Passers-by, both vehicular and on foot, stop in awe at the sweater that hugs a tree in the Westmorland neighborhood. No doubt, it's an odd sight! A sweater on a tree? What's up with that?
For the past several years, the owner of the house has had a much smaller "muffler" knit around the tree trunk each winter. This year, she went wild. She knit squares and patches and flowers in bright, sunny colors. As Fall approached, she could be seen at the base of the tree assembling the bits and pieces around the trunk. As the sweater grew up the trunk, out came the ladder
so the artist could reach to the branches to knit together more parts and pieces. And the glorious tree sweater was born. If she had a taller ladder, no doubt the sweater would reach higher into the branches.
For neighbors, its a bright spot on these cloudy, cold and sometimes gloomy days of winter. Which is precisely why the owner created the tree sweater. In her words, "I can't look out my window at gray and brown all winter. I need to see something bright and cheery." And bright and cheery it is!
She has received notes, comments from dog walkers and bikers and smiles from children. It has brightened the days of the neighbors as well as the artist.
A reason to smile on a cold winter day since it's not everyday you see a tree wearing a sweater!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Customer Service
Great customer service isn't what it used to be, so I was pleasantly surprised the other day when I found a note in my mailbox. It read:
"Hi! My name is Mary and I am your new mail carrier. I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I am new to this route and I will do my best to provide excellent customer service. If by chance you receive mail that does not belong to you please put it back in your mailbox and do not write directly on the mail as it needs to be forwarded on. If there is something I need to know please leave me a note. I am happy to make changes when needed. Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you when I'm out and about. Sincerely, Mary"
Wow! I was shocked and delighted! We don't think much about the mail service or the carrier who delivers it. We expect it. The mail arrives, we sort it, pitch it, file it, etc. Here is a person who takes pride in her work. She cares about her customers, she wants to help, she wants to provide the best service she can. Good for her, and lucky for those of us on her new route.
In my business (Real Estate), great customer service is what sets me apart from others. It's what I pride myself on and what my clients expect and deserve. Sadly, it's a philosophy that has been missing in this country in recent years. I'm glad there are still people who see the value of making a difference through customer service. Evidently Mary is one of them!
Friday, January 9, 2015
2014 November/December Home Sales
As 2014 came to a close, home sales on the near west side of Madison continued to be healthy. Although there was the normal seasonal downturn, between mid-November and early December, there were 50 sales. Not a bad number for the tail-end of the 4th quarter.
Below is a list of sales through December 5, 2014.
Below is a list of sales through December 5, 2014.
2014 November/December Home Sales
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* Prices are estimated. Actual sales price
unavailable.
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