A Fun Few Days on the Ocean
Trip to Santa Cruz Island 
Last week my husband and I had the pleasure of going on a trip to Santa Cruz Island with some wonderful friends and on a beautiful boat.
We spent the first night at the marina in Oxnard and headed to the Channel Islands the next morning. We went past Anacapa Island and saw the beautiful arch (shown in the photo below) to our destination, Santa Cruz Island which is California's largest island. 
Santa Cruz is over 96 square miles in size. The area where we anchored had lots of sea caves. It was really beautiful. There was a marine layer that day and the next so we didn't get to see a lot of sunshine. There were a number of kayakers exploring the sea caves. There is a boat that brings kayakers over from the mainland several times a day.
We went into Painted Cave which is one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world. We explored the cave with the dingy that we pulled behind the boat, affectionately called "the super dingy." It was really awesome. Deep inside the cave is totally black so you need a good strong hand-held light. In the back of the cave was a large bull sea lion guarding his large grou
p of female sea lions. The cave was an amazing site.
Our thanks to the Stringers and the Jensens.
Posted at 11:15AM Jul 28, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
4th of July Blues
Its almost the 4th of July and I'm blue
It is a wonderful time of the year, celebrating the birth of this great nation - the United States of America. Everything is red, white and blue, family and friends, hot dogs and fireworks. But I'm blue or I guess I should say that I''ve got the blues. I'm feeling a little down today. My son Erik, who is a cadet in his junior year at West Point (the United States Military Academy), just left yesterday to go back to West Point. He has been on leave with us for almost three weeks. It was an amazing visit. My husband and I got used to having him around again and now I REALLY miss him. He won't return home until Christmas. Thanks for the great visit Erik. We're so proud of you.
My thanks and gratitude go out to all those in the military who serve our nation. You all are amazing!
Jason (our oldest son), Erik and my husband Don
Posted at 06:38PM Jul 03, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
A Quote from An Amazing Man - George Washington
I recently finished reading an amazing book about George Washington. It is called "The Real George Washington." I am not one who has read much in the way of history-type books. I have generally left that to my son, Erik, who LOVES to read and is constantly reading history books. Though I have to confess that once I started reading this book, I couldn't seem to put it down. I really enjoyed learning about George Washington and the Revolutionary War. There are some things that really struck me about him in the book: his humility, his self-lessness, his honesty, his devotion to God and conviction of the intervention of God in establishing this country. Here is one of my many favorite quotes from the book: "I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man." How amazing it is that a man who held some very important titles during his lifetime believed that the most important was being an honest man. What a great example for all of us.
Posted at 05:34PM Jun 01, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
My First TEA Party
Rancho Cucamonga TEA Party
I attended my first TEA party yesterday. It was held in Rancho Cucamonga, California. I've heard and read some really awful things about the "right-wing extremists" who attend these TEA parties. But what I found was a bunch of really cool, upbeat, friendly, and very patriotic people.
It wasn't one of the big TEA parties held yesterday but those who were there believed basically in the same things - that the runaway, out-of-control spending and expanding government are huge problems. I heard that there were about 1600 people at this TEA party, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were more than that.
There were all different ages and types of people. I saw older people, families with young children, young adults, and lots of veterans. Oh, by the way, I did not see or hear any racist or anti-American signs and/or comments. These people were there because they love their country.
It was a great way to spend a few hours. I was glad that I made the decision to be there. I am proud to be an American and where I have the right and freedom to stand up for what I believe in and against what I don't agree with. And my husband , Don, came with me because I promised him that we would go to Boston Market for dinner.
Posted at 03:48PM Apr 16, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
A Hike Up Mt. Rubidoux
A Hike Up Mt. Rubidoux
A couple of days ago my husband and I took a hike up to the top of Mt. Rubidoux which is located near downtown Riverside CA. He is preparing for another marathon so the hike was easy for him, but going up I realized that I'm definitely not in shape like he is.
Mt. Rubidoux is a hill that has been designated a city park and landmark. The 360 degree views at the top are spectacular. The Santa Ana River flows at the base of the hill. Mt. Rubidoux Park covers 161 acres and has 3.5 miles of paved roads (cars are not allowed), and numerous dirt hiking trails. Many historic markers and memorials have been placed on the hill, the most prominent are the cross at the summit dedicated to father Junipero Serra and the American flag.
