Holidays in Three Rivers

Amidst Century 21 activities, the community events, and many holiday parties there was one event that took precedence: spending time with family. Each of the Diana's was blessed to be with family last week.

As I write this I realize that in addition to biological family, we have a network of extended family in Three Rivers. As we greet others in the market, at church or on a morning walk- it becomes evident that they are like family as well. We are 'doing life' together in our small village.

There is a sense of endearment for those who live in our community. Each person's life is a storybook. We are privileged to have so many residents woven into the pages of our book.

In addition to those in town whom we have been friends with for decades , we make lifetime friends because of our profession. As Realtors, we get to introduce so many to Three Rivers. We are thankful to have a large extended family to learn from and to love!

"Where In The World Would You Ever Find A Place Like This?"

FiRsT SnoW!

On Tuesday we woke up to a winter wonderland. Oh, it was glorious. The blue sky, crisp cool air, peaceful silence and natural beauty remind me of why I don't live in the city.

We have a client who moved up here last year. She was in our office today and told us that she has a new, custom license plate frame. It says, FINALLY HAPPY BECAUSE I LIVE IN THREE RIVERS. Our town speaks for itself. View many photos of Three Rivers at teamdiana.com.

Art and Real Estate?

Team Diana consists of more than the Diana's! One of the members of our team is Geoff Glass. He is like the secret genius behind the scenes. Last weekend our humble helper came out to the front lines. He participated in the Three Rivers first Saturday art show. One of his many talents was finally on display for all to enjoy! Stop by Century 21 Three Rivers to view Geoff's work.

What A Difference A Day Makes

One night last week we were awakened to an unforgettable sound. Through the rain we heard the loud crashing of boulders as they were being forced down stream. Overnight the warm rain caused the river to rise to flood levels.

In the morning we assessed the changes in the flow of the river. 10 foot high rocks that we were standing on 24 hours earlier were now under water. The flow of the river looked like waves in the ocean. Overnight the rain gauge recorded receiving 3.2 inches of rain.

Now that the water has receded, our beach has inherited a tennis ball, picnic table and a boat.

WhErE tHe wILd ThInGS ArE

This morning I looked out my kitchen window. To my surprise, there were about 50 wild turkeys on my lawn. Above is a photo. Our friends, who live off of the South Fork, told us that they counted 20 wild boar in their yard last night!

Once when my daughter was in high school she and some male friends from Visalia decided that they were going to go boar hunting. Now she knew what she was doing but the boys...not so much. They came to the house at 10:00 pm. They changed into their camo, painted their faces and headed off (good, clean, healthy fun for teenagers, right???). In the morning I asked her how it went. She said first off, she has never killed a wild animal and never would but didn't tell those city boys that. The she said that those poor boys brought weapons that were like tinker toys. As they ventured out into the wild, she got the boys close enough to hear the rushing of the pigs. She said that these tough boys screamed like little girls and climbed up a tree and would not come down. Oh how she laughed when relaying this story to me. Once she had them safely back to our home, she gave them hot chocolate and cookies then sent them on their way. This story became a legend amongst their peer group in Visalia. They are probably still talking about it today when they get together.... "Remember when Hailey was almost killed by those wild pigs and we saved her?"

In other news, Do you subscribe to The Week magazine? If so, could you save your October 9th issue for Team Diana? One of our Three Rivers listings is going to be a featured home in this publication and we would like to have some extra copies. THANK YOU!

Hidden Treasure- REALLY!

My new friend in Three Rivers shared an interesting story with me. She said that her nephew, who lives in a neighboring town, purchased a fan at a thrift store about 40 years ago. This aged fan faithfully cooled his work area until recently when it broke.

Certain he could repair the fan, he took it apart. To his surprise he found a secret letter in the base of the fan. It was very old and written from one brother to another. It stated, " I have hidden the money at the base of ******( I won't write the real name for fear of a treasure hunting frenzy) rock where we used to play when we were children.

My friend laughed it off and said that nobody in her family had ever heard of ****** rock. Well having lived in Three Rivers most of my life, I certainly know exactly where that location is. She saw my expression and I shared with her that I could locate the area.

