Feb
18
A Closer Look at the Doggie Dream Home
You’re in for a treat! Today, in honor of the last day of the HGTV Dream Home 2011 Giveaway entry period, I offer you a Super Fan double feature. Take a peek. And don’t forget to enter twice today — before 5 p.m. EST.
Jake (The Wonder Dog!) just saw the doggie dream home and although he has THREE doggie beds (two upstairs, one down stairs) PLUS his fur throw on the couch with his bean bag pillow, his royal highness appears to believe he should have an actual structure now!!
I wonder if the HGTV crew have a doggie dream home kit or blue prints for purchase?? (Not that I would further spoil my precious little pound puppy or anything like that…)
Here is our little fellow: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pr0CyoqeoH0/SgS6ehaPE3I…
THREE doggie beds, AND a fur throw, AND a bean bag pillow!! Sheesh, and my little Terrier thinks she has it good with two beds, two pillows, and a sofa in the study. As they always say, it's just not possible to keep up with the Gilmours!
Since my little Terri is feeling rather deprived in comparison, I think it only fair that she be awarded the doggie dream Home, and her less privileged owner (one bed, two pillows) will humbly accept the Stowe Dream Home that goes with it.
Well, in the GIlmours' defense, Jake really had a hard first half of life so he is a bit spoiled. We adopted him from the shelter after he was dropped off with a shattered left hind leg, and under weight, without so much as his name (the vet said he was already about 5 1/2 years old).
I won't bore everyone with all the details here, but you can read about it on my blog if you like. Click here: http://debragilmour.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-ad…
Just as I know every dog lover feels about their furry friends, he really is special to us:D (With three daughters, we refer to Jake as the son we never had LOL!)
Poor Jake. Seems he likely had it tougher than my shelter dog, who was about seven months old when she and her brother were found wandering a desolate canyon together. Both were worse for wear, but in one piece. Terri sends her best to Jake, and understands that if luck awards the doggie dream home to him, she'll be very happy for the lucky guy.
Well Jake is pulling for your guys!! But, he says if he wins, he wants to have Terrie and her brother come for a sleep over LOL!!! Heaven help me!!
You have no idea, Debra! When my Terri gets together with her brother (every couple of days, since good friends who live nearby adopted him) it is absolute, non-stop pandemonium! I'd feel sorry for any dog that got involved with that wild duo!
i love that face DebraG., and Jake looks like he is surrounded by loving parental supervision.
Janzee, we adore our "little man":D
At first people thought I posed him that way. Nope! Jake has a basketful of stuffed animals and "squirrely man" is his favorite.
He took him to bed and snuggled with him when I found the two of them together like that LOL! Something tells me if he got together with Coop's Terri and her brother, Jake would be in for quite an afternoon!!
First of all, I think Jake has a sweet as sugar innocent beautiful face, This is the second time I went to your blog, have not read the whole story, but would love to. I did peek at your Christmas in Wasington D.C., and bet part of your trip was an advocacy program. You, Lynny Coggins and Army have fantastic web sites, and all the girls are doing remarkable things for the community. Debra, you always glow with a radiant smile, and this comes from within, when you care very much for folk.
,
Number two, isn't clever that our wonderful animals are so brilliant and do human like things like find teddy bears to snuggle with. The world needs more of this innocence, and I love that you adopted Jakey at the pound.
Numero three, I think that Miss Terry, Mr. Coop, Mr. Jake and Miss DebraG, would have one grand mischief making, hootin tootin and hollerin, grand ol time with the doggey play house in Stowe or any place else in this USA.
Thanks, Janzee:-) With family and friends spread all over the country the blog helps everybody stay in touch and keep up with what is happening here in Oregon.
Jake is so "human" most of the time we joke that he must have done something especially naughty in a previous life and had to come back as a dog^_^ All the neighbors love him so this feeds his little ego quite well!
I'm sure Terri & Coop, and Jake, Cam & I would have a lot of fun in Stowe! Of course HRH Jake would expect to be carted about on the back of a sled. See my blog entry from Valentine's day of last year and you will understand-haha!
I know dolly, Jakey has awesome three legs and is doing just fine, his demeanor shows it. Take it from the dog whisperer, I know. P.S. is Cam your hubby, or is Cam, our Cami?
Oh, Cam is my husband, Campbell:-) Not to be confused with our Cami!
Okay that's that handsome guy in the picture, next to the beautiful girl/woman-you.
Haha, I'll have to share that with him! When I tell him that he says it's because I'm his wife LOL!!
He's a good guy. You two would find lots of things to do in Stowe, and then head out to all points beyond. Bet you would love to go to Canada as well.
We love the outdoors-hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (well he is a great skier, I got a black eye trying to ski so I stick to snow shoeing LOL!), it is perfect for the kind of fun we like (the spa is right up my alley, too!).
You know its funny you mention Canada. He has family in Canada!
I have never been to Canada, but also have family there. Treking across the wide open fields of snow in snow shoes sounds like wonderful fun. No more black eyes, take care of your adventurous self, and enjoy the hot tub. Good great luck. Love Janzee. P.S. Would love to check out Jakey's story.
How precious!! A throw fit for a king:D
Too funny, Debra G! Jake is a beauty. Continue to spoil him, he'll love it.
It's been brought up here in the blogs before, and now is soon to become a reality. There's nothing Mickey Mouse about Golden Oaks, and everything, since it's a magical community development of the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando. I wonder if we should be thinking Dream Home 2012 in Florida? Does Jack T have plans in the works for an HGTV Dream Home meant to rival Cinderella's Castle?
