July 26, 2017

Southern Charm II Under Construction

This is so exciting! Welcome to Southern Charm II! This beautiful 2-story home offers 1,000 square feet of living space. It features charming cottage style architecture with an inviting front porch. Inside you will find an open plan with 9’ ceilings on the first floor, stainless steel kitchen appliances, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and designer plumbing fixtures. Outdoor living spaces include a porch off the living room and a balcony off the master bedroom.

This lovely home is in Heritage Harbor’s newest neighborhood, The Villas at Heron’s Landing. This quaint neighborhood will feature just 31 cottage homes. Each home will have the pleasure of water views, either of the Harbor or the Illinois River.

Call (815) 433-5000 or visit our website to schedule a Dusty Boots Tour today!

May 25, 2017

Heritage Harbor Begins Construction on New Waterfront Neighborhood

Villas at Herons Landing

Heritage Harbor is excited to introduce their newest cottage neighborhood, Villas at Heron’s Landing. Every home in this new pocket neighborhood is situated along the water. Take a peek into this special neighborhood being constructed by a trusted Starved Rock Country home developer.

Meet Villas at Heron’s Landing

Heritage Harbor is located in Ottawa, IL along the banks of the Illinois River, minutes from Starved Rock State Park. The Villas at Heron’s Landing offers uniquely designed cottages for sale within the Heritage Harbor resort community. This pocket neighborhood is ideally nestled between the scenic river’s edge of the Illinois River and Heritage Harbor’s 32-acre state-of-the-art marina.

Only 31 homes are being built in the new waterfront neighborhood, with prices ranging from the upper $200’s to the upper $300’s. There are eight different floor plans offered within Villas at Heron’s Landing. Floor plans include:

• Harbor Bluff I & II
• River’s Edge
• Morning Sun
• Southern Charm I & II
• Waterfront Villa I & II

These floor plans feature 2-3 bedrooms, 1.5-2.5 baths and range from 1,000-1,350 square feet. Open plan living, inviting front porches, private rear porches, abundant natural light, 9’ ceilings, and well-equipped master suites are just a few of the nice features you’ll find inside each home. Certain plans have unique spaces such as lofts, dining banquettes, home offices, flex rooms, and bench seats with a view. Luxurious finishes include over-sized white trim, stainless appliances, solid core doors, custom cabinetry, a 50-gallon hot water heater, hardboard lap siding, and your choice of concrete of Cambria quartz counters, to name a few.

No matter which floor plan buyers choose, they’ll get to enjoy all the amenities offered in this vibrant marina resort community. The onsite restaurant, Red Dog Grill is just steps away from the neighborhood and offers convenient dine-in and out options. Heron’s Landing residents have access to their own community clubhouse and swimming pool, and the adjacent marina overs a wide variety of waterfront recreation including rentals for kayaks, paddle boards and boats. Residents praise the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, the waterfront views, and the many activities events at the resort.

About Heritage Harbor
Located 90 minutes from Chicago, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the gateway to all the adventure of Starved Rock Country. Heritage Harbor offers waterfront living minutes from the charming town of Ottawa and close enough to Chicago to be a second home. Ottawa has year-round outdoor recreation, boating, golf, biking, hiking, skydiving and ziplining for adrenaline junkies, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Beyond Ottawa, Starved Rock Country offers so much to see and do all throughout the year. Spring is waterfall season, and there are great hikes that get visitors close to the falls. Summer means swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying the Illinois River. Come fall, leaf peeping on hikes, horseback riding, or nature photography tours highlight the scene. In winter, cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and ATVs compete with quiet nights around the fire with friends new and old.

As a marina resort community, Heritage Harbor is all about comfortable waterfront living and amenities geared toward recreation. Boaters love the full-service marina complete with concrete floating docks and boat slips for residents. Homeowners who don’t have their own boat can try renting a boat for the season through the Quest Express Boat Club. Kayak, paddleboards and canoe rentals are also available.

The developers behind Heritage Harbor are committed to keeping the community welcoming through shared public places, while maintaining private spaces for residents. The professional landscaping throughout preserves the Illinois landscape with native plantings, creates defined neighborhoods within Heritage Harbor, and makes walking the dog or going for a stroll pleasant at any time of year.

