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January 2010

1 -- New Year's Day
10 -- Save the Eagles Day
17 -- Ben Franklin's Birthday
18 -- Martin Luther King Day
29 -- Freethinker's Day

New Year’s Reflections....

Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our loved ones and our friends.

New look and more to offer @ DialDana.com!!!

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In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip.
~ Daniel L. Reardon

Existing-Home Sales Continue to Rise

According to the National Association of Realtors®, existing-home sales rose again in November as first-time buyers rushed to close sales before the original Nov. 30 deadline for the recently extended and expanded tax credit.

Existing-home sales rose 7.4 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 6.54 million units in November from 6.09 million in October, and are 44.1 percent higher than the 4.54 million-unit pace in November 2008. Current sales remain at the highest level since February 2007 when they hit 6.55 million.

“This clearly is a rush of first-time buyers not wanting to miss out on the tax credit, but there are many more potential buyers who can enter the market in the months ahead,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “We expect a temporary sales drop while buying activity ramps up for another surge in the spring when buyers take advantage of the expanded tax credit, which hopefully will take us into a self-sustaining market in the second half of 2010.

"In all, 4.4 million households are expected to claim the tax credit before it expires and balance should be restored to the housing sector with inventories continuing to decline.”

The national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.88 percent in November from 4.95 percent in October; the rate was 6.09 percent in November 2008, according to Freddie Mac. Last month’s mortgage interest rate was the second lowest on record after bottoming at 4.81 percent in April 2009.

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When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.
~ Joyce Brothers

Simple Things You Can Do to Build a Closer Family

Life is busy -- and it seems the list of things to do gets longer every day. While this may be true, it is crucial that you put your family at the top of the list. One of the best gifts you can give your child is a safe, healthy and happy home where he or she is loved and accepted. Following are some ideas to help you build stronger relationships with your family.

• Allow your children to talk openly about their troubles and concerns. While there may be a temptation to simply say, "Because I said so," this is not the way to build a strong relationship with your child -- or anybody for that matter. By listening attentively and letting your child be honest, you will discover that most problems get solved quicker and with less squabbling.
• Spend as much quality time together as possible. Sure, after a 10-hour day you might prefer to just eat dinner and relax, but it is very important that you make some time for each family member. Choose activities that you both enjoy, or could learn to enjoy. And, pick activities that promote interaction, such as biking, hiking, board games or going on evening walks.
• Not many kids like to do chores, but since they need to be done, ask them to help. By assigning age-appropriate tasks to each family member, you are letting them know they are valued member of the family. And some chores, such as laundry, dishes and preparing meals, gives you an opportunity to share some time with your kids while getting things done.
• You've probably heard this one before, but it's true: sitting down at the dinner table in the evening brings the family together. Have each family member talk about the worst thing in their day, followed by the best thing. It's a great way to learn what is going on in your child's life, discuss possible solutions, and end the day on a good note by emphasizing the positive.

By reminding yourself daily to spend some quality time with the ones you love, you will help your child learn to share their thoughts and feelings, build self esteem and confidence, and enjoy family, tradition, and sharing simple but positive memories.

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Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it.
~ Henry S. Haskins

10 Tips for an Efficient Kitchen

Chances are pretty good that we will always require a convenient place to store, prepare and cook our food. That place -- is the kitchen -- and following are several ideas to make yours more efficient.

1. Lighting -- This is very important, and in general, more is better than less. If you don't have adequate lighting, try adding lighting under the cabinets or using higher wattage bulbs.
2. Hard Flooring -- Both wood and tile are more hygienic and easier to clean up.
3. Outlets -- You shouldn't need to use extension cords in the your kitchen. A well-designed kitchen will have outlets installed about every three feet.
4. Clear the Clutter -- Throw away or donate any items you know you won't use. By getting rid of old and unused spices, food and beaten up pots and pans, you'll make room for the stuff you actually use. The same goes for counter space.
5. Clean -- Empty out all drawers and cabinets at least once a year and wash them with warm, soapy water. Replace with new liners if you use them.
6. Zones & Storage -- Create a kitchen triangle with designated zones for various tasks. For example, you may like to chop vegetables near the sink, or mix ingredients on the center isle. Whatever the case, choose a zone, then store the utensils you'll need for those tasks in the storage areas nearby. For example, pots and pans should be near the stove, while your Christmas plates could probably be stored on the top shelf.
7. Food Storage -- Similar to above, everyday foods, like cereal or bread, should be in an easily-accessed spot. If you have kids, don't make them climb on the counters if there's a cupboard at a lower level.
8. Cutlery Trays -- Simple trays make it easy to organize your daily utensils and maximize drawer space.
9. Sinks -- If you do a lot of cooking (preparation), it may be wise to invest in a sink that fits your needs; e.g., single, double, deep, stainless steel.
10. Faucets -- A person who hand-washes large pots and pans will want a different type of faucet than someone who rarely goes in the kitchen. If you like to cook, get a faucet that makes cleanup easier.

