Mary

Contributor to HGTV Dream Home

May 3

Tipping My Hat to You

Photo by Mario Pleitez

No clue today, but I must say that I like your determination and persistence in tracking down the clues and the location of HGTV Dream Home 2011. Some of my favorite comments appear below. Washington? Arizona? New York? Virginia? Vermont? Who knows? Oh, wait, that’s right — I almost forgot … I do!

“Funny —I was researching Rutland County in Vermont (which is where that one species of snake is in Vermont) and when I typed in Rutland New Home Community it actually linked me right back to Virginia, not too far from the Williamsburg area. Mary isn’t the only one who has me circling between Vermont and Virginia.”
-Our Army Family

“The snake reference points to Newport, R.I. There is a Round Tower in Newport, R.I., that is said to be a mysterious tower of stones and seems to be tied up in lore about venomous snakes. It is said that anyone who had been bitten by poisonous snakes could look upon it and be saved. I’m not sure of the connection, but there are also references to the serpent knight of the round temple.”
-a fan

“I have to say I’m sure it’s in Arizona. Our state has everything to offer but the ocean. The three C’s: copper, cotton and cattle.”
-CheeckOrtiz

“New York state is home to 17 species of snakes, one of them being the timber rattlesnake. The timber rattlesnake (listed as ‘Threatened’ by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) enjoys the widest range …”
-Ladybird

“Vermont contains one venomous snake, the Eastern timber rattlesnake, which is confined to a few acres in western Rutland County. Vermont is still my choice.”
-C&E

“There is a Snake Valley in Utah. Diamondfork, Utah: Diamond for the snake, fork for its tongue.”
-Snowrider 321

“Okay, I am sticking with Montana, just changing the town. I am going with Lower Rattlesnake, Missoula, Mont. Montana has rattlesnakes, and why not live in a neighborhood named Rattlesnake? Still don’t know the meaning of the numbers clues, but I am fixated on Montana — don’t know why!”
-RaineyinNC

“Ok, this is just my personal shot, but from the clues what we have so far looks like a Timber Rattlesnake, a dairy cow, Rice Bowl restaurant and Red Cloud on the stamp, also a Cartier. That would leave me to guess the Omaha, Neb., area.”
-AmandoC

“Just in case it’s not Vermont, let’s not forget Pennsylvania. The Poconos are a big destination for honeymoons. The state beverage is milk. The cartoon of the timber rattlesnake that was later used on Colonial flags was drawn by Benjamin Franklin in Pennsylvania. The state colors are blue and gold. There are probably other connections. Maybe I’ll look into it just for the fun of it.”
-Sue

Posted at 3:09 pm

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764 Comments

  1. Wow! I have never been the first one to post before. I think it might be Virginia, Vermont or West Virginia. Did anyone see the new picture of the Blue Ridge Mountains that replace the tall cactus of Arizona or Texas? Anyway, it looks like the Blue Ridge Mountains to me.

    SnowChic on May 3, 2010 at 8:16 pm
    • I agree with you Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

      Isabelle on May 9, 2010 at 4:50 pm
    • Actually, its in Bakerfield, California.I searched "Hamilton,MD", and they said he lived in Bakerfield,California.

      lol101 on June 5, 2010 at 12:46 am
  2. Gee, thanks, Mary — instead of telling us the location you just give us our own comments back! So we are left to stew in our own juices again — at least it looks like you've narrowed it down to these nine locations we've mentioned. I'm staying in Vermont!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 8:21 pm
    • Wisconsin? location of the Kohler co. home of the Timber Rattlers baseball team, 2nd in production of milk?

      vg22 on May 7, 2010 at 12:53 pm
    • Vermont here too, Nw Hampshire second guess only because they are so similar.

      AnneEliseSouth on May 8, 2010 at 4:51 am
  3. I recognized all those comments….. I think that might be telling…I have been spending way to much time on the blog. Thanks Mary for the Beautiful Pic. Even though you say it isn't a clue, when the light shines through the dense forest isn't that the "OHHHH" moment.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:22 pm
  4. Gee
    Mary, is this poem meant for us?

    Tell me why
    Do you always forgive the
    things I do to you
    You're too good
    Or am I not too bad
    Those [two] years
    Were the best that ever
    happened to me and you
    No regrets after all this fear

    It is posted with the picture on the photographer's site, which by the way, Mary, includes some rather racy photos!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 8:24 pm
  5. Now we will disect through Mary's words…..Sigh..Pathetic.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:29 pm
  6. I knew we would get a new blog today, when I saw the one on the Green Home site!! Thanks MARY for confusing us more, by saying no new clue, but then listing several States, again!!

    reneelovesgreen on May 3, 2010 at 8:30 pm
  7. That was right on cue, you clairvoyant one.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:35 pm
  8. I know — after seeing the first page I just searched his site for trees and avoided seeing any more!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 8:36 pm
  9. No clue today, huh? But you know very well everyone is going to spend hours and days dissecting the photo anyway!! I guess thats the fun of it……LOL

    heatherdo on May 3, 2010 at 8:40 pm
  10. "Oh, wait, that’s right — I almost forgot … I do!"

