Blogger Party and More
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Good afternoon, bloggers!
I really hope that the SISBP happens! That’s “Sippin’ in Sonoma Bloggers Party,” for those of you joining us regulars. My corn and heirloom tomato salad is the recipe my friends most often request and is unbelievably simple. It will be perfect after a trip to the lovely Sonoma Farmer’s Market or during your own summer picnic. (I think I got the recipe from a Williams-Sonoma cookbook, so it’s a fitting recipe, considering the company was established in Sonoma!)
3 cups fresh white or yellow corn cut from about 6 ears of cooked corn (I just boil the ears for a few minutes.)
1 large heirloom tomato cut into bite-size pieces (or 20 cherry tomatoes, halved)
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients together in your favorite serving bowl; cover. Serve at room temperature.
Now, on to some of those questions:
•Several of you asked how interior designer Linda Woodrum created that fabulous master bedroom canopy. She worked with experts at Ethan Allen to design and assemble the canopy, but you can easily recreate the look by following the instructions posted by HGTV Dream Home fan Katine. She posted photos of her HGTV Dream Home look-alike bedroom on Rate My Space. Check it out – amazing, don’t you think?
•The Chandelier in the master bedroom is the Eight Arm Bell Chandelier by Ethan Allen.
•Lastly, a lawn mower is not included in this year’s giveaway. Put one on your “need to purchase” list. Make sure it is a push mower – you may need the exercise after lounging the day away in your new HGTV Dream Home master bathtub. (At least I would.)
Your Super Fan,
Gail
Oh my goodness! You bloggers are the best! I, like some of you others, have been on the sidelines, not blogging before, but thoroughly enjoying all of the rest of what you all (y’all) have been sharing. Your positive energy is so refreshing, and Gail, all of your interviews and extra tidbits have made this DH the best yet! I can’t believe how much time I have spent on this website and HGTVPro looking at photos and videos, and reading these blogs!!!
My husband and I used to live in the Bay Area (Oakland-Crocker Highlands?anybody know), but needed to move (for medical and therefore financial reasons) in 2000. We LOVED the area and the PEOPLE and feel so blessed that we’ve maintained friendships with some really terrific people out there. It’s one reason why the DH09 is the DH for us, we could move back to be with great friends, whom we share a love of great food and WINE. And, for our friends and family here, where we live, (anybody else out there from Arkansas?!?) to visit.
Living in Sonoma in the DH09 is such a wonderful dream isn’t it?? So many of you have been inspirational at times, certainly entertaining at others, also providing some very practical, useful information. Thank you, thank you, particularly to the regulars who have introduced me to what I suppose is the ‘ideal’ blog. Oh, and I totally support the congratulatory card with the $$ green included–I’m there. You guys are so generous!
The SISBP sounds so wonderful! I’m envious of those of you that live close enough to get together. Of course, when I win, I’ll be able to join you all and get to meet each and every one of you
! I really had only one thought, and maybe you all have already discussed and I missed it, the date may need to be set close to the April 15 DH winner visit. Just thinking about Gail’s schedule or availability. The local coverage sounds great! You might want to send out some kind of special invitation and have it at a place that can have some control on access. Oops, a couple of thoughts, sorry. Brenda, sorry for any typos!
Back to the dream. Sweet, wonderful dreams everyone! I am typically a very analytical, practical person, but I’ve had the DH09 on my mind, in my dreams….I don’t think March 15 can get here soon enough, do you?? Only one more day to register on-line. I can’t believe it! Thank you bloggers! Thank you Gail, and thank you most of all HGTV!!!!
Cindy E.
Only one day left..hard to believe!
Here’s a little smile to all the dreamers out there whom are married.
I have been entering daily and my son is the one that really wanted me to enter and we’ve talked about it of course daily. My husband had been skeptical and rolled his eyes a bit at first but over the past weekend he exclaimed…”Oh NO I haven’t done my entry for the DreamHome yet today…I better go do that right now before i forget!” I was in amazement … so i asked..so How many times have you entered? and he said…”Everyday since you started entering!” YEAH>>> that means that we both have been entering and our odds just doubled!!! heehehhehehehhehe
Just that much closer to the DREAM!!!!!
