My favorite is a this peaceful view of the McDowell Mountains, taken from the McCormick Ranch Golf Course.

Feels like spring, even though it still looks a bit like fall.

To another great year. 2012 is going to be the best year yet!

And, thank you, Luetta!

Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Free to members of the public!

As part of Arizona’s Centennial celebration next month, the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS^® is sponsoring a "Once in a Century" class: The Passage of Time: A History of Arizona. This class, taught by Bill Gray, offers REALTORS^® and members of the community a chance to learn about the history of Arizona – and includes 3 Fair Housing CE Hours.

• Sandra Day O’Connor will be the Keynote Speaker
• Lunch is included!
• "Are You Smarter Than a Fourth Grader"
• The Valley’s own 94.5 KOOL FM morning hosts Tom & Maria
• 16 historical exhibits by Scottsdale School District 4^th grade classes
• Exhibits of the "Five C’s of Arizona"

REALTORS^®: Register before January 30^th for only $35!
Note: This class is FREE to members of the public

Contact Sarah Hanson or visit the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® website for more information.

February 13^th, 2012
Chaparral Suites
11am – 5pm
11:30am – 12:45pm Luncheon
1pm – 4pm Class

photo credit: dno1967b

With temperatures in the high 70’s and low 80’s, you might be thinking about doing some spring cleaning…

Rid your home of household hazardous wastes by bringing them to Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the city Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador. For a list of accepted items, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/recycle or call (480) 312-5600.

Yes, 2011 has been an amazing year.

Recently, I sat down and wrote a list of what I was most proud of in the past year. Amazingly, my list quickly grew to three pages, and included  accomplishments, thoughts, and feelings. Every time I go back and  read it, I add something else.  It’s been a fantastic way for me to prepare for the new year!

I challenge you to do the same. Being proud of your accomplishments is so OK. In my mind, it’s another form of gratitude. No one has to see the list, so you can really be as honest with yourself, as you are willing. Pat yourself on the back for who you are and what you do!

It’s a perfect jumping off place for 2012.

I thank you for being here, for sharing, for caring, and I wish you all the best of the new year.

I spotted this car and license plate a couple weeks ago as I was walking out of restaurant on Scottsdale Road. 

Definitely a “Thank You, Santa” kind of car!

And, a Scottsdale moment on a rare rainy day.

There’s still time to get out a see a few Holiday Lights in Scottsdale. I haven’t seen Zoo Lights this year, but have heard that they are fantastic, as always. Go early to miss the long lines getting in.

Wishing you all the best as we wrap up 2011.

Looking for Holiday light displays in Scottsdale this year (2011)?

AZCentral has the Holiday Lights Map, which includes info about Forever Living Plaza on McCormick Parkway, photographed above (and look MUCH better in person)!

The McCormick-Stillman Train Park has a wonderful light and musical display for kids of all ages.

Zoo Lights are outstanding and keep getting better every year. Check out the web site to get a sample of the choreographed displays. Tickets are required.

And for something a little more laid-back, Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Gardens are beautiful. Tickets are required for this display also.

Posts from prior years:

• Holiday Light Maps for Scottsdale and Phoenix (video, 2010)
• Railroad Park Holiday Lights End Saturday (2009)
• Scottsdale & Phoenix Holiday Lights Map (2008)
• A Scottsdale Tradition: Holiday Lights at the Railroad Park (video, 2008)
• Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (2007)