5322 SACAGAWEA

Total Sq. Feet: 2,624
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2

5347 SACAGAWEA

Total Sq. Feet: 2,516
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3

1519 CHESAPEAKE LANE

Total Sq. Feet: 2,442
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Trivia Challenge

Question 1.) What small South Dakota town became the home for such notables as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane?
a.) Cedar Gulch
b.) Deadwood
c.) Long Pine
d.) Maplewood

Question 2.) Which author wrote "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and "The Glass Menagerie"?
a.) Edward Albee
b.) Blanche DuBois
c.) Eugene O'Neill
d.) Tennessee Williams

Question 3.) The Rolling Stones produced this mega-hit in 1969. What is the name of the song?
a.) Brown Sugar
b.) Honky Tonk Women
c.) She's a Rainbow
d.) Street Fightin' Man

Question 4.) Which movie won an Oscar for Best Picture in 1939?
a.) Gone With the Wind
b.) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
c.) Stagecoach
d.) Wizard of Oz

Question 5.) Which ocean does the Canary Islands border?
a.) Atlantic Ocean
b.) Arctic Ocean
c.) Indian Ocean
d.) Pacific Ocean

TOP | ANSWERS

The only gift is a portion of thyself.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Essential to Your Diet

Many health and nutrition experts agree that the body needs Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) -- and the best way to satisfy that requirement -- is by adding fish oil to your daily diet. The two main components of fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Researchers believe that fish oil is beneficial because of its anti-inflamatory nature. Inflammation has been deemed one of the primary culprits of aging and deteriorating health, affecting various health problems ranging from simple joint pain to serious brain disorders. Following are some benefits of adding Omega-3's to your diet.

Heart -- Omega-3's can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and reduce heart attacks.

Brain -- DHA can help with memory, concentration and intelligence.

Joints & Arthritis -- Studies have shown that EFAs help relieve symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Cholesterol -- EFAs are believed to aid in lowering blood pressure.

Skin -- EFAs are thought to hydrate your skin, having a sort of anti-aging effect. In addition, DHA may help alleviate skin problems like acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema by reducing inflammation.

Immune System -- The EFA in Omega-3's can reduce inflammation, which benefits the immune system and reduces allergic response.

Digestive System -- The EFA component of Omega-3's help the digestive system stay healthy and alleviates inflammatory diseases.

Breast & Prostate Cancer -- Studies confirm that DHA helps diminish the size of tumors in cancer patients and increases the benefits of some chemotherapy drugs while limiting some of the negative side effects.

Alzheimer's Disease -- Research in recent years is showing that DHA hinders the accumulation of brain lesions. Some researchers suggest DHA may be most beneficial to people just beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's.

Keep in mind that your body can not produce Omega-3's, you need to ingest it as food. While you can get the fish oil by eating fish, you would have to eat a lot of it every day in order to get the daily recommended 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg.

It's also interest to note that the older we get, the more beneficial Omega-3's are for our health; i.e., a 5-year-old needs far less Omega-3's than a senior citizen. When purchasing fish oil, be aware that it is the DHA component that is beneficial; the recommended dosage of DHA for a healthy person is around 250 mg.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
~ Twyla Tharp

Fish Fillets Italiano

Ingredients - Serves 6

• 1-1/2 lbs. cod fillets
• 3 tb sp. olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic -- minced
• 1-1/2 onions -- thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup black olives -- pitted and sliced
• 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tb sp. and 1-1/2 tsp. chopped parsley

Directions

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a frying pan. Saute garlic and onions in olive oil until soft.
2. Mix in tomatoes, parsley, olives and wine. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Put fillets in sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes (fish should turn white).

Wine Pairing

• Château Gaillard Touraine Sauvingnon Blanc 2008

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
~ Albert Einstein

Simple Tip to Close a "Locked-Up" Program

Have you ever had multiple applications running when suddenly one of the programs just "locks up"? Most likely. While this tip isn't new, it's amazing how many computer users choose to shut down or hard reboot their system. Here's a better way.

1. Simultaneously press the "ctrl-alt-delete" keys.
2. Depending on your operating system, start the task manager.
3. Under the applications tab, click on the program that is "not responding."
4. Click the "End Task" button.

Some programs will require you to do this two or three times to work. If this doesn't work, or if you have several programs that are hung up, it may be necessary to shut down. But, in most cases this works and you'll save precious time by not having to wait for your system to reboot.

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Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
~ Will Rogers

Cool/Free/Fun/Trendy: LogMeIn

If you need a simple way to occasionally access your desktop computer from a remote location, check out LogMeIn. After an easy registration and quick installation of some files, you'll be able to login to your account from any computer with internet access and control the remote computer just like you were sitting in front of it. That includes opening files and applications, checking email, etc.

This free version does have limitations, but it's very useful for people who only need to remotely access their computer once in a while; i. g., maybe you need to makes edits on a file but don't have the application installed on your laptop. Just login, connect to your desktop, make the changes, and you're done.

Learn more at: www.logmein.com.

If you know of someone....

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Trivia Answers
#1. b.) Deadwood; #2. d.) Tennessee Williams; #3. b.) Honky Tonk Women; #4. a.) Gone With the Wind; #5. a.) Atlantic Ocean

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Dana Wagenhals
2029 Grand Ave.
Billings, MT 59102

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary. © 2009 eNewsletterSolutions.