Real Estate in Kansas City North

For the 13th year the Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest will be this weekend at the Oak Grove Park in Gladstone.

Oak Grove Park is located at 76th and N. Troost.

What's really nice about this bluesfest is it is FREE... that's right free and parking is only $5.00

This festival has grown to over 15,000 and attracks folks who love the blues not only from our community but surrounding counties and states.

For additional information visit the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce website.

As with each Memorial Day we should honor those who have protected our country and paid the extreme price of doing so  with their life.

Last evening we attended a wonderful Memorial Day Celebration at Union Station and the fireworks were shot by the only WWI Memorial in our nation... Liberty Memorial.

It was a great event, widely attended and music was performed by the Kansas City Symphony.

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009.

THAT is NOT TRUE! 

 I have a copy of the blank 1040.  Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405.  I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need.  You can look at  "C" at the top.  You can claim it now if purchased in 2009.  If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately.

However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040.

I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out.

And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call  816-682-3897

Until next time.......

Aye me little wee lads and lassys.... it's St. Patrick's Day again in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City has a very active Irish following, along with an Irish Fest that happens over Labor Day, we have a great St. Patrick's Day parade downtown!

This year the parade will run Broadway - 33rd Street (Linwood) to 43rd Street from 11 AM to 1 PM.

This is the 36th edition of this Kansas City tradition and the weather appears to be very cooperative!

Follow this link  www.kcirishparade.com  for more information....

Until next time.....

Every once in a while we venture out of our neighborhood in the Northland and go to this fabulous spice store that carries nothing but SPICES! 

I know I've mentioned before that my wonderful husband was a Chef in another life before he became a Pharmaceutical Robot Engineer........ and that the kitchen is HIS domain !

We have this special place that we go to in old Overland Park, Kansas, just a hop, skip and a jump from our neck of the woods.

Upon walking in your mouth begins to water at the mere possibilities of what you could dress up with their array of spicies from all over the world.  It's truly delightful!

You can get anything from vanilla from other parts of the world to mouth watering garlic to dried chopped celery.....

We can't even go in the place without dropping fifty bucks!  They also have boxed gift sets for every occasion

It's a real treat!  Check out their website  www.penzeysone.com

And you are ALWAYS greated with a smiling face!

Until next time...............

I had a wonderful conversation last week with my dear friend Tom Plant and he shared with me that he'd met this wonderful musical artist and she had a special message to share... and I want to help her share it here.  (Thanks Tom!) 

Without hesitation....... enjoy Laura Vecchione

Just a few days and all the election commercials will be over.... and you can watch your television in peace.

In case you are in Missouri or Kansas here is some voting information for you:

In Missouri.... you can get Voter and Poll Information including locations, accepted forms of ID, listings of county clerks for Clay, Platte, Cass and Jackson counties at  Vote KC

In Kansas..... you can get Voter and Poll Information Vote Kansas

And for your entertainment...... here's a video of the line getting into one of the rallies that was held here in Kansas City for one of the Presidential Candidates.  If you ask me real nice, I'll tell you which one OR you can GUESS. :)

We had this pleasure this past weekend of attending the Weston Irish Fest.  It usually takes place around the second weekend of October every year for about the last nine years.

This year they couldn't have had better weather!  The trees were beginning to turn color, there was a breeze in the air and little or no humidity.

As we were walking down the street of the friendly sidewalks of Weston, Missouri I encountered this young lad.  He was really talented and I couldn't resist putting money in his violin case after this stellar performance!

It's that time again here in Kansas City when we pack up the kids for a day of events at one of the area Pumpkin Patches! 

Weston Red Barn Farm
This farm was puchased in 1989 by Steve and Cindi Frey. They have a pumpking patch, orchards, sheep to pet and pony rides in beautiful and historic Weston.

Johnson Farms
With over 30 acres you can pick your own pumpkin or buy them already picked! The wagon rides and animal corral are great fun for the kids. They have gourdes, squash and flowers too.

KC Pumpkin Patch
Here you will find 10's or 1,000's of U-Pick pumpkins and many other activities to keep your children busy all day!

Carolyn's Country Cousins
In Liberty, Missouri is just plain fun!  A "mega" pumpkin patch, animal barn, pig races and you can even make your own scarecrow!

Pumpkins Etc.
Located east of Platte City they have a down home pumpkin patch, gourds and beautiful mums.
It's a family run farm, not heavy on the bling but full of old fashioned fun.

Please check out the links of their websites for more information.

I'd like to personally thank an old and dear friend Katy for the use of her gorgeous little pumpkin pickers pictures for this post.

Yes, you read right..... The Kansas City Zoo is offering free admission to Kansas City, Missouri residents for the months of October and November.

Of course you have to prove that you live in Kansas City, Missouri and rightfully so.

You will need proof of residence and a state-issued ID which is required at the admissions gate.

You can also verify that you are a resident with a bill or credit card statement, even a bank statement, with your name and Kansas City, Missouri address.

It is free during normal zoo hours.