Heritage Harbor specializes in getaway cottages, waterfront homes, and pocket neighborhoods that create a sense of connection among residents. There are investment opportunities as well as rentable cottages within Heritage Harbor.

Opportunities to buy into the Villas at Herons Landing are limited. Call (815) 433-5000 to learn more or reserve a discovery tour today.

April 13, 2017

Heritage Harbor ~ This is the Place Video

Click here for video: This is the Place

Heritage Harbor is a quaint marina resort community. It is conveniently located 90 minutes from Chicago in beautiful Starved Rock Country on the Illinois River. This community features elegant homes, walk-able neighborhoods, a world-class marina, dining, activities, adventure and more. Here you will find pocket neighborhoods, traditional neighborhood designs, and inspired architecture. This is the Place to escape, to play and to live!

March 29, 2017

Heritage Harbor: Your Getaway and Investment

“Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way, but the only way to become wealthy.”—Marshall Field, entrepreneur

A new opportunity is available and located only 90 minutes from Chicago. Join your friends and invest in your own getaway at the new cottage neighborhoods currently under development at the resort community of Heritage Harbor. Take your stake of nature’s glory and learn more about why people are interested in owning their own cottage at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

An Active Lifestyle

Heritage Harbor and the surrounding Ottawa area provides residents and visitors an opportunity to engage in lively events year round. For those that enjoy wine tastings, jazz festivals and eclectic art and artisans, you won’t have to venture far to indulge your pleasures.

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy the best of nature right outside of their door. Cottages sit near the gentle waters of the Illinois River and nearby parks and opportunities for Eagle sightings and more keep families engaged.

Enjoy resort living without the hassle of maintenance. Residents of Heritage Harbor receive lawn maintenance, stop by an onsite restaurant, the Red Dog Grill, offering year-round dining, and take advantage of a 32-acre harbor with an extensive marina with over 450 boat slips and more. The development is geared to all ages. Individuals, growing families and seniors can mix and mingle and make the most of the changing seasons at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

A Recreational Area & Great Investment

Starved Rock County is a prime recreational destination in the area. Individuals that rent or buy one of the new cottages will find the main attractions of the area easily accessible. A wide variety of homes are available and priced affordably.

Choose the home that meets your needs. Homes offered include 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms, single-family to condo and wrap-around porches to roof-top decks. Larger homes offer more than 3,000 square feet of living space. The vacation homes are located in low maintenance communities, convenient for residents and property owners.

Know the perks of owning your own getaway and cash in. Some of the properties allow the owner the opportunity to rent out their home. Use the cottage when you want and place it in the rental pool when you are away. Heritage Harbor takes care of all of the rental details for property owners.

Get more out of life. Select a cottage in the new developments of Harbor Cottages or Villas at Heron’s Landing. Cozy one-bedroom plans, some with lofts, and a marina pool only steps away are currently available at Harbor Cottages. Vacation homes and primary residences of one, two and three-bedroom plans that include amenities such as a clubhouse and pool are offered at Villas at Heron’s Landing. Own a residence by the Best Marina in the Midwest. Plans and pricing are being finalized right now.

Contact Heritage Harbor at (815) 433-5000 to schedule a Discovery Tour.

September 28, 2016

The Simple Life for Vacation Home Owners

The Simple Life

Located along the Illinois River in Ottawa, Ill., Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a 142-acre development of single-family homes, townhomes, vacation cottages, carriage homes and condos, centered on a 32-acre harbor with a full-service marina and year-round restaurant. With its boating amenities, waterfront living and nearby recreational attractions, such as Starved Rock State Park and the I&M Canal Trail, the community offers an ideal resort lifestyle for those seeking a vacation, retirement or full-time residence.

“Many of our buyers are a bit nostalgic about how they want to spend their precious free time with their family and what they are looking for in a vacation home,” said Tammy Barry, director of sales and marketing for Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “Often they think about their own childhood and how they would pack up the station wagon and go away for the weekend. When they come to Ottawa and Heritage Harbor, they love our small-town atmosphere and simpler way of life that not only harkens back to another time, but also lets them focus on building terrific memories with their family and friends.”

