JUNE

Facts about June

According to the Georgian calendar, which is used over most of the world today, June is the sixth month. On the Roman calendar, it was considered the fourth month and had only 29 days. Julius Ceasar gave the month 30 days in 46 B.C., when he reformed the Roman calendar.

Spring ends and summer begins around June 20, 21, or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. It's the time that the flowers are beautiful. It is especially the month for roses. In the Southern hemisphere, winter begins during June, and it brings cold, rainy weather to this part of the world.

Flag Day is observed in the United States on June 14. It commemorates the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our flag. It then had only 13 stars, to match its 13 stripes.

It's not an official national holiday, but in Pennsylvania, it is a legal holiday. The President has proclaimed a public flag day observance every year. It was first observed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the selection of the flag. President Harry S. Truman officially recognized June 14 as Flag Day by signing the National Flag Day Bill.

The Philippines' Independence Day is on June 12.

Sweden celebrates flag day, its national holiday, on June 6.

Finland's flag day is the Saturday closest to June 24.

The JUNE BUG also known as June beetle, is the name for several large beetles seen in the United States during May and June. They are usually seen at night, when the light attracts them.

Gems for June are the pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

The rose is the flower for the month of June.

Kentucky became the 15th state, June 1, 1792.

Tennessee became the 16th state, June 1, 1796.

John Randolph of Roanoke, American statesman, born June 2, 1773.

De Soto claimed Florida for Spain, June 3, 1539.

Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, born June 3, 1808.

Secretary of State George C. Marshall described the Marshall Plan, June 5, 1947.

U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy shot by an assassin June 5, 1968. Died the following day, 1968.

Nathan Hale, American patriot, born June 6, 1755.

YMCA organized in London, June 6, 1844.

Cole Porter, American composer, born June 9, 1893.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, born June 10, 1921.

George Bush, 41st President of the United States, born in Milton, Massachusetts, June 12, 1924.
Winfield Scott, American general, born June 13, 1786.

Continental Congress adopted the Flag of the United States, June 14, 1777.

Hawaii organized as a territory, June 14, 1900.

King John granted Magna Carta, June 15, 1215.

George Washington appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army, June 15, 1775.
Arkansas became the 25th state, June 15, 1836.

Charles Goodyear was granted a patent for rubber vulcanization, June 15, 1844.

Ford Motor Company founded, June 16, 1903.

Nancy Layne born June 16 (year to remain anonymous) in San Diego, California

Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet began exploring the Mississippi River, June 17, 1673.

Reclamation Act passed by Congress, June 17, 1902.

Charles Eames, American designer, born June 17, 1907.

John Hersey, American novelist, born June 17, 1914.

Burglary of Democratic Party headquarters in Washington, D.C., touched off Watergate political scandal, June 17, 1972.

United States declared war on Great Britain, June 18, 1812.

Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States, June 20, 1782.

Eli Whitney applied for a patent on the cotton gin, June 20, 1793.

West Virginia became the 35th state, June 20, 1863.

President Andrew Johnson announced the purchase of Alaska from Russia, June 20, 1867.

Daniel Carter Beard, founder of Boy Scouts of America, born June 21, 1850.

New Hampshire ratified the Constitution, June 21, 1788.

Cyrus McCormick granted patent for reaper, June 21, 1834.

Rockwell Kent, American artist, born June 21, 1882.

Allied forces captured Okinawa during World War II, June 21, 1945.

American author Anne Morrow Lindbergh born June 22, 1906.

William Penn signed land treaty with Indians, June 23, 1683.

Taft-Hartley Act became law, June 23, 1947.

Chemist E. I. du Pont born June 24, 1771.

Sioux Indians massacred Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and his troops at the Little Bighorn, Montana, June 25, 1876.

Fair Labor Standards Act became law, June 25, 1938.

Virginia ratified the Constitution, June 25, 1788.

Pearl S. Buck, Nobel Prize-winning novelist, born June 26 1892.

United Nations Charter signed by delegates from 50 nations at San Francisco, June 26, 1945.

American poet Paul L. Dunbar born June 27, 1872.

Helen Keller, deaf and blind author and lecturer, born June 27, 1880.

George W. Goethals, American engineer who built the Panama Canal, born June 29, 1858.

William James Mayo, American surgeon who helped establish the Mayo Foundation, born June 29, 1861.

George Ellery Hale, American astronomer, born June 29, 1868.

Federal Food and Drugs Act of the United States became law, June 30, 1906.

Father's Day is coming fast!

End of school, summer plans, life ~ it's so busy this time of year.......but let's not forget Dad!





Here's some ideas to help bring a smile to his face.