There are four distinct communities within Golden Oaks that will be offering a decidedly upscale Disney Resort lifestyle, with access to elite concierge services, the private proposed clubhouse, privileges at Walt Disney World® Resort and access to select amenities at the proposed Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort:
Carolwood
The natural preserves surrounding this lovely neighborhood offer a scenic and private setting for the finest of family getaways. At up to three-quarters acre in size, each of Carolwood's seventeen custom-home sites can amply accommodate your family estate.
Carolwood Reserve
Should you choose an address in the secluded, northernmost enclave of Carolwood Reserve, you'll be well rewarded with serene natural, golf course or water views. The Reserve is a limited offering of eight premium custom-home sites, all generously sized at approximately three-quarters acre.
Silverbrook
Enjoy the best of both worlds at Silverbrook, where the natural and the social come together beautifully on nineteen homesites of approximately one-half acre. Here, your family can savor a life of quiet repose alongside conservation areas or water features — yet stroll to community amenities and activities at Summerhouse, the proposed private clubhouse for Golden Oak.
Kimball Trace
A charming Tuscan-inspired village with courtyard homes, Kimball Trace caters to those with an enthusiasm for resort living. This intimate collection of creatively designed homes is sited to emphasize privacy, while centrally placing you within neighborly reach of the proposed Summerhouse, new friends and engaging diversions.
You are doing this to taunt Cami, aren't you LOL?! I think she is already there!
Well, from my totally unbiased point of view, I'd tend to lean (heavily) towards a Hawaiian Dream Home for 2012, and maybe a Disney Resort Golden Oaks HGTV Dream Home (whew!) in 2013.
Hi DBCoop the quick vote poll on the mainpage does offer Florida as a possible choice for next years dream home!!! Maybe you could convience them to add Hawaii!
By "where would you like to see the next Dream Home," I wonder if they mean 2013?
I'd say they have the location lined up for DH 2012 already, (Hawaii?) and want to see if a Florida Dream Home would inspire lots of interest the year following, in 2013. Then again, who knows what devious plot Jack T has up his sleeves?
OOOh , I bet the former Disney would love this resort community. When her hubby comes home, with blessings it will be time to look for a ne house and begin life anew.
Good find, Coop. Waiting to see if Jack T. is listening and implementing your suggestions.
PS dreams and good will make the world go round…and help keep the good energy out there!B) Good luck everyone!
Is it true? that the ambush could be this weekend?
DBCoop do you know something about this?
Who me, pixelecho69? I don't know nuthin!
Other than that the winner is scheduled to be randomly selected by the Ritway, Inc (sweeps administrator) computer (and, as is likely for past drawings, with the able assistance of HGTV president Mr. Jim Samples) on Wednesday, March 2, 2011.
The "ambush" is most likely to take place on or around March 12, and the winner's reveal special will be aired on March 19, 2011.
So hold on to your hats, and don't do a thorough top to bottom housecleaning yet, 'cause the winner is not even drawn until March 2nd. Keep your fingers crossed!
Of course, HGTV COULD do an "ambush" this weekend if they wanted to, as long as they agree to drop by my house first! That would give them extra time to polish up the final production copy of the winner's reveal, and I'd have some extra time to get the release documents signed and returned.
The downside would be keeping a secret that long. I'd have to be placed in protective custody and cut off from all outside communication for a couple of weeks, including blogging, of course!
D, if you don't know nuthin, that means you know somethin. What is it that you know?
If they can't get through to the person because of snow, do they pick a second card?
Can you tell I am waiting with nothing new to add? The nerves are starting to rattle!!!
No need to worry, SandyLA. Certainly you've heard the saying about the HGTV Dream Home Surprise Team: "Neither rain, nor sleet or snow, nor gloom of night stays the Dream Team from their appointed ambush."
Of course, if you're out singing in the rain, they just may miss you and have to move on to the next lucky person. The moral of the story? Put March 12 on your calendar, tidy up the home, and wear your best TV smile!
I will my fingers are crossedCoop you are an angel Thank you so much.From: notifications@intensedebatemail.comTo: echopixel@hotmail.comSubject: DBCoop replied to your comment on A Closer Look at the Doggie Dream Home
of course i agree with knfish! Midwest!!!
"Here's an open secret: Dreaming isn’t really about sleeping; it’s about waking up. Dreams wake us up to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They can tell us what we need to know and alert us to actions we need to take." (Robert Moss)
Of course, one of those actions we dreamers know very well — submitting our entries to the various HGTV home giveaways. Then, waiting patiently for the Surprise Van to show up at our front door! After all, Dream Homes DO come true.
How prolific DBCoop, and sooo beautifully said. It feels like we are living our dreams right here on the blog. There is a theory that concurs with the kinesthetic approach of filling out entries, and sending in sweepstakes envelopes, and putting out good energy and hopin and wishin. Dreams do become realities when the shakin goes with the bakin.
This house is SOOOO perfect for me and my family, what do ya' know we already have two little dogs!! We have a boy Fluffy, and a girl Bridget(who my younger daughter and now all of us call Buffy), they are both 8 years old, they are both bichons! We inherited the boy from my husbands grandmother years ago, and then we rescued the girl from a puppy mill! They would love this little doggy home, they already sleep next to each other!! Oh I hope we win!!
when did they pick the winner, does anyone know…
They haven't yet, maria. The winner will be chosen on/or around 3/2/11 and notified on/or around 3/12/11. The winner will appear on an HGTV special which airs on3/19/11.
Hi Mary, I was really looking forward to a new vlog today. Will check back later since you sometimes post a new blog after lunch. Can't wait for you to share all the exciting happenings at HGTV. Wonder what happens as you guys prepare for THE DAY! To us, it's a life-changing day for the winner but I guess it's business as usual for you. Can't wait to fly my ballons. Will take a picture and upload it as my profile picture cuz I'm so excited!!!
