare
Favorite drink of ghosts and goblins?  Ghoulade    

Carving a Jack-o-Lantern: 

Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your Huntsville home to be individual and unique.  Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.

If you see a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.

Costumes: 

Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch.  Get creative and think about the unusual.  A bearded lady? A cupcake?  Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium?  Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb.  Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.

A kid came up with a bright idea to dress up as an IRS Agent. This way he could take 28% of the man’s candy and leave without saying ‘Thank You!’ J)))

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART CAN BE FOUND AT Caboose.com, Halloween.com, ZombiePumpkins.com, and TheTeachersCorner.net.  For creative ideas such as wicked wreaths, friendly ghosts, fright lights, tasty treats, and much, much more, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  

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Scarecrow Trail at Botanical Garden

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Sept. 2-5, Luverne: World’s Largest Peanut Boil Festival

In addition to the 17 tons of cooked peanuts, sample arts, crafts, children’s activities and more. Admission charged; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Details: 334-335-4468.

Sept. 2-3, Pinson: Alabama Butterbean Festival

Besides honoring the humble butterbean, this event includes a cornbread cooking contest, arts and crafts, food, greased pig contest, tail-waggin’ dog contest and Mr. and Miss Butterbean. Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; free. Details: 205-572-2041, alabamabutterbeanfestival.com.

Sept. 3, Guntersville: 41st Annual St. William Seafood Festival

This popular seafood festival includes Creole-style gumbo, Cajun boiled shrimp, fresh crawfish, catfish and barbecue from 10:30 a.m. until it’s all sold out. Details: 256-455-4133, stwilliamchurch.com.

Sept. 3, Montevallo: Cars by the Creek and Catfish Rodeo

Prizes go to the top cars and the child who catches the most fish. Call 205-665-1519.

Sept. 3-4, Decatur: Battle for Decatur

Civil War re-enactors fight it out in mock battles each day at 2 p.m. Camps are also open for viewing. Admission’s free; 800-524-6181, decaturcvb.org.

Sept. 4, Alexander City: Annual Labor Day Weekend Concert

Blues Traveler will perform in an evening concert on Lake Martin. Details: 256-212-1479, lmat.org.

Sept. 4, Guntersville: Labor Day Dog Show

Categories include biggest, smallest, best dressed, most talented, fluffiest, youngest and oldest. Sign up at the nature center inside the main campground by 12:30 p.m.; the show starts at 1. Details: 256-571-5445, visitlakeguntersville.com

Sept. 4, Scottsboro: First Monday Arts Sunday

Artists and craftsmen show off their works of art in this juried show. Children’s activities, music and food vendors are also included in the event, held in conjunction with the First Monday flea market around the Jackson County Courthouse Square. Call 256-259-1056.

Sept. 4-5, Crane Hill: Sweet Tater Festival

The annual event in Dowling Memorial Park features great arts and crafts, door prizes, a flea market, rides, games and entertainment Sunday and Monday; 256-531-7916, sweettaterfestival.com.

Sept. 5, Ider: Ider Mule Days

A tradition for more than 100 years, with mules, horses and carriages, plus antique cars, arts and more. Details: 256-675-4184, discoverlookoutmountain.com.

Sept. 5, McCalla: Labor Day Celebration & Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest

Spend time at the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park for a festival with crafts, music, barbecue and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 205-477-5711, tannehill.org.

Sept. 5, Montgomery: Labor Day at Old Alabama Town

Return to the days before Labor Day was established in 1894 to see how early Americans lived in 19th century Alabama. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 334-240-4500, oldalabamatown.com.

Sept. 5, Section: Annual Section Labor Day Festival

An all-day musical festival with gospel, bluegrass, country, rock and more, plus volleyball and homemade ice cream. Call 256-228-3414.

Sept. 5, Tuscumbia: Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration

More than 200 coon dogs are buried at the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery, the only one of its kind in the world. Each year on Labor Day, “faithful friends” are remembered, their graves decorated, and tall tales are swapped in the “liars contest.” Visitors can enjoy bluegrass music and hickory-smoked barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. Details: 256-383-0783, coondogcemetery.com, colbertcountytourism.org.

Sept. 5, Tuscumbia: 90th Shoals Area Labor Day Celebration

A parade through downtown Tuscumbia will open the day’s festivities at 9 a.m., followed by music and a beauty pageant. Call 256-383-0783.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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At a heart stopping 42 feet (12.8 m) long and 12 feet (3.66 m) high at the hip, Sue is remarkable because of her size, completeness, and quality of preservation. A spectacular full-sized skeleton cast is the centerpiece of this exciting bilingual exhibition. Family-friendly interactives encourage visitors to explore Sue, T. rex, and dinosaur science.

The exhibit runs from until through September 5, 2011.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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New treehouses have been designed by local architects and the 2010 treehouses have been updated to add even more opportunities for kids’ imaginations to run free. In addition, new permanent water features have been added to the Garden to create 2011’s Treehouses with a Splash!

Treehouses debut on Saturday, April 2nd with splash features opening on Saturday, April 30th. 

New for 2011:

• Timber Tent: An organic lean-to of cedar trees built on a child’s scale. Includes a tire swing, regular swing, rope swing and slide!
• Bird’s Eye View: Catch a whole new view of the Garden from this clubhouse on stilts!
• The Gnome Dome: Discover a hidden world of gnomes in this magical hideaway. But be careful, those mischievous little gnomes like to play tricks!
• Fairy Forest: Enjoy the sparkly, mystical land of fairy rings, fairy wings and giant fairy wands!

New permanent Garden feature:

• Pollywog Bog: a brand new wading pool located in the Children’s Garden!

Treehouses with a Splash runs through the end of September. This summer, you can climb, swing, splash and play your way through the Garden. And remember to bring your towel!

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

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