I consent with several of the postings up above…
I sure would love it if one of the positive bloggers on this site WIN..that is if it’s not ME!!!
Good Luck everyone…
This has definitely been a stimulus for our family the past several weeks..just the Dream of it All has been so much fun!!!! Thanks HGTV…..!
Andrea and Shayda I am encouraged by your strength and perseverance. You two are amazing women and your family I am sure are blessed in many ways by what they see/receive from you.
Hey if I move down there I’ll go bowling with you. I love to bowl but seldom do.
Where are the TV’s aside from the one in the family room? Are there many towels? Are they in all the bathrooms?
Everyone enjoy your day! It’s sunny, beautiful, and green up here in Washington. Yep it’s cold too LOl.
What is in the small closet, in the study??? Thank you
BRENDA..thanks for your research on the alleys. You know for that period of time I felt like I was letting Him down, God sent me some wonderful scriptures that let me know that for now I needed to serve my own little family and draw closer still to the grandkids and teach them the ways of the Lord. Also, we spend whole days in the kitchen teaching all the little secrets to good cooking.Believe me He knows where you are and already knows where your next transition of service will be. In fact, you would not believe what a subtle little ministry I have at the bowling alley. That church you had was a seed that now is growing underground where you cannot see it and you may never see all of the glorious blooms that come as result of your efforts.
Just a little something from me to you sweet sister
JandV’sMom, thanks for letting me know where to meet at 1pm Saturday. I should be there but I have to be at work at 3 pm so can only stay a few minutes. I look forward to meeting the friends I’ve been sharing dreams with. See you in Sonoma!
JandVs mom – I am now bringing my mother. My husband is in London at the moment and he will be back late Friday so, with all the travelling for him, I thought it would be best for me to have a girls day out with mom and he can relax at home with our son instead. He was very happy with that suggestion as well. He is pretty easy going.
My mother is sooo excited and we will try and switch our res. at The Girl and the Fig but I am not sure yet. I call them and see if they have anything for earlier. Then we can meet up with you and lovely kitty at 1pm at the hotel. Now, is that what they are calling the castle? FUN, FUN, FUN!!!
Jenny D
EDH, CA
Hey there!
First I have to say that I just love the fact there are so many people that believe in God and isn’t afraid to talk about the love, joy, and peace that God gives people during troubled times. I must say that GOD IS GOOOOD….no GOD IS EXCELLENT! I am claiming the DH09!!!
Now,
I feel that there should be a cover charge or at least some other creative way to raise the money for the taxes I will be owing but, if not I know that I will be living in the house and I don’t have to worry about how the taxes will get paid. I will appreciate all the cards though and I will pray that everyone that sent the cards will be blessed for their love for us. I know that this home will be a blessing for the children in California and other people that God has for us to work with in our ministry. I love you all and may God bless you. Keep your faith and know that God loves each of us and will take care of us during this difficult time in the world.
I agree that the SISP should not be at the DH09 because I will not feel comfortable with just anyone walking through my house. I would probably post pictures and answer questions that has not been answered already after the ambush me unless they are really personal.
Debi in Clayton, California- Yes, last Friday morning we had snow! Well, it was what you could call a dusting. Unusual for it to fall this low but it was neat. I could see the top of Serrano and parts of Cameron Park and it was all white. Very pretty but it did not last long. What a small world that you know someone here. Ya know, we have some wonderful wineries right here in our own backyard and El Dorado County is know for delicious wine. Apple Hill is famous too! You should come check it out sometime!
Jenny D
El Dorado Hills, CA
Debi in Clayton, California- I love your idea of all being logged on in March for the airing of the “ambush”. Fun. Hopefully you will all be writing messages to each other and commenting on how great I look on TV. HA!
Jenny D
My husband just called and told me that he was eating at The Boxwood Cafe in London! I told him to go there and now I am sooo jealous. He knows how much I love Gordon Ramsey. He was telling me what he ordered and his collegues all got on the phone too! Crazy. He is too funny. When he made the reservations, he told the host about how much I love Gordon and how I record The F Word and Kitchen Nightmares and so the host had a autographed photo ready for him to give to me! OMGoodness!
Okay, I have to stop laughing now and go pick up my son from school. Bye for now!