Together she and I have pledged to one day pack a picnic lunch, don our Indiana Jones hats and set off for a great day of treasure hunting. Results to follow.....

1st Saturday's in Three Rivers

1st Saturday Becomes Town-wide Event!
THE ARTISTS of Three Rivers have joined together to create a day of food, fun, and fabulous art. It will be held on every 1st Saturday of the month, starting with October 3rd, and specials will be promoted throughout the town– by artists, restaurants, gift shops, galleries and more. You can watch artists painting plein air, eat good food and listen to local musicians. To keep up every month with who's who, call Team Diana. We will provide you with a tour map to all of the venues.

SaVE ThE dATe

It's that time again.........

Mark your calenders for The Concert On The Grass on Saturday, September 26! This is one of the premiere events in Three Rivers. Call Team Diana for more information.

Check this You Tube link out

The message below was sent to us by one of our clients: Check out the link! Don't forget to turn your volume up to hear the soothing river in the background.

Woke up Sunday morning to four bucks in the backyard... Feel free to share with anyone who has seen the house lately! ;)

VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWqxHKWvOso

Home Sweet Home

When I come home from work, I never know what might be lurking in my yard. This guy was the size of a dinner plate and we found him crawling around on our driveway at dusk. We snapped some photos for our kids (We were hoping they would see this and miss home. It worked, they are both driving home for a visit this week!) then returned this huge reptile to the river.

My mother-in-law is visiting from Orange County and was quite surprised to see this turtle. In addition, yesterday in Three Rivers she saw: wild turkey, a family of wild pigs, a bobcat and the cutest baby quail. Also, she was witness to evidence of a bear visit( he raided our trash can during the night).

Tonight I think I will invite her to have a camp out with me in our back yard. Who knows, as we lay under the stars we might have unexpected visitors slither across our legs!

New York Times!

Last Tuesday one of our Three Rivers listings was featured in the New York Times! Due to that feature, Team Diana has been experiencing a flurry of real estate activity. Many people from across the country and even Canada are scheduling visits to check out Three Rivers real estate.

All with whom we have spoken to are looking for a private getaway in a unique setting. Three Rivers is just that! There are so many amazing, beautiful homes that overlook the river or that are tucked away into a wooded landscaping.

We look forward to the opportunity to acquaint prospective buyers with our beloved area!

You might have to live here....

You might have to live here to appreciate this. In regards to the blog entry below:If you click on the picture, it will enlarge. I just noticed the funniest thing ever : Look closely at what he is using to mix the pancake batter!!!!!

Random Acts Of Kindness

Occasional yard sales in Three Rivers are a social event. At 7 am this morning these hosts of a yard sale greeted their shoppers with a smile. Not only that, they had fresh coffee and delicious, warm pancakes waiting for all of their guests.

"Where in the world would you ever find a place like this ?"

Only In Three Rivers....

* Please click on photo to see full size*

Tonight as my daughter and I were driving home from my mom's house ( who, by the way, made the best tacos in the universe), we noticed something curious on the side of the road. As we approached we were astonished to see a one man band parked on the highway. He had his own party going on with elaborate music and twinkle lights hooked to his trailer.

Well, we could not resist. So, we pulled over and enjoyed this man's entertainment. As we applauded each song, he replied with a honk of some sort from one of those electric instruments.

As the sun set, we visited with other observers. We laughed, swayed to the music, then waved goodbye.

Thank you Mr. Music Man for proving once again that there is no place like home.

Take Time To Smell The Roses

We have a sweet life in Three Rivers!

Last week my husband and I spent the afternoon in our backyard on lounge chairs, enjoyed a glass of wine and basked in the sun. As we regaled each other with stories from our work week, we began to unwind. Shortly thereafter our conversations drifted from politics, to the weather to what we were going to prepare for dinner.

It was as though we were on a vacation ourselves. Our dog, Berkeley, joined us "on vacation" as we enjoyed dips in the river and dried off on the warm rocks.

A highlight of the day was watching the river rafters journey by us. Their shouts of glee were such a thrill. It is always a pleasure to see other people enjoying Three Rivers. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful, peaceful place.