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
That's as far as my excitement identifies with the Pointer Sisters. Everything else is on them not me.
However you choose to express this excitement Lessie is just "fine by me", as the words go in the song Fine With Me.
Of course everything is fine with you my dear sweet Janzee! I'm shopping around for a 70's outfit to end Black History Month with a bang! Can't wait to hear my co-workers response when I walk in on Monday. Got my Afro wig, big earrings, bracelet, and fishnet pantyhose. The mini and platforms are out. Looking for some bell bottoms. Off on another shopping trip.
Sounds like so much fun Lessie tell us all about it. Soney and I have been celebrating Black History Month in our own quiet way. Each day Soney and I love to find a quote and read it to each other. Here is one of our favorites. Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. —Harriet Tubman
Nothing's wrong with quiet Alice. What a great quote from a wonderful woman. So thankful for all Harriett Tubman did. Thanks for sharing your quiet moments in Black History.
You are going to be gorgeous dawling. I found myself going through my outfits to see what you could wear, and would love to be in your office tomorrow, to hear all of the hoopla for one very iconic lady with lots of pizzaz. You and I have a legacy of woman of valor, and somehere in the middle, or at the beginning, or in the future, the stories intersect for love, freedom, peace, and remembrance. I have a story to tell you tomorrow, about a production company called Nguzu Saba that I met in the seventies.
For now a have a small tribute of some woman I have loved over the years as Black History month and it's importance fades into March. Legends All: Myrlie Evers, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Dorothy Height,Sonia Sanchez and Kathleen Cleaver, are five black woman in 2008 chosen by a group of educators and black history experts to be featured in a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition called “Freedom’s Sisters.”
Dorothy Irene Height (March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010) was an American administrator educator, and social activist. She was the president of the National Council for Negro Woman for forty years, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. Myrlie Evers(1933-2008) built her own legacy for justice, fought segregation of schools and public places, and struggled to increase black voter registration.
Kathleen Cleaver (1945-) was radical revolutionary turned prominent legal scholar and educator; Sonia Sanchez (1934-) is a renowned poet and scholar. Charlayne Hunter Gault (Feb. 1942-) had her own brush with history when she walked onto the campus of the University of Georgia, under court order and enrolled as the first black woman student in the school’s 175 year-old history after in 1961,
P.S. Going into to San Clemente tomorrow, and I usually have computer issues there. If you see Professor dont let him wriggle away.
Love this song Lessie! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3bUb_Vprwg&fe…
Me too, Alice! Thanks for the link.
I may just have to go get a little dog! That doggie dream house is sooo cute! My family and I have 4 cats. 4 cats and a little dog sharing the doggie dream home inside my big beautiful dram home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thought I'd repeat a question that I saw posted on a message board.
What would you be willing to pay if you could rent the Dreamhome? I mentioned in a previous post that I had seen a listing for a property in Spruce Peak that rents for $2,300 per night and while it's very nice, I don't think nearly as nice as the Dreamhome.
Also, I saw an article in Vermonttiger.com that talks about all the applicable taxes being close to 1 million. Comments? Is there any knowledgable person who knows if this is correct or not?
I don't know how much knowledge I have but I have always heard that when you win something you pay 33% in taxes. That would make taxes close to 700,000.00, if what I've heard is true. I hope who ever wins can keep the house. I think I could keep the Dream House if I was the lucky one, hope you can too. Good Luck!!
Actually the US Government via our lovely tax code would put the prize package more in the 48-50% range (which would be around $700K). Yes, Uncle Sam considers the value of the house, furniture and furnishings, as well as the cash award, all taxable and the government wants its share. You also have to look at your local taxing bodies who can add on their own tax bill, as well…
I know there was some discussion about this earlier, and I am in no way trying to discourage anyone about winning. This is just the reality of the tax code on prize winnings.
If you know this going into it and WIN it (yeah!), you are better prepared to select the best option to maximize your choices to yield the best outcome for your personal situation:D
That's what I thought, oh to have such worries! I didn't want to discourage anyone either but its best if you go into it with your eye's open. I did read all the fine print before I entered and I do believe I could keep the Dream House if,if ,if! Good Luck Debra
Yes, it would be fun to walk into our accountant's office with THAT problem LOL!! Regardless of who wins, it provides a life changing opportunity. For some, we would be able to exercise the option to live there for others it would be a chance to walk away with a cash award that would permit the purchase of a wonderful home anywhere they want to live. It is a WIN/WIN no matter who it is as long as they know the dynamics of the tax obligations and respond accordingly…:D
Hello everybloggie !
Snowing again here in New Hampshire, so I spent the morning taking the fronts off my radiators and vacuuming out the fluff and dust bunnies from the heating fins.
( If those dust bunnies got any bigger, they'd be demanding their own bedrooms :O) lol. Or even asking for their own " Bunny Dream Home" complete with " artwork" and stainless steel dinner dishes ! Doggies beware !
How sweet it is that the HGTV Dream Home has radiant floor heating and no radiators :O)
Best of luck to everybloggie dreaming to win and imagining the excitement ! I know I am too.
H. G. T. V.
GoldieLocksBear
XO
GoldieLocksBear, those "dust bunnies" seem to survive pretty well in the warmer climates, too!
Good to see you on the blog! Good luck to you!
How far are you Goldie from the DH, would you say about three hours? There are so many times that I miss the East Coast even in the deep winters. I think it's because you can count on what's going to happen with the weather, and then your springs and summers are a montage of exquisite colors, and festivals and events oh my!!!
Hi Janzee,
I reckon we're about two and a half hours away from The Dream Home in winter conditions, perhaps a little less in summer and fall when the road conditions are not icy.