Jenny D
EDH, CA
I am so enthusiastic, and pumped for the 2009 HGTV DH giveaway . I’m hoping and praying for any chance to win this year. I hope my luck agrees. I just found out about the give away yesterday and have been entering in every possible way for the past 24 hours. Although my chances are very slim im still keeping that faith.
P.S. Gail the study could be rearranged as a fourth bedroom. Right? Because i really would need those four rooms.
JENNY D – Yes, Apple Hill is wonderful and I’ve been to El Dorado Hills many times. It has really grown the past 5 years or so, as has Cameron Park. We always stop off there on our way to and from South Lake Tahoe.
ATTN: Winner of the DH – please don’t miss out on Apple Hill in the fall. Lots of yummy pies and pastries and “Harvest” type of activities.
And yes, it IS a small world indeed. We have family in Roseville and Lincoln (I was born in Sacramento!) Anyways, glad you all are warming up again. It is wonderful to have the snow fall as we were beginning to run low in the reservoirs.
JENNY D – LOL – I know you’ll look terrific when you win the DH and it will be fun to see your look of utter surprise and joy! P.S. I love Gordon Ramsey, too. Lucky you!
Hi all!
It’s been quite interesting reading most of the comments. I’m happy to see the encouragement between everyone. I remember someone mentioning donating money to the winner. Is there a specific plan in place for that? Also, I definitely agree that the winner should keep the house. That is my intention when I win (notice I said when). There was someone that mentioned that they are an event planner. Who was it? You had the same idea I had as far as having charity events at the dream home. I would like to hire you when I win (yes I said when again!). Take care all!
This is the nicest, most well put together house, I have ever seen. Every detail in the house just adds to the overall beauty and amazement! This IS my dream home, from the breakfast nook to the master-bath, it’s all perfect! I have always wanted to move from sunny old florida to California. Hopefully by entering, my dream will come true and make this house my home.:)
Welcome back home, Marie Miller, to Brookings AND to the HGTV blog. Your presence was greatly missed, even for your brief absence. It gives me such a warm feeling of friendship and family to read all the posts from new and "seasoned" bloggers, and the exchanges between all of us online.
A quick personal note, my trip to Thailand will be directly to Phuket. Bangkok, indeed the entire country of Thailand (Vietnam as well), has SO much to offer, from modern to rustic, big city to quaint village, but my heart lies with the island of Phuket and its many beautiful beaches. My condo will have a panoramic ocean view, and I look forward to spending more time there once I've furnished and "HGTV" decorated it to my personal taste.
I've resigned myself to NOT making it to Sonoma to view the Dream Home in person. I keep hoping to find a few free days, but so far no luck in setting aside the time needed.
For that reason, I really appreciate all the details that the folks at HGTV (and Gail) have made available to us with virtual tours and photography.
Now there are SO many wonderful bloggers that have joined us here. I can't possibly name all, but Katydid, Bonnie, Ingrid (& BoBo), Brenda, lovelykitty, 4dewdrops, Deryck, Katherine, Michelle, Bonnie B, and, whew, so, so many others have contributed so much to our online community. It's a joy to sign on and be able to share the HGTV Dream Home excitement with every single one of you.
Going back to my Thailand condo for a moment, it's not too late for one of the HGTV Design Stars to speak up before 3 Mar, and have the opportunity to assist me in "putting the place together" before I go 'hands-on' during my upcoming visit. Any takers?!….
And, if at first you don't succeed, dream, dream again! For as Carl Sandburg said: "Nothing happens unless first a dream."
