Twenty-five years ago today my friends Larisa and Yuri, with their 5 year old son and Yuri’s parents, arrived in this country from Russia. They had nothing but intelligence, advanced degrees that were useless, and a determination to make a life in this country. A few months ago I was privileged to help them buy a beach house here, truly a dream come true for them. Congratulations to this beautiful couple who left the only place they’d ever known, to start over here. Bless you, and I’m thrilled to have been a small part of your journey. Onward, in strength and grace!

After years of working together, often conferring and confabulating several times a day – although we’d only seen each other in person once, 7 years ago, long before we started working together, since he lives in FL – my treasured assistant Mike Doherty, his family and I spent a fabulous day together today. Mike’s wish was to see some of the homes he entered into MLS for me, and some of the places we’d blogged and posted about over the past couple of years. His take? It all looks better and more interesting in person. Melanie and their 3 kids were supremely forbearing as Mike and I yakked on and on. Thank you, Mike, for your interest, willing attitude, and patience!

And have an awesome day tomorrow celebrating your birthday in Boston! Onward, in strength and grace!