Stowe is a beautiful ski resort and everyone is very friendly and welcoming.
It would be dreamy to win, wouldn't it :O)
Good luck to you too Janzee !
GoldieLocksBear
XO
Goldie, I heard that several winners from the past have lived very close to the actual dream house location. I think that this year's Green House winners lived within a few hours. Do you know for sure? if you dont have the info, I'll check back. Good luck to you Goldie!!!!
Good Luck to All !!!!
Great perspective on the moment…thanks for sharing
the dream home is still on my mind every day!! what a wonderful dream to have!! imagine cooking in the kitchen and sitting on the deck… it's so captivating and warm. i can only imagine how it would feel to wake up every day in a wonderland!! what a great place to be ♥
I wonder what the small appliances are like! (Coffee maker, mixer, toaster, etc.)
Mary, we are almost at 1000 posts.Will you then post a nrw thread? I have a routine, annd after breakfast I drop by my computer to see who is around and what they are saying. It's amazing how
many people can keep the faith and keep the dreaming alive. It just goes to show how your HGTV
family keeps the faith, keeps tuning in, keeps the hope, and keeps the closness good and tight.
Mary, Please tell us or show us something new so that we can settle down a little and get some
awe about something new and different. Don't let us go into the drawing thinking that there are no
closets in the house. Is there any other space that we do not know about yet? We love what we
see and I am not sure how surprised we want to be in the next week. Look it is raining and snow-
ing in so many places which dampens some spirits. Almost think you have such a huge power
to change how we feel. Won't put all that on your shoulders so I'll just wish for more. Thanks!!!
This home is beatiful as are all the other homes, The family who wins this will be truely blessed as they are with all the dream homes and Green homes. Life is always full of little surprises and blessings. Good luck to everyone. Thank you everyone for Hgtv for allowing us to all dream about such beauty and having something to dream about. Dreams are lifes little wishes, and sometimes they come true because a wish is nothing more than a prayer and the lord hears every word.
I can’t wait for the dream home to be given away. I really hope that I win. I enterd everyday twice a day for myself and my fiance. We really would like to finally own a house of our own. In the past 6 years we have moved into about 8 different homes and we are just tired of it. I am starting to believe that we are always going to have bad luck. But I hope that it is going to change and we finally get a new home. Although I really want to win I still wish everyone the best of luck.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Likewise;-)
Gail, I saw how you must move your pc around, you must get the flip, it's amazing. Mybe the hgtv comp.will allow for this. Hint, hint !! Fits in the palm of your hand.Well whatever you use you do a great job!!:D
There are some awesome videos of Mt. Mansfield on youtube.
You are right. It is really beautiful at the summit. I liked this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2eX16gPVV8&fe…
Everybody is just hanging out in their summer shorts and tank tops being miles high overlooking the majestic land. Sweet!:)
Breathtaking!
Hi everyone. How's the weekend looking for you? All the entries are in as of today. Do you think they'll actually wait until March 2nd to do the drawing? I guess that's on Wednesday. I need to find some more tokens of luck to add to my collection, so I can "get my game on." Ya know just in case LUCK is real by CHANCE. What lucky item should I collect next?
Just a simple idea for you, Cami, not only for luck, but to improve your chances of reaching nearly any goal: I keep a shiny, solid brass keychain on my desk. It is inscribed with these powerful words: "Keys to Happiness." I have used it for many years to keep my focus and attain goals I set for myself. It works this way: whatever it is that is my highest priority, I put a small tag on that brass keychain, labeled with the item of my desire. It could be a new house, a car, whatever, big or small, whether it actually requires a key or not. I look at that keychain day in and day out, the tag reminding me always of my goal. This keeps me on target, focused, and always true to my dreams. When I reach that dream, obtain that goal, I put a green check mark on the tag, place it in a small box in my study, and replace the tag with my next dream to achieve. And the great part is — to open that box now and again, and see that stack of tags with all of those goals reached. It's very empowering.
Perhaps a new keychain, waiting for the Dream Home key, would be a lucky item to consider.
What a great idea, thank you. We get so busy with our life that I believe we tend to forget our personal goals and also everything we have achieved. Thank you again and Good Luck!
Great strategy Coop! Plus it's a gentle reminder of all the goals you've accomplished.
imtophis has given me hope that the worlds not really crashing down on us if I win ur all invited to stay a night for free I will live in it and take my whole family if they want to come if I don’t win it might b the end of me because its my last chance before giving up and throwing in the towel
OK thread link below with a few good pics of the DH from Hwy 108 and a funny story.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/vermont/1164776-hg…
Thanks for finding this, Briman12. Good photos of the house that we haven't seen before, and interesting local take on this process. I'm hoping the "increased homeowners fees" are referring to the main lodge residents and not the home owners like the DH. I think the DH fees are $250 per month, which is reasonable. Hate to see those go up.
Thanks for the link Briman12. Really enjoyed it!
I'm so excited about this dream home!! After a busy/stressful day, I dream of living in that beautiful, peaceful home. I dream of cooking in that fantastic kitchen and then dining while enjoying the beautiful scenery outside. This is the first time I've ever entered one of the HGTV homes contest, but this one took my breath away. All the windows and the beautiful views, there is not one bad room in the whole house!! Plus it's in one of the most beautiful places, I fell in love with Vermont back in 2009, when some friends and I were there for a bike ride. We did our best to see as much as possible and I have wanted to live there ever since. I've got every toe and finger crossed
Have a good weekend everyone.
I wanted to share the words of a song that I sometimes sing and often repeat the title to my wife as a reminder of how great life is. I hope it really hits "home" with you too!!