Free, Printable, Custom Cards
http://www.dltk-cards.com/cc1.asp


Custom Coupons For Dad
http://www.dltk-cards.com/coupon/


Doorknob Hanger for His Office or Home
http://tlsbooks.com/doorhangerblank.htm


Business Card Holder
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/buscard.html


Lego Frame for the Kids Picture
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/legoframe1.html


Barbeque Gift Set from the Kids
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/fathersday4.htm


Keepsake Box
http://www.families-first.com/art/holm1.htm


Creative T-shirt Ideas
http://www.freekidcrafts.com/kid_fathers_day_craft_ideas.html


World’s Greatest Dad Certificate
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/fathers/fcert.htm


Trivia for Dad at Dinner or in the Car
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/games/trivia/trivia13.htm


Dessert on “the Grill” for Dad
http://www.womansday.com/article.asp?section_id=13&article_id=5617&page_number=1


Steak Dinner

http://www.womansday.com/article.asp?section_id=48&article_id=7840&page_number=1


Father’s Day Quotations
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~homespun/fdquotes.html


7 Breakfast Ideas for Dad
http://www.garvick.com/annual/fathers_day/recipes/breakfasts.htm


Coloring Page for Kids
http://www.janbrett.com/happy_fathers_day_coloring.htm
http://www.janbrett.com/i_love_my_dad.htm
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/dad/color/index.htm
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/dad/color.html


More Craft Ideas
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/dad/crafts.html

Buyer's Remorse?

Buyer's Remorse

In the excitement and business of life, you and your family decided that it’s time to move. The American dream passionately filled your heart as you sought out the perfect home that would complete your family’s happiness. There was the cozy cottage in the mountains, the open house by the beach, the new condo with little maintenance, the “too small” house, the “too large” house, and then…the “just right” home! After the long process, you finally settled.

When the emotions and chaos of trying to find the perfect house died down, your mind began to race once again. Did I make the right choice? Should we have moved into a different school district for the kids? Can I really afford this? What if I loose my job? This is all very normal.
The endless questions that race through your mind can be exhausting. Perhaps you are just being paranoid about the purchase made – the largest purchase you will likely ever make. So how do you deal with this remorse to determine if you really have something to fret about?

1. Check out the Neighbors
Once you buy a house, you will likely have to live there for at least a year or two before you can afford to move again. So don’t be shy about interacting with the neighbors before you get a contract. Introduce yourself and ask them questions about the neighborhood. What do they like about it? Is there anything they wish was different? Have there ever been issues in the neighborhood? How does everyone get along? Are there children around the ages of your children? See what the neighborhood is like during the day, at night, and on weekends. Are you near a school ? Then check out the local area. Visit nearby parks, shops, movie theaters, local schools, restaurants, and libraries. Try to visit each of those places during their busy times so that you can get a realistic picture of the community. How is the commute to your office?

2. Recheck the Floor Plan
At this point in the game, you’ve found a house and have fallen in love with the landscaping, the quaint porch, and the view from the kitchen. However, you need to keep a level head. Examine the floor plans once again. Remember that you will be spending the majority of your time inside the house. Are there enough bathrooms to accommodateyour family? Would you prefer a different layout in the kitchen? You need to make sure that the room sizes will meet your specific needs.

3. Get an Inspection
DO NOT SKIP THE INSPECTION
Picking an inspector can be tricky. Make sure that the inspector will cover the basis: appliances, roof, heating and air conditioning, general drainage, windows and doors, dampness, and structure. If you suspect a problem in the following areas, you may want to hire a specialist: electrical systems, mold, pests, septic tanks, swimming pools, termites and carpenter ants, and trees.

Dealing with Buyer’s Remorse

Most people who buy homes experience uncertainty after buying a home. Here are some basic steps to calm your nerves.

Find and Compare Your Wants and Needs List. During the process of looking and finally purchasing a home, you probably developed a wants and needs list. Get that list out again and ask yourself a few questions.

Be honest with yourself. Does this home meet your most important needs? What qualities made this home stand out from the others? Did you find many houses that met your needs or was this the only one? Could you realistically find a more suitable home if you could back out? What has changed since you decided on the house?

Buyer’s remorse often kicks in after we begin talking with others about the purchase of our new house. Perhaps you just spoke with a family member or friend who questioned your choice or the amount you paid for it. Don’t fret yet. Are they familiar with today’s market? Do they know your area well? Remember that parents often feel that nothing is good enough for their children.
Are you still looking at houses? If you’re settled on one, then stop looking. Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side. Do not put yourself through those mental battles. Remember that a certain amount of buyer’s remorse is normal. Unless you have discovered a major issue with the home you just bought, you will question your purchase. If you feel that you have a major issue, talk to your agent.