Charming downtown Ottawa

Barry noted the Ottawa community is a big contributor to the lifestyle vacation-home owners appreciate at Heritage Harbor. “This is a small town where business owners know their customers and greet them by name, which really adds to the sense of belonging when you own a second home here,” she said. “Plus, we still have a butcher’s shop, an independent grocery store, a weekly farmer’s market and a liquor store that even delivers. Our locally owned businesses create a sense of place that’s harder to come by in areas that are dominated by chain stores and big national brands. People tend to slow town and enjoy the experience of patronizing area businesses, rather than rushing through errands in order to cross items off their to-do list.”

She added that Ottawa is home to a number of community events and festivals that add to its charming atmosphere. “There are things happening throughout the year, such as Riverfest in the summer and our annual Scarecrow Fest in the fall, which encourage area residents to come out and enjoy our downtown district,” she said. “It’s a lively little town where you’re always likely to run into someone you know, whether you’re at one of our summer festivals or simply taking time to window shop as you walk through downtown.”

Ottawa’s relaxed pace of life and small-town feel extend to the streets of Heritage Harbor, where a series of pocket neighborhoods are designed to build a sense of community among residents. Green spaces with seating areas, community fire pits and meandering walking paths encourage homeowners to socialize. “One very traditional feature we include in many of our home designs is a wide, inviting front porch,” said Barry. “Back when most homes had front porches, families would often sit outside in the evening, visiting together and chatting with neighbors who walked by. We worked hard to recreate that same friendly atmosphere at Heritage Harbor through our streetscape and our home designs.”

Quaint and inviting cottages

A recreation-based lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities and easy access to nature is another appealing part of the “simple life” at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “Our vacation-home owners are looking for a complete change of pace from their day-to-day life and a place where they can not only enjoy the activities they love, but also share them with family and friends,” said Barry. “We often work with buyers who grew up in a family with a boat or lake cottage and want to give that same experience to their own kids. For them, having a home at Heritage Harbor and boating on the Illinois River is how they spend quality time together and create memorable family experiences.”

In addition to boating, Heritage Harbor is a convenient home base for hiking in Starved Rock State Park, biking on the I&M Canal Trail and enjoying a variety of other outdoor pursuits.

“We say it’s a slower pace of life, but it’s anything but boring with everything the area has to offer,” said Barry. “What our buyers really love is that this region lets them truly unplug and slow down, in the sense of having time to spend on the people and activities that matter to them most.”

Currently available at Heritage Harbor Ottawa are custom home sites priced from $92,500, vacation cottages priced from $209,990, townhomes priced from $284,900 and immediate-delivery single-family homes priced from $329,900.*

For information on Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort and available homes, call (815) 433-5000 or visit www.heritageharborottawa.com.

*Pricing subject to change.

September 14, 2016

Get Marina Living at Special Pricing this Fall at Heritage Harbor

Heritage Harbor Marina

For those looking for a vacation home close to Chicago, fall is the perfect time to “opt in” at Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort, a marina resort community in Starved Rock Country. Not only will those who purchase in the community between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 receive a $5,000 discount, but also the first two buyers in that time frame will receive $10,000 off.

Located along the Illinois River in Ottawa, Ill., just 90 minutes southwest of Chicago, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a 142-acre development of single-family homes, townhomes, vacation cottages, carriage homes and condos, centered on a 32-acre harbor with a full-service marina and year-round restaurant. It features boating amenities, waterfront living and nearby recreational attractions, such as Starved Rock State Park and the I&M Canal Trail. The community offers an ideal resort lifestyle for those seeking a vacation, retirement or full-time residence.

“Fall is perfect timing for buyers to choose a custom home site at Heritage Harbor,” said Tammy Barry, director of sales and marketing for Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “Buyers can break ground immediately so construction happens over the winter, or spend winter finalizing a custom design and start building next spring. Either way, their new vacation home will be ready next summer.”