DEAR BRENDA, Sorry not respond sooner, I’ve been busy with my Restaurant (www.mangarosasf.com). I have to say: – You are the most cheerful and joyful blogger here! CHEERS, CHEERS to YOU as well! And thanks for cheering for me! It was such a joy when I read your note, just as if I was already a winner! I started jumping up and down with joy, and my Granddaughter (I babysit her any chance I have) was laughing so hard at me and she asked me to do some more jumping! I can’t image what I will do “when” I win!!! And to answer your question Brenda, YES I have kids, now… “grown up” kids, two beautiful daughters and a gorgeous 2 ½ years old Granddaughter named MIA ANGELINA that is the light of my life!! We all leave close to each other here in SF and are all blessed with our Families and Friends around us, and we are all hard working people. Between all of us working in restaurants, fashion and entertainment business, I think we will be very pleased to enjoy time away in Sonoma. Yes, talking about the house and the area it is PERFECT! Nothing to complain about! And YES let’s keep on DREAMING! Even if “I” don’t win, just the joy of dreaming and having the butterfly on the stomach is already worth it! I too, want to cheer for whoever wins (… although I have a feeling it is me, sorry Brenda…) that will be able to keep the house and that winning the house is going to open more doors and bring more life opportunities, rather than just winning the house itself! That’s what I dream of! WE HAVE TO EMBRACE EVERY GOOD OPORTUNITY TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE! HAPPY DREAMS EVERYONE! GOOD LUCK TO US ALL, AND GOD BLESS US ALL!
NOTE TO JENNY D.: – I have a recommendation for a Restaurant in the area (not a new one) but it is delicious! It is named “La Salete” it is a Portuguese Restaurant and you should try the “bolinho de bacalhau”, “bacalhoada” or “feijoada”… you will love it! It is just a few steps away from the Ledson Hotel. My husband and I were there a couple weeks ago and had a great time!
LOVE YOU ALL BLOGGERS!
Gina Betti, SF, Ca
GINA – Are you Portuguese? I had to laugh when I read about the bacalhau at La Salete. I’m not Portuguese, but my husband ‘s family is, and they’ve told me that that is the Portuguese word for “fish”. My hubby says we can go up for the tour, so maybe I can get him to take me to La Salete, as long as it isn’t expensive.
The Girl and the Fig is wonderful for lunch! Really enjoyed the lavender creme brulee when I was there in late October to scout out the DH09
Hi, Debi (another Debi from California)… I’m actually from Brazil, I speak Portuguese, and yes “bacalhau” is the cod fish. They have all kinds of traditional Portuguese dishes and wines! Delicious food! I’d say it is on the mid to high end price. Not very cheap but I think worth it! My husband and I own a Restaurant in San Francisco, called MANGAROSA – ITALIAN CUISINE WITH BRAZILIAN TWIST! Check the website… http://www.mangarosasf.com. I have to say it is very good food! Not just because I own the restaurant but it is very tasty food, and we also have “bolinho de bacalhau” in our menu. Maybe you can visit us if you are passing by SF. Let me know!
Gina Betti, SF
Gina Betti, SF, Ca- Yummy that sounds great! Maybe we will go there instead since it’s close to Ledson. I will decide for sure by Friday.
stagemom- Lavender creme brulee? OMGoodness, that sounds amazing. Okay, now I can’t decide.
Maybe I should just go to both! I will just have to do extra rounds on my Wii Fit on Sunday after I have gained 20 lbs from all of the food and wine I plan on consuming. We all owe it to ourselves to indulge once in awhile I guess.
One more day to enter, wow, time has flown by. I really hope we can make the SISP happen and I look forward to participate in the planning of it.
Jenny D
Our Dearest Gail-Thank you so much for acknowledging our SIS party. We would love to have you and your yummy salad!! I am not a huge tomato fan but would try your salad because it sounds so fresh & crisp!!
I cannot believe that in less than 24 hours, we will all be entering on-line for the last time. I have also sent postcards once I learned (on Jan 12 blog) that we could enter both ways (& our spouse too!)!
Best wishes to everyone that is tonight clicking together their red-ruby slippers and dreamin’ about their new home.
Sweet Dreams to you and yours this evening and thanks for all of the recipes, picture links, and web sites for art! It is great to have these sources on our friendly “little” blog–ha ha about the “little” part!
Hi to all my blogger friends. Thank you for the laughs and joys and words of inspiration.
Gee maybe we all should put in resumes to HGTV. The talent is surely here, what with all the suggestions and scouting parties
And we work cheap, just feed us and give us tips and crews to help us with designs and crafts. And Coop would help with the travel tips! Well we all are dreamers aren’t we?
Thank you HGTV for giving us this great blog and all your wonderful programs and positive energy. Good luck everyone! Dream Big! Don’t forget our secret handshake. Oh, almost forgot oops sorry. To all of you who are meeting up in Sonoma have a wonderful time!