Mt. Rubidoux offers excellent hiking/walking/biking/running trails. It was an enjoyable hike and I recommend it. It is open from dawn until dusk and is used by many people everyday. All roads and trails are maintained in good condition There is a parking lot (along with a dog park off Mission Inn Avenue at the base of the north-west side of Mt. Rubidoux. Many people park their cars in the neighborhoods at the base of the mountain on the east side many illegally.Parking is strictly enforced here and if you park illegally you could get a ticket.
Photos from Mt. Rubidoux
It was a little hazy so the photos aren't as clear as I would have liked.
The Peace Tower on Mt. Rubidoux.
My husband Don.
It was a great evening and a welcome break from our busy careers in real estate. We are definitely going to do this again and with more than my camera phone to take better photos of the view of Riverside.
Posted at 08:07AM Apr 05, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Wood Streets Area of Riverside
Wood Streets - Riverside California
The Wood Streets neighborhood in Riverside California is the popular name for a group of adjacent residential subdivisions that make up about a square mile in area. Many of the streets have "wood" in their names; Larchwood, Beechwood, Elmwood, Linwood, Oakwood, Rosewood. The area is close to the downtown area of Riverside.
Most houses built in the Wood Streets were built in the late teens through the 1920s. The rest were built in the 1930's, 1940's and a few in the 1950's. The neighborhood has a
cross-section of different style homes that are both diverse and good-looking, but are compatible in scale, tone and age. I especially love the arts & crafts (craftsman) style homes in the area.
Current Wood Streets homes real estate activity:
As of March 31, 2010, there are 10 active listings: five short sales and five standard sales. The prices range from $134,990 for a 854 sq ft home to $299,900 for a 1703 sq ft home. There are also ten pending listings (or homes that are in escrow). Six are short sales, three are standard sales and one is a bank-owned house. The prices range from $168,888 for a 826 sq ft home to $229,000 for a 1880 sq ft home. The number of homes in the Wood Streets t
hat have sold within the last 60 days is eight: two short sales, four standard sales and two bank-owned houses. These range in price paid from $115,00 for a 1342 sq ft home to $275,000 for a 1675 sq ft.
Map showing the area of Riverside that is called The Wood Streets.
Posted at 05:15PM Mar 31, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Riverwalk - A Beautiful Community in Riverside CA
Riverwalk Riverside CA
Riverwalk is a beautiful community in the southwestern part of Riverside, California. It is in a convenient location close to the 91 freeway, near Pierce and Collett. It is also close to shopping, schools and LaSierra University. There are four separate areas within Riverwalk: Coronado, Tiburon, Monticeto and Palisaides. Three of these areas are gated. It really is a beautiful development that is beautifully maintained. Sizes of houses (and
some attached townhouses) range in size from about 1500 sq ft up to more than 4300 sq ft. There are swimming pools, parks, tennis courts, walking trails, parks.
Here is the status of the real estate market in Riverwalk, Riverside CA.
There are currently 14 homes listed as active on the multiple listing service as of 3/19/2010. Eleven are short sales and two are bank-owned houses (REO's). The least expensive home for sale in Riverwalk right now is a 1754 sq ft house listed at $200,000. The most expensive home is a 4287 sq ft house listed for $420,000. 
There are 23 houses in Riverwalk that are in escrow at this time. There are 19 short sales and four bank-owned houses. The highest priced house in escrow is $455,000 and is 4312 sq ft.
Eleven houses have sold (closed sale) in the last 60 days in Riverwalk. Six were bank-owned houses, three were short sales and two were standard sales. The highest price house sold for $430,000 - it is 4281 sq ft.
Call us or e-mail us if you are thinking of buying or selling a house in Riverwalk or anywhere in Riverside or Corona.
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Posted at 06:07PM Mar 21, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Don't forget to charge the camera battery. Duhhhh!