River Views

Several prime riverfront land parcels are available at Heritage Harbor where homebuyers can build their dream resort home and enjoy views of the Illinois River as well as wildlife attracted to the water, such as bald eagles and white pelicans. Also available is a harbor-side lot with an optional private boat slip behind the home, plus a handful of interior home sites.

“These home sites give buyers a unique opportunity to customize a home to the lifestyle they envision having here,” said Barry. “From a bunk-bed room to a sleeping porch or a kitchen with a super-sized island, buyers can design a home with the exact options and features to give them everything they want in a vacation home.”

Home sites at Heritage Harbor are priced from $92,500 for neighborhood lots to $160,000 for riverfront sites.

Heritage Harbor also has a variety of inventory homes currently available. “Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Starved Rock Country thanks to our amazing fall foliage, so there’s still time to buy an immediate-delivery home and enjoy this special time of year,” said Barry.

Carriage House

Among the homes available for immediate move-in are two carriage homes in Heritage Harbor’s Pelican Landing pocket neighborhood. These two-story homes feature living space above attached first-floor garages, second-floor decks and first-floor covered porches. One home featuring one bedroom, one bath and a two-car garage is priced at $206,900, while a second carriage home with two bedrooms, 2½ baths and one-car garage is priced at $209,900.

“These carriage homes boast terrific, efficient layouts for those who want a home base for getting out and enjoying all the recreational options Starved Rock Country offers,” said Barry. “Plus, owners will be just a few steps from the neighborhood pool at Pelican Landing.”

Also available for immediate move-in are vacation cottages priced from $209,990, townhomes priced from $284,900 and single-family homes priced from $329,900.

Red Dog Grill Restaurant

All homeowners at Heritage Harbor Ottawa have access to a variety of on-site amenities in the community, including Heritage Harbor’s full-service marina. Open April 1 through October 31, the marina is equipped with a dual boat launch area, single-load floating docks, WiFi, City water, cable service, a full-service fuel dock, pump-out services, and car and trailer parking. Quest Water Sports’ Quest Express boating membership is available on-site, giving participants access to a fleet of boating equipment for an annual fee.

Other amenities at Heritage Harbor include a harbor-side restaurant, The Red Dog Grill; multiple neighborhood pools; beautiful green spaces with seating areas; fire pits; the Harbor Walk; a sand volleyball court; year-round events and activities; and access to the I&M Canal Trail, which runs adjacent to the community.

For information on Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort, available home sites and inventory homes, call (815) 433-5000 or visit www.heritageharborottawa.com.

Prices are subject to change.

August 16, 2016

Perfect Little Houses Video Tour

Click here for a video tour of two of our Perfect Little Houses!

Welcome to our Perfect Little Houses! These quaint cottages are wonderful vacation homes. They are situated poolside and feature inviting front porches, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 to 2.5 bathrooms, open floor plans with effective use of space, long Pella windows, granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, covered back decks and a whole lot of charm!

April 20, 2016

6 Reasons Why Homeowners Built Their Vacation Home at Heritage Harbor

Waterfront living at its best! Heritage Harbor is located along the Illinois river and within the charming historic town of Ottawa. There is a variety of homes that range from quaint cottages to expansive single family homes. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few reasons why people have chosen Heritage Harbor:

Convenient for hosting family and friends
“One thing that we really love about our home is that everything that we could possibly need is on the main floor. All the other bedrooms and downstairs are for family and friends to come visit.” – Homeowners Ann & Harry

Ann and Harry used to own a home in Wisconsin, but they didn’t like the 2.5-hour drive and all the maintenance. Heritage Harbor is less than an hour away and offers little-to-no maintenance. They were not boaters when they purchased their vacation home, but now take full advantage of the Quest boat club where they can enjoy the benefits of boating, without having to own a boat. They also enjoy golfing, hiking and all the in-town activities of Ottawa.

State of the Art Marina
“I couldn’t believe the quality of the docks. I’ve been boating my whole life, and this marina can match and exceed almost any marina you’ll see on Lake Michigan.” – The Franco Family

Initially the Franco Family wasn’t looking for a second home – they were just interested in boating. Aside from boating, they fell in love downtown Ottawa, the friendly people, and being able to spend more time with both their immediate and extended family in such a friendly community.