Cynthia Newland
Gina Betti, SF- Wow, I saw your website and I will have to stop by for sure, the food looks amazing and on your menu I see “Crème Brûleé de Mango”. Yum! We will be there in March so my husband and I will have to visit. Looks like fun on Thursdays, the dancers? Wow! Looks like a fun place too! I will make reservations before we come, looks like it’s a busy place and great location, I love North Beach!
Thanks for the recommendation of La Salete too, I will call then tomorrow to see if we can get a table on Saturday instead. I like that it’s close to the Ledson Hotel as well since we will be meeting some other fellow bloggers there around 1pm. I LOVE good food. Thanks again.
Good luck to all of you and I really hope it’s one of us! Ya never know…keep DREAMING BIG!
Jenny D
EDH, CA
Brenda: Thank you so much for remembering me. I think DBCoop and Marie Miller did such a fine job of creating HGTV EXCITEMENT for the 09 DH.blog that they are now enjoying a much deserved R&R. I have a feeling we will be hearing from them again. As for me, I have been so busy reading all the many posts, from all the wonderful bloggers, new and old, I never seem to get to the end. And I’m still in favor of publishing a book of “Quotes and Recipes from the DH09 Blog”. Or a T-shirt with the pic of the Dream Home stating “I Lost This Home….but I’m still Dreaming of HGTV’s next one.
To all you hopeful CA dreamers…..if you don’t win, you will have had the chance to tour the DH , .meet Ingrid and BoBo. and attend the SISBP party. So I wish you all the best of luck.
I’m one of many who do not live in California , so I wish us all Good Luck. too. Love to all dreamers….I love all the dreamers on this blog.
Hey,
I was just wondering what date is the drawing going to be on?
My daughter can’t wait, she is SUPER excited! She is the one that tells me to go online and enter!
I really want to know when is the drawing going to be on
You guys are all so kind and just plain fabulous!
I can't believe all the Feb birthdays I just had one myself on the 3rd, the big 50.
Bonnie I hope that you are feeling better.
Gina Betti how about a fund raiser at your restaurant enlisting the community for payment help for the DH2009 taxes? It would give folks in the area an opportunity to do a good deed. It would be great advertising/exposure for you. Who knows HGTV could maybe use it as some of the Dream Home April footage? Just food for thought.
Best wishes to everyone! Nerve racking now isn't it?
DON’ T FORGET THE DEADLINE TOMORROW!!! IT’S AT 5 PM SHARP!! THE LAST DAY. WOOHOO!!! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. GREAT IDEA TO SIGN ON THE BLOG WHEN THEY WILL BE AMBUSHING THE WINNER. GOOD LUCK AGAIN!!1
Dear Brenda, 2Cheribs & 4dewdrops & all my wonderful blogging buddies!!
I’M BACK!!
I missed all my blogger buddies sooooooo much!! There are so many blogs, so little time & to think tomorrow is the last day to enter!! AMAZING isn’t it!! I struggled through reading all the comments & everyone leaves such wonderful information and ideas…such a pleasure to connect with so many witty & beautiful minded people!! Thank you also to so many of you that leave heart-felt poetry.
Dear, dear Coop: Are you now “chilling” out in Sunny CA? Pleasssssssse do not get to close to the heat…as your grass skirt will go up in flames…ouch!! So sorry to hear about the Macadamia Nut Chocolates being damaged in flight….right!! I can’t imagine what a trick and/or challenge it will be for HGTV to catch you Thailand for the “Ambush!!” I’m wondering if they will find you visiting Bangkok? Perhaps you will be joining other tourists at the most notable attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Democracy Monument, the Giant Swing, Sanam Luang and other venues that are located there? It will be fun for HGTV to rally round & televise this surprise give-away! Don’t forget, where ever you are when the shoe falls, we are counting on you for the SIS Blogger Party!!! By the way, loved the mental image of the staff at HGTV flipping around & around in the Hopper!!!
Victoria: Thank you for the lovely quote & good will toward the next HGTV Dream Home winner…for their dream come true indeed!!
Lindalon: I’m looking forward to strolling along the streets in Armstrong Grove & being able to give Bobo a nice little pat on his head..such a lovely thought, huh?
Terri: What characters in the movie were played by your hubby & sons? How interesting! Just curious as I enjoyed the movie so much!