    What does this mean? I think she is saying The DH location is a popular place to get married, like Hawaii. I knew I could pull Hawaii out of there somehow.

    However….Sigh…Grrrrr….The tipping of the hat and the "I Do" Could mean New York. However people don't get married at Niagra Falls right? They just honeymoon there right. The tipping of the hat probably means nothing.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:40 pm
    • We can do the hula dance anywhere. In fact when Mary announces the location, I am going to do a hula, for yula will you join me. All kidding aside, what direction are you going currently. Can you post it on the main board?

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:55 pm
    • If that was indeed a clue, many people get married at the Botanical Garden or Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, AR… and it has the Anthony Chapel which is absolutely stunning. You can check it out at garvangardens.org . I may be stuck on Arkansas because that is my favorite vacation spot but many clues do point to that location, the Anthony Chapel is surrounded by those beautiful tall trees, it's a nature lovers dream…

      Terrica on May 4, 2010 at 10:34 pm
    • OH NOOO, if that was a clue. It is definitely LAS VEGAS………"I DO"

      By Ros on May 4, 2010 at 11:00 pm
    • I thought that we are suppose to stay straight forward….. You are way too intelligent and I bet your children can't get anything past you… as, you can read between the lines, like no one else!!

      reneelovesgreen on May 4, 2010 at 11:09 pm
    • I thought that we are suppose to stay straight forward….. You are way too intelligent and I bet your children can't get anything past you… as, you can read between the lines, like no one else!!

      reneelovesgreen on May 4, 2010 at 11:09 pm
      • I have 3 boys all the same size between the ages of 8-11, they are always together. I here "he did it" "They did it" "we didn't do it" "the neighbors did it". They have me so confused I don't which way is up (there is no sixth sense with those three….They are kinda like Mary). I also have a couple of quiet kids who struggle with communication, so for the last 19 years years, I have had to guess at what they are thinking or feeing at times, that is where my sixth sense has developed, and is the strongest. The next question you might be thinking….And the answer is… Yes I lose my marbles on a daily basis. But I go to bed at night and get up every morning and do it all over again.

        Cami on May 5, 2010 at 1:27 am
  11. The Poconos in Pennsylvania is another popular destination for newlyweds, but I don't think that's what she means. Sadly, she left Hawaii off of the list — I guess we will just have to lobby harder for next year!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 8:48 pm
    • Put me on the lobby list, or in the main theater. I'll sign a petition if need be. I spent some time on the Kona coast near Parker Canyon and would go back to live in a hula minute.

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:57 pm
      • Then you must know what a "Kona nightingale" is! LOL!

        C&E on May 4, 2010 at 9:11 pm
        • There are plenty of another variety crossing the streets of the Red Rock Canyon, but back in the seventies I neverr saw any, and I am usually on a search for unusual herds, like the mountain goats of Boulder City Nevada. I have to laugh, because anyone reading "herds of Kona nightingales", would probably ask what are these birds doing in herds?

          Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 9:19 pm
  12. This was supposed to be a reply to Cami, but it ended up in the wrong comment box!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 8:48 pm
  13. Well I'm staying in Hawaii. HMPH!

    I like your post C&E you describe our situation well.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:48 pm
  14. I just got home from our extended weekend away and WOW look at what I missed – two clues!
    Right now I don't care which state, I just want blueprints!!! I want to see what the house looks like. HGTV
    picks great spots so I know it will be a great place to live or vacation. I just hope there are enough bedrooms (they probably will have been built by now) and bathrooms and a guest cottage. I am hoping for a one story house but if the stairs are wide enough I can always put in an electric riser. OK I am now going back to read all the posts I missed. You know what Mary, I actually missed you and the bloggers and that is probably a sad statement because all weekend I was with friends and all I could think about
    was the B L O G !!!!! I did have a great time anyway.

    SandyLA on May 3, 2010 at 8:50 pm
    • Sandy it's sooo good to see you. I wonder if we crossed paths, I was in Palm Springs for the week.

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:59 pm
    • Sandy it's sooo good to see you. I wonder if we crossed paths, I was in Palm Springs for the week.