Lyrics by Cindy Morgan
"How Could I Ask For More"
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night, building castles in the sand
Kissing mama's face goodnight and holding daddy's hand
Thank you, Lord,
How could I ask for more?
Running barefoot through the grass, a little hide and go seek
Being so in love that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow fall to the ground
Thank you, Lord,
How could I ask for more?
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned from this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going, simple love will keep you strong
'Cause there are questions without answers and flames that never die
And heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you, Lord, oh thank you, Lord
How could I ask for more?
That is really lovely…thanks for sharing !!
You are very welcome. I sing it at church and at various functions.
Such a beautiful simple truth poem, and so easy to share these blessings anywhere you live at whatever time in your life. Do you know the author kimsc2?
Yes the author is Cindy Morgan. I found a video clip on youtube. Cindy is not singing it but it has beautiful pictures to go with the song. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeybokS46Vs&fe…
You might have to copy and paste or google How Could I Ask for More by Cindy Morgan
Enjoy. It's the story of our lives!
I am watching as I write back to you, and I'll say thank you Lord. Thank you so much dear kmsc2 for this taste of apple pie, and the simple truths blessings every day. Tears of joy…..
What an awesome poem, Kimsc2. Love it!
I can't believe only two more days and we all will be moving on to March Madness!! Oh the anticipation…nail biting …hair pulling… anticipation^_^
I don't have any hair to pull, but I have plenty of anticipation as well. On the other hand, my wife is so cool, calm, and collective. I understand where she's coming from. So many people having entered the contest. She's more realistic than I am. I guess that makes me the dreamer : – ). We live on a dead end street in a rather small community; so, every time a vehicle turns around at the end of the street, I tease my wife that this could be it. She doesn't even budge. When I think of March Madness the upcoming NCAA Men's basketball tournament comes to mind (Go DUKE BLUE DEVILS!!). This contest could certainly compete with the NCAA tournament for nail biting anticipation like you've stated. Good Luck!
Did you see this poll on the Dream Home page? Ummm, Aloha, where's Hawaii?
The Next Dream Home Should Be In:
Pick one to vote!
California
Florida
Washington
Arizona
Pennsylvania
To vote- http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/index.html Poll is on left hand side of page.
Although I'm sure Pennsylvania is a great State (leading by 37%, and not very far from current DH), I'd love to see the West have another Dream Home. I'd prefer Hawaii but Washington State is nice too.
Where did 37% for Pennsylvania come from? Certainly some beautiful sites for a Dream Home, but isn't Hawaii supposed to come first, then Florida (maybe) and then back to the Mid-Atlantic.
I guess if MARY has left Hawaii out of the quick poll, it could be because that decision has already been made for 2012. Oh what a tangled web MARY weaves when first she practices to deceive her Dream Home bloggers!
If the great state of California were the choice Coop, what off the map place would you put the DH, Golden Beach perhaps?
Aloha Cami good to talk to you. Thanks for posting this. We still have a little snow on the ground and it is supposed to snow again this weekend. Hope everything is going well for you and your family. Washington would be great but warmer weather would be nice. Is there a way you can add Hawaii to that list without Mary finding out? Actually we think Hawaii is already on their list it is just a matter of when. Take Care
Ali have you ever been to Lopez Island off the Washington coast?
Hi Janzee no haven't been to Lopez Island but have been to several other islands. Vashon, Banbridge, Whidbey of course Mercer Island. I know I have been to more but can't think of them right now. This area is so beautiful, the Olympic Peninsula is beautiful too even in the rain! Have you been to Lopez Island Janzee?
Hi Ali, I've never been to Washington or Oregon, and visiting Lopez Islands would be amazing. I hear that you can pick wild black berries for miles. There is so much to do in your state, and is so pristine.
I just came back to this comment and I've been a thinkin. I wonder if Jim Samples has been to some exotic areas along the coast, or maybe in your neck of the woods. Man o man that would be hoot. I am rootin for you Ali owner of our original Alice's Restaurant.
If it turns out that the next Dream Home ( or possibly the next Urban Oasis, or even the Green Home) isn't in Hawaii, I may have to consider moving from the state of California to the great state of Denial.
I can see a lot of benefits from doing so, although I'm unsure about the cost of living and real estate prices there. It couldn't be higher than California, could it?
Anybody have any idea?
On a shore excursion during our cruise in HI in 2005 our guide was talking about the cost of housing and he pointed out homes built in the 50's that were pretty small that would sell for 500,000. Homes near the beach were a million plus. Most Hawaiians do not own their homes as the median income at that time was 38,000 a year. Cost of living is quite high.
I don't know much about HI but I do Know the price for regular gasoline is around 3.60 a gallon and the homes on the outer islands such as Maui cost about half as much on Oahu.
Coop, I hear that in the great State of Denial, living costs and real estate are going up sharply out of control–although nobody there will admit it nor do they even want to know……..many residents are found spending their days with their heads buried in sand.
ALOHA LLColeman! Yes, so I hear. Funny how the great State of Denial has such an effect on people. However, if the Dream Home, Green Home, or Urban Oasis were in Hawaii, at least those residents would have their heads buried in the palm fringed white sand beaches of the tropics!
Cami, was Vermont listed as an option for the 2011 Dream Home? If not, Hawaii could still be in the running.
Maybe it's a good thing Hawaii isn't onn teh list Cami. I haven't noticed them building Green or Dream Homes in the winning poll locations yet! Then again maybe they are already building the urban oasis in Hawaii! ^_^
fI want somewhere warm this time. I love the snow, but if it is warm then………..