JeanIsDreamin: I’m with you…nothin’ like having “Coop Support!!” It is nice having him back…at least for a little while..he is such an international traveler..a man of mystery…007!
Katydid: I would love to publish a book of quotes & recipes…we could call it “The Delicious Meal of Words!!” Nice way to earn tax money for the DH2009 wouldn’t you say?
Dear Gail: Great video with Kim Myles. Ms. Myles’ style is impeccible & her gift for design is apparent in all her work. I love how she “challenges homeowners to unlock their creativity as she helps them turn rooms from drab to fab!!”
Also, the “Sippin’ in Sonoma Bloggers Party” just has to happen…we are all counting on it!! And, your corn and heirloom tomato salad recipe is very appreciated…thank you for sharing it & you are right, it would be perfect for a summer picnic/family reunion!
OKAY EVERYONE….IT’S DOWN TO THE WIRE…AS WE ENTER FOR THE LAST TIME TOMORROW FOR THE DH2009, I WANT TO LEAVE YOU ALL WITH THIS LITTLE QUOTE by one of my favorite Authors, AMY TAN!! “How can you say luck and chance are the same thing? Chance is the first step you take, luck is what comes afterwards.” My sincere good wishes to all! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!
Hi All –
I only occasionally comment here in the blogosphere but since I work in Slo-noma I am very hopeful that the house becomes mine so I can eliminate my commute! That being said on my way to and fro I do tend to run down 5th Street to send positive energy towards my house – letting it know I will be there soon to give it all the love it deserves!
I saw a camera truck today at the dream home being carefully guarded by two security people. Any ideas what they could be up to? I saw no talent in the house and no one in the yards other than the security folks! They have also rolled in some port a potties. Me thinks something must be afoot!
Does the super fan have any clues? Please let us know!
Cheers
E
it would be such a miracle to win the dream home for me. i have never won anything in my life and am currently going through a rough time with money! i just found out i am expecting and to win this would be a dream come true!
When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.
Jenny D
Well this is it my fellow bloggers !! One of us will WIN but all of us are winners for making all these friends !! Good Luck ! Linda C.
I just had the opportunity to watch the Dream Home video on how you guys are doing the kids room and I think that it looks great as you are working on those finishing touches. Very interesting with the automotive metallic detail roll that brings those tones together! Definitely for my 2 boys!!!
I also wanted to share with fellow bloggers that this is very exciting as we are all drawing to a close on the Dream Home Entry! I get butterflies when I see the little countdown box on the corner of my computer screen. And now that it says 0 days and 22 hours left (at this post time); it felt like yesterday was January 1st! Taking down the Christmas stuff, sweeping up, and watching the Tournament of Roses Parade on HGTV, I kept my fingers crossed as I enteed for the first time for this beautiful farm house all the way in Sonoma!
Thanks for having a contest like this where you can just simply enter without any strings attached. My wife and I like watching HGTV and DIY a lot. Actually, HGTV is on right now as I am typing. I am checking out the couple on House Hunters with being showed Charleston area homes. I think its great to see people making big decisions in trying to make their lives better
Anyway, thanks again HGTV for the invite to your beautiful Dream Home. And thanks for sharing ideas that inspire, educate, and help dreamers like us in keeping our own home necessities together. Hey, who knows. Just maybe I can grab my wife and kids and have a dream come true in Sonoma! Worth a try!!!!
Marie Miller- You’re back! Hope you had a nice trip. I love the Joy Luck Club! Thanks for that. Glad to see you on the blog again.
The anticipation is building in all of us, can’t ya tell? Lots of newbies too which is great.
SISP will happen and I really look forward to it.
Jenny D
EDH, CA
Good evening, fellow D-Bloggers! It is getting down to cruch time! Best of luck to us all! Wouldn’t it be nice…Hey, HGTV, next year, why not offer to cover the 1st year’s property taxes and offer to cover that portion of the winner’s income tax increase that winning the DreamHome will cause. I think it would be a great bonus!