A Sense of Community
“We live in a beautiful community. It’s very friendly, open, relaxing and enjoyable. It’s not a lake home and it’s not a cottage. You really have to come experience what it’s all about.” – The Morse Family

The Morse Family is from Batavia, IL. They are boat owners who were searching for a family-friendly place to get away and relax. They describe themselves as “outdoor people” who enjoy biking, boating and hiking.

Outdoor Living and Activities
“The amenities, river, boat club, hiking trails, bike paths and the outdoor living… this was the perfect fit for us. The one thing I noticed immediately was the nature.” – The Clancy Family

A family of five, the Clancys like to run, bike, fish, kayak and swim. They love having a place where the kids can get outside and have an adventure, and they feel Heritage Harbor has been great for their lifestyle and as an investment.

Quality of Construction
“I was very impressed with the quality of construction, the quality of the finishes, and how much you get for your money just an hour from Chicago.” – Homeowners Cindy & Bill

Bill and Cindy live in Naperville, IL with their teenage children. Previously, they were not boaters, so they appreciate having maintenance-free boating through Quest Boat Club. Their family also enjoys downtown Ottawa and the local festivals.

Charming Historic Town of Ottawa
“It’s perfectly private out here, yet we have access to the downtown area. It’s got the best of both worlds and downtown Ottawa has become incredibly beautiful.” – Homeowners Paul & Reggi

Paul and Reggi moved from Geneva, IL and made Heritage Harbor their primary residence. They appreciate the great people, dining and scenery. The low-maintenance, resort-feel of the community makes them feel like they are always on vacation.

Those are just a few of the many reasons why this is the place! There are currently 3 river front lots, 4 harbor front lots, and various interior lots available for your dream home. There is something for everyone! For more information, visit our website or give us a call 815-433-5000.

March 25, 2016

Start Planning a Satisfying Summer Vacation in Ottawa

We all know that happiness is a state of mind.

Even though winter temperatures may bring out the homebody in us all, planning for a fun-filled summer vacation is something that the entire family can get in on. The anticipation is all part of the fun!
There is much to consider, as every person has their own preferences. We break down some of the top items to check off of your list for a great summer vacation that has something for everyone.

Your Summer Planning Checklist

Keep this information in a handy location as you begin your summer planning. Planning helps to avoid unnecessary stress and makes it a fun time for everyone.

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Pack the essentials early. Include such items as cellphones (and chargers), sunglasses, special hair and body products, medications, sunblock, sandals and more.
Create a list of the places you would like to see or activities to do and save it online or as a hard copy. Include opening times, fees and contact information. Book in advance whenever possible.
Call ahead if you have special needs or requests. Traveling with small children? Check to see whether the paths are stroller-friendly or if there are high chairs and booster seats at area restaurants. For dietary restrictions, review menus online and give dining spots a ring.
Pack the big summer toys and towels a day in advance. Make sure that boogie boards, towels, bathing suits and more are all accounted for and in the car before rushing out on the day of.
Consider an app or online organizer to set reminders and prioritize activities that may need to be done before setting off, such as scheduling pet boarding or picking up laundry.

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Talk with your fellow vacation-goers, whether friends, family or lovers, and see what they would enjoy doing and seeing on vacation. Get them involved in the planning.

Heritage Harbor Has It All

Heritage Harbor, in a convenient location only 90 minutes from Chicago, makes a summer vacation location an easy choice. It lies in the heart of Ottawa, Illinois, offering boating activities and special events, groups and activities at and around Starved Rock, and something for everyone, including foodies, wine connoisseurs, and history buffs. You can get out and lay back at Heritage Harbor, enjoying the best of it all.