ALOHA! Instead of voting in the poll which DOESN'T include Hawaii, why don't we all begin all our blog entries with "ALOHA!" to get Mary's attention. Would this work, Cami? What do you think, Coop? OK, Lessie? And how about you, SandyLA? And did you REALLY have frost in LA? Brrrr indeed.
Cams if this is still true in Hawaii, folks dont actually own their homes, and would be considered "fee simple". This is something I have to check into later when I get to San Clemente. Have you checked this out?
We wanted to say a big thank you to all our friends here! Just got news that Rebuilding Seattle is going to fill us in on the details for our fantastic Spring project. Will share next week when we talk to them. Thanks again for being our friends! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7d7Ul6PmI&fe…
I'm thinking that if Patsy Cline had been a Hawaiian Islander, she might have sung these lyrics rather than the Country Western style that inspired them. I hope MARY is paying close attention and listening to the words of the song echoing through the hallways of the new Scripps Networks Interactive home office in Knoxville:
One
If you've got Hawaii on your mind
Tell us now, let us know it
Thrill us now, let us show it
If you've got Hawaii on your mind
Two
If there's a Dream Home in the Islands
Tell us now, let us know it
Fill us in, please don't blow it
If you've got Hawaii on your mind
Three
Don't leave us here without some news
Filled with dreams that might come true
Thrill us now, let us show it
So we can begin to love anew
Four
If there's a Dream Home in the Islands
Tell us now, let us know it
Thrill us now, let us show it
If you've got Hawaii on your mind
Being as MARY works in Knoxville, she may be a Patsy Cline fan. In which case these Country Hawaiian lyrics might be just enough to persuade her give us a hint or two about the possibilties of Hawaii as a Dream Home, Green Home, or Urban Oasis location. After all, as the saying goes, two wrong corners don't make a right. Although I'm not sure what that has to do with my previous statement…. ^_^
So much talk about how to pay the bills if you keep the DH. Thought this was cute. http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=OBI6R1mxipg&fea…
$12.82 is what I have Alice. Do you think I can afford the Dream Home?
Loved the link!
Yes Lessie you can afford the DH. Checked with HGTV and $12.82 will cover all the expenses of owning this wonderful Home.
HGTV is so awesome, Alice. That's why I love them. Can't wait to spend time in Stowe at Alice's Restaurant. Oh the stories we'll tell and the songs we'll play. Sounds like great times are in Stowe for us.
And when they announce the DH winner there is going to be alot of this going on. http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc&fea…
I'm Dancing in the Street now, Alice. Closing out my birth month and Black History Month is indeed a time of celebration. That's why I'm wearing my Afro wig, big earrings, fishnets, and pseudo-platform shoes. Can't do the real ones anymore or the mini-skirts or the halter-tops. Good thing there's hooter hoisters. Time and gravity…..brings out the best in us!
Im so excited this time makes me happy! good luck to u all! <3:*
The same to you, iluvollie! Enjoy the wait!
Ali Alice needs to come for work for you at Alice's Restaurant. Did she get her job by the way in a subsequent episode?
I don't think my golden retriever would fit in the doggie dream house! My kids and I just came home from Stowe this weekend. It took us 2 days to find the house (and it was right in front of our noses). It overlooks Mt. Mansfield (you can see it from the Mt. Mansfield lodge parking lot). It is GORGEOUS! Whoever wins this house must not sell it (I know I won't). Love it!
Margaretmz, did you get a chance to tour the home? I know what you mean about having a
large dog (80 lb. sheepdog) and figure he'll be happy to curl up on a rug anywhere in the DH!
Here's another vid link. This one's enough to turn about any non-skier into a skier!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVZh53DkLag
Thanks for sharing Deerspring! It's always nice to see something new. Wow, tons of snow!
That's just unreal. By now I imagine that the path to the front door looks more like a hallway than a sidewalk!
More information that may be of interest about the Disney Resort housing development:
An HGTV Dream Home in Florida? Who knows for sure, but if you're going for the gold, go for the Golden Oak Residential Resort Community.
(From an online DailyFinance article by Bruce Watson.)
Located between Disney World and Epcot, in the heart of the Disney vacation complex, the 980-acre premium development will feature a golf course, a clubhouse, a private lake, and numerous other amenities.
Homeowners will have full access to the Disney theme parks, as well as resident-only facilities, including private VIP tours of the parks, holiday home decorating, grocery delivery, an on-call concierge service, a yoga studio, a fitness facility, and a full-service spa.
While [Golden Oak] residents are allowed to hire their own architects, they have to choose from a Disney-vetted list of builders and their exterior materials have to match the approved neighborhood styles. They also have to choose from among a limited selection of house styles, including "Village Courtyard," "Dutch Colonial," "Venetian," "Tuscan Village," "Spanish Revival," "Island Colonial," and "Italianate."
Of course, these premium attractions come with a premium price: homes in Golden Oak will cost between $1.5 and $8 million.
Hopefully HGTV will jump in and offer up one of these luxury estates as a future Dream Home. Otherwise, buying one outright would require a serious cash outlay.
I will go to the page with the poll for HGTV's next site and vote," F.L.A., All the Way !"
AHOHA! What happened to Celebration? Is Disney forgetting about them and now thinking only of Golden Oak? Was there a limit to the total number of homes or people who could live in Celebration (did it max out)?
if i won this years HGTV dream home i will gety myself a puppy. This way the dog would use the puppy dream home in my master bedroom. This home is plenty big enough for my family , and myself. I have never had any complaints. All is positive. Erverything with this years HGTV dream home is all perfect, and i love the hot tub, and the huge kitchen. I have never seen a home with a kitchen as big as the dream home has. I do love this home alot, and the location is perfect. The other night on wheel of fortone the spin id winner won a trip to stowe vermont to ski, but it was not me. But i am doing well today, and i hope ervery one else is doing well also. Goodnight for now
Thank you, I never get tired of looking at the Dream House. I had heard that the floor's were heated, but just on the blog, guess I missed it on HGTV show.