Tips to help your house sell

A realtor contact in Florida sent me this, and I thought it was timely and helpful:


Make Each Room in Your Home a Selling Point

On the average, homebuyers are expecting more out of the homes they’re purchasing. Between the home improvement shows like Trading Spaces and the various magazines that show you what your home could look like, people are not satisfied with the norm. Not only do they want rooms for each of their kids, a playroom, hobby rooms, an office, large laundry rooms, sufficient bathrooms, and a decked out kitchens, people want windows galore and open space.

So how do you deal with these demands as a seller? Well, you can do your share by taking a few steps towards them. But, be cautious. Everyone has different tastes so don’t do anything extreme. Let’s walk through your home to see how we can make a few improvements without empting your savings account.1. Curb AppealAs you know, first impressions are imperative. Even if your house is on the small side, there are a few things you can do to get your house in the best selling-style possible. For one, make sure that the house is shining with new paint.

Get professionals to at least give you advice on the landscaping, even if you can’t afford to have them do the job as well. Keep cars out of the driveway to give the house an open look and make sure all toys and yard tools are out of sight. Give the windows a good cleaning and liven up the front door with a new handle, a fresh coat of paint, and a seasonal wreath. 2. The Entryway in Your HomeThe entryway to your home needs to warmly invite homebuyers. Do not keep anything but a few basics in the entryway. If you have room, place a small console table in the entryway with a lamp on it and a picture hanging over it. An area rug may be a good idea, as it adds warmth and character. If you have an open corner, add a decent-sized plant in an attractive planter. 3. The Kitchen The kitchen is often the room that will either make or break the potential deal. The kitchen is often the centerpiece of homes these days. Families cook, entertain, eat, do homework, discuss bills, talk on the phone, and so much more in kitchens. Here are a few starting points to spice up your kitchen.

Remove all clutter from the countertops. With the exception of major appliances like a microwave and maybe a mixer, keep only a fragranced candle on the counter top. Hide the basket that keeps your bills, newspapers, keys, and flyers. Move the recycling bin somewhere inconspicuous.

Look closely at the walls? Do they look worn? If you think they look slightly roughed up, they are going to look even worse to the homebuyers. Throw on a new coat of paint. It’s an inexpensive and quick way to brighten and clean up the room.

You may also think about replacing the hardware, upgrading the old faucet, and lightening up the room with recessed down lights over the stove and sink areas. Add a new piece of art and treat your windows with contemporary curtains. 4. The Living and Family RoomsAs we talked about earlier, homebuyers want “the look” that is displayed in the magazines. Thus, one thing you can do is place your furniture in the same way a decorator would. Let me explain. If you have a small room, make sure that the furniture in that room is on the small side. And don’t try to fit too much in that room. You want each room to feel open and spacious.

Next, choose a focal point for the room: fireplace, TV, piece of art, computer. Arrange your furniture around that centerpiece. If you can, avoid putting your sofa against the wall. Also try to place your furniture pieces close enough together to create the warm, intimate feeling that you and homebuyers both desire. Keep only a few throw pillows and blankets out to accessorize. Clear off the coffee table and end tables with the exception of a decorative piece or a lamp.
If you have a small room, place mirrors in a strategic place to reflect light and the depth of the room to make the room feel brighter and larger. Try to accessorize the room with items that add height to the room, without width, such as a long, thin lamp and plants. This will help make the room feel more open.

Talk with your agent for helpful hint that are specific for your home. Try not to take things personally. Remember, the agent has been in the selling business, not the decorating business. They know the market.

SCAMS to watch for!

Jury Duty scam

You get a call from someone claiming to be a jury coordinator. You protest that you never received a summons. The caller asks for your social security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant.

Give out the info? Bingo. Your identity just got stolen.

This scam is not the only one out there. There are dozens. If you think you've been approached or emailed or called by a scam artist, there's a handy little section of the FBI website, outlining the current crop of scams being perpetrated out there. It might be good to check it once in a while.

Check it out here.

Protect your privacy!

Most people don't know that everytime their credit is checked, the information provided to the credit bureaus can be, and usually is, sold ~ not only to other lenders, but to companies which buy and sell names and information.

Not only are the credit companies making money off your transaction with them, they're selling your good name to other companies. Ever wonder why you get so much junk mail and spamming emails after you make a credit purchase somewhere? (Cars, appliances, etc.) Your name and information is sold again and again, often to disreputable companies.

The good news is, you can make it STOP. The consumer credit reporting industry has an "opt out" program. You can call them at 1-888-567-8688

You can choose a 5 year or lifetime option (the lifetime option requires a signature). It takes at least 48 hours to process, so do it today!

.......and while we're at it, we should all complain to the FTC (or State Attorney General's Office) about this currently legal practice.