My husband and I went on a trip to northern California for a few days to visit family and friends. We took our camera, of course. We went to a beautiful place near to where my aunt and uncle live in Woodside CA called Filoli that I haven't seen in many years. I was really looking forward to taking photos of the gardens. Filoli is an incredible 654-acre country estate in Woodside about 20 miles south of San Francisco with 16 acres of the most stunning formal gardens. A number of movies were filmed there including Heaven Can Wait with Warren Beatty. At the front steps of the visitor center we were greeted by pots full of the most gorgeous spring flowers I think I had ever seen. Out came the camera and oh no!! The battery was dead. Boy was I disappointed. And to top it off, I didn't even think of using my Iphone to take photos until we were leaving. All I have is memories and these two photos I took with my IPhone.
Filoli, I'll be back - and with a fully charged battery.
In case you are wondering where the name Filoli comes from, it was from the first two letters in each of the three phrases of the original owner's credo. Fight for a just cause, Love your fellow man, Live a good life.
Posted at 02:14PM Mar 03, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Riverside CA - Andulka Park
Riverside CA Parks - Andulka Park
I drive by this new park quite frequently but since I didn't have any real estate appointments (I'm a Realtor) I decided I would stop and take some photos and walk around.
The park has two baseball fields, a tennis complex with pro-shop (nine regulation courts and one tournament court), two lighted basketball courts, restroom and concession facilities, 
children's playground, picnic facilities, open meadow areas, on site parking for approximately 200 vehicles, and a walking/jogging trail and native habitat area - something for just about everyone.
Andulka Park, a 36-acre park, is located at 5201 Chicago Avenue at Central Avenue and has been opened since May 2009. When I stopped there today, February 20, 2010, even though it was quite cold outside there was a lot going on at the park: people were playing tennis, a little league baseball game was going on, kids were playing in the playground, there was a party in one of the picnic areas and more. 
The Andulka Park tennis center offers programs for all levels and ages including, lessons, jr. tennis, instructional clinics, retail sales, camps, high school matches, tournaments, and scholarships. For more information please call 951-683-0667 or visit www.andulkatennis.com
Posted at 05:30PM Feb 20, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
A part of me revealed
I'm a huge art-lover. My youngest son, a cadet a West Point, the United States Military Academy, recently asked why I haven't put any of my art on the internet. I asked him why he wanted my work on the internet and he replied, "So that I can show you off." I thought that was so sweet so I'm going to sta
rt sharing some of my work. This is hard for me to do and I'm a bit uncomfortable but here goes.
Erik, this is for you!
So I'll start with a portrait of did of my son, Erik, when he was about four or five. This piece is entitled "Poutin' Cowboy" and it was done in colored pencils. There is distortion from the reflections on the glass over the work.
Here is a painting of a cougar done in oils. 
.
This is a pencil/charcoal drawing of my husband and sweatheart called "After a Long Cattle Drive." This one also shows distortion from the reflections in the glass.
This is one of the things I love to do when I'm not working full time as a Realtor in Riverside California.
Posted at 10:25AM Feb 17, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
A wonderful day out on the ocean
Two of our wonderful friends own an amazing boat (actually it is a yacht), a new 45-foot coastal cruiser. They needed some help bringing it back to the Long Beach marina from San Diego. So they invited my husband and I to go with them and help. It was a beautiful day out on the ocean - but it was cold. I never warmed up the entire day. By the way, we were trying to be a bit conservative with the gas - only going a little above 12 miles an hour - and the trip took almost 8 hours. But the ocean was beautiful and the company even better.
San Diego is a beautiful city. Here are a few photos from our wonderful day yesterday.
A sun 
fish. 
Coming into the marina in Long Beach.
Our thanks to the Stringers for a wonderful day!
Copyright 2010 © by Vicki Pedersen, "A wonderful day out on the ocean."
Posted at 01:03PM Feb 13, 2010 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Fun Things to do in Riverside California
Here is a list of some fun things to do in Riverside California.
Artswalk
On the first Thursday of every month, 17 locations in downtown Riverside are open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. Participating institutions host art openings, performances, tours, talks and more. Start at any location. This event is free.