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:59 pm
    • Sandy it's sooo good to see you. I wonder if we crossed paths, I was in Palm Springs for the week.

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:59 pm
  15. Yes I was afraid she might take it all off. Yikes. Porno just isn't me.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:52 pm
  16. You think they really honeymoon in the poconos still, why?

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 8:56 pm
  17. Yeah….and then she confuses us more by posting some comments that have different locations…. and she listed States again… In the mix again…Vermont, Virginia and New York…. she listed previously…. my head is spinning…..

    reneelovesgreen on May 3, 2010 at 8:58 pm
  18. I think so…. I think that I need to get a nanny, so that I can get more involved…hehehe……

    reneelovesgreen on May 3, 2010 at 8:59 pm
  19. Yeah…. she should feel bad for doing these things to us and we are too good!!! THough, she still has no regrets…hehehe..

    reneelovesgreen on May 3, 2010 at 9:00 pm
  20. Yep, you figured us die hard DH Blog fans well. I won't spend too much time dissecting today though, I need to save my energy for the next clue, or maybe the reveal…

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 9:10 pm
  21. Those are symptoms of a greater problem, Sandy. I should know I suffer from DH'bloggeritismaryalitis too. Sounds awful doesn't it.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 9:14 pm
  22. Good find Deerspring, I couldn't get past the first page of photos, you are a brave one. Lets hope we get to wake up to a reveal, whatever it is.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 9:21 pm
  23. Also, in my travels through the Adirondacks I saw alot of advertising for weddings.

    Deerspring on May 3, 2010 at 9:34 pm
    • Hi Deer what do you think of Vermont taking a lead at this point?

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 7, 2010 at 7:10 am
  24. By "travels", I mean researching!!!

    Deerspring on May 3, 2010 at 9:36 pm
  25. In answer to your question, tradition I guess, just like Niagara Falls.

    As for Hawaii, stick to your choice, Cami — it can't hurt and may help!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 9:42 pm
  26. Real or imagined it's all good.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 9:50 pm
  27. Well that takes care of that. Goodbye all, enjoy the nice view. At least it doesn't slither and threaten to strike you dead.

    Cami on May 3, 2010 at 9:51 pm
  28. Actually she mentioned 10 states and 4 of them twice, so do you think the four mentioned twice , if your theory of narrowing them down is true, then she has actually narrowed them down to the four mentioned twice of: Arizona, New York, Virginia, and Vermont. Also, C&E where do you think her new main page picture takes us?

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:03 pm
  29. Good for you Cami! Keep the faith, keep the faith!

    Debra Gilmour on May 3, 2010 at 10:08 pm
  30. You know what C&E, I also looked for her picture on that yes, very racy phots, and I saw that picture of trees first with the poem, but I didn't think it looked exactly right so I treaded on to all the rest of the 35 pages, and I came across the correct one Mary used is on page 33. That one does not have a poem with it. But I was wondering about the spanish title which I think actually means mountains but not sure and I think all of the photographers pictures were taken in El Salvador. But anyways, the title popped out to me to reveal MONTANA with the tile being "despertares en la Montana" And the n is suppose to have a mark above it. So What do you think C&E and everyone, Do you think Mary is trying to tell us the dream home will be in Montana? Although, she only mentioned it once in this blog memories of some of our blogs.

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:11 pm
  31. The picture alone is relief enough for today. I am glad "Elvis" isn't the first thing I see when I click in, now. As for the image itself, I LOVE virginia!

    Debra Gilmour on May 3, 2010 at 10:12 pm
    • Hi Debra Gilmour where did you see Elvis. I never saw Elvis on my screen. Maybe you know something we don't

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm
    • Hi Debra Gilmour where did you see Elvis. I never saw Elvis on my screen. Maybe you know something we don't

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm
      • Someone suggested we name the rattlesnake Elvis to make him seem friendlier!

        C&E on May 4, 2010 at 9:20 pm
        • Heretofore, I motion that the rattlesnake in clue seven shall be named Elvis. Any seconds to this motion? I would also like to change the names bloggers to bloggamadillas. Any other name changes can be discussed and agreed upon, at our next town meeting, or whenever the spirit moves us. I would also like to ask that anyone who spilled the honey on my desk please offer some suggestions as to the removal of said substance as my stamp collection is now emblazoned on the desk. and my sleeves are now stuck too.

          Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 9:45 pm
          • Sounds like you are getting ready for a good old Vermont Town Hall Meeting. Are you going to wear your turquoise wrap?