Hello Fellow Bloggers:
I couldn’t not sleep after reading all the comments from 2/16. I ended up getting the flu Tuesday and staying in bed,but while I was there, all I could think about is the HGTVDH and dreamed about it. Reading everyone’s post really got me anxious to see who will win. We are now down to the last day! I am excited and ready to go to California. When I first entered this contest, all I could hear was that song, “going to Caly” Anyone know that song? Ironic, huh, I am excited to see who will when and at this point, I don’t care about the tax issues. God will make a way! In closing let me say, “And the winner is……..Blessings to all!.
We love the house AND the vineyard. We are trying to grow grapes here in Minnesota but with -25 degrees this winter we don’t know if our backyard vineyard survived. We are California dreamin to win and move to Sonoma!
Well, I have officially entered for the last time for this contest *tear*.
Good luck to all you fine ladies and gents. I hope I get to meet all of yall soon…. and I really hope yall get to see me get ambushed
Will we receive any new videos to tide us over until the winner is announced?
Elizabeth, you have me REALLY curious as to what those that camera crew & security were doing there today! My mind is running through all of the possible scenarios…
My mind knows that tomorrow is the last day to register, but I will want to go to the entry page and try on Friday anyway – out of habit and desire to eek in one more entry! Yes, I see daily entry withdrawl in the near future!
Good luck, Everyone!
Dreaming BIG in PA,
Janet R
OOPS! typo…I meant “that” camera crew….
Hello fellow dreamers! Can anyone enlighten me as to the actual time, eastern, that the winner ambush show on March 15th will air on HGTV? On the website it states 8 p.m. e/p, so what does that translate to for those of us on the east coast? Don’t want to miss it!
I’ll be logged on as well to post my comment/excited response to the announcement of the winner – oh so exciting.
I’ve never blogged anywhere else before this, but this has certainly been a wonderfully enlightening and enriching experience I must say. Thank you everyone for welcoming all bloggers, not just regulars, and to HGTV for making this at all possible. Love the quotes and all the compassion and sharing that has gone on.
Heart’s racing, butterflies fluttering . . . the next couple of weeks are going to be eternal, but yet exciting.
Good luck to all and keep the dream alive!
Bobbi in Phoenix: can you release the 150 year old challah recipe here on the blog? sounds fabulous! Also – your recipe… please, please!
I pray for the best of luck for us all….
I am a self admitted lurker on blogs, preferring to just read and observe those around me – that being said, I have entered this contest for the past couple of years, but this is the first time that I got really excited, being that I am a California girl, and if all the stars were in alignment we could actually be one of the first to live in the dream house! The commitment, excitement, faith, hope, and pure joy I have seen on this blog is so amazing!
My dear husband put up with me today as I dragged him over to the post office to drop off postcards so they could be postmarked today, my 36th birthday! I love that man – so patient to put up with my crazy dreams
As the minutes tick by, I am thankful that I have had this wonderful experience with all of the great bloggers here. The stories have been funny, interesting, informative and some very sad. As I register one more time, from deep in my heart I wish all of you health, happiness and the ability of being able to “DREAM BIG”
God Bless!
In that moment where you consider the possiblity of a dream, you have given yourself a gift that can never be taken away——–the gift of imagination!!!
What an absolutely beautiful house to be able to retire in and just spend the day puttering around and gardening!
I’VE NOT HEARD A CLOCK TICKING SO LOUDLY AS THE DH09 CLOCK, SINCE MY LAST CHILD WAS CONCEIVED!
Good Luck to ALL!
Does anyone know which direction the house faces? It would be much appreciated.
DBCoop- Have a wonderful trip. Thailand is beautiful and I explored Thailand myself when I was younger, LOVED IT! Stayed for about 3 weeks. All I had was what could fit in my backpack. Have you ever been to Koh Samui? It is an island of the mainland. It was not very developed at the time but it had all the creature comforts. I remember that we were able to rent a cottage on the beach of $70 a week! The food was authentic and amazing! Ahhh…I am DREAMING about that special time in my life. Have a wonderful time in Phuket.
Jenny D
El Dorado Hills,CA
Hi Everyone!!! I just now submitted my last entry for this marvelous house *sniff, sniff*. My fingers and toes are crossed! I’m so excited!!! I wish you all the best of luck!!!! I forget, does anyone know exactly when the winner will be contacted? The thought of an ambush is scary, but I guess I’ll get over it if I end up the winner. Again, good luck to you all!!!
New Jersey Girl