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Reside in a charming cottage:

The cottages at Heron’s Landing are privately owned and maintained units managed by the Heritage Harbor Ottawa Marina. Deluxe 1 to 2 bedroom, multi-bathroom cottages provide both cottage amenities and resort access to pools, kayaks, paddle boards and boat launches. Shake off the sand and kick back in your own cottage.
Bask in scenic water views:

Let your eyes rest on the boats as they glide across the waves at the marina or enjoy a tranquil riverside water view. The deepwater marina boasts more than 450 slips, a sand and volleyball picnic area and access to a private island beach and extensive 61-mile trails along the banks of the Illinois River.
Explore dining options and activities at your own pace:

– Indulge appetites at the Red Dog Grill as the kids kick out on the paddle boards. This American restaurant features outdoor dining and live music every Saturday night.

– Summer is one of the best times to explore Starved Rock Country. What a change from the rush of urban life! Slow down and experience the natural, historic and archaeological heritage unique to the Starved Rock area and the many child-friendly and adult programs available at Starved Rock State Park.

–Check out our other blogs to find out about the Downtown shopping along LaSalle Street and Main, fabulous hang-out nooks like Book Mouse, our independent bookstore, and great suggestions for a cup of Joe or a romantic evening out.

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Whether you need a weekend getaway or want an extended stay (and who wouldn’t), Heritage Harbor and the Ottawa area make every day of your vacation memorable. A friendly associate is only a phone call away at (815) 433-5000.

July 24, 2013

Adventures in Starved Rock Country

This is a part of an on-going series of postings that our very own Tammy Barry sends to our homeowners. Tammy is one of lead sales and marketing people at Heritage Harbor. But she is also a perfect concierge for knowing all of the best places to explore here in our beautiful area…it is so good that we thought we would include you all “in on the secrets” to be found in Starved Rock Country…

Hi Heritage Harbor friends:

I hope everyone is staying cool….it finally feels like a Midwest Summer!

The other day while biking along the I&M Canal I was reflecting on reasons why we love living in Starved Rock Country. My head was racing with all the places and adventures we think are special:) I then committed to myself (and to all of you) that every Wednesday I would drop a quick email about a place or adventure that you can put on your list to enjoy the next time you are in Starved Rock Country.

Some of you may have found them; some of you have not; some of you may love them and some of you may find that it’s just not your thing…regardless it’s all part of living the adventure in Starved Rock Country! So here’s this week’s place to put on your ‘hit’ list….The Cheese Shop -n- Deli!

When I think of The Cheese Shop, the best analogy I can think of is when I use to watch “Little House on the Prairie” and they would make weekly visits to the General Store. That’s how I feel when I walk in there, there’s a lot of wood, a long counter and shelves filled with ‘stuff.’ The cool thing is you don’t have to arrive by horse & buggy…but you can arrive by car, HOWEVER, we choose to arrive by bike. The Cheese Shop is located right along the I&M Canal so you can hop off the trail, have lunch and a re-energizing tea and then head back on the trail (from Heritage Harbor, my guess is it would be appx. 5 miles by bike).

But The Cheese Shop contents are the furthest thing from the ‘General Store.’ As you can imagine they have the largest selection of imported and domestic cheeses, smoked salmon, homemade pie fillings, giardiniera, sauces and frozen delicacies. The Cheese Shop is known for homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, fried chicken, etc. If there is a downsize, the menu is a little overwhelming….did I mention their homemade potato chips:) They also do catering so they may be able to help you while entertaining and if you don’t go the full-blown catering route, I guarantee that you will find something in the store that will be a treat to serve yourself and/or your guests.

For those of you that love antiques, you will be able to view their eclectic display of antiques and one of Illinois largest displays of antique milk bottles.

While visiting you may see a man behind the counter with glasses and white hair, that is the owner, Marty Ruhland. His family started the business in 1947 as a cheese factory and Marty is always happy to satisfied customers! The other guy you will see, has a mustache, John, and he handles all their catering.

They serve lunch and dinner from 8 am -7 pm, Monday thru Saturday. They are located at 1219 Fulton Street in Ottawa or off the I&M Canal by bike:) You can find them on-line at www.thecheeseshop.biz.

If you get a chance to go to The Cheese Shop, I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, I encourage you to share ALL that you experience and learn in Starved Rock Country with your friends and family and invite them to share in the fun!

See you in next week’s article or before…..ENJOY!

Tammy

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