            EdinOregon on May 5, 2010 at 12:40 am
          • Oh I am so glad to see you EdinOregon you always show up at just the right time, there are alot of things hoppin here, and we need your vote. Please let H.S. to come onboard, If the town meeting is scheduled in Vermont, I shall be there with bells on. I will wear the turquoise shawl, perhaps with a top hat so I can perform an off off broadway number with some of us on the site. I dont want to buy any votes, but I plan to give you all a gift. I am the upstate NY girl for now, although Oregon and Montana were my first choices in the old days. You gotta roll with boat ya know, so I decided to hop onboard for an east coast guess. Next year lets put in our dibs for Montana, Oregon, or #1HGTVLVR's Arizona, and move it and shake it. Geez I sounding like Sarah Palin. ( LOL tried to make this post sound like a 1940 radio campaign announcement)

            Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 5, 2010 at 3:41 am
          • Check out what's going on with Vermont on the new clue EdinOregon. Looks look alot of people are looking seriously at Vermont.

            Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 7, 2010 at 7:08 am
          • Check out what's going on with Vermont on the new clue EdinOregon. Looks look alot of people are looking seriously at Vermont.

            Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 7, 2010 at 7:08 am
          • Yep it sounds like we are just waiting for the fat lady to sing!

            EdinOregon on May 7, 2010 at 1:49 pm
          • My dad dated an opera star in the thirty's, and in those days my debonair dad loved woman with a little meat and potatoes- the word then was sophtec, and oten heard him use the same expression. He also said the only thing that is keeping him off the stage is the manager. Those soft expressions in the good ol days stuck, will probably always have them floating around in one form or another.

            Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 8, 2010 at 3:20 am
          • Janzee, you are way too youg to have a Dad that dated in the thirties! If you are the pretty girl who won the turquoise shawl, and I think you are!

            AnneEliseSouth on May 8, 2010 at 4:46 am
          • I have a question for you, you know where all the good fishing spots are, and you gave me a plus one, so now I have another question. How do some folks get high marks like number 5 or 7 on their posts. Are they graded by other bloggers, is it rando?. Do I need to sign up for reviewing others blog posts. How?

            JaniceVegas on May 12, 2010 at 10:03 pm
          • Hi Janice did you go to Ifish.net? If you are talking about the thumbs up, I am pretty sure people just give them as the spirit moves them. If they like the post.

            EdinOregon on May 12, 2010 at 11:31 pm
  32. Good for you for not looking at the photos, Cami. I should not have either but I shot through each page of pictures quickly until I came across tree scenery that looked like Marys picture. Unfortunately, it was almost to the end of 35 pages, and was on page 33. I wanted to know the location of the picture for I figured it was the DH location. Well, If it is my guess would be Montana for the location title for the picture said "despertares en la Montana", with a mark above the n. I believe his photos were all taken in El Salvador, and I think Montana in Spanish or whatever language they use, is probably meaning mountain. So if this picture means anything then I think either DH will be in Montana or in some mountains which would be obviously from her new main page picture. So I believe Montana.

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:19 pm
  33. But Maybe, Mary was trying to lead us to that paticular kind of trees. Anyone know what kind of trees those are? But, at this late of date, if those trees are here in our country and they are in several states, then I don't think she would send us all over again, unless from her 10 or 4 narrowed states mentioned here, possibly, are in this group. Oh my, Oh My, I am going to CRY!

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:22 pm
  34. HA! Are we having fun YET??????

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:23 pm
  35. This is my favorite picture, and it reminds me of the Robert Lewis Stevenson Poem The Swing. The rays of light comin through the trees, are a perfect symbol for the wonderful hope shining through, and a subtle message that the HGTV announcement is on it's way soon. That would be my guess

    How do you like to go up in a swing,
    Up in the air so blue?
    Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
    Ever a child can do!

    Up in the air and over the wall,
    Till I can see so wide,
    River and trees and cattle and all
    Over the countryside—

    Till I look down on the garden green,
    Down on the roof so brown—
    Up in the air I go flying again,
    Up in the air and down!

    When the clues disappear In the forests of Vermont, Upstate New York, in the mountains of Arizona, or the Pine Forests of Virginia

    Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 3, 2010 at 10:26 pm
  36. I pick Arizona as the for the 2011 green house

    Rena on May 3, 2010 at 10:31 pm
    • Me too in my heart of hearts or Oregon, but the surprise is yet to come.

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:52 pm
  37. SHHHHHH! C&E, don't let Cami hear you say that. She would be heartbroken. So Cami, we are not going to give up on Hawaii until the "Fat Lady Sings".

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:34 pm
  38. Ok, does anyone really know for sure which mountains that picture is on the main page? There are many behind each other. And do you think this picture of trees which I think was taken in El Salvador but is titled "despertares en la Montana" would lead us to the location of Montana? Mary, why are you rattling our brains so hard????