California Citrus State Historic Park
The design of the park is reminiscent of a 1900s city park, complete with an activity center, interpretive structure, amphitheater, picnic area and demonstration groves. The land contained within the park still continues to produce high-quality fruits. The park recaptures the time when Citrus was King in California, highlighting the importance of the citrus industry in Southern California. The park is located at 9400 Dufferin Avenue (Van Buren). For more information about the park and special events call (951) 780-6222 (951) 780-6222 ext.13.
Downtown Farmers Market
Every Saturday on Main Street between 5th and 6th Streets from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. vendors offer organic fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, specialty items such as breads, hummus and homemade honey, fish, cheese and much more! For more information call (951) 826-2370 (951) 826-2370 (951) 826-2370 (951) 826-2370 .
Family Fun Days on First Sundays
On the first Sunday of every month October to May, six locations in downtown Riverside are open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Participating institutions including the Mission Inn Museum, UCR /California Museum of Photography, UCR /Sweeney Art Gallery, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Riverside Public Library and Riverside Art Museum, host free hands-on activities for families.
Festival of Lights
The City of Riverside and the Mission Inn present the Annual Riverside Festival of Lights. This free event kicks-off with the Switchon Ceremony the day after Thanksgiving and runs through early January. Visitors can enjoy outdoor ice skating, carriage rides, free holiday entertainment, unique shopping and dining in the downtown, holiday food and specialty vendors. Free parking weekdays after 5 p.m. and weekends. For more information visit their website.
Heritage House
This 1891 Victorian showplace depicts life in turn-of the century Riverside. An elegant reminder of the affluent homes which once graced Magnolia Avenue. It is open Fridays noon - 3 p.m. and Sat-Sun noon to 3:30 p.m. Closed July and August. Suggested donation of $3 for adults and $1for children and seniors. Heritage House is located at 8193 Magnolia Avenue. For more visit their website.
March Field Air Museum
Located next to the March Air Reserve Base off Interstate 215 at Van Buren Boulevard. The Museum serves as home to over 70 historic aircraft and displays over 2,000 artifacts. The March Field Air Museum commemorates the achievements of our military and civilian aviators; provides educational resources and programs; promotes public awareness of past, present and future air and space technologies; and depicts the history of the March Field Air Base. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 general and $5 for ages 5 through 11. For more information visit their website at http://www.marchfield.org/.
Mission Inn Tours
Take a 75-minute tour of Riverside's historic Mission Inn on the art, architecture and history of the Mission Inn. This provides an opportunity to see parts of the Inn that are inaccessible to the general public. The regular cost is $12 for adults and senior citizens, children under twelve free with an adult. $1 AAA discount. During Festival of Lights (11/28 to 01/04) the cost is $15 per person. Call the museum at (951)788-9556 during regular business hours for available tour times and reservations.
Mount Rubidoux
Mount Rubidoux is a mountain close to downtown Riverside. There is a hiking trail to the summit. The trails is 3 miles long and climbs in elevation 500 feet. Other than the great views from the top, you can find the Serra Cross in honor of the founder of the mission,Fray Junipero Serra and the Tower of World Peace. Mt. Rubidoux Blvd and 9th street. There is no cost.
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
Located at 3580 Mission Inn Avenue, this is a center for learning as well as a community museum that collects, exhibits and interprets cultural and natural history. The Museum’s collections consist of over 75,000 objects, which include anthropology, natural history and history. The Museum also offers educational programs, workshops, demonstrations and lectures. For more information on current and upcoming exhibitions visit http://www.riversideca.gov/museum/
University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens
Located at 900 University Avenue, 40 acres of botanical gardens containing more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. This wealth of vegetation creates a hospitable sanctuary for wildlife, where nearly 200 bird species have been officially observed. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is a $1 suggested donation and there is limited parking by the entrance. For more information, visit http://www.gardens.ucr.edu/.
Posted at 07:14AM Nov 01, 2009 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Coast to Coast - Traveling to Washington DC for the Marine Corps Marathon
I'm leaving tomorrow- flying to Washington DC for the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) in Washington DC/Arlington VA on October 25th. My husband and youngest son are both running in this event - the first marathon for both of them. I'm not a runner and am going along for moral support and to see my son, whom I don't get to see often as he is in his second year at West Point. Incidentally he is a
lso a Marine - one of five Marines currently attending West Point, the United States Military Academy.