Deerspring, Thanks for both links! Love HGTV Pro site…
They really thought of everything, I was wondering how much it would cost to heat the Dream House. Thank you again for the info.
Good Morning to all our bloggers! Here on the West Coast, Brrrr…. there is frost everwhere. Some
places even have some snow!! It rained a lot yesterday and the temperature dipped low again
so we had a good cold spell. Of course that only puts up right in the mood for a winning week
ahead. With peop;e voting twice as much I believe our ratio remains the same. but the fun entering
is over and so we just sit and wait until the team picks, locates, and films the ambush person (poster)
receiving all the accolades that come with the house and package for free. Congratulations to the
winner and to the rest of us who will remain calm cool and quiet. No, there was no mistake. The
lucky person who wins will have been the person who really should have won because it is an honest
contest with the winners name picked at random. If you remain here please just positive statements.
If you are unhappy with the decision, please post your dissatisfaction elsewhere. Thank You.
Well stated SandyLA!!
My gosh, found two mistakes eventhough I try so hard to be accurate – its such a fun experience!
It should have been: Of course that only puts US right in the mood…… AND the second
correction should be: Withe PEOPLE voting twice……. Please excuse my typos. I am an unprofessional typer! Forgot to mention THE BALLOONS,,,
has anyone figured out and/or posted what the annual property taxes, association fee, heating/cooling costs will be for this house??? just curious.
Yes, many, many, many times! I'm sure that's a concern that the one lucky winner will need to check out. I'll start taking a serious look at those numbers after HGTV shows up at my door.
Otherwise, take a quick stroll through blog history. You'll find plenty of speculation on those costs.
No I have not seen anything about the annual fee's. But oh to have such worries…Good Luck
ALOHA! Just a suggestion – everyone who wants the next (or next chosen site) for the DH or Green H or Urban Oasis TO BE IN HAWAII, start your blog messages with "ALOHA!"
It's officially ALOHA Sunday today. As a matter of fact, I think it's ALOHA month. I hear it may even be the year of the ALOHA rabbit. (After all, I'm sure they must have rabbits in Hawaii.)
Of course, the month of March will continue to draw our attention to the Green Mountain State of Vermont, as we all await the outcome of the Dream Home Giveaway. Remember, the winner's name is chosen at random on March 2, the winner is "ambushed" on March 12, and the lucky winner revealed to the world on March 19. The moral of that information is: if you see someone at your front door holding a balloon bouquet and assisted by someone carrying a video camera on March 12 or thereabouts, you just might be the lucky Dream Home winner. Either that, or they're stopping to ask for directions to the winner's house…. ^_^
ALOHA…HA………HA..HA… DBCoop you are a riot!! Could you imagine them picking you up off the floor just to ask you when you come to for your neighbors down the street!:D Thanks for the laugh.
I know this year’s HGTV Dream Home winner has not yet been announced, but the recent polls on the website have prompted me to start dreaming about next year’s home already! Will it be PA? And, regardless of whether it is a Victorian home or a cabin, will it perhaps be a bit country-inspired? If so, I am hopeful that artwork like that of artist Greely Myatt might make its way into the house. I have become an instant fan of his after I recently came across a sculpture entitled, “Quilts and Sheets,” that was reminiscent of quilts drying on a clothes line; it featured an aluminum and steel sculpture made of recycled traffic signs cut into traditional quilt patterns, namely, the Lone Star (which actually reminded me of the Bethlehem star) and the Nine Patch/Snowball. And, will a quilt or a pattern such as the Bethlehem star serve as inspiration for Linda Woodrum throughout the 2012 home?
Will the kitchen flooring have checkerboard tiles laid diagonally? Or, will it carry the quilt theme through to the kitchen backsplash featuring tiles like that seen in the Urban family farmhouse in PA on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover? Hopefully, instead of open farmhouse kitchen shelving, it will have some sort of doors on the upper cabinets, such as bubbled glass doors. Not to mention, a double-oven. …..And, will some of the furniture be vintage-inspired featuring updated takes on steamer chests for the bedroom or perhaps a steamer trunk-inspired coffee table for the living area? Or, will a computer-friendly roll-top desk find its way into the home office? Can’t wait to find out!
For all those craving accessibility, particularly for those family members, visitors or guests who may be a little less spry, maybe it will even have an in-law suite on the ground floor, too!
you are really in the dreaming positive spirit:D Thank you for a dreamy reality check. So, it does
I like your style of thinking
not have to be this year if you don't win' it could be next year!!!!!
a_fanxD
SandyLA,
If I'm not mistaken, I thought not to long ago you were dreaming of HGTV in Benton, LA in 2012. You Geaux, Girl!
I wasn't dreaming a_fan, it was reality.. well the first part was. When I saw all the vans
over there I started to dream and THOUGHT I saw all those different company vans
but I never went all the way over to the houses. They were beautiful houses outside but
there really isn't much to do or see there so I decided the dream team wouldn't really
choose that spot. You almost caught me but I tell the truth and when I dream I wink a
lot and run around (those who know me know I can no longer run) and I see hee hee a
lot. Hope you remember that too so you won't get confused. I was smiling all the time
and wanted to pass that smile along. I really did see the houses though. Thanks for
writing and good luck.
A_Fan: You are correct. It is great that you can dream anywhere and anytime!! It easily could have been a house of HGTV, but I merely thought I saw names on the sides of the vans. It turned out that they were not not from where I thought they should be!! It was a fun thought!. Thanks for remembering me!
