Isn’t that a beautiful thing to say “Spring!” We here in this part of the world are certainly ready for Spring, I know for sure that I am! The month of April always seems to be a welcome month after the long Northeast Wisconsin winter! Not only is the snow leaving, plants are waking up, animals are starting to come out of hibernation, and there is a good possibility of seeing your first “robin;” the month of April also brings some memorable dates. Let’s start with April 1st or April Fools Day, the “prankster day.” The theory goes like this: In 1564 France reformed its calendar, moving the start of the year from the end of March to January 1st. Those who failed to keep up with the change, who stubbornly clung to the old calendar system and continued to celebrate the New Year during the week that fell between March 25th & April 1st, had jokes played on them. Pranksters would surreptitiously stick paper fish to their backs. The victims of this prank were thus called Poisson d’Avril, or April Fish — which, to this day, remains the French term for April Fools — and so the tradition was born.

The month of April is Autism Awareness Month and there have been several benefits throughout the month for autistic children/adults in hopes to combating this disease. April also brings us “Earth Day” which is celebrated on April 22nd. Here in Stockbridge, Wisconsin many people contribute to the unending cause of taking care of our community and the environment. I know the Stockbridge Lions donated their time and effort in cleaning the communities roadside of winter’s refuse on Earth Day; amongst other’s working on charitable Earth Day events that day. The Stockbridge Lions also help put the docks, ladders, row & paddle boats into a 45 acre lake at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, Wisconsin. The Lions camp covers 440 acres with a huge inside lake and multiple cabins; some for sleeping, crafts & teaching, cafeteria, maintenance, and the list goes on and on. This camp is dedicated to the blind or visually impaired, deaf or hearing impaired, diabetic, and slightly cognitively disabled. On several weeks during the summer the camp accommodates up to 150 children; the children stay at the camp for a week and are taken care of by a very qualified & dedicated staff! If interested to learn more on the camp and who may attend or perhaps you know of someone that this camp could benefit, visit their website here.

On a more personal note, I was able to celebrate another year of sobriety on April 10th, having 36 years! Where did 36 years go? Although it has been a great ride; One Day At A Time! I also celebrated my birthday and that’s all we need to say about that! This year Easter was celebrated on April 5th and the Easter Bunny did stop at our house! However, being of Christian background the feast of Easter is certainly the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. A celebration that has been honored for almost 2000 years! When I think of this time frame it amazes me of the greatness of this individual and somewhat baffles me to be remembered for 2000 years and still going strong!

With regards to the real estate world; more good news about the housing market & the economy. The Wisconsin housing market grew substantially, with both home sales and median prices increasing at a robust pace over the past year, according to the most recent analysis of the statewide housing market by the Wisconsin REALTORS^® Association (WRA). With fuel prices hovering around that $2.35/gallon mark and interest rates at a phenomenal low; consumer confidence and spending are on an upward motion. Many analysts predict 2015 to be an extremely strong year for the housing industry and here in Northeast Wisconsin we continue to improve; “now” is the time to Buy or Sell!