TiS tHe SeaSoN....

For river rafting on the Kaweah!

As I lounge on a boulder down by the river in my backyard sipping red wine, the sounds of Three Rivers surrounds me: the water rushing by, the birds chirping, the frogs croaking and the crickets strumming a melody. My focus is interrupted as I hear a faint sound that is getting louder.

It is a rafting guide shouting out stroke commands. Also heard are the sounds of cheering rafters as they overcome the class 4 obstacles on the river.

As they float by, we exchange waves and a quick hello. Then all is silent again with only the songs of nature to assist my imagination as I ponder the thought of how living in Three Rivers is like being on vacation 365 days a year! Come join me!

Eagle Pride

Our students in Three Rivers have so many great opportunities. Local artist, Nadie Spencer, gifts kids the chance to develop their artistic side. I drove by our local drug store and noticed a wall of color. For the 25 years that I have lived in Three Rivers, this wall has always been plain.

I pulled over to watch the progress. As the kids, clad in black trash bag aprons, joyfully worked on the new wall art, the pictures began to take shape. Won't it be fun for these little ones to bring visitors to view "their wall"?

Above is the sample of what the finished project will look like. Drive by the Village Market Center to meet a talented local artist and view the work in progress.

I love how people in this town, like Nadie, do nice things for each other just because...

"Where in the world would you ever find a place like this"?

Seasons Of Three Rivers

On Sunday Team Diana invited the town to view a breathtaking DVD of Three Rivers. These beauty shots set to music were many years of accumulated photos. Above are a few examples.

We were not sure how many people would show up. Expecting the best, we rented St. Anthony's Retreat and had the event catered. The sanctuary seated 150. As our neighbors filed in, the chairs filled and some people were standing.

We were so blessed to see and visit with so many of our neighbors! Guests exclaimed that they enjoyed taking the time to remember why we all live in Three Rivers. The event was a huge success and Team Diana looks forward to future opportunities to gather with the people that make Three Rivers home to us.

Have you heard of Wii?

Yesterday Team Diana went to a relist a beautiful home in Three Rivers! After the business part of our meeting, energetic Diana G. was given an instruction on how to Wii. In this photo she attemped to catch the hula hoops as the computer virtually threw the at her. Technology is amazing. C &C- thanks for the introduction to Wii.

You Are Invited!

Over the years Team Diana has accumulated many amazing photos of Three Rivers. We have created a DVD set to beautiful music featuring those photos. Isn’t it interesting how everyone who lives in Three Rivers says that THEY have the best spot? Three Rivers is the best! This DVD demonstrates the beauty of Three Rivers and highlights many of the “best spots”.

In this challenging economy it is a good time to rejoice in what we have and the blessing it is to live in Three Rivers. Team Diana would like to host a very special viewing of the Three Rivers DVD. The DVD is approximately 30 minutes long and afterward we will be serving complimentary refreshments.

The date is Sunday May 3rd. The time is 4:00. The location is at Saint Anthony’s Retreat. We will also have a raffle after the movie and during the refreshment time.

This event is our gift to the community. We look forward to gathering with our friends and neighbors on this day. It will be a relaxing event to remember. All are invited!

"After all, where in the world would you ever find a place like this?"

...BuT i hAve tHe beST PrOpertY in Three Rivers!!!

Right now we are in the office laughing jubilantly. There is a client sitting in here telling us that he has the best river spot in Three Rivers. It is so comical because everyone tells us that. And... Diana G is confident that SHE has the best river spot in Three Rivers. Diana J. interjects that everyone is mistaken because SHE definitely has the most beautiful river spot in town. It is so wonderful to live in a community where everyone thinks they have the best spot!

Call us for private tour of our personal river spots and we will convince you that OURS IS THE BEST!

Coming Home

Today as I drove down my driveway I was treated the beauty of Three Rivers wildlife. This group of eight deer was dining on the wildflowers in my yard. Two hours later, I glanced out of my kitchen window. One of those cute Bambi like creatures was now having dessert in my flowerbed!