I just did a little research on the Marine Corps Marathon. I discovered that it is the 5th largest marathon in the United States and the 10th largest in the world. It is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, "The People's Marathon." This marathon has been going on yearly for 34 years. One person quoted on the website said, “It’s not a race for the elite but for the people- that’s why they call it ‘The People’s Marathon’.” Here's a link to the Marine Corps Marathon website .
I'm very excited about the MCM trip and glad that I'm not running. My husband has been training for several months and feels he is ready. I'm very proud of him for doing this - he agreed to do the marathon months ago to support our son who set the goal to prepare for the marathon because of breaking his ankle while at West Point last year. Don hates crowds and I don't know how many thousands of people will be running in the marathon. Its a funny place to go for someone who hates crowds so much. I love the Marine Corps and appreciate all the men and women in the military who serve our country.
Posted at 08:37AM Oct 22, 2009 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
The Worth of Mothers
It seems that motherhood and the importance of motherhood are under attack these days. The family is the most important institution in society and mothers are the glue that builds and strengthens the family. Do you truly value mothers? I’m not just talking about your own mother, but mothers as a whole. Do you understand how vital they are to the human race? More than anything or anyone else, they profoundly affect not j
ust their own families and children but our communities and nations.
Mothers fill the critical role of instilling values, purpose and responsibility cultivating a sense of security and well-being.
As we celebrate Mother’s day – remember that mothers are absolutely vital to everyone one of us, and their role and selfless service needs to be recognized and valued. Mothers, not just our own, deserve all the accolades and praise we can give them.
Why are you crying, a young boy asked his Mom?
"Because I'm a woman," she told him.
"I don't understand," he said.
His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will, but that's O.K.".......
Later the little boy asked his father,
"Why does Mom seem to cry for no reason?".
"All women cry for no reason," was all his Dad could say......
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.
Finally he put in a call to God and when God got back to him, he asked "God, why do women cry so easily?"
GOD answered.... ..
"When I made woman,
I decided she had to be special.
I made her shoulders
strong enough to carry
the weight of the world, yet,
made her arms gentle enough to give comfort...
I gave her the inner strength
to endure childbirth
and the rejection
that many times will come
even from her own children.
I gave her a hardness
that allows her
to keep going and take care
of her family and friends,
even when everyone else gives up, through sickness and fatigue without
complaining. ...
I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances. Even when her child has hurt her badly....
I gave her strength to care for her husband, despite faults and I fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart....
For all of this hard work,
I also gave her a tear to shed.
It is hers to use
whenever needed and
it is her only weakness....
When you see her cry,
tell her how much you love her, and all she does for everyone, and even though she may still cry, you will have made her heart feel good.
I don't know who the author is.
To my own Mom who has been gone for so many years, if you are watching over me (and I believe that you are), know that I love you and miss you so much.
Posted at 04:15PM May 10, 2009 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
Don't Start Packing Until You Read These Moving Tips!
My son and his family recently moved and they shared with me some tips and websites that they found helpful. Plus I have added a few that I have found. 
Craigslist.com - My son was able to get lots of boxes at no or low cost through this website. And then they turned around after they moved and used Craigslist.com to get rid of their boxes by giving them to someone else who needed them
Before you get started with moving, read about packing and moving tips. Here are a few recommended articles and websites:
12 Moving Tips
Top 10 Packing Tips
Moving help and relocation - lots of links and articles
Moving help - You provide the truck and they help you the muscle (people to help you load and unload 
There are plenty of scams and unreliable moving companies out there waiting to take advantage of you. Here is some good information to help you avoid becoming a victim of one of these.
Moving scams
10 ways to avoid internet moving scams
Government website to help avoid scams
As you are getting close to that time to move into your new house, here is a terrific website to go use to get your utilities and other services arranged for. It is called Whitefence.com Just put in your new address and it will let you know what utility companies service your new home (electricity, high speed internet, phone, television, etc). It will let you know how to contact the utility company or give you a link to get set up servivce online. This is a really helpful site and I highly recommend it.
Posted at 05:06PM Apr 29, 2009 by The Pedersen Team in General | Comments[0]