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 10:40 pm
    • I think Coop said, it was taken out of the country. Scroll back to find his post.

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 4:59 am
    • Western Montana has the most awesome spectacular mountain ranges in the world. Trust Me!

      Raggedyann on May 5, 2010 at 12:35 am
  39. Ah, yes, C&E, but consider this: why did MARY choose that particular comment of yours? Possibly because it says that the Timber Snake is the ONLY venomous snake in Vermont, and specifically ties to the state in an unambiguous way. Besides, you said "Vermont is still my choice."

    Short, sensible and to the point.

    Could it be that MARY is giving you a thumbs up?

    DBCoop on May 3, 2010 at 10:54 pm
  40. You are a laugh riot Coop! Now if we can narrow it down to the states where the sun shines, I think we may be onto something! (CLUE: First possible state for elimination would be Oregon, where we have not seen the sun in so long that school children have forgotten they have shadows..)

    Debra Gilmour on May 3, 2010 at 10:57 pm
  41. My next great theory is this: take the first letter of each word in MARY's new blog thread "Tipping My Hat To You"—which gives you T-M-H-T-Y. What does that really say—Take Me Home This Year. But home where? Well, she gave us the photo of the mountains, and now the green trees, which naturally leads us to The Green Mountain State of Vermont, and Vermont's state song:

    "These Green Mountains"

    These green hills and silver waters
    Are my home – they belong to me
    And to all her sons and daughters
    May they be strong and forever free
    Let us live to protect her beauty
    And look with pride on the golden dome
    They say home is where the heart is
    These green mountains are my home
    These green mountains are my home

    DBCoop on May 3, 2010 at 11:18 pm
  42. Hooray! Mary's link to the photo has changed, so you go straight to the right one instead of wading through the questionable ones first! I got the wrong photo last time because I didn't want to spend any more time on that site than I had to! Deerspring translated the photo title to "You will wake up in the mountains" and I hope is right in thinking that this means we will get the reveal tomorrow!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 11:22 pm
  43. OK, you could be on to something there, but when I saw your post what I saw was the name Timothy, without the vowels. Is there an area named Timothy, a lake, or some other reference?

    Going back to the "I do" theory of weddings, honeymooning, etc., , the state of Virginia's motto is, "Virginia is for lovers." I am right back in my favorite place…

    Debra Gilmour on May 3, 2010 at 11:23 pm
  44. I just saw your post. I think Virginia is looking stronger.

    Sue on May 3, 2010 at 11:38 pm
  45. The main page picture takes us to North Carolina but I doubt that we are going to have another Dream Home there so soon!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 11:40 pm
  46. Interesting thinking. I think it was Guesser on the snake blog that said she found the picture of the trees on google under Virginia but I could not find it. Maybe you will have better luck and see if that is the same picture. Maybe she meant West Virginia??? If the picture is of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia do you think then that is the DH location? What about this tree picture that might lead us to Montana?

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 11:41 pm
  47. We may have to eliminate Tennessee if it gets washed away in the floods — heaven forbid!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 11:42 pm
  48. That is a good interpretation C&E of yours of what it actually says. I really hope they will reveal Tuesday morning. But maybe it means it is in the mountains which who knows which ones for sure?

    1LMichele on May 3, 2010 at 11:44 pm
  49. Well, I hope Mary places us down gently, right in the Dream Home 2011 location!

    C&E on May 3, 2010 at 11:44 pm
    • Today, my thought is that I can't wait till Mary sets us down lightly especially if it is near a green meadow or cow pasture is good, and perhaps a view of some elegant colonial or neo colonial style homes. Someplace where there is rich history cultural and historic, some elegant shops, beautiful bike and hiking trails. A nice Cartier miles down the road a piece, family activies, good friends like the blog gang and food lots of great food!

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:51 pm
    • Today, my thought is that I can't wait till Mary sets us down lightly especially if it is near a green meadow or cow pasture is good, and perhaps a view of some elegant colonial or neo colonial style homes. Someplace where there is rich history cultural and historic, some elegant shops, beautiful bike and hiking trails. A nice Cartier miles down the road a piece, family activies, good friends like the blog gang and food lots of great food!

      Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 4, 2010 at 6:51 pm
  50. I have just gone back to all eight clues, and looking for some answers. I reread Mary's post, and think that that there is a double meaning in them thar hills. I think someone on the staff is getting married. If so congratulations from all of us kindred folk and would love to celebrate with you at the new HGTV HOME.

    Janzee/Janice Vegas on May 3, 2010 at 11:52 pm

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