Home Sweet Home

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to help a family find their dream home. This sweet family is our newest addition to Three Rivers. I had so much fun watching the kids run and play in their new yard, play hide n seek and choose their new rooms.

This family chose a lovely home that is bursting with personality. As one drives down the stately entrance, they are greeted with bursts of color from native Redbud and many other varieties of plants and flowers. Team Diana wishes them many happy years in their new home!

Homeless in Three Rivers, CA?

This little curious, affectionate kitty was left by the renters at a vintage home in Three Rivers that was for sale. When I took our client, Kelly, to view the home, this cat followed us around like one would expect a dog to do.

Did Kelly buy the home? Yes. But only with the condition that the current owner, who journeyed to this income property daily to feed the orphaned cat, pass on ownership of the cat!

A FoUr HouR TOur

Last week in celebration of our 20th anniversary, we went snowshoeing. It was magical as we took the first steps into the newly fallen snow.

The silence was golden. We followed squirrel paths and journeyed around the majestic General Sherman tree.

Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious meal at Wuksachi Lodge. Round trip for this white wonderland adventure was four hours! We were so relaxed as we enjoyed Sequoia National Parks beauty.

Today in Three Rivers

As we drove up to our friend Linda’s home, we were greeted with the melodious sounds of women’s laughter. Today was Linda’s annual ‘The wildflowers in my yard are in bloom’ luncheon.
Getting lost in each other’s company, we regaled each other with stories of family, travel and life in Three Rivers as we picnicked in Linda’s yard. It was as though time stood still.
Life is genuine here and so are our friends.
Once again I think to myself, “Where in the world would you ever find a place like this?”

Spring in Three Rivers

It’s Spring!
My mind is a buzz!
I’m on a tear!
It is that time again when it is warming up, the rivers are running strong, the lake is filling, the grasses are green on the hills, rocks are covered with chartreuse moss, the trees are leafing out, wild flowers blanket the landscape and I begin to say “where in the world….

Changing of Seasons

Spring is just around the corner. The changing of the season is signaled by a reptilian song. Each evening as I arrive home from work, I am greeted by the croaking music of multiple frogs. Nature sings to Three Rivers year round.

Last year Team Diana sold a property to a client who was enamoured by natures song. She walked on the property, heard the music and did not hesitate to come back to our office and purchase the property on the spot. She knew she was home!

Today at Century 21 Three Rivers

Today as Diana and I were hiking a 500 acre listing, Diana burst into song. We were at the top of a hill and as she was having a Julie Andrews/Sound of Music moment, I could not resist the urge to photograph the event(click to enlarge)!

Call Team Diana to receive more information on this inspiring property.

What's Hot And What's Not....

In: The master bed as throne
"With consumer spending down and more nesting at home, homeowners are focusing on making their bed like an at-home luxury hotel experience," says trend-watcher Mark Nash.
How do they do it? With lots of pillows, luxury linens like the cotton sateen bed set by Frette (pictured) and by spending more money on a very high-quality mattress, Nash says, "anything to get that high-quality hotel feel in their master bedroom."

A Rewarding Job!

Below is a letter that Team Diana received from another very satisfied client:

Hi Diana,

First, Happy New Year!

Second, I just wanted to say thank you personally for the lovely and unexpected gifts - couldn't have been better choices for us :)

We spent what was a shocking 3 days in our new home to ring in the new year, and I say shocking because the property is about 3x better in every way than we had even realized - not only are the views stunning and ever-changing with the fog ambling in and out, but we discovered that the whole wallpapered add-on and hallways were hiding thick gorgeous knotty pine that exactly matches the living room and loft ceiling/walls, allowing for a cohesive flow to the house that we honestly had not thought possible. What an exciting surprise!

On New Year's eve we felt like little birds perched up there... And our trail going down to the river - like a lost world covered in bright green moss... my my my....

I'm getting dizzy missing it!

Thanks again for all your help and please give our regards to David Learned.


Cheers,
J

Team Diana enjoys the opportunity to assist buyers in finding their dream home in Three Rivers. Not only do we have a pleasurable vocation but when the escrow has closed we have aquired new friends and neighbors!