Thank you for the heads up Deerspring! Wow the dream home truly looks like a tree house now that it is covered in a blanket of snow!
I can! We spent a week in the Smokies in a similar place. The cabin was up in the tree tops with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. The view was breathtaking. Three sides would be even better! I think this is why the annex is my favorite area of the house.
Alicesoneysmom, gotta tell you this. WE ROCKED THE PLACE!!!! We did a 70's walk-thru with the Isley Brothers' music accompanying us in the Black History play and we rocked! Some said they got for free what would have cost $150 or more to see. The whole play from beginning to end was exceptional! Just imagine a scene with a lot of people like me in it and you'll know why we rocked it. I haven't had that much fun in a long time!!!
Come on HGTV, I'm ready to dance in the streets!
You can't go wrong with the Isley Brothers Lessie!;)
You're absolutley right, Dreamgirl03! We didn't go wrong with them at all!!!!
Lessie you guys really did rock it. Thanks for sharing this with us. Can just picture a lot of people like you what a riot! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExvCpP8cHbw&fe…
Alice, that reminded me of Jackie Wilson. We would have had fun with him too!
Lessie you sure know how to get your nickel's worth from the jukebox here at the restaurant in
Stowe. Haven't heard from the HGTV crew for so long and the rumor has it there are lots of bloggers stuck in a Dog House in the DH can hear them hollerin from here. Help let us out we'll be good! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgyl_LBdcxo&fe…
Yes, yes Alice. You know what to say. Love the Jackie Wilson link. It's lonely in this dog home. It's amazing how easy it is to get tired of something if you're stuck in it for a long time. Please HGTV, can you hear us? There's nothing more to explore in the Doggie Dream Home. Are you trying to make me escape from Stowe? If so it ain't that easy. Bring it on. I can stay in the doggie dream home as long as you refuse to post a new blog cuz I've got stamina!
http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=waV741V1MHY&fea…
We would love to join in that dance Lessie, and that show must have been incredible. You've gotta be involved with the next touring stage show.
No way, Janzee. That would take too much time away from enjoying my new home in Stowe. I think we can get something going there. Don't you? Especially at Alice's Restaurant!
We don't have our sweet dog, Max anymore. He went to "Doggie Heaven" but he was with us for 17 years. He was a big dog…would not have fit in this doggie house but our granddog, Zoey will!
My condolences to you Teesieweesie. it is very difficult to loose a loved one. May all your good
memories stay with you for a very long time. I had to wait 1o years after loosing my last pair of
cats before I was ready to acceot my new loved ones. It takes a long time sometimes. May you
be blessed with many happy memories and good times.:S
Oh thanks Sandy! You are very sweet. Our Max passed away several years ago so it has been awhile but you never forget them, NEVER! 17 years is a long time for a dog especially a big dog. He was part Chow and Samoyed, all white and a lot of thick beautifulk fur! He was a good dog hardly ever barked and was so good with our two children.
Thanks again!
You've got great memories Teesieweesie. Sometimes memories are better because they're always there when you need them. I'm quite sure your granddog Zoey will enjoy the doggie Dream Home if you're the winner.
Yes, we do have great memories of our Max! On his birthday (Labor Day) we always talk about fun times and funny things he did. And yes our granddoggie, Zoey will LOVE the new HGTV Doggie Home…if I win that is. She is liitle, part pug. Thanks Lessie for your kind words!
You're very welcome, Teeieweesie. Hope you're making great memories with Zoey!
Ok so i m confused.. So the winner finds out on March 12th or is it on march 19th. Someone please explain.
On March 2 the name is pulled but not revieled Several days to check on elegibility. Somewhere
around March 12 the winner is ambushed. videoed, but not shown on tv. On March 19 the Ambush
itself is shown on TV. If no one comes to your door by 3/16th you are not the big winner. Do you get it now?
How will they know the person is home on March the 12th though? What if they are gone, out of town?? Do they call family members or something to make sure they stay at home?
That's why it's "on or about" March 12th. They have a buffer if for some reason they can't find you. The ambush doesn't have to be at your home. One year it was in a restaurant.
when in doubt rubysingh83 the official rules will never let you down. We still can dream and dream and dream…
A Big Thank you to all and good luck also.
okay lol thanks
Can't imagine selling the Dream Home to walk away with enough cash to build or buy YOUR true dream house, or whatever your dream may be? Then you may want to ask yourself: has it always been your dream to live in Stowe, Vermont? Was the Dream Home built to your exact specifications? If you were asked for your perfect dream home location, where would that be? What would your dream home look like, down to the last details? If you don't know, think about it.
I don't have all the details yet but it is in Hawaii. one floor four spacy bedrooms with bath
included. Nice size office, roomy kitchen Huge gigantic wooden table with sittivg for 12 and
tableware to go with it. A wing like DH'11 with bunkbeds for 6,or 8 with bath/shower/toilets
to go with it. cupboards and closet in every sleeping room. Some type of media lounge
and a meeting room with real fireplace and lots of seating. Lots and lots of wtndows in as
many rooms as possible. On the beach next to the sea or a largewimming pool. Doors that
open all the way for a good cross-breeze. There is more because it is a dream house, but I
don't know what the more is yet. Do I win a prize for my design? Wouldn't it be terrible if they
chose my design and someone else won? Hard to think about that. You have an idea for
yourself Coop ?
Sounds like a wonderful dream home, SandyLA, and what better location for one's dream than in a tropical paradise, with lots of windows to bring the outdoors in and enjoy those cooling ocean breezes.
As for my dreams, well, I always have a few more up my sleeve.
ALOHA!
You may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
You may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
You may ask yourself, "Well, how did I get here?"